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McConaughey is the star of 'The Lost Bus', a film that shows heroism during California's most deadly wildfire.
Matthew McConaughey, who has been away from the spotlight for several years, returned to the big-screen on Friday with the Toronto International Film Festival's world premiere of "The Lost Bus," a new documentary. The film is based on Lizzie Johnson’s book about the Camp Fire of 2018, the deadliest fire in California’s history, which claimed 85 lives. It gives a glimpse of the magnitude and intensity of this destructive fire. McConaughey is a struggling father and school bus driver who risks his own life to save 22 children. He races against the flames, which threaten their escape. Wildfires are still fresh in many viewers' minds. At least 30 people were killed in wildfires that raged through Southern California at the beginning of this year. Canada is currently experiencing its second worst ever wildfire season. McConaughey stated that the film examines the relationship between mankind and Mother Nature. McConaughey said that the message and reality of the film are in your face. America Ferrera, who was nominated for an Oscar ("Barbie," 2024) plays a teacher in a primary school fighting with him to survive. Ferrera stated, "To me, this story is about a journey of a person, about resilience, and about choices." McConaughey’s real-life son Levi and his mother Kay play the son and mother of his character. McConaughey has released two films this year. The first was the crime thriller, "The Rivals Of Amziah Kings." He had been relatively quiet for several years. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for "Dallas Buyers Club", in 2014. The Lost Bus, directed by Paul Greengrass (best known for his 2006 documentary "United 93") will be released in selected theaters starting September 19. Apple TV+ will begin streaming the film on October 3. (Reporting and editing by Caroline Stauffer, David Gregorio, and Atsuko kitayama)
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Serbian police used teargas to disperse protesters against the government
Serbian police used tear gas and stun grenades on a campus of a university in Novi Sad, to disperse demonstrators who were demanding a snap election they hoped would remove president Aleksandar Vucic from power and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party. On Friday night, thousands of students gathered on the campus of the State University. They held banners that read "We don't need blockades; we just want elections" and "Students demand elections urgently." The crowd shouted, "Vucic Leave!" Police used teargas to disperse the crowd. Protesters also threw flares in the air. Vucic's SNS party and Serbians have been rattled by months of protests in Serbia, including the blockades at state universities. The protests were sparked last November when 16 people died after the roof of a renovated train station collapsed. The protests were mostly peaceful, until August 13, when clashes between police and civilians resulted in the injuries of dozens. The protesters are calling for early elections to remove Vucic from power and have accused the corruption of the Novi Sad train station disaster. Students, anti-corruption groups and opposition groups have accused Vucic of having ties with organized crime, using violent tactics against political opponents, and suppressing freedom of the media - accusations they deny. Nebojsa Krac, one of the protesters, said: "The solution to this problem is to hold elections." "We want to see peace and democracy prevail and that political institutions do their jobs." This will mean calling elections. The government will then change. Reporting by Fedja and Branko Grulovic; Writing by Ivana Skularac; Editing Alistair Bell
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Urals dimes steady in muted business
The differentials between Brent and Urals crude were not much changed on Friday. However, Russia's oil plans for September could be revised after a drone attack was carried out on the Rosneft oil refinery in Ryazan. Two industry sources said that Ryazan had suspended operations at the CDU-6, its main crude distillation unit due to an fire caused by a UAV attack. India's finance minister stated on Friday that it will continue to purchase Russian oil if it is economical. This was despite the Trump Administration's decision on Friday to impose high import tariffs on Indian products due in part to India's energy purchases from Moscow. Energy chief of the European Union said on Friday that the EU is committed to its plan to phase out Russian crude oil by 2028. He added that Washington had not pressed him to move the date. Rosneft Germany said that oil flows through the Druzhba pipe to Germany's PCK refining facility are expected to be back to normal by this weekend following repairs to the damage. PLATTS WINDOW On Friday, no bids or offers for Urals BTC, Azeri BTC Blend or CPC blend were made in the Platts Window. * On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine will continue to respond in response to Russian attacks against its energy facilities despite criticisms from Slovakia and Hungary who have suffered Russian oil disruptions. Mark Porter (Reporting)
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The US Army Inspector General is being forced to review a fatal helicopter crash by lawmakers
A House member said Friday that he wanted Congress to order the U.S. Army Inspector General to audit the January 29, 2015 collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines Regional Jet, which killed 67 people. Don Beyer, a representative of the House of Representatives, said that the Army Inspector General's Office has refused to open an inquiry into the incident in spite a request made by dozens bipartisan senators. Beyer will try to attach a requirement for an Army audit to the annual Pentagon funding bill. Ted Cruz, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, has proposed legislation that would require an Army audit into aviation safety practices as well as "systemic breakdowns" which may have contributed to what was the deadliest U.S. aircraft crash in over two decades. Beyer and Senator Mark Warner from Virginia raised congestion concerns at a forum held on Friday, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Near misses are common - thousands of them . The airport is home to the busiest single runway in the United States. Congress ordered in 2024 five new round-trip flights daily from Reagan, despite safety concerns raised by Virginia legislators. Beyer stated that the airport was designed to handle 14 million passengers per year, but we are currently handling 26 million. The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Transportation Department opened a audit in August into the Federal Aviation Administration’s management of airspace, and the allowance of exemptions for the use of an important safety system by certain military aircraft. The FAA was criticized for not acting on near-miss reports before the January collision. The FAA banned the Army in May from helicopter flights near the Pentagon following a close call on May 1, which forced two civilian aircraft to abort their landings. Last month, Senator Maria Cantwell urged the Army Inspector General to "step up and launch" their own audit. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
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Energy chief: EU will stick to its planned Russian oil withdrawal by 2028
Energy chief of the European Union said on Friday that the EU is committed to its plan to phase out Russian crude oil by 2028. He added that Washington had not pressed him to move this deadline forward. White House official: As U.S. president Donald Trump works to end Russia's conflict with Ukraine, Trump told European leaders to stop buying Russian crude oil on Thursday, but did not specify a specific date. Fuel revenues, as Russia's most lucrative exports have helped Moscow fund its war. The European Union is currently negotiating legal proposals that will phase out EU imports of Russian gas and oil by January 1, 2028. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen is responsible for EU energy policy. He said he was not personally under pressure by the U.S. government to stop Russian oil purchases before the 2028 deadline. However, he would welcome U.S. support for the EU plan. "Putin has not only weaponised energy and blackmailed members states against us but we also indirectly finance Putin's War, which needs to stop. "If President Trump supports that, that's a very welcome support because that's our main goal," he said. Hungary and Slovakia import between 200,000-250,000 barrels of Russian oil per day, which is equivalent to about 3% of EU demand. EU gas purchases remain much larger. According to EU figures, Europe will purchase 13% of its natural gas from Russia in 2018, down from 45% prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The White House official has asked for a comment from the Kremlin on Trump's remarks. India accuses the West of hypocrisy for imposing punitive tariffs against the United States because of its continued purchase of Russian oil. HUNGARY & SLOVAKIA OPPOSE PHASE-OUT Hungary and Slovakia have continued to import Russian crude through the Druzhba Pipeline, along with Russian gas. They oppose the EU's phase out plan, claiming it will increase energy prices and lead to shortages. Robert Fico, the Slovak prime minister, said that after meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday he didn't want to comment about Trump but that reliable supplies are needed. He also noted that many European countries buy Russian gas and U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas. Jorgensen stated that he is in discussions with Hungary and Slovakia regarding their concerns, but that if necessary, EU countries can approve the phase-out plan without them. He refused to confirm whether Brussels would provide funding or legal assurances to try to win support from the two countries. Jorgensen stated that if there are domestic reasons that prevent some countries from supporting it, this does not require unanimity. The EU proposals were designed to be approved by a majority of members. EU diplomats said they expect energy ministers from member countries to approve the proposals at a meeting in a month. Jorgensen and Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, will meet in Brussels next Monday to discuss the EU's commitment to purchase $250 billion worth of U.S. supplies of energy per year as part of a U.S.-EU deal. Analysts say the pledge to buy energy is unrealistic, in part because the EU does not have much control over energy imported by its companies. Jorgensen stated that they would be discussing options on how the EU administration and the U.S. government can ensure that the deal is implemented. The Commission, for example, has stated that it could pool the demand of European companies in order to purchase more U.S. Gas. It's obvious that our role is facilitation. "The EU is not a trader of gas," Jorgensen stated. (Reporting and editing by Jan Strupczewski, Barbara Lewis and Kate Abnett)
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Zelenskiy says Ukraine will respond aggressively to Russian energy attacks after meeting Fico in Slovakia
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said that Ukraine will continue to respond to Russian aggressions against its energy infrastructure despite criticisms from Slovakia and Hungary who have experienced Russian oil supply interruptions. Zelenskiy said this after his first high-level meeting with Slovak Premier Robert Fico, with whom he had clashed in the past over Russian energy supplies. Slovakia and Hungary have continued to purchase Russian oil and gas, even though other European Union nations cut ties with Russia after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. The EU invests in energy routes. Slovakia and Hungary, however, say that alternative routes are prone to bottlenecks and more expensive. Recent weeks have seen a disruption in oil shipments between the two countries due to Ukrainian attacks against the Druzhba Pipeline, which runs through Ukraine and Russia before reaching Slovakia. Zelenskiy, speaking at a press conference held in conjunction with Fico, said that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian attacks against its energy infrastructure. He was referring to the years-long Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy stations and other infrastructure. But we want to see this war end. "But no one will just tolerate it and sit in darkness." Fico says that military attacks on legitimate targets harm Slovakia Fico stated that we should consider the interests of countries who are also part of the international network of energy. Zelenskiy said Kyiv was open to providing Slovakia with gas and oil, as long as it did not come from Russia. Fico criticised Ukraine's failure to extend the transit of Russian Gas after Kyiv’s contract with Russia ended at the end 2024. Gazprom, a Russian energy company, has since rerouted their supplies to Slovakia as part of a long-term agreement. Fico also strongly opposed a plan being discussed by the EU to phase out Russian imports of energy and temporarily delayed the bloc's final sanctions package against Russia in order to demand guarantees for damages Slovakia might face as a result of the cutoff. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, told European leaders on Thursday that Europe should stop buying Russian crude oil because it is funding Moscow's war against Ukraine. Fico said that, despite the differences between Slovakia and Ukraine, there is still a lot of room for cooperation in many areas including energy. He expressed his hope that Ukraine will find security guarantees and offered to use Slovakia's experiences to assist Ukraine in its European Union entry negotiations. Fico stated that despite our differing views on certain issues, we would like to see "good, friendly neighbourly relationships, just peace and the fastest possible ceasefire." (Reporting and editing by Philippa Fetcher, Jason Hovet Yuliia Dsa, Max Hunder, Jan Lopatka)
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Sources: US deploys stealth fighters to Caribbean in drug war as tensions rise with Venezuela
Sources say that the United States has ordered 10 F-35 fighters to be deployed to an airfield in Puerto Rico to conduct operations against the drug cartels. This will add more firepower to the intensifying U.S. Military operations in the Caribbean, which are increasing tensions with Venezuela. As President Obama continues to increase U.S. military activity in the southern Caribbean, this new deployment will be added to an already burgeoning presence. Donald Trump He follows through on a pledge made during his campaign to crackdown on the groups he accuses of funneling drugs into America. Just hours after the announcement, the F-35s were revealed. Pentagon Venezuela was accused of a "highly provocation" flight by fighter jets on Thursday over a U.S. Navy ship. The U.S. Military strike On Tuesday, a ship from Venezuela that Trump claimed was carrying illegal drugs was sunk and 11 people were killed. The Trump administration has tried to link Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government with narcotrafficking at every opportunity, an accusation Caracas strongly denies. Trump has also accused Maduro specifically of being the leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. His administration had designated this gang as a terrorist group in February. The Venezuelan Communications Ministry has not responded to a question about F-35s, or allegations that Venezuelan fighter planes flew above a U.S. naval vessel. Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the 10 fighter jets were being sent to conduct missions against designated narco terrorist organizations operating in southern Caribbean. They said the planes would arrive by late next week. F-35s, highly advanced stealth aircraft, would be very effective against Venezuelan air forces that include F-16 aircraft. Two Venezuelan F-16s, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday, flew above the USS Jason Dunham. Dunham is just one of seven U.S. Warships that are currently deployed in the Caribbean with more than 4,500 sailors, Marines and other personnel. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and U.S. Marines have been conducting amphibious and flight training in southern Puerto Rico. The buildup put pressure on Maduro who U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called "effectively the kingpin a drug narco-state." Maduro said, in a rare press conference held on Monday in Caracas, that the United States was "seek[ing] a regime-change through military threat." Hegseth, in remarks to reporters on Thursday, defended the deadly strike of Tuesday and promised that such activities will continue. He cited the threat illegal narcotics present to the public health in the United States. Hegseth stated that "the poisoning of American people has ended." Ilhan Omar is a Democrat who represents Minnesota. She condemned Trump's actions, which she described as "lawless", in the southern Caribbean. Omar stated in a press release that "Congress did not declare war on Venezuela or Tren de Aragón, and the mere designation as a terrorist group does not give a President carte blanche for him to ignore Congress's clear constitutional authority on war and peace." U.S. officials did not explain what the legal basis was for the air strike Tuesday on this boat, or what drugs it contained. Trump claimed on Tuesday that the U.S. Military had identified the crew as members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. He did not provide any evidence.
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Allegro CEO: E-commerce company not at odds with partners
Allegro, the CEO of Polish ecommerce company Allegro, denied on Friday that Allegro was at odds with any of its business partners despite its relationship deteriorating with delivery partner InPost. When asked by reporters about InPost, Allegro CEO Marcin Kusmierz said: "We don't believe that we are in any dispute or business with any entity." InPost's shares dropped around 13% after the company reported a slower volume growth in Poland. The shares of InPost have lost over a third in value this year, but they were up by 9% as of 1340 GMT. Allegro shares were up about 2%. InPost, who according to JPMorgan receives 30% of its Polish revenues from Allegro filed a claim for arbitration against Allegro in July, claiming that Allegro had violated their long-term agreement. InPost claimed Allegro was redirecting its customers to their own lockers. Rafal Brzoska, CEO of InPost, commented on the claim made on Tuesday. He said that the company must look out for the interests and shareholders. Allegro's Kusmierz stated that his company respects all business relationships or agreements, and is adding new logistic partners to serve its customers. InPost has declined to comment. InPost is the biggest provider of automated parcel lockers. Allegro, however, has deployed its own lockers as well as teamed up with other partners to integrate them into the service that it manages. Allegro's goal is to reduce its delivery costs. JPMorgan analysts stated in a report that they expected both companies to reach a mutually-beneficial arrangement, given their interdependence. However, it was noted that this could lead to InPost losing some of its margins. InPost's Polish business is expected to generate 48% of revenue in 2025, but will decline to 35% in 2030 as InPost expands overseas. They have affirmed their "overweight rating" on the stock.
US FAA extends Haitian capital flight restrictions to March 2026
Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that it would extend the ban on U.S. flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city, through March 7 due to risks posed by armed groups for civil aviation. The FAA temporarily stopped all flights into Haiti in November but allowed flights to resume at six other airports around northern Haiti following the gunfire that hit three U.S. commercial aircraft. The restrictions were set to expire in one week.
U.S. planes are allowed to fly over Port-au-Prince at a height of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).
Last year, the agency allowed American carriers to resume flights at six airports: Port-de-Paix (Cap-Haitien), Pignon (Jeremie), Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel.
According to the FAA, on Friday, armed groups still control 90% of Port-au-Prince as well as the strategic routes and border zones immediately surrounding it. There has been at least one incident since March where Haitian groups have fired small arms at low-flying planes.
Since last year, small arms have been used to fire on civilian aircrafts, helicopters, and airports, damaging multiple aircrafts and injuring an aircrew member. Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Chizu nomiyama
(source: Reuters)