EU leaders squabble over outreach to Moscow as Ukraine war rages

BRUSSELS (AP) – European Union leaders have been unable to agree on setting up a back-channel with Moscow to ensure that the bloc’s interests are protected should progress be made in negotiations to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, some of them said on Friday.

Netanyahu vows Israel will maintain occupied 'security zone' in Lebanon

Netanyahu vows Israeli forces will maintain occupied ‘security zone’ in southern Lebanon

Towns in southern Lebanon around Nabatiyeh hit by new Israeli airstrikes

Towns in southern Lebanon around Nabatiyeh hit by new Israeli airstrikes

As Juneteenth is celebrated across the US, Obama's presidential center opens

DALLAS (AP) – As people gathered across the U.S. to celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center.

Editorials from The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Senators seek to block Hegseth travel funds until release of report on Iran school strike

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senators are seeking to block Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon submits several overdue reports to lawmakers, including its investigation into a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran at the start of the U.S.-Israeli war.

Worshipers in Tehran skeptical US will honor initial deal with Iran to end war

Worshipers in Tehran skeptical US will honor initial deal with Iran to end war

About 100 Colombian guerrilla dissidents disarm under peace talks with government

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – About a hundred Colombian guerrilla dissidents on Thursday surrendered their weapons in a step toward their gradual reintegration into civilian life as part of a peace process with the government of President Gustavo Petro.

Trump presents the Medal of Honor to 3 veterans for heroism

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump gave the Medal of Honor to three veterans on Thursday, honoring acts of heroism that saved lives and repelled enemy forces in Vietnam and Afghanistan.