Top U.S. & World Headlines — February 5, 2026

Despite 700 federal agents reportedly leaving Minnesota, over 2,000 ICE agents remain, leading to significant community disruption. Teachers unions and school districts are suing to prevent ICE access to school property and bus stops, as some Twin Cities schools reported up to half of their students staying home during the crackdown. A 10-year-old, Elizabeth Zuna Kaisaguano, was released from an immigration jail with health issues after being seized on her way to school, highlighting the human impact.

Tom H. Homeman stated 700 federal agents would leave Minnesota, but Democratic lawmakers noted 'more than 2,000 ICE agents terrorizing Minnesota's communities every day.' Minnesota teachers unions and school districts joined a lawsuit to keep federal agents off school property. Elizabeth Zuna Kaisaguano, 10, was released from Dilly, Texas, immigration jail after being seized on her way to school, experiencing flu-like symptoms and hives amidst a measles outbreak at the jail.

An Abu Dhabi royal, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, acquired a 49% stake in the Trump family's cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial, for $500 million just days before President Trump's second inauguration. This deal is under congressional investigation due to concerns about potential legal and constitutional violations, especially as the Trump administration later granted the UAE access to advanced AI chips, and $31 million was funneled to entities linked to a US envoy to the Middle East who co-founded the company.

The Wall Street Journal reported Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan purchased a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million. Months later, the Trump administration gave the UAE access to AI chips. $31 million was funneled into entities affiliated with Steve Witkoff, US envoy to the Middle East and co-founder of World Liberty Financial. Congress member Ro Khanna announced an investigation, citing potential 'violation of multiple laws and the United States Constitution.'

The Washington Post laid off over 300 journalists, nearly a third of its workforce, dismantling its sports, local news, and international coverage. This significant reduction in staff, which follows a trend of workforce shrinkage, occurred while the newspaper's owner, Jeff Bezos, spent $75 million ($40 million to purchase rights, $35 million to promote) on a documentary film about First Lady Melania Trump, making it the most expensive documentary in history.

The Washington Post laid off more than 300 journalists, 'almost a third of all of its employees dismantling its sports local news and international coverage.' The Washington Post newspaper guild stated the workforce shrunk by 'roughly 400 people' in three years. The company spent '$40 million to purchase the rights to a film about First Lady Melania Trump, then spent an additional $35 million to promote it.'

A Human Rights Watch report indicates that nearly three-quarters of the world's population now lives under autocratic rule. The report specifically criticizes leaders in the US, China, and Russia for their 'open disdain for norms.' Regarding the US, the report highlights Trump's second administration's 'blatant disregard for human rights and egregious violation,' with the HRW executive director noting a 'rapid decline of the quality of democracy' in the country.

Human Rights Watch reported 'almost three-quarters of the world's population is currently living under autocracy.' It warned the US, China, and Russia are 'led by leaders who share open disdain for norms.' In reference to the US, the report said 'Trump's second administration has been marked from the start by blatant disregard for human rights and egregious violation.' Philippe Palopian, HRW Executive Director, noted a 'very rapid decline of the quality of democracy in this country.'