Whenever US federal immigration agents pull up to a location in Minneapolis, people take their whistles out, start blowing them and start filming.

In December 2025, the US government sent more than 2,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents into Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge. They joined more than 700 agents already present in the state – their mission to find and deport people the Trump administration calls “worst of the worst illegal alien criminals.”

The residents of the  metropolitan area known as the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and Saint Paul – quickly came together to try to prevent their neighbours being caught up in ICE raids.  As well as monitoring ICE activities, block by block, people are organising mutual aid for neighbours fearful of going out in case of immigration raids.

Since their arrival, the Trump administration claims ICE agents have arrested more than 4,000 people in Minnesota.  They have also killed two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to Daniel Cueto-Villalobos, a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota, who lives in southern Minneapolis and studies race, religion and social movements. He tracks the neighbourhood groups that have sprung into action in response to the ICE presence back to mutual networks set up during the 2020 COVID pandemic, and in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman.

“What it did was force us to talk to each other in the most basic sense, and get together as a community to develop these networks that we see really playing out today,” says Cueto-Villalobos.

Listen on The Conversation Weekly podcast.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood, with production assistance from Mend Mariwany. Mixing by Eleanor Brezzi and theme music by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer.

Newsclips in this episode from Associated Press, Fox 11 Los Angeles, CBS Evening News, Reuters, CBS News, LiveNow Fox and NBC News.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

A powerful storm system has unleashed severe weather across the southeastern United States, triggering tornado warnings in Mississippi and Louisiana before advancing towards parts of Georgia and Florida. This turbulent weather front arrives as the Northeast enjoys a welcome reprieve from weeks of bitterly cold temperatures.

The most intense storms were reported near Lake Charles, Louisiana, where high winds from a thunderstorm caused significant disruption. A horse trailer and a Mardi Gras float were overturned, an airport jet bridge sustained damage and a metal awning was ripped from a house, landing in power lines. These incidents were documented by National Weather Service employees who surveyed the area.

Further reports from the weather service indicated snapped and toppled power poles near the Louisiana towns of Jena, Cheneyville, and Donaldsonville.

While no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, the storm system continues its trajectory, placing parts of south Georgia and the Florida Panhandle under tornado watches throughout Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Northeast was beginning to thaw after a weeks-long stretch of uncommonly cold weather.

Boston was running nearly 7 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 14 Celsius) below average for February by midweek, and the city was on pace for its coldest winter in more than a decade. Boston remained cold on Sunday, but the week’s forecast called for temperatures climbing into the high 30s and low 40s, which is closer to the seasonal average.

Elsewhere in the U.S., parts of California were bracing for showers, thunderstorms and snow showers. Jacob Spender, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, said a storm system was moving on shore in California throughout Sunday and through the week.

Heavy snow was forecast for elevated areas, Spender said.

“As we get up into the mountains and the foothills, we’re going to be looking at some snowfall,” Spender said. “So there will be snowfall all the way down into the foothills as well.”

Spender said people should heed travel advisories in the coming days.

“So if they are traveling, packing winter safety kits. Anything to be prepared. This is a bigger system, and a major system,” Spender said.

Call the Midwife viewers were left devastated during the latest episode of the BBC show.

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On Sunday night, emotions ran high among BBC viewers as they discovered the fate of Sister Monica Joan, portrayed by Judy Parfitt.

In recent episodes of Call the Midwife, fans learnt that the much-loved character was suffering from kidney failure, with Dr. Patrick Turner, played by Stephen McGann, indicating that further tests would shed more light on her condition.

Sadly, the results of these tests were disclosed in the latest episode of the drama.

As Dr Turner, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), and Nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) sat down to discuss the findings, Dr Turner began: “I was hoping it was something that could be treated, but chronic kidney disease is just-“.

Interrupting him, Sister Julienne added: “Something that takes old people gently, but kindly.”

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Dr Turner stressed that despite its ‘gentle’ nature, the disease still claims lives, leading Nurse Phyllis to ask how long Sister Monica Joan had been living with the illness, reports the Mirror.

He responded: “I suspect not long.”

When questioned about her life expectancy, he admitted: “The same, unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she’ll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly.”

Despite the devastating news, Nurse Crane responded: “Till that day comes, we’ll just have to love her as we always have, but a bit more carefully.”

It wasn’t long before viewers flocked to X to express their reactions to the looming death of Sister Monica Joan, with one person writing: “Are they actually going to kill of sister Monica Joan? Just end Call The Midwife there!”.

Another commented: “No, Sister Monica Joan is immortal…she can’t die.”

Whilst a third added: “SISTER MONICA JOAN. Sobbing.”

A further viewer wrote: “Absolutely devastated hearing the news that Sister Monica Joan has kidney failure and may not have long left, if we lose her, it will be like losing a much-loved family member. I’d be completely heartbroken.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website‘.

One person posted: “Don’t you dare let anything happen to Sister Monica Joan.”

Meanwhile another said: “#callthemidwife Oh no, surely it can’t be the demise,of Sister Monica Joan? On the other hand could it be the end on Nonnatus? What a fantastic drama this is @CallTheMidwife1 #SundayMood.”

Sister Monica Joan has featured in the cherished period drama since its debut back in 2012. However, as the programme enters its 15th series, it’s been reported that the finale will feature a birth, a wedding and a funeral.

Call the Midwife continues Sundays on BBC One from 8pm

A glove containing DNA found about two miles from the house of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother appears to match those worn by a masked person outside her front door in Tucson the night she vanished, the FBI said Sunday.

The glove, discovered in a field beside a road, was sent for DNA testing. The FBI said in a statement that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence as the search for Guthrie’s mother heads into its third week. Authorities had previously said they had not identified a suspect.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.

The discovery was revealed days after investigators had released surveillance videos of the masked person outside Guthrie’s front door. A porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, jacket and gloves.

Late Friday night, law enforcement agents sealed off a road about two miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie’s home as part of their investigation. A series of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock.

The investigators also tagged and towed a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking lot late Friday. The sheriff’s department later said the activity was part of the Guthrie investigation but no arrests were made.

On Tuesday, sheriff deputies detained a person for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Authorities didn’t say what led them to stop the man but confirmed he was released. The same day, deputies and FBI agents conducted a court-authorized search in Rio Rico, about an hour’s drive south of the city.

Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

Earlier in the investigation, authorities had said they had collected DNA from Nancy Guthrie’s property which doesn’t belong to Guthrie or those in close contact with her. Investigators were working to identify who it belongs to.

The FBI also has said approximately 16 gloves were found in various spots near the house, most of which were searchers’ gloves that had been discarded.

It should be stressed that Arsenal and Eze were doing this against highly accommodating opponents. Few teams in world football can cope when Arsenal play with the beautiful ferocity of their opening half hour and it was fathoms above the capabilities of the team 22nd in League One, who have conceded 14 goals in their past five matches.

The match felt ripe to be seized by Eze for one of those Gareth Bale vs Inter Milan-type performances. Instead his moments of genius were matched by needless losses of possession, which might have been punished by a better counter-attacking team.

His defensive contributions do not lack effort, but he is clearly more effective with time and space on the ball than when out of possession. Certainly he seems unlikely to thrive when his average position is deeper than anyone other than Declan Rice and Arsenal’s two centre-backs among their outfielders, as it was against Brentford.

Even as the main man at Palace he could go quiet during games, but would often provide a defining moment from unpromising situations. In that respect he is an unusual presence in Mikel Arteta’s impeccable machine, but his manager appears relaxed about what he offers his team. “Some superb balls,” Arteta said of Eze’s performance “His intentions, the risks he took in the final third, the amount of shots he tried to take. That’s really positive, that’s what we want from him.

“He is already playing a big role, he’s played a lot of games for us and will continue to do that. Especially the creative players, they need to feel they are producing those moments. I’m very happy with that and Gabi [Martinelli] as well, the run he made, the timing of that and the finishing action, really positive. For the mood and the confidence it’s a really good thing.”

The afternoon belatedly improved for Wigan when they mercy-killed Hunt and brought on Matt Smith, who made Arsenal’s bench in their last FA Cup final in 2020. Graham Barrow, the Wigan caretaker manager, switched to a back four, which made his team more solid. Still you sensed Arsenal’s supporters were keen for a cathartic bludgeoning, some footballing Senokot to relieve their attacking blockages.

Instead, Arsenal understandably eased off. The game was won and there was a gradual mutual understanding between crowd and staff that the secondary objective was avoiding injuries. Ben White did not manage that, although walked off when he was replaced by Martín Zubimendi. Riccardo Calafiori was hurt in the warm-up with Bukayo Saka brought in to start shortly before kick-off.

There were some minor grumbles towards Viktor Gyokeres, on for Saka and unfortunate not to score, hitting a post instead. His worst crime was miscuing a header from a serviceable Martinelli cross. It did not matter much, although there was a slight unfulfillment with the scoreless second half. Arsenal had earned the right to that with their electric start. For all his unusual qualities as a player, Eze was its architect.

It took place close to Wakefield earlier this morning, with some trains travelling through the area being cancelled, delayed up to 60 minutes, or revised.

“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day,” said a spokesperson for National Rail.

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Those disrupted can use their ticket on the following train companies at no extra cost:

• TransPennine Express between Manchester, Leeds, York, and Newcastle.
• Northern Trains between Carlisle and Newcastle
• CrossCountry between Sheffield/Doncaster, York Newcastle, and Edinburgh

Rail replacement transport will be in operation between Doncaster and Leeds via Wakefield Westgate, and also between York and Leeds.

Tickets can be used at no extra cost on alternative train services, up to 2 hours before or after the cancelled service or on either of the two LNER services before or after this train.

Customers who defer their travel today, Sunday 15 February can use their ticket with no extra cost on Monday 16 February, and Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption

As well as this, engineering work is taking place between Micklefield and Selby / York, closing all lines, and the East Coast Main Line in Peterborough – where LNER have offered customers advice on how to travel more comfortably.

Rail replacement services are in place on these routes.

The warning was issued via the force’s newsletter, Bee in the Loop, and said that there has been a ‘significant increase’ in youth related antisocial behaviour.

The alert stated that the Westhoughton neighbourhood team was investigating the reports and that CCTV was being collected.

The force explained that it is hoped those involved will be able to be identified through the footage.

It said that those identified should ‘expect a visit from the police‘, and that ‘positive action’ will be taken and that those responsible will be prosecuted.

Along with the update on the recent spike, Greater Manchester Police issued a sharp statement on youth related antisocial behaviour, denouncing common excuses.

In the alert, a spokesperson said: “It isn’t just ‘kids messing around’ and ‘they have nothing to do’ isn’t an excuse for the type of behaviour we are seeing.

“Property is being damaged, and residents and businesses are being targeted and harassed.”

The force said it anticipates a ‘further increase’ in reports over the half-term break and will be increasing its patrols.

It also asked parents who have children who spend time in and around Westhoughton to speak to them about their behaviour whilst in the community.

Simon Cowell returns to Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday 21 February alongside Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and newcomer KSI, as well as hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly

As the brain behind Britain’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell knows how to spot the gifted amongst us – but who does he think is the least talented celebrity he’s met? Himself!

At a launch event for the 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent, Simon was asked what he’d pull out of the bag if he had to audition for the show. In response, he said: “Actually, being the most talentless person in the world.

His fellow judges, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI protested that he did have a talent, and mentioned that Simon can do an impression of David Attenborough and cats, but he insisted that he did not have a talent. He simply said: “No, I don’t. I just don’t.”

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s Alesha Dixon reveals horror injury after fighting against Simon CowellREAD MORE: Ant McPartlin brands Declan Donnelly a ‘psychopath’ over ‘disgusting behaviour’ on plane

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“You’re an amazing person,” Amanda pushed. “You’re an amazing bike rider.” Simon joked that he would do that on a live show, along with his impressions, but then seriously added that the one talent he did have was spotting it in others.

“That’s the only thing I can do, actually,” he said. “I was lucky, actually. Very early on, I realised, honestly, I had no talent whatsoever in terms of [what happens on Britain’s Got Talent]. You know, when I see this stuff, I’m like, ‘Well, I couldn’t do that.’

Returning to the initial question about what talent he’d bring to the auditions if he had to perform, he reiterated: “So the answer is nothing.”

Simon has been a judge on Britain’s Got Talent since it first began in 2007, as has Amanda Holden. He is also behind the former ITV singing talent show, The X Factor.

The X Factor, which ran from 2004 to 2018, churned out many beloved acts of the UK music industry, including One Direction, Little Mix and JLS.

Sky has recently confirmed a documentary about the series with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, including with Simon. Fans of The X Factor have already begun voicing their mixed opinions on whether a revival of the singing competition would be welcome.

One fan expressed: “They need to bring this back, but the original concept. No live audience, just the judges. Plus the bad singers as well as the good. Honestly, Saturday night TV is missing this show so much.”

However, another viewer chimed in: “The show was fun […] but the last few seasons were rough. I think singing shows are very much a product of the 2000s and started losing influence in the late 2010s.”

Some of the contestants have been featured in documentaries before – Perrie Edwards was in Girlbands Forever, which looked at the darker side of being in a girl band, while her former bandmate, Jesy Nelson, has her own documentary, Life After Little Mix, coming to screens shortly.

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The magnificent Fountains Abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence, but now the atmospheric ruins that remain are a “window into a way of life” which shaped the medieval world.

National Trust continues: “When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design.

“Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.

“One-of-a-kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.”

Fountain’s Abbey is one of the best places to see snowdrops in Yorkshire

In most recent years, the abbey’s grounds including Studley Royal Water Garden, have become known for impressive pearl-like snowdrop displays that just “keep on getting more beautiful” according to Muddy Stilettos.

Swathes of the bold joyful plant which burst through the muddy grass at this time of year to signal spring is on the way, have actually been around Fountains Abbey since the 19th century.

The travel expert shared: “The ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey have been surrounded by white carpets of snowdrops since the 19th century, and the displays just keep on getting more beautiful.

“Earl de Grey (who inherited the estate in 1845) even wrote his signature in snowdrops beside the Abbey on the banks of the River Skell.

“You might struggle to see that today, but there’s still a stunning display to see all around the grounds.”

On Tripadvisor, someone highlighted how February is the perfect time to visit as the lack of leaves on trees make for “great enhanced views”.

They added as part of their review: “We visited on a clear bright day. Good paths and lovely snowdrops, with great views enhanced by the lack of leaves on deciduous trees.”

Another wrote: “Snowdrops everywhere in the water garden – beautiful in the sun! On the banks of the river Skell and in the trees! Spring is on the way!”

This person commented about their day out in February: “Fountains Abbey is beautiful and there are so many interesting vistas from so many different angles each time you turn the corner.

Top Winter Walks in the UK

“Although it was February, the ruined abbey was still lovely and we were impressed by the thousands of snowdrops and the grouse.

“Having Studley Royal round the corner is an wonderful bonus, with its beautiful gardens and water features. Coffee at the café was very welcome!”

Come March, there will also be a carpet of daffodils taking over the grounds to replace the snowdrops – a welcome sign that the dreary winter weather will soon be a memory of the past.

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National Trust recommends taking the route from the visitor centre to the abbey, and the lawn opposite the Mill Café, as it will “flood with shades of yellow as different daffodils start to bloom”.

Visit the National Trust’s website (a link to which can be found above) to see all admission prices and entry times to Fountain Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in February.

Where is your favourite place to see snowdrops appear at this time of year in North Yorkshire?

Let us know in the comments below.