Ukraine fires several US-made longer-range missiles into Russia for the first time
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials say Ukraine fired several American-supplied longer-range missiles into Russia, marking the first time Kyiv has used such weapons since the start of the war. The Kremlin said Tuesday that it shot down five Army Tactical Missile System missiles and damaged a sixth, and that debris fell on an unspecified Russian military facility in the Bryansk region. A U.S. official says Ukraine fired about eight of the missiles and that some struck an ammunition supply site. The use of the long-range missiles came as Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The developments mark a worrying escalation in the conflict that has repeatedly ratcheted up international tensions.
Putin lowers the threshold for using his nuclear arsenal after Biden’s arms decision for Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons, following U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russian territory with American-supplied longer-range missiles. The new doctrine allows for a potential nuclear response by Moscow even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power. Russia says Ukraine fired six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles Tuesday at a military facility in Russia’s Bryansk region, adding its defenses shot down five and damaged the sixth. While the doctrine envisions a possible nuclear response by Russia to such a conventional strike, it is formulated broadly to avoid a firm commitment to use nuclear weapons and keep Putin’s options open.
US envoy says Israel-Hezbollah truce is ‘within our grasp’ as Gaza food crisis worsens after looting
BEIRUT (AP) — US envoy Amos Hochstein says an agreement to end the Israel-Hezbollah war is “within our grasp” after meeting with officials in Lebanon. There is no such optimism in the Gaza Strip, where the looting of nearly 100 aid trucks by armed men has worsened an already severe food crisis. Hochstein, the Biden administration’s point man on Israel and Lebanon, arrived on Tuesday as Hezbollah’s allies in the Lebanese government said it had responded positively to the proposal. It’s unclear how close they are to an agreement, which would likely entail both the militants and Israeli ground forces withdrawing from a U.N. buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Trump and Musk solidify their bond with Texas trip for rocket launch
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been nearly inseparable since the election. On Tuesday, Trump goes to Texas to watch one of Musk’s companies test its Starship rocket. If successful, the rocket’s reusable booster will be caught back at the launch pad. It’s a remarkable display of intimacy between the president-elect and the world’s richest man. Musk supported Trump’s candidacy and has been given unparalleled access. The billionaire has been helping shape the new administration and he’s positioned in a way that could help his own companies, which have billions of dollars in federal contracts and routinely deal with government regulators.
Prosecutors oppose tossing Trump’s hush money conviction but are open to sentencing delay
NEW YORK (AP) — New York prosecutors oppose any effort to dismiss Trump’s hush money conviction, but say they are open to delaying his sentencing until after his impending second term. In a court filing Tuesday, they said they’re OK with a sentencing delay while Trump’s lawyers fight to get the case tossed out in light of his election. Judge Juan M. Merchan has not set a timetable for his decision. Trump’s spokesperson characterized Tuesday’s filing from prosecutors as “a total and definitive victory” for Trump. Sentencing had been scheduled for Nov. 26. The president-elect was convicted in May of falsifying business records. The case alleges that he covered up a scheme to influence the 2016 election by paying hush money to squelch a story of extramarital sex. Trump denies the allegations.
Trump chooses billionaire and key transition adviser Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition operation helping to find the team that will work in the next administration. He has donated to both Democrats and Republicans in the past, once appeared on Trump’s NBC reality show, “The Apprentice,” and has become a part of the president-elect’s inner circle. He shared the stage with Trump at events in the closing days of his campaign, including at a rally at Madison Square Garden.
The Osprey’s safety issues spiked over five years and caused deaths. Pilots still want to fly it
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AP) — The Osprey is back in the air after being grounded for months following a crash last November that killed eight U.S. service members in Japan. But there are still questions as to whether it should be. The complicated aircraft flies fast like a plane but converts to land like a helicopter, and even minor mistakes can turn deadly. Experts say it can struggle to maintain the lift needed to fly like a helicopter. The Associated Press has found that safety issues have increased in the past five years and the design of the aircraft is contributing to many of the accidents. Yet Osprey pilots are some of its greatest defenders because it can fly where others can’t to rescue troops.
Iran defies international pressure, increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium, UN says
VIENNA (AP) — The U.N. nuclear watchdog says Iran has defied international demands to rein in its nuclear program and has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. In a confidential report seen Tuesday by The Associated Press, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that as of Oct. 26, Iran has just over 400 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60%, up 38.8 pounds since the last report in August. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The IAEA estimates around 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity would be needed to create one atomic weapon — if the material is enriched further, to 90%.
Prosecution is expected to rest in trial over death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case in the trial against the man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Jose Ibarra is charged with murder and other crimes in Riley’s death in February. He waived his right to a jury trial, meaning the case will decided by a judge alone. Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, testified Tuesday about how she texted and called her daughter with increasing concern after Riley didn’t call her back. Phillips cried in court as video played showing Riley running on the morning of her death. Prosecutors expect to finish calling witnesses Tuesday and the case could go to the judge by the end of the day.
Jets fire general manager Joe Douglas after team goes 3-8 to start the season
The New York Jets have fired general manager Joe Douglas after a 3-8 start to the season. Owner Woody Johnson announced in a statement Tuesday that Phil Savage will serve as the interim GM. Douglas was in the final year of his contract after being hired in 2019. The Jets’ season began with Super Bowl aspirations with a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But the team struggled to a 2-3 start, and Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. The Jets decided to also part ways Tuesday with Douglas. Johnson said the Jets will begin the process to find a new GM immediately.