'SNL' takes on Minneapolis as Pete Davidson plays border czar

Pete Davidsonreturned to "Saturday Night Live" and addressed the ongoing political turmoil in the U.S. in the show's cold open.

In the sketch show's latest cold open, the former cast member returned to play White House border czarTom Homanin a sketch tackling the political unrest happening in Minneapolis. In the sketch, Davidson's Homan spoke to a room full of confused ICE agents and grew frustrated while trying to explain why they should not use force against protesters or destroy evidence.

After Davidson's Homan said that ICE's mission in Minneapolis is to "detain and deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes," one of the agents said this is "literally the first I'm hearing of that."

When he asked the agents what they're looking for in Minneapolis, an ICE agent responded, "Epstein files?"

More:3 million more Epstein pages with 2,000 images publish, ending review

"No, we actually just released those to distract from this," Davidson as Homan said. "Which is ironic, because we did this to distract from those."

Pete Davidson, 'SNL' tackle ongoing ICE raids in cold open

Homan then stressed that ICE agents should not use force, asking, "The job, ultimately, is about keeping America safe from what?"

"This could be wrong, but Don Lemon?" an ICE agent responded.

Davidson's Homan also addressed agents, saying that protesters shouldn't be able to have guns, asking, "How many of you went to a 'stop the steal' protest with a loaded automatic weapon?"

James Austin Johnson's ICE agent character eventually concluded, "You hired a bunch of angry, aggressive guys, gave us guns and didn't train us, so this is maybe what you wanted to happen?"

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The sketch ended with Davidson giving an inspirational speech to the agents, asking if they can do their jobs "without violating anyone's rights as Americans," to which an agent played by Kenan Thompson simply replied, "No."

"Well, I had to ask," Davidson's Homan said. "Maybe just try not to get filmed?"

Vigils held for Alex Pretti, killed in Border Patrol related shooting

Tonight's "SNL" cold open comes after theshow's previous episodeon Jan. 24, which opened with a sketch in whichJohnson's Trump hosted an awards show reminiscent of the Oscars. The episode received backlash from some fans over the way it largely sidestepped thekilling of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis earlier that same day.

The Jan. 24 opening sketch only alluded to the events in Minneapolis when Johnson, as Trump, said he was trying to distract from "what all my little freaks and psychos in ICE have been doing."

Later in the Jan. 24 show, Minneapolis was briefly referenced on "Weekend Update" and in a sketch depicting a PBS news program. "To have basically no mention of the absolute horror of today and the past month is a slap in the face,"one fan wrote on the "SNL" subredditafter the episode aired, drawing thousands of upvotes.

In 'SNL' cold openTrump distracts from 'freaks and psychos' in ICE

Who else was on 'SNL'?

Alexander Skarsgård made his "SNL" hosting debut on the Jan. 31 episode, joined by Cardi B as the musical guest.

Skarsgård is starring in the new Charli XCX mockumentary "The Moment" and the dark comedy "Pillion," while Cardi B is coming off the release of her album "Am I the Drama?" in September.

Who's hosting 'SNL' next?

"SNL" will return on Feb. 28 with host Connor Storrie and musical guest Mumford & Sons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'SNL' cold open tackles Minneapolis and ICE as Pete Davidson returns

byNeo

in

January 31, 2026

'SNL' takes on Minneapolis as Pete Davidson plays border czar

Pete Davidsonreturned to "Saturday Night Live" and addressed the ongoing political turmoil in the U.S. in the s...

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Dog Show 101: What to know about the 150th Westminster show

NEW YORK (AP) — It's go time for thousands of America's most dogged competitors.

Westminster Dog Show 101

Big or small, sleek or shaggy, imposing or impish, they're all trying for the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in itsmilestone 150th year.

MightComet the shih tzusnag the trophy after coming close the last two years? What about Neal the bichon frisé, another 2025 finalist who's competing again? Could this be the year forZaida the Afghan hound, who has twice won the World Dog Show, a major international showcase, but has yet to make the finals at Westminster?

Or will the prize go to another well-known contender — or a dark horse?

Here's what to know about the United States' most prestigious canine competition.

When is the Westminster dog show?

The breed-by-breed judging — officially called "conformation" — happens Monday and Tuesday, at a combination of the Javits Center convention hall and Madison Square Garden. Best in show is awarded at the Garden around 11 p.m. EST Tuesday.

For fans who can't be there in person, Fox Sports isshowing the event's various componentson FS1 and FS2 and its various streaming platforms. Westminster is streaming some, as well.

How many dogs are there?

Some 2,500 dogs from 212 breeds and varieties (subsets of breeds) are signed up to compete. (No doodles, though. These popular poodle mixes aren't recognized as distinct breeds by the American Kennel Club, the governing body for Westminster and many other U.S. dog shows.) There are contestants from every U.S. state and 18 other countries.

A few hundred more dogs,including mixed-breedones, competed Saturday in Westminster's agility and flyball contests.

Who are some dogs to watch?

Besides Comet, Neal and Zaida, entrants include Soleil, a Belgian sheepdog who won the National Dog Show televised last Thanksgiving Day, and a Lhasa apso called JJ, who triumphed at the huge AKC National Championship that aired in late December. The runners-up from those shows — George, an American foxhound, and a Gordon setter named River — also are due at Westminster.

And keep an eye out for Baby Joe, a miniature schnauzer who topped national dog show standings for 2025. Don't forget Penny the Doberman pinscher, who's been climbing the rankings since her crowd-pleasing turn in last year's Westminster semifinals. There's also a high-ranking Chesapeake Bay retriever, a prominent papillon and many other buzzy contenders.

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But anything can happen at Westminster, a champions-only show where every contestant is a proven winner. Cognoscenti often say victory goes to "the dog on the day," meaning the one that has the performance of a lifetime.

Whichever dog the judge chooses, others sometimes run away with the audience's heart.

A 2020 crowd fave, Daniel the golden retriever, is among eight past finalists or winners set to return for a special presentation Monday night. So are some other 2020 finalists, Bono the Havanese, Wilma the boxer — andSiba, the standard poodlewho defeated them all to claim that year's best in show award. Do show dogs hold grudges? We shall see.

What makes a dog best in show?

First, dogs are judged against others of their breed. Then each breed winner goes up against others in its "group," such as terriers or herding dogs. In the final round, the seven group winners compete for best in show.

At each level,judges decide which dog best matches the ideal, or "standard," for its own breed.

What breeds win most?

Wire fox terriers (15 wins), followed by poodles of various sizes (11).

Many breedshaven't won yet, including such favorites as Labrador and golden retrievers. But never say never:Last year's winner, Monty, was the first giant schnauzer chosen as best in show. He then retired from showing but is expected to join Monday's special tribute to Westminster "legends."

What do winners get?

Bragging rights, ribbons and trophies. There are no cash prizes, though the agility winner gets to direct a $5,000 Westminster donation to a training club or to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.

Why are there protests?

Animal welfare activists routinely protest the Westminster show. They see it as an irresponsible canine beauty contest that overlooks shelter dogs' predicament and some purebreds' health problems.

For Westminster's milestone show this year, PETA plans to demonstrate outside the show and has erected billboards nearby with such messages as "flat-faced dogs struggle to breathe," echoing aspects of the animal rights group's ongoinglawsuit against the American Kennel Club. The AKC has called the case frivolous and is trying to get it dismissed.

The Westminster club notes that it donates to rescue groups, veterinary scholarships and other endeavors that help dogs. Club President Donald Sturz says that "shows an overarching commitment to responsible dog ownership and responsible dog breeding."

byNeo

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January 31, 2026

Dog Show 101: What to know about the 150th Westminster show

NEW YORK (AP) — It's go time for thousands of America's most dogged competitors. Westminster Dog Sh...

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Former Prince Andrew can't escape Epstein's shadow as new documents reveal details about friendship

LONDON (AP) — Britain's royal family is facing a fresh round of embarrassment after thelatest release of documentsfrom the U.S. investigation into Jeffrey Epstein revealed unsavory details about the relationship between the convicted sex offender and a correspondent who appears to be the manformerly known as Prince Andrew.

Emails released by the U.S. Justice Department include an invitation for Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace, Epstein's offer to introduce his correspondent to a 26-year-old Russian woman, and photos that appear to show Andrew kneeling over an unidentified person who is lying on the floor.

The revelations come three months after King Charles IIIstripped Andrew of his royal titles, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from a steady stream of stories about his younger brother's relationship with Epstein that has tarnished the royal family for more than a decade. The former prince is now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

A tarnished figure

As a result of that move, the damage from the latest emails is likely to be limited to Mountbatten-Windsor, said Craig Prescott, an expert on constitutional law and the monarchy at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The documents show that "they had to do something to separate Andrew from the rest of the family, and the nuclear option was the clearest way of doing it," Prescott said. "And as more comes out, then you do feel that they have been justified."

The documents raise serious questions about Andrew's judgment, while offering a rare look at how some of the world's super elite behave behind closed doors, Prescott said.

"It's sort of the things they do behind some of the most gilded doors in New York or London or wherever," he said. "It's the sort of things that on some occasions seem to be going on. And I think most people just think, wow, that's all very extraordinary.''

The disclosures have revived questions about whether Mountbatten-Windsor should cooperate with U.S. authorities investigating Epstein and his links to powerful individuals around the world.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday suggested Mountbatten-Windsor should tell American investigators whatever he knows about Epstein's activities.

"In terms of testifying, I've always said anybody who's got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they're asked to do that, because you can't be victim-centered if you're not prepared to do that," Starmer said as he arrived in Japan to meet with the country's leaders.

Mountbatten-Windsor said in late 2019 that he was willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with its investigation into Epstein. However, previous documents released by the Justice Department show that in 10 months of emails and conference calls, Mountbatten-Windsor's lawyers rejected proposals for their client to be directly interviewed by federal prosecutors either in person or by video.

Instead, his lawyers asked that he be allowed to answer questions in writing, something they said would be permitted in British courts. Finally, on Sept. 23, 2020, prosecutors gave up on securing a voluntary interview and said they planned to ask the British courts to compel Andrew's testimony. There is no indication that Mountbatten-Windsor has ever provided such testimony.

The House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein, in November asked Andrew to sit for a transcribed interview.

A relationship under fire

Mountbatten-Windsor has been dogged by his relationship with Epstein ever since 2008, when the wealthy financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. In 2011, the lateVirginia Giuffrealleged that she had been trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew when she was 17.

He tried to stifle the controversy in a 2019 interview with the BBC, but the appearance only fueled the scandal when he was criticized for offering unbelievable explanations of his behavior and failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims.

The former prince has repeatedly deniedcommitting any crimes and has rejected Giuffre's allegations. An email seeking comment on the latest document release was not answered. The presence of anyone's name or images in the investigative files isn't proof of wrongdoing.

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The emails released on Friday include an August 2010 exchange between Epstein and an account labeled "The Duke" that occurred soon after the financier was released from home detention following his earlier conviction. Before he was barred from using the title, Mountbatten-Windsor was the Duke of York.

"I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with," Epstein writes.

"The Duke" replies: "Of course. I am in Geneva until the morning of 22nd but would be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch."

The email is signed "A."

In response to a redacted email, "The Duke" then writes, "Great. Any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know? Like what have you told her about me and have you given her my email as well?"

Epstein, whose emails often contain typographical errors, responds: "She 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email."

"That was quick!" The Duke replies. "How are you? Good to be free?"

"Great to be free of many things," Epstein says.

The exchange elicited shock from former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, who pointed out that it would be highly unusual for a royal to meet with someone they knew so little about.

"I mean, what was he thinking?" Bond told the BBC. "What was he thinking when Epstein offered him a 26-year-old Russian very beautiful lady to have dinner with? I mean, was there no red light saying, 'Oh my goodness, you know, is this a security risk? Could she be a spy? Should I do this?' Nah. He says, 'That would be absolutely lovely.'''

Damaging emails

In another exchange in September 2010, Epstein said he was in London.

"I am just departing Scotland should be down by 1800," "The Duke" replied in an email signed with the initial A. "I'll ring you when I get down if you can give me a number to ring.

"Alternatively we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy."

"bp please," Epstein responds.

Also included in the release are three photographs that show someone who looks like Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over an unidentified person whose face is redacted.

In one photo the man, wearing blue jeans and a polo shirt, looks into the camera. In the others he appears to be talking to the unidentified person with his hand on their abdomen. There is no caption and no indication of when or where the photos were taken.

As unseemly as the revelations are, there isn't much else the palace can do to sanction him, Prescott said.

"In terms of Andrew's reputation, that has totally gone," he said.

byNeo

in

January 31, 2026

Former Prince Andrew can't escape Epstein's shadow as new documents reveal details about friendship

LONDON (AP) — Britain's royal family is facing a fresh round of embarrassment after thelatest release of documentsfro...

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Judge orders release of 5-year-old, father detained in Minnesota ICE raid

By Kalea Hall

A 5-year-old boy is detained by federal agents in Columbia Heights

DETROIT, Jan 31 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Saturday ordered the release of Adrian Conejo Arias and his five-year-old son, Liam Conejo Ramos, whom ​immigration officers detained during a Minnesota raid.

The boy — seen in a now-viral photo ‌wearing a blue bunny hat outside his house as federal agents stood nearby — was one of four students ‌detained by immigration officials earlier this month in a Minneapolis suburb, according to the Columbia Heights Public School District.

"The case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children," U.S. District Judge Fred Biery wrote in ⁠a ruling published on Saturday.

"Ultimately, ‌Petitioners may, because of the arcane United States immigration system, return to their home country, involuntarily or by self-deportation. But that result should occur ‍through a more orderly and humane policy than currently in place."

The Ecuadorean boy and his father, who entered the United States legally as asylum applicants, were sent to a family detention facility in Dilley, ​Texas, their attorney Marc Prokosch previously told Reuters.

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Prokosch and the Department of Homeland Security ‌did not immediately return requests for comment.

Judge Biery, appointed by then-President Bill Clinton, blasted the administration of President Donald Trump in his three-page order.

He likened the Trump administration's behavior to that of the British king decried in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, including sending "Swarms of Officers to harass our People," exciting "domestic Insurrection among us" and "quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops ⁠among us."

Biery cited the Constitution's requirement that an arrest ​warrant must be based on a judge finding probable ​cause of a crime. The use of "administrative warrants," issued by immigration officials, "is called the fox guarding the henhouse," he wrote.

"Observing human behavior confirms that for ‍some among us, the ⁠perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency," Biery wrote. "And the rule of law ⁠be damned."

Armed and masked officers detained two 17-year-olds and a 10-year-old in addition to Liam, school district Superintendent ‌Zena Stenvik said last week.

(Reporting by Kalea Hall; Additional reporting by William ‌Mallard; Editing by Sergio Non and Alistair Bell)

byNeo

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January 31, 2026

Judge orders release of 5-year-old, father detained in Minnesota ICE raid

By Kalea Hall A 5-year-old boy is detained by federal agents in Columbia Heights DETROIT, Jan 31 (Reuters) -...

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