November 29, 2025 6:00 pm | Page 3 of 43

Judge Sakai honors Michele Garcia as a JP who left ‘profound impact’

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025031 views

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai announced that Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Michele Garcia died of cervical cancer the day after Christmas in San Antonio, Texas. County officials described her as a dedicated public servant whose work affected many residents through her justice court. The county plans to maintain court services, begin the process to fill the vacancy, and coordinate public recognition of her service. Officials will provide updates on interim court operations, memorial plans, and the selection of her successor.

Unionized hospitality workers in Houston celebrate 2025 victories, eye 2026 gains

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025034 views

Unionized hospitality workers in Houston secured major wage increases and improved benefits in 2025 after a 40-day hotel workers’ strike that led to new multiyear contracts at several major hotels. The agreements raised hourly pay, expanded health coverage, and established clearer scheduling and workload rules. Union leaders report that these gains already influence negotiations and pay practices at other unionized workplaces in the city. With additional hospitality contracts set to expire in 2026, unions plan to use the 2025 hotel settlements as benchmarks in upcoming bargaining across Houston’s hospitality sector.

New Braunfels shooting suspect still at large, police warn

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025029 views

New Braunfels police in Texas are searching for a male suspect in a December 21 shooting and warn the public that he is armed and dangerous. Authorities urge residents not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any information. The New Braunfels Police Department continues to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and increase patrols while withholding the suspect’s name pending further developments. This straight news report covers what happened, when and where it occurred, who is involved, why police issued the warning, and how residents should respond.

Cabral files shown to Ombudsman found to be ‘partial’

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025031 views

The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday confirmed that its investigators gained only partial access to the so-called “Cabral files” held by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Leviste allowed the team to view selected portions of documents linked to the late DPWH Undersecretary but did not open the full set for inspection. The Ombudsman is evaluating legal steps to secure complete access and to determine the evidentiary value of the materials in ongoing corruption inquiries involving public works projects.

Global heat records show 2025 among three hottest years

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025042 views

Scientists announced that 2025 ranked as one of the three hottest years on record and marked the first time a three-year global temperature average exceeded 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, the key threshold in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Researchers attributed most of the warming to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, supported by global temperature records, satellite data, and climate models. They said the 2025 data will inform international climate negotiations, future scientific assessments, and policy planning as countries track progress toward agreed temperature limits and evaluate emissions reduction strategies.

U.S. backs Israel amid criticism over Somaliland recognition at UN

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025051 views

The United States on Monday defended at the United Nations Israel’s right to recognize Somaliland, comparing it to states’ recognition of Palestine and framing it as a sovereign diplomatic decision. Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce told delegates in New York that Israel held the same right as any other sovereign state to establish diplomatic relations and that UN members should respect each other’s recognition choices. She said Washington would monitor reactions, consult partners, and participate in UN discussions on how recognition decisions affect regional stability, existing UN resolutions, and ongoing political processes in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Marcos to vet 2026 spending bill before approval, Palace says

LAWIN.newsDecember 30, 2025057 views

The Palace announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has started a weeklong, thorough review of the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Bill after receiving it on December 29. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the President’s team is scrutinizing all allocations and provisions against the original National Expenditure Program to verify changes and ensure legal, technical, and fiscal integrity. While the 2026 budget undergoes review, the government will operate under a reenacted budget for the first days of 2026, which Recto said will not disrupt services or operations.

Bass Pro Shops to open 72,000-square-foot store as anchor of $80 million Abilene retail project

Mae De Vera, LAWIN.newsDecember 29, 2025058 views

Bass Pro Shops will open a 72,000-square-foot store as the anchor tenant of Rainy Creek, an $80 million, 35-acre retail development along Interstate 20 in Abilene. Developer Wallace Ventures plans more than 200,000 additional square feet of shops, restaurants and a gym, as the fast-growing West Texas city adds major projects and population around its expanding I‑20 corrid

Deon Cole set to showcase comedy and more at Tobin Center

LAWIN.newsDecember 29, 2025031 views

Comedian, actor, writer, and producer Deon Cole will bring his stand-up comedy show to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio next month. The venue has added Cole’s performance to its upcoming events calendar as part of its comedy and live entertainment lineup. Tickets are available through the Tobin Center box office and official website, with multiple seating options listed. The event offers San Antonio audiences a chance to see the nationally known comedian live as part of his ongoing tour of U.S. cities.

ICristiano Ronaldo eyes 1,000-goal mark before retiring

LAWIN.newsDecember 29, 2025037 views

Cristiano Ronaldo said in Dubai that he aims to reach 1,000 career goals before retiring and believes he can achieve the milestone if he stays injury-free. The 40-year-old Portugal and Al Nassr forward stated that he feels physically strong, plans to keep playing as long as his body allows, and accepts that retirement will come “soon” after more than two decades in professional football. Ronaldo discussed his training, adaptation, and motivation as he continues to compete for club and country while pursuing personal and team achievements.