PR in the Philippines

The Met Gala, a highly anticipated fashion event, is fast approaching. All eyes will be fixed on the celebrities making their grand entrance into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing their unique styles. Over time, the gala has grown significantly. While its primary function is to raise funds for the museum's Costume Institute, it has also achieved iconic status. Each year, anticipation builds as the world eagerly awaits the guest list and a glimpse of the extravagant outfits. Here's a preview of what to expect at the 2025 celebration of fashion, art and celebrity. When is the 2025 Met Gala? How can I watch? Mark your calendars! The 2025 Met Gala will be held on Monday, May 5th, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. For those who can't attend in person, a live stream will be available on Vogue's website and social media channels. The exhibition linked to the Met Gala will be open to the public from May 10th to October 26th, 2025. What is the theme and who decides it? Andrew Bolton, the head curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has chosen this year's theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” the exhibition will highlight the development of tailoring and Black style. It’s the first time since 2003 ("Men in Skirts") that the Met Gala is spotlighting menswear. Miller, a professor of Africana studies at Barnard College, also contributed to the exhibition. Given that her award-winning book explores 300 years of Afrodiasporic history, the possibilities for fashion at the Met Gala are extensive. In an announcement about the theme, Miller stated, "Dandyism may appear superficial, but it often challenges or transcends social and cultural norms. It raises questions about identity, representation, and mobility in relation to race, class, gender, sexuality, and power. The exhibition will explore this concept as both a statement and an incitement." What does that mean for the dress code? This year's Met Gala dress code is "Tailored for You," emphasizing menswear and suit tailoring as primary sources of inspiration. The "for you" element is intentionally broad, encouraging individual expression, style, and creative freedom. Who are the co-chairs hosting this year’s gala? As has been the case since 1995 (with two exceptions), Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue and a Costume Institute trustee, will co-chair the Met Gala. Wintour's influence has been instrumental in transforming the annual benefit into the star-studded extravaganza it is today. Wintour will be joined by co-chairs Colman Domingo (actor), Lewis Hamilton (race car driver), A$AP Rocky (rapper), and Pharrell Williams (singer-songwriter). Williams also currently serves as the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. Lebron James will serve as honorary chair, although the Met Gala coincides with the NBA playoffs. If James’ Los Angeles Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals, which overlap with the gala, he may be unable to attend. The gala is also reinstating its "Host Committee" tradition, composed of artists who support the event. This year's committee includes André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Edward Enninful, Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Rashid Johnson, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tyla, Usher, and Kara Walker. Who is expected to attend? The guest list for the Met Gala remains a closely guarded secret until the night of the event when the celebrities emerge on the red carpet. Attendance is by invitation only, with individual tickets previously costing $30,000. ```

Mahmoud Khalil, detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana, was unable to be with his wife when she gave birth to their son on Monday, despite being over a thousand miles away. His request for temporary release was denied, leading experts to point to a possible pattern of using family separation as a tactic against certain groups. Dr. Noor Abdalla expressed her distress in a statement released on the day of her son's birth, stating that ICE deliberately caused suffering to her, Mahmoud, and their child. She lamented that her son should not have to experience his first days without his father. Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student involved with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, was taken into custody on March 8 after participating in protests on campus against the Gaza war. His ICE detention has made his deportation case a key focus during the new Trump administration. Advocates argue that preventing Khalil from witnessing his son's birth is reminiscent of the cruel family separation policies of Trump's previous term. Khalil's situation is reminiscent of past family separation policies that sparked controversy during Trump's first term, and appears to align with his history of antagonism towards Muslims, according to observers. Trump's "zero tolerance" border policy at the Mexican border in 2018 followed his 2017 implementation of a "travel ban," a set of policies and executive orders that restricted families from seven predominantly Muslim countries from reuniting in the U.S., among other things. Yasmine Taeb, a human rights lawyer and progressive strategist who worked to overturn the 2017 travel bans, asserts that family separation is a cruel tactic employed by the Trump administration in both of his terms. She suggests that Mahmoud Khalil's placement in a detention center far from his support network, including his wife and newborn, was deliberate. Taeb highlighted other similar cases, including that of Rumeysa Öztürk, a Turkish national and Fulbright scholar at Tufts University, who was arrested by ICE agents on March 25, 2025, after her student visa was revoked due to her participation in pro-Palestinian activism, specifically co-authoring an op-ed in Tufts’ student newspaper, according to the U.S. State Department. Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and student at Columbia University, was detained by ICE on April 14, 2025, during his naturalization interview in Colchester, Vermont. Mahdawi, who had organized pro-Palestinian protests, became a legal permanent resident in 2015. Taeb emphasized the alarming nature of targeting Mahmoud, Mohsen, Rumeysa, and other students for their advocacy of Palestinian rights. The Trump Administration has consistently linked pro-Palestinian activism with anti-semitism, a connection challenged by both the and those protesting Israel's actions in the Gaza war. The conflict began with the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages. Israel's retaliatory measures have caused more than 50,000 deaths, primarily civilians, as reported by Hamas-controlled Palestinian health authorities, whose figures are considered reliable by the U.S. and U.N. Muslims in the U.S. are concerned not only about being scapegoated but also about the potential consequences. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, numerous Muslim, Arab, and South Asian men were , some under conditions later as "unduly harsh" by the Department of Justice. Many families were left without information about their loved ones for extended periods, compounded by communication that hindered contact through phone, mail, or visits. Beyond the political implications, family separation has profound , according to mental health experts. Muna Egeh, a supervised intern psychotherapist at Ruh Care, an online therapy service focused on Muslim clients, describes being separated from one's newborn child due to systemic barriers as a unique form of heartbreak. She emphasizes that Mahmoud Khalil's situation is not solely about immigration policy, but also about missing a significant life event. The emotional consequences of such a separation can be long-lasting for both the parent and the child. In Khalil's case, immigration authorities had the option to grant temporary humanitarian release for circumstances like childbirth but chose not to do so. Baher Azmy, Legal Director of the Center of Constitutional Rights and Khalil's attorney, condemned ICE's cruelty, calling their refusal to allow Mahmoud and Noor to support each other during this crucial moment an extension of their vindictive decision to arrest and deport him. He believes that Mahmoud's and his family's humanity will ultimately be remembered. Dr. Abdalla directly attributes her family's separation to Khalil's political activism, stating that ICE and the Trump administration have taken away these important moments to silence his support for Palestinian freedom. Civil liberties organizations have expressed regarding the impact on protected speech. Trump in a White House fact sheet "to all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before." For Dr. Abdalla, the priority is reuniting her family. She pledges to continue fighting for Mahmoud's return home and expresses her belief that when he is free, he will teach their son to be brave, thoughtful, and compassionate, like himself. ```

A wave of distraction is sweeping through classrooms nationwide, with constant notifications from smartphones and apps, particularly social media, diverting students' attention from teachers and their peers. As the CEO of Pinterest and a long-time tech executive, I am keenly aware of how algorithms often prioritize keeping users glued to their screens. As a parent, I also see how these apps can be more addictive than beneficial, which can negatively affect students' focus both in and out of the classroom. Smartphones have their place, but it's not during class time. Numerous studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive screen time. Children and adolescents who spend hours on social media via their phones are more prone to anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. The constant allure of smartphones presents a challenge for teachers and parents. However, this situation can be changed. Across the nation, state and local authorities are actively addressing this issue by introducing or deliberating on legislation aimed at limiting phone usage in schools. Public sentiment also aligns with this strategy. A majority supports prohibiting middle and high school students from using cellphones during class. Furthermore, a significant percentage express a preference against their child owning a smartphone before high school. As more schools implement phone-free policies, there is growing evidence suggesting they are enhancing student learning and overall success. A recent study indicated increased student engagement, fewer missed assignments, and reduced behavioral issues. When students reflected on this issue, many acknowledged the need for some boundaries around phone use, with several supporting an outright ban. However, it's not fair to burden state governments, local school boards, and teachers with this responsibility alone. Given the powerful draw of phone screens, DMs, and social media, tech companies must contribute to the solution. This begins with supporting phone-free school legislation. For example, Pinterest is endorsing HB379 in Texas, which aims to establish school phone policies that encourage distraction-free learning environments. We have also contacted the governors of California, Florida, New York, and Virginia, offering our support as they implement their phone-free school initiatives. Additionally, tech companies should move away from prioritizing constant attention. Instead of solely focusing on boosting view time through addictive features, we should help young people be more mindful of their online habits. That's why Pinterest is launching a campaign across the U.S. and Canada, encouraging students to close the Pinterest app and disable device notifications during school hours to enhance their focus on learning. I am confident that we can leverage the benefits of technology for our students while minimizing its potential harms. We have an opportunity to cultivate a new generation of young individuals who are responsible digital citizens, capable of critical thinking about their online consumption habits. It's time for tech companies to prioritize learning and youth wellbeing, starting with phone-free schools.

McALLEN, Texas — Hubert Montoya, an immigration attorney in Austin, Texas, found it laughable when the Department of Homeland Security sent him an email instructing him to leave the country immediately or face deportation. Montoya is a U.S. citizen. “I just thought it was absurd,” he stated. The incident appears to be a mishap stemming from the Trump administration's rollback of a Biden-era policy. This policy had allowed individuals to reside and work in the U.S. temporarily. Customs and Border Protection is quietly ending the two-year permits for individuals who utilized the CBP One app. This app allowed users to schedule appointments at U.S.-Mexico border crossings, facilitating the entry of over 900,000 people since January 2023. The termination of CBP One permits has been handled with less public attention compared to the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for people from countries previously considered unsafe and humanitarian parole for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who had financial sponsors. These earlier actions involved official notices and press releases, but were subsequently halted by judges following lawsuits from advocacy groups. CBP One cancellation notices began arriving in inboxes in late March without prior notification. Some recipients were told to leave immediately, while others were given seven days. U.S. citizens were among those targeted. Timothy J. Brenner, a lawyer born in Connecticut and practicing in Houston, received a notice on April 11 instructing him to leave the U.S. He expressed concern that the administration might be targeting immigration attorneys through a specific list or database. CBP confirmed in a statement that it had issued notices terminating temporary legal status under CBP One. While they did not specify the number of notices sent, they clarified that not all 936,000 beneficiaries (as of the end of December) were affected. CBP explained that some notices might have been mistakenly sent to unintended recipients, including attorneys, if beneficiaries had provided contact information for U.S. citizens. They stated that they are addressing these situations on a case-by-case basis. Online chat groups reflect the fear and confusion surrounding the notices, which critics suggest is the administration's goal. Brenner reported that three of his clients who received the notices chose to return to El Salvador after being told to leave. Hillary Li, counsel for the Justice Action Center, an advocacy group, stated that the lack of clarity regarding the number of people who received the notice is a significant issue. She noted that attorneys and others are unsure how to interpret the notice. President Trump suspended CBP One for new arrivals on his first day in office, but those already in the U.S. believed they could remain until their two-year permits expired. The cancellation notices have disrupted this sense of stability, beginning with the phrase: “It is time for you to leave the United States.” Robyn Barnard, senior director for refugee advocacy at Human Rights First, described the situation as confusing. She highlighted the anxiety experienced by those who entered through the CBP One process, as they hear rumors and see screenshots in community chats indicating that some individuals have received notices while others have not. Attorneys point out that some CBP One beneficiaries may still have the option to file an asylum claim or seek other forms of relief within a one-year window. Notices have also been sent to individuals whose removal orders are currently on hold under other forms of temporary protection. A federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked deportations for over 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who arrived since late 2022 after applying online with a financial sponsor and flying to a U.S. airport at their own expense. Maria, a 48-year-old Nicaraguan woman who supported Trump's election and entered the U.S. through this pathway, described the notice as a "bomb" that "paralyzed me." Maria, who requested anonymity out of fear of detention and deportation, stated in a telephone interview from Florida that she would continue working as a house cleaner to support herself and would file for asylum. —Salomon reported from Miami. Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana in Washington and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed. ```

When white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on March 13, 2013, signaling to the world that the 115 cardinal electors had made their decision, few might have anticipated the election of the Catholic Church’s 266th Pope to be . At 76 years old, Bergoglio was generally considered too old to be a leading contender for Pope. Typically, bishops and cardinals submit their resignations at 75. The cardinal electors, always choosing from among themselves, have an age limit of 80. Coming from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio became the and the first non-European Pope in over 12 centuries. He was also the first Jesuit Pope, representing a Catholic order known for its dedication to serving the marginalized. Upon being chosen, Bergoglio adopted the name Francis, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his simple life and service to the poor. Overall, Francis was seen as less than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. With , up to 135 cardinals will be eligible to vote for his successor. Francis appointed 108 of them, or 80%, during his time as Pope. This has led some to speculate whether the late Pope effectively " the " to ensure his legacy continues. However, experts suggest the election will be as as Francis' own. “The papacy's long history suggests it's very hard for a Pope to predetermine the next election after his death," Miles Pattenden, a Catholic Church historian at Oxford University, told TIME. Cardinals are "independent thinkers," and even those chosen by Francis might hold different views. “It’s an oversimplification to assume cardinals vote strictly along ideological lines like members of political parties,” Pattenden says. “That’s not how the Vatican operates.” Pattenden also mentions an Italian saying: "After a well-fed Pope comes a lean one." “This means cardinals often focus on the perceived shortcomings of the previous Pope, seeking a successor who addresses those flaws." Cardinals will primarily consider whether they desire change or continuity. Pattenden notes that this conclave is likely to differ from past ones. First, it involves the largest number of eligible cardinal electors ever; exceeding the traditional limit of 120, though Pattenden doubts this cap will be enforced. Second, the cardinals are now more geographically diverse than before. In 2013, Europeans made up 51% of the cardinal electors. Now, , while are from the Asia-Pacific region, 18% from Latin America and the Caribbean, 12% from Sub-Saharan Africa, 10% from North America, and 3% from the Middle East and North Africa. Francis played a significant part in this shift. Of the 108 cardinals he appointed, 38% were from Europe, 19% from Latin America and the Caribbean, 19% from the Asia-Pacific, 12% from sub-Saharan Africa, 7% from North America, and 4% from the Middle East and North Africa. Francis appointed cardinals from 25 countries that had never had one before. His appointments include , the first cardinal from Haiti, , the first cardinal from Myanmar, and , the first from India’s Dalit caste. Many papabili lists include candidates who could be historic firsts as pontiffs from Asia, such as Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, or Africa, such as Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson. Francis prioritized inclusion within the Vatican, Pattenden explains, looking worldwide for cardinals, often from smaller Catholic communities that lacked previous representation. He believed that "it shouldn’t just be the case that big, well-established, rich, old Catholic communities get representation all the time." Ideologically, "Francis can’t necessarily have known how all of these new cardinals will think, certainly their colleagues won’t know—they may not even know themselves.” Carlos Eire, a professor of history and religious studies at Yale University, believes those appointed by Francis are likely to be ideologically left-leaning, noting Francis didn't appoint many conservative bishops to the College of Cardinals and that theological diversity wasn't as prioritized as geographic diversity. For example, Francis appointed American in 2022, known for his on immigration, the environment, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, while reportedly more conservative archbishops. "When it comes to religious issues,” says Eire, “it is also highly likely that they will lean away from traditionalism.” “Voting for a Pope is much like any other election; voters have preferences,” Eire adds. “The only difference between this conclave and the House of Representatives or the European Parliament is the cardinals' prayers for guidance from the Holy Spirit.” However, Pattenden suggests charisma, competence, and piety might be more influential than ideology. The geographic diversity of the College of Cardinals could make this conclave particularly unpredictable. "They don’t know each other as well as previous groups of cardinals will have done, and that’s bound to have an impact," Pattenden says. “When you have to focus on one person’s name to write down on that ballot paper, it may or may not be easier if you actually know the guy or if you’ve just met him a week or two before.” If familiarity prevails, Pattenden suggests Tagle from the Philippines, known for his charisma, or Pietro Parolin, the highest-ranking cardinal in the conclave, would be frontrunners. If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority, cardinals are likely to "start casting a wider net," Pattenden says, considering candidates who weren't their initial choices. “It’s a very secretive process… The Church is very careful to keep the details unknown," Pattenden says, and later reports are often unverified. “This is important theologically: the idea is that God, through the Holy Spirit, inspires the cardinals' choice. But the more details we know about who said what and who voted for whom, the less believable that idea becomes.”

` tags. United States health authorities announced Tuesday plans to gradually eliminate synthetic food colorings from the nation's food products. This could lead to major changes for many vibrant, colorful products sold in American stores. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin steps to remove these dyes by the close of 2026, according to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary during a press conference. The FDA will define standards and a timeline for the food industry to switch to natural options, cancel permissions for dyes no longer being used in the coming weeks, and act to eliminate any remaining dyes still on the market. Makary stated that getting rid of artificial dyes would be beneficial for the health of children. "For the past half-century, we've essentially been conducting a massive, uncontrolled scientific experiment on the children of our country without their permission," Makary said. Health advocates have long pushed for artificial dyes to be removed from foods, citing studies with varying conclusions that suggest these dyes may lead to neurobehavioral issues, such as hyperactivity and attention problems, in some children. The FDA has stood by its position that the approved dyes are safe and that "the complete body of scientific evidence indicates that most children experience no negative effects from consuming food products with color additives." Currently, the FDA permits the use of 36 food color additives, which include eight synthetic dyes. Earlier this year, in January, the agency stated that Red 3, a dye found in candies, cakes, and certain medications, would be prohibited from use in food by 2027 because it was found to cause cancer in lab rats. Artificial dyes are commonly used in American food products. In both Canada and Europe, manufacturers primarily use natural alternatives, where warning labels are required for artificial colors. Several states, including California and West Virginia, have enacted legislation to limit the use of artificial colors in food products. The announcement was welcomed by advocates who believe that these dyes pose health risks and offer no value beyond aesthetics. "Their sole purpose is to generate revenue for food companies," said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and a former FDA official. "Food dyes help to make highly processed foods more appealing, particularly to children, often by concealing the absence of a colorful ingredient, like fruit." Removing artificial dyes from food has long been a key objective of the so-called MAHA moms, who are important supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his "Make America Healthy Again" initiatives. This group was among protestors who signed petitions and demonstrated outside the Michigan headquarters of WK Kellogg Co. last year, urging the company to remove artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the U.S. The group included Vani Hari, a well-known food activist known as the Food Babe, who had previously pressured Kraft Heinz to remove artificial dyes from its macaroni and cheese. Hari was a speaker at Tuesday’s event. She stated that the action signals "a new era" for safer food for children. However, food manufacturers responded by saying the action would unfairly target highly regulated color additives long confirmed to be safe. “There are not enough alternatives available to replace these products,” the International Association of Color Manufacturers said in a statement. “Supply chains will take an estimated five to 10 years to catch up and require importing more expensive ingredients grown in China, India and Mexico.” A spokesperson for the National Confectioners Association, a trade group representing candy, gum, and mint manufacturers, stated that the industry "needs time to identify safe and practical alternatives." Removing dyes from the food supply will not solve the main health problems that affect Americans, according to Susan Mayne, a Yale University chronic disease expert and past director of the FDA’s food center. “With every one of their announcements, they’re focusing in on something that’s not going to accomplish what they say it is,” Mayne said of Kennedy’s initiatives. “Most of these food dyes have been in our food supply for 100 years. … So why aren’t they driving toward reductions in things that do drive chronic disease rates?” In the past, FDA officials have said that the threat of lawsuits from the food industry required the government to have considerable scientific evidence before banning additives. It took over three decades for Red 3 to be banned from cosmetics before it was removed from food and medicine. It took the FDA five decades to ban brominated vegetable oil due to health concerns. But Lurie suggested that industry officials might not challenge the Trump administration. “They don’t want to get on the wrong side of a vindictive president,” he said. Several hours before the announcement, the International Dairy Foods Association stated that its members would voluntarily remove artificial colors from milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold to U.S. school meal programs by July 2026. Officials at the dairy trade group noted that the majority of dairy products for schools do not include artificial colors because most dairy processors have either chosen not to use them or have already removed or replaced them. Several of the state laws that ban synthetic dyes in school meals have very aggressive timelines. For example, West Virginia's ban prohibits the use of red, yellow, blue, and green artificial dyes in school meals beginning on August 1. A more comprehensive ban will extend the restrictions to all foods sold in the state on January 1, 2028. Many U.S. food companies are already reformulating their foods, according to Sensient Colors, one of the world’s largest producers of food dyes and flavorings. Food manufacturers can use natural colors derived from beets, algae, crushed insects, and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage instead of synthetic dyes. ___ Aleccia reported from California.

The Department of Education announced collections on defaulted student loans will resume on Monday, May 5. Payments had been paused since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Trump Administration does not plan to offer any exemptions, and anticipates that approximately 10 million borrowers, or 1 in 4, could be in default within the coming months. This action reverses the Biden Administration's efforts to forgive student loan debt, which were repeatedly blocked by the courts, including challenges to the income-driven repayment plan that allowed some low-income borrowers to make $0 monthly payments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Tuesday that the federal government’s student loan portfolio is around $1.6 trillion, with 40% of borrowers currently in repayment. “America is $36 trillion in debt. We must get our fiscal house in order and restore common sense to our country. If you take out a loan, you have to pay it back,” she said. Under the new Administration, both the Education Department and the Department of Treasury will oversee student loans. Here’s what borrowers need to know. What happens next? Borrowers have faced uncertainty due to legal challenges that have paused the SAVE plan, a popular repayment program promoted as the “most affordable” option. Those enrolled in SAVE may need to switch to another repayment program and should apply for alternatives if they haven't already. The Department of Education expects to begin processing applications for these alternative plans within the next month. Borrowers with defaulted loans should anticipate an email within the next two weeks, directing them to contact the Debt Resolution Group for help resolving related disputes. As the Trump Administration will not pursue student loan forgiveness, borrowers should not delay in seeking solutions. What happens if I don’t pay my student loans? The Administration has made it clear that failure to repay student loans could result in wage garnishment, Social Security offsets, or the seizure of tax refunds. The Department of Education stated that the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will begin sending notices to initiate wage garnishment later this summer. Failure to make payments will also negatively affect borrowers' credit scores. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated in a press release, “American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies. Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment—both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation’s economic outlook.” ```