marriage

AS interracial marriage becomes more accepted and common nationally, California stands out. According to PEW, the state exceeds the national average of 17% of newlyweds being interracial couples, while the number of cross-cultural couples is also steadily growing, especially among Hispanics and Asians.

What explains these trends?

California is notably diverse: It’s no coincidence that two of the largest populations in the majority-nonwhite state are Hispanic (39.4%) and Asian (15.1%). But demographics alone do not fully reflect the complexity of interracial marriage in the US, which is closely tied to immigration policy, racial classification, and a centuries-long history of anti-miscegenation laws that were only fully overturned in 1967.

Historically, California has played a particularly consequential role in the legalization—and restriction—of interracial

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments will no longer be free once the Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires on Jan. 11, even as the U.S. faces down a more infectious new subvariant XBB 1.5.

The new subvariant accounts for 75% of new infections on the East Coast and 40% of new cases in the country overall. Moreover, the XBB 1.5 subvariant contains five new mutations not found on Omicron, on which the current vaccine boosters are based. “It can evade antibodies better and infect human lung tissue easier than earlier strains,” said Dr. Ben Neuman, Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M, at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing Jan. 6.

Also speaking at the briefing were Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at Watts Healthcare, who stressed the importance of continuing to get vaccinated, boosted, and

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 9 pledged to further improve the country's transport system as he led the launch of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) tunnel boring machine in Valenzuela City.

The President said there are "better days ahead," as his administration will continue to implement big-tick- et infrastructure projects to spur economic development and create employment opportunities.

He gave assurances that projects planned and started by the previous administration will be continued and finished.

"We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation systems as well as pursue more projects in the years to come, so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce, recreation and other vital areas," Marcos said.

"Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy and our society; it will also bring comfort, convenience and an easier life for all," he added.

The MMSP was one of the ambitious undertakings green-lighted by former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose Contract Package 101  PAGE 2