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The Department of Homeland Security's funding will run out on Friday after Democrats refused to approve the money without significant changes to immigration enforcement. As lawmakers search for a solution, a House committee will hear from top immigration officials about their enforcement practices across the U.S.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is surrounded by reporters as he walks from his office to the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Congress is facing a Friday deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

The latest release of Epstein files threatens Britain's ruling government. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls for his resignation. He is not implicated in the Epstein files, but he appointed someone who is.

Today show host Savannah Guthrie released another video on Instagram yesterday pleading for the public's help in the search for her mom. She posted the video around the time a deadline outlined in a ransom message passed. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen near her Arizona home on Jan. 31.

Immigration courts abruptly moved up hearings for dozens of asylum cases filed by Somali migrants over the weekend, according to four lawyers NPR interviewed. Lawyers in Minnesota, Illinois and Nebraska received notices that hearings set for 2028 and others that were not scheduled yet are now happening this month or next. The attorneys fear that the rapid scheduling may stifle due process for their clients. While more than 100 cases have been affected, the attorneys expect that number to climb much higher.

The sun sets over the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 5, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Nathan Howard/Getty Images hide caption

Trump's unpopular policies and actions are creating problems for the GOP. Republicans keep losing special elections and are retiring at a faster rate than Democrats. Voters say they prefer Democrats to control Congress. Democrats' hopes of taking over the House are growing by the day, while the Senate remains a longer shot. Republicans face an uphill battle, particularly to retain control of the House.

Illustrations by Matt James In the children's book The One About the Blackbird, a young boy learns to play the guitar from his grandfather. They share a particular love for one song: The Beatles' "Blackbird." Author Melanie Florence describes the book as an intergenerational love story. As an adult, the boy returns home and plays guitar for his grandfather. Though his grandfather now forgets some things, he never loses his adoration for music. Matt James said his family connection made the story resonate, and he knew he had to illustrate it. James' parents are musicians who perform at retirement homes. Take a look at the artistic decisions he made to illustrate the story.

Lindsey Vonn of Team United States crashes during the Women's Downhill Saturday at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images/Getty Images Europe hide caption

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.