California puts off pulling 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses
California postpones the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses due to a lawsuit from immigrant groups, despite a potential loss of $160 million in federal funding.
California postpones the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses due to a lawsuit from immigrant groups, despite a potential loss of $160 million in federal funding.
Scientists announced that 2025 ranked as one of the three hottest years on record and marked the first time a three-year global temperature average exceeded 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, the key threshold in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Researchers attributed most of the warming to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, supported by global temperature records, satellite data, and climate models. They said the 2025 data will inform international climate negotiations, future scientific assessments, and policy planning as countries track progress toward agreed temperature limits and evaluate emissions reduction strategies.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson will complete her tour in Manila in January 2026, the US Embassy confirmed, amid reports of wider ambassadorial changes. Carlson, who has served in the Philippines since July 2022 after more than 40 years in the US State Department, will leave at the normal end of her posting. Former Florida businessman Lee Lipton, appointed by President Donald Trump as the next US ambassador to the Philippines, awaits confirmation by the US Senate. Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez welcomed Lipton’s nomination. The transition at the US mission comes as Australia, the European Union, Israel, the United Kingdom, and China also install new ambassadors in Manila following the completion of previous envoys’ tours of duty.
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.