WASHINGTON (AP) — The annual dinner with governors at the White House is typically a chance for leaders from both parties to come together, socialize and spend a low-key evening with the president. But like many traditions during President Donald Trump’s second term, Saturday’s dinner has proven unusually controversial.

Ahead of this week’s gathering of the National Governors Association, Trump ridiculed the bipartisan group’s leadership, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma and Democratic Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland. He refused to invite Moore, along with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, to a working event at the White House on Friday — only to relent at the last minute.

Even then, the event was cut short when Trump learned of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his sweeping tariff policy, leaving even some Republicans frustrated by the week’s turbulence.

“It was unfortunate that the Supreme Court came out with a bad ruling at that time,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican and top Trump ally.

Dozens of Democrats had threatened to boycott the dinner if members of their party were blocked from the working meeting. But even after Moore’s attendance, some said they still wouldn’t show up Saturday.

“President Trump has made this whole thing a farce,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement explaining her decision to skip the dinner.

For all the turmoil surrounding the dinner, some Democrats said Friday’s meeting was useful. Moore said it offered a “chance for us to be able to share our thoughts and our perspectives and our ideas.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said governors asked Trump what lessons were learned from the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, in which two U.S. citizens were killed within weeks of each other.

“The President said, ‘We’ll only go where we’re wanted,” Hochul said approvingly.

Those who have attended previous dinners said they offered a rare and helpful opportunity for governors to connect with the president and members of his Cabinet away from the pressure of daily governing. Some also said the dinner was a chance to connect with fellow governors from other parties whom they might not see very often.

Asa Hutchinson, the former Republican governor of Arkansas who briefly challenged Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, recalled being assigned to a table one year with then-Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and getting to know her family.

“It’s a glowing evening in the White House,” Hutchinson, who once chaired the NGA, said in an interview.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne

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Searches are expected to continue at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous home as the Government vowed to consider removing him from the line of succession once police investigations have concluded.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.

Sir Keir Starmer’s Government will consider introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother, the Press Association understands.

READ MORE: William and Kate have task of rebuilding royal family’s integrity, says PR guruREAD MORE: Government considers plans to remove Andrew from line of succession after arrest

Any changes to the line of succession would also require the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Sky News: “The Government is considering any further steps that might be required, and we’re not ruling anything out.

“But at this stage, it would be inappropriate for us to go any further because there is a live police investigation under way.”

This weekend, the royal family will be attempting to conduct their duties as usual with the Prince and Princess of Wales expected to appear in public.

Meanwhile, back in London Lord Peter Mandelson – who has also had his two properties searched by police – was seen leaving his north London home on Saturday.

A taxi arrived as the former business secretary was seen leaving his front door carrying a tote bag. He smiled at the taxi driver before entering the car, moving past a small group of waiting photographers.

On Thursday morning, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

The former duke spent 11 hours in police custody on his 66th birthday before being released under investigation following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

Detectives continued to search Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, on Friday.

He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

After his younger brother’s arrest, the King said in a statement that “the law must take its course” and the police have “our full and wholehearted support and co-operation”.

Charles attended the first show of London Fashion Week on Thursday, hours after Andrew’s arrest, where he did not respond when asked for his reaction to the news.

During a visit to a concert in Westminster that afternoon, the Queen also did not reply to a question about her brother-in-law’s arrest.

Thames Valley Police, who are leading the investigation, are yet to receive any “early investigative advice” from the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to the allegation, it is understood.

Detectives have asked Andrew’s former close protection officers to “consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard” during their service could be relevant to the investigation into Epstein and his associates.

The Metropolitan Police said it was working with counterparts in the US to establish whether London airports had been used to “facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation”.

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On Friday, the force said no new reports of alleged sexual offences have been made since the release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein by the US Department of Justice.

Scotland Yard previously said it was looking into allegations Andrew’s protection officers turned a “blind eye” to his visits to Epstein’s island, Little St James.

Police are yet to identify any wrongdoing by close protection officers.

Andrew’s primary accuser, Virginia Giuffre, alleged she had sex with him during an orgy with “underage” girls on the Caribbean island.

The former prince has previously vehemently denied all allegations made against him.

The 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles is head of state are Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Before the stripping of his titles, Andrew had stepped down from public duties in 2019 after his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein.

This meant he had already ceased to be an active counsellor of state, who can deputise for the monarch if he is overseas on an official trip or ill.

But as counsellors of state are drawn for the line of succession, removing him from it would officially resolve any question over Andrew taking such a role.

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The proposals will see 49 new trees planted, as well as two subways beneath a roundabout removed

A major redevelopment of a city centre landscape is set to get under way. The first phase of the Peterborough Station Quarter project is due to start before the end of March.

Peterborough City Council asked residents for their views on plans to fell 35 trees on the Queensgate roundabout, to start the first phase of the scheme, known as City Link. The work is expected to create a modern, welcoming gateway between the railway station and Cowgate, according to the council.

The two subways that run underneath the Queensgate roundabout will be removed and the landscape will be ‘enhanced’. As part of the consultation, officers reviewed whether any of the 35 trees could be retained.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Unfortunately, this will not be possible due to engineering requirements that are necessary to construct the new footpaths and make improvements to the landscaping to transform the area. The landscaping proposals will see 49 new trees planted and there are also plans for seven additional small trees/shrubs as well as a rain garden and Gabion walls.

“It was suggested in the consultation that more replacement trees should be planted. Although this will not be possible within the roundabout, the council is looking at other areas close by where additional trees could be planted.”

Cllr Mohammed Farooq, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation for their valuable feedback and we are now looking forward to seeing this vital work begin soon. I can also assure residents that we will continue to increase the tree canopy in the city as we move forwards.

“The Station Quarter project is going to be a real game-changer for our city and this first phase of work will be highly beneficial. Whilst the station is only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre, it’s very disconnected and not easy to navigate, with poorly lit pavements and walkways. City Link will transform this area into a much brighter, safer and accessible route.”

The Station Quarter is a regeneration project being delivered by Peterborough City Council in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Network Rail, Platform 4, and LNER. It follows a successful bid to the Government for funding towards the project.

The Office for Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) issued recall alerts for items sold at some of the UK’s biggest retailers in recent weeks.

Customers are urged to stop using the products immediately and follow the instructions in the recall alerts.

These are the product recalls you should be aware of.

Asda recall

Asda is warning shoppers to stop using a children’s toy sold at the supermarket immediately, because it may contain asbestos.

The supermarket giant issued an urgent recall for its Stretcherz ‘Stretch’ and ‘Slammers’ figures on Monday.

It was found that the sand-like material inside some of these toys may contain trace levels of asbestos.

Asda said that “asbestos should not be present in any amount”, and were therefore recalling the toy despite the risk being low, urging customers to “stop using them immediately”.

Shoppers who bought the toys, which were sold between January 2024 and February 2026, are urged to return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

While the retailer has received no reports of harm, they are recalling the toys out of an “abundance of caution”.

The recall affects products with the barcode numbers 5050837662419 and 5050835105345.

An Asda spokesperson said: “Stretcherz is recalling certain toys following the identification of a potential contaminant in the sand used within a limited number of the products.

“Testing has shown that the sand-like material inside some of these products may contain trace levels of asbestos.

“The overall risk is considered low, but because asbestos shouldn’t be present in any amount, we are recalling the affected items as a precaution.

“While we have received no reports of harm, we’re taking this action out of an abundance of caution and in line with our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.

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“Customers are advised to stop using the affected products immediately and to follow the recall guidance available via our customer service channels.

“If you have purchased the Stretcherz products listed above, please return the items to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

“Consumers can also contact sand.enquiries@htigroup.com or visit www.htigroup.co.uk/sandenquiry. No other Stretcherz toys are affected.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0330 053 0111.”

Asda recall

Asda is urgently recalling a children’s toy sold in the UK supermarket because it poses a “choking risk”.

The supermarket giant issued an urgent recall for its Hapello Power Train on Thursday February 12.

It was found that in some cases the toy may release the orange steam dome from the top of the train, meaning the toy could pose a choking hazard to users.

In light of this, Asda are urging anyone who bought the toy to ‘stop using it immediately’ and have pulled it from their shelves online and in-store.

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The recall affects products with the barcode number 5063089308547.

Shoppers who bought the toy, which was sold between August 2024 and February 2026, are urged to return it to their nearest store for a full refund.

An Asda spokesperson said: “We’ve found that in some cases this product may release the orange steam dome from the top of the train (circled above), which could pose as a small part choking hazard.

“We’ve taken the decision to recall the product.

“If you’ve purchased the Hapello Power Train, please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund.

“You don’t need your receipt. The product was sold between 2024 and 2026.

“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you’d like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0330 053 0111.”

Peppa Pig recall

Ladybird has been forced to recall Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books due to a potential “choking hazard”.

The publisher Penguin Random House UK has issued an urgent product recall of specific printings of Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books.

The books affected by the recall include a glitter varnish finish on the covers that is lifting and can be peeled off.

It warns that small flakes of glitter varnish could present a choking hazard to small children.

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A report issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards last week states the books pose a particular threat to children under 36 months who have a natural curiosity to place objects in their mouths.

Safety chiefs warn that the product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Shoppers are being urged by both the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the publisher to remove the book from small children and return it to the retailer for a full refund.

A Ladybird spokesperson said: “As a precautionary measure, Ladybird are voluntarily recalling copies from specific printings of the above Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books because of the discovery of a manufacturing fault where the glitter varnish finish on the cover of the books is lifting and can be peeled off.

“Small flakes of the glitter varnish could be a choking hazard to small children.

“The issue relates to a limited number of printings dating from 2020 and 2021 which were manufactured at a specific printer in the United Kingdom.”

The affected ISBN number for Peppa Meets Father Christmas is 9780241321539, Peppa’s Night Before Christmas is 9780241448625, Peppa Loves Easter is 9780241476406, Peppa Goes to Hollywood is 9780241476772 and Duggee and the Christmas Badge is 9781405947350.

The issue affects a number of printings from 2020 and 2021.

Boots recall

Shoppers at Boots and TK Maxx are being urged to stop using an eye cream “immediately” because of a risk of skin damage.

An urgent recall has been issued for the Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral Eye Cream SPF50 after recent quality testing revealed it has a lower SPF level than is listed on the label.

Hello Sunday said they were “voluntarily” recalling the eye cream, which had been sold at Boots and TK Maxx, after testing reported lower SPF levels than declared.

As a result, the product may not provide adequate protection and could increase the risk of sun-related skin damage.

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Boots and Tk Maxx are urging anyone who bought the eye cream, to “stop using it immediately” and return it for a full refund.

The recall affects all batch numbers and expiring dates.

A Boots spokesman said: “Recent test results by the brand showed the product failed to meet the level of SPF stated on the product label.

“As such, the product is being immediately recalled.

“Customers are asked to stop using the product immediately and to return the product to the point of sale for a full refund.

“If customers purchased the product through an authorised retail partner, they should contact them directly for a refund.

“If you purchased the product from Boots, please return to your local store for a refund.”

Hello Sunday said they had not received reports of any incidents related to the issue, but were still “proactively and voluntarily recalling” the product.

Tesco recall

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Tesco shoppers have been issued a warning to stop using a mug sold by the supermarket giant.

A recall has been issued ahead of Valentine’s Day on a novelty mug that shoppers may be tempted to buy for their partners.

Tesco issued a product recall of the F&F Home ‘Valentine’s You’ll Do’ XL Mug after discovering the potential risk of the mug cracking.

The report claims that a small number of customers reported the mug may crack when boiling water is poured into it, causing a potential safety risk.

In a statement to shoppers, Tesco asked that the mugs be returned to supermarkets for a full refund.

Customers were also urged to stop using them immediately.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We’re recalling all batches of the F&F Home ‘Valentine’s You’ll Do’ XL Mug.

“This is due to a small number of customer reports that the mug may crack when boiling water is poured into it, presenting a potential safety risk.

“If you’ve bought an affected product, please stop using it immediately.

“Instead, return it to a Tesco store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

“Use our store locator to find your nearest Tesco UK or Tesco Ireland store.

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“If you need more information and are in Ireland, please contact Tesco Customer Services on 1800 248 123.

“If you are in the UK, you find a range of ways to get in touch via our contact us page.”

Hobbycraft recall

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Arts and crafts supplier Hobbycraft has issued a recall for one of its DIY craft boxes, suitable for children.

After independent testing of its Giant Box of Craft, containing a children’s sand product, traces of asbestos have been identified.

The company says it has been found “in a limited number of samples”.

Immediately, the product was removed from sale following the concerns raised and Hobbycraft says “there is no evidence of any injury or harm to customers.”

Hobbycraft confirmed some of its Giant Box of Craft items contain asbestos (Image: Hobbycraft)

Hobbycraft added: “In co-ordination with Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety & Standards, we are voluntarily recalling the Giant Box of Craft with immediate effect.

“This recall is being undertaken as a precaution, in line with regulatory guidance and our own commitment to product safety.”

If you bought the Giant Box of Craft product, which contains 1,000 pieces of craft supplies and costs £6, you are advised to stop using it and keep it out of reach of children.

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Hobbycraft said: “Full instructions on safe handling, disposal and refunds are available on our website, through our customer services team, and in stores, and we are in the process of proactively contacting customers where we have their contact details.”

Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose recall

Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose are urging dog owners not to feed a recalled pet food to their dogs because it may contain pieces of plastic.

The retail giants have recalled the Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu with beef, oregano and basil after the manufacturer due to potential plastic contamination.

Shoppers who bought the dog food are being advised to return it to their local store for a full refund.

The affected product is the 400g can and affects all the stock with the best before date of July 31, 2027.

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A Lily’s Kitchen spokesperson, via the Tesco recall, asked customers to accept their ‘heartfelt apologies’ for the inconvenience.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Lily’s Kitchen is recalling a specific batch of Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu with Beef, Oregano and Basil Dog Food 400g.

“This is because this product may contain pieces of plastic. If you have bought an affected product, please do not feed it to your pets.

“Instead, contact Lily’s Kitchen via phone: 0207 433 1863 or email hello@lilyskitchen.co.uk .

“Please be assured no other products are affected by this voluntary recall. Lily’s Kitchen has isolated the issue and are confident that they have resolved this matter.

“Please accept Lily’s Kitchen’s heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience.”

A Morrisons spokesperson added: “We have been informed by the Brand Owner that the product may contain small pieces of plastic. As such they are requesting that we recall this product from sale.

“If you have purchased this product, please don’t use it and return it to us for a full refund. We don’t need a receipt.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of product quality and safety.

“Thank you for shopping with us and if you need more information please contact Morrisons Online Service Department on 0345 322 0000.”

A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We are recalling Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu 400g due to plastic contamination.

“Do not feed to your pets. Package up the item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.

“Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884. We apologise that it has been necessary to recall the product and for the inconvenience caused.”

Hot water bottle Recall

A hot water bottle sold online has been urgently recalled due to a potential fire risk.

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the alert for the Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which was listed on TikTok Shop and found to pose a “serious risk of fire.”

The OPSS warned the product could ignite while charging, especially if misused without proper instructions.

The OPSS recall notice said: “This product presents a serious risk of fire because there is a lack of thermal protection to prevent overheating when it is subject to misuse.

“As there are no supplied instructions, it is possible that no water will be added to the product, and while it is plugged in and charging it may ignite while the user is not present, causing harm to consumer and home.”

The recall was issued on Monday and includes model QM-01, PSD number 2511-0055, with barcode 69615846554 and serial/batch number 54513127286.

Other safety concerns include an adaptor with incorrectly sized pins, which does not meet UK electrical standards.

The product fails to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs & Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994.

As a result, it has been removed from TikTok Shop and recalled from end users.

Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact the distributor to request redress.

TikTok has been approached for comment.

Alchile is loved by locals who say the food is ‘outstanding’.

The last thing you want to do after a long day at work is cook a full meal – especially if you have to commute. Luckily for those travelling to and from Cambridge station, there are a few food trucks perfectly placed along the road outside the pubs and shops.

If you fancy treating yourself to some tasty food after a day in the office, you have a couple of options ideal for a post-pint snack. It is quite hard to miss the bright pink food truck in front of the Old Ticket Office and you will definitely not want to miss the food found inside.

Alchile describes itself as a “gourmet Mexican” food spot. Its name is from Mexican slang that means “something real and honest”, which is exactly the kind of food Alchile serves up.

The CamBites series sees CambridgeshireLive reporters go around the county in search of the cheapest places to eat. None of Alchile’s main dish options cost more than £11.50 making it a more affordable spot for some expertly made food.

The food truck has received a lot of praise from Cambridge residents who say the food is ‘outstanding’ and the staff are ‘delightful’. I received a warm welcome from the staff, who waited patiently for me and my friend to decide what we wanted from the wide variety of options on offer.

I ended up choosing the burrito and picked the pork carnitas as my filling, which cost £11. My friend chose the quesadillas and the al pastor filling, which also cost £11.

We decided to try a side of tortilla chips for £1.30 and a range of dips that each cost 70p. While waiting for our food, my friend and I sat on the tables and chairs placed next to the truck that are also bright pink to match the brand’s theme.

You could watch the food being put together in front of you and it was easy to tell it had been lovingly made. The burrito came wrapped tightly in tinfoil and was packed generously with fillings.

Alongside the tender pork carnitas, the burrito was also filled with black beans, rice, pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese, and jalapenos. All of the ingredients were wonderfully flavourful and worked well together to create a warm and satisfying meal.

My friend got three quesadillas topped with the al pastor beef and melty cheese. On the quesadillas, you can choose two extra toppings from things like cilantro, red pickled onion, and queso sauce.

Even the dips were incredible. The salsa had a strong tomato flavour that had been seasoned with a few herbs.

I don’t usually enjoy guacamole but the Alchile dip was so smooth and flavourful. The sour cream was wonderfully fresh, wasn’t too heavy, and would be great to calm down any spicy sauce you might add to the meal.

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The tortilla chips added a lovely crunch to my meal and were great when smothered in the different dips. The whole meal was well balanced and homemade using high quality ingredients to create clean and refreshing dishes.

Considering the food truck’s location, the price is fairly reasonable and can be maximised depending on what meal you go for. If you are ever having a post-work drink in the Old Ticket Office or are too tired to cook for yourself, you should definitely try Alchile.

Alchile can be found outside Cambridge station. The food truck is open from 11am to 9:30pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 1pm to 9:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

All of our food reviews are paid for by the writer. The establishments do not know we will be reviewing their food, allowing us to make fair judgements on each place.

In a speech after being announced as Reform UK’s candidate for Gorton and Denton, Mr Goodwin had bragged he was ‘not part of the establishment’, and has repeatedly criticised the ‘elite class’

Matt Goodwin has been accused of hypocrisy for railing against the establishment while flying around the world speaking to international elites.

In a speech after being announced as Reform UK’s candidate for Gorton and Denton, Mr Goodwin had bragged he was “not part of the establishment”, and on his Substack has written at least 30 articles criticising the “elite class”.

However, his own website admits he “has spoken to hundreds of companies around the world” and lists his recent speaking engagements. These include a series of financial institutions such as the London Stock Exchange, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan Asset Management, UBS, the US State Department, the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington D.C., Harvard’s Center for European Studies and the Open Society.

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Lucy Powell

READ MORE: Inside bitter by-election battle between Reform division and a united Manchester

Just last month, Mr Goodwin was the keynote speaker at the invite-only 3-day GRI Chairmen’s Retreat at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland for world leaders in real estate. The event stated that “due to the concentration of top dealmakers gathered at this event, it has come to be known as a secluded treasure-trove of distilled information”.

The price for the event in 2026 is not public but in 2023 the cost was almost €10,000, while the average price of a single night’s stay at the Swiss Hotel was over £1,500 a night. Goodwin later posted on his LinkedIn saying he “very much enjoyed” the private conference for international real estate leaders at the luxury hotel.

Mr Goodwin is listed as bookable at various speaker agencies, including Denmark’s A-Speakers, London’s Champions Speakers Agency and the London Speaker’s Bureau, which markets itself as “the largest international network providing experts and advisers for corporations and governments all over the world”.

Responding, Andrew Western, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston said: “Just a fortnight before standing as a candidate for Parliament and saying he was not part of the establishment, Matt Goodwin was speaking at a private conference in a luxury hotel in Switzerland for the global real estate elite.

“This isn’t someone standing up for the British people against elites – he is someone who lives and works at the heart of elite networks that shape global politics and finance, and then boasts about it. Goodwin’s rhetoric about “the establishment” collapses under the weight of his own bragging.

“Labour’s local candidate in Gorton and Denton Angeliki Stogia is on the side of working people and the local community, focused on delivering practical support for families, jobs and public services here at home. In contrast, Goodwin’s own CV reveals a figure more at ease with global elites than with the everyday struggles of ordinary Britons.”

A Reform spokesman said: “For the last twenty years through his award winning research and his best selling works, Matt has given talks around the world to government, corporations and other prestigious organisations. He uses these talks to explain to elites just out of touch they are and why they are so disconnected from the wants and needs of hard-working people.”

SOCORRO, Texas (AP) — In a Texas town at the edge of the Rio Grande and a tall metal border wall, rumors swirled that federal immigration officials wanted to purchase three hulking warehouses to transform into a detention center.

As local officials scrambled to find out what was happening, a deed was filed showing the Department of Homeland Security had already inked a $122.8 million deal for the 826,000-square-foot (76,738-square-meter) warehouses in Socorro, a bedroom community of 40,000 people outside El Paso.

“Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place,” said Rudy Cruz Jr., the mayor of the predominantly Hispanic town of low-slung ranch homes and trailer parks, where orchards and irrigation ditches share the landscape with strip malls, truck stops, recycling plants and distribution warehouses.

Socorro is among at least 20 communities with large warehouses across the U.S. that have become stealth targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s $45-billion expansion of detention centers.

As public support for the agency and President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown sags, communities are objecting to mass detentions and raising concerns that the facilities could strain water supplies and other services while reducing local tax revenue. In many cases, mayors, county commissioners, governors and members of Congress learned about ICE’s ambitions only after the agency bought or leased space for detainees, leading to shock and frustration even in areas that have backed Trump.

“I just feel,” said Cruz, whose wife was born in Mexico, “that they do these things in silence so that they don’t get opposition.”

Communities scramble for information

ICE, which is part of DHS, has purchased at least seven warehouses in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas, signed deeds show. Other deals have been announced but not yet finalized, though buyers scuttled sales in eight locations.

DHS objected to calling the sites warehouses, stressing in a statement that they would be “very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”

The process has been chaotic at times. ICE this past week acknowledged it made a “mistake” when it announced warehouse purchases in Chester, New York, and Roxbury, New Jersey. Roxbury then announced Friday that the sale there had closed.

DHS has confirmed it is looking for more detention space but hasn’t disclosed individual sites ahead of acquisitions. Some cities learned that ICE was scouting warehouses through reporters. Others were tipped off by a spreadsheet circulating online among activists whose source is unclear.

It wasn’t until Feb. 13 that the scope of the warehouse project was confirmed, when the governor’s office in New Hampshire, where there is backlash to a planned 500-bed processing center, released a document from ICE showing the agency plans to spend $38.3 billion to boost detention capacity to 92,000 beds.

Since Trump took office, the number of people detained by ICE has increased to 75,000 from 40,000, spread across more than 225 sites.

ICE could use the warehouses to consolidate and to increase capacity. The document describes a project that includes eight large-scale detention centers, capable of housing 7,000 to 10,000 detainees each, and 16 smaller regional processing centers. The document also refers to the acquisition of 10 existing “turnkey” facilities.

The project is funded through the big tax and spending cuts bill passed by Congress last year that nearly doubled DHS’ budget. To build the detention centers, the Trump administration is using military contracts.

Those contracts allow a lot of secrecy and for DHS to move quickly without following the usual processes and safeguards, said Charles Tiefer, a professor emeritus of law at the University of Baltimore Law School.

Socorro facility could be among the largest

In Socorro, the ICE-owned warehouses are so large that 4 1/2 Walmart Supercenters could fit inside, standing in contrast to the remnants of the austere Spanish colonial and mission architecture that defines the town.

At a recent City Council meeting, public comments stretched for hours. “I think a lot of innocent people are getting caught up in their dragnet,” said Jorge Mendoza, an El Paso County retiree whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico.

Many speakers invoked concerns about three recent deaths at an ICE detention facility at the nearby Fort Bliss Army base.

Communities fear a financial hit

Even communities that backed Trump in 2024 have been caught off guard by ICE’s plans and have raised concerns.

In rural Pennsylvania’s Berks County, commissioner Christian Leinbach called the district attorney, the sheriff, the jail warden and the county’s head of emergency services when he first heard ICE might buy a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from his home.

No one knew anything.

A few days later, a local official in charge of land records informed him that ICE had bought the building — promoted by developers as a “state-of-the art logistics center” — for $87.4 million.

“There was absolutely no warning,” Leinbach said during a meeting in which he raised concerns that turning the warehouse into a federal facility means a loss of more than $800,000 in local tax dollars.

ICE has touted the income taxes its workers would pay, though the facilities themselves will be exempt from property taxes.

A Georgia detention center could house twice the population of the city where it’s located

In Social Circle, Georgia, which also strongly supported Trump in 2024, officials were stunned by ICE’s plans for a facility that could hold 7,500 to 10,000 people after first learning about it through a reporter.

The city, which has a population of just 5,000 and worries about the infrastructure needs for such a detention center, only heard from DHS after the $128.6 million sale of a 1 million-square-foot (92,900-square-meter) warehouse was completed. Like Socorro and Berks County, Social Circle questioned whether the water and sewage system could keep up.

ICE has said it did due diligence to ensure the sites don’t overwhelm city utilities. But Social Circle said the agency’s analysis relied on a yet-to-be built sewer treatment plant.

“To be clear, the City has repeatedly communicated that it does not have the capacity or resources to accommodate this demand, and no proposal presented to date has demonstrated otherwise,” the city said in a statement.

And in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, officials sent a scathing letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE without warning bought a massive warehouse in a residential area about a mile from a high school. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, raised the prospect of going to court to have the site declared a public nuisance.

Crowds wait to speak in Socorro

Back in Socorro, people waiting to speak against the ICE facility spilled out of the City Council chambers, some standing beside murals paying tribute to the World War II-era Braceros Program that allowed Mexican farmworkers to be guest workers in the U.S. The program stoked Socorro’s economy and population before President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration in the 1950s began mass deportations aimed at people who had crossed the border illegally.

Eduardo Castillo, formerly an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, told city officials it is intimidating but “not impossible” to challenge the federal government.

“If you don’t at least try,” he said, “you will end up with another inhumane detention facility built in your jurisdiction and under your watch.”

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Hollingsworth reported from Kansas City, Missouri. Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also contributed.

US president Donald Trump held the first meeting of his Board of Peace this week, in which he outlined his long-awaited plan for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Trump plans to use a $7 billion reconstruction fund, financed by several countries on the board, to carry out a massive rebuild of the war-torn enclave.

The president laid out the plans at a meeting in Washington, DC on Thursday, attended by delegations from 50 countries, including those allies who are notably not members of the board such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Norway and Switzerland.

The second phase of the Gaza peace plan, signed by Hamas and Israel last October, included the disarmament of the militant group, which Trump said they have agreed to, and the reconstruction of Gaza, which will be overseen by the board.

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But there are concerns among Washington’s western allies about the effectiveness of the board amid fears it has been set up to replace the United Nations.

Here’s everything we know so far about Trump’s Gaza peace plan:

What does the Gaza plan involve?

One critical component of the plan is the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force to Gaza.

Trump said several nations will send thousands of troops to join the force, including 8,000 personnel pledged by Indonesia. Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania also committed to sending soldiers.

Led by a US general with an Indonesian deputy, the force began operations to train a new police force in Israeli-controlled areas, beginning with Rafah, a major population centre in Gaza which was largely demolished by war.

The aim will be to prepare 12,000 police officers and deploy 20,000 troops, Trump said. Egypt and Jordan have committed to help train police.

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Major General Jasper Jeffers, who is leading the Stabilisation Force, said the police and troops “help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace”.

The disarmament of Hamas, a condition on which Trump’s plan hinges, could still prove to be a contentious issue.

The US president said he hopes force will not be necessary, and claimed Hamas had committed to disarming and “looks like they’re going to be doing that, but we’ll have to find out.”

But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning, stating: “Very soon, Hamas will face a dilemma – to disarm peacefully or be disarmed forcefully”.

Who is paying for it?

The initial $7 billion fund was reportedly contributed by countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait.

Trump said the US would also contribute $10 billion to the board, but did not specify where he would source these funds from.

Other pledges include $75 million from FIFA for football-related projects and $2 billion from the UN for humanitarian assistance.

This falls significantly short of the roughly $70 billion (£52bn) required to fully rebuild Gaza, much of which was flattened by Israeli bombardment over two years.

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Who is on Trump’s Board of Peace and why are western counties not involved?

The Board’s membership largely includes Middle Eastern nations, alongside leaders from outside the region who may be seeking to curry favour with Trump.

Israel is a member, but there are no Palestinian representatives included.

Other members include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

From elsewhere in the world, there is Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

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Washington’s key Western allies as well as major powers of the Global South such as Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa have not accepted an offer to join.

Leaders of Britain, the European Union, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden have said they will not join.

Trump even rescinded an invitation for Canada last month after he took issue with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech in Davos.

Rights experts said that Trump overseeing a board to supervise a foreign territory’s affairs resembles a colonial structure, and have criticized the board for not including a Palestinian representative even though it is meant to supervise the temporary governance of a Palestinian territory.

Critics also raised concerns about former British prime minister Tony Blair’s inclusion, given his role in the Iraq war and the history of British imperialism in the Middle East.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Norway’s king of cross-country skiing, broke the record for the most gold medals won at a single Winter Olympics with his sixth of the Games.

Klaebo led a Norwegian sweep of the podium in the 50km mass start classic, with team-mates Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Emil Iversen taking silver and bronze respectively.

The 29-year-old finished the brutal distance in two hours six minutes 44.8 seconds, 8.9secs ahead of Nyenget who takes his third medal of the Games.

“It’s hard to find the words. It’s unbelievable,” said Klaebo.

He breaks the previous record of five golds from a single Games, held by American speed skater Eric Heiden since the Lake Placid Olympics of 1980.

It also extends his own record for most Winter Olympic golds to 11, while he becomes the first athlete to win all six cross-country events at one Games.

Only US swimming great Michael Phelps, who won 23 gold medals, has more Olympic titles to his name.

Born in Oslo, Klaebo moved to Trondheim – a haven of cross-country skiing trails – as a young child, a move that has seen him become the greatest to ever do the sport.

No other man, active or retired, comes close to his record of 116 World Cup wins, while he is also a 15-time world champion, winning all six titles at last year’s edition on home snow in Trondheim.

“After the world championships last year, we knew that it was possible, but to be able to do it, it’s hard to find the right words,” he said.

“[There were] so many emotions when I’m crossing the finish line.”

His sixth Olympic gold at Milan-Cortina adds to the titles he had won earlier in the Games in the skiathlon, sprint classic, 10km interval start free, 4×7.5km relay and the team sprint.

The adult return tickets and short hop returns are increasing in price.

The price of park and ride bus tickets are increasing this weekend. Ticket prices for the short hop return and adult return for the Cambridge park and ride will increase from Sunday (February 22).

Currently, a short hop return costs £3.50, while an adult return costs £4. From Sunday, the short hop return will increase to £3.80 and an adult return will cost £4.50.

The Stagecoach website said: “Like many transport services across the country, we’re seeing higher operating costs. This increase helps us continue running frequent services and maintaining the quality you expect when travelling into Cambridge.”

Cambridge park and ride runs five services across the city. These are in Babraham Road, Madingley, Milton Road, Newmarket Road, and Trumpington.

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