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Top story. French Student Protests Escalate, Disrupt Hundreds of Schools, Lead to Arrests

French high school students and police clashed on Friday, October 2, 2026, as activists urged new rallies for Tuesday. Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported 735 schools were affected in one way or another on Friday, a 30% decrease from Thursday. Approximately 400 high schools were closed across France on Friday. The movement, which began in the Paris region in September, has spread nationwide, affecting cities including Marseille, Nantes, Lyon, and Strasbourg. Protesters lit fires, hurled projectiles, and set barricades ablaze, while police responded with tear gas and made arrests. Officials reported three staff members injured on Friday, down from 31 on Thursday. Since the start of the movement, at least 65 staff members, including 40 high school principals, have been injured. Some 170 students have been wounded. Over 100 high schools have suffered severe damage, with specific incidents including a fire in the entrance hall of Lycee Mandela in Nantes and severe fire damage to the facade of Lycée Gaston Bachelard in Paris. In Marseille, a woman was blasted in the face with a flamethrower, and in Belfort, an off-duty police officer was attacked and beaten. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that around 2,000 people have been arrested since the movement began, with 90% of them being minors. The Interior Ministry reported 1,949 arrests on Thursday alone and 305 injured police officers and gendarmes. Students cite excessively long school hours, inadequate conditions including overheated classrooms, staff absences, overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated school buildings, and a lack of learning materials. The government acknowledges legitimate grievances but condemns the violence. Education Minister Geffray announced an action plan to speed up the replacement of absent teachers. Justice Minister Darmanin asked prosecutors to hold parents liable for damage caused by their children. Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for calm, stating violence is inexcusable. Education Minister Geffray urged parents to tell their children not to go to protests, saying "In the streets, the children are in danger." The protests have political reverberations seven months before voters choose President Emmanuel Macron’s successor.

G7 Nations Agree to Release 100 Million Barrels of Oil and Diesel

Group of Seven nations agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from strategic reserves over four months, with a substantial amount of diesel to be released within the first 20 days. The coordinated release, announced Friday, aims to address soaring global fuel prices, particularly for diesel, which has hit record highs in the United States and Europe. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the action on social media, stating the diesel release would happen immediately. The G7 also pledged to refrain from energy export restrictions among member countries, a move that followed pressure from the U.S. administration. Trump had warned of a potential U.S. ban on diesel exports if European allies did not tap their own emergency supplies. The decision comes as gas prices have risen during the eight-month-long war with Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war. The national average for a gallon of diesel in the U.S. was $6.37 on Friday, after reaching a record $6.52 on September 22. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country holds the rotating G7 presidency, stated the common decision and unity should bring down prices. The release will be coordinated through the International Energy Agency. The G7 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with EU representation.

US Signals Iran War Escalation; Trump Addresses Conflict Duration, Costs

US counterterrorism chief Dr. Sebastian Gorka stated on October 2 that Iran will imminently be resolved, declining to disclose details of the Trump administration's plans. Gorka, a White House deputy assistant, said understanding President Trump's intent requires only a Truth Social account or listening to his press events. The US dispatched an aircraft carrier and roughly 10,000 troops to the Middle East, joining two carriers and 50,000 servicemembers already deployed against Iran. The USS Theodore Roosevelt left San Diego on Sunday, and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group followed on Monday. President Trump's recent public statements suggest he expects a return to combat soon. Trump claimed Thursday that Iran is ready to fold up and the US will win very easily right now. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Thursday that Iran loaded "ZERO" crude oil onto tankers in September, stating only about 15 million barrels remained on the water. Bessent predicted Tehran would make its final deliveries to China within roughly two weeks. Trump is attempting to revise his predictions about the war's duration, claiming his four to six weeks estimate referred only to eliminating Iran's nuclear threat. CNN's Daniel Dale fact-checked this, finding Trump and his former press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, repeatedly described the timeline as applying to the war as a whole. The US war with Iran passed the seven-month mark this week, having launched on the last day of February. RealClearPolitics polling averages show 63.1% disapprove of Trump's handling of the war, and Nate Silver's average shows 57.9% of Americans oppose it. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya stated the war needs to end quickly and strategically, with other Republican nominees also calling for an end to bring down costs. Oil surged 4% on news of potential escalation, with Brent crude opening Friday at $102 per barrel. AAA reported national averages of $4.40 per gallon of regular gas and $6.37 per gallon of diesel.

New York Governor Vows to Close Intoxication Loophole After Cornell Allegations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul vowed on October 2 to close a legal loophole allowing offenders to avoid rape charges if victims were willingly intoxicated, following an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. Governor Hochul stated, "Voluntary intoxication is not a license for sexual assault or gang rape. Period," and pledged to work with the New York State Legislature. The University of Oregon received five sexual assault reports in the first week of classes, with four involving students and the fifth occurring near university property. Authorities arrested someone in the fifth case. The university noted several alleged perpetrators may have taken advantage of victims' intoxication at social events. Governor Hochul appointed New York State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the Cornell investigation, citing a loss of faith in the local district attorney's ability to handle the case. Hochul signed an executive order on Thursday requiring the attorney general to investigate the alleged October 2024 assault. The original investigation into the case was closed without charges in November 2024 by the Tompkins County district attorney. The alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit last month, leading to the reopening of the criminal investigation on Monday. Jane Doe's lawsuit alleges she was drugged with ketamine, assaulted, and raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University in October 2024. Hochul criticized the initial investigation, stating the accuser was failed by campus police and the county prosecutor. Hochul said Jane Doe told police exactly what happened to her and was "100 percent confident that she had been raped," but these words never made it into the account that the Cornell police sent to prosecutors. The district attorney reportedly closed the case without interviewing the accuser or requesting the full transcript. Attorney General James stated her office is committed to a comprehensive investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, and will pursue prosecutions if warranted. James did not specify how long her investigation might take.

Israeli Supreme Court Overturns Arab Party Bans; Balad Leader Withdraws

Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of Balad and a candidate on the Joint List, withdrew from the October 27 election on Friday after the Supreme Court signaled it would approve his disqualification. The court nevertheless cleared the Joint List, Ra'am, and MK Ofer Cassif to run, overturning the Central Elections Committee's three other disqualification decisions. Abu Shehadeh was the only target ultimately removed from the ballot. The Supreme Court justices ruled unanimously on Friday to undo the Central Elections Committee’s disqualification of the two main Arab-majority political lists: Ra’am (United Arab List) and the Joint List (an alliance of Hadash, Ta’al, and Balad). The court also voted 7-2 to reinstate Ofer Cassif, a Jewish member of the Knesset from the Hadash party. Two dissenting justices argued Cassif supports armed struggle against the state of Israel. The Central Elections Committee had voted last week to bar Abu Shehadeh and Cassif, and to exclude Ra'am and the Joint List. Otzma Yehudit and Likud brought applications against Abu Shehadeh, Cassif, and the Joint List, while three applications against Ra'am were submitted by Otzma Yehudit, Likud, and the Choosing Life Forum. The Supreme Court convened on Thursday to consider all four cases. The court advised Abu Shehadeh to withdraw, indicating a majority of its nine-justice panel appeared prepared to approve his disqualification. Balad stated that a court-ordered removal would have grave consequences for the country's political and parliamentary life. At the heart of the cases was Section 7A of Basic Law: The Knesset, which allows barring candidates or lists for denying Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, inciting racism, or supporting armed struggle by an enemy state or terrorist organization. Supreme Court precedent reserves disqualification for extreme cases with clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence. In Abu Shehadeh's case, 30 committee representatives voted to disqualify him, with four opposed. Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg also voted in favor, making the tally 31-4.

Netanyahu: Flydubai Attacker Underwent Islamist Radicalization, Intended Plane Crash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 2 that the flydubai attacker underwent "Islamist radicalisation" and came to crash the plane with all passengers on board. Netanyahu warned Israel would impose a very heavy price on any power behind the incident, adding, "We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price." Netanyahu did not identify any country as a potential culprit, but US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was hearing Iran was involved and that the country will be hit very hard if so. Israel and the United States have linked Iran's Shia clerical state to numerous attacks globally since 1979. The incident occurred on Wednesday on a flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 174 people, mostly Israelis. Israeli officials and witnesses say the Omani co-pilot stabbed the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, who then let passengers into the cockpit to overpower the attacker. Passengers Yaniv Hayoun, Or Fradilov, Dr. Shota Musayev, and his wife, Sigalit, were described by Netanyahu as heroes for their intervention. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with no reported injuries to passengers. The co-pilot and pilot have been transferred to the United Arab Emirates for investigation. Netanyahu had previously left open the possibility that the co-pilot was experiencing mental problems, but now says investigations suggest he was clearly suicidal. The exact circumstances of the incident and the assailant's motive are under investigation in the United Arab Emirates. Netanyahu described the averted disaster as a "9/11-type disaster."

Saudi Arabia Plans Yemen Offensive to Secure Red Sea Shipping Routes

Saudi Arabia is preparing an offensive in Yemen aimed at breaking the Houthi grip on the coast and securing Red Sea shipping routes, according to regional and Western officials. The operation, expected to launch in the coming weeks, will be led by Yemeni forces overseen by Riyadh and supported by Saudi airstrikes. Options under consideration include a coastal push or an assault on multiple fronts. A key objective is to reverse Houthi gains made last month when they seized control of parts of the coast, particularly around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The U.S. is providing intelligence support, while some regional and European nations are offering defensive military aid, but Saudi allies are not expected to play a direct combat role. The Saudi-led coalition also reported intercepting and destroying three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushait on Friday. The Houthis claimed Saudi Arabia carried out 94 airstrikes in Yemen in the past 24 hours, targeting civilian sites and causing casualties. Yemeni armed forces stated they conducted 474 airstrikes and precision operations against Houthi positions in the previous 24 hours, resulting in 1,540 Houthi personnel killed or wounded and 216 military vehicles destroyed.

Elon Musk's Partner Shivon Zilis Announces Relationship Ended With No Warning

Shivon Zilis, partner of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and mother of four of his children, announced the end of their romantic relationship on Friday. Zilis, a technology executive, stated on X that the breakup was sudden, saying, "I've loved him more than life itself." She described the transition as difficult, moving from in love to let go in a week with no warning. Zilis expressed gratitude for showing Musk how it feels to be deeply understood, nurtured, and peacefully loved with stability and gentleness. She added that she wanted Musk to experience calm and stability given his tumultuous nature of his early life and the demands of his work. Zilis said their family home served as a safe space for Musk, full of happiness and love, not war. She will miss him and values her role in bringing him happiness. The announcement followed public tracking accounts noting Musk had unfollowed her on X. Zilis shared screenshots of recent text messages with Musk, including one from September 24 where he mentioned a White House dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Musk stated he would have invited her if he had known the dinner included a other. Zilis and Musk have four children together, including twins Strider and Azure, born in November 2021. Zilis, 40, is a director of operations and special projects at Neuralink, one of Musk's companies. She joined Musk at OpenAI in 2016 and later followed him to Tesla and xAI.

Man Charged With Preparing Terrorist Acts Against Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage

British police charged Joshua Kerry, 28, with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, on Friday. Frank Ferguson, a Chief Crown Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, stated there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court. The charge relates to alleged activity between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9, 2026, after allegedly being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times. Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11 and additionally on July 13 on suspicion of terrorism acts. Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, described the investigation as hugely intensive and complex. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed profound sympathies to Farage and his family, stating the development raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. Mahmood plans to update Parliament on strengthening protections for public figures. Farage revealed earlier this year that a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox in 2025, which he described as an outright arson attempt. Counter Terrorism Policing reopened a year-long probe into this alleged firebomb attack at Farage's home in August. Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court next Wednesday, October 7.

Vice President Vance Calls H-1B Visa Program 'Completely Broken,' Advocates Elimination

Vice President JD Vance stated Thursday that the H-1B visa program is completely broken and he would be very supportive of just eliminating it. Vance made these comments during an interview with conservative commentator Jack Posobiec aboard Air Force Two. He argued the program, intended for highly skilled foreign talent, is instead used to replace American workers with less expensive foreign labor. Vance cited an example of bringing in an accountant making $45,000 a year to replace an American accountant making $60,000 a year, calling it destroying American jobs and defrauding the American people. He said the problem extends beyond Silicon Valley to accounting firms and other employers. Vance also commented on the 2028 presidential race, stating it is really obvious that Senator Ted Cruz is running for president. Vance himself is weighing a run for president in 2028 and acknowledged that the results of next month's midterm elections would be a factor in his decision. He said Republicans face an uphill climb in the midterms, noting the historical difficulty of winning when holding the White House, Senate, and House. On Thursday, Vance campaigned in Lakeland, Florida, for Republican candidates, including Senator Ashley Moody and gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds. During a rally, Vance told Florida Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon, a Democratic Socialists of America affiliate, to "Get the hell out of here" if those are her views, stating she does not belong in America. Nixon responded on social media, citing unflattering memes about Vance and noting her opponent was absent from the rally.

Avalanche Kills 15 Nepali Workers Preparing Himalayan Mountain Camp

An avalanche in the Himlung area of Narphabhumi Rural Municipality-5, Manang, Nepal, has killed 15 people, with one person still missing, police said Friday. The missing individual is identified as 38-year-old Pasang Nuri Sherpa of Okhaldhunga. The deceased include Chhebi Bhote and Pasang Bhote of Sankhuwasabha; Birendra Gurung and Aash Gurung of Gorkha; Ghanshyam Rai, Lak Kumar Gurung, and Suraj Rai of Khotang; Kalam Budha of Rukum East; Birkh Dhwaj Tamang and Jagat Tamang of Kavrepalanchok; Urkh Dhwaj Bohora of Sindhupalchok; Prem Tamang of Okhaldhunga; and Kriti Bahadur Tamang of Dolakha. The bodies of Ngima Dorje Tamang and Santabir Tamang were also recovered, but their addresses and ages are unknown. The avalanche occurred around 12:45 am on September 27, burying a mountain camp at the base of the 7,126-meter Himlung Himal. Twenty-seven Nepali men, including 21 from Himalayan Holiday Company and six from Imaging Nepal Company, had left Kathmandu on September 18 to establish the base camp for foreign climbers. Of those caught in the avalanche, 11 were rescued safely, while 16 were initially reported missing. Rescue teams recovered four more bodies on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 11, before eight more bodies were recovered, raising the total to 15. The search for Pasang Nuri Sherpa continues. This incident marks the deadliest event of the autumn climbing season, which concludes this month.

Prime Minister Burnham Reopens Brexit Debate, EU Seeks Clarity on Future Relations

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reopened the Brexit debate, stating he will set out options for a new relationship with the European Union, including the possibility of Britain rejoining the bloc. Burnham argued that Brexit has done more harm than good. His government is expected to detail these options ahead of a UK-EU summit in Brussels this November. Burnham said the most ambitious option would be to go all the way and rejoin the EU, but suggested the time is not yet right to re-run the Brexit referendum. UK officials indicate Burnham could use the next general election in 2029 to gauge support for rejoining. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the prospect, stating, "If the British want to come back and if the Prime Minister is moving in that direction, I think it's very good news." Macron described Brexit as the biggest lie of the last 30 years. However, Brussels remains cautious, with an EU official stating, "We want to see action," and Sandro Gozi, an MEP, urging Burnham to clarify what he means. The EU has given ground in Brexit reset negotiations, agreeing to allow UK companies time to adapt to any new food and drink deal, avoiding a cliff edge in costs. This easing of rules is being discussed as negotiators aim to sign off on agreements on food and drink trade, youth mobility, and carbon markets by November. The UK has also obtained a temporary exemption from EU law to continue with gene editing of crops.

Zimbabwean Businessman Wicknell Chivayo, Wife Killed in Helicopter Crash

Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among six people killed in a helicopter crash east of Harare on Wednesday. The helicopter came down around 5 PM local time near Waddilove Mission in the Marondera district, about 70km east of the capital. State broadcaster ZBC reported the crash, and Chivayo's family spokesman, Herbert Chivayo, confirmed the deaths. Police initially reported six fatalities but later revised the death toll to five. Bad weather is cited as a factor behind the crash. Chivayo was known for his lavish lifestyle and close ties to Zimbabwe's ruling elite, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Kenyan President Ruto mourned Chivayo and his wife, referring to Chivayo as a dear friend. Chivayo was a controversial figure, known for government contracts that helped build his business empire.

New Jersey County Sues Oil Companies Over Climate Change Costs

Middlesex County, New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, seeking to recover costs associated with climate change impacts. The lawsuit, filed in a New Jersey state court, alleges that the defendants' decades of climate deception have worsened climate change effects, leading to financial burdens on the community. County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios stated the suit is a necessary step to protect residents from damage caused by extreme weather events and rising costs from natural disasters. Officials indicated the county is prepared to proceed quickly following an upcoming Supreme Court decision on a similar case. The American Petroleum Institute called the lawsuit baseless and part of a coordinated campaign against an industry that powers everyday life. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on October 5 in the case of Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, which could impact numerous other state-level climate lawsuits. This case centers on whether federal law precludes state-law claims for damages related to interstate and international greenhouse gas emissions.

Spanish Parliament Rejects Housing Bills Amid Widespread Protests

Spain's parliament narrowly rejected two emergency government decrees aimed at addressing the nation's housing crisis, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's minority government. The decrees, which sought to restrict evictions, curb property speculation, and provide renters with indefinite leases, failed to gain sufficient support. The first decree, intended to stop evictions of vulnerable people and make real estate speculation harder, was defeated by a vote of 178-172. The second decree, proposing automatic and indefinite renewal of rental contracts, failed with a vote of 184-166. Opposition parties, including the economically right-leaning Junts group, joined conservative and far-right parties in voting down the measures, arguing they could reduce housing supply. The protests were ignited by the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal from her Madrid home of seven decades on September 23. Spain's average rent has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, with 26% of renters spending an average of 40% of their income on rent and utilities, compared to the EU average of 18%. Some opponents suggested Sánchez might call a snap election. The Tenants' Union vowed to continue protests and encampments.

GOP Shifts Senate Funds From North Carolina to Kansas Amid Shifting Battleground

The Senate Leadership Fund, the top super political action committee for Senate Republicans, is canceling all remaining ads in North Carolina and shifting tens of millions of dollars to Kansas. This move signals Republicans no longer see a clear path to winning the North Carolina Senate seat, currently held by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. The fund is making its first investment of the cycle in Kansas, indicating rising concern among Republicans in that state. In North Carolina, the Republican nominee is Michael Whatley, former chair of the Republican National Committee, facing Democratic nominee Roy Cooper, a former governor. In Kansas, Republican incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall faces Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, a pastor. The shift in funds comes as the Senate map has changed a month before the midterm elections. Republicans are now pouring money into states where Donald Trump won comfortably two years ago. Kansas Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton stated he does not want former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigning with him, citing her perceived lack of appeal to Kansas voters. He asked Harris to stay away for political reasons, believing she would not win votes in Kansas and is perceived as out of touch with Kansans.

Injured Pilot Recounts Opening Cockpit Door During Flydubai Attack

An Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, recounted his actions during an alleged co-pilot attack aboard a Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel, stating he could not let all those people die. Machchhar spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, describing how he fought to open the cockpit door despite suffering numerous injuries. He said he felt the aircraft descending and knew opening the door was a last push to get help. Passengers and crew then intervened, allowing two other Flydubai pilots aboard to take control and divert the Boeing 737 to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and eight crew members. The aircraft reportedly plunged around 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds with no one at the controls. Machchhar, who has 17 years of aviation experience, including 11 as a captain, recited a Hindu prayer dedicated to Hanuman during the ordeal. The co-pilot has been returned to the UAE for an investigation into potential terrorist activity. The UAE's general civil aviation authority commended Machchhar, the crew, and passengers for their intervention. Mostly Israeli passengers have been flown back to Israel on a replacement plane. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, reported that Machchhar is stable and recovering well.

Ethiopia and Eritrea Sever Diplomatic Ties Amid Escalating Conflict

Ethiopia has announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours, accusing them of activities posing a direct threat to national security. Eritrea responded by severing all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, calling the expulsion astounding and stating it had no option but to reciprocate in kind. This diplomatic rupture occurs as renewed fighting escalates in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and an alliance of armed groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Amhara Fano National Movement. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting this new anti-government alliance, an allegation Eritrea denies. The African Union Commission has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could destabilize the region, stressing the importance of diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue. Explosions were heard in Addis Ababa, including near the military headquarters. The conflict marks the most serious hostilities since a peace agreement ended the Tigray war in 2022. Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat, prompting a reciprocal move from Egypt, with tensions already strained over Ethiopia's new Nile mega-dam.

Trump Unveils $8.4 Billion Oil Project Under South Korea Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a US$8.4 billion enhanced oil recovery project as part of a deal with South Korea, stating the agreement keeps getting better. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, highlighting that "Producing more Oil and Gas means American Energy Dominance and Energy Security in the World for the Future!" The announcement comes as part of South Korea's commitment to invest $200 billion in the U.S., which includes projects like a gas-fired power plant in Texas and eight nuclear power plants. However, an official at South Korea's industry ministry told Yonhap News Agency that the EOR project is not specified in the bilateral strategic investment agreement and that Seoul has inquired with the U.S. side about the announcement. Trump emphasized the investment ahead of the November midterm elections amid public concerns over the war with Iran, which has driven up energy prices. The broader trade deal signed last year committed South Korea to investing $350 billion in the United States in return for lower U.S. tariffs on Korean goods. The U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that President Trump does not view talks with North Korea as a concession and is willing to engage Pyongyang if it serves U.S. national interests.

Rapper Rick Ross Arrested in Miami Beach on Battery Charges

Authorities stated Ross faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery in connection with an alleged incident at his Star Island mansion. A woman accused him of repeatedly striking her and restricting her breathing during an altercation. Ross's attorney stated the allegations are false. He appeared in court on Thursday. The 50-year-old artist was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The arrest occurred after Ross's appearance at the MS Book Festival. His attorney is seeking an expedited release.

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