Transcript
Podcast Host (0:00)
On NPR's wildcard podcast, Heavyweight host Jonathan Goldstein talks about his early years as a writer.
Jonathan Goldstein (0:06)
I was writing and no one was buying what I was selling. I just couldn't get anywhere. And I just kept doing it because I felt compelled to do it, like a spider spinning a web.
Podcast Host (0:18)
Listen to that wild card conversation on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
NPR News Anchor (0:24)
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. President Trump says he's been told on good authority that executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters.
President Donald Trump (0:39)
We have been informed by very important sources on the other side, and they said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place. There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place, and we're going to find out.
NPR News Anchor (0:53)
He provided few details to support the claim. It comes after he told protesting Iranians in recent days that, quote, help is on the way. But it's unclear what he meant by that. This the State Department says it will stop immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries who are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the U.S. the countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia. The suspension begins January 21st and will not apply to applicants seeking tourist or business visas. The department says it's bringing an end to the abuse of America's immigration system. There has been no court decision yet on Minnesota's request to stop President Trump's immigration crackdown. A federal judge gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond. Meanwhile, federal agents continue to pull people from cars and confront angry bystanders in the state's largest cities. NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran has been witnessing.
Sergio Martinez Beltran (1:46)
Arrests in the city of Minneapolis. It's impossible to miss federal immigration agents. They are everywhere. The immigration enforcement operations include arresting people in the streets. NPR was able to witness multiple of those arrests today, including one at a bus stop. The arrests tend to happen pretty quick. Agents jump off their unmarked vehicles with their faces covered. They surround an individual for questions. If the person cannot prove they are in the US Legally, they are arrested. Minneapolis has been on edge since the shooting of Renee Goode last week by an ICE agent. On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security shared on social media an old interview where Stephen Miller, the White House's deputy chief of staff for policy, said immigration agents have federal immunity while performing their duty. Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Minneapolis.