November 29, 2025 6:00 pm | Page 5 of 29

Marcos confirms warrants for Sarah Discaya, 9 more over Davao Occidental project

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025023 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday in Manila that a court issued arrest warrants for contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya and nine others over an alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental. Marcos said the accused face non-bailable graft and malversation charges. He also disclosed that eight additional Department of Public Works and Highways officials have expressed willingness to surrender in connection with the same case. Authorities will pursue arrests, process voluntary surrenders, and continue investigations into the planning, procurement, and implementation of the flood control project. Marcos said the administration will keep filing charges against all individuals found involved in the Davao Occidental flood control scandal and will review similar infrastructure projects nationwide for possible irregularities.

Alas Pilipinas men push limits under intense expectations

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025023 views

Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team, guided by coach Angiolino Frigoni, targets a bronze-medal finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games after an inspiring FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship run raised public expectations. Frigoni explains how the team’s world-level performance does not guarantee SEA Games gold but provides crucial experience and confidence. With gold medal contention no longer possible, the squad focuses on preparation, tactical adjustments, and mental toughness for the bronze-medal match. National volleyball officials monitor the team’s development, training, and long-term plans as Filipino fans continue to closely follow Alas Pilipinas’ regional and international campaigns.

Texas environmental agency faces backlog woes after years of budget cuts

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025029 views

A new study reports that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality faces a backlog of more than 1,000 environmental complaint investigations after years of budget cuts reduced staffing and resources. Researchers say the delays affect air, water and waste cases statewide and link longer resolution times to legislative funding reductions, hiring constraints and limited monitoring capacity. The report details how TCEQ now prioritizes high-risk complaints, outlines internal adjustments to manage workloads and recommends that state officials increase funding, add investigative staff and improve public reporting on complaint status and timelines.

Kevin Garnett eager to mentor Spurs’ Wembanyama

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025020 views

Kevin Garnett has publicly asked the San Antonio Spurs to allow him to conduct an on-court training session with rookie Victor Wembanyama. The Hall of Famer says he wants to support Wembanyama’s development by sharing his NBA experience and defensive expertise. The Spurs have not yet issued a response to Garnett’s request.

Texas DPS reminds residents to secure guns ahead of holiday travel

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025021 views

Texas Department of Public Safety officials urge gun owners to secure firearms during holiday travel and family gatherings, citing increased movement, visitors and children in homes and vehicles. The advisory outlines safe storage practices, including unloading weapons, using locks or safes, separating ammunition and checking homes before guests arrive. The agency also highlights vehicle and air travel guidelines, the risk of theft from cars and the importance of talking with children and other adults about firearm access and storage responsibilities.

Texas universities use AI to review, rewrite courses on race and gender

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025021 views

Texas public universities are using artificial intelligence tools to review and rewrite course descriptions, syllabi, and academic materials that reference race and gender in response to new state rules on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Internal records show administrators directing faculty to run course documents through AI platforms, generate alternative language, and standardize revisions under tight deadlines while legal and compliance offices oversee the process. Faculty communications and governance documents detail questions about academic freedom, instructional precision, and the long-term impact of AI mediated changes on curricula, enrollment, and campus policy across multiple disciplines.

Austin ISD files lawsuit tied to sale of former North Austin school site

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025026 views

Austin Independent School District filed a lawsuit against North Austin residents who oppose the district’s plan to sell a former school site, seeking a court ruling on its authority to dispose of the property. Neighbors said the proposed sale could permanently change their community and have raised concerns about future land use, traffic, and neighborhood character. The case now moves through the civil court process in Austin, where a judge will determine the parties’ rights and any limits on the district’s ability to sell the land.

Leander ISD OKs plan to shutter elementary school in 2026-27

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025026 views

Leander Independent School District in Austin, Texas, has approved a plan to close Faubion Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. The school board voted after reviewing enrollment and facility data and directed administrators to create a transition plan for students and staff. District officials said they will announce new school assignments, transportation details and rezoning information before the 2026-27 academic year and will hold community meetings to explain the changes.

San Antonio council to decide on moving local elections to November

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025029 views

San Antonio City Council will vote on a proposal to move city elections from May to November to cut costs and increase voter turnout. The measure would align municipal races with state and federal contests, adjust the city’s election calendar, and change logistics for Bexar County election officials. The article details the proposed changes, legal framework, turnout and cost data, public input, and potential implementation steps if the council approves or rejects the change.

Houston officials debate tapping $30M stormwater fund for demolitions

LAWIN.newsDecember 18, 2025025 views

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins are in a dispute over a proposal to use about $30 million from Houston’s stormwater fund to demolish certain buildings. Whitmire argues the reallocation would address unsafe or problematic structures, while Hollins says city rules restrict the fund to stormwater mitigation and do not permit demolition spending. City Council, legal staff, and budget officials are reviewing the fund’s authorizing language, financial policies, and project lists before any vote.