LAWIN.news, Author at LAWIN.news

Over 50 Texas cities sue telecom providers for alleged illegal discounts

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026027 views

More than 50 Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and El Paso, have filed a lawsuit directly with the Texas Supreme Court challenging two state laws that change how cable and telecommunications companies pay local fees. The cities allege the laws grant unlawful financial discounts to providers, threaten millions in municipal revenue and violate Texas constitutional limits on public subsidies to private entities. The petition seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and asks the court to block enforcement of the contested statutes statewide.

K-pop sensation CORTIS joins NBA All-Star 2026 Crossover opening

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026027 views

BigHit Music and the NBA announced that K-pop boy group CORTIS will perform at the opening of the NBA All-Star 2026 Crossover event as newly named “Friends of the NBA.” The five-member group, composed of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho, will appear at NBA games and events and collaborate on original content initiatives that connect basketball and music. The partnership forms part of the league’s celebrity and influencer program, with additional details on CORTIS’ schedule and the All-Star 2026 Crossover fan experience to be released by the NBA and BigHit Music.

‘Fellowship of the Ring’ hits PH theaters again for limited time

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026027 views

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” extended edition will screen in cinemas across the Philippines from January 23 to 25 in a limited nationwide run, offering about 30 minutes of additional footage and a total runtime of three hours and 28 minutes as part of an anniversary presentation of Peter Jackson’s 2001 adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel.

Abbott issues state of emergency ahead of weekend freezing rain

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026028 views

Governor Greg Abbott has activated Texas emergency response resources as an arctic cold front brings freezing rain, sleet, snow, and dangerous wind chills to much of the state starting Thursday. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local officials, transportation crews, and shelters to prepare for hazardous travel and possible infrastructure impacts. Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check road conditions through DriveTexas.org, follow local guidance, protect people and animals from the cold, and use designated warming centers if needed.

Raducanu to reconsider approach after Australian Open defeat

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026029 views

British tennis player Emma Raducanu announced plans to “re-evaluate” her game after a straight-sets defeat to Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. The 2021 US Open champion, who has not won a tour title since her breakthrough, missed the chance to face world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Raducanu’s latest early Grand Slam exit follows a period of fitness and consistency struggles and comes after her public comments questioning aspects of the Australian Open schedule.

No pressure to be ambassador, says Carlos Alcaraz

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026028 views

Carlos Alcaraz said at the Australian Open in Melbourne that he feels no pressure to act as a “good ambassador” for tennis like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, stating that he does not think about serving as a spokesman for the sport. The 22-year-old world number one and six-time Grand Slam champion made the comments after defeating Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round. Alcaraz, widely seen as one of tennis’s most marketable stars, said he focuses on his game and personal development while pursuing a career Grand Slam, as the Australian Open positions him as one of its main attractions.

DILG chief Remulla flags risk of info leaks in hunt for Atong Ang

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026025 views

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday detailed the strict security measures he enforces to prevent information leaks in the ongoing manhunt for gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang. Speaking at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla said he deploys small, cellphone-free teams, keeps operational plans highly compartmentalized, and personally issues instructions to limit the risk of sensitive details reaching unauthorized parties. He coordinates closely with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement units while refusing to disclose specific locations, timelines, or manpower figures, as authorities continue to validate intelligence reports and conduct targeted operations to locate Ang.

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

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 2026030 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, 2026032 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, 2026035 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.