Chapter 1: What are the latest developments in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is defending his officers, saying they won't be intimidated while carrying out President Trump's deportation agenda. Todd Lyons blames elected officials for rhetoric that endangers officers.
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.
We are only getting started. Lions declined to apologize for the death of Renee Macklin Good, who was killed by federal agents during the crackdown. Democrats are demanding restrictions on Trump's immigration policies and threatening a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Officials argue the crackdown makes the country safer.
Chapter 2: How are Minnesota officials responding to federal immigration operations?
The wind down could be near for the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Bax reports that the state's governor is predicting a major pullout of federal agents within days.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he's had new conversations with White House Border Czar Tom Homan and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about bringing the multi-month operation to a close.
I'm going to remain hopeful at this moment, trusting but verifying. Every indication I have is that this thing is winding up on the front end. But I want to assure all Minnesotans, I want to assure the business owners, we don't see this as the end. Our work just starts now.
Last week, the Trump administration announced 700 agents were pulled out. That's out of a peak of as many as 3,000 agents in Minnesota. Homan has said more reductions would come if local jailers cooperate more in transferring immigrants to ICE custody.
Chapter 3: What challenges is Cuba facing with its tourism economy?
For NPR News, I'm Brian Baxton, St. Paul.
The White House says President Trump has the right to block a new bridge being built between Canada and the U.S. The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and Michigan is set to open in 2026, but Trump is demanding unspecified concessions as the two countries prepare to renegotiate a trade pact. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed confidence the issue will be resolved.
Cuban authorities say its airports have run out of jet fuel. NPR's Eder Peralta reports that's a huge hit to its tourism economy.
Cuba's government says as of today, commercial airliners won't be able to refuel at any of the country's airports. Air Canada announced it was suspending all its flights, saying it would also send empty planes to evacuate the 3,000 Canadians on vacation packages in Cuba. Cuba gets a lot of its foreign currency from visitors, and Canadians make up a vast majority of tourists who visit Cuba.
Chapter 4: How is President Trump influencing the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
Cuba's oil woes have been made worse by increasing U.S. sanctions. The U.S. had stopped oil from coming in from Venezuela, and it has also promised tariffs on any country that breaks the blockade. The Cuban government says the restrictions are affecting every part of their economy. Cuba already began rationing and limiting opening hours of everything from schools to banks to trains and ferries.
Ada Peralta, NPR News, Mexico City.
Stocks closed mixed today after flirting with record highs. This is NPR News from Washington. Singer-songwriter Chapel Roan has left the talent agency Wasserman after its leader Casey Wasserman's name appeared in the latest batch of files about Jeffrey Epstein.
Chapter 5: What innovations are being introduced in the sneaker industry?
She says she's made her decision because she believes meaningful change in the music industry, quote, requires accountability and leadership that earns trust. It's the Winter Olympics where elite athletes strap skis and skates to their feet for the glory of sport.
NPR's Chloe Veltman reports companies like Nike are developing electronic-powered sneakers for those of us who simply have a need to get around in everyday life.
Nike's Project Amplify consists of a pair of fairly standard-looking sneakers with a carbon fibre plate running through the soles. Close-fitting 3D-printed titanium shells hug the wearer's lower legs. They attach to the sneakers at the back. When activated using a phone app, the battery-powered system picks up the heels and propels the feet forward. Oh!
Nike says it plans to launch Project Amplify in 2028. It isn't the only company working in this space.
Chapter 6: How are beekeepers in Bulgaria addressing environmental concerns?
Many are focused on helping people solve mobility problems. Former Adidas executive Mark Olsen has worked on several innovation projects in the athletic shoe sector.
That's a huge, huge opportunity.
He says we should think of these bionic footwear systems being like e-bikes, but for the feet. Chloe Veltman, NPR News.
Priests in Bulgaria blessed jars of honey during a festival honoring St. Haralambos, the patron saint of beekeepers. Beekeepers prayed for the protection of bees from chemicals and climate change. Beekeeping has a long tradition in Bulgaria, but concerns about pesticides and pollution are growing. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.