Jean-Marie Le Pen, a pivotal figure in France’s far-right movement, has died at 96. Founder of the National Front, he was elected to the French National Assembly in 1956 and led the party until his daughter, Marine Le Pen, rebranded it as National Rally. His career included five unsuccessful presidential bids and a term in the European Parliament until 2019. While some praised his dedication to France, others criticized his legacy of spreading hatred and racism. Jean-Luc Mélenchon emphasized the ongoing fight against the ideologies Le Pen promoted. Ava Sinclair 07/01/2025 5:30 pm
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck western China and Nepal, killing at least 126 people in Tibet and injuring 188. Hundreds of homes were damaged, and streets were filled with rubble. Rescue workers searched for survivors amid aftershocks. In Nepal, the quake was strongly felt, but no injuries or damage were initially reported. The epicenter was near Mount Everest, and the quake was relatively shallow at 10 kilometers deep. Penelope Kingsley 07/01/2025 5:30 pm
Ten years after the deadly jihadist attack, Charlie Hebdo released a special issue to affirm its enduring spirit. The 2015 attack by the Kouachi brothers killed 12, including prominent cartoonists and a Muslim policeman. Amedy Coulibaly, an associate, killed four Jews in a related attack. Despite ongoing security measures, Charlie Hebdo maintains a circulation of 50,000. In the memorial edition, shareholder Laurent Saurisseau emphasized the enduring power of satire and optimism, featuring a cartoon competition on “Laughing at God.” Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 2:00 pm
North Korea’s state-run KCNA reported a successful test of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. The missile traveled over 930 miles at 12 times the speed of sound, reaching two peaks before hitting a target at sea. Kim emphasized the missile’s role in enhancing North Korea’s nuclear deterrent and claimed it as a self-defense measure. The launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s regional visit. North Korea has intensified its weapons testing, including hypersonic and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Ava Sinclair 07/01/2025 2:00 pm
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Tibet’s holy city, killing at least 95 and injuring over 100, according to Chinese state media. The quake hit Dingri County, Shigatse City, with a 10 km depth. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 7.1 magnitude, noting the region’s history of large quakes. The Dalai Lama expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction, offering prayers and wishes for recovery. Penelope Kingsley 07/01/2025 10:30 am
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s vision, stating it lacks ambition and optimism, particularly regarding climate change. Trudeau announced his resignation amid political crises, with the Liberal party expected to lose the upcoming election to Poilievre’s Conservative Party. Poilievre promotes reducing taxes, strict immigration controls, and increased national control, gaining support from figures like Elon Musk. Trudeau reflected on his nearly decade-long leadership, emphasizing his commitment to Canada. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 10:30 am
Ukrainian forces launched an attack in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, advancing two miles despite being outnumbered. Fierce fighting occurred near Berdin, with drones targeting both sides. A Ukrainian Stryker vehicle ran over a Russian soldier, an incident captured by surveillance drones. The footage raises questions about the isolated Russian troops and the Stryker crew’s decision to use the vehicle as a weapon instead of its machine gun. This brutal encounter highlights the ongoing violence in a war that has caused over a million casualties in 35 months. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 7:00 am
North Korea claimed it launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic warhead, aiming to deter Pacific rivals. The missile reportedly traveled 12 times the speed of sound over 1,500km, though South Korea reported a 1,100km range. The launch coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, emphasized readiness to defend national interests. The missile features a new guidance system and carbon fiber engine. Ankit Panda noted North Korea’s ongoing work with advanced materials to enhance missile performance. Penelope Kingsley 07/01/2025 7:00 am
South Korean investigators’ attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol has highlighted the nation’s democratic fragility and political divisions. Yoon, facing insurrection charges, is protected by bodyguards, leading to a six-hour standoff. His resistance has increased his approval ratings, raising concerns about the effectiveness of democratic institutions amid deep polarization. Analysts note the lack of precedent for arresting a sitting president, with Yoon exploiting this uncertainty. The situation underscores the challenges in balancing political power and the rule of law. Ava Sinclair 07/01/2025 7:00 am
Eleven Yemeni detainees were transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Oman, reducing the prison’s population to 15, the lowest in its history. The U.S. Department of Defense thanked Oman for aiding efforts to close the facility. None of the detainees, held for over two decades, were charged with crimes. The transfer, the largest under President Biden, was deemed consistent with U.S. national security interests. The move follows the repatriation of another detainee to Tunisia and precedes Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s plea deal. Three remaining detainees are eligible for transfer. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 7:00 am
