LAWIN.news, Author at LAWIN.news

Houston City Council considers payment to firm named in KPRC ‘DRAINED’ investigation

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026035 views

Houston City Council will vote on whether to pay $403,000 to Nerie Construction, whose owner admitted paying bribes in a Houston waterline contract scandal. The payment involves work tied to federal HUD funds, and nonpayment could prompt a federal demand for up to $9 million from the city. The case stems from a broader “DRAINED” investigation into Houston Public Works, which exposed billing errors, contract mismanagement, and led to multiple indictments, including a 10-year prison sentence for former manager Patrece Lee.

UH report shows HISD lost 13,000-plus students post-takeover

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026036 views

A University of Houston report finds Houston ISD lost more than 13,000 students in the two years after the 2023 state takeover, with the steepest enrollment declines in kindergarten, first grade and ninth grade. The study also reports higher teacher turnover, a sharp increase in first-year teachers and a rise in uncertified educators to nearly one in five. Researchers say the district now serves fewer students and employs a less experienced workforce, offering data that may inform other Texas districts facing potential state intervention.

Trump arrives in Switzerland after delay tied to Air Force One switch

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026039 views

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Switzerland after a delayed departure linked to a pre-flight switch between aircraft in the presidential fleet. A reporter on board said cabin lights in the press section briefly went out after takeoff, with no immediate explanation from crew or officials. Security and flight operations followed standard protocols for high-level U.S. government travel. Authorities in the United States and Switzerland coordinated on the arrival, and scheduled events proceeded with adjusted timing.

Ex–South Korean prime minister sentenced to 23 years in martial law case

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026042 views

A South Korean court in Seoul on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his role in the December 2024 martial law declaration, which the court ruled constituted an act of rebellion by then President Yoon Suk Yeol. Han became the first Yoon administration official convicted of rebellion in connection with the incident. Prosecutors argued that Han helped plan and implement the martial law measures, while the defense disputed the rebellion characterization. The court rejected the defense arguments and cited the seriousness of undermining constitutional order in its sentencing decision. The ruling is expected to influence upcoming cases against Yoon and other former aides, who also face rebellion charges over the same event. Han was taken into custody after the verdict and can appeal.

Authorities charge 25 in Kentucky catfish poaching case involving 300,000 pounds

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026044 views

Kentucky wildlife officials report that more than 300,000 pounds of catfish were illegally harvested in state waters, with 25 people facing over 700 anticipated criminal charges. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says the case targets alleged large-scale commercial violations involving catfish harvest, sale and licensing rules. Prosecutors are reviewing evidence for formal filings in multiple counties, and defendants remain presumed innocent pending court proceedings. Conservation officers continue patrols and ask the public to report suspected illegal fishing activity.

Actor Joseph Marco lauded for kindness to homeless cat

LAWIN.newsJanuary 20, 2026023 views

Actor Joseph Marco received online praise after a netizen photographed him feeding a homeless cat outside a fitness gym in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The image, captured by Facebook user Alshan Eihrin, showed Marco giving food to the stray cat and later appeared in a Facebook group for cat lovers. Group members reacted to the post and commended Marco for his gesture toward the animal. The photo and accompanying caption circulated on social media as users reshared the content and drew attention to the incident.

City of Austin resolves 80 civil lawsuits tied to APD

LAWIN.newsJanuary 20, 2026031 views

City of Austin records show officials settled 80 civil lawsuits involving Austin Police Department officers over the past five years, paying out millions of dollars in police-related claims. Some of the largest settlement amounts arose from lawsuits connected to APD’s response to the 2020 George Floyd protests in Austin, including cases alleging injuries from crowd-control tactics and less-lethal munitions. The documents detail case numbers, parties, approval processes, and funding sources, and they show an increase in settlement costs following the 2020 protest period compared with earlier years within the same five-year span.

Ken Paxton cites diversity ruling to criticize Cornyn before Senate primary

LAWIN.newsJanuary 20, 2026026 views

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a legal opinion on Martin Luther King Jr. Day declaring many diversity, equity and inclusion programs unlawful and used it to criticize U.S. Sen. John Cornyn during a competitive Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat. Cornyn accused Paxton of abusing his office, while legal experts said the attorney general’s opinion is nonbinding guidance, not a change in law. Universities, businesses and civil rights groups in Texas are reviewing the opinion and its possible impact.

Dolly Parton celebrates 80th with new music release

LAWIN.newsJanuary 20, 2026029 views

Dolly Parton released a new version of one of her songs from Dallas to celebrate her 80th birthday, featuring Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah and Reba McEntire. The collaboration brings together artists from different generations and genres on a single track, issued across digital platforms and radio. The project involved separate studio sessions, coordinated production work and a unified release strategy. The new recording forms part of wider activities marking Parton’s 80th birthday, including media features and promotional campaigns highlighting her long career in music and entertainment.

NBA star Jimmy Butler suffers season-ending ACL injury

LAWIN.newsJanuary 20, 2026033 views

Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler will miss the rest of the NBA season after reports said he tore the ACL in his right knee during a 135-112 win over the Miami Heat. Butler left the game in the second half following a collision with Davion Mitchell and did not return. The Warriors said they would release an official update after reviewing MRI results, while multiple US media outlets reported a season-ending diagnosis for the six-time All-Star.