October 30, 2025 7:00 pm | Page 4 of 32

Houston council proposal on HPD ICE warrants meets union pushback

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025016 views

Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer is proposing a change to Houston Police Department policy on when officers contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over ICE warrants, shifting “shall contact” to “may contact” to allow officer discretion. The Houston Police Officers’ Union opposes the move, calling it illegal and unnecessary and warning of possible funding risks. The debate centers on compliance with Texas Senate Bill 4, the handling of low-level violations, and the impact on immigrant communities. The proposal needs one more council signature to advance to formal discussion.

DPS seizes over 400 ounces of meth in Bexar County traffic stop

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025015 views

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized more than 400 ounces of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Bexar County after a driver allegedly admitted to having drugs in the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and the suspected meth was collected as evidence. DPS reported that the case remains under investigation and will be referred to prosecutors for potential drug-related charges under Texas law.

Austin leaders finalize approval of new budget

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025017 views

Austin City Council approves a new city budget for the coming fiscal year, adopting a spending plan that includes more than $38 million in cuts to social services and other programs. The council vote followed public hearings and staff presentations on revenue limits, rising costs, and funding priorities. The balanced budget sets funding for public safety, infrastructure, and city operations while reducing support for some health, human services, and community-based initiatives. Departments and contracted providers now prepare to adjust programs and contracts to align with the new allocations.

Marcos reveals arrest warrant for Zaldy Co, 17 others

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025020 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, that authorities issued arrest warrants for resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 other individuals in connection with an undisclosed case. Marcos said law enforcement agencies briefed him on the development and will coordinate to locate and arrest all respondents. He added that the government will monitor the implementation of the warrants and leave case details to the courts and investigating bodies, while directing further questions to the appropriate authorities.

Karl Eldrew Yulo eyes full-time focus on gymnastics

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025025 views

Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo said in Manila that he is considering pausing his studies to focus full-time on gymnastics after a strong first day at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship, where he qualified for four event finals. Yulo, competing for the Philippines in men’s artistic gymnastics, stated that he has already made many sacrifices for the sport and plans to consult his family and coaches before making a final decision on his academic plans. Officials described his Junior Worlds campaign as part of the country’s long-term athlete development program.

ICI says 1,200 people could face charges over flood control fiasco

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025027 views

The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) in the Philippines announced it expects to recommend charges against up to 1,200 individuals in connection with an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal. An ICI commissioner said investigators are examining procurement, contract implementation, and possible violations of anti-graft and public spending laws across multiple regions and projects. The commission is coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies as it prepares its final report and recommendations.

Bexar County DA adds 23 prosecutors to tackle felony case backlog

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025032 views

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in San Antonio, Texas, has hired 23 new prosecutors to address a felony case backlog of 3,735 cases as of this week. The new attorneys will staff multiple felony courts, review pending cases involving jailed and bonded defendants, coordinate with law enforcement for evidence, and prioritize violent crime prosecutions. The office will monitor how the added staff affects case resolution rates and court dockets in Bexar County.

Austin ISD confirms 10 school closures starting next school year

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025034 views

The Austin Independent School District board in Austin, Texas, voted to approve a school closure and consolidation plan that will shut down 10 campuses beginning next school year. District officials cited enrollment, facility use, and budget factors in the decision and will reassign students to designated receiving schools. Administrators will coordinate transportation changes, staff placements, and transition plans, and will communicate new campus assignments and support services to affected families and employees in the coming months.

Texas flags aggressive equine virus traced to World Championship Barrel Racing finals

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025015 views

Texas agricultural officials issued an urgent alert after veterinarians confirmed an aggressive Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 outbreak in horses linked to the World Championship Barrel Racing finals in Waco. The Texas Department of Agriculture detailed clinical signs, transmission risks, and strict biosecurity measures for owners, trainers, and facilities. The department urged isolation of exposed horses, disinfection of equipment, temperature monitoring, and close coordination with veterinarians to limit spread and protect the state’s equine population and industry.

Houston ISD hits pause on school closure plans for 2026–27

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025023 views

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said the district will not propose any school closures or campus consolidations for the 2026–27 school year, pausing earlier discussions tied to declining enrollment and facility use. He told principals the district will continue reviewing long-term building needs, enrollment trends and campus conditions before considering any consolidations in later years. The update comes as Houston ISD expands Sunrise Center services, deepens collaboration with the Houston Food Bank and rolls out new district-managed AI tools for teachers, while maintaining a focus on safe, well-equipped campuses and consistent instructional quality.