Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund

WASHINGTON (AP) – A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with a new $1.776 billion settlement fund for the Republican president’s allies who believe they were victims of a weaponized government, halting its formation or any potential payouts for at least the next two weeks.

Moscow-led economic grouping threatens to suspend Armenia over its EU bid

MOSCOW (AP) – Members of a Russia-led economic alliance on Friday warned member Armenia that it could face suspension over its aspirations to join the European Union as tensions continued to simmer between the Kremlin and the Armenian leadership.

Eurpean Union unlocks billions in funding for Hungary

BRUSSELS (AP) – The European Union will unlock 16.4 billion euros (around $19 billion) in funds for Hungary, officials said Friday, after new Prime Minister Péter Magyar enacted rapid reforms to roll back the democratic backsliding that occurred under his predecessor.

With a stalemate in Ukraine, Putin seems ready to escalate his war

Facing a battlefield stalemate in Ukraine and growing war fatigue among Russians, President Vladimir Putin appears ready to try to change the narrative around the conflict. He looks likely to sharply escalate the Russian aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital in the hope it will shore up his sagging domestic approval ratings.

Trump making 'final determination' on moving forward with Iran deal

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he’s holding a White House Situation Room meeting with his advisers as he looks to make a “final determination” on moving forward with a deal to extend the Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the deal has not been finalized.

Israeli and Russian forces blacklisted by UN for sexual violence

UNITED NATIONS (AP) – An annual United Nations report documenting sexual violence in conflicts worldwide has included Israeli forces for the first time since the review began more than 15 years ago for their treatment of Palestinian detainees. Israel denies the accusations.

Carney calls for new partnership with US as Trump mulls free trade agreement

TORONTO (AP) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a new partnership with the United States on Thursday, just weeks before President Donald Trump decides on whether to renew the free trade agreement between the countries.

ABC stations call FCC's early call for license renewal 'unconstitutional'

WASHINGTON (AP) – Local TV stations owned by ABC across the United States blasted the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday for launching an “unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional” early review of their broadcast licenses as a dispute between the network and the Trump-controlled agency intensifies.

CBS News leader Bari Weiss replaces executive producer at '60 Minutes'

NEW YORK (AP) – Saying it was time for a new approach and a new chapter, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has replaced the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” naming outsider Nick Bilton, a longtime technology journalist and documentarian, as the show’s new leader.