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BIZ BUZZ: Antonios go to Washington

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BIZ BUZZ: Antonios go to Washington


Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated—again—as the president of the United States on Jan. 20 in Washington.

Among those who will witness his return to power as the 47th president of the world’s largest economy are some of his old friends from the Philippines.

We’re talking about Century Properties Group founder and chair Jose EB Antonio and his wife, Hilda.

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Going with them is their third son, Jose Roberto, who had just been appointed managing director of the J. Antonio Group Inc. in charge of resort-related projects.

It may be recalled that the Trumps and the Antonios struck up a friendship decades ago in New York when Trump was more known as a property developer, just like the Antonios. Some of their children also went to business school together.

And then, the Antonios also brought the Trump brand into one of the office buildings in its Century City development in Makati City.

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But the elder Antonio will be there not just as a personal friend invited by the Trumps to attend the inauguration but also to represent President Marcos as his ambassador-at-large tasked with inviting more investments into the Philippines.

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With a friend in the White House, the Antonios are confident that more investments as well as visitors will flow toward the Philippines. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

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Clark hits the Belle’s eye

In July 2024, Belle Corp. gave us a teaser about applying for a gaming license from “government regulators.”

Despite the rumor mill running wild that the gaming-focused investment firms of delisted subsidiary Premium Leisure Corp. had plans to conquer Clark, Belle opted to keep quiet.

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Nearly half a year later, Belle hailed Clark as “the next gaming and tourism hub” and confirmed that they had, indeed, applied for a gaming license specifically to develop an integrated resort in the former American air base.

Belle president and CEO Armin Raquel Santos likewise expressed optimism on his company’s growth prospects, “and bullish on the Philippine gaming market and its resilience despite industry headwinds.”

”Belle, through its gaming subsidiaries, continues to explore and pursue related ventures and high-growth opportunities in the gaming space that will enhance shareholder value while delivering its commitments to all stakeholders,” the company quoted Santos as saying.

Though much still remains unsaid about Belle’s plans for Clark, it is clear that the gaming industry is still attractive despite some weakness and hiccups—Bloomberry Corp.’s earnings, for instance, and Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s long-stalled Cebu casino project.

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Let’s see if Belle will go against the odds. —Meg J. Adonis

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Washington

Washington faces Utah, aims to stop 16-game skid

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Washington faces Utah, aims to stop 16-game skid


Washington Wizards (16-55, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (21-51, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Washington heads into the matchup with Utah after losing 16 in a row.

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The Jazz have gone 13-24 in home games. Utah ranks second in the Western Conference with 16.6 fast break points per game led by Lauri Markkanen averaging 3.3.

The Wizards are 5-29 in road games. Washington is 9-10 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 15.3 turnovers per game.

The Jazz score 117.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 124.1 the Wizards give up. The Wizards’ 46.1% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.9 percentage points lower than the Jazz have allowed to their opponents (49.0%).

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Jazz won the last meeting 122-112 on March 6, with Ace Bailey scoring 32 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Filipowski is averaging 10.5 points and 6.9 rebounds for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 19.9 points over the last 10 games.

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Alex Sarr is averaging 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and two blocks for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 14.4 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 116.4 points, 43.3 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points per game.

Wizards: 0-10, averaging 114.3 points, 37.4 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 6.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.6 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (hip), Isaiah Collier: out (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), Cody Williams: out (shoulder), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Wizards: Anthony Davis: out (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (back), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Alex Sarr: day to day (toe), Tre Johnson: day to day (foot), Kyshawn George: out (elbow), D’Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out (quad).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



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Washington sues USDA, alleging billions in funds illegally withheld

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Washington sues USDA, alleging billions in funds illegally withheld


Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging the federal agency is illegally withholding billions of dollars in funding and attempting to force states into compliance with unlawful demands.

The complaint, filed as part of a multistate effort, argues the USDA has threatened to cut off critical funding tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, unless states agree to federal conditions that exceed the agency’s authority, according to the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

Other critical programs that would be affected include the school lunch program; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and the Volunteer Fire Capacity Program.

Brown’s office said the funding at stake supports the administration of SNAP, a federally funded, state-run program that provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. Washington alone receives about $129.5 million annually to administer the program, and disruptions could have “catastrophic” consequences for residents who rely on it, according to the attorney general’s office.

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In the lawsuit, the state alleges the USDA is effectively holding those funds “hostage” to compel states to comply with federal directives, including demands tied to program data and administration, according to the complaint and accompanying news release from Brown’s office.

The legal challenge contends the USDA’s actions violate federal law, including constitutional limits and statutory authority governing the SNAP program. The coalition of states argues the federal government cannot condition funding on requirements that were not authorized by Congress, according to the complaint.

Brown said the lawsuit is aimed at protecting both funding and the people who depend on it.

“The rule of law is on our side,” Brown said in a statement, adding that the state is seeking to ensure continued support for vulnerable residents and prevent federal overreach.

According to the attorney general’s office, SNAP serves as a key safety net nationwide, delivering billions of dollars in food assistance. States administer the program but rely on federal funding to operate it.

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The lawsuit asks the court to declare the USDA’s actions unlawful and block the agency from withholding funds or imposing conditions the states argue are illegal.

The case is the latest in a series of legal challenges involving SNAP, as states push back on what they describe as unprecedented federal demands tied to the program’s operation and funding, according to the Washington attorney general’s office.



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Washington Nationals acquire infielder Jorbit Vivas

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Washington Nationals acquire infielder Jorbit Vivas


The Washington Nationals acquired infielder Jorbit Vivas from the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Sean Paul Liñan on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni made the announcement.
Vivas, 25, hit .270 with 21 doubles, a triple, four home runs, 43 RBI, 64 walks, 12 stolen



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