Partial Government Shutdown Begins as Senate Deal Awaits House Vote
A partial federal government shutdown went into effect early Saturday, January 31, 2026, after funding lapsed for numerous federal agencies at midnight. The shutdown occurred despite the Senate passing a bipartisan funding package late Friday, according to CBS News. However, the agreement requires approval from the House of Representatives, which is not expected to reconvene until Monday, ABC News reported.
The Senate's passage of the funding deal came hours before the deadline, following votes on several amendments, CBS News stated. The agreement includes passing five long-term spending bills while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two weeks. This extension allows for further negotiations regarding Democratic demands for restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requirements for agency oversight, ABC News reported. Democrats reached a deal with the White House on Thursday after raising objections about funding for immigration agencies, according to CBS News.
The shutdown impacts dozens of federal agencies. The exact scope of the shutdown and the services affected remain to be seen, pending further action from Congress next week.
In other news, satellite images revealed renewed activity at Iranian nuclear sites that were reportedly bombed by the U.S. and Israel in June 2025. According to Fox News, the images from Planet Labs PBC show new roofs being constructed over damaged buildings at the Isfahan and Natanz facilities. Andrea Stricker, who studies Iran for the Washington Institute, told Fox News that the roofs are likely part of Iran's efforts "to assess whether key assets – such as limited stocks of highly enriched uranium – survived the strikes."
Also this year, several notable figures passed away. Fox News reported that Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead in San Francisco on January 1 at the age of 34. Grateful Dead legend Bob Weir died on January 10 at the age of 78 following lung problems, after having previously battled cancer. Columbian singer Yeison Jiménez also died on January 10 in a plane crash at the age of 34. Roger Allers, co-director of "The Lion King," died on January 17 after a short illness at the age of 76, according to Fox News. Catherine O'Hara, comedian, is still alive.
Meanwhile, CBS announced its "48 Hours" show schedule, noting its 38th season premiered on September 27, 2025. The show airs Saturdays at 10/9c on CBS and streams on Paramount . Full episodes are also available on Pluto TV, CBS News 24/7, the CBS News app, and YouTube, CBS News reported.
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