Congress is working quickly to pass budget bills to avoid a government shutdown. A proposed law, the End Government Shutdowns Act, aims to keep the government running automatically if Congress doesn't finish the budget on time. This law would gradually reduce funding until all budget bills are passed.
Key Facts
Congress faces a deadline to pass budget bills to avoid a government shutdown.
There is disagreement over the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.
Government shutdowns have previously cost taxpayers nearly $4 billion.
Shutdowns can reduce the economy's growth rate by 0.2% each week.
Political disagreements often stall budget agreements.
The End Government Shutdowns Act would allow continued funding at reduced levels.
Funding would decrease by 1% every 30 days without a new budget.
The proposed law aims to maintain government services while Congress negotiates a long-term solution.
Analysts warn that Israel faces a challenging future due to internal divisions and demographic changes. They suggest that political polarization and economic challenges could threaten Israel's stability if the country continues on its current path. Some experts highlight that without significant change, Israel might not remain the same type of state in the coming decades.
Key Facts
Analysts predict that Israel's current path could lead to instability and possible changes in its state structure.
Political polarization within Israel is contributing to these concerns.
Many secular Israelis, including tech industry leaders, are leaving the country.
The religious Zionist and ultra-Orthodox communities are growing rapidly but contribute less economically compared to secular groups.
A loss of confidence from investors both domestically and internationally is noted.
Former Israeli officials suggest Israel might not reach its 100th anniversary if current trends continue.
Key societal divisions are among liberal secular Jews, religious Jews, and those advocating equal rights for Jews and Palestinians.
Maintaining a strong core workforce in technology and other sectors is considered crucial for Israel's future.
Lindsey Vonn, an American Alpine skier, was injured in a crash during a pre-Olympic event in Switzerland. She hurt her left knee but hasn't ruled out competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. She is currently being evaluated by doctors and has shared her determination to make a comeback.
Key Facts
Lindsey Vonn crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans Montana, Switzerland.
Her left knee was injured when she lost balance during the race.
Vonn was one of three skiers who crashed, and the event was canceled due to poor lighting and conditions.
Vonn was airlifted for medical observation but completed her run despite the injury.
She has won three Olympic medals and is a four-time World Cup overall champion.
Vonn expressed her hope to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and is undergoing further medical exams.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye missed the start of practice before the Super Bowl due to a shoulder injury. While considered precautionary, any injury at this stage is significant, especially with Maye's important role in the team's success this season.
Key Facts
Drake Maye plays quarterback for the New England Patriots.
He missed the start of practice due to a shoulder injury.
The injury is seen as precautionary for now.
Maye is a key player and has played a major role in getting the team to the Super Bowl.
He has had an outstanding season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
The Patriots are preparing to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents after he covered a protest at a Minnesota church against ICE. Despite a judge rejecting an earlier attempt to prosecute him, there was significant backlash from conservative figures.
Key Facts
Don Lemon, a journalist, was arrested by federal agents in Minnesota.
The arrest happened after Lemon covered an anti-ICE protest at a church.
A judge previously rejected the Department of Justice's attempt to charge Lemon due to lack of evidence.
Lemon faced criticism from conservative politicians and influencers after his coverage.
His lawyer criticized the arrest, calling it an attack on free speech.
The statement mentioned that federal agents had previously killed two protesters in Minnesota.
Lemon's arrest is seen by his lawyer as a diversion from other issues facing the administration.
This is a developing story, with updates expected.
Carlos Alcaraz won a dramatic match against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-final. During the match, Alcaraz took a medical timeout, which led to some controversy as Zverev accused officials of favoritism. Alcaraz denied breaking any rules and advanced to his first Australian Open final.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz played against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-final.
Alcaraz took a medical timeout for what appeared to be cramping, which is usually not allowed for just muscle spasms under Grand Slam rules.
Players can take a three-minute timeout for injuries or illness but not for cramping, which is seen as a conditioning issue.
Alcaraz lost the third set but eventually won the match in five sets.
Alexander Zverev was upset about the medical timeout but later acknowledged the quality of the match.
Alcaraz will compete in the final against either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz is aiming to become the youngest man to win the career Grand Slam, which means winning all four major tournaments in tennis.
Don Lemon, a former CNN host, was arrested for entering a church in Minnesota with protesters who were against immigration enforcement. He was later detained by federal agents in Los Angeles.
Key Facts
Don Lemon is a former host on CNN.
He was arrested after entering a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, with protesters.
The protest at the church was against a pastor believed to be an ICE official.
Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards.
His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated Lemon plans to contest the charges in court.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. government agency.
The news on this incident is still developing, with more details expected.
Catherine O'Hara, an actress best known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," has died at 71. Her manager confirmed her death, but the cause has not been shared publicly.
Key Facts
Catherine O'Hara was an actress known for "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek."
She passed away at the age of 71.
Her manager confirmed her death to People and Variety.
The cause of her death has not been released.
Tributes for O'Hara are appearing on social media.
This is a continuing news story, and updates may become available.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke at a charity event in Spain. He showed support for Palestinian children in Gaza and criticized the lack of global response to their suffering.
Key Facts
Pep Guardiola is the manager of Manchester City, a soccer team.
He spoke at a charity event in Spain.
During the event, Guardiola wore a keffiyeh, a scarf often associated with Palestinian solidarity.
He expressed support for Palestinian children in Gaza.
Guardiola criticized global silence regarding the issues faced by Palestinian children.
Florida is preparing for unusually cold weather, including possible snow flurries, as winter storms hit many parts of the United States. While Florida is less affected compared to other states, residents and wildlife are taking precautions due to the cold temperatures.
Key Facts
Florida expects cold weather this weekend, with temperatures potentially dropping into the 30s Fahrenheit in South Florida.
There's a 10 to 20% chance of snow flurries in the Tampa Bay area, though no major accumulation is expected.
The cold weather is part of a larger winter storm affecting the Midwest and South, including a cyclone in the Atlantic Ocean.
Residents in South Florida are advised to wear layers and limit time outdoors due to the cold.
Despite the cold, events like the Gasparilla Pirate Fest and a hockey game in Tampa are still scheduled to occur.
Many attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, will remain open, though their water parks will be closed.
Florida zoos are taking measures to protect animals from the cold, such as providing heaters and moving animals indoors.
Non-native animals like iguanas may enter a torpid state or fall from trees due to the cold.
Jon Gruden, who once coached the Las Vegas Raiders, denied he was offered a job as the New York Jets offensive coordinator. The Jets are searching for a new offensive coordinator after a poor 2025 season and are considering other candidates. Frank Reich is a top candidate for the role.
Key Facts
Jon Gruden was a former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Gruden left the NFL in 2021 after his resignation due to a leaked emails scandal.
He denied receiving a job offer from the New York Jets for the offensive coordinator position.
The New York Jets are looking for an experienced offensive play caller to improve their performance.
The Jets struggled offensively in the 2025 season and are undergoing staff changes.
Frank Reich, a former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, is a leading candidate for the Jets' offensive coordinator position.
The Jets must comply with the Rooney Rule, which ensures minority candidates are considered for head coaching jobs.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings in Florida due to an arctic blast. This cold wave could help control invasive species like Burmese pythons that harm local ecosystems. Animals like iguanas and alligators may also be affected by the freezing temperatures.
Key Facts
Florida is experiencing an arctic blast that will lower temperatures significantly.
This weather event can help reduce the number of Burmese pythons, a harmful invasive species in Florida.
Burmese pythons negatively impact the local wildlife, including raccoons and bobcats.
The cold can cause iguanas to lose muscle control and fall from trees.
Alligators become less active at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The extreme cold could feel like single digits when wind chill is factored in.
Cold temperatures may break records in some Florida areas.
People need to take precautions to protect themselves, pets, and plants from the cold.
Activists in Barcelona revealed a large portrait of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl, on the second anniversary of her death. She was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza while she was in a car with her relatives.
Key Facts
A giant portrait of Hind Rajab was unveiled in Barcelona.
Hind Rajab was five years old when she died.
She was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Hind was in a car and targeted at close range.
The event marked the second anniversary of her death.
Activists organized the unveiling to remember her.
Mike McCarthy, the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, talked about conversations he's had with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is thinking about retiring. Rodgers, who worked with McCarthy in the past and had success under his coaching, is currently undecided about returning to play. McCarthy is ready to focus on the team with or without Rodgers' return.
Key Facts
Mike McCarthy is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers is thinking about retiring from football.
Rodgers and McCarthy previously worked together for 13 years at the Green Bay Packers.
Under McCarthy, Rodgers won a Super Bowl and earned two MVP awards.
McCarthy said Rodgers is currently taking time to relax before deciding his future.
The Steelers hired McCarthy to rebuild the team, not specifically to attract Rodgers.
If Rodgers retires, the Steelers will prepare with quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
The Philadelphia 76ers have decided not to include their rookie player, V.J. Edgecombe, in any potential trade deals for Milwaukee Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite various trade rumors, Edgecombe is considered a key part of the 76ers' future plans.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Rookie V.J. Edgecombe, a 6-foot-5 guard from Baylor, was the third overall pick by the 76ers.
Edgecombe is currently averaging 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
The 76ers are sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21 wins and 16 losses.
Philadelphia is not planning to trade Edgecombe, as he is viewed as crucial for the team's future.
Edgecombe is ranked No. 3 among NBA rookies and plays as a starter.
Giannis is recovering from an injury, and speculation about his possible trades continues.
The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves are mentioned as possible destinations for Giannis.
Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Thomas Massie have raised concerns about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) withholding of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the DOJ releasing over 3 million files, Khanna questions why additional files, particularly about Epstein's investigations, are not included.
Key Facts
The DOJ released over 3 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The DOJ initially identified more than 6 million potentially relevant pages.
Congressman Ro Khanna questions why only about 3.5 million files were released.
Khanna and Congressman Thomas Massie previously pushed for the Epstein Files Transparence Act.
Key documents, such as FBI interview statements and draft indictments from a 2007 investigation, are still not disclosed.
Khanna expresses concern that not releasing these files could protect powerful individuals linked to the case.
The Erie Police Department in Colorado is investigating a police officer for allegedly posting a social media comment suggesting violence against ICE agents. The investigation started after the comment appeared on an account that often shares right-wing content. The department has stated it takes the matter seriously and follows internal policies for such investigations.
Key Facts
The Erie Police Department began an internal investigation on January 25, 2026, regarding a police officer's alleged social media comment.
The comment in question suggested shooting ICE agents and was shared by a right-wing political commentary account.
The officer involved is identified as Haili Shimko.
Homeland Security reports a rise in attacks on ICE officers, including physical assaults and threats.
Two U.S. citizens were recently shot during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.
The police department emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust in handling the investigation.
Erie Police said they will release more information as appropriate once the investigation is complete.
A new group, The Greater Than Campaign, is planning to challenge same-sex marriage in the U.S. Supreme Court. The campaign aims to overturn the 2015 decision that made same-sex marriage legal. Several Republican-led states are also pushing for the Supreme Court to reconsider this decision.
Key Facts
The Greater Than Campaign seeks to overturn the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The group believes children need both a mother and a father for proper upbringing.
The Supreme Court has currently a 6-3 conservative majority.
In 2015, the Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage with a 5-4 ruling.
A recent poll shows 68% of Americans support same-sex marriage.
Republican support for same-sex marriage has decreased to 41%.
Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett mentioned "reliance interests" in relation to potentially overturning the decision.
