Patch Morning Briefing: Trump Twists on Israel, Backs Off Russia; an Amazing Lava Flow

Good morning Patchers, you've made it to the weekend. Here's what you need to know before what we hope is a short and successful Friday.

Trump Warns Against Israel Settlements

In a reversal of policy, the White House said Thursday evening that more Israeli settlements in the West Bank “may not be helpful” toward achieving peace in the Middle East, while stating that it has no “official position on settlement activity.” Trump officials, including his ambassador to Israel, have made statements in favor of more settlements. (The Washington Post)

Uber CEO Withdraws From Trump Council Amid Backlash

Travis Kalanick had faced intense criticism for his perceived coziness with the current administration. Thousands of users also deleted Uber over the weekend, when the app ended surge pricing to pick up riders at JFK Airport who were stranded by the NYC taxi union's strike following Trump's executive order on immigration. (Patch)

Trump Administration Eases Russia Sanctions

The Treasury Department lifted restrictions that the Obama administration had placed on businesses, forbidding them to engage in financial transactions with Russia's top intelligence agency. President Obama first levied these sanctions in April 2015 and strengthened them in late December of 2016 following a comprehensive intelligence report that Russian hacks were intended to interfere in the November election. (Patch)

Quick hits

Super Bowl Snacks: The Ultimate Food Guide for the Big Game (Patch)

Women's Soccer League Scores TV Deal With Lifetime (Patch)

In-Town Livestock Law Gets Nashville Man's Goat (Patch)

Walmart, Giant, Wegmans, Whole Foods: America's No. 1 Grocery Store Is...? (Patch)

What Exactly Did President Trump Say To Mexico's Enrique Peña Nieto?

Reports were conflicting about how, exactly, Trump expressed his displeasure at Mexico's drug problems. (Patch)

Oregon Weather Forecast: We Have A Hedgehog That Says Spring Is Coming

Oregonians do groundhog day a bit differently. (Patch)

Marathon Bombing Victim, Engaged To The Fireman Who Saved Her, Climbs Empire State Building

Roseann Sdoia climbed the 1,576 steps to the top of the Empire State Building, with Boston firefighter and fiancee Mike Materia at her side. (Patch)

Who Helped Beyoncé Make Her Pregnancy the Best-Kept Secret of 2017?

Seriously. How did this not get out earlier? (E! News)

Lava Pours Into Hawaiian Ocean

Today in Nature Is Awesome: Watch this lava flowing on Hawaii's Big Island into the ocean below. (Honolulu Star Advertiser)

Lead image via Gage Skidmore, Flickr, used under Creative Commons