NPR News: 08-01-2026 3AM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman.
What are the latest developments in the proposed Hamas ceasefire and Israeli response?
Hamas says it will mostly disarm as part of a ceasefire deal announced by President Trump this week, but not until Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza. And it says it will not lay down its heavy weapons until a Palestinian state is established, which is something Israel rejects. But as NPR's Frank Langford reports, President Trump may be able to break through that stalemate with Israel.
People think Trump has leverage there as well because the U.S., of course, it's the biggest military supporter of Israel. Israelis are weary of war, but they're also, you know, they're kind of skeptical of this deal. And, of course, far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition, they hate it. Elections are coming in October. So Netanyahu, he finds himself in a tight position. There was one analyst I talked to who said that's a reason why Trump might not apply too much pressure right now.
The State Department is making its visa bond program permanent. Visitors from dozens of countries will now have to post a bond of up to $20,000 to obtain a visa, and that will only be returned once they leave the U.S. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.
The State Department started a pilot program last year requiring citizens of 50 countries, the majority in Africa, to pay a bond for a business or tourist visa. The department says this is aimed at stopping visa overstays, which dropped dramatically during the pilot program. The State Department also issued 83 percent fewer visas during that time period, according to a draft rule in the Federal Register. It says many applicants chose not to come to the U.S. rather than pay a bond. Critics say this is hurting the U.S. tourism industry, but the State Department says it's saving money on removal proceedings. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.
The FBI confirms Minnesota is not alone in finding that hackers have attacked its water sector. Federal investigators say at least seven states have now been affected. So far, the effects of the attacks appear limited, as NPR's Jen McLaughlin reports.
How might U.S. leverage influence Israel's stance ahead of October elections?
The FBI says cyber attacks are targeting machines responsible for monitoring and controlling water treatment plants across the country. In at least seven states, unidentified hackers have tampered with devices called programmable logic controllers, interfering with water operators' ability to monitor their systems, and in some cases causing pressure loss and flooding. The FBI recommends operators disconnect these devices from the internet. Cybersecurity experts tell NPR that there isn't conclusive evidence who's behind it, but the attacks are consistent with activity from Iranian hacking groups. A water cybersecurity organization notes that threats to water operators might be elevated right now, as Iran could seek retaliation for U.S.
strikes. Jen McLaughlin, NPR News.
Wall Street finished Friday on an up note. Amazon climbed 15 percent after showing a stronger profit for the spring than was expected, while Apple dropped. The S&P 500 climbed by seven-tenths, while the Dow Jones Industrials added half a percent, and the Nasdaq Composite jumped one percent. Treasury yields also climbed as worries grew about inflation potentially remaining high. You're listening to NPR News. FIFA has scrapped a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. NPR's Rafael Nam has our story.
In a statement, FIFA president Gianni Fontino acknowledged the project had created too many divisions. Under the plan unveiled on Tuesday, FIFA would have created a separate company to handle all commercial operations involving the World Cup and other tournaments. Even more controversially, FIFA said it would also sell stakes to minority investors. But UEFA, which represents European members, threatened to boycott the World Cup, saying soccer should never be for sale. FIFA top advisor Carlos Cordero quit on Friday to protest the plan, while the organization's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, sent a statement to the Associated Press also strongly opposing the project.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–0:03
2
What are the latest developments in the proposed Hamas ceasefire and Israeli response?
0:03–1:55
3
How might U.S. leverage influence Israel's stance ahead of October elections?
1:55–4:11
4
What countries and rules are included in the State Department's permanent visa bond program?
4:11–5:04