Latest stories from this desk, published newest first.
TikTok says it has finalized an agreement to create a new US-based entity backed by major American investors, a move aimed at avoiding a ban and addressing long-running national security concerns about data access and algorithm control.
International health authorities plan to review in April 2026 whether ongoing measles transmission means the US has lost its elimination designation, as cases spread across states and experts cite declining vaccination coverage and weakened public health capacity.
AP’s look at the US economy in 2025 highlights a paradox: strong growth alongside weak hiring and rising unemployment, with tariffs, uncertainty, and AI adoption shaping decisions as 2026 begins.
US envoys met with Israel’s prime minister to push for progress into the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire, with the reopening of the Rafah border crossing and plans for monitoring and withdrawals emerging as key signals.
TikTok’s US joint-venture deal with investors including Oracle is designed to avert a ban and localize data and algorithm training, but legal questions persist about whether the arrangement fully satisfies rules aimed at cutting ByteDance ties.
At a highly partisan House Judiciary Committee hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations and charges involving President Donald Trump, saying the evidence warranted prosecution and politics played no role.
A sprawling winter storm—dubbed Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel—is sweeping from the Southern Plains toward the East, bringing heavy snow, ice and bitter cold. States have issued emergency declarations, utilities are battling outages, and airlines are canceling flights as forecasters warn conditions could worsen before the system exits the Northeast.
State and local health departments reported confusion and operational disruption after an unexpected pause of a multibillion-dollar CDC-administered public health infrastructure grant was announced and then reversed within hours. Officials say the episode deepened uncertainty for public health systems already under strain.
California’s newly signed SB 53—the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act—creates requirements for large developers of frontier AI models to publicly post safety frameworks, report serious safety incidents, and provide whistleblower protections. Supporters say it boosts trust and accountability while keeping innovation moving.
The NFL’s final four meet on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with Seattle hosting the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship and Denver hosting New England in the AFC Championship. With Super Bowl LX looming, injuries, matchups and late-season momentum are shaping how each team approaches the biggest games of the year.
Public health leaders say a sudden, briefly imposed pause—and subsequent reversal—of a large CDC-administered infrastructure grant created uncertainty for preparedness, disease response and essential staffing. The episode comes as winter storms and seasonal illness pressures heighten demand for local health capacity.
A new National Defense Strategy outlines a more homeland-centered military posture and places deterring China above long-standing emphasis on Europe. The document highlights burden-sharing with allies and signals recalibration across theaters, while critics warn it could strain alliances and reshape U.S. global commitments.