Travis please don’t make Taylor angry! Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know Wednesday, from conflicts among lawmakers over ICE reform to the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother. And cute Penny.
Shutdown has ended. President Trump’s race to reform ICE is now underway.
After the partial government shutdown ended Tuesday, lawmakers face a Feb. 13 deadline to find a compromise to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. Otherwise, there will be confusion with the Coast Guard and TSA.
However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not respond. That’s because Congress has authorized $75 billion for ICE over the next few years under the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer.
But ICE remains at an impasse as lawmakers stare at deadlines. Senate Democrats have a list of three main demands for immigration enforcement reform. Their demands include an end to intensive immigration checks known as “patrol rounds.” They also want more accountability for ICE and the Border Patrol, including independent investigations and stricter standards for the use of force. It also calls for banning masks and requiring body cameras for federal employees.
Some Senate Republicans have said they would comply with some of those demands.
More news you need to know right now
- Savannah Guthrie quits hosting NBC Olympics. The Today anchor has resigned from hosting the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as authorities continue to investigate the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie’s neighbors told USA TODAY they fear for his safety.
- President Trump once again calls for federal government intervention in elections. The president’s comments about nationalizing the voting process sparked a bipartisan backlash and alarmed critics concerned about the fairness of future elections.
- People continue to set fire to houses in an attempt to melt the snow. Homeowners may want to remove snow and ice from their roofs as soon as possible to prevent collapse. However, never use an open flame to melt ice in your home.
dog
lucky penny
A Doberman named Penny won “Best in Show” at the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Tuesday. Penny beat out thousands of other puppies in the competition.
nursing care
Nana fighting in court
Texas child welfare workers removed a 16-month-old infant and her younger brother from their home in January 2025. Their grandmother, Rochelle, cared for them for several months, but one day last September, state authorities removed them from the nursery without notice or explanation. Children were driven 170 miles to live with strangers. Worried that she would never see them again, Rochelle decided to fight to bring them home.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
