MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2026
- Partial government shutdown continues into its fourth day, with House Republicans pushing a package of appropriations bills to fund most agencies while extending DHS funding briefly for immigration reforms; negotiations remain tense amid skepticism over timelines.
- Urgent search underway in Arizona for Nancy Guthrie (mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie), an 84-year-old woman suspected of being abducted from her home.
- Measles exposure alerts issued in some areas, including notifications to thousands potentially exposed via a university student case; broader concerns tie into immigration detention facilities.
- Immigration enforcement controversies escalate, including mistaken deportations highlighted by cases like Kilmar Abrego Garcia and a judge blocking the end of protections for Haitians.
- NASA delays Artemis II lunar mission launch (originally eyed for early February) to March due to issues like hydrogen leaks during testing.
Government Shutdown Standoff: GOP leaders are working to secure votes ahead of a critical test today to end a partial government shutdown.
Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating internal party pressure as federal funding hangs in the balance. Judicial Diversity Debate: New reports highlight that one year into President Trump’s second term, 27 federal judges have been appointed—none of whom are women of color. This has sparked intense debate over the administration's judicial selection criteria.
Minnesota Precinct Caucuses: Thousands of Minnesota voters are gathering tonight for precinct caucuses. While non-binding, these straw polls are seen as a vital first test for candidates in the state's upcoming gubernatorial race.
- President Trump calls for Republicans to "nationalize" voting and "take over" elections in podcast remarks, escalating claims about electoral processes ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Trump administration unveils a $12 billion critical minerals stockpile initiative to counter China's dominance, part of broader "America First" economic moves.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasts Trump's immigration crackdown while highlighting state drug enforcement efforts in a San Diego press conference.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson claims votes to end the partial shutdown via Senate-aligned funding package, but debates rage over ICE reforms and DHS changes.
- No women of color appointed to federal judgeships in Trump's first year back in office, drawing criticism on judicial diversity.
- Massive Russian drone and missile strikes (around 450 drones, 70 missiles) target Ukraine's power grid and regions; NATO Secretary General Rutte visits Kyiv amid ongoing war.
- U.S. envoys (including Steve Witkoff) prepare for Istanbul talks with Iran on nuclear deal, involving regional allies like Turkey and Qatar, as Trump weighs potential military options.
- Trump announces U.S.-India trade deal slashing tariffs on Indian goods to 18% (from higher levels), with India agreeing to end Russian oil purchases.
- UAE diplomatic adviser warns Middle East does not need U.S.-Iran war, emphasizing need for nuclear negotiations.
- Gaza Rafah border crossing reopens as a step in fragile cease-fire efforts between Israel and Egypt.
China-Uruguay Strategic Partnership: President Xi Jinping hosted Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi in Beijing.
The two nations marked 38 years of diplomatic ties by signing a joint statement to deepen their "comprehensive strategic partnership." Russia-Saudi Energy Talks: Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone call to discuss OPEC+ collaboration and market stability ahead of the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Japan Snow Crisis: The death toll from record-breaking snowfall in northern Japan has reached 30.
The government has deployed troops to the Aomori region, where snow drifts have reached nearly 15 feet.
- Delhi government implements Private School Fee Regulation Act for 2026-27 academic year to curb arbitrary hikes.
- Kerala plans to reduce Class 10 syllabus by 25% without impacting quality, per state education minister.
- Bihar Board Class 12 exams begin with over 13 lakh students appearing.
- Union Budget 2026 sharply increases skilling funding (Skill Ministry allocation up fourfold), focusing on ITI upgrades and PM SETU initiative.
- Some U.S. districts face budget strains post-heyday, while FAFSA changes qualify 1.7 million more for maximum Pell Grants.
Undocumented Students at Risk: New data released today by the Presidents’ Alliance shows a decline in undocumented high school graduates.
The report points to the "uncertain national climate" and the dismantling of tuition equity policies in states like Texas and Florida. Community College Surge: In contrast to some four-year trends, Johnston Community College reported a record 12% enrollment growth for the spring 2026 semester, citing new data-driven recruitment tools.
National School Counseling Week: Governors across several states have issued proclamations today to highlight the role of school counselors in addressing the student mental health crisis.
- U.S. dollar near four-year lows due to recent policy uncertainties, potentially boosting exports and domestic manufacturing but reflecting eroded confidence.
- Wall Street closes higher, driven by consumer and industrial stocks amid volatility in oil and geopolitics.
- Trump administration's missed legal deadline for FY spending plans raises economist concerns over rising $38.5 trillion national debt and lack of transparency.
- Positive momentum in major indexes (Dow, S&P 500) despite tensions, with some undervalued stocks highlighted for February.
- Gold prices bounce back in trading sessions.
India-U.S. Trade Breakthrough: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed a major deal reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian exports from 50% down to 18%.
Markets expect a significant boost to Indian manufacturing and trade. Global Market Surge: Stock markets in Japan and South Korea hit all-time highs today.
The Nikkei 225 surged 3.9% to a record 54,720, driven by a rally in technology and chip-making shares. Mixed Corporate Earnings: Disney shares plunged over 7% today on concerns regarding declining international theme park attendance, while Mizuho Financial Group beat earnings estimates.
- Elon Musk's SpaceX acquires/merges with xAI in a record deal valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion, boosting space stocks and fueling AI/space ambitions.
- French prosecutors raid X (formerly Twitter) offices in Paris; Elon Musk summoned for questioning in cybercrime probe.
- Palantir CEO defends surveillance tech amid rising U.S. government contracts boosting sales.
- SpaceX targets Starlink missions from Vandenberg in February.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra leaks suggest €1,499 European pricing with large battery.
Nvidia’s $100 Billion Plan: CEO Jensen Huang dismissed rumors of a rift with OpenAI, confirming Nvidia's intent to invest up to $100 billion in new data centers and AI infrastructure.
Foldable iPhone Leaks: Tech circles are buzzing today over leaked designs for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which reportedly features a "book-fold" design similar to competitors but brings back Touch ID.
China Rocket Failure: In a rare setback for its space program, China recorded its first double rocket launch failure in a single day, raising questions about its rapid launch schedule.
- High blood pressure remains uncontrolled in about 79% (4 out of 5) of U.S. adults with the condition, with many not on medication, per new study raising heart/dementia risks.
- Measles cases and exposures reported, including at ICE facilities and university-linked alerts.
- Johnson & Johnson report reveals over 40% of surveyed surgeons considering leaving due to burnout.
- NIH grant disruptions from shutdown slow breast cancer research.
- New research links chronic stress, lowered Reelin protein to leaky gut and worsened depression.
Surgeon Burnout Crisis: A major Johnson & Johnson report released today reveals that over 40% of surgeons are considering leaving the profession due to "mental and moral fatigue," citing administrative burdens as a primary stressor.
AI in Medicine: Utah regulators have approved a deal to allow an AI system to autonomously renew roughly 200 types of common medications, a move being watched closely by the FDA for safety implications.
AFib Breakthroughs: New clinical evidence for Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is being presented at the 31st Annual AF Symposium, promising more effective treatments for heart rhythm disorders.
- Super Bowl LX Opening Night features Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots, with live reactions and buildup to the game.
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says expanding regular season to 18 games is "not a given."
- Buffalo Sabres win 5-3 against defending Stanley Cup champions.
- College basketball: Louisville rises to No. 6 in AP women's poll (best in years); UConn unanimous No. 1 in some rankings.
- Various NBA trade deadline updates and college games ongoing (e.g., JMU at Southern Miss).
Olympic Venues Announced: The LA28 Olympic Committee unveiled six additional U.S. cities—including Nashville, Columbus, and San Diego—that will host football (soccer) matches for the 2028 Summer Games.
College Basketball Rankings: Arizona remains the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 poll released this week, while Michigan has jumped ahead of UConn to take the No. 2 spot.
Super Bowl LXI Buildup: As the countdown to next Sunday's Super Bowl continues, sports analysts are focusing on injury reports and the betting lines for the championship matchup.