Far-right gains in the EU election deal stunning defeats to France’s Macron and Germany’s Scholz
BRUSSELS (AP) — Far-right parties made major gains in European Union parliamentary elections, dealing stunning defeats to two of the bloc’s most important leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In France, the National Rally party of Marine Le Pen dominated the polls Sunday to such an extent that Macron immediately dissolved the national parliament and called for new elections. It was a massive political risk since his party could suffer more losses, hobbling the rest of his presidential term that ends in 2027. Le Pen was delighted to accept the challenge.
Here’s what happened in some key countries in the EU Parliament elections
BRUSSELS (AP) — It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the EU elections. Voters cast ballots in two dozen languages in 27 countries with scores of different campaign issues. There were some key races to watch in the June 6-9 elections for a new European Parliament. They include France, where President Emmanuel Macron’s party lost so badly to the far right that he called snap legislative elections. In Italy, Premier Giorgia Meloni is slated to strengthen her influence in the EU via the result for her party, which has neo-fascist roots.
UN food agency pauses its aid work at US pier in Gaza over security concerns, in latest setback
WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the U.N. World Food Program says the program has “paused” its distribution of humanitarian aid from an American-built pier off Gaza out of concern for the safety of its workers. WFP head Cindy McCain spoke a day after a successful Israeli military raid to free four hostages left at least 274 Palestinians and one Israeli commando dead. McCain told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that two of WFP’s warehouses in Gaza had been “rocketed” Saturday and a staffer injured. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which helps coordinate distribution of aid from the pier, says it’s working to ensure delivery from the pier resumes after humanitarian groups finish the security review.
Centrist Benny Gantz is quitting Israel’s war Cabinet, citing frustrations with Netanyahu
JERUSALEM (AP) — Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s three-man war Cabinet, has announced his resignation, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mismanaging the war effort and putting his own “political survival” over the country’s security needs. The move does not immediately pose a threat to Netanyahu, who still controls a majority coalition in parliament. But he becomes more heavily reliant on far-right allies who oppose the latest U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal and want to press ahead with the war. Gantz joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. His presence boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners. Gantz had previously said he would leave the government by June 8 if Netanyahu didn’t formulate a plan for postwar Gaza.
Trump complains about his teleprompters at a scorching Las Vegas rally
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former President Donald Trump rallied voters in the scorching heat of Las Vegas. His campaign loaded up on water bottles, hired extra medics and allowed supporters to carry umbrellas at the outdoor rally. Temperatures reached the triple digits Sunday as Trump courts voters in the battleground state. Campaign organizers handed out water bottles as supporters waited in line to be screened by security officers. At the venue, large misting fans and cooling tents were placed around the perimeter. Temperatures in the Southwest have cooled since reaching historic highs late last week but remain above normal for this time of year.
Trump to undergo probation interview Monday, a required step before his New York sentencing
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be interviewed by New York probation officials. The Monday interview is a required step before his July sentencing in his criminal hush money case. Three people familiar with the plan say Trump will do the interview via a computer video conference from his Florida home. The three people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to disclose the plans publicly. The usual purpose of a probation interview is to prepare a report that will tell the judge more about the defendant. Trump says he is innocent of any crime.
Hunter Biden’s family weathers a public and expansive airing in federal court of his drug addiction
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hunter Biden’s family has gone to great lengths to support him as he stands trials for lying on a federal gun purchase form when he said he didn’t have a drug problem. Jill Biden has been a regular presence in the federal courtroom in Delaware, and other family members have attended. Every family wrestles with personal challenges, and politicians are often left to do so in public. But the airing in open court of tawdry details surrounding Hunter Biden’s addiction is of an order of greater magnitude. And it’s happening in the glare of an election year. The president’s family has shown a steadfast determination to ensure that Hunter Biden doesn’t weather it alone.
Venezuela’s ruling party tests its organizing efforts ahead of next month’s presidential election
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s ruling party is feeling its decades-long grip on power under threat. So on Sunday, it tested a voter organizing campaign aimed at shoring up President Nicolás Maduro’s bid for a third term. The assessment followed weeks of efforts by local organizers of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela to increase support for Maduro. Each was tasked with adding into a database 10 voters who have promised to vote for Maduro in the highly anticipated July 28 presidential election. Local organizers as well as voters who pledged their support were expected to receive verification phone calls Sunday. The effort to measure support comes as the party’s base is no longer the reliable force that used to easily claim electoral victories,
Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movement
NEW YORK (AP) — Lawmakers have approved legislation that would rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots. The state Legislature approved a bill Wednesday that would change the name of the Christopher Street-Sheridan Square subway station in Greenwich Village to the Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station. The bill now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her approval. Her office did not comment Sunday. The Stonewall Inn was raided by police in June 1969, sparking a riot and several days of protests. It marked a seminal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the French Open for a third Grand Slam title at 21 by beating Alexander Zverev
PARIS (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz has come back to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 to win the French Open for his third Grand Slam title. Alcaraz is a 21-year-old from Spain who becomes the youngest man to collect major championships on three surfaces. Sunday’s victory allows him to add the clay-court trophy from Roland Garros to his triumphs on hard courts at the U.S. Open in 2022 and on grass at Wimbledon in 2023. He is now 3-0 in Grand Slam finals. Zverev dropped to 0-2 in major title matches. He was the runner-up at the 2020 U.S. Open after blowing a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem.
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