Strong turnout in French elections as far-right support grows
PARIS (AP) — Voters in mainland France are participating in early parliamentary elections. The outcome of the two-round vote could result in far-right parties taking control of France’s government for the first time since the Nazi era. This potential shift in power could have implications for European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine, and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal. Many French voters are disillusioned with President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, perceiving it as out of touch. Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party is leading in pre-election polls, while a new left-wing coalition poses a challenge to Macron’s moderate policies.
American and British voters share deep distrust in their leaders
DARTFORD, England (AP) — Both British and American voters are heading to the polls in the same year for the first time in over three decades. Voters in both countries express skepticism towards their government and leaders, citing years of scandals, lies, and misinformation that have diminished their optimism. The U.S. presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is marked by negative campaigning, while the U.K. election reflects a desire for change after 14 years under the Conservatives. July 4 serves as a symbolic moment for both countries, showcasing the challenges and dynamics of their democratic systems.
Debate over tracking gun store sales splits states
A divide is forming among states on whether to track sales by gun stores. California has implemented a law requiring credit card networks to assign special retail codes to gun stores, aiming to flag suspicious purchases and prevent mass shootings. In contrast, states like Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, and Wyoming have passed laws prohibiting the use of special codes for gun shop transactions. Seventeen states have imposed restrictions on category codes for gun retailers, with California, Colorado, and New York leading the way in this effort.
Hurricane Beryl intensifies into a Category 4 storm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl has upgraded to a powerful Category 4 storm as it approaches the southeast Caribbean, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek shelter. The storm poses a significant threat to Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with forecasters warning of life-threatening winds and storm surge. Beryl’s maximum sustained winds reach 130 mph, and it is moving westward at a rapid pace.
Small businesses offer summer hours to boost morale
NEW YORK (AP) — Summer hours, a reduced schedule on Fridays during the summer months, are seen as a perk that small businesses can provide to their employees to enhance morale. In a competitive job market, offering summer hours can help smaller companies attract talent and improve employee satisfaction.
Extreme heat worsens conditions for India’s garbage pickers
JAMMU, India (AP) — Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating the already dangerous and miserable conditions for India’s waste pickers. Landfill fires and increased emissions from decomposing garbage pose health risks to these workers, who already face hazardous conditions in extreme heat. For many waste pickers like 65-year-old Usmaan Shekh, their livelihood depends on daily earnings that barely sustain their families.
Pride festivities conclude with marches and protests
NEW YORK (AP) — LGBTQ+ Pride month culminates in festive celebrations and political protests in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The monthlong observance of Pride is marked by colorful parades and events that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. However, tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict have created divisions within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to disruptions at some Pride events.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy appeals for Western support amid ongoing conflict
DONETSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges Western countries to relax targeting restrictions for Ukraine as Russia continues its bombardment. Drone footage reveals civilian casualties in areas heavily impacted by Russian attacks, prompting renewed calls for international assistance. The situation in war-torn regions like Toretsk remains precarious, despite recent military support from the United States.
Louisiana enforces new requirement for Ten Commandments in classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is facing legal challenges. The implementation and enforcement of this law remain uncertain, with questions arising about funding and practicality. The contentious legislation reflects a broader conservative push to incorporate religious principles into educational settings.
Community demands accountability for fatal police shooting of 13-year-old
A 13-year-old boy’s shooting by police in central New York sparks calls for justice from his relatives and community members. The state attorney general is investigating the incident, which involved police shooting the boy after a foot chase. The release of body camera footage has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the shooting and the use of force by law enforcement.
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