NFL names Shawn Smith as referee for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium
The NFL has announced that Shawn Smith will be the referee for Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, leading an all-star officiating crew selected based on season performance.
Latest
Latest reporting from the Latest desk, in reverse chronological order.
Massive winter storm grips much of the U.S., leaving widespread ice damage, outages and travel disruptions
A sprawling winter storm has pushed snow, sleet and freezing rain from the South through the Mid-Atlantic and into New England, triggering large-scale power outages and major travel disruptions as communities brace for lingering cold and ice stress on infrastructure.
Apple releases second-generation AirTag with longer Precision Finding range and louder speaker
Apple’s updated AirTag keeps the same price but adds a newer ultra wideband chip to extend Precision Finding range, plus a louder speaker and updated Find My features that include airline support for sharing an item’s location.
U.S. faces greater outbreak risk as CDC surveillance databases stop or delay updates, study says
A study reported in HealthDay News and published in Annals of Internal Medicine says many CDC health surveillance databases stopped or slowed updates in 2025, weakening the nation’s ability to track infectious diseases, vaccination trends and overdoses.
CDC data show measles cases confirmed in nine states early in 2026, with ongoing outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah
Updated CDC figures cited by ABC News show at least 171 measles cases confirmed in nine states so far in 2026, with South Carolina and Utah continuing to manage outbreaks that began earlier.
ICC judges rule former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial, scheduling February hearing
Judges at the International Criminal Court say former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte can participate in proceedings over crimes against humanity allegations tied to his anti-drug campaign, clearing the way for a confirmation-of-charges hearing in late February.
Study warns gaps in CDC database updates weaken U.S. outbreak detection and preparedness
A study reported that many CDC health surveillance databases were delayed or stopped updating during 2025, including several tracking vaccinations and vaccine-preventable diseases. Researchers warned the breakdown could leave the U.S. less prepared for outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Fed expected to hold rates steady as Powell faces a DOJ probe and political pressure mounts
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged this week after cuts in 2025, with inflation still above target and the labor market cooling. The meeting comes as Chair Jerome Powell faces a Justice Department investigation tied to Fed building renovations.
Federal immigration enforcement faces court pressure as Minnesota judge orders acting ICE director to appear
A federal judge in Minnesota summoned the acting ICE director and warned of possible contempt after allegations that the agency defied court orders in detention cases tied to a major enforcement push. The dispute adds legal and political strain as scrutiny of federal tactics grows.
Russia-Ukraine war updates: attacks hit Kharkiv and other cities as infrastructure suffers
Russian drone and missile strikes hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine, damaging buildings and critical infrastructure and leaving large areas without power, Ukrainian officials said. Kyiv also reported damage to a major religious landmark.
Wall Street nears a record as earnings jolt stocks and investors brace for the Fed
U.S. stocks wobbled but stayed near record territory as a bruising drop in health insurers offset strong gains in tech-linked names. Investors weighed mixed earnings, a consumer-confidence slide, and expectations the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at Wednesday’s meeting.
Rangers win in overtime, Islanders and Lightning record shutouts; Oilers’ defense powers a 7–4 victory
A busy night in the NHL featured an overtime win for the Rangers over the Bruins, shutouts by the Islanders and Lightning, and a high-scoring Oilers-Ducks game highlighted by an unusual surge from Edmonton’s blue line.