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Rollover crash closes Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:34:06 -0600

Two people were transported to local hospitals after a Nissan Rogue SUV overturned on Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla, causing the road to close to eastbound traffic.

How to make the most of summer with a mental reset

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:20:05 -0600

Parents feeling overwhelmed by summer stress can use the acronym RESET to prioritize self-care, gratitude, and connection with others.

Local athlete set to compete with Team USA in Para Surf

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:20:05 -0600

Jenna Nascimento was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2024, leading to an amputation, and she has since become an adaptive athlete, competing in para surf and running her first 5K in May 2025.

5-vehicle pileup disrupts I-5 traffic in North County

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:20:05 -0600

ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A five-vehicle crash is caused delays on southbound Interstate 5 in North County Sunday morning. According to a Sig Alert from California Highway Patrol, the collision was reported around 10:45 a.m. on southbound I-5 near Encinitas Boulevard. Initial reports indicated a five-vehicle pileup. CHP dispatch logs later noted that three [...]

Telefèric Barcelona brings Spanish flavors to UTC mall in La Jolla

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:20:05 -0600

Telefèric Barcelona, a family-owned Spanish restaurant group, has opened its eighth location in the Westfield UTC mall in La Jolla, offering Spanish-style tapas, pintxos, paellas, and classic cocktails .

Dead body washes ashore on Oceanside beach

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:20:05 -0600

A deceased male in his 30s washed ashore at Strand Beach in Oceanside Sunday morning, police confirmed, and the cause of death is currently undetermined.

Megawide eyes more housing projects in Cavite, Bulacan

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. plans to expand its horizontal residential developments in Cavite and Bulacan, the listed engineering and construction company’s top official said.

“Our subsidiary, we are focusing on socialized housing, affordable and horizontal housing (projects) such as the Southscapes. We will be launching more new projects in the southern part area like Cavite and also in the Bulacan area,” Megawide Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Edgar B. Saavedra said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting last week.

Through its property unit, PH1 World Developers, Inc., Megawide last year earmarked P1 billion for Southscapes, a residential development in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Located in Barangay Lapidario, Trece Martires, the five-hectare (ha) project will have 343 housing units featuring modern design and energy-saving features.

Mr. Saavedra also said the company plans to develop additional projects under the government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in other cities and municipalities.

“The priority of the company is to focus on Metro Manila. Obviously, you have the southern part, Cavite; and the northern part will be somewhere in Bulacan. This is primarily to focus on the Metro Manila market,” he said, adding that Megawide is pursuing developments near Metro Manila to help reduce travel time.

Megawide is currently building about 11,000 housing units under the expanded 4PH Program.

For 2026, the company is targeting a net income of P1.2 billion, expecting lower borrowing costs following debt reduction and continued growth in its construction and real estate businesses to support earnings.

In the first quarter, Megawide’s attributable net income rose 24% to P265.35 million, driven by stronger real estate operations and sustained performance in its construction business. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

AC Health pursues acquisitions for hospital growth

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

AYALA Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), which operates hospitals and clinics under Healthway Medical Network (HMN), said it has several hospital acquisition targets in the pipeline and hopes to announce at least one deal within the year, while planning to open three to five clinics annually over the next three to five years.

“For now, we have a few acquisition targets in the pipeline. Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce something within the year,” AC Health Chief Strategy and Investment Officer Rafael Jaime V. Recio told reporters on the sidelines of an event last week.

“But if you’re asking whether we want to build greenfield projects, I think we’re focusing first on making sure the Cancer Hospital ramps up. Then everything else, for the foreseeable future, will be through acquisition,” he added.

Mr. Recio said the company is evaluating hospitals with at least 100 beds, Level 2 classification, and locations in densely populated urban areas.

“We look at the quality of the facility, make sure that it’s not a super fixer-upper. It’s important that there’s a good doctor base associated with it that remains even after we come in. I think those are the important building blocks,” he said.

Alongside its acquisition strategy, AC Health plans to expand its clinic network by opening three to five facilities annually over the next three to five years.

“The target is to expand to three to five clinics per year in major areas where we feel that it’s important for us to be in. I think that’s the target for the next three to five years,” Mr. Recio said.

While many of its clinics are located in shopping malls, AC Health is also considering other formats, including roadside commercial locations.

“It just so happens that the malls sometimes provide us the best location with the most foot traffic that’s most accessible,” Mr. Recio said. “It could be that at some point we have locations in commercial areas that are more roadside also. But we’ll see. It really depends on what opportunities are presented to us.”

As part of its medium-term growth strategy, AC Health aims to expand its network to 1,150 retail pharmacies, 300 clinics, and 10 hospitals through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.

Earlier this month, HMN expanded its multi-specialty outpatient network to 18 centers nationwide with the opening of its flagship facility at One Ayala in Makati City.

Following the launch of the One Ayala facility, HMN said it plans to open a standard-sized multi-specialty center in Batangas in August and another at McKinley West in Taguig before yearend.

Separately, AC Health, through its pharmaceutical arm AC Health Pharma, entered into a partnership with Japan-based Taisho Pharmaceuticals in June to distribute healthcare products in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, AC Health Pharma will distribute Taisho products through AC Health’s network of pharmacies, clinics, medical centers, and hospitals.

Mr. Recio said the company remains on track to meet its long-term expansion targets despite industry challenges.

“I wouldn’t say we’re ahead. I’d say we’re making good progress… It looks like we’re on track. It’s been an encouraging 2026 so far, despite all the challenges we’ve seen lately,” he said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

PERA contributions hit over P750M as enrollees surge at end of June

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

FILIPINOS’ CONTRIBUTIONS in Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) surged in the first half of the year as the number of enrollees increased nearly fivefold from last year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

As of the end of June, accumulated PERA contributions soared by 45.3% to P757.554 million from the P521.363 million recorded in the same period last year.

Of the total, the bulk or 59.33% came from employee contributions, which grew by 24.08% year on year to P449.45 million from P362.239 million.

Contributions from self-employed Filipinos also more than doubled (179.85%) to P207.901 million at end-June from P74.29 million in the prior year, while those from overseas Filipinos climbed by 18.12% annually to P100.203 million from P84.833 million.

Meanwhile, the total number of PERA contributors as of the first half ballooned by 385.31% to 30,055 from 6,193 a year ago.

Most of the enrollees during the period were self-employed Filipinos at 23,529, surging by 2,398% from the 942 logged a year earlier.

The tally of PERA-enrolled employees also went up by an annual 22.63% to 5,441 from 4,437, while Filipinos abroad with PERA rose by 33.29% to 1,085 from 814.

PERA, created under Republic Act No. 9505 in 2016, is a voluntary retirement saving program which supplements benefits from the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and employer-provided plans.

Contributors aged 18 and above with a tax identification number are allowed to open a PERA. Self-employed and locally employed contributors may contribute P200,000 annually, while overseas Filipino workers may invest up to P400,000.

The PERA law also offers incentives to contributors, such as tax exemptions and credits.

BSP Deputy Governor Lyn I. Javier said they aim to expand overseas Filipino contributors through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

The central bank has likewise tapped employers to boost the share of employees in the total PERA enrollees, with other banks also seeking to offer the product in their respective platforms.

“(So, with more banks) adopting, then opening also their platforms for easy access to PERA, we hope that we could reach more Filipinos enrolling to have a PERA account,” she told reporters on the sidelines of an event last week.

This came after East West Banking Corp. began offering in May a voluntary PERA contribution program for its employees, with DragonFi Securities, Inc. as the administrator.

Ms. Javier also noted that digital banks have also signified interest to follow suit.

Under the program, private employers can contribute to the employees’ PERA as part of its compensation package, which may be reflected in the employer’s income tax return as a deductible expense from its gross income.

The Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act also allows private employers to acquire an additional 50% tax deduction to a total of 150% by contributing an amount equal to or greater than their employees’ PERA contributions.

Meanwhile, Ms. Javier said they are working to further boost public awareness of PERA as they hope to hit “more than double” growth in PERA accounts.

“Well, the promise, I mean, the product itself is very attractive. So, it should speak for itself. Awareness would help it,” Ms. Javier said.

“As to the pace of growth, there are several factors that would affect that, but everybody wants (double-digit growth), more than double in fact,” she added.

Last year, the BSP also launched the Open Finance for PERA Pilot to encourage more Filipinos to open accounts by streamlining the onboarding process as well as improving access to the program.

Under the framework, customers of Land Bank of the Philippines; Maya Philippines, Inc.; Metropolitan Bank & Trust Corp.; Philippine National Bank; Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.; Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc.; and G-Xchange, Inc. can open a PERA account in the respective financial institutions’ platforms.

Their investments will be managed by the PERA administrators ATRAM Trust Corp.; BDO Unibank, Inc.; and BPI Wealth – A Trust Corp. — Katherine K. Chan

BoI-approved investments jump 21%

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE BOARD of Investments (BoI) has approved P461.84 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2026, mainly in renewable energy and real estate sectors.

In a statement on Sunday, the BoI said approvals in the six-month period jumped by 21% from the P382.24 billion recorded last year.

As of end-June, the BoI had greenlit 124 projects, which are expected to create 14,415 local jobs.

The January-June pledges account for nearly half or 46% of the BoI’s P1-trillion investment target for 2026.

The energy sector, particularly renewable energy, accounted for the largest share of approvals at P343.47 billion or 74.25% of the total.

This was followed by investments in real estate activities (P36.55 billion); air and water transport (P36.25 billion); mining and quarrying (P14.64 billion); hotel, tourism and accommodation projects (P7.58 billion); and manufacturing (P7.22 billion).

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and BoI Chairman Maria Cristina A. Roque said the increase in BoI-approved projects in the January-to-June period reflects investors’ sustained confidence in the Philippines amid geopolitical uncertainties.

“The strong growth in DTI-BoI-approved investments reflects investors’ confidence in the Philippines and in the government’s reform policies,” she said.

“The country’s recent attainment of upper-middle income country status highlights the positive impact of sustained investments and sound economic reforms,” she added.

Earlier this month, the World Bank classified the Philippines as an upper-middle income country after it posted a record gross national income per capita of $4,850.

DTI Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo noted that policy support and facilitation measures are in place to guide investments from approval to implementation.

“With the implementation of the CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy), the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, the BoI is ensuring that investors have both the policy support and facilitation mechanisms needed to bring projects from approval to operation,” he said.

Domestic investments surged by 41% to P447.32 billion as of end-June, with the Cordillera Administrative Region posting the highest level of investment pledges at P150.4 billion.

This was followed by the Ilocos Region at P144.13 billion, National Capital Region at P48.78 billion, Central Luzon (P33.55 billion), CARAGA (P16.93 billion), and Central Visayas (P13.97 billion).

Meanwhile, foreign investments stood at P14.16 billion as of end-June, with Singapore as the top foreign source at P3.15 billion.

Other foreign commitments came from China (P1.13 billion), United States (P1.06 billion), Australia (P961 million), and Japan (P873 million).

“The robust investment performance builds on the BoI’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s investment ecosystem and position the Philippines as a preferred destination for strategic and high-impact investments,” BoI said.

Mr. Rodolfo also noted that the updated SIPP is critical in ensuring that the BoI meets its P1-trillion target in investment approvals this year.

Approved in June, the 2026 SIPP expands the scope of fiscal incentives under Republic Act No. 12066 or the CREATE MORE Act to cover frontier industries like artificial intelligence and high-value manufacturing.

The surge in the BoI’s first-half investment approvals amid geopolitical risks show that investors are prioritizing projects with long-term prospects, said Diana R. Rueda, an economics professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific.

“Most BoI-approved projects have long investment horizons, and investors tend to focus more on economic fundamentals, policy consistency, and the ease of doing business,” she said in a Viber message.

However, Ms. Rueda cited the need to intensify efforts to attract more investments in high-value manufacturing to cushion the economy against external shocks.

“Expanding the country’s manufacturing base would strengthen economic resilience, diversify sources of growth, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks,” she said.

Sticky core inflation seen to keep BSP on tightening path

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) could extend its tightening cycle as the widening pass-through effects of energy shocks stemming from the Middle East war are expected to keep core inflation elevated, analysts said.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) Chief Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said the faster pace of core inflation, despite easing headline inflation, supports the BSP’s hawkish but measured policy stance.

“With headline inflation receding and core inflation heating up, we are witnessing now what the BSP had been warning us about: second-round effects,” Mr. Mapa told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Even with the initial energy shock dissipating somewhat, firms have passed on the costs for items indirectly related to the first round of price spikes. And thus, the recent uptick in core inflation represents a broadening increase in prices across the CPI (consumer price index) basket,” he added.

In June, core inflation accelerated for the sixth month in a row even after the headline print eased for a second straight month.

Core inflation, which discounts volatile food and fuel prices, quickened to 4.4% in June, the fastest pace seen in nearly three years or since the 4.7% in November 2023.

Core inflation removes the impact of temporary disruptions and shocks on price changes, independent of economic or monetary policy.

For Security Bank Chief Economist Angelo B. Taningco and University of Asia and the Pacific economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia, core inflation will likely stay sticky throughout the year.

“Core inflation is seen to remain sticky throughout the year given… that recent price hikes made by restaurants, healthcare institutions, personal care providers, and schools will not adjust downward immediately given that global energy prices have not gone (down) fully to pre-Iran war levels,” Mr. Taningco told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

Mr. Agonia also noted that underlying price pressures may linger due to higher aggregate demand from the government’s infrastructure spending catch-up and the upcoming minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“While crude oil has softened recently, pricing and wage adjustments in secondary and tertiary sectors have likely been pushing underlying price pressures,” he told BusinessWorld. “This may persist for the rest of the year, especially as the National Government’s infrastructure spending revival raises aggregate demand and the recent minimum wage adjustment feeds into prices.”

The first tranche of the P85 daily minimum wage hike in NCR, or P60, will be implemented on July 25. The second tranche of P25 will take effect in January 2027.

Second-round effects refer to the impact of initial price shocks on the costs of other commodities. This is often realized when businesses pass on the burden of higher costs to consumers by raising the prices of commodities and services, including food, utilities, and transport.

By measuring core inflation, economic managers like the BSP can determine whether prevailing consumer price movements reflect short-lived disruptions or a long-term trend.

FURTHER TIGHTENING
Metrobank’s Mr. Mapa and Security Bank’s Mr. Taningco expect the BSP to deliver a final 25-basis-point (bp) hike at its next policy review in August to cap its tightening cycle this year.

“With headline falling amidst core inflation increasing, BSP would be correct to carry on with its data-driven approach and measured pace of tightening,” Mr. Mapa said.

“We expect another 25-bp increase at their next meeting. If headline inflation continues to fade and fall quickly, the next rate hike may be BSP’s last for the year,” he added.

However, Mr. Taningco said there could potentially be more hikes if price pressures worsen due to a re-escalation of the Middle East war, the looming El Niño phenomenon, and higher minimum wage and transport fare hikes.

Under its inflation-targeting framework, the BSP uses monetary policy tools to prevent inflation spillovers and keep inflation expectations anchored, particularly by tempering the second-order effects of price shocks on wage- and price-setting behavior.

This includes the central bank raising its key interest rate to make borrowing more expensive, which helps cool down inflation through lowering aggregate demand by dampening spending.

At its June 18 meeting, the Monetary Board lifted its benchmark rate for a second straight meeting by 25 bps to 4.75%. This brought its total hikes since April to 50 bps.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has left the door open for another 25-bp hike, with expectations of an economic rebound by the second half giving them space to tighten further.

The central bank has also remained hawkish on the back of still “strong” inflationary pressures, evidenced by the heated core inflation last month.

The BSP noted that it will continue to pursue price stability and hope to bring inflation back to their 3% target through monetary policy rate adjustments.

Meanwhile, Nomura Global Markets Research slashed its Philippine inflation forecast to 5.1% from 5.5% for 2026 and to 3.1% from 3.2% for 2027 as it noted that the headline print has likely peaked.

However, expectations of heated core inflation may still warrant an additional 50 bps in hikes to bring the key policy rate to 5.25% by yearend.

“We lowered our CPI inflation forecasts due to our latest oil price assumptions. In terms of the trajectory, we believe headline inflation has already peaked, but core inflation has not, reflecting second-round effects,” Nomura research analysts Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said in a report.

EL NIÑO RISKS
The Philippines, alongside India, stands as the most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño given its position as a net food importer and the heavy weight of food in its CPI basket, according to Nomura.

“The Philippines and India are most exposed to an El Niño shock, followed by Indonesia and Thailand,” it said. “(The) Philippines is particularly vulnerable to higher rice prices: it is a net food importer (2% of gross domestic product), and rice accounts for 8.9% of its CPI basket.”

Food and nonalcoholic beverages account for 37.75% of the country’s total basket of goods, with rice making up around 9%.

The state weather bureau earlier said emerging El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific has an 80% chance to develop into a full-fledged El Niño, with the Philippines likely to encounter a “strong” El Niño season between September and November, and a “very strong” one between October and January next year.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the looming “super El Niño” can bring high temperatures that will harm crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, potentially slashing agricultural output by 20%-30%.

“Lower oil and fertilizer prices can also help keep the lid on food inflation, although with 2026 an El Niño year, medium-term risks to food inflation remain,” Nomura also said.

For Mr. Agonia’s part, the Philippines risks facing a fresh round of supply shock and from the upcoming “super El Niño,” which could weigh on the cost of other commodities.

“The looming El Niño threat may also invite another supply shock that could ripple once more through different industries,” he noted.

Mr. Agonia said the central bank may tighten by another 50 bps before standing pat in 2027, with pressures from the El Niño event and worse second-order effects to open room for more hikes.

“BSP may be more aggressive than this if second-round effects and the El Niño phenomenon prove to materially alter the inflation outlook,” he said.

“However, more rate hikes may disproportionately weaken medium-term economic growth prospects. As such, we think BSP will tighten by 50 bps more this year while going on pause for 2027.”

The Monetary Board is scheduled to hold three more regular policy reviews this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers for The Week of 7-13-26: Will Stephanie’s Hypocritical Act Really Be Discovered So Quickly?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

That was fast.

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 promise that Alex will quickly realize that he missed Joy’s voicemail — but will he put two and two together?

Stephanie isn’t the only one with an explosive secret, but considering her history with Alex, this one needs to come out ASAP.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Stephanie Couldn’t Forgive Alex When He Engaged In This Behavior, So…

It’s bad enough that Stephanie decided that she had the right to delete a voicemail from Joy just because she believed Joy was manipulating Alex.

She had no evidence whatsoever — just her gut feeling that Joy’s emergencies couldn’t possibly be important, and an offhand, likely unfair comment from Chanel about how Joy is a backstabber.

She didn’t know, of course, that Joy had a car accident with the baby in the back of the car, but that doesn’t excuse her behavior. Even if Joy is being manipulative, she is also the mother of Alex’s child and needs to be able to communicate freely with him about their baby.

But Stephanie’s behavior is even harder to stomach, knowing that she raked Alex over the coals for a long time when he did the same thing.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Several years ago, Alex grabbed Stephanie’s phone while she was in the shower and deleted a voicemail from Chad because he had decided Chad was interfering with the relationship and trying to win Stephanie for himself — and it was from Kayla, supposedly dying.

Stephanie (rightfully) was furious when she found out, because she felt she had missed out on seeing her mother one last time.

Of course, it was a false alarm — Kayla was only temporarily dead so she could be part of a ridiculous storyline involving an orchid and the world’s longest, stupidest dream sequence, but that’s beside the point.

Stephanie took months to forgive Alex. She was brutal toward him during all that time, accusing him of being controlling, and the fact that Kayla was eventually resurrected didn’t change how she felt.

Now, the roles are reversed. Stephanie deleted Joy’s voicemail because she felt Joy was interfering with the relationship and didn’t realize it was actually urgent. That’s not only wrong, but absolutely hypocritical.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 promise that Alex will realize that he missed a voicemail — but will he realize Stephanie was to blame?

According to the spoiler video, Joy will tell Alex she left him a panicked voicemail, and he’ll realize he never received it.

He likely won’t want to believe that Stephanie deliberately erased it. Not only does he love her, but he undoubtedly remembers how she treated him when he did the same thing, so it won’t make sense to him to suspect that she could do such a thing.

Plus, Days of Our Lives is not reluctant to make characters stupid when it suits the plot, so Alex could very well realize his voicemail was deleted but not have a clue that Stephanie was the only one with access to his phone.

After all, Alex not figuring this out could lead to Joy accusing Stephanie, and Alex believing she’s only saying that to interfere with his marriage.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

I hope not, though.

Stephanie needs to be caught, and Alex needs to confront her for being a total hypocrite. Sorry, but her PTSD doesn’t excuse this.

Trauma responses aren’t an excuse anyway — they’re an explanation. And this particular choice wasn’t related to her trauma. It was an impulsive move borne out of jealousy, just like when Alex did it.

Do you think Alex should forgive Stephanie once he finds out what she did?
Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends.

I’m also interested in Kayla’s reaction. Stephanie is supposed to confess to her, and there’s no telling how her mother will react.

Kayla is often a lot like Caroline was. She tends to have strict ethical boundaries and doesn’t accept shady behavior (yes, we’re looking at you, EJ!).

(Peacock/Screenshot)

But most of Salem makes exceptions for their kids, no matter how much of a moral absolutist anyone is otherwise, and Steve and Kayla have been worried about Stephanie since the abduction.

Kayla might rationalize that Joy has pushed too many of Stephanie’s buttons and Stephanie fought back the only way she could. I’d hate it, but I could imagine her doing that.

Meanwhile, Stephanie and… Theo?

I figured either Stephanie or Alex would sleep with someone else while their marriage was on the rocks, but I didn’t expect Alex to think there was something going on between her and Theo.

For once, the show is being unpredictable, at least for now — I was sure she would re-establish a relationship with Philip since he’s starting to replace Jeremy as her non-Alex source of support.

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 have Theo and Stephanie bonding over something unexpected. On Theo’s end, he likely feels betrayed by Abe, while Stephanie feels the same about Alex.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

And of course, the spoiler video ends with Alex coming home and finding Theo asleep on his couch.

That’s likely a false alarm or a misunderstanding, but it’s still a strange pairing choice since these two have rarely interacted.

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Elsewhere in Salem, Other Secrets Explode…

Kayla informs EJ that the board has voted to remove him as owner of the hospital, but I’d bet anything he’s not giving up without a fight, and no one fights dirtier than EJ.

I’m curious what his next move is, and whether it has anything to do with the pills that Tate finds in Holly’s hospital room.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

I’m really not happy with this story, which makes a mockery out of real addiction issues, although I suppose Holly really could decide to use because she believes that everyone thinks the worst of her anyway.

But it’s more likely that someone is planting those pills to take the heat off of EJ for the Coreseal disaster, and I don’t want to sit through months of Holly being punished for something she didn’t do — even if it is her karma for letting Tate take the rap for her original overdose.

What do you think? Is Holly going to relapse for real?

Head to the comments with your thoughts about that and everything else coming up on Days of Our Lives, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends so they can join the conversation.

Vote in our poll below to tell us which Days of Our Lives spoiler for the week of 7-13-26 is your favorite.

If you enjoyed this article, check out Laura Nowak’s recent thoughts about Stephanie’s storyline.

These Days of Our Lives spoilers will stream on Peacock during the week of 7-13-26. New episodes drop on weekday mornings at 6/5c.

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Stephanie made a headscratching decision, but Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 suggest she may already get caught.
Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-06-26 promise more angst ahead for Chanel, and we hate what that might mean.
Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 6-29-26 promise plenty of summer heat, but something is missing from these stories.

Read the original article here

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Graham’s death complicates myriad GOP goals in Congress

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) talks to reporters outside of the West Wing of the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Graham told reporters that Zelensky should resign.

Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Sen. Lindsey Graham‘s death stands to scramble an array of Republican policy efforts, as Congress loses one of its top White House whisperers and coalition builders.

Graham, R-S.C., who died at 71, was a titan of the Senate whose close relationship with President Donald Trump helped the upper chamber broker numerous deals and secure aid for allies such as Ukraine. Graham, who chaired the Senate Budget Committee, was integral to passing Trump’s marquee reconciliation tax-and-spending law, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.”

He also served on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works Committees and was known to work across the aisle on policy issues.

Graham’s death comes as the Senate works to advance many of Trump’s priorities before heading into a tough midterm election in November, and his passing is likely to complicate those efforts. Included in the long list of unfinished business is the SAVE America Act, Trump’s sought-after voter-ID bill; a third reconciliation bill to address affordability and replenish the military; and the confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche.

SAVE America Act

Graham was a staunch advocate for the SAVE America Act, Trump’s laundry list bill to require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote, along with several other White House priorities. Trump has been almost singularly focused on the bill, despite its steep odds of becoming law.

Trump, in a Sunday call on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” lamented that the SAVE America Act will be harder to pass without Graham’s support.

“This is a big blow to the Save America Act, let me tell you,” Trump said. “He was pushing for the SAVE America Act like crazy.”

The SAVE America Act, especially the version being pushed by Trump, faced steep odds of becoming law with or without Graham. It was far short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the Senate filibuster, given strong Democratic opposition.

Graham’s death, however, will make it more difficult for the Senate to communicate the steep odds of passing the SAVE America Act. Trump noted that he spoke with Graham Saturday night about the bill.

“He called, and he said we’re all set for the Save America Act,” Trump said. “He literally called me about the Save America Act.”

Reconciliation 3.0

Graham would have been integral to any additional reconciliation packages Republicans aim to pass by the end of this year. The Budget Committee steers reconciliation bills, which must be budget-centric and comply with the Byrd Rule — an arcane Senate process that allows the upper chamber to skirt the 60-vote filibuster.

Congress has already passed two reconciliation bills this year, including the one big, beautiful bill and a bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents from those agencies shot and killed two American citizens earlier this year.

A third package — still not entirely fleshed out and largely in flux — was expected to include military spending to replenish stockpiles depleted by the war with Iran, affordability issues and fraud.

Graham’s death now throws into disarray any planning he had done for that bill and leaves the Budget Committee without a chairman.

Blanche nomination

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies at House Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2026.

Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images

Trump’s pick for Attorney General, acting AG Todd Blanche, now faces a new hurdle to Senate confirmation.

Graham served on the Judiciary Committee and was next in line to take the gavel when the term of Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, ends. The Committee includes 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, meaning any Republican defection, along with full Democratic opposition, would result in a deadlock. Graham’s death brings that tally to 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is retiring at the end of his term and also serves on the Judiciary Committee, is currently undecided on Blanche’s nomination, though he said he has a positive predisposition toward him and has met with Trump’s former personal attorney. Should Tillis defect now, along with all Democrats, Blanche’s nomination would fail 11-10.

Ukraine aid

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 30, 2025.

Ukrainian Presidential Press Ser | Via Reuters

Graham has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters as it repels Russia’s invasion that began in 2021. He has been critical in shepherding money through Congress and greasing the wheels for Trump to support aid to Ukraine.

The senator had just returned from Ukraine immediately before his death.

Trump, who came into office pledging to end the war in Ukraine, was significantly more antagonistic to the country than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. In the first days of his second term, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and berated him publicly. Trump has also threatened to cut off aid to Ukraine on numerous occasions.

Summer Games Done Quick Once Again Raises Over $2 Million For Doctors Without Borders

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

The annual speedrunning marathon event ran from July 5-11.

Games Done Quick/Count Gooby

Summer Games Done Quick is officially over after a marathon week of speedrunning games for a good cause, and the organizers say it raised a total of $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders in that time (again!). The annual event in Minneapolis kicked off on July 5 and wrapped up early Sunday morning. Roughly 2,500 people showed up in person, in addition to the thousands of viewers who watched from home.

This year’s Summer Games Done Quick brought a new speedrunning world record: streamer Bluekandy completed a No Dupes run of Kirby Air Raiders with a final time of 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Other highlights include “a Balatro run that beat all odds, and impromptu beatboxing during the Resident Evil: Requiem run,” the organizers noted in an announcement. Everything was streamed on Games Done Quick’s Twitch and YouTube channels, where you can find the full archive of videos now if you missed anything while the event was live.

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Watch the moment Pulp play ‘Common People’ at Mad Cool 2026 as England fans celebrate win against Norway

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

Pulp played an epic closing set at Mad Cool 2026 last night (Saturday July 11), with their performance also doubling up as a celebration for England fans.

The escalations of the World Cup have been a focal feature of the Madrid festival, particularly the day before when Spain beat Belgium. Not only was the home country’s match shown on a big screen in the middle of the Iberdrola Music arena site, but their 2-1 victory was celebrated by Kings Of Leon and Interpol from the stage.

Then on the closing Saturday, the England match clashed with the latter part of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ headline set, as well as those from David Byrne and Pulp. The line-up drew a large number of British fans and many in England shirts, who could be seen celebrating when goals were scored as they kept up to date on their phones. The blowing of the whistle on England’s 2-1 win coincided with Pulp kicking into set closer ‘Common People’, with many taking to their friends’ shoulders to celebrate.

During the song, Jarvis Cocker also got guitarist Mark Webber (who’d been previously watching the match backstage with drummer Nick Banks) to share news of the score, before the frontman wryly told the crowd: “But we don’t care about football because we’d rather play a concert for you people.”

Reviewing the set in NME‘s highlights from the day, we wrote: “Running into the early hours of Sunday morning, their set also saw classics like ‘Babies’ and ‘Do You Remember The First Time’ come in thick and fast, as well as a euphoric rendition of newer single ‘Spike Island’ and an elaborate performance of ‘Farmer’s Market’ — which the frontman fittingly introduced by throwing some grapes into the crowd.

“Fluttering between intense theatrical performances of deeper cuts and straightforward, feel-good versions of their biggest hits, the closing set was a pure visual spectacle from start to end.”

Pulp’s Mad Cool 2026 setlist was:

‘Sorted for E’s & Wizz’
‘Disco 2000’
‘Spike Island’
‘Razzmatazz’
‘Farmers Market’
‘This Is Hardcore’
‘Sunrise’
‘Begging for Change’
‘Do You Remember the First Time?’
‘Mis-Shapes’
‘Got to Have Love’
‘Babies’
‘Common People’

Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker live at Mad Cool 2026. credit: Javier Bragado

Pulp’s 2026 summer tour is almost at an end up with upcoming shows including a Rough Trade 50th anniversary celebration show at London’s Southbank Centre and headline appearances at All Together Now in Ireland, Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park and End Of The Road Festival as they wrap up the campaign for 2025’s acclaimed comeback album ‘More‘. Visit here for tickets and more information.

NME is the official media partner of Mad Cool.

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Everything You Missed So Far at Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Run

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

On Friday night, more than 45,000 people gathered at Yankee Stadium not to enjoy the national pastime, but a bucket-list New York one: seeing Jay-Z perform in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt. It was the first in a three-night residency, with the Friday show dedicated to Reasonable Doubt and the Saturday show reserved for The Blueprint, which turns 25 this year. Across both nights, Jay-Z commanded an understated stage set up (“I think the statement piece in a Jay-Z show is Jay-Z,” Willo Perron, the performance’s creative director, told Wired recently) with support from guests including Beyoncé, Nas, Eminem, Slick Rick, and his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Check out clips and full set lists from both nights below.

The residency’s first night kicked off with a bang in the form of a surprise Beyoncé duet. Mrs. Carter joined Jay-Z onstage to open the show with “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” before Jay dove into a series of solo cuts including “Made In America (Freestyle)” and “Brooklyn’s Finest.” Beyoncé wouldn’t be the last guest to pop up throughout the night though, nor the last family member. Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter—who also recently danced on her mom’s Cowboy Carter tour—accompanied him on the piano to introduce “Feelin’ It.” Other special appearances throughout the night came from Memphis Bleek, Jaz-O, Alicia Keys (because one doesn’t just play Yankee Stadium without dropping “Empire State of Mind’), and Nas, who shared the stage with Jay for multiple songs.

The fanfare hadn’t died down on Saturday, which was all about 2001’s The Blueprint and broke Yankee Stadium’s ticket sales record. Performing for another packed-out crowd, the rapper kicked things off with a rendition of “The Ruler’s Back” with Slick Rick. Later in the night, Eminem also popped out to go toe-to-toe with Jay on their song “Renegade.” But the guest with the most stage time on Saturday was Pharrell, who accompanied Jay on five songs including “Excuse Me Miss” and “Frontin.’’ “HOV the greatest of all time,” Pharrell quipped at one point. “It’s not up for discussion.”

Jay-Z will return to Yankee Stadium tonight for the third and final show in his residency, billed under the name Extra Innings. This fall, he’ll also bring the anniversary production to London, Paris, and Los Angeles.

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Woman killed after being struck by car in Encinitas

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

A woman was killed Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a roadway in Encinitas, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Where to picnic in San Diego: 8 scenic spots to enjoy a meal outdoors

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Sunshine, ocean breezes and year-round mild weather makes San Diego one of the best places to enjoy a picnic. Whether you're planning a romantic date, a family outing or simply looking for a quiet place to enjoy lunch outdoors, the region offers no shortage of picture-perfect destinations. From coastal bluffs to [...]

One in custody after Lakeside standoff, SDSO investigating

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

San Diego County Sheriff's Office responded to a potential standoff in Lakeside on Saturday afternoon, and after attempts to contact the suspect went unanswered, a K-9 unit was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody.

Harper's Topiary Garden home in Mission Hills up for sale

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Edna Harper's Mission Hills home, known for its extraordinary topiary garden, is now up for sale following her death, and supporters hope the garden will be cherished and maintained by the new owner.

Padres make five selections on Day 1 of 2026 MLB Draft

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

The San Diego Padres added five new prospects on the first day of the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft, including right-handed pitcher Coleman Borthwick with their first-round pick.

Pope Leo XIV continues reform of Diocese of Rome with addition of leadership position

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The appointment continues Leo’s reform of the Diocese of Rome, of which he is bishop, rolling back changes made by Pope Francis in 2023.

Pope Leo XIV to Iraqi Christians: Be Christ’s light in challenging times

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The Vatican published a video message from the pontiff on July 8 for the Ankawa Youth Meeting.

Fiat donates 30 electric vehicles to Vatican in sustainability push

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The vehicles will support the daily work of governorate employees as Vatican City State moves toward its 2030 goal of a zero-emissions fleet.

Why does the Vatican recognize Orthodox marriages but not those of the SSPX?

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The answer has to do with profoundly different juridical and ecclesial realities.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Has Raq Going Nuclear as Kanan Becomes the Biggest Threat of All

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

4.5

For Raq to go nuclear, her back truly had to be up against the wall.

We’ve seen her in various positions that seemed insurmountable, and she’s always found a way out. But to give up Kanan to Marvin in a moment of sheer panic?

Raq’s officially reached the point where she’s realized her son is a bigger problem than she ever could have imagined.

(Courtesy of Starz)

After the failed hit on Stefano during Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 4, Raq and Marvin knew they were in trouble, and it’s clear how much Lou-Lou is missed as the two siblings continuously butt heads over things.

Raq always wants to assess every situation from every angle, while Marvin is a reactor.

He sees a problem, and he follows his instincts to solve it. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s not always the wrong decision.

But in this scenario, Raq was banking on her connection with Pino and the money she was making him to help keep her safe, which was a safe bet, albeit a little shortsighted.

If there’s anything we’ve learned about Stefano since we met him, it’s that he carries a grudge. He’s vindictive, and he’s clever, and there was never a universe where he was going to turn the other cheek after Raq tried to get him whacked.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Raq choosing to just act as if she had nothing to do with the hit on Stefano when talking to Pino was comical because it’s not as if she thought Pino was buying it, but she still had to stick to the story that she wasn’t behind it.

What’s worrisome about Raq’s position right now is that everything depends on her business flourishing. If she’s not producing for Pino and Flossie, she’s of no use to them and has no protection.

Pino’s been an interesting addition thus far, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 5 felt like the first time we got to see how he operates.

There’s obviously no love lost between the two bosses, but while Stefano is outwardly menacing, Pino’s a little more casual with it. There’s no doubt he’s a killer, same as Stefano, but he’s a little quieter about it.

Stefano is quick to cut people down and issue threats, but Pino is a little less bold and hides behind a smile.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Considering we only have a few more episodes left, I’d love for the focus to be on Raq and Kanan, but there’s something inherently fun about seeing Tony Danza and Joe Pantoliano go up against each other every week.

Stefano making the rounds to all of Raq’s enemies shows just how much she’s gotten under his skin, and that was before she wanted him dead. He’s always felt like he’s above Raq, as many of these men do, and when she didn’t give in to his demands earlier this season, he decided she was persona non grata.

When Pino didn’t budge, he pulled Kanan, Breeze, and Flossie to get them to do his dirty work.

Breeze was the only one who bit, and I do wonder if Stefano will eventually keep pressing Raq enough that he ultimately pushes everyone else away.

Either way, it’s very unlikely that Pino and Stefano both make it out of this season alive.

(Courtesy of Starz)

It’s always fascinating to see how people approach Kanan about Raq, because no matter what he says, how does one trust that he’d ever truly go against his mother?

Of course, we know there is no love lost between them, but from the outside looking in, how does Stefano believe that Kanan would truly side with him when push came to shove? He has no allegiance to him outside of the shared business, and why would that be enough?

Breeze is smart enough to recognize that, to truly get Kanan, he needs to hammer home the idea that they are long-lost brothers bonded by their dead drug-dealing superstar daddy.

Kanan knows it’s all crap, but there’s no reason to let Breeze in on that when they’ve got a good thing going.

The dynamic between Breeze and Kanan has been growing steadily, but you can still tell these are two alphas learning how the other works. They’re a good team, and they can sense that, but it still feels like there’s a wall between them.

(Courtesy of Starz)

They aren’t in competition with each other, but they’re still figuring the other one out. And it’s a fun little cat-and-mouse game they’re playing right now. But how long will that last?

This hour proved to be a bit of a defining moment in the series as things played out, with Raq becoming increasingly overwhelmed by her situation.

It wasn’t like the walls were closing in on her just yet, but she could tell she wasn’t in a comfortable position at all. And pulling one of Kanan’s messenger boys off the streets felt a little desperate, but also showed she was finally taking Kanan seriously as a threat.

Both she and Marvin have failed to see the kind of man Kanan has become, or more likely, they’re unwilling to. Kanan’s still a kid in their eyes, and definitely still making kid mistakes, but he’s far from some incompetent new player in the game.

And that’s to say nothing of the people who have gathered behind him.

(Courtesy of Starz)

We’re seeing Kanan become increasingly violent and menacing, and it’s such a treat to see MeKai Curtis fully embody and embrace this side of Kanan.

Kanan’s reached a point where he’s setting himself up to be completely opposite of his family, even if it may not seem like it on the surface.

Kanan’s side is in Queens, and Raq’s is in Manhattan, but there’s overlap, history, and a lot of animosity. Stefano coming to him was as much about gauging his feelings as it was further reiterating that the side he’s on is firmly plotting against Raq, and thus his family.

Kanan’s okay with that because he’s made it very clear how he feels about his mother. And I’m inclined to believe him at this point.

Raq’s a different story.

(Courtesy of Starz)

She’s done a lot of cleaning up for Kanan and a lot of protecting, but she’s also done a lot of lying and a lot of looking out for her own interests before looking out for her son.

It’s very fair to say that, in some ways, she’s getting what’s been coming to her, but in other ways, you can see that she’s done so much for Kanan that Kanan has repaid her with venom and judgment.

Their relationship has always been a slippery slope, and you’ll talk yourself in circles trying to justify why one is “better” than the other, or why one deserves more compassion than the other.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan has done a masterful job over the years of fleshing out these two deeply imperfect characters, giving them the space and nuance to be complicated and to exist within that complexity.

I constantly find myself warring with understanding Raq and agreeing with her, then feeling confused or disappointed by her choices. That emotional push and pull is the hallmark of truly great character writing and one of the reasons she’s always been so compelling.

(Courtesy of Starz)

She’s now at a point where she sees that while she’s not losing, she’s also not winning. And she’s been pushing Kanan to the back of her mind, focusing on the work and only the work, but she could only ignore Kanan for so long.

When she shot the poor boy, I knew that she’d officially come unglued in a way we hadn’t seen from her in a while. Even when Raq loses herself, you can hardly tell, because she will parlay it into making sense one way or the other.

There was no reason to kill that boy, and there was no reason to tell Marvin about Kanan outside of her realizing that she was losing her grip on the situation, Marvin, and everything around her.

Raq can exist within the chaos, but she has to feel she controls it. That’s not what’s happening right now, and in many ways, it hasn’t been for some time.

By telling Marvin that Kanan killed Lou-Lou, she knew Kanan would be dealt with, and she could feel in control again. Control of Marvin and, by extension, everything else, because she knew that Marvin was going to leave a mark on Kanan that he would never forget.

(Courtesy of Starz)

But we then circle back to the fact that no one understands just what kind of monster Kanan has become.

I wonder if this will be the real turning point for Kanan Stark. The moment when everything shut off, and he turned into the kind of man who would murder his own child in cold blood.

Marvin gave him the beating of a lifetime, and he should have finished the job if we’re being honest.

I wonder if Jukebox ever regretted stopping her father that day, because it’s very likely that it changed the trajectory of their lives.

It certainly changes Power Book III: Raising Kanan and prepares us for the final days of this piece of the universe.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Everything Else You Need To Know

I’m loving this side plot of Jukebox entering the business and seeing how she starts to break away from her family. Marvin’s trying, weakly, to steer her away, but everyone in that family was doomed from the start.

Justice for Famous! At least there’s someone out there still trying to avenge his murder.

When did Garcia get so tough? He’s really doing the most when nobody told him he had to become a dirty cop!

Jarita is soft-launching her departure from Flossie to become Kanan’s full-time girlfriend. I wish someone would tell her to run!

(Courtesy of Starz)

Joaquin coming back for one week only to be taken out the next. And that foreshadowing of Breeze’s own demise? Perfection.

Submit that confrontation between Patina Miller and London Brown for every award possible.

Everything changes from here on out, and the series continues to reach new heights, gifting us with one of the greatest scenes in the entire Power Universe.

There’s much to discuss with this one, so don’t be shy! Let me know in the comments where you see things going over the final hours!

You can watch Power Book III: Raising Kanan at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it airs on STARZ at 8:00 pm ET/PT in the U.S.

Whether it’s isolation, history, trauma, or systems that fail people, the fear always comes from something deeper, and The Terror: Devil in Silver continues that tradition in unsettling ways. Dan Stevens stars as Pepper, a man who finds himself trapped inside New Hyde psychiatric facility while trying to understand whether the horrors unfolding around him…
The Terror: Devil in Silver uses horror to explore the unsettling reality of institutional life. Christopher Cantwell and Victor LaVelle talk about it.
IT: Welcome To Derry has been sensational in terms of storytelling, but has to stop relying on age-old crutches.

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Trump admin export rule benefits UAE firm MGX

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

The Commerce Department on Friday moved toward easing export controls on the United Arab Emirates, including by saying it will “favorably review” export license applications for MGX, the UAE-backed investment firm that used a stablecoin linked to President Donald Trump‘s family for its $2 billion investment in Binance.

An unpublished version of a new 17-page rule viewable in the Federal Register includes one sentence about Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security favorably reviewing applications involving MGX semiconductors and servers bound for the UAE.

The rule is scheduled to be officially published on July 14.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, quickly blasted the new rule, calling it “corrupt” because of MGX’s use of a Trump-connected stablecoin.

MGX used USD1, a stablecoin issued by the Trump family-affiliated World Liberty Financial, to complete its investment in Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by daily volume.

The transaction provided a major source of business for the newly launched USD1, and fueled questions about whether Trump’s financial interests could influence U.S. policy toward the UAE.

MGX is also a backer of AI juggernauts OpenAI and Anthropic.

The broader rule also gives the UAE government, Abu Dhabi AI conglomerate G42 and its cloud subsidiary Core42 access to license exceptions for certain advanced-computing equipment.

The Commerce Department, in a statement, said that it “will significantly upgrade the status of the United Arab Emirates” under export regulations “in recognition of the UAE’s status as a U.S. Major Defense Partner and its support in advancing U.S. national security interests, including Operation Epic Fury,” the war against Iran.

Warren, in a statement, said, “We already know that the UAE royal behind G42 and MGX secretly bought a 49% stake in the Trump crypto company, World Liberty Financial.”

“It was also just revealed that President Trump made a whopping $263 million windfall related to this deal, part of the $1.4 billion he raked in from his crypto ventures last year alone,” Warren said, citing the president’s recent financial disclosure.

“Now, Trump’s Commerce Department is giving G42 license-free access to advanced AI chips and promising favorable treatment for MGX, despite reported concerns about the diversion of sensitive technology to China and other national security risks,” she said.

Warren, who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and BIS Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to testify before Congress “to explain this corrupt deal and how it could put our national security at risk.”

Warren and other Senate Democrats earlier Friday called for hearings into whether UAE-linked investments in World Liberty influenced administration decisions on advanced chips, arms sales and other policies benefiting the country.

Kessler is already scheduled to testify next week before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

There is no evidence in the rule that the UAE’s financial dealings with World Liberty influenced Commerce’s decision.

Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle and xAI would receive streamlined treatment for some controlled equipment used in UAE operations and data center projects under the new rule.

The changes could speed chip sales by reducing the need for separate export licenses, but they do not eliminate restrictions intended to prevent sensitive technology from reaching prohibited users or countries such as China.

The rule also eases controls on some military, satellite and spacecraft-related exports.

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Apple Calls OpenAI’s Hardware Business ‘Rotten To Its Core’ In Trade Secret Theft Lawsuit

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Apple is suing OpenAI and two of its former employees who currently work at the AI company, for theft of its trade secrets. In a lawsuit filed in federal court Friday, Apple alleges extensive misconduct by the company it once partnered with, describing its hardware business as “rotten to its core.”

The lawsuit also names io Products, the Jony Ive-led hardware startup acquired by OpenAI last year, as complicit in the trade secret theft. It doesn’t mention Ive by name, but described the organization as complicit in “a coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level” within OpenAI.

The filing also names Chang Liu, a former senior system electrical engineer at Apple, and Tang Yew Tan, a former Apple VP who is now OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. Apple claims that both Liu and Tan shared trade secrets with OpenAI. Liu, according to Apple’s lawyers, “surreptitiously accessed and downloaded dozens of Apple’s confidential hardware-related files, including voluminous, detailed information about unreleased products, engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data.”

Apple also claims that Tan “has directed job candidates still working for Apple to bring ‘actual parts’ from Apple to their interviews for ‘show and tell’ sessions in which he and his team at OpenAI can elicit still more Apple confidential information.” In all, Apple says that more than 400 of its former employees have taken jobs at OpenAI and that the company’s interview process if structured “to try to solicit additional confidential Apple information.”

OpenAI didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations. The company “never responded” when Apple reached out about its concerns, the lawsuit says. Drew Pusateri, OpenAI’s director of strategic communications, tweeted that the company has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets” in reaction to the suit.

Our statement in response to this suit: We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere. https://t.co/lIxGW6hyz5

— Drew Pusateri (@drewpusateri) July 10, 2026

In the filing, Apple says that it’s likely not aware of the full extent of OpenAI’s misconduct. “This much is clear, however: at every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information,” it says. “As a natural result, OpenAI’s nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets.”

The lawsuit comes as Apple is still partnering with OpenAI for Apple Intelligence. In a footnote, Apple says that its existing agreement, which allows the iPhone maker to integrate chatGPT into its devices, “is not at issue here” and that its allegations of trade secret theft have “no connection” to the arrangement.

Update, July 10, 7:30PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include a public comment from Drew Pusateri, OpenAI’s director of strategic communication.

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Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ makes history as longest-running British Number One of all time

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean‘s ‘Rein Me In’ has made history by becoming the longest-running British Number One single of all time.

The two artists officially released the collaborative version of the ‘People Watching’ track last summer, after they performed it live together at Fender’s shows in London and Newcastle.

READ MORE: Olivia Dean live in Glasgow: a new popstar’s victory lap

In May, the pair celebrated nine non-consecutive weeks at the top spot on the UK singles chart by delivering a joint rendition during Dean’s headline concert at London’s O2. The collab earned Fender his first UK Number One single, and gave Dean her second following ‘Man I Need’.

Its 35-week climb broke the previous record of 19 weeks in the UK top 40, set by Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ in 2014. Fender and Dean’s team-up bagged them the Song Of The Year award at the BRITs 2026, too.

Now, it’s been revealed that the track has spent a record-breaking 16th week at Number One in the UK. The feat sees ‘Rein Me In’ overtake Wet Wet Wet’s ‘Love Is All Around’, which held the British record for more than 30 years after spending 15 weeks at the top spot in 1994. Fender and Dean had tied with the Scottish group last week.

The single now also equals Bryan Adams’ ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ (1991) as the joint second-longest-running Number One single of all time, behind Frankie Laine’s ‘I Believe’ from 1958.

Ben Mortimer, President, Polydor Label Group, said: “From the beginning, we knew that ‘Rein Me In’ had a rare quality, so it was important to give it the space and support needed to grow.

“Watching it build has been incredibly rewarding – that kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident, it takes brilliant artists and a dedicated team.”

He added: “Breaking a record that has stood for more than 30 years is a remarkable achievement for Sam and Olivia, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part.”

Jo Charrington, President, Capitol UK, commented: “This is the duet of the decade. What Olivia and Sam have achieved with ‘Rein Me In’ is incredibly special.

“To see Olivia’s voice and artistry connect with people on this scale, alongside an artist as brilliant as Sam, has been wonderful to watch.”

Sam Fender performing at Reading 2023. Credit: Andy Ford for NME

Fender and Dean’s duet took 35 weeks from its first UK chart entry to reach Number One, breaking the record for the longest climb to the top when it first hit the summit this February.

At the time, Dean occupied three of the top four spots on the UK singles chart, with ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love)’ rising to Number Two and her previous chart-topper ‘Man I Need’ coming in at Number Four.

‘Rein Me In’ is the longest-running UK Number One of the 2020s, and the only single in UK chart history to climb back to the top position four times during the same chart run.

Olivia Dean. CREDIT: Press

As well as its 16 weeks at Number One, the track has now spent 55 consecutive weeks in the UK top 40, 28 consecutive weeks in the UK top 10, and 38 weeks in total inside the UK top 10.

These figures make it the longest consecutive top 40 run in history, the longest top 10 run in 73 years, the second-longest consecutive top 10 run ever, and the outright record-holder for the most weeks in the UK top 10 for any non-Christmas single.

The collab is also only the second single in history to spend a full calendar year in the UK top 40.

Earlier this year, Fender was the recipient of the Songwriter Of The Year award at the Ivor Novellos. Elton John presented the artist with the prize, describing him as “one of the greatest lyricists Britain has ever produced”.

Nodding to the ongoing success of ‘Rein Me In’, John joked: “The only thing I’ll say is, for Christ’s sake, you’ve been at Number One for 12 weeks now, bugger off!”

Meanwhile, Olivia Dean won the Best New Artist statue at the BET Awards last month. She cleared up at this year’s BRITs in February, with her wins including Album Of The Year for ‘The Art Of Loving’.

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Madison Square Garden Has Been Secretly Tracking Queer Musicians

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Madison Square Garden’s current on-site technology includes cameras that scan for facial recognition, allowing the arena to track every person who enters the building. But according to a recent Wired report, the historic New York City venue is keeping a far more extensive database on celebrities than previously known, with entries noting a supposed risk level, and, in some cases, an individual’s sexual orientation and racial identity. Among those listed are Phoebe Bridgers, Freddie Gibbs, and Geese’s Emily Green.

Wired journalists Noah Shachtman and Maddy Varner combed through Madison Square Garden documents that were published last month by the criminal hacker collective ShinyHunters and first covered by 404 Media. They found 39,539 entries in the Garden’s “talent” database, including politicians, athletes, business figures, and more.

Of the nearly 40,000 people in the database, 93 have been marked as “LGBTQIA,” such as Bridgers, Green, and Ricky Martin. Some celebrities’ race and gender identity were also noted, but not everyone’s was labeled. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Martin, Green, and Bridgers for comment.

Roughly 400 celebrities were also reportedly assigned a “risk” score. According to one source who spoke to Wired, Madison Square Garden’s security assigns a score if the person has “done something in the publicity world, the social media world, that has caught the attention of the wrong people.” Those deemed a “low risk” include Ice Spice, Selena Gomez, and Benson Boone, while a “medium risk” tag has been assigned to Morgan Wallen, Lily Allen, and Jadakiss. Then there’s the “high risk” label, which is used on Gibbs, Lil Jon, DaBaby, and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, among others.

Per Wired, Madison Square Garden’s security actively searches the internet and social media for anything threatening or negative said by its guests, especially celebrities and VIPs. They keep a particularly watchful eye for anything negative about James Dolan, the executive chairman and chief executive officer of Madison Square Garden Sports and Entertainment. Rap producer and longtime Knicks fan DJ Pete Rock is currently marked as “DO NOT HOST” in the database—which Rock believes is due to his call for a boycott of Dolan after former Knicks enforcer Charles Oakley was forcibly escorted from the venue. “You can’t stop me from being a Knick fan, but your controlling behavior towards people is very unprofessional,” Rock told Wired.

The surveillance practices implemented by Dolan are also enforced at his company’s other venues: The Sphere in Las Vegas and Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Madison Square Garden is currently facing several class-action lawsuits that claim this private data leak was the result of Dolan’s increasing surveillance. People whose information may have been compromised are encouraged to change their passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and contact each credit bureau to freeze their credit.

Update: In a statement shared with Pitchfork the morning of Friday, July 10, a representative for Madison Square Garden wrote “Wired’s reporting is inaccurate and false. MSG is pursuing legal remedies.”

Going Analog at Phoebe Bridgers’ Phones-Free MSG Show

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The post Madison Square Garden Has Been Secretly Tracking Queer Musicians appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

San Diego's 14th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to Honor First Responders

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

San Diegans will honor the heroes of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by first responders during the 14th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, where participants will symbolically climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers in remembrance.

SeaWorld San Diego celebrates birth of dolphin calf and sea lion pup

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

SeaWorld San Diego has welcomed a female bottlenose dolphin calf and a female California sea lion pup, both of which are thriving under the care of SeaWorld's animal specialists.

'Not Guilty' plea from Logan Heights man accused of murder

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

Jamie Lee Roberts pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the fatal shooting of a Logan Heights father of two, with the victim's family holding a car wash fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses and support his two young sons.

YMCA Gymnastics coach helps children with autism reach new milestones

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

A San Diego YMCA gymnastics coach is helping children with autism build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve milestones through a supportive and adaptive approach in an environment designed to meet their individual needs.

Tuberculosis exposure reported at CSU San Marcos, Sprinter train

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

San Diego County health officials have confirmed potential exposures to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at California State University San Marcos and on the North County Transit District Sprinter train, with short exposures not considered highly likely to cause infection.

Women who say they experienced harm from abortion pill push Blanche to settle suit on FDA policy

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:01:02 -0600

A US pro-life group urged Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche to side with states against a federal policy permitting an abortion pill to be sent by mail. The post Women who say they experienced harm from abortion pill push Blanche to settle suit on FDA policy first appeared on OSV News.

New documentary brings ‘farm boy’ martyr Blessed Stanley Rother to wider Church

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:01:02 -0600

"We need to get not just his name out there but his reputation for holiness and heroic virtue and sanctity before the people of God." The post New documentary brings ‘farm boy’ martyr Blessed Stanley Rother to wider Church first appeared on OSV News.

Netflix’s new ‘Little House on the Prairie’ show embraces family, faith

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:01:02 -0600

(OSV News) — Rebecca Sonnenshine read the first page of the “Little House on the Prairie” series as a girl to prove to her older cousin that she knew how… The post Netflix’s new ‘Little House on the Prairie’ show embraces family, faith first appeared on OSV News.

El-Obeid: Brave witness of the Sudanese Church in a city under siege

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:01:02 -0600

El-Obeid is currently under constant bombardment and drone strikes, as the paramilitary attempts to dislodge the Sudanese armed forces. The post El-Obeid: Brave witness of the Sudanese Church in a city under siege first appeared on OSV News.

Canada’s Catholics await high court decision on religious liberty and Bill 21

Bro Jim C Salonoy - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:01:02 -0600

In March, a lawsuit challenging Bill 21 was heard by the Supreme Court of Canada regarding its impact on religious freedom and equality. The post Canada’s Catholics await high court decision on religious liberty and Bill 21 first appeared on OSV News.

US tags Pax Silica initiative in Philippines as top priority — DoF

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE United States has identified its Pax Silica-related initiatives in the Philippines as one of its top priorities, with Manila looking to generate hundreds and thousands of jobs from a “generational investment,” the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, who met with US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton on July 9, noted the project’s importance to Washington.

“He expressed that on the economic side, the Pax Silica project is on top of the priority list of the Americans,” he told reporters on Friday.

Citing his talks with Mr. Lipton, the Finance chief said the US is keen to fast-track developments related to Pax Silica in the Philippines.

“If we’re going to do this, we might as well do it as fast as possible so that we can provide jobs and be a significant player in the technology of the future,” Mr. Go said.
He added that the Philippines’ inclusion in Pax Silica is expected to generate “hundreds and thousands of jobs” for Filipinos, as the country seeks to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and chips manufacturing.

“If we want to be a player in the AI industry in the future, we need to start somewhere,” he said. “This is really a great start because once you have the ecosystem, one thing leads to another.”

In April, the Philippines joined Pax Silica, a US-led initiative to secure global AI supply chains and counter China’s growing tech manufacturing sector.

As part of Pax Silica, the Manila and Washington are developing a 1,618-hectare AI-native hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is expected to attract AI and chip manufacturing investments.

“I think both sides are very excited to get this moving along, because I really believe this could be a generational type of project,” Mr. Go said.

The Philippines is one of 23 signatories under the Pax Silica, which includes Argentina, Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Go earlier said the Philippines is hoping to sign a framework agreement under the Pax Silica initiative before the year ends.

Teodoro seeks higher defense spending to bolster maritime security

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Friday that the Philippines should increase defense spending to between 2% to 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) to strengthen its military capabilities and maritime security, as the government prepares to expand maritime patrols and receive additional defense assets.

Mr. Teodoro said that the government would need to realign its budget to support higher defense spending, noting that resources are finite.

“We definitely need to realign,” he told reporters on the sideline of the Stratbase Institute conference, “More for one means less for another.”

Asked if where the funding can get, he said, “It is up to somebody, all I’m saying is we need to increase.”

Mr. Teodoro also confirmed that the planned transfer of five Japanese warships has been accepted “in principle” and is being worked out, although he declined to provide a timeline.

He said that the vessels would be transferred at no costs, but the Philippines would shoulder expenses for transport, crew training and system integration, as well as invest in new naval facilities to support future acquisitions.

Mr. Teodoro also backed calls for a stronger response to China’s latest claims involving Batanes, saying that the country’s pushback should be firm as such assertions violate international law and Philippine sovereignty.

“Naturally, our pushback should be strong because, number one, this is not only a violation of international law… it is also a violation of the normal thinking of the people,” Mr. Teodoro said.

Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, meanwhile, challenged China to bring its reported claim over the Batanes Islands before an international court, saying Beijing should prove its assertions through legal channels instead of public statements.

“My challenge to China is why don’t they bring that issue to the International Court of Justice that they own the Batanes Island,” Mr. Carpio told reporters.

“Go ahead, bring a case in the International Court of Justice. We will meet there. We will abide by the ruling,” he added.

Meanwhile, Batanes Rep. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr. rejected the claims, calling the assertions an affront to Philippine sovereignty and the identity of the Ivatan people.

“Batanes is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The Ivatans are Filipinos,” Mr. Gato said in a statement on Friday, “We treat any insinuation that seeks to question or undermine the absolute sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines over our islands with utmost gravity.”

Adding, “Any challenge to our statues is not merely a geopolitical provocation; it is an affront to our identity that we will not tolerate.”

The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comments.

Meanwhile, Mr. Teodoro said that the Philippines should leverage its growing defense partnerships to deepen economic and political ties with like-minded countries, arguing that security cooperation alone would not be enough to sustain the country’s long-term strategic objectives.

“These defense alliances will not be sustainable if these are strictly defense alliances, but should be the foundations for more extensive economic and, at the end of the day, political relations,” he said at the Stratbase Institute conference marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Mr. Teodoro said that the government is shifting its defense strategy from one centered on internal security and land-based operations to a multi-domain approach that includes the country’s exclusive economic zone, the Philippine Rise and other maritime areas under Philippine jurisdiction.

He said that the review of the country’s defense posture identified significant gaps in infrastructure, logistics, defense industries, and military capabilities, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

The defense secretary also called for stronger cooperation among government, businesses, and civil society in building a credible deterrence, saying that the country’s security depends not only on military spending but also on resilient supply chains, telecommunications networks, critical infrastructure, and strategic industries.

“Without that commitment, then we cannot build a credible deterrence posture, which at the end of the day is necessary for us to assert our rights,” Mr. Teodoro said.

He also described the 2016 arbitral award as a catalyst for the Philippines’ shift toward external defense, saying the ruling has strengthened international support for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

“It is not an award for the Philippines, it is an award for the world because it institutes the primacy of UNCLOS and guards it against revisionist attempts,” he said.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said that the military’s experience over the past decade has shown that the Philippines must continuously exercise the rights affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling.

“Rights endure only when they are exercised,” Mr. Brawner said, adding that the ruling provides a strong legal foundation that must remain meaningful “not only in legal discourse but also in our actions.”

He said that the AFP’s objective is to prevent conflict through credible deterrence posture.

“Credible deterrence is much more than military hardware,” Mr. Brawner said, “It is built through capable forces, operational readiness, trusted partnerships, resilient institutions, and above all, the national resolve to stand firm in defense of what is rightfully ours.”

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a sustained presence in the West Philippine Sea, saying every patrol, resupply mission, and joint exercise reinforce the country’s sovereign rights. — Pexcel John Bacon

UP backs rental housing project amid demolition, displacement concerns

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday said construction of its ‘low-cost’ rental housing project will begin later this year despite residents’ concerns over displacement and demolition.

“The University has a legal duty to protect and utilize its land for the UP community,” the academic institution said in a statement.

“UP can not turn a blind eye to the substandard living conditions in its own backyard – it is morally bound to help its most vulnerable community members,” it added.

Tensions sparked at Pook Malantic in Barangay UP Campus, UP Diliman, on Wednesday after residents formed a human barricade out of fear of demolition, preventing a private truck and security personnel from entering the community.

The university clarified that no house demolitions were ordered that day and that it intended only to fence the perimeter of the on-site transition housing area.

“UP is indisputably the owner of the land on which rental housing will be provided to UP staff and ISF (informal settler families),” the institution said. “The courts have affirmed many times that UP owns the land in its Diliman campus.”

UP is also committed to providing ‘secure’ and ‘dignified’ shelter to at least 26 ISFs who may be affected by the construction of its housing project. “With on-site relocation, no ISFs will be displaced from their community,” it added.

The UP Southern Diliman Gardens Rental Housing Project is a socialized rental housing project under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. It is one of the flagship housing components envisioned for the UP Sustainable Development Goals Park.

The project comprises eight walk-up buildings totaling about 1,000 housing units, each measuring 27 square meters. It targets construction completion in 2027.

The rental housing initiative will be undertaken by Megawide Construction, the contractor for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“UP’s rental housing initiative is specifically designed to provide affordable, decent, secure, and accessible shelter for UP staff and ISFs,” the university said. “Protecting them from displacement or exploitation by individuals or groups falsely claiming ownership of or control over UP land.”

“Beyond housing, UP has committed to providing livelihood training and support, sustainable communal urban farming, education and university readiness programs, and other initiatives for the welfare of community members,” it added.

UP earlier unveiled the model unit for its pilot rental housing project that is expected to benefit over 3,000 individuals. Apart from the Diliman campus, DHSUD is also implementing a rental housing project for UP-Los Baños. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Philippines’ net FDI inflows plunge to near 10-year low in April

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.
Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

FOUR-MONTH FDI DOWN
In the four months to April, the country’s FDI net inflows totaled $1.968 billion, falling by 26.5% from the $2.675 billion in the same period last year.

This was the 15th consecutive month that the cumulative FDI level dropped year on year.

“The decline was driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in foreign net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings),” the BSP said in a statement.

BSP data showed nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments sank by 40.3% to $1.218 billion in the January-to-April period from $2.042 billion the previous year.

Reinvestment of earnings, on the other hand, dropped by an annual 14% to $285 million in April from $332 million a year ago.

However, net equity capital investments excluding reinvested earnings surged by 53.7% to $464 million as of April from $302 million a year ago.

This as equity capital placements edged up by 3.3% to $526 million from $509 million, with bulk of the flows coming from Japan, the United States, and Singapore.

“These were channeled largely into the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries,” the BSP added.

At the same time, withdrawals plunged by 70.5% to $61 million in April from $207 million a year ago.

Investments in equity and investment fund shares also climbed by 18.3% to $750 million during the period from $634 million last year.

According to Mr. Asuncion, the Philippines may continue to see subdued foreign investment flows over the near term, with recovery expected as the global financial climate and domestic growth improve.

“That said, while FDI may remain soft in the near term, we do not expect a sustained collapse in inflows,” he said, noting gains from long-term investment fundamentals, enhanced infrastructure, ongoing investment liberalization measures, and growth opportunities across multiple sectors.

“As global financial conditions stabilize and domestic growth gains traction, we expect FDI inflows to gradually recover, although the pace will likely remain uneven given the lingering uncertainties in the global economy,” Mr. Asuncion added.

FDIs refer to cross-border investments in which a nonresident investor holds at least 10% equity in a resident enterprise. These may take the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and intercompany borrowings.

The BSP’s FDI data reflect actual investment flows. This differs from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s approved foreign investment data, which represent investment commitments that may not necessarily be realized within the reference period.

The central bank sees FDI net inflows falling to a total of $7 billion this year from the estimated $7.8 billion recorded in 2025.

DepEd tightens LGU classroom construction monitoring

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it has strengthened its project monitoring framework as it partners with 168 local government units (LGUs) to construct classrooms nationwide.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure these classrooms are built with efficiency and transparency as this infrastructure is the bedrock of a quality learning environment,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release.

“We will continue to hold our partners and our internal systems to the highest level of accountability to ensure these projects remain on track,” he added.

According to the agency, 72 provinces, 73 cities, and 23 municipalities have signed Supplemental Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) for the localized classroom building program.

The enhanced monitoring framework aims to ensure that local infrastructure projects align with national timelines, digital validation, and strict quality protocols. All LGU-implemented projects are ordered to strictly adhere to DepEd’s technical standards, safety protocols, and the New Government Procurement Act.

DepEd said that 130 of the 149 monitored LGUs are currently conducting pre-procurement activities, including pre-bidding, posting, opening of bids, preparation of the Program of Work (POW) and Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED), and market scoping. These activities cover construction requirements for 358 schools nationwide.

Three LGUs have also advanced to the procurement award stage for 22 school sites.

The agency noted that it continues to use INSIGHTED, a real-time digital validation and monitoring system, to track construction progress and monitor the remaining LGUs.

“Our goal is not merely to construct buildings, but to ensure that every peso spent translates into quality and safe classrooms for our learners,” Mr. Angara said in Filipino.

“Under the directive of President Marcos, we continue to strengthen monitoring to ensure that every project meets our high standards,” he added.

The localized classroom construction program complements the agency’s other infrastructure initiatives to address the current classroom gap of over 144,000.

DepEd has allocated P65.9 billion from its P1.015-trillion 2026 budget for the construction of 24,964 new classrooms, and P7.7 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of 11,886 classrooms. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Disturbing details in Ramona double murder involving US Navy Sailor

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:39:02 -0600

Ryan Wesley Proffitt pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend Courtney Chandler and Nicholas McClure, who was allegedly shot after a confrontation between the three at a military housing complex in Ramona.

San Diegans take precautions during summer warm-up

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:27:03 -0600

San Diego County officials are warning people to take extra precautions during the summer warm-up, as extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, exhaustion, and death, and pet owners are advised to take pets on walks in the early mornings or evenings and check pavement temperatures.

Big Brother Season 28 Spoilers: First Head of Household Revealed Before Premiere

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

Well, this is a new one.

Big Brother Season 28 hasn’t even premiered yet, and spoilers are already escaping from the most famous house on television.

Hours before Big Brother Season 28 Episode 1 airs, the first Head of Household of the summer has reportedly already been crowned.

(Diana King/CBS )

Survivor alum Dee Valladares is the first Head of Household of the season.

@Hamsterwatch shared the update on Thursday afternoon on X.

Considering Dee was a competition beast during her time on Survivor, it’s no surprise that she would translate well to the Big Brother house.

The most surprising part of this spoiler is that CBS hasn’t even confirmed Dee is part of the Big Brother Season 28 cast.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Shortly after the 14 houseguests were revealed earlier this week, rumors surfaced that polarizing Big Brother Season 26 contestant Angela Murray had joined the cast alongside Survivor standout Rick Devens.

With the season not yet underway and the live feeds still offline, we don’t know exactly how the reality TV veterans will factor into the game.

Big Brother Has a Habit of Bringing Back Players

Last season, Rachel Reilly returned as part of a twist, so it’s widely believed that the “Time Trip” theme will explain why some familiar faces are entering the house.

It could be that only Angela, Dee, and Rick competed for the first Head of Household win, or it’s possible the other houseguests threw the competition to a veteran player.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

Either way, Dee immediately enters the game with a major advantage.

Dee was part of one of the most dominant alliances in Survivor history, and I don’t expect her to have much trouble building relationships and finding allies inside the Big Brother house.

The bigger question is whether she’ll want to work with Angela.

Angela remains one of the most controversial faces of modern Big Brother.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

The reaction to her rumored casting alone proves that fans still have strong opinions about her return.

Some viewers love the chaotic energy she brings, while others are already dreading another unpredictable summer.

It will be fascinating to see how Angela adapts to a return season as she navigates relationships with 14 new houseguests and two Survivor legends.

The biggest question is whether these reality TV veterans can coexist or whether their personalities will collide before the game even gets going.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

Because if Dee and Angela end up on opposite sides, Big Brother Season 28 could have fireworks from the very beginning.

Looking ahead to Big Brother Season 28 Episode 1, it’s expected that Dee won’t be a part of the opening episode.

Earlier reports this week indicated that Dee’s participation will only be revealed on Friday evening on Big Brother: Unlocked, right before the live feeds open.

It’s certainly surprising that CBS didn’t just expand the premiere to feature every contestant, since everyone is finding out the spoilers anyway before the episodes air!

What are your thoughts on these first spoilers from the Big Brother house? Are you excited about Dee potentially steamrolling another CBS hit?

Hit the comments.

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

Big Brother Season 28 hasn’t even premiered, but the first Head of Household winner has already been spoiled. Get the details!
Reality TV shows like Big Brother recycling players is a big problem. Repeat players are becoming the new norm, and we’re frustrated!
Big Brother has finally unveiled the cast of Season 28, and you better believe we have some thoughts. Let’s discuss!

Read the original article here

The post Big Brother Season 28 Spoilers: First Head of Household Revealed Before Premiere appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

How Trump transformed NATO’s extraordinary 48 hours

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

For 48 hours in Ankara, Turkey, it felt as though the world was moving on Donald Trump’s timetable.

Markets lurched. NATO allies braced for confrontation. Ukraine searched for reassurance. Iran threatened to upend the agenda. One moment, leaders were preparing for diplomatic crisis; the next, they were describing a “love-in” with the very president many had feared would leave the alliance more divided than ever.

I’ve covered hundreds of major international events over my 25 years at CNBC — G7, G8 and G20 summits, OPEC meetings, climate conferences and multiple trips to Ukraine. But I’ve never witnessed such dramatic reversals of fortune, affecting so many global players, compressed into just 48 hours.

The NATO Summit wasn’t simply another diplomatic gathering. It became a real-time demonstration of how quickly the geopolitical landscape can shift when President Trump is at the center of it.

While major summits involving the U.S. inevitably revolve around Washington, this one felt different. It revolved not just around one country, but also around one individual.

Think about everything that was in play. Iran. Russia’s war in Ukraine. Greenland. European security. Spain’s refusal to meet NATO’s military spending targets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s uncertain standing with Washington. Every major issue seemed to converge on one summit — and every one of them ultimately revolved around the U.S. president.

To recount, every European NATO member — plus Canada — was effectively on trial coming into this gathering. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had again been aggressively criticizing NATO for its lack of support over Iran and for failing to spend anywhere near enough money on its own security.

In addition, the president took aim at Denmark yet again over its refusal to hand over Greenland for the greater good — whose greater good being a mildly contentious point — and, of course, Spain was getting both barrels for being even worse than the other 30 NATO partners in its military spending.

Zelenskyy was in town, once again to drum up NATO support. And let’s be honest, he never really knows what kind of reception he’s going to get from the Leader of the Free World.

Then came the absolute bombshell from Mr. Trump that he was done with dealing with the Iranians, done with the memorandum of understanding and the ceasefire. Markets went south and oil went north.

At that point, the summit appeared to be heading toward confrontation.

And yet, then the optics changed on a dime. The mood changed just like that, and suddenly love was in the air.

Even before the big final Trump press conference, world leaders were telling me in quiet asides that the meeting with Trump had gone brilliantly, that he had been very happy, that he had listened — actually listened — to every leader in the big closed-door confab and had left in a good mood.

Hang on, was this the same Donald Trump who had been berating partners only hours earlier?

Yes, apparently so.

I wasn’t so sure, but I heard it myself from the horse’s mouth only hours later when, in front of a thousand journalists at his summit-closing press conference, the U.S. president confirmed the love-in was real.

Standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Hegseth and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the president spoke of the “tremendous love in the room” during the leaders’ meeting. “The unity was amazing,” he said. “The love was pretty wild.”

It was a remarkable turnaround from the public criticism Trump had directed at many of those same allies only hours earlier.

CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick speaks with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

Michael Green

The summit produced some clear winners and losers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emerged stronger after hosting a smooth summit and appeared to move closer to securing U.S. approval for F-35 fighter jets.

Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, kept up the praise for Trump and, in doing so, helped keep the U.S. engaged with NATO, at least for now. Spain and Denmark, despite early assaults, came away without any major rebuke from the U.S. in Trump’s closing press conference.

Another big winner must be Zelenskyy, who appears to have risen in the U.S. president’s estimation as Ukraine has stabilized the battlefield and taken the fight deep into Russia despite the odds. The Ukrainian leader may even have secured a deal to produce Patriot missile systems — something Kyiv has long viewed as a priority.

Losers? Well, clearly Putin would have been unhappy with both the show of unity from NATO, its huge progress on defense spending and Ukraine’s warmer reception from Trump.

And Iran? Well, that remains the big unknown.

I asked the U.S. president directly when I got the chance to fire a question at him: “What happens next if you really have given up on the ceasefire?”

His answer, I’m afraid, was opaque. He simply returned to the point that Iran would never have a nuclear weapon on his watch.

And perhaps that’s the lasting takeaway from these extraordinary 48 hours.

The atmosphere inside NATO changed dramatically over the course of the summit, but the biggest questions remain unanswered. What happens next with Iran? Can the improved mood between Trump and NATO allies last beyond this meeting? And what does it ultimately mean for Ukraine?

Those questions matter far more than the political theater. But if this summit demonstrated anything, it is how quickly the geopolitical landscape can shift when Donald Trump is at the center of it. Allies, adversaries and markets alike are learning to adjust in real time.

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Days After Announcing Mass Layoffs, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Tapped To Advise The Federal Reserve On Jobs

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

Pabradyphoto/Getty Images

The US Federal Reserve has announced the industry leaders who will head up its various task forces guiding monetary policies. The country’s central bank has made some baffling appointments to its productivity and jobs team, which will “Assess the economic impact of new general-purpose technologies, including artificial intelligence, to inform the Federal Reserve’s policy judgments.”

One of the advisors will be new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. After moving to gaming from Microsoft’s Core AI group, in the first few months of her tenure, she’s overseen yet another price hike for the gaming hardware and most recently announced to the company that it would be cutting 3,200 jobs across its studios. Microsoft has been gutting its staff across many divisions for awhile, so this isn’t a new policy she’s personally brought in. But the timing here could not be worse, especially as so much of the game industry is struggling to keep people employed and to figure out a responsible way to use AI.

Joining her in this strange advisory trio are Marc Andreessen, who doesn’t have the best track record on talking intelligently about AI, and Charles I. Jones, a Stanford University economics professor who is currently on leave to work at the Anthropic Institute. Jones aside, it’s not necessarily the most reassuring group when it comes to being critical of artificial intelligence and the job market.

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The Last Dinner Party share “final tale from ‘The Pyre'” with new single ‘Knocking At The Sky’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

The Last Dinner Party have shared a new single, ‘Knocking At The Sky’ – you can listen to it below.

The song appears on the deluxe edition of the London band’s second and latest album, 2025’s ‘From The Pyre’, which was released today (Thursday July 9).

Abigail Morris and co. debuted the track at London’s O2 Academy Brixton last December, and have since made it a regular fixture of their setlist. They most recently performed it at Mad Cool in Madrid last night (Wednesday July 8).

“‘Knocking At The Sky’ is the final tale from The Pyre. After creating an album about storytelling and worldbuilding, we thought it apt to end this act with a story set in the sinister mythworld itself: Los Angeles,” explained The Last Dinner Party.

“Hollywood is the ultimate fairytale; the stakes are at surreal heights, the landscape is unruly and plastic and its populated with a cast of Grimm characters all striving and struggling at the centre of their own hero’s journey.”

The single was the last song The Last Dinner Party recorded with Animesh Raval at Crouch End’s Church Studios. It is accompanied by a music video shot with director Sinclair Bryant in the band’s ersatz LA, as an homage to classic cinema.

“The visuals pay tribute to the sirens of Hollywood noir, the scream queens of slashers and skin flicks, and the underground world of John Waters,” a description adds.

‘From The Pyre (Deluxe Edition)’ also features the 2026 single ‘Big Dog’ and its accompanying spoken word piece, ‘Come All You Beasts’. Listen in full here.

Last weekend saw The Last Dinner Party open for Wolf Alice at their huge Finsbury Park show in London.

They’ll appear at Latitude and Wilderness this summer as part of their current UK and European festival run, before supporting both Sombr and Olivia Rodrigo in the US later this year and into 2027.

Reviewing TLDP’s slot at Mad Cool last night, NME wrote: “It left fans hungry for more, hopeful that their next course might be somewhat meatier.”

NME described the original ‘From The Pyre’ album as “a darker, more accomplished return” in a four-star review, concluding: “It’s still as deliciously dramatic as [2024 debut] ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’, fleshing out their world more and more with daring, dashing songs of true depth.”

The group later told us that their latest full-length effort was an “end of the world” album of sorts. Frontwoman Abigail Morris explained that the record examined “the surreal, simultaneously euphoric and destructive feeling of being in this band and everything we experienced over the last 18 months”.

Meanwhile, Morris recently joined forces with Lucia & The Best Boys on the single ‘Big Romance’. Earlier this year, The Last Dinner Party contributed to the star-studded ‘Help(2)’ charity album for War Child with the song ‘Let’s Do It Again!’.

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Watch ANOHNI Cover Selena and Lou Reed for Balenciaga

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

On Wednesday, July 8, the fashion house Balenciaga presented it’s latest haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week, the first designed by freshly-appointed creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. But Piccioli’s garments weren’t the only new pieces of art revealed on the catwalk. The runway sountrack featured a recorded performance by ANOHNI, who covered verses from the late Selena’s “I Could Fall In Love” and Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” before seguing into three of her original songs: “Miracle Now,” “My Lord My Love,“ and “Hope There’s Someone.” Listen—and watch the show—below.

ANOHNI and the Johnsons released their most recent album, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, in 2023. In 2024, the group also shared a standalone song, “Breaking,” produced during the same sessions for that LP. More recently, ANOHNI appeared on the November 2024 Red Hot Organization benefit compilation Transa, contributing a cover of SOPHIE’s “Is It Cold In The Water?” with Moses Sumney.

Read more about ANOHNI in The 200 Most Important Artists of Pitchfork’s First 25 Years.

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Jury finds Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder in Maya's death

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

After nearly two months of testimony and evidence, the 12-member jury found Larry Millete guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Maya, who disappeared in early 2021.

Early warning system for coastal bluff collapses shows promise

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a system to detect potential coastal bluff collapses before they occur, potentially allowing officials to take action to prevent injuries or fatalities.

Deadline for Trump to sign landmark housing bill coming to a close

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed in the House and Senate and is awaiting President Trump's signature, which would accelerate affordable housing programs and provide benefits to veterans in San Diego County.

California starts statewide marine biodiversity documentation in San Diego

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Marine scientists from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography and other organizations have begun a multi-year project to document and catalog invertebrates and algae found in California's intertidal zones, starting in San Diego.

Rare spotted skunks released after rehabilitation in San Diego

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Four rare western spotted skunks have been released into the wild after weeks of rehabilitation at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center, with two more to be released once they are ready.

Looking Calm When Fashion Under Pressure.