Lawmakers are locked in a standoff over the way ICE is carrying out immigration enforcement. Nicole Sganga has details about who will be impacted by the shutdown.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/these-dhs-employees-will-be-impacted-by-the-government-shutdown/
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration reached a significant trade deal with Taiwan on Thursday, with Taiwan agreeing to remove or reduce 99% of its tariff barriers, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced.
The agreement comes as the U.S. remains heavily reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips. Chip exports contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Under the new deal, most of Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. will be taxed at a 15% rate, which aligns with tariffs levied on other U.S. trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended the signing of the reciprocal agreement. The ceremony took place under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Taiwan’s Vice Premier Li-chiun Cheng and government minister Jen-ni Yang were also present.
“President Trump’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific region continues to generate prosperous trade ties for the United States with important partners across Asia, while further advancing the economic and national security interests of the American people,” Greer said in a statement.
The Taiwanese government emphasized that the tariff rate set in the agreement allows its companies to compete on a level playing field with counterparts in Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. Taiwan also stated that the agreement “eliminated” the disadvantage caused by the absence of a formal free trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S.
This deal comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China in April, signaling a deepening economic relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. It’s important to note that Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy claimed by China as its own territory — which Beijing has vowed to annex by force if necessary. China also prohibits countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including the U.S., from maintaining formal ties with Taipei.
Under the terms of the deal, Taiwan will invest $250 billion in U.S. industries such as computer chips, artificial intelligence applications, and energy. Additionally, the Taiwanese government plans to provide up to $250 billion in credit guarantees to assist smaller businesses in making investments in the U.S.
The agreement also aims to make it easier for the U.S. to sell autos, pharmaceutical drugs, and food products in Taiwan. However, the most critical component may be Taiwanese investment in domestic U.S. computer chip production, which could help reduce the trade imbalance.
These substantial investments helped the U.S. reduce its initially planned tariffs from as high as 32% to 15%. Taiwan’s government will submit the deal and investment plans to its legislature for approval.
From the U.S. perspective, the agreement is expected to facilitate the creation of several “world-class” industrial parks designed to bolster domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies, including semiconductors. In January, the Commerce Department described the deal as “a historic trade agreement that will drive a massive reshoring of America’s semiconductor sector.”
In return, the U.S. will give preferential treatment to Taiwan regarding potential tariffs stemming from a Section 232 investigation into the importation of computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
TSMC, the Taiwanese chip-making giant, is expected to be the key investor in this initiative. The company has committed $165 billion towards investments in the U.S., which include fabrication plants and a major research and development center. This R&D center will help build a supply chain to support U.S. ambitions in artificial intelligence.
Major U.S. tech companies such as Nvidia and AMD rely on TSMC for manufacturing highly advanced chips. The investment agreement also envisions two-way investments, with U.S. companies investing in key Taiwanese industries.
For example, Nvidia recently signed a land deal in Taipei to build its new headquarters office there, highlighting the growing economic ties between the two partners.
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/trump-administration-reaches-trade-deal-lower-taiwans-tariff-130120134
A man is suspected of killing two people, including a person he was previously in a relationship with, and then gunning down four more at another home hundreds of miles away in what authorities are calling connected homicides in Florida.
Law enforcement officials in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota County identified 51-year-old Russell Kot as the suspect in the homicides on Wednesday. Kot died of apparent self-inflicted wounds on Tuesday following the alleged killing spree, authorities said.
### Sarasota County Shootings
Deputies in Sarasota County initially responded midday Tuesday to a shooting at a residence located in a gated community. Four people were killed, including a man who was shot while approaching the front door, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Two women and another man were found dead inside the home, which is situated in the Amberlea neighborhood. The suspect, Kot, was also found dead in the residence, the sheriff’s office reported.
Video footage showed Kot’s vehicle entering the neighborhood around 11 a.m. Tuesday. Shortly afterward, a neighbor’s Ring camera captured the sound of gunfire. The man who was shot outside was seen entering the neighborhood in his vehicle approximately 37 minutes prior. Deputies found neighbors performing CPR on him in the front yard upon arrival.
### Fort Lauderdale Double Homicide
Later that same day, over 200 miles away on Florida’s east coast, police conducted a well-being check at a home in the Victoria Park section of Fort Lauderdale. Inside, two people were found dead, police said.
While Sarasota County authorities worked to identify the victims and suspect in their case, the Fort Lauderdale police contacted them, indicating that the double homicide and the Sarasota County shooting might be related.
Following the Fort Lauderdale homicide, the suspect’s vehicle was captured on camera traveling near Sarasota County before the quadruple homicide in Amberlea occurred.
### Suspect and Victim Connections
Russell Kot, who lived in Fort Lauderdale, had a “previous romantic relationship” with one of the Fort Lauderdale victims, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. That victim was connected to the Sarasota County victims, officials said, though they declined to provide further details.
On Wednesday, police identified the victims in Fort Lauderdale as Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and Ben Azivov, 18. The Sarasota County victims were named as Olga Greinert, 49; Florita Stolyar, 66; Anatoly Ioffe, 61; and Yaroslav Blyudoy, 39.
### Investigation and Motive
The homicides remain under investigation. As of Wednesday, a motive in the Sarasota County incident is still unknown.
“Based on our preliminary investigation, it appears that the suspect died of self-inflicted wounds, and there are no known documented mental health crises nor history of violence associated with him,” the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office stated.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-suspected-killing-6-people-2-residences-florida/story?id=130078998
Over the past six years, tens of thousands of mothers have been referred to law enforcement for alleged drug use during pregnancy. However, in many cases, these allegations were based on flawed drug tests.
CBS News partnered with The Marshall Project to investigate and report on this troubling issue. To discuss their findings, Shoshana Walter and Jill Castellano from The Marshall Project joined “The Daily Report.”
Their insights shed light on the implications of relying on inaccurate drug testing and its impact on mothers and families across the country.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/flawed-drug-tests-wrongfully-sending-new-mothers-police-way-larger-than-we-ever-thought/
A federal judge on Monday blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces. However, the agents will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings under a bill signed in September. The legislation followed a summer marked by high-profile raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Los Angeles.
The Trump administration filed a lawsuit in November challenging the laws, arguing they threatened the safety of officers who faced harassment, doxing, and violence. The administration also claimed the laws violated the Constitution because the state was directly regulating the federal government.
Judge Christina Snyder issued the initial ruling because the mask ban, as enacted, did not apply to state law enforcement authorities, thereby discriminating against the federal government. This ruling could have national implications as states grapple with how to handle federal agents enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Despite blocking the law for federal agents, Judge Snyder left open the possibility of future legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks if applied universally to all law enforcement agencies. She wrote, “the Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks.”
The ruling is set to take effect on February 19.
—
### Background on the California Law
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September, banning some law enforcement officers from wearing masks, neck gaiters, and other facial coverings. Originally slated to go into effect on January 1, the law was put on hold due to the lawsuit.
In addition to exempting state law enforcement officers, the bill included exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 respirators or tactical gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask would jeopardize an operation. Judge Snyder sided with the federal government, which argued that these exemptions were discriminatory against federal agents.
Governor Newsom also signed into law a separate measure requiring law enforcement to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number while on duty. This measure was also challenged by the federal government but was upheld by the judge.
—
### Reactions and Next Steps
California State Senator Scott Wiener, who proposed the original bill to ban facial coverings, announced on Monday that he would immediately introduce new legislation to include state police in the law.
“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability,” Wiener said in a news release. “We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”
—
### Court Hearing Details
At a January 14 hearing, Judge Snyder repeatedly asked the government’s lawyer, Tiberius Davis, to explain why banning masks would impede federal law enforcement if officers rarely wore masks before 2025.
Davis cited claims from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicating a multifold increase in assaults and threats against federal officers. He also referred to an incident in Los Angeles where three women allegedly livestreamed while following an ICE agent home and posted the address on Instagram.
“There is real deterrence on the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis said.
In response, Cameron Bell, an attorney with the California Department of Justice, challenged these claims, stating there was no concrete evidence that federal agents could not perform their duties without facial coverings. Bell referenced accounts from U.S. citizens who, upon detention by federal agents, believed they were being kidnapped.
“It’s obvious why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell said.
—
### Broader Legal Implications
The federal government also argued in legal briefs that allowing California’s legislation could embolden other states to impose similar unconstitutional restraints.
Davis cited a July 2025 statement from Governor Newsom during an online interview discussing the mask ban bill: “It appears that we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents but we do for other law enforcement authorities.”
In December, Los Angeles County supervisors voted to enact a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks, which went into effect January 8. However, the sheriff’s department stated it would not enforce the ordinance until after the court ruled on the statewide mask ban. The Los Angeles Police Department also announced it would not enforce the mask ban.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-blocks-californias-ban-on-federal-agents-wearing-masks-but-requires-badges-be-clearly-seen/
The Grammy-nominated singer and Berklee graduate, Charlie Puth, delivered a heartfelt rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner before Super Bowl LX. Standing in front of a Rhodes keyboard, Puth’s soulful performance kicked off the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks in style.
The crowd at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara responded with loud applause and cheers, appreciating the musician’s passionate delivery. Charlie Puth began his musical journey at a young age, launching a YouTube channel at 17 where he gained recognition for his acoustic covers. He later attended Berklee College of Music, graduating in 2013 with a degree in music production and engineering.
Puth’s National Anthem performance was the highlight of a packed pregame schedule. Earlier, singer Coco Jones delivered a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by Brandi Carlile’s performance of “America the Beautiful.” The pregame festivities also included a brief concert from Green Day.
Watch Charlie Puth perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl LX below:
https://www.boston.com/culture/super-bowl/2026/02/08/super-bowl-2026-charlie-puth-national-anthem/
All games at 7 p.m. unless noted.
Pool A: #9 Crespi at #1 Sierra Canyon
Pool B: #10 Damien at #2 Santa Margarita
Pool C: #11 Etiwanda at #3 Redondo Union
Pool D: #12 La Mirada at #4 Sherman Oaks Notre Dame
Other seeds: #5 St. John Bosco, #6 Corona Centennial, #7 Harvard-Westlake, #8 Corona del Mar
Note: Second-round pool-play games Friday; Third-round games Feb. 17
an Marino at #1 Milken
Second-round games Friday
All games at 7 p.m. unless noted.
Pool A: #9 Rancho Christian at #1 Ontario Christian
Pool B: #10 Fairmont Prep at #2 Etiwanda
Pool C: #11 Oak Park at #3 Sierra Canyon
Pool D: #12 Redondo Union at #4 Sage Hill
Other seeds: #5 Mater Dei, #6 Corona Centennial, #7 Lakewood St. Joseph, #8 JSerra
Note: Second-round pool-play games Saturday; Third-round games Feb. 18
**SCAD TVfest Honors Television’s Brightest Stars in Atlanta**
ATLANTA — The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) held its annual TVfest this week in Atlanta, celebrating “an exceptional group of artists and storytellers whose work reflects television’s enduring power and cultural impact.”
Among the honorees were some of the industry’s most dynamic talents:
– **Quinta Brunson**, creator and star of *Abbott Elementary*, received the Variety Creative Showrunner Award.
– *Tell Me Lies* star **Jackson White** was honored with the Rising Star Award.
– The beloved *Scrubs* cast — **Zach Braff**, **Donald Faison**, and **Sarah Chalke** — took home the Cast Award.
### Rising Star Jackson White Talks *Tell Me Lies*
On The Red Carpet spoke with Jackson White, who portrays Stephen, the toxic love interest of Lucy (played by Grace van Patten) in Hulu’s *Tell Me Lies*. White described playing Stephen as “a good exercise in stoicism.”
Receiving the Rising Star Award at SCAD TVfest, White shared his gratitude:
“It’s great. What an honor. So cool. It’s nice to be recognized in any capacity for all of the pain and the grinding.”
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated Season 3 finale, White teased, “I can’t say it’s a great ending, but it’s going to spark a lot of conversation.” The finale is set to premiere on Hulu on February 17.
### *Scrubs* Cast Reunites Ahead of Revival on ABC
Also at the fest, we caught up with the *Scrubs* cast as they gear up for the show’s ABC revival. The original series aired from 2001 to 2010, and the new version will premiere on February 25.
Sarah Chalke reflected on the enduring friendships among the cast:
“I’ve known these guys 25 years.”
Braff and Faison’s on-screen bromance is just as strong off-screen:
“Yeah, it’s mostly thanks to his wife,” Braff joked. “She’s sort of the mediator because we get in bromance disagreements, and he will go off and pout. Then his wife, on the text chain, will be like, ‘Y’all need to work this out.’”
Faison chimed in with a laugh:
“That is 100% true, yes. And I do pout, yes. Yeah, so I really have to give credit to CaCee Cobb, Donald’s wife, because she’s the glue.”
For those new to *Scrubs*, no worries — the revival promises to be accessible to all viewers:
“I promise you, we did the research, and we’re giving you what you want. And if you’re new to the show, you don’t have to watch the old show to enjoy this version of it. It’s for everybody,” said Faison.
—
*Note:* The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu, ABC, and this ABC station.
https://abc7.com/post/scad-tvfest-stars-hint-tell-lies-season-3-finale-whats-come-scrubs-revival/18556098/
A high-profile Peacock show is no longer happening. After it was announced in 2025 that the *Upgrade* sequel series was canceled, producer Tim Walsh further confirmed the news.
Back in 2020, Deadline reported that Leigh Whannell’s 2018 sci-fi thriller *Upgrade* would be getting a TV follow-up. The original film follows a technophobe who, after a mugging leaves him paralyzed, is implanted with a chip that allows him to control his body. The planned series was set to pick up a few years after the events of the film, broadening the universe with an evolved version of STEM and a new host, imagining a world in which the government repurposes STEM to help curb criminal activity.
Blumhouse Television and UCP were set to collaborate on the project, with Whannell attached to direct. However, in early 2025, Whannell alluded to the show’s cancellation during an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. He explained, “As far as making a sequel to *Upgrade*, it’s another one where he thinks they’re good and it doesn’t need another. I would love to let that film keep bubbling away as this cult movie, and if people keep thinking that it was somehow prophetic, then that would be great.”
More recently, in an interview with *Bloody Disgusting*, producer Tim Walsh shed additional light on the cancellation. “Leigh and I sold that to Peacock back in 2019,” he recalled. “I think I started my writer’s room for *Upgrade* on the day the world shut down from the pandemic. We had the writer’s room. We wrote the scripts. But, as often happens in this business, somebody up top at Peacock got fired, and a new person came in, thought they knew everything, and dropped that project. It never got picked up later because it was a tumultuous time in the world.”
Considering Whannell has expressed no interest in pursuing an *Upgrade* sequel, it can be assumed that he and Walsh won’t be trying to revive the series. Whether the series would have moved forward if not for the pandemic remains unknown, but COVID-19 certainly disrupted many productions. It seems the pandemic was the final nail in the coffin for the *Upgrade* sequel series.
https://popculture.com/streaming/news/high-profile-peacock-show-officially-scrapped/
Reggae Genealogy is back and ready for its close-up during Reggae Month! This year’s theme is a cinematic celebration of music, culture, and legacy. From legendary roots to modern vibes, this party promises to be a true blockbuster.
The lovely sounds of reggae have deep roots, and this Saturday, honoring the great legends behind this powerful groove is what Reggae Genealogy is all about.
### A Musical History Lesson with Tifa
Tifa shares, “It is a history class but done in such a fun musical way that the whole family can enjoy it.” Gracing the musical stage, Tifa adds, “I’ll be doing a mixture, so I’ll be giving you some singing as well as the standard DJing. You will get the high energy Tifa, of course. A medley of different songs, definitely a hybrid. I can’t say anymore—stop asking me these questions!”
### Hosted by Jamaican Actress Audrey Reid
Jamaican actress Audrey Reid is hosting this year’s event, and the vibe fits her perfectly. Audrey says, “‘Reggae Genealogy: Lights. Camera. Action.’ This year’s theme is right up my alley. I’m an actress, known for my role in the movie ‘Dancehall Queen.’”
Starring in the 1997 movie “Dancehall Queen” made her mark, but being featured on Deco Drive is like icing on the cake. Audrey shares, “We’re getting new audiences, and I’m just all over the place. Right now, I’m on Deco Drive, which will add volume to my portfolio.”
### Honoring Legendary Artists
Ms. Reid will be rocksteady partying with some of reggae’s finest. “Our great Leroy Sibbles will be there. We’ll be honoring Vegas, one of our… I mean, a bad artist in Jamaica. We’ll be honoring the late great Jimmy Cliff, who passed earlier this year, and Sly from Sly and Robbie, sadly, who passed recently,” says Audrey.
### Food, Vendors, and Unique Finds at Volunteer Park
Plenty of grub and vendors will be present at Volunteer Park in Plantation this year, including some rare finds from Genesis Unique Jewelry. Carmen Puccio shares, “I love participating in Reggae Genealogy; this will be my third year. I love the culture and the colors that they use. My husband and I make everything by hand using materials like leather, copper, wood, aluminum, and bamboo. I compliment your confidence with my unique jewelry. Everything is handcrafted, authentic, and one-of-a-kind.”
### Tickets and Event Details
Reggae Genealogy is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets start at $30.
**Event Location:**
Volunteer Park
12050 West Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33323
**For more information and to buy tickets, [click here].**
Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of reggae music, culture, and legacy!
https://wsvn.com/entertainment/deco-drive/reggae-genealogy-returns-for-a-cinematic-celebration-of-jamaican-music-and-culture/
