Hamas says it will disarm if Israel halts strikes and withdraws from Gaza, but obstacles remain
CAIRO (AP) — Hamas has confirmed that it will disarm as part of a deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that also requires Israel to end its strikes and withdraw from Gaza. It marks a potential breakthrough in ending the war, but implementation faces major challenges. Hamas also said that laying down its heavy weapons, which would come later in the process, was contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state, something Israel’s current government adamantly rejects. Israel has not officially commented on the deal, which is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced last October.
Thousands of migrant children in the US could face new deportation risks as legal aid deal expires
HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — Migrant children who came to the U.S. alone could soon face immigration court without legal representation. The Trump administration is allowing a contract with legal service providers for these children to end. Friday marks the last day of the contract, which supports roughly 20,000 children. Providers warn that without lawyers, children are more likely to be deported. They say the government has withheld payments for over six months, demanding client information they can't ethically provide. The Health and Human Services Department, responsible for these children, didn't respond to requests for comment.
Trump hails a 'unique' Cabinet meeting at Camp David as he seizes on Spain's migration crisis
CAMP DAVID, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump takes his Cabinet meeting to Camp David, using the setting to highlight his administration's achievements. He warns of a migrant crisis in Spain, claiming it could happen in the U.S. if Republicans lose the midterms. Trump criticizes Spain's government and blames Minnesota's leadership for recent cyberattacks. He also discusses issues like Iran, a Hamas deal, and a stalled anti-weaponization fund. Trump defends those involved in the Capitol riot, saying their families have suffered. Camp David, a historic presidential retreat, has been used for diplomatic talks and relaxation since 1942.
Infantino abandons plans to sell World Cup profits to private equity following massive pushback
GENEVA (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino is abandoning his divisive plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity after receiving pushback from all corners of the soccer world. Infantino’s decision came after his senior adviser who sat on a White House panel resigned and Asia’s soccer body joined Europe and North America in opposing it. Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors including the Kushner family, but drew backlash that grew every day. UEFA’s 55-member nations agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions over Infantino’s plan, followed by CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
FACT FOCUS: Migrant crossing in Spain's Ceuta breeds unsubstantiated claims
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A crisis at the border in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, has led to unsubstantiated claims about Spain’s migration policies. Local officials say around 60,000 migrants have entered Ceuta from Morocco in the past 24 hours, equivalent to 70% of the city’s population. At least 57 migrants have died attempting the crossing. Most migrants appear to be men, though some families with women and children have been seen. Poverty and youth unemployment are high in Morocco, prompting many to seek better opportunities in Europe. The sudden surge’s cause remains unclear, with various claims being disputed.
Justice Department moves to drop case against ex-Olympian charged with damaging Reflecting Pool
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss a criminal case charging a former Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Government lawyers said in a 20-page court filing Friday evening that information provided since the indictment of David Hearn shows that the damage was the result of a “flawed installation by the contractor” as well as “the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026.” Hearn’s lawyers say the case against him should never have been brought.
As heat and dry conditions fan wildfires in France, volunteers fan out to help
LANTON, France (AP) — Jean-François Pauner is among many volunteers helping firefighters battle wildfires in southwestern France. The fires have devastated 42,000 hectares west of Bordeaux, forcing nearly a quarter-million people from their homes. This summer, Europe faces extreme heat, fueling wildfires from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. By Friday, French authorities allowed many evacuees to return home, but hot spots remain. Police are investigating the fires' origins, with some suspects arrested. Meanwhile, fires continue across Europe, including near a nuclear power station in England and on the Greek mainland, where evacuations are underway.
Jurors in Lindsay Clancy's trial visit the home where she killed her children
DUXBURY, Mass. (AP) — Jurors have walked through the Massachusetts home where Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children. Friday's rare visit let the jury see firsthand the place where an outwardly ordinary family life unraveled into tragedy. First, the jury was driven past some businesses relevant to the narrative of the January 2023 killings. Then jurors were escorted in groups of six to view the inside of the house and also saw the yard. Clancy's lawyers don’t dispute that she strangled the children with exercise bands. But the defense says she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness.
Trump says anti-weaponization fund in IRS settlement is 'dead' even as he defends it
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is “dead” while also continuing to defend it. Trump's statements further complicate his administration’s negotiations with two Republican senators who are blocking his attorney general nominee in protest. Trump told reporters at Camp David Friday morning that officials had “agreed not to have a fund” that compensates his political allies. But Trump also made clear that he disagrees with that decision. Two Senate Republicans are blocking the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general until the administration's promises on the fund are put into writing.
US stocks rise to finish a wild July as Amazon soars, Apple sinks and inflation worries worsen
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to the finish of a wild July as Amazon leaped, Apple sank and rising oil prices worsened worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7% Friday after veering between gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 1%. Amazon soared after delivering a stronger profit for the spring than analysts expected, suggesting its big AI investments may be paying off. Apple dropped after giving a lackluster forecast for upcoming revenue growth. Treasury yields climbed as worries built in the bond market about inflation potentially remaining high.
