April 29, 2025 • 10 mins
In Episode 140 of the U.S. News Daily Brief, Michelle kicks off with a welcome and introduction before diving into the Mexico-U.S. water-sharing agreement and the recent EPA decision on E15 gasoline, examining their environmental and economic ramifications. The episode then explores deportation issues affecting U.S. citizen children, shedding light on the legal and social challenges involved. Michelle discusses a DEA raid at a Colorado Springs nightclub and the subsequent detentions, analyzing the impact on local communities. The episode also covers a protest demanding a town hall meeting, highlighting the community's calls for dialogue and transparency. It concludes with closing remarks and information on how to stay informed with the podcast.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to U.S.
(00:01):
News Daily, your go-to update on the latesthappenings across the United States.
I’m your host, AI Michelle, and this is aMagicPod, produced by PodcastAI.
Want to create your own MagicPod?
Click the link in the show notes.
Alright, let’s dive in.
First up, we have a significant development ininternational relations that directly affects
(00:23):
the U.S.
agricultural sector.
Mexico and the United States have reached acrucial agreement regarding the sharing of
water resources from the Rio Grande basin.
This deal comes after U.S.
President Donald Trump threatened tariffs andsanctions earlier this month.
According to the agreement, Mexico hascommitted to an immediate transfer of water
(00:47):
from international reservoirs, which willincrease the U.S.'s share of water flow from
six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries untilthe end of the current five-year water cycle.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S.
State Department, expressed gratitude towardsMexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum for her
role in facilitating this cross-bordercooperation.
(01:11):
The joint statement released by both countriesreaffirmed that the 1944 water-sharing treaty
remains beneficial and does not requirerenegotiation.
Under this treaty, Mexico is obliged to deliver1,750,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S.
every five years, averaging 350,000 acre-feetannually.
(01:35):
However, as the current cycle nears its end inOctober, Mexico faces a high risk of not
meeting this obligation.
The treaty does allow for some flexibility,permitting Mexico to accumulate a water debt
during the first four years of each cycle,provided it compensates in the fifth year.
This agreement is particularly important forTexas farmers who rely heavily on this water
(01:58):
for irrigation and agricultural needs.
We'll continue to monitor this story closely asit develops in the coming months.
Today, the Environmental Protection Agencyannounced that consumers across the United
States will still be able to purchasehigher-ethanol blend E15 gasoline this summer.
This decision is expected to save consumerssome money at the pump, although there are
(02:22):
concerns about potential environmental impactson air and water quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency issued anemergency waiver that prevents retailers in
most states from having to stop selling E15gasoline starting May 1.
While the current waiver is effective onlythrough May 20, Environmental Protection Agency
(02:42):
Administrator Lee Zeldin indicated plans tocontinue issuing waivers through September 15,
which is when the federal government wouldtypically allow E15 sales nationwide again.
Most gasoline sold across the United States isblended with ten percent ethanol, but fifteen
percent blends are becoming more common,especially in the Midwest, where much of the
(03:04):
nation's corn is produced.
E15 gasoline typically costs at least ten centsless per gallon than E10 gasoline.
Previously, the Environmental Protection Agencyhad banned its sale during summer months due to
concerns that it could increase smog during thedriving season.
However, recent years have seen a relaxation ofthese restrictions, with a series of temporary
(03:28):
waivers granted in 2022, 2023, and 2024,allowing E15 sales nationwide through the
summer.
In addition, last year, the EnvironmentalProtection Agency issued a rule permitting
year-round E15 sales in eight Midwesternstates, including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota,
(03:49):
Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, andWisconsin.
Officials from the Trump administration claimedthat this move would lower consumer costs,
provide more options at the pump, and boostcorn demand, ultimately reducing reliance on
imported energy.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizedthe role of corn growers in achieving energy
(04:11):
independence, which is seen as essential tonational security.
While the ethanol industry and Iowa officialshave praised this action, the Renewable Fuels
Association has called for Congress to passlegislation allowing year-round E15 sales
across the entire United States.
They argue that for the full economic andenergy security advantages of E15 to be
(04:34):
realized, the market needs long-term certainty.
However, environmentalists have raisedconcerns, noting that ethanol production
consumes about forty percent of the nation'scorn crop and increases fertilizer use, which
is a major source of water pollution.
Additionally, ethanol plants are known toconsume significant amounts of water, raising
(04:55):
worries about aquifer depletion in states likeKansas.
Zack Pistora, a Kansas lobbyist for the SierraClub, criticized the portrayal of ethanol as
environmentally friendly, arguing that theTrump administration should instead focus on
promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles,public transportation, and sustainable
agriculture.
(05:15):
He emphasized the need to reduce fossil fueldependence, suggesting that relying on
corn-based ethanol does not align with thecountry’s necessary environmental path forward.
Today, a troubling immigration issue is makingheadlines as attorneys report cases where
children who are United States citizens havebeen deported alongside their foreign-born
(05:35):
mothers.
This has raised significant legal andhumanitarian concerns, as these children, by
virtue of their birthright citizenship, areentitled to remain in the United States.
However, recent actions by immigrationauthorities have resulted in at least three
known cases where these rights were seeminglyoverlooked.
(05:56):
In one such case, two siblings, aged four andseven, both U.S.
citizens, were deported to Honduras with theirundocumented mother.
Disturbingly, the four-year-old is battlinglate-stage cancer and was deported without his
medication.
The mother, who had a standing removal orderdue to missing a hearing years ago, was
(06:16):
reportedly unaware of this order.
She was detained during what was supposed to bea routine check-in with immigration officials.
Another case involves a two-year-old girl,identified in court documents as VML, who was
deported to Honduras with her mother afterbeing held in detention for three days.
A federal judge expressed strong suspicion thatthe government deported this U.S.
(06:41):
citizen without due process.
The child’s mother had no criminal history andhad legal custodians in the United States
willing to care for her daughter, but requestsfor legal counsel were ignored.
Sirine Shebaya, executive director of theNational Immigration Project and attorney for
VML, contested claims made by the Trumpadministration that the mothers requested their
(07:04):
children be deported with them.
Shebaya argued that the mothers felt they hadno choice and were not given the opportunity to
consult with family or legal representatives.
This situation, she claims, amounts to forcedfamily separation.
These incidents highlight ongoing controversiesand challenges within the U.S.
(07:25):
immigration system, particularly under theTrump administration's policies.
The legal community and human rights advocatescontinue to call for reforms to ensure that the
rights of U.S.
citizen children are protected, and that dueprocess is not bypassed in immigration
proceedings.
In a developing story from Colorado Springs, aDrug Enforcement Administration operation at an
(07:49):
underground nightclub has led to the detentionof over 100 individuals, many of whom are
reportedly undocumented immigrants.
The raid, conducted in collaboration withfederal and local law enforcement agencies,
targeted the venue for operating without abusiness or liquor license and for alleged drug
trafficking activities.
(08:10):
The nightclub, described as an unlicensed eventcenter, was the focus of a months-long
investigation.
Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge forthe Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky
Mountain field division, stated that theoperation aimed to address not only the club's
illegal status but also to combat drugtrafficking, violence, and prostitution linked
(08:32):
to such venues.
Among those detained were active duty UnitedStates military personnel, some of whom were
working as private security or attending theevent as patrons.
The exact number of military members presentremains unclear as the investigation continues.
A notable concern emerging from the raidinvolves reports that United States citizens,
(08:55):
including minors, were taken into custody.
Patricia Rodriguez, whose nieces and nephewsattended the party, claims they were wrongfully
detained despite being U.S.
citizens.
She expressed worry over the situation, notingthat her nephew is hospitalized due to
complications exacerbated by the raid.
The Colorado Springs People's Coalition isorganizing a protest, demanding a town hall
(09:19):
meeting with local leadership to address theraid's aftermath and the treatment of those
detained.
The coalition aims to discuss the broaderimplications of such operations on the
community.
We reached out to Immigration and CustomsEnforcement officials for clarification on the
status of those arrested, particularly the U.S.
(09:39):
citizens reportedly detained.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has statedthat only individuals here illegally or those
with outstanding warrants were intended to betaken into custody, with most partygoers
eventually released after processing.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions andcomplexities within the realm of immigration
(10:00):
enforcement and civil liberties.
We'll keep you updated as more details unfold.
Alright that's a wrap for this episode.
If you enjoyed this brief, and would like tostay updated on latest episodes, don’t forget
to click ‘Follow’ in your podcast app.
Thanks again for listening, and hope to catchyou next time.
Welcome back to U.S.
(00:01):
News Daily, your go-to update on the latesthappenings across the United States.
I’m your host, AI Michelle, and this is aMagicPod, produced by PodcastAI.
Want to create your own MagicPod?
Click the link in the show notes.
Alright, let’s dive in.
First up, we have a significant development ininternational relations that directly affects
(00:23):
the U.S.
agricultural sector.
Mexico and the United States have reached acrucial agreement regarding the sharing of
water resources from the Rio Grande basin.
This deal comes after U.S.
President Donald Trump threatened tariffs andsanctions earlier this month.
According to the agreement, Mexico hascommitted to an immediate transfer of water
(00:47):
from international reservoirs, which willincrease the U.S.'s share of water flow from
six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries untilthe end of the current five-year water cycle.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S.
State Department, expressed gratitude towardsMexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum for her
role in facilitating this cross-bordercooperation.
(01:11):
The joint statement released by both countriesreaffirmed that the 1944 water-sharing treaty
remains beneficial and does not requirerenegotiation.
Under this treaty, Mexico is obliged to deliver1,750,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S.
every five years, averaging 350,000 acre-feetannually.
(01:35):
However, as the current cycle nears its end inOctober, Mexico faces a high risk of not
meeting this obligation.
The treaty does allow for some flexibility,permitting Mexico to accumulate a water debt
during the first four years of each cycle,provided it compensates in the fifth year.
This agreement is particularly important forTexas farmers who rely heavily on this water
(01:58):
for irrigation and agricultural needs.
We'll continue to monitor this story closely asit develops in the coming months.
Today, the Environmental Protection Agencyannounced that consumers across the United
States will still be able to purchasehigher-ethanol blend E15 gasoline this summer.
This decision is expected to save consumerssome money at the pump, although there are
(02:22):
concerns about potential environmental impactson air and water quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency issued anemergency waiver that prevents retailers in
most states from having to stop selling E15gasoline starting May 1.
While the current waiver is effective onlythrough May 20, Environmental Protection Agency
(02:42):
Administrator Lee Zeldin indicated plans tocontinue issuing waivers through September 15,
which is when the federal government wouldtypically allow E15 sales nationwide again.
Most gasoline sold across the United States isblended with ten percent ethanol, but fifteen
percent blends are becoming more common,especially in the Midwest, where much of the
(03:04):
nation's corn is produced.
E15 gasoline typically costs at least ten centsless per gallon than E10 gasoline.
Previously, the Environmental Protection Agencyhad banned its sale during summer months due to
concerns that it could increase smog during thedriving season.
However, recent years have seen a relaxation ofthese restrictions, with a series of temporary
(03:28):
waivers granted in 2022, 2023, and 2024,allowing E15 sales nationwide through the
summer.
In addition, last year, the EnvironmentalProtection Agency issued a rule permitting
year-round E15 sales in eight Midwesternstates, including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota,
(03:49):
Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, andWisconsin.
Officials from the Trump administration claimedthat this move would lower consumer costs,
provide more options at the pump, and boostcorn demand, ultimately reducing reliance on
imported energy.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizedthe role of corn growers in achieving energy
(04:11):
independence, which is seen as essential tonational security.
While the ethanol industry and Iowa officialshave praised this action, the Renewable Fuels
Association has called for Congress to passlegislation allowing year-round E15 sales
across the entire United States.
They argue that for the full economic andenergy security advantages of E15 to be
(04:34):
realized, the market needs long-term certainty.
However, environmentalists have raisedconcerns, noting that ethanol production
consumes about forty percent of the nation'scorn crop and increases fertilizer use, which
is a major source of water pollution.
Additionally, ethanol plants are known toconsume significant amounts of water, raising
(04:55):
worries about aquifer depletion in states likeKansas.
Zack Pistora, a Kansas lobbyist for the SierraClub, criticized the portrayal of ethanol as
environmentally friendly, arguing that theTrump administration should instead focus on
promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles,public transportation, and sustainable
agriculture.
(05:15):
He emphasized the need to reduce fossil fueldependence, suggesting that relying on
corn-based ethanol does not align with thecountry’s necessary environmental path forward.
Today, a troubling immigration issue is makingheadlines as attorneys report cases where
children who are United States citizens havebeen deported alongside their foreign-born
(05:35):
mothers.
This has raised significant legal andhumanitarian concerns, as these children, by
virtue of their birthright citizenship, areentitled to remain in the United States.
However, recent actions by immigrationauthorities have resulted in at least three
known cases where these rights were seeminglyoverlooked.
(05:56):
In one such case, two siblings, aged four andseven, both U.S.
citizens, were deported to Honduras with theirundocumented mother.
Disturbingly, the four-year-old is battlinglate-stage cancer and was deported without his
medication.
The mother, who had a standing removal orderdue to missing a hearing years ago, was
(06:16):
reportedly unaware of this order.
She was detained during what was supposed to bea routine check-in with immigration officials.
Another case involves a two-year-old girl,identified in court documents as VML, who was
deported to Honduras with her mother afterbeing held in detention for three days.
A federal judge expressed strong suspicion thatthe government deported this U.S.
(06:41):
citizen without due process.
The child’s mother had no criminal history andhad legal custodians in the United States
willing to care for her daughter, but requestsfor legal counsel were ignored.
Sirine Shebaya, executive director of theNational Immigration Project and attorney for
VML, contested claims made by the Trumpadministration that the mothers requested their
(07:04):
children be deported with them.
Shebaya argued that the mothers felt they hadno choice and were not given the opportunity to
consult with family or legal representatives.
This situation, she claims, amounts to forcedfamily separation.
These incidents highlight ongoing controversiesand challenges within the U.S.
(07:25):
immigration system, particularly under theTrump administration's policies.
The legal community and human rights advocatescontinue to call for reforms to ensure that the
rights of U.S.
citizen children are protected, and that dueprocess is not bypassed in immigration
proceedings.
In a developing story from Colorado Springs, aDrug Enforcement Administration operation at an
(07:49):
underground nightclub has led to the detentionof over 100 individuals, many of whom are
reportedly undocumented immigrants.
The raid, conducted in collaboration withfederal and local law enforcement agencies,
targeted the venue for operating without abusiness or liquor license and for alleged drug
trafficking activities.
(08:10):
The nightclub, described as an unlicensed eventcenter, was the focus of a months-long
investigation.
Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge forthe Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky
Mountain field division, stated that theoperation aimed to address not only the club's
illegal status but also to combat drugtrafficking, violence, and prostitution linked
(08:32):
to such venues.
Among those detained were active duty UnitedStates military personnel, some of whom were
working as private security or attending theevent as patrons.
The exact number of military members presentremains unclear as the investigation continues.
A notable concern emerging from the raidinvolves reports that United States citizens,
(08:55):
including minors, were taken into custody.
Patricia Rodriguez, whose nieces and nephewsattended the party, claims they were wrongfully
detained despite being U.S.
citizens.
She expressed worry over the situation, notingthat her nephew is hospitalized due to
complications exacerbated by the raid.
The Colorado Springs People's Coalition isorganizing a protest, demanding a town hall
(09:19):
meeting with local leadership to address theraid's aftermath and the treatment of those
detained.
The coalition aims to discuss the broaderimplications of such operations on the
community.
We reached out to Immigration and CustomsEnforcement officials for clarification on the
status of those arrested, particularly the U.S.
(09:39):
citizens reportedly detained.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has statedthat only individuals here illegally or those
with outstanding warrants were intended to betaken into custody, with most partygoers
eventually released after processing.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions andcomplexities within the realm of immigration
(10:00):
enforcement and civil liberties.
We'll keep you updated as more details unfold.
Alright that's a wrap for this episode.
If you enjoyed this brief, and would like tostay updated on latest episodes, don’t forget
to click ‘Follow’ in your podcast app.
Thanks again for listening, and hope to catchyou next time.
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