Lakshmi Singh

Rapper J. Cole and pop star Bad Bunny are vying for the top of this week's pop charts.

And as NPR's Stephen Thompson tells us, the result is a split decision.

The Dow ends the day higher, up 129 points.

The S&P has gained 38, and the Nasdaq is up 175 points.

This is NPR News.

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh.

The operation to find a group of backcountry skiers who got caught in yesterday's avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California has now gone from rescue to recovery.

In a news conference a short time ago, Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon said most of the members of a tour group did not survive the Castle Peak avalanche.

The snowy terrain is expected to complicate the search for that final skier and recovery of those who've died.

A crew rescued six people who Moon says were sheltered and had some equipment to try to stay warm.

However, under extreme conditions, two were unable to walk because of injury sustained in the avalanche.

President Trump's hosting a White House reception this hour in recognition of Black History Month.

The event coming days after a now-deleted image appeared on his social media account depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

Moments ago, Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt defended Trump.

Meanwhile, President Trump is also facing legal pushback over allegations he's attempting to erase history at national parks.

The Association of National Park Rangers is suing the administration.

A federal law allows local police to be deputized for immigration enforcement duties.

They're partnered with ICE officials.

The use of these agreements has soared in President Trump's second term.

NPR's Jacqueline Diaz has details.