Shutdown standoff

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February 2, 2026

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Government shutdown standoff continues over immigration reform

Shutdown: While Republican leadership appears confident in soon ending a partial government shutdown, some Democratic lawmakers have refused to sign off unless immigration enforcement conditions are met. The latest >

Where we're at: It's up to the House to pass the Senate-approved bill, which would fund the remaining parts of the government and end the partial shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects the bill to be approved by Tuesday. Read more >

Immigration: The legislation allows the Department of Homeland Security to keep its current funding levels for two weeks. During that time, congressional leaders would need to agree on longer-term funding for the agency. What to know >

Flights: Air traffic controllers, TSA agents and other service members are again working without pay. The FAA is expected to furlough 10,000 workers under its shutdown plan. Details >

5-year-old, his dad back in Minnesota after ICE release

Minnesota: Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos⁠ and his father arrived back in Minneapolis on Sunday after being released from ICE custody. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said he picked the pair up from a detention center in Texas: "Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack." The latest >

Conflicting stories: Liam and his dad were taken into custody Jan. 20 after Homeland Security said Liam's father "abandoned" him when approached. School officials say immigration officers used the child as "bait" by telling him to knock on the door so his mother would answer. Details >

2 measles cases reported at immigration detention center in Texas >

California bakery's anti-ICE cookies sell out in minutes >

Batya: Kristi Noem should be fired following Alex Pretti's death >

Musicians use Grammys stage to protest Trump's immigration crackdown

Grammys: Music's biggest stars pushed back on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown at the Grammys. Artists wore pins protesting ICE, and the agency was cursed by some winners. Billie Eilish began her song of the year speech by saying, "No one is illegal on stolen land." Read more >

Bad Bunny: Closing out a history-making night, Bad Bunny won album of the year for his critically acclaimed "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." This marks the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize. Here's who else won >

Trump: Host Trevor Noah drew the ire of President Donald Trump for saying, "Because Epstein's island is gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton." Trump said he never went, writing: "Looks like I'll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope." Details >

Mars, Carpenter soaring and a near-naked Bieber: Key moments from Grammys >
Olivia Dean wins best new artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards >

Addison Rae and other rising stars take on Grammys red carpet fashion >

Top DOJ official plays down chance for charges arising from Epstein files revelations

Epstein: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the existence of "horrible photographs" and emails doesn't "allow us necessarily to prosecute." His comments follow the release of more than 3 million pages of documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Details >

Jesse Weber Live: Is new information in Epstein files about co-conspirators a big deal? >
From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who's who of people named in Epstein files >

IOC president Kirsty Coventry says ICE and Epstein files are 'sad' distractions from Winter Olympics >

Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter

Groundhog Day: Winter is here to stay for six more weeks, Punxsutawney Phil predicted this morning. On Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania, the world's most famous groundhog saw his shadow. His forecast was met with booing from the audience. The latest >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

Gaza's border crossing to Egypt reopens in a key step for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Super Bowl week kicks off in California.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland makes an initial court appearance after he allegedly assaulted a rideshare driver.
Parts of the Southeast brace for dangerously cold conditions following an Arctic blast over the weekend.
U.S. stocks fall as the gold rally cools, sending metal prices down.

Three people face charges after a shooting at a Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana left multiple people injured. Read more >

A suspected biological laboratory raided by Las Vegas authorities may be connected to a similar incident in California, according to reports. What to know >

"Today" show host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother is missing in Arizona, and investigators are asking for the public's help. The latest >

A man being questioned by police at a Georgia hotel shot two officers, killing one and seriously injuring the other, authorities said. The investigation >

A Mississippi court reversed the firing of an educator after he read a book titled "I Need a New Butt" to students. Details >

A Louisiana man has been arrested for the third time after allegedly posing as a person with special needs to have his diaper changed. What to know >

Florida deputies guided a deer out of a family's home after the animal crashed through a living room window. Video >

Community rallies to improve home of Vietnam veteran

Volunteers removed old siding, installed new materials and painted the veteran's home, ensuring it was in compliance with HOA standards following a flood. Read more >

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