United States | Page 3 of 81

Trump rolls out fresh tariffs on Europe amid Greenland tensions

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026038 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, 2026041 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, 2026035 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, 2026040 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, 2026035 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, 2026039 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, 2026049 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.

Planned Parenthood lawsuit vs Texas abortion law moves forward

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026049 views

A Texas appeals court on January 17, 2026, ruled that three Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates have standing to sue over the 2021 Texas Heartbeat Act, which bans abortions after detection of cardiac activity and relies on private civil enforcement. The decision allows the providers’ lawsuit against Texas Right to Life and others to proceed in trial court, focusing on the law’s private enforcement mechanism and its potential to generate unlimited lawsuits. The ruling does not suspend the law or alter Texas’ near-total abortion ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

DOJ mobilizes 500+ staff for massive Epstein file review

LAWIN.newsJanuary 16, 2026040 views

The U.S. Department of Justice has assigned more than 500 staff, including about 80 newly added attorneys, to review millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents for public release. The team is examining records from past investigations and court proceedings to identify sensitive information and apply required redactions under federal law. Officials say the process is extensive due to the volume of files and legal obligations, and they have not set a firm timeline. The review is expected to lead to phased public disclosure of Epstein case materials.

Original architect of White House ballroom chosen to review project

LAWIN.newsJanuary 16, 2026042 views

James McCrery, the architect originally chosen by former President Donald Trump to design a proposed White House ballroom, has been appointed to a commission reviewing that same project. The commission will evaluate design plans, historic impacts and feasibility for the ballroom concept at the Executive Mansion. McCrery’s dual role as former lead architect and current reviewer focuses attention on federal oversight of changes to the White House. No final decision on construction or modification of the ballroom has been announced.