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What’s on tap: 

• ICC arrests former Philippine president

• Canada backs off electricity tariff

• Your clothes could soon be a phone charger

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Big Story

Ukraine Ceasefire Deal

The US and Ukraine have proposed a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war following talks in Saudi Arabia.

• The agreement, which requires Russian acceptance, would pause fighting and could be extended by mutual agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized there's "no military solution to this war," while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called it "a positive step" and said Ukraine is "ready for peace."

• As part of the agreement, the United States will "immediately lift" its pause on intelligence sharing and "resume security assistance to Ukraine." Weeks of tension between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy had strained relations, particularly following a confrontational Oval Office meeting last month that triggered the temporary freeze on U.S. military aid.

• The U.S. will communicate the proposal to Russia "directly through multiple channels." Both countries are also negotiating a minerals sharing agreement that Trump has framed as a means to recover the $128 billion in U.S. aid previously provided

• The talks occurred while Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of the war, with Russia downing 337 drones overnight, including 91 over Moscow.

Big Story

Philippines’ former President Arrested by ICC

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on Tuesday and flown to The Hague at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

• The arrest stems from the ICC's investigation into Duterte's controversial "war on drugs" that defined his 2016-2022 presidency. Duterte could become Asia's first former head of state to face trial at the ICC.

• Known as "The Punisher," Duterte built his political career on tough-talking populism and brutal anti-crime policies. His presidential campaign promised to eradicate drugs within months, famously declaring to drug suspects: "Either you kill me or I will kill you."

• The ICC is investigating Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity, including responsibility for at least 43 murders between 2011 and 2019. Official police records cite 6,200 deaths during anti-drug operations under Duterte's presidency, but human rights activists estimate the true toll could reach 30,000.

• Despite Duterte withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC's founding treaty in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was a member. Duterte's family has petitioned the Supreme Court, calling the arrest unlawful.

Big Story

Southwest Axes Free Checked Bags

Southwest Airlines is saying goodbye to one of its most distinctive features: free checked bags.

• Starting May 28, passengers must pay to check luggage unless they're elite loyalty members, business class travelers, or Southwest credit card holders. The company hasn't revealed how much the new bag fees will cost passengers.

• The shift is the latest move in Southwest’s attempt to right its financial woes. It comes less than a year after the airline announced it would abandon its open seating policy—another 50-year tradition—in favor of assigned seats beginning next year.

• The airline also recently announced its first major layoffs, cutting 1,750 corporate jobs (15% of its workforce) by June. CEO Bob Jordan said the changes are necessary to "return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect."

• Meanwhile, competitors like Delta see an opportunity to attract Southwest's disappointed customers, though economic challenges are affecting the entire industry—Delta, United, JetBlue, and American Airlines have all seen significant stock declines this year.

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Quick Stories

US News

• House Republicans passed a six-month funding bill 217-213 to avoid a government shutdown, with only one GOP defection. It now needs eight Democratic senators to join Republicans for approval. (More)

• New York fired over 2,000 prison guards who refused to return to work after a weeks-long strike that rocked the state’s correctional system. However, enough returned to declare the end to the illegal work stoppage. (More)

• Work crews in D.C. have begun removing the Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House. Mayor Bowser said it will be transformed into an art-driven celebration of America’s 250th birthday next year. (More)

World

• Ontario Premier Ford suspended a planned 25% electricity export surcharge to the U.S. after talking with Commerce Secretary Lutnick. Both agreed to "let cooler heads prevail" after Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. (More)

• Authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the tanker collision in the U.K.’s North Sea. One of the ship’s crew members is still missing and presumed dead. (More)

• A militant group attacked a train in Pakistan, killing at least six military personnel and taking 450 hostages. They claim to have released most civilians but still hold 182 military staff. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed lower on Tuesday (S&P -0.76%, Nasdaq -0.18%, Dow -1.14%). The S&P is now on the brink of a correction — defined as a 10% decline from its high. (More)

• Job openings increased by 232,000 to 7.74 million in January, with hiring up slightly and layoffs down. Despite showing 1.13 openings per unemployed person, labor demand may weaken due to tariff uncertainty and potential spending cuts under Trump. (More)

• Dick's Sporting Goods forecasts lower 2025 profits than expected as consumers face tariffs, inflation and recession fears. Their China/Mexico/Canada sourcing exposure is minimal, but they worry tariffs could raise prices and impact consumer spending. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• The Philadelphia Eagles have accepted an invitation to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory at the White House on April 28. (More)

• Tiger Woods ruptured his left Achilles while preparing for his PGA Tour return and underwent surgery on Tuesday. He's now recovering but won't be back on the golf course anytime soon. (More)

• Disney's "Snow White" premiere on March 15 will have a limited red carpet with no media interviews due to controversies surrounding casting choices and the portrayal of dwarfs. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Advanced geothermal power could meet nearly two-thirds of new data center demand by 2030, potentially quadrupling U.S. geothermal capacity while matching current costs. Western regions like Phoenix could fully power new facilities this way. (More)

• Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs can temporarily reverse cellular aging during hibernation by extending their telomeres - the protective caps on chromosomes that normally shorten with age, cell division, stress, and poor lifestyle habits. (More)

• Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that Frequent blood donors (over 100 donations) may have enhanced blood cell production and lower blood cancer risk. (More)

Extra Credit

🐢 Man caught smuggling turtle in pants at TSA checkpoint.

🍦 4-year-old calls cops after mom eats his ice cream.

🍽️ The woman who invented the dishwasher.

📱 Your clothes could soon charge your phone.