US President Donald Trump said on Oct 9 he had had a “highly successful” discussion on diesel with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said on Oct 9 that Russia had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global marketplace in an effort aimed at cutting prices for the fuel ahead of the November midterm elections.The move comes as prices of diesel, used in agriculture, heating homes and trucking goods, are near record highs ahead of the Nov 3 congressional elections that will determine control of Congress.Trump said in a post on social media he had a “highly successful” discussion with President Vladimir Putin in which they agreed that Russia will immediately supply the diesel.An envoy for Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, praised cooperation between Russia and the United States on diesel and energy in a post on X on Oct 9, shortly after the call.Trump said Russia would supply another 500,000 tonnes in November, and another 1,000,000 tonnes “immediately thereafter.”Even more would come after that, Trump said, “based on the condition of their diesel refineries” which have been damaged by attacks during Russia’s war on Ukraine.The unusual move comes as the US has imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy companies over its war on Ukraine that began in February, 2022.The Treasury Department issued a general licence on Oct 9 allowing importation of Russian diesel until April 7, 2027.Diesel prices, which can drive inflation, are up 70% since the US-Israeli war with Iran began this year, despite two high-profile recent moves by Trump to boost supplies of the fuel: pressuring allies to release emergency reserves and expanding access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel, which is normally used for farm equipment.The wars in Iran and Ukraine have triggered an unprecedented global fuel supply crunch, pushing average US diesel prices to US$6.28 a gallon on Oct 8, according to the AAA motorist organisation.“Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,” Trump said.Three industry sources said earlier on Oct 9 that Trump will issue a directive in the coming days to some US department heads to find ways to control prices of diesel.The directive, which they said could take the form of a presidential memo, will push officials to find ways to bypass local and state regulations blocking energy production and use the Cold War-era Defence Production Act (DPA) to increase output of oil and fuel.Under the DPA, the president has authorities allowing loans, or loan guarantees to expand domestic manufacturing of critical materials and to require companies to prioritise government contracts for essential goods.The White House has been weighing how to use the DPA to expand refining capacity as the war with Iran exposes a US vulnerability to supply disruptions and price spikes.Refining executives told administration officials in September that federal money would be better directed toward making refineries more efficient or expanding existing plants rather than financing an entirely new refinery, which would be considerably more costly and take years to complete.Trump also said he expected gasoline prices to fall soon to levels around US$1.85 to US$1.95, well below Oct 9’s average price of about US$4.37 a gallon, according to AAA. REUTERS
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Read briefing US President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to US and global markets in an effort to cut fuel prices before November's midterm elections. The move marks a stunning change of policy after the US and its allies hit Russia with waves of sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.
Read briefing DAKAR, Oct 9 - Blackwater founder Erik Prince's forces suffered a major battlefield loss in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in mid-September when enemy forces ambushed them, killing and wounding at least 20 people, including a popular former UFC fighter, sources close to the government and his company said.The frontline clash shows how Prince, an ally and supporter of US President Donald Trump, has taken on an expanded role in Congo through his company Vectus Global. The company, which also operates in Haiti and other parts of Africa, provides consulting and security services and previously helped Congo’s army secure the city of Uvira in South Kivu against Rwanda-backed rebels who control swathes of the east.A veteran special operator reported on his podcast earlier this week that former US Green Beret and Ultimate Fighting Championship contestant Tim Kennedy was injured in Congo. The involvement of Prince's forces and the number of casualties have not previously been reported.The attack in South Kivu on September 17 left about 20 dead and wounded, two sources working with Congo's government said. The dead included at least seven Congolese and a former member of New Zealand's Special Forces, while the wounded included Kennedy and another foreign contractor, the sources said.A Vectus Global representative declined to comment. The company has not previously suffered casualties in Congo, a source with direct knowledge of the operation said.One of the sources who works for Congo's government said that Rwandan forces backing the M23 rebels may have surprised them by tracking a drone used for surveillance operations to their location.Spokespeople for the Congolese and Rwandan governments and for the M23 did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Kennedy, the former mixed martial arts fighter, survived the attack with three gunshot wounds to the leg, three sources said, and is being treated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the suburbs of Washington.Kennedy has a popular podcast channel and millions of followers on social media. Trump is a fan of UFC, hosting fights at the White House this year.The US State Department and Walter Reed declined to comment. Kennedy's parents did not respond to requests for comment.A Congolese security source, who said some 20 people were wounded and killed in the attack, added that villagers were likely among the casualties as well. Reuters spoke to at least 10 sources either with direct knowledge of the attack or briefed on the outcome.Prince's initial mandate in Congo was to secure and improve revenue collection from the country's vast mineral reserves, which have been plundered for decades, fuelling relentless conflict in the east.But in January and early February, his forces deployed to Uvira after Washington helped broker a deal for Rwandan-backed rebels to withdraw from the strategic town.One of the sources with direct knowledge of the attack said the Vectus team was travelling between locations when the ambush took place and its sophistication suggested Rwandan forces were involved."It reinforces the need for DRC sovereignty to be restored. It's an incredibly dangerous place right now," the source said.Prince is the founder of now-defunct private military firm Blackwater, some of whose members were pardoned in 2020 for killing Iraqi civilians.The State Department has said it does not have any contracts with Prince in Congo, though US officials have said they plan to work more closely with Vectus Global in Haiti.The deal for Rwandan-backed rebels to withdraw from Uvira was part of wider agreements brokered by the Trump administration to try to end the conflict in eastern Congo.Kennedy, a father of four, has posted his views on politics, culture, fitness and more on social media. He also runs a popular YouTube podcast in which he interviews UFC fighters, veterans, cultural disruptors and others.He has often posted about his family, including four young children. In late August, he posted about having "incredible conversations about what being a man means and what sacrifice really looks like" with his son. He did not disclose details about his upcoming trip to Congo.The United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda backs M23, even exercising command and control over the group. Rwanda denies this. Fighting in the decades-long conflict flared early last year, with M23 fighters making rapid gains in the east, which is rich in tantalum, gold, lithium and other minerals. REUTERS
Read briefing The conservative commentator currently works as a communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group.
Read briefing Pretty Little Liars’ Keegan Allen attacked by masked assailants in LA The Guardian'Pretty Little Liars' Star Keegan Allen Robbed at Gunpoint, Shows Bloody Face TMZ‘Pretty Little Liars' star Keegan Allen robbed at gunpoint, knifepoint in attack outside luxury Hollywood grocery store Page Six'Pretty Little Liars' actor Keegan Allen says he was beaten and robbed at gunpoint in West Hollywood: Caught on video ABC7 Los Angeles'Pretty Little Liars' star Keegan Allen left with bloodied face after robbery at gunpoint in US | His fans expressed concern over the incident | Inshorts Inshorts
Read briefing About 8,600 emergency shelter kits secured by IOM are ready for delivery but remain outside Gaza after Israeli authorities turned them away at crossing points. The kits are meant to help families find better protection as winter sets in.
Read briefing Taylor Swift is back at No. 1 on the charts NPRTaylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Returns to No. 1 for ‘Encore’ BillboardTaylor Swift becomes only artist to achieve three UK number one singles in 2026 Cambs Times‘The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore’ left me with questions Observer OnlineTaylor Swift’s new music is taking hits
Read briefing '100 per cent!' - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists Premier League remains world's best despite Man City's financial rule breaches Goal.comManchester City charges: Manchester United boss Michael Carrick calls for speed and clarity over rivals' guilty verdict Sky SportsMan City charges: Man Utd boss Michael Carrick 'personally affected' by financial case BBCArsenal's Mikel Arteta: Premier League still best in the world despite Man City guilty verdict ESPNMan City charges: How Premier League reacted
Read briefing Kenya's Digital Economy Security in the Age of AI - Business Today Kenya
Read briefing Led by party Chairperson Gladys Wanga, ODM leaders maintained that they would not relent in their push to have one of their own appointed as President William Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2027 General Election.The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) says it will not back down on its push to secure the running mate slot ahead of the 2027 General Election.The team, which travelled to Kakamega County to mark the first anniversary of the death of its late party leader Raila Odinga, says it has the numbers needed to help President William Ruto secure a second term in office.Led by party Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the leaders donning orange attire in honour of their founding party leader maintained that they would not relent in their push to have one of their own appointed as President Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2027 General Election.“Sisi kama chama cha chungwa, sisi ni chama kikubwa. Mheshimiwa Rais akiwa Rais, deputy wake anatoka chama cha ODM. Hiyo ndiyo barabara tutatembea pamoja,” said Wanga.“Chama chetu cha ODM, hakuna siku kitakuwa ndani ya upinzani. Sisi tutakuwa katika serikali ili tusaidie watu wetu wa ODM,” National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed added.The ODM leaders also took aim at retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his alleged support for the opposition, accusing him of failing to help Raila Odinga secure the presidency in the 2022 General Election. T...
Read briefing Samsung Galaxy S27 tier prices reportedly leaked. See the list. MashableThe Galaxy S27 Lineup's Display Split and Prices Just Leaked, but Don't Get Too Attached Android HeadlinesEvery Samsung Phone Getting A Price Hike In October 2026 BGRSamsung’s Galaxy S26 price hikes are a worrying sign for Galaxy S27 buyers SamMobileThe Galaxy S27’s rumored prices reveal why your next upgrade could cost more Android Central
Read briefing Sifuna sets October deadline for party reorganisation ahead of 2027 elections People Daily
Read briefing Thailand’s Queen Suthida made her first solo flight in a fighter jet, according to the Thai Royal Household.
Read briefing Russia to supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 1.5 million more, as prices soar amid the Iran war.United States President Donald Trump said that Russia has agreed to supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to global markets amid discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.The president added that Russia would deliver an additional 3 million tonnes of fuel “within a short period of time”. He said that the country would supply 500,000 tonnes in November.An envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, praised cooperation between Russia and the United States on diesel and energy in a post on X shortly after.“Russia-US cooperation on diesel and energy will benefit the world,” Dmitriev wrote on X.The deal comes despite Ukrainian air strikes, which have taken more than half of the country’s oil refining capacity offline, according to claims made by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence on Sunday.The latest announcement comes a week after the G7 countries agreed to release 100 million barrels amid pressure from the White House.The move also comes as prices of diesel, used in agriculture, heating homes and trucking goods, are near record highs ahead of the November 3 congressional elections that will determine control of Congress.Diesel prices have been elevated in recent months but have started to decline. The average price for a gallon is $6.27 ($1.66 per litre), according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks daily petrol prices. That’s down $0.10 from this time last week, but up $5.94 from this time one month ago.Diesel prices, which can drive inflation, are up 70 percent since the US and Israel’s war on Iran began this year, despite two high-profile recent moves by Trump to boost supplies of the fuel: pressuring allies to release emergency reserves and expanding access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel, which is normally used for farm equipment.The wars in Iran and Ukraine have triggered an unprecedented global fuel supply crunch.
Read briefing A 29-year-old Indian man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Friday in a Paris trial over his alleged involvement in an international criminal network that targeted vulnerable children in the US, Britain and Canada and coerced them into producing violent and sexual videos.
Read briefing Junk bonds are 'flashing yellow.' Watch these warning signs CNBCSurge in borrowing costs hits corporate America Financial TimesHigh-yield bond market shows rising credit risk as spreads widen Traders UnionBoeing, Ford and WBD Face a Debt Wall - Boeing (NYSE:BA), Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), Ford Motor BenzingaCredit Markets Are Signaling A Reckoning Is Ahead Seeking Alpha
Read briefing According to the meteorological forecast, above-normal rainfall is expected in Sidama region, parts of southern Oromia, most parts of the Somali region and southern parts of the country.
Read briefing Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition says it will not allow public assets to be privatised, criticising President William Ruto’s tour of the Coast region. Opposition leaders backing the Ukombozi Coalition have accused the government of privatising the Port of Mombasa.Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition says it will not allow public assets to be privatised, criticising President William Ruto’s tour of the Coast region.The leaders who spoke after making their entry into Mombasa after visiting Machakos earlier on Friday say they do not oppose development or the construction of an oil refinery in Lamu, but insist that the law must be followed.They claimed that the Port of Mombasa had been privatised and placed under the control of a few individuals.“Imekuwa kampuni ya watu watatu sasa. Hiyo wanachukua. Tuko imara na nia yetu ni kuhakikisha kwanza Mombasa imesafishwa,” Kalonzo said.Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi on his part said, “Ameifanya kuwa public limited company, hii KPA, na wale wamewekwa kwa nakala yake, the CR12. Ukiangalia, wameweka Waziri John Mbadi.”DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa added, “Ile refinery yenu tayari imenyakuliwa, pipeline yenu tayari imenyakuliwa, sasa wananyemelea port hii KPA, na wamewekwa kwa jina la watu wa tatu.”Criticising President William Ruto’s eight-day tour of the region, the leaders said th...
Read briefing Tsunami warnings are issued for neighbouring countries as videos of destruction circulate online.
Read briefing A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey, sparking warnings about tsunamis off its coast.The quake had a depth of 12.6km and occurred in Herrera Province, roughly 200km to the south-west of the Panama Canal, the USGS said.The USGS initially registered an 8.0 magnitude before revising it. Panama’s geological institute reported the quake as a 7.2 magnitude.Some buildings were reported damaged but the critical Panama Canal was not affected, nor was the passage of ships through the trade waterway.Flights were suspended at Tocumen International airport, a major regional hub.Local newspaper La Prensa said that people across different regions evacuated buildings, businesses, schools and homes following the earthquake.In Panama, where earthquakes of this magnitude are rare, television images showed elderly residents reduced to tears in the streets as a series of weaker aftershocks rattled the country.“We’re scared. It’s just the two of us old folks here. The house has cracked, and we’re afraid it could fall on us,” said Ricardo Brown, speaking to Reuters by phone from the Las Minas area in Herrera province in southern Panama, where he noted the quake damaged a number of homes.Shaking was also felt as far as San Jose, the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, according to a Reuters witness.Omar Smith, who heads Panama's civil protectio...
Read briefing Colombian Billionaire Jaime Gilinski Poised To Exchange Venezuelan Oil Field For Majority Control of GeoPark ForbesGeoPark stock closed at EUR 10.20 ahead of November results AD HOC NEWSGeoPark stock reports stronger Q2 revenue as Venezuela plans advance AD HOC NEWSGeoPark stock reports 12 percent quarterly revenue growth AD HOC NEWS
Read briefing In response to a string of attacks from Ruto, the Nairobi Senator, who has declared his intention to unseat the President, outlined his economic priorities, including reducing wastage in national spending. Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna says he will reduce taxation, establish a national data bank of schools in Kenya and ensure hospitals are paid for services rendered within 30 days if elected President.In an interview covering a range of issues, Sifuna declared President William Ruto a failure as he fired back at the Head of State, who has previously described him as being “empty.”“They (team of experts) are telling me that it is possible to have a balanced budget in 15 months by doing certain specific things. Number one, they can cut from the budget between Ksh.500 billion and Ksh.1.8 trillion in wastage, and we can go line by line and say this is where the wastage is. You can remove VAT on fuel, you can remove the housing levy, you can reduce VAT on electricity,” said Sifuna.In the education sector, the leader of the newly unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP) said he would begin by establishing a national data bank for schools, arguing that the sector, which receives a significant amount of government funding, has for years been vulnerable to misuse of public resources.“In education, the government does not have data on anything. The gove...
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