Iran Bolsters Air Defense; Macron Meets with Meloni; China's Global Approval Rises

Good Morning,

Mexico's ruling party secured control of the Supreme Court in recent elections, while Iran reportedly strengthens air defenses anticipating potential Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. In Washington, questions emerged about FEMA leadership after sources revealed the acting head claimed ignorance of hurricane season timing. European diplomacy saw French President Macron and Italian Prime Minister Meloni attempting to mend relations over Ukraine and trade disputes during talks in Rome. Meanwhile, new survey data indicates China's global approval ratings are rising as America's decline under the Trump administration, and Nigeria's Air Force conducted a deadly airstrike killing at least 20 militia members.

Top Stories

• Mexico’s ruling party slated to control the newly elected Supreme Court, vote tallies show - Associated Press

• Acting head of FEMA said he wasn't aware U.S. has a hurricane season, sources say - CBS

• Bracing for attack on nuclear sites, Iran said to rebuild air defenses Israel hit last year - Times of Israel

• Macron and Meloni meet in Rome after tensions on Ukraine, trade - Reuters

• China lifts in public opinion around the world as US drops in Trump 2.0, survey data shows - SCMP

• At least 20 killed in airstrike on militia group, says Nigerian Air Force - Al Jazeera

United States

• Acting head of FEMA said he wasn't aware U.S. has a hurricane season, sources say - CBS

• OECD lowers global outlook as Trump trade war hits US growth - Reuters

• California to appeal after judge dismisses lawsuit over Trump tariffs - The Guardian

• Trump's ambitious push for trade deals is hitting some snags - NBC

• US skips hike in UK steel and aluminum tariffs as both countries eye quick trade deal - Reuters

Africa

• ActionAid report warns of crisis in Ghana’s public sector amid severe budget cuts - GBC

• At least 20 killed in airstrike on militia group, says Nigerian Air Force - Al Jazeera

• Extremists kill dozens of soldiers at a Mali military base, sources say - Associated Press

• Did South Africa's White 'refugees' sell a lie to the US? - France24

• Ugandan Army Foils Attack On Religious Shrine As Pilgrims Gather - All Africa

Middle East

• Bracing for attack on nuclear sites, Iran said to rebuild air defenses Israel hit last year - Times of Israel

• Saudi Arabia congratulates Bahrain on election to UN Security Council - Arab News

• Hamas and Israel respond to former Biden official who said Israel 'without a doubt' committed war crimes in Gaza - Sky News

• How money shapes Iraq's upcoming elections - Shafaq News

• Haredi minister pushing for bill to disperse Knesset, take Israel to elections - Jerusalem Post

Indo-Pacific  

• Opposition's Lee Jae-myung wins South Korean election after months of martial law chaos - BBC

• India Warns Pakistan Against ‘Terror and Nuclear Blackmail’, Says Top Defence Chief - India News Network

• China lifts in public opinion around the world as US drops in Trump 2.0, survey data shows - SCMP

• Mt. Fuji Eruption: Preparations Necessary for Widespread Ashfall - Japan News

• Australia spared Trump tariff letter - SMH

Europe

• Wilders throws Dutch politics into turmoil with new elections now on the horizon - Associated Press

• Macron and Meloni meet in Rome after tensions on Ukraine, trade - Reuters

• French justice minister considers harsher sentences after violence mars PSG celebrations - France24

• Inside Ukraine’s audacious drone attack on Russian air bases - CNN

• Ukraine hits bridge linking Crimea to Russia with underwater explosives - The Guardian

Latin America  

• Peru, Ecuador and U.S. authorities meet to strengthen border security - ANDINA

• Mexico’s ruling party slated to control the newly elected Supreme Court, vote tallies show - Associated Press

• Lula vows to defend Brazil's Supreme Court as US threatens judge - Reuters

• GUATEMALA: Arrest orders for top Colombian officials draw outrage - Latin News

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