Five Things to Know — Feb. 2: Government Shutdown, Grammys, Epstein Files, Immigration Protests, Bomb Cyclone

Happy Groundhog Day — Punxsutawney Phil is expected to emerge today to predict whether spring will arrive early or whether we’ll face six more weeks of winter. Keep it in perspective: the famous groundhog’s forecasts are accurate only about 40% of the time.

1) Partial Federal Government Shutdown

A partial federal government shutdown began Saturday as lawmakers race to limit disruptions. Congress is expected to hold critical House votes Tuesday on a funding package that would finance most federal departments through September but extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security for only two weeks while lawmakers debate immigration enforcement reforms. Even a short lapse in appropriations is being felt: more than 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration employees face furloughs, and air traffic controllers have been ordered to continue working without pay until funding resumes.

2) Grammys: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Breakout Stars

The music industry gathered Sunday in Los Angeles for the 68th Grammy Awards. Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos), opening his acceptance remarks with a chant of “ICE out” and criticizing immigration enforcement policies. Kendrick Lamar was among the night’s biggest winners, taking home multiple awards including Record of the Year for “Luther” (featuring SZA). Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist after her viral hit “Man I Need.”

3) New Epstein Documents, Trump Response

The Department of Justice released more than 3 million documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation that reference former President Donald Trump more than 1,000 times. Trump responded on social media to a comment by Grammys host Trevor Noah, denying he ever visited “Epstein Island.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche signaled on CNN that the DOJ does not plan to pursue new charges related to the matter at this time.

4) Nationwide Protests and Immigration Debate

Massive protests across the United States called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave certain cities following a nationwide strike that disrupted schools, workplaces and businesses. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with Minneapolis after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good—incidents that have intensified national debate over immigration enforcement. The sustained demonstrations have prompted some Republican leaders to urge the administration to reconsider its approach.

5) Bomb Cyclone Aftermath in the Southeast

A powerful bomb cyclone battered much of the southeastern U.S., bringing brutally low temperatures, icy roads and hazardous travel conditions that are expected to persist through the week. Several Florida cities recorded historic low temperatures — cold snaps so severe that some iguanas temporarily lost muscle control and fell from trees. Parts of South Carolina saw more snow from this system than many Western cities have seen all winter. North Carolina authorities said the storm contributed to more than 1,000 traffic accidents statewide, including at least two fatal crashes.

Other Notable Items

• Israel authorized the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt after nearly two years of closure, letting a limited number of Palestinians enter and exit the territory, an Israeli security official said.
• The Kennedy Center announced it will close in July for roughly two years to complete renovations after widespread cancellations.
• In science and culture: an engineer developed a method for regenerative tissue that may aid breast cancer survivors; Dr. Justin Garcia published a book on intimacy in relationships; and a 16-year-old runner from New Zealand set a world record for the fastest mile by an under-18 athlete.

Check your local forecast for specific weather conditions and travel advisories in your area.