Latest
Departures from this desk, newest publication first.
- 157World
Saudi Arabia postpones the 2029 Asian Winter Games planned for NEOM’s Trojena project
Saudi Arabia and the Olympic Council of Asia agreed to postpone the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which were due to be staged at Trojena, the planned mountain resort inside the NEOM megaproject. The announcement renews questions about cost, timelines and the practicality of hosting snow-dependent sports in an arid environment.
- 158Politics
CDC staff ‘blindsided’ after childhood vaccine schedule is abruptly revised, report says
A sudden revision to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule—reportedly pushed through without the usual expert process—has sparked internal turmoil and public backlash. Critics warn the shift could confuse clinicians and parents, while supporters say it may rebuild trust among skeptical families.
- 159Health
CDC calls 2025–26 flu season ‘moderately severe’ as U.S. cases estimated at 11 million
U.S. flu activity rose in late December, prompting the CDC to classify the 2025–26 season as “moderately severe” as of early January. Reuters reported CDC estimates of at least 11 million illnesses so far, alongside rising hospitalizations and deaths.
- 160Tech
Belgian hospital cyberattack disrupts services and forces transfers as systems are shut down
A cyberattack on AZ Monica hospital in Antwerp disrupted computer systems, leading to canceled surgeries and reduced emergency capacity. The incident highlights how ransomware-style disruptions can quickly cascade into real-world healthcare delays and patient transfers.
- 161Latest
Minnesota federal shooting sparks protests as Washington faces new pressure over immigration enforcement
A fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving a federal agent is fueling a fresh wave of demonstrations and intensifying scrutiny of immigration enforcement and DHS oversight. The incident is reverberating through national politics as lawmakers weigh funding fights and accountability demands amid a major winter storm disrupting travel across the U.S.
- 162Politics
Outrage grows after second deadly federal shooting as Democrats weigh DHS funding pressure
A second fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement in recent weeks has ignited demonstrations and sharpened the political fight over ICE operations. The episode is driving calls for investigations and new limits on enforcement tactics, with some Senate Democrats signaling a willingness to use budget leverage to force changes.
- 163Sports
USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 win over Paraguay as new faces impress
The U.S. Women’s National Team began its 2026 calendar with a dominant friendly win over Paraguay in Carson, California. A mix of newcomers and returning stars powered the performance as the team looks ahead to a busy year tied to regional competition and longer-term World Cup qualifying plans.
- 164Business
Winter storm disruptions ripple into travel and operations as cancellations mount
A sweeping winter storm is straining U.S. travel and logistics with widespread warnings, flight cancellations, and service interruptions. The disruption is forcing airlines, passenger rail, and event organizers to adjust operations as communities prepare for hazardous conditions across a broad corridor of the country.
- 165Health
HHS says CDC accepted recommendations to update U.S. childhood immunization schedule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that CDC leadership accepted recommendations following a review of childhood immunization practices. The move is drawing attention from medical groups and public-health advocates, who are weighing the implications for how guidance is communicated and how states use federal recommendations in school and daycare requirements.
- 166Tech
Verizon outage disrupts U.S. wireless service as regulators review network reliability
A widespread Verizon network outage in mid-January knocked out voice, text, and mobile data for many customers nationwide, prompting complaints and scrutiny. The incident renewed questions about redundancy, public-safety resilience, and the expectations telecom providers face as wireless networks become increasingly essential infrastructure.
- 167World
Davos wrap: leaders close out World Economic Forum amid heightened geopolitical tensions
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos ended after days of speeches and side meetings shaped by global economic uncertainty and geopolitical friction. The conference agenda focused on cooperation, growth, investing in people, responsible innovation, and climate-linked prosperity as leaders and executives traded messages on the world’s near-term risks.
- 168Sports
Justin Gaethje wins interim lightweight title after beating Paddy Pimblett, fueling talk of blockbuster summer headliner
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett in a high-profile interim lightweight bout, reviving title-fight scenarios and sparking speculation about a major summer event headlined by a unification matchup.