United States

Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. in $72 billion blockbuster deal

Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming operations, including HBO and HBO Max, in a $72 billion cash-and-stock deal that would unite two major Hollywood and streaming powers under one owner. The transaction, valued at $27.75 per Warner share and $82.7 billion including debt, excludes cable networks such as CNN and Discovery, which will form a separate company called Discovery Global. The proposed merger, expected to close in 12 to 18 months pending regulatory approval, has drawn swift antitrust and industry scrutiny from labor unions, theater owners and U.S. lawmakers concerned about market concentration, jobs and the future of theatrical distribution.

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Fil-Ams warned on risks of renouncing PH citizenship amid new bill

The Philippine Embassy in Washington issued an advisory urging Filipino Americans to carefully review the implications of renouncing Philippine citizenship amid the filing of the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” in the U.S. Senate. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, seeks to abolish dual citizenship for U.S. citizens and require exclusive allegiance to the United States. The Embassy stressed that the measure remains a proposal, highlighted prior legal recognition of dual citizenship, and warned that renunciation of Philippine citizenship is irreversible. Filipino Americans are encouraged to monitor the bill and consult the Philippine Embassy or consulates for guidance.

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Meta teams up with news outlets to boost AI content

Meta announced in Washington that it will integrate content from major news organizations, including CNN and Fox News, into its Meta AI assistant to give Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users real-time access to breaking news, entertainment and lifestyle stories. The company said Meta AI will answer users’ news-related questions by drawing on feeds and interfaces supplied by participating outlets, attributing information to the original publishers. Meta will roll out the expanded features in phases and will update responses as partner organizations publish new stories, as part of a broader strategy to embed generative AI tools across its platforms.

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North Dakota’s top court brings back abortion ban

North Dakota’s Supreme Court has restored the state’s near-total abortion ban after failing to secure a majority to uphold a lower court ruling that blocked the law. The decision returns one of the country’s most restrictive abortion measures to full effect, limiting access to the procedure except in narrow circumstances. Lawmakers, medical providers and advocacy groups are now adjusting to the renewed legal landscape, while broader debates over constitutional rights and reproductive health in North Dakota continue.

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DNA breakthrough brings closure to 1983 KFC murders

Houston authorities report a DNA breakthrough in the 1983 Kilgore KFC murders, identifying the long-suspected third perpetrator through new forensic testing of preserved crime scene evidence. Investigators say modern DNA analysis linked material from the restaurant and crime scene to a man previously associated with the case, clarifying his role decades after the killing of five victims. Officials have updated the case file and notified families, describing the finding as a key development in one of East Texas’ most notable homicide investigations.

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Lawmakers eye tighter AI rules, cite mental health concerns

Texas lawmakers are holding hearings on the growing use of artificial intelligence for mental health support, examining safety, privacy, and oversight needs. An interim committee is gathering testimony from experts, companies, and mental health professionals on how AI tools respond to users in crisis, handle sensitive data, and influence decisions about seeking licensed care. The panel will use the findings to recommend possible regulations, disclosure rules, and standards for AI mental health products operating in Texas.

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ICI says 1,200 people could face charges over flood control fiasco

The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) in the Philippines announced it expects to recommend charges against up to 1,200 individuals in connection with an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal. An ICI commissioner said investigators are examining procurement, contract implementation, and possible violations of anti-graft and public spending laws across multiple regions and projects. The commission is coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies as it prepares its final report and recommendations.

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