The U.S. government shutdown ended, shifting focus to pop culture and policy updates.

The U.S. government shutdown has ended, easing political tensions and shifting public attention to lighter topics like Garfield the cat, former President James A. Garfield, rodent-related news, and bro culture. Meanwhile, NPR trainer Holly J. Morris was placed on leave after criticizing President Trump during the shutdown, while the White House dismissed the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents as a political distraction. In other developments, Arizona Public Radio faces technical issues from software integration, and rising tariffs are increasing costs for coffee roasters. A new tax in Utah’s Summit County and delayed ski openings due to weather changes are also noted.