Latest reporting from the Latest desk, in reverse chronological order.
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Shares of USA Rare Earths rose sharply after reports of significant U.S. government funding and a potential federal stake, highlighting renewed efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing during a volatile week for markets.
Political pressure is intensifying over the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota after the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti, with lawsuits, bipartisan calls for investigations, and the White House signaling it may re-evaluate the scale of the operation.
A sprawling winter storm is bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerous cold across much of the United States, with fatalities reported in multiple states, widespread power outages, and thousands of flight cancellations as officials urge people to avoid non‑essential travel.
U.S. markets opened the week watching a Federal Reserve rate decision and a busy slate of major technology earnings, while geopolitical uncertainty and trade threats stirred volatility and helped lift gold to record territory, according to a pre-market briefing.
Ethiopia has declared the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after completing the WHO-recommended 42-day period without new confirmed cases, closing an outbreak that began in November 2025 and involved confirmed infections and deaths in the country’s south.
New England advanced to Super Bowl LX after a defensive, weather-impacted 10-7 win over Denver in the AFC Championship. Drake Maye scored the Patriots’ lone touchdown on a short run, and a late interception helped seal the victory in difficult conditions at Empower Field at Mile High.
U.S. stock futures were largely flat ahead of a busy week featuring Big Tech earnings and a Federal Reserve rate decision. Safe-haven demand pushed gold futures above $5,000 an ounce, while a harsh winter storm triggered widespread flight cancellations. Investors also weighed fresh trade threats toward Canada and a government-backed funding deal for USA Rare Earth.
The Trump administration’s Commerce Department is investing $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth, including proposed federal funding and a loan package, in exchange for shares and additional purchase rights. The move aims to strengthen domestic rare earth mining and magnet production and reduce dependence on China for critical minerals used across high-tech and defense industries.
Nvidia stock ticked higher as Wall Street focused on whether upcoming earnings from major tech companies will lift capital expenditure forecasts, a key driver for demand for AI chips. The company also announced a $2 billion investment in cloud firm CoreWeave to expand AI data center capacity, adding another layer to the market’s focus on infrastructure buildouts.
Officials described recent trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi as constructive, though no breakthrough was announced. The negotiations are part of a U.S.-led effort to end the war sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with territorial control and postwar security guarantees still central points of disagreement.
After the fatal shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer, the White House sought to distance President Donald Trump from incendiary language used by some officials while reiterating support for a full investigation. The incident has intensified scrutiny of a federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota and sparked calls for transparency and congressional oversight.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its 2026 childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule, continuing to recommend immunization against 18 diseases even as the CDC’s updated schedule recommends fewer universally for children. Pediatric leaders say the AAP guidance is based on longstanding evidence and aims to prevent the return of dangerous, vaccine-preventable infections.