Overview of Shutdown Ends, US-Iran Tensions, Disney’s New CEO and more
This CNN Podcasts episode (Five Things You Need to Know — Tuesday, Feb. 3) runs through the top headlines: the U.S. government reopens after a short funding fight, rising U.S.–Iran maritime tensions, new developments in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, a missing-person probe involving Savannah Guthrie’s mother, leadership change at Disney, a restaurant-chain shutdown, and athlete Lindsey Vonn’s plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics despite a major injury.
Key headlines (quick bullet summary)
- Government shutdown ends after President Donald Trump signs a funding bill; Homeland Security funded for only two weeks.
- Senate/White House negotiations expected over ICE deployment and use-of-force after two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
- U.S. warship downed an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea; Iranian gunboats later threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Russia–Ukraine diplomatic talks set to continue in Abu Dhabi with U.S. mediating amid major Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid.
- Nancy Guthrie (Savannah Guthrie’s mother) reported missing near Tucson; investigators believe she was abducted.
- Josh D’Amaro named Disney’s next CEO, replacing Bob Iger next month.
- Bahama Breeze will close all remaining locations by April 5; parent company Darden Restaurants to shut some, convert others.
- Lindsey Vonn (41) will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics despite a completely ruptured ACL.
Government shutdown ends — details & implications
- President Trump signed a broad funding bill that reopens the government after the House passed it.
- Critical detail: the package only funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two weeks — a concession reportedly demanded by Senate Democrats.
- That two-week DHS extension is tied to negotiations over federal immigration enforcement policies, especially after controversial uses of force by ICE/federal officers.
- Background: two people were shot and killed by federal agents during Minneapolis immigration operations last month; one victim named in the episode is Renee Good, a mother of three. Luke Ganger, her brother, testified at a joint House/Senate hearing, saying the family had hoped her death would bring change — “And it has not.”
U.S.–Iran tensions at sea
- A U.S. military spokesperson said a U.S. warship shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively approached” the ship in the Arabian Sea.
- Hours later, two Iranian gunboats allegedly approached and threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
- These incidents come days before planned diplomatic talks (noted as this Friday), indicating elevated tensions in the region.
Russia–Ukraine situation
- Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are expected to continue later this week in Abu Dhabi, with the U.S. playing a mediation role.
- At the same time, Ukraine reported a major missile-and-drone strike on its power grid that cut heat to tens of thousands; Ukrainian authorities called it the largest such attack this year.
- The episode quotes Ukrainian commentary calling recent attacks “simply extermination,” underscoring civilian-impact concerns despite temporary pledges to limit strikes.
Missing-person case: Nancy Guthrie
- Arizona investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie (mother of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie) said they believe she was taken from her home near Tucson against her will.
- Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated there were no publicized new leads pointing to a suspect and declined to comment on any ransom or demands.
- Authorities are asking the public for tips.
Disney leadership change
- Josh D’Amaro (54), chair of Disney’s Parks division, will become Disney’s CEO next month, succeeding Bob Iger.
- D’Amaro is the second parks chief to become CEO (Bob Chapek was another parks exec who became CEO in 2020 before Iger’s return in 2022).
- Context: the move follows internal leadership shifts and earlier struggles at Disney during that period.
Bahama Breeze closure
- Darden Restaurants (owner of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse) announced all remaining Bahama Breeze locations will close by April 5.
- Half the locations will shut permanently; the other half will be converted into other Darden brands.
Lindsey Vonn — Olympic plans despite injury
- Lindsey Vonn, 41, who returned to ski competition after a six-year hiatus, suffered a “completely ruptured ACL” in a crash but will still compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
- She plans to practice Thursday, race the downhill on Sunday, and aims to possibly compete in the Super-G and combined team events — motivated by not wanting to have regrets.
Notable quotes & moments
- From Luke Ganger (brother of one of the Minneapolis shooting victims): “In the last few weeks, our family took some consolation, thinking that perhaps Ney’s death would bring about change in our country. And it has not.”
- On the Russia strikes, Ukrainian authorities described the attacks as “simply extermination,” highlighting the humanitarian toll.
Other mentions / promos
- Chasing Life podcast (hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta) episode with dentist Dr. Kami Haas on oral health and the fluoride debate.
- A CNN streaming piece about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s cultural moment (“The Taylor and Travis era”) and its possible wider impacts on the wedding industry.
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