LAWIN.news, Author at LAWIN.news

DOJ unveils Epstein trove with photos, grand jury records

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025017 views

The U.S. Department of Justice has released the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related records under a disclosure law signed by former President Donald Trump. The material includes photographs and redacted grand jury testimony drawn from past federal investigations. Officials say the documents are the initial installment in a phased review and release process mandated by statute. The files are subject to legal limits on grand jury secrecy, privacy and security concerns. Future releases will follow additional review cycles as agencies evaluate remaining Epstein records for public access.

Gilas Pilipinas claims SEA Games gold; Jamie Malonzo shines

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025016 views

Jamie Malonzo helped Gilas Pilipinas secure a 70-64 win over host Thailand in the SEA Games men’s basketball gold-medal match at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on Friday. Filipino fans chanted “MVP” as Malonzo headed to the free-throw line in the closing minutes and converted crucial points that preserved the lead. Gilas used tight defense and timely free throws to hold off Thailand’s late comeback attempts and then received the gold medals during a postgame ceremony on the court.

Bondi shooter spent time at Davao gun shop, investigators reveal

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025017 views

Philippine authorities on Saturday said one of the suspects in the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, visited a gun shop in Davao City during a nearly month-long stay in Mindanao, as investigators examined the men’s movements, contacts, and activities before the attack that killed 15 people.

Health sector seeks higher PhilHealth allocation, MAIFIP termination

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025018 views

Philippine medical societies have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Congress to increase funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and to phase out the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program. The groups called for reallocating resources to strengthen PhilHealth as the primary vehicle for public health financing, particularly for indigent and financially incapacitated patients. They plan to submit formal position papers and engage with lawmakers and agencies to manage a transition that avoids service disruption while consolidating government support for medical care under a single, adequately funded national health insurance system.

Duterte’s lawyers assert he lacks competence for trial

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025019 views

Duterte’s lawyers have asked ICC judges to reject a court-appointed medical panel’s finding that the former Philippine president is fit for pre-trial proceedings, arguing that his short-term memory impairment prevents him from meaningfully instructing counsel and following complex hearings. The defense filing cites alleged contradictions in the experts’ reports, questions their evidentiary standards, and claims the panel failed to fully consider detention staff observations and Duterte’s co-morbid conditions. The defense requested an evidentiary hearing to question the experts before the ICC rules on Duterte’s fitness.

Robert Bolick, Gilas Pilipinas revel in victory

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025020 views

Gilas Pilipinas defeated host Thailand, 70-64, at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok to win the men’s basketball gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Robert Bolick led the Filipinos in the title-clinching victory and issued strong remarks after the game about the hostile atmosphere. Players and coaches celebrated on the court and during the medal ceremony as organizers awarded gold to the Philippines and silver to Thailand. The win added another gold to the Philippine campaign in the regional meet.

YouTube star shows up on White House website, raising eyebrows

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025020 views

A YouTube content creator’s investment livestream appeared for at least eight minutes on the official White House live video page on Thursday night, temporarily replacing standard programming on whitehouse.gov/live. The unexplained incident raised questions about how the external stream accessed the site, who was responsible, and whether it involved a technical error or unauthorized intrusion. Officials did not immediately identify the creator, announce an investigation, or confirm any cybersecurity impact, and the livestream ended with the page returning to normal operations.

Dr. Angela Wilson appointed vice president of research at Texas A&M

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025022 views

Texas A&M University has appointed Dr. Angela Wilson as vice president for research to direct the institution’s research strategy, interdisciplinary initiatives, and external funding efforts. She will oversee grant administration, compliance, and commercialization support while working with faculty and administrators to expand collaborative projects and increase research expenditures across the university.

License plate readers removed in several Central Texas cities

LAWIN.newsDecember 21, 2025021 views

Several Central Texas cities have removed automated license plate readers after years of using the technology to aid police investigations. Local officials ended contracts, deactivated devices, and took down equipment following reviews of costs, performance, and policy priorities. Police departments reported that the systems had helped locate suspects and vehicles in past cases, while investigators in other jurisdictions, including in the Brown University shooting case, continue to use license plate reader data. Central Texas agencies now rely on other investigative tools and traditional policing methods and say any future use of license plate readers would require new public discussions and approvals.

Houston Landing announces newsroom closure

LAWIN.newsDecember 20, 2025016 views

Houston Landing, a nonprofit news outlet in Houston, Texas, shut down operations on May 15, 2025, citing financial challenges after more than two years of independent, nonpartisan reporting. Launched in February 2023, the newsroom produced thousands of stories that reached millions of readers and recently received dozens of journalism awards recognizing the impact of its coverage. CEO Peter Bhatia confirmed the closure in a farewell note, expressing gratitude to readers, supporters and staff while emphasizing the lasting influence of the outlet’s work.