Athena, the Great Horned Owl, was named Austin’s official Owl Ambassador during her return to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The city honored her at a ceremony, celebrating her role in wildlife conservation and her nesting activities since 2012. Athena’s presence emphasizes Austin’s commitment to preserving local wildlife and engaging the community through educational programs and live streams.
The Philippines introduces a new licensure exam policy for teachers, aligning exams with updated curricula to improve education quality and supply. This updated structure, effective in September, includes specialized exams for more precise teacher assessments.
A small plane crashed near Propwash Airport in Denton County, Texas, with only the pilot on board. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Bernadeth Pons reunites with Sisi Rondina to represent Alas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. After a stint in indoor volleyball, Pons returns to the beach, seeking success alongside Rondina with whom she previously won bronze medals in 2019 and 2022.
Ed Sheeran names Whataburger as his favorite American fast food burger on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, sparking interest and discussions on social media.
Donnie “Ahas” Nietes returned to the boxing ring on April 10, 2025, and claimed a dominant victory over Miller Alapormina at the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque City. This win marks his comeback after nearly three years, highlighting his enduring prowess in the sport. Judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Nietes, who now looks forward to future challenges and potential title bouts.
The Department of Education in the Philippines underscores its commitment to creating safe learning environments by addressing bullying in schools. Bolstered by Secretary Sonny Angara, the principal author of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, DepEd emphasizes prompt action and collaboration with the community to ensure students’ safety.
The Trump administration has excluded smartphones, laptops, and other electronics from ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, aiming to prevent price hikes on imported consumer electronics.
A Houston police officer fired at suspects in a stolen Mustang after they attempted to run over him. No injuries were reported. The suspects were apprehended after a chase, and authorities found a stolen gun and rifle in the vehicle.
Houston’s Health Department faces a $42 million federal funding cut, impacting public health services, while the city’s Housing Department remains heavily reliant on federal funds. Local officials explore strategies to mitigate impacts.