Cases of beer were wheeled into the Capitol after the House narrowly passed a health care bill on May 4, 2017, that would repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act. Every Democrat voted no, joined by 20 Republicans.

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla touted local government units’ (LGUs) preemptive evacuation in response to Typhoon Nika (International name: Toraji), saying they took “lessons” from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name: Trami). In a phone interview aired on People’s Television Network on Wednesday morning, Remulla said LGUs evacuated around 8,000 families from geohazard zones identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as Nika crossed Northern Luzon. “If they didn’t evacuate, perhaps, 100 would have died because many of the houses there were really destroyed,” he said in Filipino. Nika left the Philippine Area of Responsibility at […]...

Keep on reading: Remulla: Preemptive evacuation a ‘lesson’ from Storm Kristine

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday said the government is ready to respond to the effects of typhoons in the coming days and weeks of the year. OCD head Ariel Nepomuceno, however, admitted that the consecutive storms/typhoons in the past few weeks are unprecedented, even in the current system the government has for disaster response. “Nakalatag naman ‘yung sistema natin, although admittedly itong sistema natin hindi na-assume ‘yung ganitong scenario, bago rin sa’tin ito,” said Nepomuceno during a Kapihan sa Manila Hotel briefing. (Our system is in place, although admittedly our system did not […]...

Keep on reading: Gov't ready for calamity response; staff fatigue a big concern - OCD

TOKYO, Japan — Japan’s Seven & i Holdings 3382.T is considering launching a management buyout that would see the retailer go private in a deal that could be worth up to $58 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. The Nikkei newspaper also reported that the owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain was looking at […]...

Keep on reading: Japan's 7-Eleven reportedly considering management buyout of up to $58B

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to immediately begin its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, saying he might die before the probe even begins. During a House quad committee hearing on Wednesday, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas asked Duterte if he would cooperate with the investigation, including that of the ICC. In response, Duterte said the ICC is welcome to start its probe as soon as tomorrow (Thursday). “ICC, Ma’am?  I am asking the ICC to hurry up, and if possible, they can come here […]...

Keep on reading: Duterte dares ICC to begin probe immediately: 'Baka mamatay na ako'

(First of two parts) MANILA, Philippines—As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the US presidency, experts are taking a close look at the ripple effects his second term could have on the Philippine health care system which has benefited significantly from US assistance. Following last week’s US presidential elections, many cautioned that Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris could send global shockwaves, sparking concerns among international allies about a resurgence of his nationalist “America First” policies. One of the most talked about and weighed-in possible impacts of Trump’s second term by experts, political figures, and lawmakers alike was on immigration. Trump has made it […]...

Keep on reading: Trump 2.0: PH stays optimistic amid worries on aid, health care

Beauty queen-dentist Shaila Rebortera tied the knot with her non-showbiz fiancé, Luigi, in an intimate garden ceremony witnessed by their family and friends. Rebortera gave a glimpse of their special day through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Nov. 12, sharing photos and videos taken by their guests. The beauty queen donned an off-shoulder balloon dress for the wedding that was held on Nov. 11 at an undisclosed location. Among the photos she shared was of her and Luigi slicing their wedding cake that has the vow “‘Til death do us part.” Luigi also showed a stitched photo in which he […]...

Keep on reading: Shaila Rebortera now married

MANILA, Philippines — The excess campaign funds of then-president Rodrigo Duterte were used for the reward system of police officers during his administration’s brutal war on drugs.  Duterte himself admitted this to Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez during the House of Representatives quad committee during its 11th probe on his controversial anti-drug campaign.  “I still remember that you mentioned na yung pera galing sa donation ng inyong campaign funds will be utilized for the reward system, that’s private money,” Fernandez said.  (I still remember you mentioned that the money from the donation for your campaign funds would be utilized […]...

Keep on reading: Excess campaign funds used for drug war reward system, Duterte admits

Credit growth trend in the Philippines has changed for the better, becoming the country with the most optimistic position among four of its peers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). For the next quarter or two, credit trend has been “improving” compared with the “declining” trend seen previously, according to the Bank of America November outlook released on Tuesday. The report took into consideration five credit growth indicators: system liquidity, business and retail expectations, rates and prices, as well as a range of external factors. READ: PH GDP growth slowed sharply to 5.2% in Q3 “The Philippines is […]...

Keep on reading: Asean outlier: PH credit growth improving

OG Anunoby scored 24 points and Josh Hart recorded a triple-double as the New York Knicks spoiled Joel Embiid’s season debut with a 111-99 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. In both teams’ first NBA Cup game this season — not to mention a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff series that New York won in six games — all five Knicks starters scored in double figures, as did Miles McBride with 15 points off the bench. Hart finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen […]...

Keep on reading: NBA Cup: Joel Embiid scores 13 in return as 76ers fall to Knicks

The widespread use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses in Thailand is a growing concern among hoteliers, who fear that low prices and quality could destroy the tourism reputation of the country, according to the Thai Hotels Association's (THA) monthly sentiment index.

The situation of local fruit vendors has gone from bad to worse after the Thai Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN) released its finding two weeks ago, revealing chemical contamination in popular Shine Muscat grapes.

9 reasons to have at least 3 walnuts everyday  The Times of India

Russia's lower house of parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban what authorities cast as pernicious propaganda for a child-free way of life, hoping to boost a faltering birth rate. - REUTERS

Donald Trump is likely to take many executive actions on his first day as president to ramp up immigration enforcement and roll back signature Biden legal entry programs, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. - REUTERS

Thailand is targeting economic growth of 3.5% in 2025 after 2.7% growth seen this year, and the government will soon consider more stimulus measures and the rollout of phase two of its US$14 billion handout scheme, the finance minister said on Wednesday.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a strategic move to bolster Somalia's defense apparatus, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made key changes in the military hierarchy, appointing General Sahal Abdullahi Omar as the new Commander of Land Forces and elevating Lt. Colonel Hassan Salah Abdi to the position of Commander of Special Forces.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a significant political development, two ministers from Somalia's federal government resigned on Sunday, November 3, 2024, citing what they described as the government's plans to exacerbate tensions with regional administrations, particularly Jubbaland and Puntland.

[Radio Dalsan] In a move that has captured international attention, Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has announced plans to relocate the Ethiopian Embassy currently housed within the Somali presidential compound.

[Shabelle] Germany and Somalia are to cooperate on stepping up the deportation of migrants from the East African country.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a move signaling deepening political discord, Somalia's Deputy Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, MP Saddam Mohamud Abdi, resigned on Tuesday, accusing the federal government of constitutional violations and politicizing development projects in his home region of Puntland.

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland has announced progress in preparing for the upcoming presidential and party elections scheduled to take place on 13 November this year.

[Radio Dalsan] In a move to bolster Somalia's economic recovery and stability, the United States has forgiven $1.14 billion in debt owed by Somalia. The debt cancellation, announced by US Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley in Mogadishu, is part of a larger $1.2 billion assistance package for Somalia this fiscal year.

[Radio Dalsan] Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following provisional results indicating his victory in the U.S. presidential election.

[Radio Dalsan] Somalia is prepared to welcome back its nationals from Germany, particularly those without legal residency, following a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia announced on Thursday the arrest of two men with ties to the militant group Al-Shabaab in the capital city of Mogadishu.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's Minister of Defense, Abdiqadir Mohamed Noor, has been actively engaging with troop-contributing countries for the forthcoming African Union mission, set to start in 2025.

[ISS] Somalia's upcoming seat on the UN Security Council should allow it to shape international maritime security policies.

[VOA] The U.S. military says it is investigating what caused an army drone to crash in southern Somalia this week.

[Radio Dalsan] The Somali Council of Ministers has reappointed General Odowa Yusuf Raage as Commander of the Somali Armed Forces, replacing General Ibrahim Muhyiddin, during an emergency meeting held in Mogadishu on Sunday night.

[Radio Dalsan] Somaliland's Vice President, Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Saylici, made headlines on Sunday by publicly endorsing the opposition Waddani Party just days before the November 13 presidential election.

[VOA] Washington -- According to the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, more than 1 million registered and eligible voters head to the polls Wednesday to elect their president for the next five years.

[UNHCR] UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has just concluded a three-day event, hosting partners and Governments from the East and Horn of Africa, Great Lakes Region and Yemen, to review strategies for comprehensive solutions to the ongoing displacement crisis in Somalia. The meeting brought together representatives from Uganda, Yemen, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as the regional body, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and provided a platform for sharing insights and aligning efforts among

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) conducted a targeted operation in the Dharaarweyn area near Galcad city, within the Galgaduud region.

As of 5:00 p.m., approximately 70 rockets were fired by Hezbollah to Israel.

Cruise missiles are easier targets for dense, integrated air defenses than ballistic missiles are. But ballistic missiles are often fired from known launch points.

The IDF estimates that “80% of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal within a range of up to 40 kilometers has been destroyed.”

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

The materials were recovered by IDF soldiers during operations in the Gaza Strip.

Afghan NGOs have also struggled to attend the climate negotiations in recent years.

While operating in the area, soldiers from the Shaldag Unit identified several tunnel shafts leading to the compound, which led to the exposure of the full tunnel. 

Israel has long enjoyed positive relations with Kurdish people in the Middle East. It is part of a partnership between Jews and Kurds and also shared interests in the region 

Sullivan laid the blame squarely on Hamas, clarifying that the issue was that the group simply didn’t want to make a deal under any terms.

Intelligence services have begun intensifying intelligence sharing and situational assessments with the US military to prevent overlooking critical developments.

The meeting comes while the region prepares for incoming US President Donald Trump to take office.

High-level meetings in Tehran signal deepening Iran-Iraq security cooperation, while Iran simultaneously advances its regional agenda through talks with Turkey, Russia, and Lebanon.

According to Iranian media, the tunnel, located near Tehran's city center, will link a station on the Tehran metro to the Imam Khomeini Hospital.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea had earlier said the first operation targeted a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian sea with a number of missiles and drones.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner speaks to TML about the state of war after 400 days, including the UN Security Council 1701 Resolution and additions that would allow Israel to secure its borders.