Trump Thanks Putin • Making The Opioid Crisis Worse • Taylor Swift Testifies: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Friday, and we've made it through the week. Here's what you need to know to start your day and get ready for the weekend.

How We Could Make The Opioid Crisis Worse

People with opioid use disorders are now 72 percent more likely to be insured than they were before Obamacare went into effect, according to a new study. All GOP plans to overhaul health care that have been evaluated would increase the uninsured rate, the CBO has said, and decrease access to addiction care. President Trump has previously proposed guaranteeing coverage for all Americans, which could help address the opioid epidemic that he declared a national emergency on Thursday. (Patch)

Thanks Be To Putin

In another twist of the ongoing mystery that is President Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the American leader thanked the former KGB agent for cutting 755 people from the U.S. diplomatic staff in the rival nation. “I want to thank him because we’re trying to cut down our payroll," Trump said to a reporter who asked about Putin's move, which came in as retaliation to a tough sanctions bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the president. (Patch)

Taylor Swift Testifies That Ex-DJ Groped Her

Taylor Swift is suing a former radio DJ who, according to the pop star's testimony Thursday, reached under her skirt and deliberately grabbed her butt during a photo session before a 2013 concert at the Pepsi Center in Denver. "He stayed attached to my bare ass-cheek as I lurched away from him," Swift testified on the stand in federal court during a trial over the claim. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Cop's Job Application Lands Him In Jail For Hollywood Murder (Patch)

Austin Worker's Death Emblematic Of Dangerous Construction Industry In Texas (Patch)

World Elephant Day 2017: 5 Ways To Stem Their Extinction (Patch)

Chicago To Ex-'SNL' Star: Pay Your 20-Year-Old Parking Ticket (Patch)

Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late

Don't fall for the fakes. (Patch)

Summer Of Sam: Today In 1977, An NYC Serial Killer Was Taken Down By A Parking Ticket

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the arrest of David "Son of Sam" Berkowitz — and the finale of the largest manhunt in NYPD history. (Patch)

Will Seattle's Water Get You Stoned?

A University of Washington test of Seattle's wastewater revealed high levels of THC, the substance in marijuana that makes you high. (Patch)

'I'm Stuck Here': Teacher Recounts 4 Days Stranded In Cascades Wilderness

Kim Haines, 40, fell 100 feet off a cliff and spent four days stranded in the Cascades wilderness. (Patch)

NBA Star Zach Randolph, Who Makes $24M, Busted For Allegedly Selling Pot

Zach Randolph, a Sacramento Kings forward and two-time All-Star, has been arrested on suspicion of drug dealing at a Watts housing project. (Patch)

Chaos At Fox News Over Retracted Seth Rich Story

"The people responsible may never be held accountable -- at the very least, it may be a very long time before any action is taken," CNN reports. "A Fox News executive told CNN that it was unlikely any disciplinary action would occur now that a lawsuit has been filed." (CNN)

Hikers Film Confrontation With Cougar: Here's What To Do If You See One

Two hikers came extremely close to a large mountain lion along the High Sierra Trail. Here's what to do in case you see one. (Patch)

Rally Cat: Feline On Field Sets Up Cardinals' Grand Slam

The stray was scooped up by a member of the Busch Stadium grounds crew and immediately dubbed "#RallyCat" on Twitter. (Patch)

This Day In History

1929 — Babe Ruth hits his 500th home run, the first player to cross that threshold

1972 — The United States pulls its last ground troops out of Vietnam

Famous Birthdays

1967 — Joe Rogan, a comedian, actor and host, known for his work on the TV show "Fear Factor"

1965 — Viola Davis, a producer and actress known for her work on "How To Get Away With Murder"

Photo by Michael Ukas - Pool / Getty Images