Associated Press

This gallery showcases today’s top photos, which were chosen by Associated Press photo editors. The collection includes coverage ranging from front page news to powerful moments that readers may have missed.

Parliamentary elections opened in Kazakhstan, an event expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s power following a constitutional overhaul that merged two parliament chambers into the single Kurultai. The vote occurs amid economic strain and geopolitical tensions, while authorities have simultaneously intensified crackdowns on press freedom against independent journalists.

Kazakhstan held a parliamentary election expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on power. The vote is part of a constitutional overhaul that merged parliament chambers into a single Kurultai and increased presidential authority. This political shift occurs against backdrops including economic inflation, public discontent, and intensifying crackdowns on media freedom.

Former Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker died at 94 from natural causes. She was a prominent figure in Congress who served three terms representing Kansas and built a reputation as an independent-minded moderate willing to stand up for her beliefs regardless of party affiliation. During her career, she developed working relationships across the aisle and became known for calling out political actions, including supporting an assault weapons ban and advocating for President Donald Trump's impeachment.

Former Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker of Kansas died at age 94 from natural causes. She served in the U.S. Senate for three terms, initially winning election in 1978 and serving until 1997. Throughout her career, she was known as an independent-minded Senator who worked across party lines and maintained a focus on Kansas.

The Americas are in a prime position to view a near-total lunar eclipse, which will mask about 96% of the moon’s surface. This celestial event is being viewed alongside the ongoing progress of space exploration by NASA, particularly in preparation for lunar missions and establishing bases. More than 3 billion people globally are positioned to catch at least part of this partial phase.

Cuba's U.N. ambassador argued that U.S. sanctions are stymying its efforts to open the economy through reforms. The U.S. continues imposing penalties, such as targeting state-owned industries and maintaining an oil blockade on Cuba. These measures have reportedly worsened blackouts, cut off workers from public transport, and deepened shortages of medicine and food.

In the high-altitude region of Tibet, people continue to utilize a centuries-old medical system for treating ailments, often combining it with conventional medicine. At the Xizang Autonomous Region Hospital of Tibetan Medicine in Lhasa, doctors practice both traditional and modern approaches to healthcare.

After an American student alleged she was sexually assaulted while in her bed during a group holiday in Vietnam, authorities charged a 23-year-old man with rape. The woman reported being pressured by the man’s family and initial police to settle the matter privately, but after seeking help from U.S. officials, legal proceedings were initiated in accordance with Vietnamese law.

An Associated Press investigation found that Israeli restrictions on goods entering the Gaza Strip have led to a booming illegal smuggling trade, with millions of dollars changing hands among various actors. The illicit passage of items, ranging from cigarettes and iPhones to anesthetics, has caused inflated prices for residents in Gaza. Profits are reported to flow not only to traders and middlemen but also potentially to Israeli soldiers and the Hamas-led government.

A Missouri judge ruled that constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the General Assembly, allowing a new map favored by Republicans to remain in place for the 2026 general election. The ruling was a major victory cited as helping determine control of the U.S. House. Opponents attempting to force a statewide referendum on the boundaries were unsuccessful.

A Missouri judge, Daniel Green, ruled that the state's constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting drawn by the General Assembly, allowing a Republican-backed map to remain for the 2026 general election. The ruling sided with Denny Hoskins and preserved boundaries passed by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature. This decision follows Donald Trump urging GOP-controlled states to redraw boundaries ahead of the midterms.

Prince Harry and Meghan plan to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay this fall but will not resume their roles as working members of the royal family. The couple's children, Archie and Lilibet, have enrolled in British schools starting in September. They intend to live at a private residence outside London while maintaining properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal.

The Justice Department stated there is no serious dispute that a social media post of seashells made by James Comey could be understood as a threat against President Donald Trump. Prosecutors questioned Comey's account regarding the shells and suggested his Instagram post was an effort to sell copies of a forthcoming novel. In response, Comey's lawyers contended that investigators had misled judges in their efforts to prove he intended a physical threat.

The Justice Department defended its prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey concerning a social media post featuring seashells. Prosecutors asserted that there is no serious dispute that this content could be understood as a threat against President Donald Trump, challenging Comey’s account of finding the shells in North Carolina. The government also suggested that the Instagram post was connected to promoting an upcoming novel about a far-right social media personality.

The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade with Iran after coming under renewed ballistic missile fire from the country, a move that will further isolate the Islamic Republic. This conflict follows earlier incidents where UAE Defense Ministry assessments showed missiles targeted maritime traffic in the region. The article notes that the UAE remains a critical re-export hub for Iran to access third-country goods and commercial infrastructure.

Israel's military stated it would launch criminal investigations into attacks including the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and fifteen Palestinian paramedics, while simultaneously declining to investigate three other incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. The statement was issued after reviews of 150 incidents were completed, yet it did not mention high-profile killings such as the August 2025 strike on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists.

Israel’s military announced it would launch criminal investigations into two attacks in Gaza: the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab's family and 15 Palestinian paramedics. However, the statement also specified that probes would not be launched concerning three other incidents involving World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders aid workers. The article noted that previous high-profile events unmentioned included an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists.

Senator Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola advanced in Alaska’s nonpartisan primary race for his seat. The Associated Press reported that both qualified for the November general election, setting up a marquee race during US midterm elections.

Prosecutors argue that an engraved bullet found in a suspected murder weapon, inscribed “Hey Facist! CATCH!”, demonstrates that Charlie Kirk was targeted due to his politics. Prosecutors also noted text messages and alleged handwritten notes suggesting political animus on the part of defendant Tyler Robinson. The legal dispute centers on whether these actions constitute aggravating factors for which Robinson would be eligible for the death penalty.

Ukrainian drone crews launched waves of drones targeting large logistics centers and retail warehouses in Russia, including a massive site near Moscow and Wildberries depots. These long-range attacks aim to strike military, industrial, and logistical sites deep inside Russia. Ukraine seeks to increase pressure on the Kremlin by demonstrating the war's consequences to the Russian public.

Ukrainian drones targeted massive logistics centers and retail warehouses outside Moscow, with attacks designed to strike military, industrial, and logistical sites deep inside Russia. Launching the assaults was the 413th “Raid” Unmanned Systems Regiment, which aims to make the war’s consequences visible to the Russian public. Kyiv officials hope these actions will pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiating a peace settlement.

Wyoming Republicans nominated Eric Barlow for governor after a four-way primary that also saw Megan Degenfelder finish second and Brent Bien finish third. Barlow is scheduled to face Democrat Kenneth Casner in the general election on Nov. 3. The article notes that every statewide elected office in Wyoming is currently held by a Republican.

Palestinian American Loui Ridi returned to his home in Qusra, West Bank, where he confronted Israeli settlers, demanding that Israeli forces remove them from his property. However, soldiers told him he must remain inside as the area was a closed military zone. Ridi stated that the confrontation showed the army's inability or unwillingness to clear the area of encroaching settlers.

Colorado is joining dozens of states in a California lawsuit against Meta, claiming that its platforms are harming the mental health of young users. The 2023 suit alleges that Meta promotes addictive features and illegally collects personal data from kids under 13, violating COPPA. State officials state this action was taken because the company allegedly prioritized profits over the safety of minors.

Palestinian American Loui Ridi returned to his home in Qusra, West Bank, where he confronted Israeli settlers who remained on his property. Despite the soldiers pleading with the settlers to leave, Ridi stated that he saw at least three settlers too close and worried about threats to his family. The encounter highlighted how the army has been unable or unwilling to clear the area of settlers.

Over 70,000 potential migrants from Morocco attempted to cross into Ceuta, a Spanish territory. At least 90 people died during this deadly migration surge between Morocco and Spain. Both Moroccan and Spanish authorities blamed social media rumors and human smuggling networks for the major crossing attempt.

Over 70,000 migrants from Morocco attempted to reach Ceuta last month in what became a deadly migration crisis between Morocco and Spain. At least 90 people died attempting to cross the border, with authorities blaming social media rumors and human smuggling networks for the surge.

Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," died at age 36. Her father announced her passing, stating she was an incredible light. She was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, according to the Greenville Police Department; the cause of death is under investigation.

A powerful earthquake hit Flores island, killing at least 68 people and injuring more than 200 others while damaging over 1,300 homes across East Nusa Tenggara province. Amid this devastation, thousands of residents waited for essential aid as Indonesia marked its Independence Day. Authorities deployed military and police personnel to the disaster zone and established emergency field hospitals in the worst-hit towns.

A powerful earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province on Flores, Indonesia, killing at least 54 people and damaging over 1,300 homes. Thousands of residents remain in temporary shelters, awaiting urgent aid amid widespread devastation. Authorities declared a state of emergency while logistical challenges complicate relief efforts.

Cambodian children attend school in floating villages along the Tonle Sap lake via gas-powered boats, but rising fuel prices due to the Iran war are increasing transportation costs. This has caused some students to quit school and begin working. Furthermore, cash-strapped governments across hard-hit Asia struggle to fund essential education initiatives.

A powerful earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province on Flores, killing at least 54 people and damaging over 1,300 homes across the region. Thousands of residents are still awaiting aid days after the quake, overshadowing Indonesia's Independence Day celebration. The province's governor declared a 14-day state of emergency amid widespread devastation, though logistical challenges have slowed relief deliveries.

A powerful earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, killing at least 54 people and damaging over 1,300 homes; thousands of residents on Flores waited for aid while mourning victims. Despite a state of emergency being declared and military personnel deploying, logistical challenges continue to slow the delivery of much-needed supplies to hard-hit communities.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin in the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is charged with murder relating to Tupac Shakur’s death nearly 30 years ago. Prosecutors allege that Davis organized the shooting as revenge after Shakur and his entourage beat up Davis’ nephew at the MGM Grand. Family members traveled to Las Vegas for the trial, hoping it will reveal the truth about the killing.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is running for reelection to Congress in a new district after Republicans reshaped Florida's congressional map, requiring her to cross from her Fort Lauderdale exurb into an area of Broward County. This move has sparked debate among critics who argue it represents an erasure of history and threatens Black representation. The redrawings followed U.S. Supreme Court decisions that affected the Voting Rights Act provisions.

President Donald Trump blamed vandals for large swaths of dead grass near the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, where he hosted a July 4 celebration. These accusations were made despite U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office concluding that damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from poor construction rather than vandalism. Authorities had previously announced an arrest related to unrelated acts of vandalism at the World War II Memorial.

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia's Flores region, raising the death toll to 51 and displacing thousands of residents. Rescuers continue to dig through rubble and landslides across six regencies, focusing on inaccessible areas like Manggarai and East Manggarai. Efforts are challenging due to communication disruptions and power outages.

Gun rights advocates are celebrating a ruling that makes obtaining firearm suppressors and certain weapons easier, following reductions to taxes previously established by the National Firearms Act of 1934. Lawmaker Andrew Clyde stated this action removed tax restrictions, enabling groups to argue that added federal registration requirements are therefore unconstitutional.

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to stalking charges after admitting that he targeted and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during a 2024 visit. Following his plea, his lawyers filed paperwork seeking to dismiss the parallel state murder case on double jeopardy grounds. Prosecutors plan to seek a life sentence, citing evidence including video footage, DNA, fingerprints, and a recovered pistol.