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Top Headlines Today
Ending Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
White House border czar Tom Homan has announced the termination of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which has been a source of controversy and protests following the deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. According to Homan, improved cooperation with local law enforcement has made it possible to conduct more detentions in jails rather than on the streets. Read more.
- 🎧 While some officials report positive discussions with Homan, Minnesota Public Radio’s Estelle Timar-Wilcox highlights unchanged enforcement policies among several county sheriffs. The operations have induced fear among residents, particularly immigrants, with advocates noting that the trauma will have lasting effects. Governor Tim Walz plans to request emergency funding for recovery efforts from the federal government and state legislature.
- 🎧 On Morning Edition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar discusses with host Steve Inskeep the enduring impact of the immigration crackdown on Minnesota. Listen to the discussion.
- ➡️ A Minneapolis doctor mentions to NPR that the city has never witnessed anything akin to this crackdown in over two decades, with health care professionals warning of potential long-term medical repercussions. Learn more.
Immigration Enforcement and DHS Funding
The cessation of immigration enforcement in Minnesota coincides with the impending expiration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Yesterday, Congress was unable to pass a spending bill to extend funding through September, and Democrats have pledged to withhold support unless significant changes to immigration enforcement are made.
- ➡️ Last year, ICE conducted 37 investigations into officers’ use of force, with 18 concluded and 19 still under review. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons updated lawmakers at a Senate committee hearing but did not disclose any terminations resulting from these investigations. The status of investigations into Customs and Border Protection officers remains unclear as CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott was not questioned on the matter. Read the full report.
- ➡️ Efforts to find bipartisan consensus on immigration enforcement tactics have struggled, similar to the failed attempts to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarks on the lack of incentive for compromise in Congress, which erodes public trust. Read more insights.
Olympic Highlights
The first week of the Milano Cortina Olympics is wrapping up with numerous thrilling moments. Catch the most significant events each afternoon on Up First Winter Games. Here are a few highlights:
- ➡️ U.S. skier Breezy Johnson celebrated two major life events this week: winning a gold medal and getting engaged. Read her story.
- ➡️ Ukrainians have rallied behind skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified for refusing to change his helmet, which honors Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia’s invasion. Find out more.
- ➡️ Chloe Kim’s quest for a third consecutive gold in halfpipe snowboarding was interrupted by her teenage protégé, Gaon Choi, who overcame a fall to secure victory. Discover the details.
- ➡️ Athletes are advised to handle Olympic medals with care, as reports of medals detaching or breaking have emerged. Learn more.
Podcast Picks
Hi! I’m Lauren, one of the writers of NPR’s Pod Club newsletter. This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a podcast “mixtape” filled with heartwarming and engaging episodes.
💏 For a Hallmark-style romance, Wild Card offers delightful stories, including Nick Offerman sharing his love for wife Megan Mullally, and Jamie Lee Curtis discussing love and aging. Listen here.
💔 For those nursing a broken heart, Planet Money explores the heart-balm tort, where love tangles meet the courtroom. Listen here.
👀 If you have a crush, Life Kit provides tips to approach a stranger confidently. All Songs Considered adds a playlist to boost your confidence. Listen here.
🥰 Celebrate love in all its forms with Essential Salt from Maine Public Radio, featuring Portland’s Valentine bandit. Listen here.
For more podcast recommendations, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter!
Weekend Entertainment Guide
Here’s what NPR recommends for your weekend entertainment:
🍿Movies: Critic Justin Chang calls Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” possibly the “most reductive” take on Emily Brontë’s classic, yet never boring. Explore other releases.
📺TV: The Simpsons airs its 800th episode, taking the family to Philadelphia while honoring its Portland roots.
📚Books: February’s book list includes new releases from Michael Pollan and others. Check them out.
🎵Music: Despite Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, he didn’t reclaim the top Billboard 200 spot. Find out more.
🍰Food: Learn the art of king cake making from New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute students in time for Mardi Gras. Learn more.
❓Quiz: Test your Olympic knowledge with this week’s quiz.
Three Things to Know Before You Go
- A bright star in the Andromeda galaxy has essentially vanished, likely collapsing into a black hole. Read more.
- President Trump pardoned five former NFL players for crimes like perjury and drug trafficking. Learn more.
- The oldest minigolf course in the U.S. might close after the Trump administration ended the National Links Trust lease in D.C. Read the story.
This newsletter was edited by Yvonne Dennis.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
