United States

ICC finds Duterte capable of facing trial, victims call for speed

Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has received medical expert reports finding former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to participate in proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity. The Office of Public Counsel for Victims reported that court-appointed doctors saw no medical barrier to Duterte’s meaningful participation in a confirmation of charges hearing. Victims’ counsel urged judges to promptly set a hearing date, citing the right to an expeditious trial. The prosecution must now respond to the findings before the chamber, led by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, issues a final ruling on Duterte’s fitness and schedules the next steps in the case.

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Paxtons agree to lift seal on divorce records after press challenge

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.

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Tejano community mourns death of Selena’s father Abraham Quintanilla

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.

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‘No need to panic,’ officials say on PH citizenship concerns

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. urged Filipino-Americans to remain calm amid concerns over a proposed US law that seeks to end dual citizenship. In an official advisory, the embassy asked dual citizens not to renounce their Philippine citizenship based on unverified reports and confirmed that no immediate policy changes had taken effect. Embassy officials said they are coordinating with US authorities, monitoring the legislative process, and preparing to issue timely updates. The embassy also encouraged Filipino-Americans to seek information only from official Philippine and US government sources and to contact Philippine consular posts for assistance on citizenship-related concerns.

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Rick Carlisle on brink of 1,000 wins in NBA coaching career

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stands one win away from his 1,000th NBA regular-season coaching victory, a milestone he could reach as early as the team’s upcoming games. Carlisle, who has led the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Dallas Mavericks and won a championship with Dallas in 2011, will join a select group of coaches in league history to record at least 1,000 wins. NBA records, team schedules, and league tracking place increased focus on each Pacers game as Carlisle approaches this historic benchmark.

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U.S. lifts sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court judge

The United States has removed a Brazilian Supreme Court judge from its sanctions list, altering the judge’s status under U.S. financial and diplomatic rules. The decision followed internal reviews by U.S. agencies and prompted updates across banking compliance systems and diplomatic channels. The action affected aspects of U.S.–Brazil relations, judicial cooperation, and international risk monitoring practices, while leaving the judge’s standing under Brazilian law unchanged.

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Houston-area Afghans alarmed as Trump administration restricts immigration pathways

Houston-area Afghans report rising fear as federal immigration authorities halt some Afghan immigration processing and conduct home arrests following a Thanksgiving week attack that killed one National Guard member. Local attorneys, advocates, and service organizations in Houston describe a shift in how agencies handle Afghan cases, including stalled applications, intensified background checks, and increased enforcement at residences. Community leaders respond with legal clinics, rights education, and outreach to help families navigate arrests, detention, and uncertainty over their immigration status, while Afghan residents limit public activities and closely track policy developments.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from ICE detention after judge’s order

A federal judge in Maryland ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on Thursday. The ruling applied to his detention status and required ICE to free him without delay. Officials did not immediately disclose detailed information about the legal reasoning, the length of his detention or the facility where he had been held. The order did not resolve his underlying immigration case and he remains subject to the U.S. immigration system and any future proceedings that may follow.

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Elon Musk rules out repeating DOGE experience

Elon Musk said in a recent interview that he would likely not repeat his role leading the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). About six months after stepping down, Musk reflected on the demands and challenges of overseeing a federal cost-cutting mission. His remarks highlight the complexity of reforming government spending and the limits of private-sector approaches in public administration. The news report details Musk’s comments, the goals of DOGE, the reaction it drew, and the broader context of efforts to streamline U.S. federal operations.

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