Saturday Night Live’s cold open featured a satirical Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance, where they criticized Zelensky’s stance on trusting Vladimir Putin. Mike Myers made a cameo as Elon Musk, humorously questioning Trump’s presence in the office. The sketch included Trump, Vance, and a catatonic Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Trump mockingly suggesting Zelensky apologize to Putin and offer him a night with his wife. Zelensky attempted to respond before being interrupted by Vance. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 7:00 am
In Syria, some restaurants and coffee shops closed during the day as Ramadan began, following a call from the interim Ministry of Religious Endowments. Violators could face up to three months in jail, though no official order was issued. The change follows the overthrow of Assad’s secular government by Islamist insurgents, raising concerns about Syria becoming an Islamic state. Under Assad, public eating during Ramadan was allowed, but now many fear reprisals. The new government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, promises to respect religious minorities. Ramadan began Saturday in most countries, with some starting Sunday. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 3:30 am
The PKK declared an immediate ceasefire following its leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call to disband and lay down arms. If Turkey accepts, this could end a decades-long conflict that has killed over 40,000 people. The PKK supports Ocalan’s peace manifesto, emphasizing the need for democratic politics. Ocalan’s call marks a significant turning point, urging all groups to disarm. The conflict, rooted in the PKK’s 1978 founding and its quest for Kurdish autonomy, has devastated Turkey and its neighbors. Recent peace prospects were bolstered by Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli’s invitation to Ocalan to declare disarmament in parliament. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 3:30 am
The Israeli government has extended the Gaza ceasefire for six weeks, covering Ramadan and Passover. This follows the expiration of the initial ceasefire phase. Under a US proposal, half of the hostages held by Hamas would be released initially, with the rest contingent on a permanent ceasefire agreement. Hamas has not commented on the extension, and negotiations for phase two, including the release of all hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal, are still pending. The ceasefire halted 15 months of conflict, but Hamas demands guarantees for further progress. Penelope Kingsley 02/03/2025 3:30 am
King Charles will meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at Sandringham, showing UK and EU support after Zelenskyy’s tense encounter with Trump and Vance. Keir Starmer will host a defense summit with European, Canadian, and Turkish leaders to present a united front on Ukraine. The UK may unlock frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense. Zelenskyy aims to mend ties after the Oval Office incident, expressing gratitude for U.S. support. Starmer emphasizes unity against Russia, highlighting the UK’s central role in European security. Ava Sinclair 02/03/2025 12:00 am
Dr. Collins, 74, served as a prominent figure during the coronavirus pandemic under Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, aiding in the development of tests, therapeutics, and vaccines. He announced his retirement without providing a reason and declined interviews. His announcement precedes the Senate confirmation hearing for Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Trump’s nominee for NIH director, who has criticized Collins. Bhattacharya co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, opposing lockdowns during the pandemic. Penelope Kingsley 02/03/2025 12:00 am
Talks in Cairo to maintain the Gaza ceasefire stalled over advancing to a second phase. Hamas, coordinating with Qatari and Egyptian officials, rejected Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase. The second phase demands a full Israeli withdrawal, starting with the Philadelphi corridor, which could destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition. Israeli analysts suggest Netanyahu agreed to the ceasefire under Trump’s pressure, doubting a second phase would occur. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, insists on implementing the second phase to release remaining hostages, despite opposition from Israel’s far right. Penelope Kingsley 01/03/2025 8:30 pm
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire ends Saturday, having seen hostages and prisoners exchanged. However, talks for phase two, involving further hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawal, are stalled. Negotiations in Cairo ended with Israel’s delegation returning home, and discussions are set to continue remotely. Israel seeks to extend the current phase to secure more hostage releases without withdrawing troops. The government insists Hamas must disarm and relinquish authority in Gaza, and Israel is not ready to leave the Philadelphi corridor, citing security concerns. Penelope Kingsley 01/03/2025 5:00 pm
An avalanche in Uttarakhand, India, near the China border, killed at least four people and trapped 55 workers at a highway construction site. Rescuers saved 50, but four died from injuries. Five remain missing, with rescue efforts hampered by heavy snow and poor visibility. Critically injured workers are prioritized for evacuation, with some treated at the Army Hospital in Joshimath. The region, prone to avalanches and flash floods due to global warming, previously saw nearly 100 deaths in a 2021 glacier incident. Rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions. Penelope Kingsley 01/03/2025 5:00 pm
In his first six weeks, President Trump has aggressively dismantled federal structures, pardoned Capitol attackers, and placed loyalists in key positions, raising concerns about democracy’s future. Critics, including political scientists and global democracy monitors, warn of authoritarian tactics reminiscent of leaders like Hungary’s Orban. Journalist Maria Ressa likens Trump’s actions to “death by a thousand cuts,” threatening the U.S.’s democratic fabric. Trump’s moves have sparked fears of eroding checks and balances, with some allies suggesting defiance of court orders. Penelope Kingsley 01/03/2025 5:00 pm
