School vouchers in Texas: what families should know first

Texas families will be able to apply for Education Freedom Accounts, the state’s new voucher-style program, starting February 4, 2026. The article explains eligibility rules, income-based priority groups, disability considerations, and funding caps. It details how private school enrollment, contract terms, and deposit deadlines interact with state award timelines. It also reports rising private school interest in the Houston area and outlines steps families can take to research schools, verify accreditation, and plan for tuition costs if funding is not guaranteed.

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Macron slams Trump’s tariff threats tied to Greenland

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday in Paris condemned reported tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump against European countries that oppose American efforts to acquire Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Macron posted on X in French and English that such threats are “unacceptable,” pledged a united and coordinated European response if they are confirmed, and vowed to uphold European sovereignty. The remarks came amid wider European discussions on how to address potential U.S. trade measures linked to the Greenland issue.

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Whistleblower: Atong Ang may no longer be in PH

Whistleblower and state witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan says fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, tagged in the disappearance and alleged killing of at least 19 cockfighting enthusiasts, may have already left the Philippines. Patidongan, a former aide of Ang, details his cooperation with investigators as police, prosecutors, and lawmakers pursue leads on the missing e-sabong players and examine Ang’s suspected role in the case. Authorities coordinate with immigration and international police as they track Ang’s movements and continue case buildup.

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Trump rolls out fresh tariffs on Europe amid Greenland tensions

President Donald Trump announces a 10% tariff plan on eight unnamed European countries he says oppose his proposal to bring Greenland under U.S. control, following a bipartisan congressional visit to Denmark that backed continued Danish authority over the Arctic territory. The move links U.S. trade policy to a dispute over Greenland’s status, adds tension to relations with European partners, and raises questions about future cooperation on Arctic security, resources, and diplomacy.

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Indonesian aircraft carrying 11 goes missing, search ongoing

Indonesian authorities launched a search and rescue operation after a turboprop ATR 42-500 passenger aircraft carrying 11 people lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday while flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar. The Indonesia Air Transport plane vanished from radar at 1:17 p.m. local time over the mountainous Leang-Leang area in Maros, South Sulawesi province. The Transportation Ministry said rescue teams deployed to the last known location and coordinated efforts with local authorities and aviation agencies to locate the missing aircraft.

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‘Jackass 5’ confirmed: the good news and the bad

Johnny Knoxville confirmed that a fifth “Jackass” movie is in active development, with the stunt-driven franchise preparing new pranks and high-risk set pieces. The “Jackass” team is discussing concepts, potential returning cast members, and the inclusion of newer performers while weighing safety concerns and production logistics. No release date or start of filming has been announced, but Knoxville said positive response to “Jackass Forever” helped drive plans for another installment. The film will aim to maintain the series’ trademark style while adapting to the aging core cast and coordinating closely with stunt and medical professionals.

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PH population growth projected at 15 million over next decade

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projects that the Philippines will add about 15 million people in the next 10 years as it enters a demographic sweet spot, characterized by a rising share of working-age citizens and a relatively smaller proportion of dependents. The agency says this shift can support stronger economic growth if the government aligns investments in education, health, jobs, and social protection with the changing population structure. The CPD plans to provide detailed projections and policy inputs to guide national and local development planning during this demographic window.

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OpenAI to introduce ads on ChatGPT, ending free-only experience

OpenAI announced that it will begin testing advertisements for non-paying ChatGPT users in the coming weeks as part of a broader push to monetize the widely used AI chatbot. The San Francisco-based company, valued at about $500 billion and reporting significant operating costs, plans to introduce clearly labeled ads within the free version of ChatGPT while leaving paid tiers ad-free. OpenAI said it will work with selected advertisers during the initial rollout, publish detailed ad and data-use policies, and monitor user experience and regulatory compliance as it seeks to move the service toward profitability.

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Dr Pepper Museum hits all-time high in visitor numbers

The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, reported a record-breaking attendance of more than 270,000 visitors in 2025 and announced plans to unveil a new landmark as part of its 35th anniversary observance. The nonprofit museum, located in a historic bottling plant, cited group tours, educational programs, and tourism partnerships as key factors in the increase. Officials said the forthcoming landmark will honor Dr Pepper’s history and Waco’s role in the soft drink’s origin while serving as a focal point for future visitors.

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