Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting, officials say, as US-Iran talks hang in the balance
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group agreed to halt the heavy fighting in southern Lebanon that had threatened to unravel an interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran. That's according to officials who spoke Friday to The Associated Press. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah immediately confirmed the truce. It came after a heavy exchange of fire killed 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah and Israel went to war shortly after the outbreak of the wider conflict, with Hezbollah firing rockets and drones at civilian communities in northern Israel and Israel seizing large swaths of southern Lebanon.
Tyre in southern Lebanon marks Muharram holy month after destruction from Israel-Hezbollah war
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — Iman Dilbani weeps during a religious sermon in Tyre, Lebanon, wearing a yellow scarf to honor her son killed fighting for Hezbollah. The city has been devastated by the Israel-Hezbollah war, which reportedly reached a ceasefire Friday. The conflict has intensified the significance of Muharram for Shiite Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Residents gather Friday for a mourning ceremony, surrounded by portraits of Hezbollah leaders and banners with Hussein’s name. Despite the ceasefire, many remain skeptical. Hezbollah vows to continue fighting as long as Israel occupies parts of southern Lebanon.
Judge denies Biden's bid to block release of transcripts linked to special counsel inquiry
A federal judge has rejected former President Joe Biden’s attempt to block the Trump administration from releasing to a conservative group the recordings that Biden made with a ghostwriter. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich said in a ruling Friday that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had. The recordings were obtained by a special counsel in the course of his investigation into whether Biden improperly retained classified documents while a senator and vice president. Biden’s administration refused to turn over the material. The Trump administration authorized the release, and that led Biden last month to sue.
Massive fire destroys resort in Dominican Republic and forces evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A large fire has almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists. Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance. The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Authorities reported about 1,690 tourists had to be evacuated from the resort to other hotels and nearby housing facilities because of the massive blaze.
Friction between Trump and Republican senators is growing before the pivotal midterm elections
WASHINGTON (AP) — The relationship between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans seems to be nearing a breaking point. Tensions flared this week on Capitol Hill as Trump upended Republicans efforts for a swift confirmation of his intelligence nominee and as he thwarted quick passage of a bill to renew a surveillance law. Republicans have been frustrated and openly critical of Trump's agreement with Iran. The public tensions are an almost complete reversal from a year ago. Back then, Republicans senators worked closely with Trump on a complicated effort to push through his massive package of spending and tax cuts.
Mourners bury a 6-month-old Ebola victim in the Congo outbreak's 3rd orphanage death
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Mourners in eastern Congo have gathered to bury a 6-month-old girl who died from Ebola earlier this week. This is the third child from the orphanage to die from the disease in recent weeks. The funeral Friday highlights the impersonal nature of safe burial practices and the severity of the epidemic. The Ituri region, at the center of the outbreak, has reported 90% of cases. Residents have clashed with healthcare professionals over disrupted burials and a militarized response. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for this outbreak, has no approved treatment or vaccine. With 894 confirmed cases and more than 200 deaths, the outbreak is three times worse than a previous one in Uganda in 2000.
President Donald Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump has unveiled the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet now converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The plane features a bold navy blue and red exterior, departing from the traditional robin’s egg blue. It serves as a temporary solution until new Boeing jets arrive, expected in 2028. The Air Force plans to keep the current VC-25As in service alongside the new jet. The color scheme will also be used for other government aircraft. The Trump administration accepted the luxury jet from Qatar despite questions about the ethics and legality of accepting such a gift from a foreign government.
Nigerian migrants returning from South Africa face the same economic issues they left behind
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following a series of anti-migrant marches and reported attacks on some foreign nationals are struggling to settle into a new life back home. Some of those recently repatriated to Nigeria told The Associated Press how they were relieved at first upon their return but later became worried about their fate. The Nigerian government has said that in the short term the returnees will “receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited” with their families. But officials have not set out any long-term plans for them.
As Juneteenth is celebrated across the US, Obama's presidential center opens in Chicago
DALLAS (AP) — As people gathered to celebrate Juneteenth at events across the U.S., former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center. A million visitors a year are expected to come together at the sprawling campus honoring the nation’s first Black president. The center’s grand opening arrives as a symbolic convergence of legacy and liberation in this fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday. This year's Juneteenth events, held to celebrate the end of slavery, come during deep political divisions as the nation grapples with renewed questions about the arc of racial progress.
Starmer vows to fight as Burnham’s election win fuels a Labour leadership showdown
ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will fight attempts by rival Andy Burnham to oust him from office. Starmer said on Friday that he was elected on a “mandate for change” and will not “walk away.” He will run in a leadership contest if one is triggered. Burnham, Greater Manchester's mayor, won a seat in Parliament in a special election. He's looking to replace Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country. Burnham has led Manchester since 2017, overseeing rapid regeneration for the city where the Industrial Revolution was forged. He is pledging to repeat his successes on a national scale.
