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US envoy Carlson ends mission in the Philippines

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026054 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, 2026058 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, 2026060 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, 2026047 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, 2026052 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.

Americans stream more rock, gospel music in 2025

LAWIN.newsJanuary 15, 2026038 views

The global music industry logged an estimated 5.1 trillion streams in 2025 as listeners worldwide continued to turn to digital platforms for music consumption.

Machado presented Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medallion, officials say

LAWIN.newsJanuary 15, 2026045 views

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has presented former U.S. President Donald Trump with a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize medallion, officials say. The unofficial medallion, not issued by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, was described as a gesture recognizing Trump’s stance on Venezuela and support for opposition efforts against President Nicolás Maduro. The private meeting and presentation highlight Machado’s ongoing push for international backing in her campaign for political change in Venezuela, as observers track how symbolic acts shape foreign engagement with the country’s crisis.

US signs off on $1.5 billion deal for Peru naval base

LAWIN.newsJanuary 15, 2026049 views

The United States approved a $1.5 billion foreign military sale to Peru to expand and modernize the Callao naval base near Lima’s international airport. The State Department said the package includes engineering, construction, equipment, training, and logistics support and will bring up to 20 US government and contractor personnel to Peru for up to 10 years. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the deal, which aims to strengthen Peru’s maritime security and defense capabilities. The announcement follows the inauguration of a separate Chinese-funded mega-port in Peru, though US officials did not formally link the two projects.

Residents call for action on Hodde Lane in Travis County

LAWIN.newsJanuary 15, 2026040 views

Travis County residents near Pflugerville report concerns about the deteriorating condition of Hodde Lane as traffic and development increase in northeast Travis County. Community members cite safety and vehicle damage risks and request repairs and long-term upgrades from county officials. Authorities say they will review the roadway and consider resident feedback as they prioritize maintenance and improvement projects across rapidly growing unincorporated areas.

Minneapolis struggles after another ICE shooting, mayor says situation is untenable

LAWIN.newsJanuary 15, 2026054 views

Minneapolis officials reported a new shooting linked to a federal immigration operation, prompting protests and clashes with federal officers on Wednesday night. Smoke filled streets near the scene as demonstrators gathered, while authorities closed roads and launched a joint local and federal investigation. The mayor said the city faces an impossible situation as it addresses public safety concerns and ongoing immigration enforcement. Investigators are reviewing evidence, coordinating across agencies and preparing to brief the public as more verified information emerges about the shooting and the protest response.