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Today’s Big Story

Border Crossing Surge Ahead of Title 42 Expiration

Migrant detentions at the US-Mexico border have reached record highs leading up to the end of Title 42, a COVID-era policy that allowed border officials to turn back migrants for public health reasons.

Why are they crossing illegally if they’ll be turned back? Although Title 42 prevented many migrants from gaining asylum, it came with no legal consequences, encouraging repeat attempts. After last night’s deadline, migrants face a five-year ban from the U.S. and possible criminal prosecution if they cross illegally. Many asylum-seekers felt this was their last chance to gain entry.

What’s next? Holding facilities are beyond maximum capacity and Border Patrol agents have been told to release some migrants with instructions to appear at a U.S. immigration office within 60 days. However, most of the migrants will be placed in “expedited removal” proceedings and expelled quickly if they don’t qualify to stay in the U.S.

Big picture: President Biden’s border enforcement plan includes the expansion of legal pathways for safe, orderly, and humane migration while punishing those who enter unlawfully. He admits that the process will take time and that the border situation will be chaotic for a while. 

A bright spot in a dark time: After the mass killing of asylum seekers at a bus stop in Brownsville, Texas last week, a group of Venezuelan migrants gathered at a nearby gas station to start a donation-based car wash. They said they are determined to fund the beginning of their American dream.

Little Stories

Business & Economy

*Disney’s stock price fell 9% on Thursday after the company reported losing 4 million subscribers on its Disney+ streaming service during the most recent quarter.

*Peloton is recalling 2.2 million exercise bikes due to risks of the seat post breaking. The Government says to immediately stop using the Peloton model PL01, sold from Jan. 2018 through this month. The company’s stock dropped more than 8% during Thursday trading.

World

*A Norwegian study revealed that the war in Ukraine helped push the global total of people displaced by conflict or natural disasters to 71.1 million last year.

*The U.S. Ambassador in South Africa accused the country of supplying weapons to Russia via cargo ship that was docked secretly at a naval base near Cape Town. Last month, South Africa’s ruling party sent a delegation to Russia and spoke about strengthening ties between the two countries.

US News, Politics, & Government

*Donald Trump was unapologetic about his sexual assault conviction of E. Jean Carroll during a CNN town hall interview on Wednesday. He also maintains that the 2020 election was rigged, and plans to pardon many of his supporters from the Jan. 6 Capitol riots if re-elected.

*Two Parents who were found guilty in the “Operation Varsity Blues” college admissions cheating scandal, were dismissed from all charges by an appeals court judge on Wednesday.

Sports & Entertainment

*Lakers center Anthony Davis didn’t sustain a concussion in game 5 and is probable to play game 6 against the Warriors Friday. However, Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is doubtful with a rib cartilage fracture. Full playoff scores and schedules here.

*Academy of Country Music Awards handed out honors last night. The winners include: Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, and others.

Science, Health, & Tech

*Researchers published a new pangenome reference that will help scientists better understand how genetics are linked to diseases traits.

*Children with peanut allergies responded positively to a skin patch, called Viaskin, in a recent study. The patch helped kids, who couldn’t tolerate a fraction of peanut, eat a few safely.

Extras

*Adidas plans to sell its unsold stock of Yeezy products for charity.

*An Italian town welcomes spring with live snakes.

*Police respond to cries for help…from a goat.