News Wrap: ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel, France Recognizes Palestinian State, Russia-Ukraine Drone Strikes

Late-Night Television and Free Speech

• 📺 ABC is reinstating Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show after an indefinite suspension.
• 🗣️ The suspension followed comments made by Kimmel, sparking protests and concerns about free speech.
• 🤝 Conversations between ABC's parent company, The Walt Disney Company, and Kimmel led to the decision to return the show.
• 🗓️ Kimmel has hosted "Jimmy Kimmel Live" since 2003, with his contract set to expire next May.

International Relations and Recognition

• 🇫🇷 France has officially recognized the state of Palestine, joining a growing list of countries.
• 🌍 This announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron follows similar moves by the UK, Canada, and Belgium.
• 🇺🇸 Israel and the U.S. boycotted the U.N. Summit where the announcement was made, with Israel dismissing it as "theater."
• 🗺️ Many Gazans feel this recognition does little to alleviate their on-the-ground suffering, questioning the practical impact.
• 🌐 Approximately 150 UN member states already recognize Palestine, though often symbolically.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Diplomacy

• 💥 Russia and Ukraine exchanged deadly drone strikes as world leaders prepare for discussions at the UN General Assembly.
• 📍 Ukrainian officials reported three deaths in Zaporizhzhia from Russian strikes, while Russia cited three deaths in Crimea from Ukrainian drones.
• 🇺🇦 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates an "intense week of diplomacy" at the UN.
• 🇪🇪 The UN Security Council addressed Russia's alleged violation of Estonian airspace, a NATO member.
• 🛡️ The U.S. Ambassador to the UN pledged American support for NATO territory, urging Russia to cease dangerous behavior.

Other Notable News

• 🧓 Egyptian authorities announced a presidential pardon for Allah Abdel Fattah, a prominent activist.
• 🌊 A 4.3-magnitude earthquake rattled the San Francisco area, with minor damage reported in some locations.
• 💨 A federal judge ruled that a massive offshore wind project, Revolution Wind, can move forward after being halted by the Trump administration.
• 🧑‍🚀 NASA announced its newest astronaut candidates, a diverse group including engineers, scientists, and military veterans, with women outnumbering men for the first time.