Trump strikes deal with Putin to get diesel in sharp reversal of US policy weeks before midterms
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has struck a deal to obtain diesel from Russia. It's a stunning reversal of years of U.S. pressure on Moscow over its war with Ukraine and an attempt to address high fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Trump said on social media on Friday that he struck the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call. Trump’s shocking announcement comes after he signed a Russia sanctions law last month that aimed to clamp down on the oil and gas revenues that fuel Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it “a weak decision, unfortunately, a weak decision by strong partners." Democratic senators slammed it as a “betrayal” of Ukraine.
Hurricane Isaias makes landfall, hammering US Gulf Coast with powerful winds and dangerous flooding
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (AP) — Isaias brought hurricane force winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surges to the U.S. Gulf Coast as it made landfall. The National Hurricane Center says the powerful storm came ashore Friday near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm. The extent of the damage was not immediately known, but many area residents posted pictures of downed trees and power lines, and one video posted online showed a roof being ripped off of an inn in Pensacola, Florida. More than half a million people were without power as of Friday night. While the western panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Mississippi were experiencing the initial brunt of the storm, forecasters expect Isaias will deliver strong winds and rain well north into Atlanta as it moves inland.
Panama rocked by 2 powerful earthquakes and multiple aftershocks, prompting evacuations
PANAMA CITY (AP) — A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, collapsing buildings and prompting evacuations. The quake occurred Friday morning near Pitaloza Arriba in the Herrera province. Residents in Panama City felt the tremors, and aftershocks have continued, including a 6.6 magnitude quake Friday afternoon. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has called for calm. Damage is concentrated in the central provinces, with no reports of casualties. The National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for several countries, including Panama and Colombia. Nearby countries have expressed support, and the U.S. Embassy is monitoring the situation.
Hurricane Simon strengthens to a Category 2 storm, the National Hurricane Center says
MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Simon has strengthened to a Category 2 storm, approaching Mexico's coast as a major hurricane this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. On Friday, maximum sustained winds increased to nearly 100 mph, with Simon expected to strengthen rapidly. A hurricane warning was issued for parts of the central and southwest coast, with hurricane-force winds expected within 36 hours. Heavy rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides in southwestern Mexico. The state of Jalisco suspended classes and began evacuations in at-risk areas. Governor Pablo Lemus urged the public to stay informed due to the hurricane’s erratic behavior.
Vance expresses doubts about Pentagon plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution
HEBRON, Ky. (AP) — Vice President JD Vance has expressed doubts about the Pentagon's plan to livestream the Fort Hood shooter's execution. The Republican vice president on Friday said, “I don’t know that that’s actually going to happen,” when asked about the plans that the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. If it happens, Vance says he will not watch. But Vance then tried to set aside the controversy over the plans for a public execution and said Nidal Malik Hasan’s crimes should not be forgotten. President Donald Trump did not respond later Friday when asked if he would watch a livestreamed execution. Senators from both parties urged the Pentagon not to livestream it.
Trump names commentator Katie Zacharia of his media company as next White House press secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced that Katie Zacharia, a communications adviser for his media company, will succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. Trump revealed his selection of Zacharia on his Truth Social platform, where he often makes political and official announcements. Zacharia is a conservative commentator for Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the social media site. Trump on Friday described Zacharia as “a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning.” She briefly worked as a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year and has been a commentator for Fox News and Newsmax.
Trump establishes committee to investigate Federal Reserve's Lisa Cook in latest effort to fire her
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump opened another chapter in his effort to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook Friday by establishing a “committee of inquiry” to investigate allegations that she made false statements in mortgage applications. The extraordinary move follows a Supreme Court ruling in June that Cook could keep her job after Trump sought to fire her last year. That ruling found that Cook should have had notice and an opportunity to respond to the charges.
FlyDubai co-pilot intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, UAE prosecutor says
JERUSALEM (AP) — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates say a FlyDubai co-pilot attacked the captain of a flight to Tel Aviv last month intending to crash the plane into Israel’s main airport terminal. The Omani national aimed to cause maximum casualties, drawing inspiration from the September 11 attacks. The UAE’s top prosecutor stated Friday that the co-pilot had familiarized himself with the route on previous flights. FlyDubai’s checks did not indicate extremist views. The co-pilot confessed to acting alone. The crisis unfolded above Jordan and Saudi Arabia, with passengers detaining him and reserve pilots landing the plane safely.
South African-born jurist Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize for her work in international justice
OSLO, Norway (AP) — Navi Pillay, a South African-born jurist and former U.N. human rights chief, has won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her career has spanned from defending the rights of an imprisoned Nelson Mandela to leading a panel that found Israel committed genocide in Gaza. She was honored for efforts that the award committee said promoted international law as it comes under attack. Her win is sure to be seen as a high-profile rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They have both rejected the findings of the U.N. commission she led on Gaza. Trump railed against the decision during a rally on Friday, claiming he deserved the prize and dismissing Pillay.
Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 86
CHICAGO (AP) — Mike Ditka, who personified the toughness and grit of Chicago in a Hall of Fame career as a player and coach of the Bears and the leader of arguably the most dominant team in NFL history, has died. He was 86. Nicknamed “Iron Mike” as a player, Ditka helped revolutionize the tight end position. He was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He moved to the sidelines and took over as Chicago’s coach. His 1985 team featured one of the game’s most dominant defenses ever. After retiring as a coach, Ditka became a restaurateur and TV personality.
