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Chronological wire record. Latest transmission first.
Fed set to hold rates as Powell faces DOJ scrutiny and mounting political pressure
Markets expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady this week, but the meeting is overshadowed by a Justice Department probe into Chair Jerome Powell related to renovation testimony, raising new questions about Fed independence ahead of his term’s May 2026 end.
Hornets rout 76ers 130-93 behind Brandon Miller’s 30 points as game time shifts due to winter storm
The Charlotte Hornets overwhelmed the Philadelphia 76ers 130-93 in a game moved earlier because of extreme weather. Brandon Miller scored 30 as Charlotte built a 50-point lead and outscored Philadelphia 81-37 across the middle quarters, marking a dominant home win amid winter-storm disruptions.
Minneapolis shooting of legally armed protester Alex Pretti scrambles Trump-aligned Second Amendment politics
The killing of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, who held a legal permit to carry, has opened a rift inside conservative politics: pro-gun groups are demanding answers while White House allies attempt to defend federal agents involved. Viral footage undercut early claims that Pretti posed a lethal threat, intensifying pressure for investigations and accountability.
U.S. health insurers slide after CMS projects just a 0.09% Medicare Advantage payment increase for 2027
Shares of major health insurers fell after CMS published its CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice, projecting a net average payment increase of 0.09% (about $700 million) if finalized. The proposal also highlighted risk-adjustment and methodology changes, and it opened a comment period through February 25, 2026.
Wall Street nears a record as earnings split investors, with health insurers hit and Big Tech lifting the Nasdaq
U.S. stocks wobbled Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as a sharp selloff in health insurers collided with strong gains in parts of tech. UnitedHealth tumbled after a softer revenue outlook and fresh pressure on Medicare Advantage rates, while a large Meta–Corning fiber deal helped lift the Nasdaq and kept the S&P 500 near record territory.
CMS outlines 2027 Medicare Advantage rate methodology with a 0.09% net average payment increase and key risk-model changes
CMS released its CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice, projecting a net average payment increase of 0.09% (about $700 million) if finalized, while pointing to larger underlying effects once risk-score trends are considered. The policy update sets up a high-stakes comment period as insurers warn of downstream impacts on benefits and costs.
India and the EU clinch a landmark free trade agreement after nearly two decades of talks
India and the European Union announced Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that they have reached a long-negotiated free trade agreement meant to deepen economic and strategic ties. The deal, described by leaders as a generational pact, aims to slash tariffs across most goods and expand cooperation on labor mobility and other areas.
Micron to build a new advanced wafer fab in Singapore in a $24B push to meet AI-driven memory demand
Micron said it will invest about $24 billion over the next decade to expand manufacturing in Singapore, including a new advanced wafer fabrication facility and related high-bandwidth memory work. The company is positioning the buildout for the next phase of AI and data-center growth, with wafer production expected to begin in the second half of 2028.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee schedules hearing on U.S. policy toward Venezuela
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee outlined its week ahead, including a full committee hearing titled “U.S. Policy Towards Venezuela.” The session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Dirksen SD-419, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio listed as the witness.
Timberwolves and Warriors return to court amid Minneapolis grief after shooting; game played in somber mood
The Timberwolves and Warriors played in Minneapolis after a one-day postponement tied to community safety concerns following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer. Coaches and players described the arena atmosphere as heavy and distracted, reflecting a city grappling with protests and grief.
U.S. takes stake in USA Rare Earth as Commerce backs Texas mine and Oklahoma magnet plant
The Commerce Department, via its CHIPS program, is backing USA Rare Earth with a proposed $277 million in direct funding and a $1.3 billion senior secured loan, in exchange for shares and warrants. The support is aimed at building a domestic “mine-to-magnet” supply chain and reducing dependence on China for critical minerals and rare earth magnets.
Ethiopia declares its first Marburg outbreak over after 42 days without new cases
Ethiopia said it has ended its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak after completing the WHO-recommended 42-day monitoring period with no new confirmed cases. The outbreak, first confirmed in November 2025, resulted in 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries, with additional deaths listed as possible cases.