5 Things To Know For Feb. 4: Shutdown Ends, Assassination-Plot Sentencing, Jill Biden’s Ex Charged, Iran Talks, Bitcoin Slump

Authorities say they are investigating possible ransom notes after Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing. Nancy was reportedly taken from her Arizona home, a disappearance that has captured national attention.

1. Government Shutdown Averted — But A New DHS Deadline Looms

President Donald Trump signed a broad spending package into law, ending a three-day partial government shutdown. The deal funds several key departments but sets a new deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Lawmakers now have roughly two weeks to agree on changes to federal law enforcement — particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — or face a DHS shutdown that could affect agencies from the TSA to FEMA. Democrats are pressing for ICE reforms including body cameras for agents, limits on face coverings and an end to roving patrols.

2. Sentencing Day For 2024 Assassination Plot

Ryan Routh, convicted in the attempted assassination of then-former President Trump near a West Palm Beach golf course in 2024, faces sentencing today. Prosecutors say Routh built a sniper position and were only stopped after a Secret Service agent intervened. Routh was found guilty on five counts after a chaotic effort to represent himself at trial; prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, saying he has shown "neither regret nor remorse."

3. Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Charged In Wife’s Death

William Stevenson, 77 — who was married to Dr. Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975 — was arrested and charged in the December death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson, 64. Linda was found unresponsive in a Delaware home. The Biden post-presidential office declined to comment; in her memoir Jill Biden described the earlier marriage as a youthful chapter she later viewed differently.

William Stevenson is seen in a booking photo. - New Castle County Police

4. U.S. And Iran Set To Meet For Nuclear Talks

U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to hold nuclear talks in Oman later this week, according to people familiar with the plans. Tensions remain high: the White House has said President Trump is keeping military options on the table if diplomacy fails. Iran is believed to possess a large arsenal of missiles and drones within range of U.S. forces in the region, and Tehran has repeatedly warned it could strike U.S. troops or Israel if provoked.

5. Bitcoin Plunges; Markets Wary Of AI Returns

Bitcoin fell to its lowest level since November 2024, down roughly 40% from an October high, as the cryptocurrency experienced renewed sell-offs and volatility. U.S. stocks also slipped amid growing investor skepticism about how profitable the AI boom will be and whether heavy spending on AI will translate into long-term gains.

Other Quick Hits

An elegant dog named Penny won Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Personal shoppers who source near-impossible items say the demand for their services among wealthy clients has grown. A long-running family-friendly restaurant chain closed after 30 years, citing inflation pressures. In London, two masked men smashed into a jewelry shop with a sledgehammer in a violent robbery captured on video. Judges chose finalists from more than 60,000 entries across 113 countries for an international photo contest. A NASA engineer inadvertently inspired one of history's most iconic toys — watch a short video that explains the backstory.

Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan. For more news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.