Monday, October 12th

What happened

President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure. He gave no terms and did not explain how the agreement was negotiated. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has attacked Ukrainian power and energy sites, while Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries. Trump had just eased sanctions so Russia could sell diesel to U.S. and global markets, saying it would lower fuel prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the announcement was news to him, but Ukraine would accept if Russia agreed. Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes hit energy facilities afterward. The White House gave no further terms, and Moscow had not publicly confirmed it.

What happened

A missile struck Riyadh’s airport, killing 12 people, including an American, and injuring more than 300. Saudi authorities suspended flights, diverted planes and kept the airport closed into Sunday as Riyadh schools moved online. The attack fits an escalating war between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government. It followed repeated strikes on Saudi airports and infrastructure after a truce collapsed in Yemen. A senior Houthi official claimed responsibility, calling it retaliation for Saudi attacks in Yemen, while Saudi Arabia blamed the Houthis. President Donald Trump said the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the American’s death. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa; Saudi authorities had not immediately responded.

What happened

Conservative commentators and independent reporters alleged that Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico had been treated at the Lindner Center of Hope, an Ohio mental-health facility. They cited a recorded call in which an unidentified woman appeared to say a person named James Talarico had recently been discharged. Talarico and his campaign said he was home in Austin recovering from the flu and called the allegation a lie. The facility said Talarico had never received treatment there, while saying it would not confirm or deny patient information. Talarico was set for a CNN and Jubilee Media town hall on October 14. Paxton was also invited.