United States

Houston Landing, a nonprofit news outlet in Houston, Texas, shut down operations on May 15, 2025, citing financial challenges after more than two years of independent, nonpartisan reporting. Launched in February 2023, the newsroom produced thousands of stories that reached millions of readers and recently received dozens of journalism awards recognizing the impact of its coverage. CEO Peter Bhatia confirmed the closure in a farewell note, expressing gratitude to readers, supporters and staff while emphasizing the lasting influence of the outlet’s work.

The Philippines finished sixth overall at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, held from Dec. 9 to 20, 2024, with a 50-73-153 gold-silver-bronze haul for 276 total medals. Host Thailand dominated the 10-nation meet, while Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore completed the top five. Gilas Pilipinas swept the men’s and women’s basketball golds, and the Philippine women’s football team captured the country’s first SEA Games football title. Athletics, shooting, swimming, triathlon, and modern pentathlon led the medal charge, as the Blu Girls and Blu Boys completed a softball sweep and the men’s baseball team secured a third straight crown.

Governor Greg Abbott joined Jewish community members in Austin, Texas, for an annual Hanukkah ceremony that took on new significance after the Bondi Beach mass stabbing attack in Sydney, Australia, which injured the brother of a Texas rabbi. The event featured traditional prayers, menorah lighting, increased security, and remarks from the victim’s brother, as participants emphasized community solidarity, religious observance, and coordination with local authorities. Organizers reported heightened attendance and planned additional Hanukkah events and outreach across Texas in response to the attack.

Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and his wife Angela Paxton agreed to unseal records in their Texas divorce case after eight media organizations filed a legal challenge seeking public access to the sealed documents. The court received the parties’ agreement and prepared to determine which records would become publicly available, while the media coalition awaited a ruling on the scope of unsealing and any remaining sealed portions of the file.

The Tejano music community in the United States is reacting to the death of Abraham Quintanilla, father of late star Selena Quintanilla, after his son A.B. announced the loss in an emotional social media post. Fans, musicians, and community leaders are sharing condolences and tributes that highlight Abraham’s role in shaping Selena y Los Dinos and influencing the growth of Tejano music. Public memorial details have not yet been announced as the Quintanilla family and the wider Tejano community process the news.