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Scam alerts for Verizon users waiting on $20 outage refund

LAWIN.newsJanuary 21, 202608 views

Verizon is warning customers in Dallas and across the United States about scam text messages that reference a recent outage and falsely claim a $20 refund or credit is available through a link. The company says the legitimate $20 credit for affected wireless customers is applied automatically and does not require any action, links, or personal information. Verizon urges customers not to click on suspicious links, to report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), and to verify account credits only through the official Verizon website or app.

Trump admin’s “reverse discrimination” claims shake DOJ Civil Rights Division

LAWIN.newsJanuary 19, 2026016 views

The Trump administration is reshaping the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division by emphasizing claims of “reverse discrimination” against white and non-minority individuals. This fact-based report details how federal civil rights enforcement priorities are shifting away from a traditional focus on protecting minority groups, examines changes in case selection and legal strategy, and describes the impact on schools, employers and government agencies that rely on federal guidance to design diversity and inclusion programs.

‘Asia’s Next Top Model’ star Adela-Mae Marshall enters Miss Universe PH

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026016 views

Adela-Mae Marshall, a professional model and “Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 6” runner-up, has been named Miss Universe Philippines Muntinlupa 2026 by pageant camp Aces and Queens. The camp announced on January 17, 2026, that Marshall will represent Muntinlupa City in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 national pageant. Marshall will undergo training with Aces and Queens as she prepares for the competition, where she will vie for the national crown and the chance to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe. Official details on the full roster of candidates and the coronation date for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 have yet to be released by the organizers.

Trump rolls out fresh tariffs on Europe amid Greenland tensions

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026020 views

President Donald Trump announces a 10% tariff plan on eight unnamed European countries he says oppose his proposal to bring Greenland under U.S. control, following a bipartisan congressional visit to Denmark that backed continued Danish authority over the Arctic territory. The move links U.S. trade policy to a dispute over Greenland’s status, adds tension to relations with European partners, and raises questions about future cooperation on Arctic security, resources, and diplomacy.

Indonesian aircraft carrying 11 goes missing, search ongoing

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026023 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.

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

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026021 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, 2026024 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.

ICI urges Ombudsman takeover after finishing mandate

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026021 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, 2026023 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.

Texas Republican claims military posture sends signal to enemies worldwide

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026032 views

Texas U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey says Washington’s public threat of possible military action sends a deterrent message to U.S. adversaries worldwide and does not harm relations with allies, describing how American officials coordinate with partner nations, maintain defense agreements, and use military readiness and clear signaling as part of a broader national security and deterrence strategy.