Savannah Guthrie made an emotional public plea for the return of her missing mother, whom investigators say was taken from her home. The Trump administration is withdrawing 700 DHS personnel from Minnesota and signaling a possible softer approach to immigration amid controversy over federal force. Congressional Democrats say they would seek to question President Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein inquiry if they retake the House. Officials have kept five aging coal plants online — a move experts warn could cost consumers an estimated $3–6 billion by 2028, and The Washington Post cut roughly one in three jobs companywide.
5 Things to Know — Feb. 5: Guthrie’s Emotional Plea, Immigration Pullback, Epstein Inquiry, Coal Plant Costs, Washington Post Layoffs
An undated photo shared on Instagram shows Savannah and Nancy Guthrie. - From Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has reactivated her Kamala HQ account on X and TikTok, calling it "an online organizing project for next-generation campaigning." Here’s what else to know for Feb. 5.
Savannah Guthrie’s Public Plea
In an emotional Instagram video Wednesday, "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie appealed for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, whom investigators believe was taken from her home against her will. No suspects have been identified. Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward and indicated her family is "ready to talk," stressing that Nancy requires medication and is in constant pain.
Immigration Pullback In Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security said it will immediately withdraw about 700 personnel from Minnesota, leaving roughly 2,000 officers on the ground. Border czar Tom Homan announced the move amid signals from the White House that a "softer touch" on immigration enforcement may be considered after controversial federal actions in Minneapolis. Recent polls suggest many Americans view the fatal shootings involving federal agents there as excessive force.
Epstein Inquiry — Democrats Eye Trump Interviews
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee said Democrats would try to question President Trump as part of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation if they regain control of the House. Rep. Robert Garcia pointed to new precedents set this cycle, including planned depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Trump downplayed the chance of being called and said he feels "badly" for the Clintons having to testify.
Coal Plants Kept Online; Potential Higher Costs
The administration has intervened to keep five aging coal-fired power plants operating past scheduled retirement dates, calling the move a short-term cost-saving measure amid rising energy bills. Energy experts counter that the decision is likely to raise electricity costs; one analysis estimates keeping those plants open could cost U.S. utility customers an additional $3–6 billion by the end of 2028.
Washington Post Conducts Major Layoffs
The Washington Post cut roughly one in three jobs companywide in a sweeping round of layoffs, with sources saying the newsroom lost more than 300 positions — notably in sports, books and podcasts. Owner Jeff Bezos has pressed management to return the paper to profitability. Executive editor Matt Murray told CNN Bezos "remains committed to the publication," but many journalists argue the organization cannot shrink its way to growth.
Quick Hits
- Pizza Hut reported another disappointing quarter as competition intensifies in the pizza market.
- The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will stage an exhibition highlighting historical examples of fake and deceptive imagery.
- Puerto Ricans and many others are eagerly anticipating Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language Super Bowl performance.
- At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, medals awarded this month are the most expensive in Games history.
- Speed skier Simon Billy — who set a world record at 158.7 mph in 2023 — says he is lobbying to have the sport considered for the 2030 Games.
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Weather reminder: Check your local forecast to see what to expect today.
This edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan. For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.
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