Good morning. It’s January 29, 2026, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, and we’ve got a handful of stories to cover today.First, the tragic case of Alex Pretti. He was shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. A video of a prior standoff with ICE officers surfaced just 11 days before the shooting, giving investigators fresh material. The incident has reignited scrutiny of enforcement practices and sparked protests across the state.Moving on to business, a joint editorial from Chicago to Minneapolis business leaders has lashed out at ICE’s aggressive tactics. They argue those actions threaten community safety and hurt the local workforce. The letter is part of a wider push in the Midwest to reform immigration enforcement.In other news, President Trump said he can do whatever he wants under the Constitution, prompting debate over executive power limits. Critics point out that checks and balances still constrain presidential action, even if rhetoric suggests otherwise.Switching to technology, SpaceX announced a June IPO aimed at a valuation near $1.5 trillion. The company plans to list the next time it reaches a fully matured corporate status. The move follows Musk’s pledge to match the listing with his birthday and could signal a new funding era for commercial spaceflight.In entertainment, the fourth season of Bridgerton is now streaming in the U.S., with 25,000 viewers on its first day. The series remains a winner for romance, drama, and high‑stakes plotting and continues to dominate the streaming marketplace.On the international front, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi in Beijing to strengthen ties. The meeting highlighted trade, climate collaboration, and South China Sea security. Starmer underscored Hong Kong stability as a key point for deeper cooperation with China.Back to business, Santander is closing 44 more UK branches as it finalizes a £2.6 billion takeover of TSB. The bank says consolidation will streamline operations but could put hundreds of local jobs at risk.In automotive news, Tesla has announced it will discontinue the Model S and Model X to focus on its humanoid Optimus robot line. The announcement marks a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence and manufacturing, as California reduced support for traditional electric vehicles.Finally, in sports news, LeBron James released an emotional tribute video during the Cavaliers’ 2024 loss to the Lakers. The footage showed him reflecting on his career’s early days, sparking debate about his future in the NBA. Fans hope he will avoid a full retirement.That’s all for everyone today. Thank you for listening to BTW Daily News. Have a great morning.
