November 29, 2025 6:00 pm | Page 7 of 30

Federal THC ban threatens Texas hemp businesses

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025024 views

A pending federal THC ban in the next Farm Bill could force more than 6,000 Texas smoke shops and hemp-related businesses to shut down or overhaul operations by November 2025. The measure would prohibit most hemp-derived THC products, including popular delta-8 items, that currently operate under the 2018 Farm Bill. Texas hemp retailers, manufacturers, and trade groups are mounting a lobbying push to persuade Congress to replace the blanket ban with a regulated framework that sets potency limits, age rules, labeling, and testing standards.

Mattress Mack delivers 600 mattresses to Kerr County after floods

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025016 views

Houston furniture retailer Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale donated 600 mattresses to Kerr County, Texas, to support residents and first responders affected by recent flooding. County officials coordinated delivery and distribution to families who lost beds and furniture when floodwaters damaged homes. Local emergency management staff used damage reports, registrations, and referrals to identify recipients and manage inventory. The donation forms part of ongoing recovery efforts that include debris removal, home repairs, and aid applications.

Marcos slams claims calling PH an ‘ISIS training spot’

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025022 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday in Manila rejected claims that label the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot, following reports that Bondi Beach shooting suspects previously traveled to the country. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, citing the National Security Council, said authorities have not validated any report that the suspects received terrorist training in the Philippines. She said Philippine agencies, working with international partners, continue to verify all available information but have not seen evidence that the country hosted ISIS training for those involved in the Bondi Beach incident.

Marcos names new presiding justice of Court of Tax Appeals

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025022 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday appointed Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban as presiding justice of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in Manila, Philippines, according to Malacañang. Ringpis-Liban, previously an associate justice of the CTA and a Regional Trial Court judge for 17 years in Malolos and Quezon City, brings experience from both public and private sectors, including roles at the Office of the Solicitor General and Court of Appeals. She holds a law degree from the University of the Philippines and an economics degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

Local philanthropist aids San Antonio Food Bank in holiday feeding drive

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025025 views

Local philanthropist Harvey E. Najim will partner with the San Antonio Food Bank in December 2025 to expand holiday food distributions for children and families facing hunger. The collaboration will fund additional food, logistics and outreach to reach thousands of households in high-need areas when schools close and regular meal programs pause. The food bank will use its network, warehouses and volunteers to deliver child-focused food boxes through multiple distribution events and will track the number of children and families served to guide future efforts.

Flood victims seek P1B in class suit vs Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Vargas

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025030 views

An anti-corruption group filed a P1-billion class suit in a Quezon City court against former speaker Martin Romualdez, ex-congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas to seek compensation for Novaliches flood victims, as Malabon City lodged a separate complaint over alleged unauthorized works on government land. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered tighter police security for Christmas, De La Salle University reclaimed the UAAP men’s basketball crown, and Philippine athletes delivered multiple gold medals in triathlon and muay at the SEA Games. BSP data showed banks trimming real estate exposure amid rising non-performing loans.

Houston oil and gas industry expected to cut 3,200 jobs in 2026 as prices pressure drilling

Mae De Vera, LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025028 views

A Greater Houston Partnership forecast says upstream oil and gas companies are likely to cut about 3,200 jobs in 2026 as lower crude prices slow drilling, with manufacturing and administrative support sectors also losing thousands of positions. Even so, the region is projected to add nearly 31,000 net jobs overall, led by health care, construction, education and professional services.

Bill from Raskin seeks review of White House renovation plans

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025021 views

Rep. Jamie Raskin plans to introduce a bill requiring major White House renovation and construction projects to undergo formal federal-style review. The proposal responds to past projects, such as President Trump’s ballroom, that drew attention for limited oversight. The measure would apply existing federal standards on planning, spending, and preservation to future large-scale work at the executive mansion. Lawmakers are examining how to balance security needs and privacy with transparency and congressional notification.

Texas music icon Joe Ely dead at 78

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025024 views

Texas singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Ely, known for his American roots music and energetic live performances, has died at age 78 in Texas, according to his family. This fact-based news report details what is publicly known about his death, outlines key aspects of his career in Texas country and Americana music, and notes plans for memorial arrangements and management of his musical legacy, based on information released by relatives and representatives.

Texas immigrant families flee into hiding amid new Trump policy

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025025 views

Immigrant families in Texas from 19 affected nations have gone into hiding after a Trump administration policy change last month made them ineligible for certain paths to legal immigration status. Attorneys, schools and advocacy groups across Houston and other Texas cities report that many parents now avoid public places, cancel legal appointments and limit participation in services because they fear enforcement. Legal aid organizations and community workers say they have shifted to more discreet outreach and remote consultations as they track federal guidance and advise families on the implications of the new rules.