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.
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.
US push to get Iran talks started hits an early bump. Vance stays at home, for now
ZURICH (AP) — The American push for high-stakes talks with Iran has hit a snag. Iranian officials didn't travel to Switzerland as planned for the talks and are insisting that fighting in Lebanon must stop first. That's according to three regional officials and person familiar with the matter. They weren't authorized to comment publicly. The officials say the situation is fluid as Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew their ceasefire after a period of intense fighting in southern Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance was prepared to meet with Iranian counterparts this weekend at a Swiss mountain resort before his trip was abruptly postponed.
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.
Two trains collide north of London, killing at least 1 person and seriously injuring dozens
LONDON (AP) — Emergency services rushed to the scene of a collision between two trains north of London on Friday afternoon that killed one person. A passenger reported that he was thrown into the by the impact and saw fellow travelers with broken bones and bloody injuries. Both trains were traveling south to London St. Pancras station when they collided outside the town of Bedford around 5:15 p.m.,(12:15 PM EDT) according to information on rail tracking websites. Emergency services deployed a number of resources to the scene including an air ambulance and hazardous incident team from the East of England Ambulance Service.
Hegseth attacks NATO allies and announces a review of US forces in Europe
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The review's outcome will depend on how quickly European allies take responsibility for their own security. Hegseth criticized NATO allies on Thursday for not providing access to bases for U.S. forces to launch attacks on Iran. He also accused Europe of prioritizing gender equity and climate change over defense. The review could impact NATO's collective security guarantee, but U.S. nuclear weapons will remain in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted a significant increase in European defense spending.
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.
What Americans think about Trump's handling of Iran, according to a new AP-NORC poll
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds that Trump’s approval on Iran remained low, at 34%, even as a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations materialized. The survey was conducted June 11-17, just after Trump called off threats to escalate the war with Iran. Respondents answered as Trump announced a deal with Iran and authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The poll concluded just before the deal was signed Wednesday. Trump’s overall presidential approval also held steady at 37%. Only about one-third of U.S. adults approve of his handling of Israel as tensions grow between the two countries.
James Burrows, director of classic TV comedies including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85
LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Burrows, the director behind iconic TV comedies like "Cheers," "Taxi," “Friends” and "Will and Grace," has died. His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Burrows directed over a thousand TV episodes, including “Friends.” He started his TV career at 35, working on shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Laverne & Shirley." He co-created "Cheers" and directed all episodes of "Will and Grace." Known for his kindness and generosity, Burrows was 85.
World shares are mixed and US futures fall after a tech-led rally on Wall St
BANGKOK (AP) — World shares are mixed, with markets in Greater China closed for holidays. U.S. futures declined as optimism over the U.S.-Iran deal to end their war was dimmed by the postponement of high-stakes talks on reopening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and getting oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Sentiment has also been hit by expectations that central banks including the Federal Reserve will keep raising interest rates to try to curb inflation. On Thursday, the S&P 500 rose 1.1% and the Dow industrials added 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite jumped 1.9%. U.S. markets will be closed Friday for Juneteenth.
