Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
CAIRO (AP) — The United Arab Emirates says the co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight that nearly crashed with 182 people on board attacked the captain with the cockpit’s crash axe in a “terrorist attack.” Earlier Saturday, the co-pilot was identified as an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami by three people with knowledge of the situation, including a Gulf and Western diplomat. The Gulf diplomat said investigations are underway to determine whether he acted alone or has connections to extremist groups. Two other people familiar with the matter said the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views.
Christa Pike on a ventilator and unconscious after failed Tennessee execution, attorneys say
Christa Pike's attorneys say she was placed on a ventilator in hospital and was unconscious hours after her failed execution in Tennessee. Her lawyers said in a court filing Friday that hospital staff were working to save Pike’s life and clear the pentobarbital from her system as of late Thursday. Pike was given two doses of the drug Wednesday in the failed execution. Pike’s attorneys say they believe problems with the IV lines caused the pentobarbital to flow into her body instead of her bloodstream. Gov. Bill Lee has ordered an independent review.
NY governor says Cornell rape accuser was 'failed' by people obligated to protect her
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the woman who accused members of a Cornell University fraternity of gang rape was “failed” by people obligated to protect her, including police and the county prosecutor. Hochul’s claim came during a news conference Friday in which she gave details on her decision to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, state Attorney General Letitia James. The governor says she made the decision after learning “troubling details” about how authorities have handled the woman’s claims, including that the district attorney closed the case without having anyone interview the victim or anyone involved in the alleged attack. She also assailed the Cornell University Police Department for not fully conveying the woman’s story to prosecutors.
G7 nations will release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel fuel after prices soar
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Group of Seven rich democracies say they've agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and fuel products, starting with “substantial” amounts of diesel after the fuel recently hit record high prices in the U.S. Trump and his Republican Party face pressure to address surging prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. The president faces lagging approval ratings as the Iran war and his trade battles have increased U.S. prices for oil and other goods. Some Republicans had pushed for a ban on U.S. exports of diesel. But the G7 says members agree to refrain from export restrictions.
Trump stumps for candidates in deep red Alabama and says he'll be back again next week
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — President Donald Trump continued his midterm campaign swing with a rally in deep red Alabama Friday, returning to the place where he drew his first mega crowd but is hardly considered a top midterm battleground. With just weeks to go before elections that will determine control of Congress, Trump urged his supporters to back Republicans including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for Alabama governor, and state Rep. Rhett Marques, who is seeking to flip Alabama’s newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District. His decision to spend so much time in deep red states underscores his party’s uphill climb and his dismal poll numbers.
Russia strikes Kyiv's northern bridge in a new tactic to disrupt life in the Ukrainian capital
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian strike has damaged Kyiv’s Northern Bridge early Saturday, suspending traffic and causing tailbacks for a third day. The strike follows Russian assaults that forced the closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges over the Dnipro River. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko says the strike damaged the road surface and trolleybus cables, but no casualties were reported. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirms it was behind the attack, claiming the bridge is used for military logistics. The aerial war has intensified, affecting regions beyond Ukraine, including Moldova. President Maia Sandu said Saturday that the war is “dangerously reaching” her country, following a spate of airspace incursions.
A gut punch in Ohio: Nearly 1,400 laid off at truck factory just days before Trump rally
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — President Donald Trump is trying to rally voters in the Dayton, Ohio, area on Saturday. But days ago, 1,400 workers were laid off from a truck factory there. The November midterms are a test for the working-class coalition that lifted Trump into the White House and gave Republicans control of Congress. The outcome will be decided in places like Dayton. It lost factories to Mexico, though has been on the rebound recently. But voters are concerned about the high cost of living and say Trump's policies aren't helping them. Trump has scoffed at concerns about affordability, and has said the only thing hurting his party is bad public relations.
Dual UK-Iranian national released on bail over suspected plot against US-run military base
LONDON (AP) — A dual U.K.-Iranian national arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack following a security incident at a U.S.-run military air base in England has been released on bail. The 25-year-old man was arrested Thursday in central London and police have searched two properties in the U.K. capital, Counter Terrorism Policing said in a statement. Five other men, all British nationals, were initially arrested in the early hours of Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses close to the RAF Fairford air base. Those five were previously released on bail. British authorities have linked the incident to Tehran.
Inside the study for a remedy to fight Congo's deadliest Ebola outbreak
RWAMPARA, Congo (AP) — More than 250 participants have been enrolled in a trial for a drug that could stop them from contracting Ebola in Congo. The Associated Press spoke to participants and doctors involved in the trial in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak. The trial began in July and is one of several studies launched to find some protection and another way of at least slowing the outbreak. Experts say the trial is a critical step to fight the outbreak, the deadliest of the disease in Congo’s history. The trial is targeted at Bundibugyo virus, which is responsible for the outbreak and has no an approved vaccine or treatment.
How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Smithsonian Institution is using artificial intelligence to better understand its collection related to the American Revolution. The project is called Revolution Crossroads, and it aims to help the public and scholars connect objects across institutions such as the Library of Congress. The review was launched in the spring, and the goal is to uncover new stories about people whose lives have faded from history. Smithsonian leaders acknowledge concerns about AI. But they emphasize the importance of human oversight in the research. They believe AI can enhance their work despite its limitations.
