News for October 2, 2026
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.
Kennedy Center Honors to be held at Capital One Arena
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors will be held at Washington’s Capital One Arena instead of the usual riverfront venue. A Kennedy Center spokesperson announced the venue switch on Friday, but didn’t provide an explanation. Last month, the center’s board voted to close the iconic venue. Trump has claimed the center needs safety repairs. The 2026 honorees will be announced later, and the event will take place on December 7.
Pilot stabbing raises aviation security questions, further unsettles a region shaken by US-Iran war
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The attack on a pilot by his co-pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flight this week has raised questions about the state of aviation security and further unsettled a Middle East already shaken by the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. Nothing is publicly known about the motive of the co-pilot, who came close to crashing the aircraft and killing all 182 people aboard Wednesday’s FlyDubai flight from Dubai. A regional investigation is underway. The United Arab Emirates canceled all flights to Israel, complicating travel for hundreds of passengers who fly between the countries, though repatriation flights are expected to begin soon.
‘I was fighting for my life’: Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls FlyDubai cockpit attack
NEW DELHI (AP) — An Indian pilot hailed as a hero said he fought for his life after his co-pilot stabbed him and the FlyDubai flight began a steep descent. Capt. Smit Machchhar, who is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital after being seriously injured in Wednesday’s attack, said he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the attacker. The flight, carrying 182 people, was diverted to Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing. Israeli authorities said the attacker, an Omani national, was arrested. Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video call that he realized he had to get back on his feet to save the passengers.
Trump heads to Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — President Donald Trump will continue his midterm campaign swing with a rally in deep red Alabama Friday, returning to the place where he drew his first mega crowd. Trump will be stumping for Republican candidates, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running against former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones for Alabama governor. The rally will also give Trump the chance to be surrounded by some of his most loyal supporters.
US hiring slows and unemployment ticks higher with a month remaining before Americans head to polls
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added a disappointing 29,000 jobs and the unemployment rate ticked up last month, according to new data, a month before voters go to the polls in pivotal midterm elections at a time of discontent over the high cost of living and the state of the economy. The Labor Department reported Friday that hiring dropped from a revised 133,000 in August. The unemployment rate rose to a still-low 4.2% from 4.1% in August. Economists had expected 90,000 new jobs.
An Ebola treatment center was burned down as the death toll in Congo passes 4,000
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Congo’s Ebola outbreak has resulted in over 4,000 deaths, with authorities struggling to contain the virus. The Health Ministry reported Thursday that 4,018 people have died, nearly half of the 8,300 confirmed cases. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, began in May and is the fastest-growing in history. Health workers in Bunia protested unpaid wages, further complicating containment efforts. A U.N. official noted that a key transit center was burned, displacing 19,000 people. Médecins Sans Frontières reported an infected aid worker evacuated to the Netherlands. Insecurity and community resistance continue to hinder containment efforts.
US stocks rise near their record after the latest jobs report eases worries about inflation
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are rising near their record after the latest jobs report cooled worries that a potentially hot U.S economy could make inflation worse. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7% Friday and pulled within 1% of its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 164 points, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1.2%. They got a boost after a report showed U.S. employers slowed their hiring last month. That calmed concerns about a potentially hot U.S. economy worsening inflation, and traders pared bets that the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates later this month. Treasury yields initially fell sharply before paring their losses.
CBS announces Tony Romo’s permanent exit following arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated
CBS Sports and Tony Romo have officially parted ways one month after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Romo had been on leave since his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin. He had been the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017. CBS Sports announced Romo’s exit in a statement that said they had mutually agreed to part ways. Romo was arrested following a traffic stop as he was driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin.
