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Chapter 1: What recent immigration hearings are being held in Congress?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman. Top officials from three immigration agencies are testifying before a House committee today. Lawmakers are examining the Trump administration's immigration operations. This follows the killings of two Minneapolis protesters by federal immigration agents last month. Todd Lyons is the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He insisted ICE will continue to carry out President Trump's directives.
But let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started.
Chapter 2: What new developments are there in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation?
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security will run out at the end of this week unless Congress passes a spending bill. Democrats are first demanding changes in the agency's operations. A group of bipartisan lawmakers were given access yesterday to unredacted files of the investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But Congressman Thomas Massey and Ro Khanna say some of the information was still redacted, including the names of six men. They're demanding that the Justice Department publish these. The congressman alleged the men were involved in Epstein's actions.
Today's show host Savannah Guthrie has released another online message, and PR's Bill Chappell reports she is asking for help in finding her mother.
Nancy Guthrie's family last saw her on January 31st in Tucson. Law enforcement says she was unwillingly taken from her home. Savannah Guthrie has posted a new video asking for assistance to find her mother.
Chapter 3: What is Indonesia's role in the recent Gaza conflict?
We are at an hour of desperation. And we need your help. Guthrie pleaded for anyone who might know something about where her mother is to contact police. Local media have received ransom notes related to Nancy Guthrie, but the FBI says it isn't aware of any, quote, continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers. Bill Chappell, NPR News.
The government of Indonesia says it is preparing to send troops to Gaza. This is part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. NPR's Daniel Estrin has more from Tel Aviv.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, is the first to announce it's training thousands of soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza. The U.S.
Chapter 4: How are retail sales performing in December?
is trying to stand up an international stabilization force in Gaza, but it's still unclear what the force's mandate would be. President Trump's Board of Peace is meeting next week in Washington to raise funds for Gaza reconstruction. Israel says it opposes reconstruction until Hamas is disarmed. Meanwhile, attacks continue in Gaza.
Health officials there say several Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire. The Israeli military says it struck Hamas militants after armed Palestinians emerged from a tunnel and shot at soldiers. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrials are up more than 200 points. You're listening to NPR. The Commerce Department says retail sales were mostly flat in December.
Chapter 5: Why is Air Canada suspending flights to Cuba?
Today's report was delayed by the government shutdown late last year. The report says consumers spent less for cars, furniture and electronics, but spending was slightly higher for groceries and gasoline. Air Canada says it is suspending its flights to Cuba because of what the airline describes as an ongoing shortage of aviation fuel on the island. Dan Karpenchuk reports the U.S.
is blocking Cuba's access to its primary sources of jet fuel.
Cuban aviation officials say for the next month, jet fuel will not be available at nine airports across the island, including the International Airport in Havana. Air Canada says while it is suspending regular flights, it will send planes to Cuba to pick up Canadian travellers who are already there. The airline says it will bring in extra fuel for planes bringing customers home.
Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada says there are more than 7,200 Canadians registered in Cuba. It warns that the situation in the island nation is unpredictable.
Chapter 6: What message do Buddhist monks walking for peace have?
and could deteriorate, and that Canadians should be prepared to change their travel plans. For NPR News, I'm Dan Karpenchuk in Toronto.
A group of Buddhist monks who are walking for peace have now crossed into Washington, D.C., their destination. The monks began their journey in Texas last October. Their walk of thousands of miles, accompanied by their rescue dog, has been closely followed on social media. They've been greeted by thousands of well-wishers on their walk for peace.
The Bucks plan to visit Washington National Cathedral today and the Lincoln Memorial tomorrow. You're listening to NPR.