France’s highly consequential election has commenced, with the far right leading in pre-election polls.
PARIS (AP) — Mainland France is currently in the midst of the first round of a crucial parliamentary election. This two-round vote has the potential to shift France’s government towards far-right parties for the first time since the Nazi era. The outcome could have ripple effects on European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine, and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal. Many French voters are expressing frustration over inflation and economic issues, viewing President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership as disconnected. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party, focused on anti-immigration, has capitalized on and fueled this discontent, leading in all pre-election opinion polls. A new left-wing coalition also poses a challenge to Macron’s moderate stance.
Following the president’s debate misstep, Jill Biden is now stepping in to convey the message that they remain committed.
EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Jill Biden has been by her husband’s side consistently since his difficult debate performance against Republican Donald Trump on Thursday night. The first lady has been energetically defending her husband’s qualities and his ability to serve for another term. She is also signaling that there is no intention to pull back from the president’s determination to continue with his campaign, despite calls for him to step aside. Jill Biden has always been a key confidant and advocate for her husband, but her role has taken on greater significance this year, leading some Trump supporters to question if she is the one driving the ship.
A closed-door meeting of top Democrats is fueling internal frustration over Biden’s debate performance.
NEW YORK (AP) — A deep sense of concern is rising among certain Democratic officials over the perceived lack of acknowledgement by Joe Biden’s campaign leaders and the Democratic National Committee concerning the impact of the president’s underwhelming debate performance. During a Saturday afternoon call with numerous DNC members from around the country, DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison did not address Biden’s weak showing or the wave of criticism that followed. Instead, the chief Biden ally offered an optimistic outlook on the president’s future prospects. Participants described the call as one-sided, ignoring widespread fears among the committee members about Biden’s ability to secure a victory in November. The call did not permit questions, with the chat function disabled.
Beryl has strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic and is expected to intensify into a major storm as it approaches the Caribbean.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Beryl has developed into a hurricane in the Atlantic and is forecast to become a major storm as it moves towards the Caribbean. A hurricane warning has been issued for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The storm’s center is projected to pass just south of Barbados. As of late Saturday, Beryl was located about 595 miles east-southeast of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, moving west at 20 mph. Thousands of people are in Barbados for the Twenty20 World Cup cricket final, where India triumphed over South Africa on Saturday.
The US and Europe are cautioning Lebanon’s Hezbollah to de-escalate attacks on Israel and avert a broader conflict in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON (AP) — American, European, and Arab mediators are working to prevent the recent increase in cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants from evolving into a wider conflict in the Middle East. Efforts for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which would help reduce attacks by Hezbollah and other Iranian-allied groups, have been met with challenges. With this in mind, American and European diplomats are warning Hezbollah against engaging in a military confrontation with Israel. Despite a plateau in escalating strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, there are concerns that Israelis are preparing for a more significant conflict, according to a former U.S. diplomat in the region.
American and British voters, each with deep historical ties, share a common distrust of their own leaders in 2024.
DARTFORD, England (AP) — Both British and American voters are heading to the polls in the same year for the first time in over thirty years. Voters in both countries express skepticism towards the candidates and their governments, citing a history of scandals, lies, and misinformation that have eroded their faith in the political system. The rematch between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump is marred by personal attacks, while in the UK, the July 4 vote signifies a desire for change after fourteen years under the Conservative party. July 4 serves as a snapshot of the world’s largest democracy and the nation that inspired it, two and a half centuries after their separation.
Parties and protests mark the culmination of LGBTQ+ Pride month in NYC, San Francisco, and beyond.
NEW YORK (AP) — LGBTQ+ Pride month concludes with vibrant celebrations as rainbow-clad supporters gather for parades in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, among others worldwide. These events serve as both festive gatherings and platforms for political activism. This year’s celebrations have been affected by tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, revealing divisions within the community that is usually united on social issues. Pro-Palestinian activists have disrupted several pride events held this month, prompting heightened security measures for upcoming marches.
Canada’s WestJet airline cancels over 400 flights due to a surprise strike by the mechanics union.
TORONTO (AP) — WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has canceled more than 400 flights impacting nearly 50,000 passengers following a strike by the maintenance workers’ union. The unexpected strike affecting both international and domestic flights coincides with the Canada Day long weekend. WestJet expressed extreme discontent over the situation, which unfolded after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration. This decision came after weeks of tumultuous negotiations with the union over a new agreement.
Newly released video shows a New York officer fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy, who was on the ground after running from police and pointing a replica gun.
NEW YORK (AP) — A body camera video released by the Utica Police Department depicts an officer in upstate New York fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy who had been tackled to the ground after fleeing from the police while brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. The incident occurred on Friday night after officers stopped two youths; one of them ran and pointed what seemed to be a firearm at the officers. The department later recovered a replica handgun with a detachable magazine from the scene. The state attorney general will lead the investigation into the shooting to determine its justification.
For India’s waste pickers, an arduous and perilous job is exacerbated by extreme heat.
JAMMU, India (AP) — In India, up to four million individuals eke out a living by scavenging through landfills in search of items to sell. These waste pickers endure hazardous conditions, which are becoming more perilous due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. In the city of Jammu, where temperatures have exceeded 43 degrees Celsius (110 Fahrenheit) this summer, the heat poses a serious threat. Beyond the heat, summer brings an increased risk of landfill fires, releasing toxic fumes from burning materials like plastics. The decomposition of garbage also accelerates with the rising temperatures, leading to higher emissions of methane and carbon dioxide. One waste picker, 65-year-old Usmaan Shekh, aims to earn $4 a day to support his family, underscoring the difficult circumstances faced by those in this occupation.
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