In a news wrap on Friday, former President Donald Trump announced that he struck a deal with Russia for millions of tons of diesel fuel in an effort to lower U.S. energy prices ahead of the midterm elections. Trump stated on social media that President Vladimir Putin agreed to "immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace," with additional supplies to follow. However, details on the implementation of the deal remain unclear, and analysts have expressed skepticism about its potential impact on oil prices. This announcement comes shortly after Trump signed a sanctions law targeting Russia's energy revenues, which are used to fund its military actions in Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump named Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August to join FOX News. Zacharia is a conservative lawyer and former spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
The Pentagon's plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009, have sparked mixed reactions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated he would ensure that the execution, scheduled for early December, would be accessible to the public. Some experts argue that this could bring transparency to the execution process, while others consider it inhumane. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed uncertainty about whether the livestream would occur and stated he would not watch it.
Trump is also pursuing an effort to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, having signed a memorandum to establish a committee of inquiry regarding alleged false statements on her mortgage applications. Cook is expected to attend a hearing at the White House next month. She has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
In international news, three individuals were killed at Riyadh's airport in Saudi Arabia due to an attack claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Eyewitnesses reported smoke rising from a plane at King Khalid International Airport, marking the deadliest incident in Saudi Arabia since a major offensive against the Houthis last weekend. In Yemen, a large crowd rallied in support of the Houthis, while Saudi authorities have not confirmed airstrikes that reportedly injured six people in Sanaa.
In France, authorities recovered two stolen Renoir paintings and arrested six individuals. The paintings, on loan from the d'Orsay Museum, were taken from a museum in Southern France. The theft raised concerns about the protection of cultural treasures in the country.
On Wall Street, stocks ended the week positively, with the Dow Jones industrial average rising more than 400 points, the Nasdaq increasing by more than half a percent, and the S&P 500 also closing in positive territory.
NFL legend Mike Ditka has passed away at the age of 86. Known for leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory, Ditka was also recognized for his contributions to pop culture and advocacy for better health and retirement benefits for former players. His family described him as the "heart" of their family.