Author: CNN

CNN — Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party triumphed in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections, positioning it closer to power than ever before. The RN garnered 33.15% of the vote, outpacing the left-wing New Popular Front at 27.99% and President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance at 20.76%, pointing towards a potential hung parliament. Despite the RN’s potential seat lead, they may fall short of an absolute majority, indicating more political uncertainty for France. Projections suggest RN could secure between 230 and 280 seats, NFP between 125 and 165, and Ensemble between 70 and 100, with a total…

Violence erupted in Jerusalem as protesters demonstrated against the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli military. The protests turned ugly, with demonstrators attacking law enforcement officers and a minister’s car. Rioters threw stones at police officers and Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf’s car, setting trash cans and the road on fire, blocking the highway. Fortunately, police evacuated the minister safely, and he was unharmed. Ultra-Orthodox Jews have been protesting since the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that they must be drafted into the military, ending their exemption. While both men and women are subject to mandatory conscription in Israel, the ruling specifically…

China’s Former Defense Ministers Expelled for Corruption Hong Kong CNN — China has recently confirmed that its two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were under investigation for corruption. This revelation has highlighted deep-seated deception within Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s military modernization strategy, casting doubts on the country’s combat readiness amid escalating global tensions. Despite their initial strong stance on military matters, both Li and Wei were expelled from the ruling Communist Party and are now facing charges brought by military prosecutors. This development is part of a larger effort to purge corrupt officials from the Chinese defense…

CNN — Joe Biden’s performance at the CNN presidential debate against Donald Trump has raised concerns with US allies, particularly within NATO and Europe. Despite concerns about Biden’s age and speech performance, allies believe he surrounds himself with sensible people and will continue to make rational decisions. US allies fear that instability in American leadership could create opportunities for adversaries like China and Russia to exploit weaknesses in the democratic system. Speculation about Biden’s ability to govern may lead to division and distrust, impacting crucial policy decisions. These concerns highlight the importance of stability in leadership, especially during uncertain times.…

Tragic Missile Strike in Ukraine: Children Among 7 Dead At least 7 people, including children, were killed and 31 injured in a devastating Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian officials confirmed the attack on the town of Vilniansk, leaving a trail of destruction. The head of Zaporizhzhia regional military administration declared a day of mourning, emphasizing the pain and loss felt by the community. The strike damaged critical infrastructure, residential buildings, and a retail store. Witness accounts paint a grim picture of the incident, with one resident highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children celebrating a…

The Pentagon and USAID Inspectors General have initiated reviews of the US humanitarian mission to Gaza, focusing on the challenges faced by the military’s temporary pier. The pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS), has encountered setbacks such as breaking apart in heavy seas and disruptions in aid distribution. The Defense Department IG will evaluate DoD’s efforts in facilitating aid delivery through the maritime corridor, while the USAID IG will assess the agency’s control over aid distribution, specifically to the World Food Programme. Congressional Republicans have criticized the pier as a waste of taxpayer money. The situation…

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. For support outside of the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide. Karachi, Pakistan CNN — Holding a mirror steady in one hand, Arzo carefully applies pencil to her brows as she gets ready for an English lesson a short walk from…

CNN  —  In France, the first round of the snap parliamentary election is underway, posing a potential threat to President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance. Macron, reeling from a recent defeat by the far-right National Rally, made the bold decision to call for early elections, the first in nearly 30 years. The outcome could lead to an uneasy cohabitation between Macron and the far right. The National Assembly, responsible for passing domestic laws, will be closely watched as the election unfolds. The possibility of a divided government, known as “cohabitation,” looms large, potentially complicating decision-making in critical areas as France prepares…

Welcome to the World of Politics: A Recap of the Latest News Washington CNN — In the world of politics, every move can make or break a campaign. Former President Donald Trump’s recent success following a debate with President Joe Biden is a testament to this reality. Trump’s powerful performance has put him in a position to secure a non-consecutive second term, marking a stunning political comeback. Trump’s year of peaks and disasters Trump’s legal battles and courtroom victories have also contributed to his recent success. With the Supreme Court handing him favorable news regarding obstruction charges, Trump’s path to…

CNN — The United States is proposing new language to facilitate discussions for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The three-phase Israeli proposal, revealed by President Joe Biden, aims to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza. However, hopes for a breakthrough were dimmed when Hamas responded with additional amendments earlier this month, and Israel has not publicly accepted the plan. CNN contributor Barak Ravid, reporting for Axios, cited three unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The US is urging…