Request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint, ex-prosecutors say

NEW YORK (AP) — Ex-federal prosecutors say a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecution of chronic sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend is unlikely to produce much, if anything, to satisfy the public's appetite for new revelations about the financier's crimes. Attorney Sarah Krissoff, who was an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan from from 2008 to 2021, calls a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts in the prosecutions of Epstein and imprisoned British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell a distraction. The request came as some supporters of President Donald Trump blasted his administration for reneging on a vow to make public key evidence.

Officials say 85 Palestinians seeking aid are killed in Gaza as Israel widens evacuation orders

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza’s Health Ministry says the territory has experienced its deadliest day for aid-seekers in over 21 months of conflict, with at least 85 Palestinians killed while seeking aid. On Sunday, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on crowds near aid convoys, killing dozens in northern Gaza. The U.N. has confirmed massive crowds gathered as 25 aid trucks entered the area. Israel's military claims it targeted groups posing threats and accused Hamas of creating chaos. Meanwhile, new evacuation orders for central Gaza have alarmed residents and disrupted aid efforts. The ongoing conflict has killed over 58,800 Palestinians, with Gaza facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Russia insists on achieving Ukraine goals despite Trump's ultimatum

Russia says it's open to peace with Ukraine but insists achieving its goals remains a priority. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s demands on Sunday, including Ukraine withdrawing from Russia-annexed regions and abandoning its NATO aspirations. Kyiv and its allies have rejected those terms. Meanwhile, Russia continues escalating drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, with analysts predicting further intensification. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He also announced increased U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems.

Ishiba's coalition loses majority in Japan's upper house election

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in the upper house of parliament. The coalition fell short of the 50 seats needed to secure a majority in the 248-seat chamber. This follows their October loss in the lower house, leaving the coalition a minority in both houses for the first time since 1955. Ishiba has vowed to stay on despite mounting challenges, including economic struggles and U.S. trade tensions. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including populist groups, gained ground, reflecting voter frustration with rising prices and political instability. Calls for Ishiba to step down may intensify.

Texas Republicans aim to redraw House districts at Trump's urging, but there's a risk

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session that starts Monday. It's a move urged by President Donald Trump as a way to help the GOP retain control of the U.S. House in next year’s midterm elections. The midcycle redrawing of political lines complicates Democrats’ plans to begin regaining power in Washington, and they have few avenues to push back. But the move also has risks for Republicans. Some Texas districts considered safe for conservatives will have to add more Democratic voters.

Volunteers flock to immigration courts to support migrants arrested in the hallways

SEATTLE (AP) — A diverse group of volunteers from faith leaders to grandmothers to retired lawyers have been escorting people to immigration courts across the country. They provide moral support and bear witness if people are taken away by masked ICE officers. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle had so many wanting to volunteer that they created an online signup sheet, a   training video and multilingual “Know Your Rights” sheets to hand out. As President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign unleashes fear among asylum-seekers, immigrants and their families, these volunteers are helping families as people disappear into detention.

Missing loved ones leave those left behind with 'ambiguous loss' — a form of frozen grief

Families of missing loved ones face a unique and agonizing grief called ambiguous loss. Experts explain this as the pain of uncertainty when a loved one's fate is unknown, leaving families in emotional limbo. Rachel Ganz, whose husband vanished in Missouri during April floods, describes waking daily to unbearable questions about his fate. Similar anguish affects families worldwide, from Ukraine to Israel and Gaza, as they navigate loss without closure. Experts say the lack of rituals intensifies the pain. Support can come from acknowledging their struggle and offering silent presence, as words often fail to comfort in such profound uncertainty.

The 2026 Senate map is tough for Democrats, but Republicans have their own headaches

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are encountering some early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority next year. Democrats still face the uphill battle in the midterms. Democrats need to net four seats to regain control, and most of the 2026 contests are in states that President Donald Trump easily won in November. But Democrats see reasons for hope in the Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. And in states like North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear field of candidates.

Less selection, higher prices: How tariffs are shaping the holiday shopping season

NEW YORK (AP) — Midway through summer, U.S. retailers are sweating a different season. It’s less than 22 weeks before Christmas, and American businesses that make and sell consumer goods usually nail down their holiday orders and prices at this time of year. But President Donald Trump's vacillating tariffs on imported goods have complicated the process. The consequences for consumers? Stores may not have the specific gift items customers want come November and December. Some retail suppliers and buyers scaled back their holiday lines. Businesses still are finalizing their prices but say shoppers can expect many popular products to cost more, though by how much depends partly on whether Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal” tariffs kicks in Aug. 1.

Scottie Scheffler dominates in British Open victory for his 2nd major title this year

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the champion golfer of the year and one step closer to the career Grand Slam. The world's No. 1 player dominated the British Open on Sunday at Royal Portrush. He led by as many as seven shots and shot a 68 to win by four shots. Scheffler won his second major of the year after the PGA Championship. Now he goes to the U.S. Open next year with a chance to complete the Grand Slam. Harris English was runner-up. Rory McIlroy started slowly and never had a chance before an adoring gallery in his native Northern Ireland.