G7 leaders tackle migration, AI and economic security at summit in Italy

BARI, Italy (AP) — Leaders of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations turned their attention to migration, artificial intelligence, economic security and the Indo-Pacific region on the second and final day of their summit. They stressed on Friday their determination to meet global challenges “at a crucial moment in history.” The gathering in a luxury resort in Italy’s southern Puglia region also discussed other major topics, including financial support for Ukraine, the war in Gaza, climate change, Iran, the situation in the Red Sea, gender equality, as well as China’s industrial policy and economic security. Divisions did emerge during the summit, however, notably over the lack of a reference to abortion in the summit’s final declaration.

Putin offers truce if Ukraine exits Russian-claimed areas and drops NATO bid

(AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and to begin negotiations if Kyiv started withdrawing troops from the four regions annexed by Moscow in 2022 and renounced plans to join NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected what he called an ultimatum by Putin and compared it to actions by Adolf Hitler that led to World War II. Putin’s remarks came as leaders of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations met in Italy and as Switzerland prepared to host scores of world leaders — but not Russia — this weekend to try to map out first steps toward peace in Ukraine.

South African president set for reelection after dramatic late coalition agreement

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be reelected for a second term after his African National Congress party signed a last-minute coalition agreement with its long-time political rival as the new Parliament convened to choose the country’s leader. The deal that was dramatically finalized on Friday will bring the ANC together in government with the Democratic Alliance, a white-led party that had for years been the main opposition and a fierce foe for the ANC. At least two other smaller parties will also be part of the agreement that put South Africa into uncharted waters with the first national coalition government in its democratic history.

Princess of Wales says she’s making ‘good progress’ in cancer treatment

LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales says she is “making good progress” in her cancer treatment and will attend Saturday’s royal Trooping the Color ceremony, Kate’s first public appearance since her diagnosis. The 42-year-old wife of Prince William has not made any public appearances this year. She announced in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspecified form of cancer. She says in a statement Friday: “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.” She added that she faces “a few more months” of treatment.