United States

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.

Actress-comedienne AiAi delas Alas sold rings linked to her ex-husband Gerald Sibayan to entrepreneur and “Pinoy Pawnstars” host Jhon Paul “Boss Toyo” Delos Santos in a recorded transaction. The video showed Delas Alas presenting the jewelry, Boss Toyo appraising the pieces, and both parties finalizing the cash sale on camera. The episode, published on social media, documented how Delas Alas converted the rings from her previous marriage into money while Boss Toyo acquired the items for his business.

The Trump administration has filed more than 8,000 motions in U.S. immigration courts seeking to dismiss or transfer pending asylum cases. The filings ask judges to remove certain claims from the court docket and send some asylum seekers to third countries under existing agreements. The actions form part of a broader government effort to reshape how and where asylum claims are processed, while immigration judges review each request and decide whether to grant or deny the government’s motions.

Nurses at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills in San Antonio help newborn and NICU babies create first letters to Santa during the holiday season. Staff write on behalf of infants, with input from parents, and provide the letters as keepsakes that record early milestones and hospital experiences. The activity takes place alongside regular medical care and follows infection-control procedures. Families often save the letters and sometimes return in later years to show their children’s progress.

The Texas comptroller reports that millions of dollars in unclaimed property are available to residents and businesses in Bexar County. Funds include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and other dormant assets. Officials urge Bexar County residents to search the state’s free online database through the comptroller’s website and file claims at no cost. The state holds unclaimed property indefinitely until the rightful owner or heir submits proper documentation and the claim is approved.