5 things to know for Feb. 13: DHS shutdown, Minnesota surge ending, Nancy Guthrie, Epstein fallout, Climate

Friday the 13th often evokes superstition, yet historical evidence suggests both Fridays and the number 13 have, at times, been considered auspicious. Beyond the folklore, however, a series of significant developments unfolded this week, impacting national security, immigration policy, criminal investigations, corporate leadership, and environmental regulations.

Department of Homeland Security Faces Potential Shutdown

A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security appears increasingly likely this weekend. Lawmakers departed for a planned recess without reaching a funding agreement. Republican congressional leaders have attributed the impasse to Democrats, stating the White House initially resisted reasonable concessions before several Democratic leaders demanded changes to ICE protocols. The next steps remain uncertain, as Congress is not scheduled to return to Washington for 11 days, though a recall is possible if a deal is reached.

Immigration Enforcement Operation Concludes in Minnesota

The monthslong immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, is coming to an end. White House border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that President Trump concurred with his proposal to conclude the operation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed “cautious relief” at the conclusion of the operation, which involved approximately 3,000 federal officers – the largest immigration enforcement operation in the country’s history – and sparked mass protests and resulted in the deaths of two US citizens.

FBI Intensifies Search for Nancy Guthrie

The FBI shared a description of a suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case Thursday and increased the reward for information to $100,000. The suspect is described as a man between 5’9” and 5’10” with an average build, wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. Investigators have also recovered multiple gloves, though their connection to the suspect remains unconfirmed. Residents near Guthrie’s home are being asked to submit any relevant footage from doorbell cameras from the month preceding the 84-year-old’s disappearance.

Epstein Fallout Continues to Reshape Corporate Landscape

Kathy Ruemmler, chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, resigned late Thursday amid scrutiny stemming from the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents. She maintains her relationship with the disgraced financier was professional. Separately, powerhouse talent agent Casey Wasserman is facing calls to step aside after appearing in the Epstein files, including records of travel on Epstein’s plane and suggestive messages with Ghislaine Maxwell. He has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Climate Regulations

The Trump administration finalized rules Thursday revoking the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate climate pollution. The original “endangerment finding” of 2009 classified six greenhouse gases as dangerous to human health, providing the EPA with the authority to limit pollution from various sources. President Trump labeled the policy “disastrous” and a “giant scam” upon its repeal.

Did You Know? Operation Metro Surge involved the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal officers, making it the largest immigration enforcement operation in the country’s history.

Beyond the Headlines

SpaceX and NASA successfully launched four astronauts to the International Space Station, restoring the station to full staffing levels. Valentine’s Day flower deliveries will involve extensive logistical operations, with blooms travelling considerable distances. Astronomers have detected a solar system with a peculiar planetary pattern that challenges existing theories of planet formation. Speculation surrounds whether Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter could be positioned as North Korea’s next leader.

Expert Insight: The rollback of the EPA’s endangerment finding represents a significant shift in US climate policy, potentially limiting the federal government’s ability to address greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the global climate crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Department of Homeland Security funding?

Lawmakers left for recess without a funding deal in place, making a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security all but certain this weekend.

What was the purpose of Operation Metro Surge?

Operation Metro Surge was a monthslong immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota involving approximately 3,000 federal officers.

What information is the FBI seeking in the Nancy Guthrie case?

The FBI is seeking information about a man between 5’9” and 5’10” with an average build, wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, and is requesting footage from doorbell cameras near Guthrie’s home.

As these events unfold, what impact do you believe these developments will have on the coming weeks and months?

5 things to know for Feb. 13: DHS shutdown, Minnesota surge ending, Nancy Guthrie, Epstein fallout, Climate | Nation & World