TUNE IN: Watch LIVE coverage as President Donald Trump delivers remarks in Dalton, Georgia — TODAY at 2:45 PM ET on NEWSMAX. WATCH: nws.mx/tv

TALARICO TAKEDOWN: President Donald Trump defended his endorsement of Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race while blasting Democrat James Talarico, calling him “Talafreako” and mocking his vegan lifestyle.

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that anyone selling access to the White House should face consequences, but he declined to pass judgment based solely on news reports. MORE: https://bit.ly/4dJP2KV

BREAKING: President Donald Trump's new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, was fired Friday after less than a week on the job, according to a report. https://bit.ly/3WuS6V7

NETANYAHU PARTNERSHIP: President Donald Trump touted his successful partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday on “Finnerty,” declaring that Iran's top leaders are "gone" and claiming Tehran has pleaded with the U.S. to stop its attacks.

TRUMP'S WARNING: President Donald Trump told "Finnerty" Thursday that he could still go after former President Barack Obama and the Clintons, making the remarks after criticizing impeachment as something that "cheapens our country."

JUST IN: The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV will be released from the hospital Saturday, just four days after lung cancer surgery, and is expected to deliver his traditional Sunday blessing overlooking St. Peter’s Square. https://bit.ly/3U0Qn9s

"It was an honor to work for him."

Katie Zacharia appeared to confirm her departure as White House press secretary Friday night, praising President Donald Trump hours after he publicly disclosed that he encouraged her to reconsider remaining in the position. https://bit.ly/4ioevMq

RABBIS BACK DONALDS: A group of Florida rabbis has endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, citing his record on combating antisemitism, expanding school choice and supporting Israel. https://bit.ly/4zBveBE

HOMAN RIPS MAMDANI: White House border czar Tom Homan defended ICE on NEWSMAX, declaring the agency “is saving lives every day” as he pushes back against NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s criticism following a Bronx shooting. https://bit.ly/3Uwxn2I

DONKEY OF THE WEEK: Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, an Indiana council candidate and Roger Waters are all in the running. “The Right Squad” debates who deserves this week’s dubious distinction.

https://youtu.be/NC0-k5WLFN8

CALIFORNIA BALLOT SHOWDOWN: The Trump administration warns California election officials they could face criminal investigation and prosecution for counting ballots cast by suspected noncitizen voters. https://bit.ly/4eAWV5u

‘STRONG CASE’: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says federal investigators have a “strong case” against Rep. Ilhan Omar, revealing that multiple search warrants were executed this week in a probe into possible immigration fraud involving her family. https://bit.ly/3TEWxvS

BREAKING: Pope Leo is back in Vatican City after being discharged from the hospital earlier than expected, just days after lung surgery. NEWSMAX Vatican Correspondent Anneliese Taggart has the latest.

https://youtu.be/DtwGp4ZwtCA

President Donald Trump could launch a major military strike against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, despite publicly promising to hold off, according to prominent University of Chicago political scientist Robert Pape. https://bit.ly/4jKQBvZ

Vice President JD Vance acknowledges that some federal immigration officers make serious mistakes, saying the Trump administration must investigate misconduct and hold those responsible accountable. https://bit.ly/4jKTInF

Louis Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, joins “America Right Now” for a deeply personal conversation about the cancer battles facing both brothers. He discusses the pontiff’s condition, the guidance they have shared, and how prayer, humor and daily conversations help them maintain a positive outlook.

https://youtu.be/wSR2-b73ghU

Anthropic representatives have reportedly pitched Capitol Hill lawmakers on a draft bill to regulate artificial intelligence safety and security. https://bit.ly/4zB7vBD

MEASLES OUTBREAK ALERT: The CDC plans to send a “disease detective” to Pennsylvania after state officials requested federal help battling an outbreak reportedly linked to more than 1,200 cases and six deaths. https://bit.ly/4yUwqjN

TRILATERAL TALKS IN MIAMI? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia could meet during December’s G20 summit in Miami, but neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed the talks. https://bit.ly/4s8innY