US and Russia agree to reestablish military dialogue after Ukraine talks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – The U.S. and Russia agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level military dialogue for the first time in more than four years in another sign of warming relations between the two countries since President Donald Trump returned to office and sought to end the war in Ukraine.

US stocks soar to their best day since May as the Dow tops 50,000

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market roared back, as technology stocks recovered and bitcoin halted its plunge, at least for now. The S&P 500 jumped 2% Friday for its best day since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared roughly 1,200 points and topped the 50,000 level for the first time, while the Nasdaq composite rallied 2.2%.

Republicans reject complaint about Gabbard as Democrats question timing

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Republican leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committees have rejected a top-secret complaint from an anonymous government insider alleging that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard withheld classified information for political reasons.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Morning Edition

TOKYO (AP) – The governing party of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a more than two-thirds majority in a key parliamentary election on Sunday, Japanese media reported, citing preliminary results. Takaichi, in a televised interview with public television network NHK, said that after the sweeping victory she is now ready to pursue her policies.

Epstein emails show he helped arrange White House visit for Woody Allen

NEW YORK (AP) – In 2015, Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, went on a trip to Washington, D.C. With the help of their friend Jeffrey Epstein, they were able to tour the White House.

FBI: Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men

NEW YORK (AP) – The FBI pored over Jeffrey Epstein’s bank records and emails. It searched his homes. It spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to some of the world’s most influential people. Investigators found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men.

Trump says he might sue his Fed nominee if he didn't lower interest rates

WASHINGTON (AP) – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says it would be “up to the president” whether or not to sue Kevin Warsh, if he fails to lower interest rates. During remarks at a private black-tie dinner of the elite Alfalfa Club on Saturday night, Trump said he might sue his newly selected Fed chair nominee if he didn’t lower interest rates.

Editorials from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Cubans rendered powerless as outages persist and tensions with US escalate

SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE, Cuba (AP) – The smell of sulfur hits hard in this coastal town that produces petroleum and is home to one of Cuba’s largest thermoelectric plants. Yet, even as the plant cranks back to life, residents remain in the dark, surrounded by energy sources they cannot use.