Latest reporting from the Latest desk, in reverse chronological order.
A sprawling winter storm pushed snow, sleet and freezing rain from the South into New England on Sunday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, snarling travel and prompting emergency declarations across multiple states. Forecasters warned that severe ice accumulation and bitter cold could keep roads dangerous and hinder repairs into the new week.
A new survey showed U.S. private-sector activity remained in expansion territory in January, with improving new orders offset by soft employment momentum. Businesses continued to flag higher costs linked to tariffs as a key concern, even as consumer sentiment improved.
Democrats in the U.S. Senate say they may block a major government funding bill after a fatal Minneapolis shooting involving federal agents during an immigration-related operation. The death has intensified scrutiny of enforcement tactics and raised the political stakes ahead of a looming funding deadline.
The World Economic Forum’s January 2026 meeting in Davos ended with global leaders emphasizing cooperation in a more contested world, against a backdrop of heightened tension between the United States and several NATO allies. Speeches from top officials underscored disputes over trade pressure, security guarantees and the resilience of global institutions.
A Commerce Department regulation published in mid-January creates a pathway for certain advanced AI chips to be exported to China, codifying a policy shift announced in December. Analysts warn the framework could be difficult to enforce and may undercut the national-security logic behind earlier export controls.
Micron Technology plans to acquire Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.’s P5 fab site in Tongluo, Taiwan, for $1.8 billion in cash. The deal highlights how AI-driven demand and tight memory supply are reshaping semiconductor investment as Micron looks to expand DRAM capacity in the coming years.
A powerful winter storm sweeping from the southern Rockies to New England has grounded thousands of flights, knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of customers and prompted emergency declarations in multiple states. Forecasters warned of heavy snow in the Northeast and dangerous ice from the Lower Mississippi Valley into parts of the Southeast.
The U.S. could lose its measles elimination status if transmission continues uninterrupted for 12 months, with international health authorities set to review the situation in April 2026. Public health experts say slipping vaccination coverage and repeated outbreaks have created the conditions for the virus to spread widely again.
The U.S. women’s national team started its 2026 schedule with a 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay in Carson, California, highlighted by contributions from new faces and a goal from Trinity Rodman in her return. The match offered an early look at the squad’s depth as it builds toward major tournaments ahead.
Micron’s planned purchase of Powerchip’s P5 fab site in Taiwan would add a large 300mm cleanroom footprint and support future DRAM ramp-ups. The move illustrates how AI-driven demand for memory is reshaping chipmaking strategies, with established suppliers seeking faster paths to capacity.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats plan to block a government funding package if it includes Department of Homeland Security money, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. The dispute raises the risk of a shutdown fight as lawmakers demand accountability and changes to immigration enforcement practices.
President Donald Trump’s confrontational posture toward European allies, including renewed threats tied to Greenland, is raising doubts about international support for a U.S.-backed plan centered on a Gaza ‘Board of Peace.’ The effort has drawn skepticism in Europe even as Washington seeks buy-in from dozens of invited governments.