WASHINGTON — The federal government partially shut down at midnight after Republican leaders in Congress refused to advance a bipartisan funding bill, insisting that the Justice Department block the release of long-sealed records connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Washington, D.C. —  With just hours remaining before a potential government shutdown, congressional leaders from both parties convened late Monday night in a high-stakes attempt to reach a compromise on a continuing resolution to fund the federal government. At the center of the impasse is an unexpected point of contention: a cultural provision introduced by Republican lawmakers that would prohibit Spanish-language performers from headlining future Super Bowl halftime shows.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eric Adams, the former mayor of New York City, has accepted a position with the Department of Justice, where he will serve as personal assistant to attorney Lindsey Halligan, according to officials familiar with the appointment.

Adams, who left office after a turbulent tenure marked by heightened scrutiny and political headwinds, has until now remained largely absent from public life. His return to government work represents a shift from elected leadership to a support role within the nation’s top law enforcement department.

Portland, Maine — President Donald Trump stated that he intends to send federal troops to Portland, Maine, citing concerns over “keeping law and order” in the coastal city. The statement left many residents puzzled, as Portland has consistently reported low crime rates in recent years and is better known for its historic architecture, working waterfront, and bustling food scene than for civil unrest.

Washington, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned the nation’s senior military leaders for a series of high-level meetings following two separate incidents that breached U.S. airspace earlier this week. According to Pentagon officials, the incursions involved Russian fighter jets as well as unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), prompting increased concern about both foreign adversaries and unexplained aerial activity.

Hollister, Texas - In what some are calling a supernatural occurrence, unconfirmed reports suggest that as many as 600 individuals across the United States suddenly disappeared yesterday in what witnesses described as a “rapture.” Though official investigations are ongoing, the phenomenon has sparked intense speculation within religious communities and confusion among local authorities.

New York, NY — Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has formally condemned the use of his iconic 1980 hit “America” in a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) video showcasing footage from a series of immigration raids. Diamond's label, Capitol Records, has issued a cease and desist order demanding that the agency remove the video from all official platforms and refrain from using the song in any future content.