New Epstein files dump contains multiple Trump references

New Epstein files dump contains multiple Trump references

A new batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released Tuesday contains numerous references to United States President Donald Trump, including documents detailing flights he took on his then friend’s private jet, and other claims that his Justice Department described as “untrue and sensationalist.” The latest release contains reams of previously unseen material from the investigation into Epstein, a wealthy US financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking underage girls. A first collection of heavily redacted files made public last Friday sparked criticism that the Justice Department was deliberately excluding references to Trump. Trump figures prominently, […]... Keep on reading: New Epstein files dump contains multiple Trump references

JUST IN: The Department of Energy (DOE)  has revoked 84 renewable energy (RE) service contracts in 2025 due to non-performance. These contracts were supposed to bring in around 5,372 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity.

DOE: 42 other RE projects may soon be up for termination.

JUST IN: The Department of Energy (DOE) has revoked 84 renewable energy (RE) service contracts in 2025 due to non-performance. These contracts were supposed to bring in around 5,372 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity. DOE: 42 other RE projects may soon be up for termination.

JUST IN: The Department of Energy (DOE) has revoked 84 renewable energy (RE) service contracts in 2025 due to non-performance. These contracts were supposed to bring in around 5,372 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity. DOE: 42 other RE projects may soon be up for termination.

Budget delay no threat to services, Capitol officials say

Budget delay no threat to services, Capitol officials say

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Despite waiting for final approval for the P11.9 billion proposed budget for 2026, Capitol officials assured the public that the delivery of provincial services would continue uninterrupted. The Cebu Provincial Board has approved on second reading the proposed P11.9-billion provincial budget for 2026, with the third and final reading set after the Christmas break.  Until then, the provincial government will operate under a reenacted budget at the start of the year, said Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, chairperson of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations. However, the legislator stressed that postponing the final reading until […]... Keep on reading: Budget delay no threat to services, Capitol officials say

CLOUDY SKIES WITH POSSIBLE RAINS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

WEATHER WATCH: There is no low pressure area being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, PAGASA says.

On Christmas Eve, PAGASA says the easterlies and the northeast monsoon

CLOUDY SKIES WITH POSSIBLE RAINS ON CHRISTMAS EVE WEATHER WATCH: There is no low pressure area being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, PAGASA says. On Christmas Eve, PAGASA says the easterlies and the northeast monsoon

CLOUDY SKIES WITH POSSIBLE RAINS ON CHRISTMAS EVE WEATHER WATCH: There is no low pressure area being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, PAGASA says. On Christmas Eve, PAGASA says the easterlies and the northeast monsoon

The complicity of creditors: Can borrowing serve development instead of corruption?

The complicity of creditors: Can borrowing serve development instead of corruption?

The Philippines’ fiscal outlook for 2026 reveals a troubling paradox.  With revenues projected at ₱4.64 trillion and expenditures proposed at ₱6.793 trillion, the government faces a deficit of at least ₱2 trillion.  Despite persistent corruption scandals—ranging from overpriced materials to ghost flood control projects—banks and creditors continue to lend. This practice signals that repayment capacity matters more than developmental outcomes. In effect, financial institutions prioritize debt servicing over governance integrity, creating a moral hazard that perpetuates fiscal deficits and undermines genuine economic progress.  The Philippines’ fiscal story from 2016 to 2025 is  shown in Table 1  .  Revenues have consistently […]... Keep on reading: The complicity of creditors: Can borrowing serve development instead of corruption?

Edsa rehabilitation starts Christmas Eve

Edsa rehabilitation starts Christmas Eve

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will start the first phase of the long-delayed rehabilitation of the Epifanio delos Santos Ave. or Edsa. "This follows the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to repair the highway to make it safe for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians, especially vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women," Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Wednesday. Dizon said concrete reblocking works would start at 11 p.m., both at the southbound and northbound stretch of Edsa and until Dec. 27, adding that asphalt overlay works will follow thereafter. The work plan, Dizon said, was meant to take advantage of the long Christmas break when people would be on vacation and less cars were expected to traverse EDSA. "With less disruption, more work can be done and at least cost to the government," said Dizon. Based on the DPWH work plan, southbound concrete reblocking would be done from Dec. 24-27 from P.Celle St., Pasay City to Roxas Boulevard (inner lane only), and Tramo Flyover to P. Celle St. (inner lane only) from Dec. 26-27. For the northbound side, works will be from Roxas Boulevard to Park Avenyue (inner lane only) from Dec. 24-27, and Park Avenue to Taft Avene (inner lane) on Dec. 27. Soulbound asphalt overlay will be done at the Edsa Orense to Urdaneta Village (Dec.25), Edsa Orense to Magallanes Interchange (Dec.26) and Tramo to Loring St. (Dec. 27). Dizon advised motorists to use alternate routes during the said period, adding that the DPWH will provide an updated repair work schedule from Dec. 28, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026.

Nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania traps people inside - authorities

Nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania traps people inside - authorities

BRISTOL, Pa. — An explosion at a nursing home just outside Philadelphia collapsed part of the building and left people injured and trapped inside, authorities said. A plume of black smoke rose from Silver Lake Healthcare Center in Bristol Township, as emergency responders across the region rushed there, joined by earthmoving equipment. Authorities said there were injuries, but had yet to say whether there were any fatalities. READ: Explosions heard east of Palawan after Chinese rocket launch – PCG Details still unknown Police Lt. Sean Cosgrove said there were injuries, but that he wasn’t aware of any critical injuries. “A […]... Keep on reading: Nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania traps people inside - authorities

DOH logs 7 fireworks-related injuries as of Dec. 23

DOH logs 7 fireworks-related injuries as of Dec. 23

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded parents to protect their children from fireworks-related injuries as Filipinos prepare to celebrate Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. During a press briefing on Monday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the DOH recorded 843 fireworks-related injuries between December 2024 and January this year, up by […]... Keep on reading: DOH logs 7 fireworks-related injuries as of Dec. 23

S&P 500 surges to record after strong US economic report

S&P 500 surges to record after strong US economic report

NEW YORK, United States — The S&P 500 powered to a fresh record Tuesday following data showing surprisingly robust third-quarter US economic growth as markets hope for a year-end “Santa Claus Rally.” All three major Wall Street indices advanced, shaking off early choppiness after the strong US gross domestic product report sparked talk that the Federal Reserve could refrain from further interest rate cuts. “The GDP number was unambiguously good and eventually markets come around to the realization that good news is good news,” said Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management. “Unfortunately, the knee-jerk reaction was: ‘If the economy is […]... Keep on reading: S&P 500 surges to record after strong US economic report

US economic growth surges in 3rd quarter, highest rate in two years

US economic growth surges in 3rd quarter, highest rate in two years

NEW YORK, United States — US economic growth in the third quarter came in at 4.3 percent on an annualized basis, easily topping expectations, according to Commerce Department data released Tuesday. The report, which also showed an acceleration in inflation, provides reassurance about the world’s largest economy after other recent data showing a weakening labor market. It comes as worries have moderated over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and as large tech companies advance massive investments to build new artificial intelligence infrastructure. The gross domestic product report — delayed for nearly two months due to a government shutdown — reflects increases in […]... Keep on reading: US economic growth surges in 3rd quarter, highest rate in two years