French voters have propelled the far-right National Rally to a strong lead in the first round of legislative elections, according to polling projections, leading to political uncertainty in France. French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for the surprise elections three weeks ago, urged voters to unite against the far right. Polling agencies project that the National Rally has a good chance of winning a majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time, with an estimated one-third of the first-round vote, nearly double their 18% in the first round in 2022.
British and American voters, sharing deep roots, express distrust towards their own leaders in 2024. They cite years of scandal, lies, and misinformation that have diminished their optimism and excitement. They are unhappy with the personal attacks characterizing the rematch between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump. In the UK, the July 4 vote is driven by a strong desire for change after 14 years under the Conservatives, providing insight into these two major democracies 250 years after they separated.
An Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank has resulted in the death of a Palestinian militant and injuries to five others. The strike targeted the Nur Shams refugee camp, known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants. This incident comes amid increased violence in the occupied West Bank following the Gaza war in October.
Hurricane Beryl has intensified into a Category 4 storm as it nears the southeast Caribbean, prompting authorities to issue hurricane warnings for several islands. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening winds and storm surge from Beryl as it moves toward Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals to Western countries to ease targeting restrictions for Ukraine, as Russia continues to launch glide bombs in the region. Drone footage reveals civilian casualties in the town of Toretsk, Donetsk region, prompting intensified evacuation efforts by Ukrainian rescue services.
The conclusion of LGBTQ+ Pride Month is marked by parades in major cities worldwide, combining celebratory events with political protests. Tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict have affected some pride events, underscoring divisions within the LGBTQ+ community.
Senior Democrats publicly support President Joe Biden amid private concerns about his debate performance. While acknowledging the challenges Biden faces, party officials reaffirm their backing for his 2024 presidential candidacy.
The family of a 13-year-old boy shot by police in central New York demands accountability for his death. The shooting is under investigation by the state attorney general, with police releasing body camera footage showing the boy aiming what appeared to be a BB gun at officers.
Small businesses can boost morale by offering summer hours, allowing employees to enjoy a reduced schedule on Fridays during the summer months. This offering can help attract and retain talent in a competitive job market.
States are divided on tracking sales by gun stores, with some implementing measures to flag suspicious purchases, while others prohibit the use of special codes for gun shop transactions.
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