Personal Newscast 10/2/2026

President Trump said Thursday that if Iran is linked to the co-pilot who stabbed the captain of an Israel-bound FlyDubai flight, Tehran will be hit “very hard.” The Boeing 737, carrying roughly 180 people from Dubai toward Tel Aviv, plunged after the attack in the cockpit; passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot, an Omani national, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The Indian captain was wounded but helped open the door so others could intervene. Investigators are still establishing motive, while Israeli officials have described the suspect as radicalized. Trump told reporters the early indications he was hearing pointed toward an Iranian connection, though he said the review was ongoing.

Source: Fox News; Newsmax

Just The News reports the Iran framework is holding as President Trump heads to the G7 in France, where allies are expected to press him on the agreement, Ukraine, and trade. The same coverage notes the deal is framed as ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and restoring oil flows, while questions remain over nuclear steps and Israel’s stance. Separate Fox News reporting this week said Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered an Iranian delegation to leave after talks stalled, and that Trump has described further strikes as “possible.” The two accounts leave the status of the framework contested heading into the summit.

Source: Just The News; Fox News

A Department of Energy electrical engineer was arrested in Washington state on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthis. Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, is accused of buying precursor chemicals and drone parts, advising on communications equipment, and traveling last year toward Houthi-controlled Sanaa in Yemen using a prior official passport. Prosecutors say he did not reach the capital. He faces a first court appearance today; the charge carries a maximum of 20 years if convicted.

Source: Newsmax; Fox News

The Pentagon raised combat-related pay for the first time since 2002. Hostile fire pay doubled to $450 a month, and the cap on imminent danger pay rose to $275. The increases took effect Thursday and apply across the services. Troops cannot collect both payments in the same month. Additional locations have been designated for danger pay since the Iran conflict began in February.

Source: Newsmax

President Trump and Vice President Vance are on the campaign trail this week, aiming to shore up support in deep-red areas ahead of the midterms. Newsmax reports pollsters describing the appearances as an effort to fire up MAGA voters. Fox News coverage likewise notes the pair joining events to energize the base as control of Congress remains in play.

Source: Newsmax; Fox News

Los Angeles County’s sales tax rose from 9.75 percent to 10.25 percent on Thursday after voters approved Measure ER. One America News notes the county now ranks among the highest combined rates in the country, with some cities expected to reach 11 percent or more. Officials say the revenue is intended for the general fund and healthcare services. The increase is scheduled to last five years; groceries and prescription drugs are exempt.

Source: One America News

Cord Cutters News reports a federal judge cleared the last major legal barrier to Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, opening the way for CBS News and CNN to come under one owner. Planners expect the news operations to be combined gradually. Paramount CEO David Ellison has selected longtime HBO content chief Casey Bloys to run the combined streaming business, including Paramount+, Pluto TV, and the Warner services, once the deal closes. The company has also faced a reported $7 million-a-day delay penalty tied to the closing timeline.

Source: Cord Cutters News

Amazon rolled out a redesigned Fire TV interface and a faster Fire TV Stick 4K. Cord Cutters News highlights smarter search, a new Alexa+ hub, and watchlists that travel with the user. The company is also simplifying its streaming device lineup. The updates were the lead items in the outlet’s October 1 cord-cutting roundup.

Source: Cord Cutters News

SpaceX launched Crew-13 on Thursday from Florida aboard a Falcon 9, with the Dragon spacecraft docking at the International Space Station after a record-fast U.S. transit. The four-person crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. The booster landed back at Cape Canaveral. The mission is set to run into the spring, with research tied to future exploration.

Source: One America News; Newsmax

Two new F-16V fighters arrived in Taiwan as Taipei continues to modernize its air force amid tensions with China. Newsmax lists the delivery among Friday’s global developments. The jets are part of Taiwan’s longer upgrade program rather than a one-off transfer.

Source: Newsmax

Pluto TV is running free “Fright Night” double features every Friday in October on its Spotlight channel at 8 p.m. Eastern. Tonight’s pairing is Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 plus the neo-Western The Last Victim. Later Fridays include Smile and other horror titles, some making their free-streaming debut on the service.

Source: Cord Cutters News