December 30, 2025 6:00 pm | Page 6 of 29

Indonesian aircraft carrying 11 goes missing, search ongoing

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026020 views

Indonesian authorities launched a search and rescue operation after a turboprop ATR 42-500 passenger aircraft carrying 11 people lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday while flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar. The Indonesia Air Transport plane vanished from radar at 1:17 p.m. local time over the mountainous Leang-Leang area in Maros, South Sulawesi province. The Transportation Ministry said rescue teams deployed to the last known location and coordinated efforts with local authorities and aviation agencies to locate the missing aircraft.

‘Jackass 5’ confirmed: the good news and the bad

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026021 views

Johnny Knoxville confirmed that a fifth “Jackass” movie is in active development, with the stunt-driven franchise preparing new pranks and high-risk set pieces. The “Jackass” team is discussing concepts, potential returning cast members, and the inclusion of newer performers while weighing safety concerns and production logistics. No release date or start of filming has been announced, but Knoxville said positive response to “Jackass Forever” helped drive plans for another installment. The film will aim to maintain the series’ trademark style while adapting to the aging core cast and coordinating closely with stunt and medical professionals.

PH population growth projected at 15 million over next decade

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026017 views

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projects that the Philippines will add about 15 million people in the next 10 years as it enters a demographic sweet spot, characterized by a rising share of working-age citizens and a relatively smaller proportion of dependents. The agency says this shift can support stronger economic growth if the government aligns investments in education, health, jobs, and social protection with the changing population structure. The CPD plans to provide detailed projections and policy inputs to guide national and local development planning during this demographic window.

PACC Texas Greater Houston Kicks Off 2026 with Winter BizMix Event

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026023 views

The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas – Greater Houston Region (PACC Texas-GHR) is inviting all members, business partners, and professional networks to its first BizMix event of the year.

OpenAI to introduce ads on ChatGPT, ending free-only experience

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026018 views

OpenAI announced that it will begin testing advertisements for non-paying ChatGPT users in the coming weeks as part of a broader push to monetize the widely used AI chatbot. The San Francisco-based company, valued at about $500 billion and reporting significant operating costs, plans to introduce clearly labeled ads within the free version of ChatGPT while leaving paid tiers ad-free. OpenAI said it will work with selected advertisers during the initial rollout, publish detailed ad and data-use policies, and monitor user experience and regulatory compliance as it seeks to move the service toward profitability.

Dr Pepper Museum hits all-time high in visitor numbers

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026022 views

The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, reported a record-breaking attendance of more than 270,000 visitors in 2025 and announced plans to unveil a new landmark as part of its 35th anniversary observance. The nonprofit museum, located in a historic bottling plant, cited group tours, educational programs, and tourism partnerships as key factors in the increase. Officials said the forthcoming landmark will honor Dr Pepper’s history and Waco’s role in the soft drink’s origin while serving as a focal point for future visitors.

Phillips aims to write underdog story with Chameleons

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026019 views

MJ Phillips has joined the Nxled Chameleons from the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League, bringing championship experience to a young team she described as an underdog. Nxled also signed former Angels Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and several ex-Petro Gazz teammates in a bid to strengthen its roster ahead of the next PVL conference. Team officials, coaches and league representatives confirmed the multi-player move and said the new recruits will report for pre-season training before the final lineup and schedule are announced.

ICI urges Ombudsman takeover after finishing mandate

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026020 views

Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has completed its mandate in probing alleged corruption in flood control projects and may now defer to the Office of the Ombudsman. He explained that the ICI conducted fact-finding, gathered evidence, and submitted its report and recommendations to relevant agencies. The Ombudsman, which holds constitutional authority over graft and corruption cases, can review the commission’s findings and decide on possible administrative or criminal proceedings.

US envoy Carlson ends mission in the Philippines

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026021 views

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson ended her nearly four-year posting in the Philippines, marking the close of a tenure that saw expanded defense cooperation, deeper economic engagement, and wider people-to-people exchanges between Manila and Washington. In her farewell message, Carlson reviewed key diplomatic milestones, highlighted joint security and development initiatives, and shared personal experiences from her time in the country, including a Filipino song she said she would remember. The US Embassy in Manila announced that a chargé d’affaires will lead the mission in the interim as Washington moves to designate Carlson’s successor under standard diplomatic rotation procedures.

ICC urges Philippine police again to testify vs Duterte

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026025 views

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has renewed its call for current and former Philippine police officers and other law enforcement personnel to testify in its ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign, inviting confidential submissions of testimony and evidence under the Rome Statute framework.