United States

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 109-102 on Friday night in Chicago, securing their fifth straight win to match a season high. Jalen Smith sparked a decisive game-ending 10-0 run with a driving dunk over Joel Embiid, and Chicago’s defense held Philadelphia scoreless in the final minutes. The result strengthened the Bulls’ position in the Eastern Conference race and highlighted Smith’s late-game impact in a physical matchup at the United Center.

A ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers in the Powerball drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 24, winning a $1.817 billion jackpot, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.

An Arkansas Powerball player won a record $1.817 billion jackpot in the Christmas Eve drawing, ending a three-month run without a top-prize winner. Officials confirmed the winning numbers 04, 25, 31, 52, 59 and Powerball 19, with strong ticket sales pushing the jackpot above earlier estimates. Arkansas lottery authorities activated standard security and validation procedures and noted that proceeds from the jackpot run will support state education programs. The winner must claim the prize within Arkansas’ required period and may choose between a lump-sum cash payment and a 30-year annuity, while the next Powerball drawing will reset the jackpot to the game’s starting level.

A federal judge in Texas has blocked enforcement of the state’s “App Store Accountability Act,” a law that would have required smartphone app stores to verify users’ ages before purchases. The court found the measure likely violates the First Amendment by burdening access to digital content and anonymous speech. The ruling grants a preliminary injunction, halting the law while a constitutional challenge moves forward. Texas may appeal, and the case could influence future state regulations on app stores, minors’ online access, and age verification requirements nationwide.

A recent poll finds that Americans value time with family more than any other part of the holidays and expect to discuss family life and health far more than politics. Respondents describe holiday gatherings as a chance to reconnect with relatives, share traditions and check on loved ones’ well‑being. The survey shows that many people plan to avoid political conversations to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and focus on relationships. Results indicate a broad preference across age groups and regions for personal connections and family stories over debates about public affairs during the holiday season.

Actors Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte announced that they are expecting their first child together after releasing a pregnancy announcement video on Christmas Eve through their official social media accounts.

Around 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently face legal cases abroad, including at least 24 on death row, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. The department coordinates with Philippine embassies, consulates, and the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide legal aid, consular support, and monitoring for affected workers.

This article reports how beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo publicly recounted what she called her “worst pageant experience” during her participation in Miss Cosmo and how a Miss Cosmo executive responded.

The Philippine National Police announced that a toxicology report released to the media showed Cabral tested positive for citalopram, identified by the PNP as an antidepressant drug. Police officials said a forensic laboratory conducted the toxicology screening using standard procedures and transmitted the results to investigators for documentation. The PNP stated that the findings form part of official case records and that personnel followed chain-of-custody rules in handling samples. The report did not disclose further medical details about Cabral beyond the confirmed presence of citalopram.