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U.S. and Iran Exchange Fire; Six States Set to Hold Primary Elections; CNN's Allison Chinchar Reports on Atlantic Hurricane Season; New York Celebrates Israel Day Parade; Protests Continue Despite Curfew; Woman Secures Father's Release from Alligator Alcatraz; Trump Proposes Changes To Text Of Iran Peace Deal; Israel Seizes Crusader-Era Castle In Southern Lebanon; Ebola Concerns Ahead Of World Cup. Aired 2-3a ET

Aired June 01, 2026 - 02:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[02:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us here in the United States and from all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church. Just ahead on "CNN Newsroom," the U.S. and Iran say they traded fire overnight as the two sides go back and forth over a ceasefire deal. We're live with the latest developments. And we're one day away from primary elections in six U.S. states. Why some of the races could change the political landscape come November. Plus, move over high-priced Hollywood directors. YouTubers are behind two of the hottest movies in America. Wait until you hear their budgets.

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Live from Atlanta, this is "CNN Newsroom with Rosemary Church."

CHURCH: Thanks for joining us. The U.S. and Iran now seemed further from a peace deal than what the Trump administration was promising last week. U.S. Central Command says it conducted what it describes as self-defense strikes on Iranian targets this weekend. Iran, meanwhile, saying that it struck a U.S. air base allegedly used to launch an attack. The statement does not mention the location, but the announcement came after Kuwait reported it repelled a drone and missile assault.

All of these come as CNN learns that U.S. President Donald Trump has sent back changes to a proposed peace deal after meeting with his advisors on Friday. Now, we don't know the specifics. One foreign official tells CNN that the changes are not substantive and are mostly about assurances for U.S., while Iran says no agreement will be approved until Tehran's -- quote -- "rights" are secured.

CNN's Mike Valerio joins me now live from Beijing. Good to see you, Mike. So, the U.S. and Iran say they have traded fire overnight. This was happening across the weekend as well. What more are you learning about this and what impact might it have on delicate negotiations now for this peace deal? MIKE VALERIO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I think that's exactly it, Rosemary. I mean, politicos here in Beijing and certainly across East Asia that need oil and petrol products coming through the Strait of Hormuz are wondering, to be frank, how much longer these skirmishes can go back and forth with this peace proposal and memorandum still in its back and forth stages about one word, one point, or some other more strategic sticking points.

This seems to be, at the heart of it, more about a drone that was down, a United States drone, an MQ-1 predator drone that was shot down by Iran. Iran was saying that it intruded in its territorial airspace. The United States is saying that it was operating over international waters. And then, in return, the United States struck targets in two locations, the city of Goruk, which is in Southern Iran, very close to the Strait of Hormuz, and then Qeshm Island, which is the biggest island in the Persian Gulf and it has the Strait of Hormuz on one side of its coastline.

But as we're talking about where this memorandum of understanding is going, I just want to toss a soundbite from Iran's parliament speaker. We're talking about Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. And when you listen to the language, the sound bite starts off in Persian for a little bit. And then four seconds in, it goes into the English translation. He's talking about diplomacy in terms of the foot soldiers involved in this diplomatic negotiation. Just listen to the language he uses, and we'll talk more on the other side.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMMAD-BAGHER GHALIBAF, SPEAKER, IRAN PARLIAMENT (through translator): The soldiers on the diplomatic front have absolutely no trust in the enemy's words and promises. Our only criteria is to achieve tangible results before we fulfill our commitments in return. Until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been secured, we will not approve any agreement.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VALERIO: So, tangible results. And i.e., that would be the unfreezing of about $24 billion in assets, Rosemary, that mostly are in Qatar, and then assurances that the nuclear program that Iran has would be able to continue with some enrichment of uranium.

[02:04:58]

But those are non-starters for the president. He is haunted by his criticism of then-President Obama in 2015 when Iranian assets were unfrozen, when the first deal was signed in Geneva. He put on Twitter huge criticism for the U.S. president that that was allowed to happen. So, Republicans on Capitol Hill are also warning him not to do the same thing. But, of course, Iran needs this money when its economy is so badly damaged.

So, a lot of sticking points as these skirmishes continue, Rosemary. We're going to be eagerly waiting to see how they're worked out, if they're worked out in the coming days. CHURCH: Indeed, we are. Mike Valerio, many thanks for that live report. Appreciate it.

VALERIO: Yes.

CHURCH: Well, half a dozen states across the country are set to hold primary elections on Tuesday, and some of these races could change the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections in November. Primaries will be held in six states from coast to coast, but races in California and Iowa are among those getting the most attention.

In California, voters will decide who will be on the November ballot to replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. There are more than 60 candidates running for governor. California has a jungle primary, which means the top two finishers, regardless of party, will go on to the general election. Some Democrats are worried this crowded field could split the vote on the left and lead to one or two Republican candidates getting on the November ballot. Right now, the latest polling shows a very close race at the top with Democrat Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton, and Democrat Tom Steyer leading the primary field.

CNN's Elex Michaelson has more on who's at the top of California's governor's race.

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ELEX MICHAELSON, CNN ANCHOR AND CORRESPONDENT: According to all the recent public polling, it appears to be a three-man race for the top two spots. Remember, the top two advanced regardless of party. According to those polls, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire environmental activist, all seem to be battling for those top two slots.

For many months, it appeared that it was possible that two Republicans would make the top two boxing out the Democrats. Well now, according to the polling, it is very possible that two Democrats make the top two boxing out the Republicans.

Also, on that ballot, if you live in the city of Los Angeles, is the race for L.A. mayor. Karen Bass, a Democrat, is fighting for her life. She is being challenged from her left and her right. On the left is Nithya Raman, a city council member who's also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. On the right is Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican who has been a reality show villain in the past, who lost his home in the Palisades fire and decided to get involved in politics.

That race is technically nonpartisan, meaning it won't say the name of the party on the ballot. But we do know many voters know the party affiliations of those particular people, and L.A. is one of the most democratic cities in the country.

We will -- the final day to vote is June 2nd, but that may not be the last day of counting. Counting in California often takes about three weeks. So, there's a good chance we're not going to know the top two on election night. Either way, we'll have live coverage on election night as the results start coming in.

I'm Elex Michaelson, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: In Iowa, President Donald Trump has endorsed Congressman Randy Feenstra for governor just days before voting ends in the primary election on Tuesday. Feenstra, one of five Republicans seeking the party's nomination, says he is -- quote -- "honored and humbled to receive Trump's backing." The president described Feenstra as MAGA all the way and a post declaring his endorsement Friday. The winner of Tuesday's election will face the Democratic state auditor, Rob Sand, in the full election for governor.

Larry Sabato is the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia and co-author of "Campaign of Chaos: Trump, Biden, Harris, and the 2024 American Election." Always great to have you with us.

LARRY SABATO, DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR POLITICS AT THE UNIVERSITYH OF VIRGINIA, AUTHOR: Thank you so much, Rosemary.

CHURCH: So, Larry, California voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide who will be on the November ballot to replace current Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom. It is a tight and crowded race. What are the polls telling you about who will likely be the final two on that ballot because it is an interesting arrangement, isn't it?

[02:10:01]

SABATO: Look, in California, this has been a low-key race, and yet there are so many candidates from very different perspectives. And most of them have had a turn at the top. At least they've been in the top two at one time or another. The original frontrunner was a congressman who had to drop out because of so many sexual abuse charges coming even from his own staff. So, he might have been the eventual governor of California but, instead, he's going to have a lot of free time to think about his past sins.

The ones that I think will finish in the top two -- I would pick three. And they're very, very close in the polls. They're all bunched together. The frontrunner is former Biden Health and Human Services secretary, Becerra. He was also attorney general of California before he went to Biden's cabinet. He's very low-key. I wouldn't call him exciting. But in this particular field, it may be what people are looking for. So, he's leading in most of the polls, but not by very much. He's the leader, and yet he hasn't even hit 30 percent in any of the surveys.

Right behind him is a Republican, believe it or not, Steve Hilton, who's a former Fox News host. He's also British or he's British- American. He worked for a couple of years for a British prime minister, David Cameron, from 2010 until 2012. This is a very unusual candidate. He's conservative. He is supported by Trump. Trump has endorsed him. And originally, the Republicans had hoped that the final two would be Hilton and another Republican, Chad Bianco, who's a pretty well-known, hardcore, tough guy sheriff in California. But Bianco has faded.

And now, I think it's Becerra, it's Hilton, and the final candidate who's right at the top, just below the other two, that candidate is Tom Steyer, who actually ran for president briefly in 2020. He's a billionaire. His main issue is climate change. And this is incredible. He has so much money. He has spent $220 million of his own money. And the entire total for all the candidates together is about 310 million. So, he has spent more in commercials and other campaign techniques than anybody else and, in fact, all the other candidates put together. So, look to those three.

Having said that, I don't think anybody would be shocked if we had someone come out of the blue in that pack behind because they're all known in some part of the state and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

CHURCH: What are the other critical primary elections Tuesday that you'll be watching very carefully and what are you looking out for?

SABATO: I'm looking especially to Iowa because Iowa used to be pretty reliably Democratic. It almost always voted for the Democratic presidential candidate. Obama carried it twice, for example. And yet Trump has carried it easily in all three of his elections, 2016, 2020, and 2024. And mainly, that's because of economic conditions and the heavy population of blue-collar workers and farmers in Iowa. They're very attracted to Trump. But Republicans have ended up winning almost all the other senior positions in Iowa. If Democrats are going to compete and be successful for president in 2028, they have got to do better in a state like Iowa. Ohio, too, but I think particularly in Iowa.

There are -- the Republican candidate is set, Ashley Hinson. She's a congresswoman right now, and she's certain to get the Republican nomination. But there are two Democrats. Both of them are very interesting and able. One of them is supported strongly by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has provided him with a lot of money. And this particular candidate is a spina bifida victim, and yet has achieved two gold medals in the Olympics. And right now, he is more or less leading, but he's -- Turek is his last name, Josh Turek. And then there is Wahls. Wahls and Turek are reasonably close in the polls. One of them will win.

But this is more about the national Democratic Party. It's more about the Democratic leadership, like Schumer. And they've become very unpopular with grassroots Democrats.

[02:14:59]

And so, if Turek ends up losing, I think it will be more because of Chuck Schumer and the Democratic leadership than anything else. One of those Democrats will go forward to oppose Hinson. And I think it's going to be a close competitive race. So, that one is worth watching.

CHURCH: Larry Sabato, great to get your political analysis. Many thanks. Appreciate it.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway. An average season produces 14 named storms. But with the anticipated return of El Nino, this year's forecast looks different.

CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar has more.

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ALLISON CHINCHAR, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Today marks the official start of Atlantic hurricane season, and it's actually expected to be a slightly slower one, which is fantastic news. Now, the official forecast from NOAA calls for about a 35 percent chance of having a near normal season, but a more than 50 percent chance of having a below average season.

Now, what does that mean in terms of numbers? Well, in a normal year, you would have 14 total named storms, seven of which would reach hurricane strength and three getting up to major hurricane strength, which is a category three, four or five storm. But this season, those numbers are a little bit lower. The total named storm forecast is 8 to 14, whereas we only can expect about three to six named hurricanes going into the upcoming season based off that forecast.

And one of the biggest factors really has been the expected El Nino event that is going to ramp up throughout hurricane season. Typically, in an El Nino year, you get wind shear that kind of increases across this red area here, focusing mainly over areas of the Caribbean as well as the Atlantic. And basically, what happens there is it inhibits further development of those tropical systems. In addition to that, you also have fewer storms that move off of the coast of Africa.

Now, peak hurricane season typically runs from August 15th to October 15th, but that is the exact same time in which we really anticipate seeing El Nino ramp back up. In fact, we could end up getting to a strong El Nino event come September and October of this year.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Still to come, a large crowd gathered to mark the annual Israel Day Parade in New York. We will have a report on the celebrations just ahead. Plus, protesters and law enforcement clashed outside an ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The latest on the demonstrations after the break.

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[02:20:00]

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CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone. New York City marked its annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday. It is an opportunity for community members to celebrate their heritage and culture. And this year, in a break with long-standing tradition, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped the parade. CNN's Gloria Pazmino was there and has more details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GLORIA PAZMINO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: What to see of blue and white along the Fifth Avenue here in New York City, as you can see, there are thousands of people who have gathered here today to celebrate cultural Israeli pride. We've spoken with so many travellers who came to join the celebration today, who told us that they wanted to be here to celebrate the state of Israel, to celebrate their culture, but also to talk about peace. They are thinking about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and they said that they want to see peace in the region. Take a listen.

UNKNOWN: Because I really want to support Israel. I feel like Israel really needs our support right now. It's great. It really is nice. And I appreciate all the security. But it's great to be able to see the parade.

UNKNOWN: We're a peaceful people. We all want peace. And I think the world needs to know that that's all we want, peace. And we're here to show our support for peace and love and democracy. We're a people of love, we're a people of unity, and we are people that want to see everyone living happy together.

PAZMINO: Now, there is one significant absence during this year's parade, and that is the mayor of the city of New York. Zohran Mamdani has skipped the celebration, breaking with years of political tradition here in New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside of the state of Israel. Mamdani had said that he would not be participating. He is a strong supporter of Palestinian rights and has said that he doesn't believe the state of Israel should exist in its current form.

But having said that, he guaranteed and said that the NYPD would be out here in full force to make sure that it was a safe and secure celebration. And we have seen exactly that so far. There is a significant police presence, a very wide security perimeter around Fifth Avenue. It's very difficult to get into this area unless you're participating in the parade. So, we have seen the celebration go on as planned. And we heard from some people who told us they're OK with the mayor not being here because they're aware of his position on Israel.

Gloria Pazmino, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Protests continued Sunday past a nightly curfew near an ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey. Authorities say some demonstrators were arrested. Police and protesters have been clashing for days outside the Delaney Hall detention facility. Tensions escalated about a week ago when hundreds of detainees went on a hunger strike to protest spoiled food and poor conditions.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he visited the facility Sunday morning. He says -- quote -- "At Delaney Hall, we learned of unsanitary living conditions, lack of adequate medical care, and unhealthy food. The Department of Homeland Security disputes these claims. Earlier, CNN spoke to John Sandweg, the former acting director of ICE, about the challenges of running these facilities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN SANDWEG, FORMER ACTING DIRECTOR, U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT: The truth is probably in the middle as it relates to Delaney Hall. But certainly, I do have concerns nationwide. Having worked, having ran and served as the acting director of ICE and worked very close with ICE for years before that at DHS, I can tell you that the tension is hard. It can be hard to provide that adequate level of care.

You know, the goal should be, frankly, to only use detention when absolutely necessary to protect and keep public safety threats off the street or to guard against flight risks. Unfortunately, this administration has chosen to do a rapid expansion of detention.

[02:25:00]

And the problem is when you go that quickly, you can -- you can -- not that ICE cares because in my -- doesn't care, excuse me. In my experience, ICE very much cares, but it is just an incredible logistical challenge.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: A father and daughter are back together again after she fought for months to free him from the controversial ICE detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. His release comes as the facility is expected to shut down over the summer. But the fate of the remaining detainees is unclear.

CNN's Carolina Peguero reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARIANNE BETANCOURT, ACTVIST, DAUGHTER OF JUSTO BETANCOURT: I can't even say that I'm happy and not cry.

CAROLINA PEGUERO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A relentless legal battle.

BETANCOURT: Pap is home. And we got him some cafecito.

PEGUERO (voice-over): And a daughter doing everything in her power to get her father released from Florida's migrant detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz.

BETANCOURT: I've worked so hard over the last six months for this. And everyone told me that it was impossible, to give up, that I wasn't going to get it done. And my dad is sitting right next to me.

PEGUERO (voice-over): Her father, a Cuban national, Justo Betancourt, is one of thousands of migrants who have been held at what was billed with much fanfare as a temporary facility.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: It's an amazing job. They've all done a great job. Proud of them.

PEGUERO (voice-over): Under conditions, Justo says, are inhumane with shared cells, with barely any space, and little to no access to food and medicine.

JUSTO BETANCOURT, RELEASED FROM ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ (through translator): From the moment you arrive, you're an animal that's assigned a number.

A. BETANCOURT: My dad's health was not the best before he went into Alligator Alcatraz. But my dad, the condition that they released, I learned today that my dad had a mini stroke while he was retained.

PEGUERO (voice-over): Wearing an ankle monitor, Justo recalls being moved through several immigration centers. At one point, U.S. authorities sent him to Mexico, but officials there refused to take him due to his poor health. He was then sent back to the Florida Center. Arianne recalls the day he was detained.

A. BETANCOURT: He showed up to his routine immigration check-in. I was sitting in the car, we were waiting, and hours were going by. We couldn't see him anymore. He wasn't outside. And a woman showed up screaming that her husband had called her on his Apple watch and told her that they detained him and the other 15 guys that were in line with him.

PEGUERO (voice-over): ICE tells CNN Justo entered the U.S. illegally and has past criminal history for possession and selling illicit substances, though he says he served time for those charges. For now, he's back with his family.

J. BETANCOURT (through translator): God bless you.

PEGUERO (voice-over): Justo was released after his attorney filed several petitions for habeas corpus.

MIRIAM HASKELL, LAWYER, COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROJECT: We argued that the government still did not have a plan for his deportation. And the government responded to say that Mr. Betancourt would be sent to Mexico, but ignored the fact that his removal had been attempted to Mexico in the past and had been denied. And so that, combined with the length of his deportation, demonstrated that the government really doesn't have a plan and didn't have a plan for his deportation.

PEGUERO (voice-over): And as the center is set to close, the big question is, what happens to the hundreds of detainees that activists say are still being held in the Florida Center?

UNKNOWN: Very likely that most, if not all, are going to end up to other detention centers, unfortunately.

PEGUERO (voice-over): Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's office did not directly respond to the questions about the fate of the detainees after the detention camp closes. Instead, it referred us to comments the governor made earlier this month defending the facility.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. RON DESANTIS (R), FLORIDA: Being able to fill that void where, at the time, the federal government did not have the resources to do it, no question that save lives, no question it has increased public safety, and no question it's the right thing to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PEGUERO (voice-over): For now, Arianne and her dad are making up for lost time.

J. BETANCOURT (through translator): As your dad, the biggest thing I can tell you is that I'm proud of you.

A. BETANCOURT: I love you, pap.

J. BETANCOURT: I love you, too.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Just ahead, an ancient castle in Lebanon was at the center of an Israeli military offensive. We will update you on the fighting at Beaufort Castle. That's next.

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[02:30:00]

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[02:32:27]

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everyone.

A look at our top story now. The U.S. and Iran swapping strikes as the U.S. president asked for new changes to the peace proposal. U.S. Central Command says it has carried out self-defense strikes in Iran over the weekend, targeting Iranian radar and command and control sites after Iran shot down a U.S. drone. Iran, meanwhile, says it responded by attacking a U.S. air base, without specifying which one.

This exchange of fire comes as the U.S. president has asked for changes to the proposed peace deal. U.S. officials have not shared details about those changes or how it will impact future negotiations.

Sanam Vakil is the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House. She joins me now live from London. Appreciate you talking with us

SANAM VAKIL, DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA PROGRAM, CHATHAM HOUSE: Good morning.

CHURCH: So what impact might this latest exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran have on the delicate negotiations underway to finalize a deal, as both countries call for edits to the text of that draft deal?

VAKIL: Honestly, I don't think there's going to be any impact. These exchanges, which we've seen a couple times now, are the sort of new normal. This is what ceasefire is look like. This is a minor escalation that will calm down. And the diplomatic back and forth will continue in tandem.

What's problematic though is that everyone gets used to this. And there's no real pressure to get to the end game.

CHURCH: And, Sanam, we don't know the details of President Trump's proposed changes to the text of that draft memorandum of understanding. But apparently, he wants tougher language on nuclear commitments from Iran and more assurances for the U.S.

What are the likely changes, then, that Trump's calling for, do you think, given the little that we do know about this?

VAKIL: Well, what we do know is really from leaks and from good journalism. But President Trump wants to front load concessions from Iran so he can claim that this war was worth it and that he obtained a better agreement than the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. So he wants Iran to commit, obviously to, you know, foregoing nuclear weapons, which of course it did in 2015.

[02:35:01]

But further than that, to freeze enrichment for decades and to remove its highly enriched uranium that the United States buried in the ground last summer. So those are what he's really aiming to achieve.

The Iranians, in turn, are looking for access to their frozen assets, sanctions relief, to allow them to export oil to China. And these kind of concessions will be heavily criticized in the United States and will be seen to be toxic.

So President Trump needs as much from Iran up front, and the Iranians do not trust President Trump. They've been bombed a few times while negotiating. They've been burned by president Trump a number of times in the past. And so this is about sequencing and a framework that will lead to guaranteed peace, not just incremental cease fires and further strikes.

CHURCH: And Iran is also making it clear that no talks on their nuclear program will take place in this phase of negotiations, which has angered Trump. Where does all this leave the peace deal, and how close or far from a deal do you think they might be at this juncture?

VAKIL: I don't think we are anywhere close to a peace deal. What the negotiators are talking about is a memorandum of understanding that will establish a framework to open the Strait of Hormuz and the blockade on Iranian exports, and then perhaps lead to a more detailed negotiation on Iran's nuclear program that should take place within a dedicated amount of time. But because we don't have any, details of what is being passed back and forth, its all speculation. And frankly, I'm beginning to doubt that there has been progress, because every few days, President Trump sends out a series of tweets suggesting that were getting close. But then we're actually not close at all.

CHURCH: There is this sense of one step forward, two steps back, no doubt about it. And of course, meanwhile, Iran's state broadcaster is reporting that two more alleged leaders of protests in January have been put to death. What does this tell you about the IRGC's grip on power and the message it wants to send to anyone thinking about heeding President Trump's call to rise up against the government?

VAKIL: Honestly, it's -- we should see Iran much more as a system. Of course, they have divisions amongst them. And I'm sure there are people in the president's cabinet that are opposed to these executions. But the system that isn't fully IRGC-dominated yet, is taking a national security approach to any kind of opposition. The protests in January are seen by this system as being inspired by Israel and the United States.

And so these executions, which are just appalling and uncalled for and violation of all sorts of principles and human rights, are moving ahead because the United States didn't protect the Iranian people. And this war didn't unseat the Islamic Republic. I think it further entrenched it.

And so the biggest cost, of course, is always going to be borne by the Iranian people.

CHURCH: Sanam Vakil, thanks so much for joining us and sharing your perspective. Appreciate it.

VAKIL: Thank you.

CHURCH: Well, despite a U.S.-backed truce, fighting in Southern Lebanon is getting more intense. Israeli troops seize the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders troops deeper into its neighbor's territory.

CNN's Jerusalem bureau chief Oren Liebermann has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN JERUSALEM BUREAU CHIEF: As Israel pushes further and deeper into Lebanon, the Israeli military has seized a historic crusader castle, the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle sits on a ridge north of the Israeli occupied zone. But over the course of the past several days and more, Israeli forces have been pushing north out of that zone, seizing more territory in southern Lebanon. And that now includes the ridge on which the Beaufort Castle stands.

Israeli forces raised not only the Israeli flag but also the Golani Brigade flag. That is a brigade within the Israeli military that seized the castle itself. And this whole operation was accompanied, according to the Israeli military, by a wave of airstrikes and bombardment of the area.

We have seen over the course of the past several days, the Israeli military strike the Lebanese cities of Tyre and Nabatieh. Those are outside of the Israeli military's occupied zone in southern Lebanon, as well as the Beqaa Valley, which is well outside of southern Lebanon.

Beaufort Castle itself sits about nine miles, or 14 to 15 kilometers from the border between Israel and Lebanon. So you see there that that seizure of territory as Israeli forces move north, the goal there is to try to push Hezbollah farther away from northern Israel.

[02:40:05]

The Israeli military says Hezbollah has had used that ridge on which the fortress sits to fire onto Israel. Meanwhile, over the course of the weekend, we have seen an increase in Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks into southern Lebanon and Israeli troops there, as well as into northern Israel. So you see very much an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah during what's supposed to be a U.S.-brokered extension of the ceasefire.

In fact, the Israeli home front command announced that schools in northern Israel that are close to the fighting would be closed on Sunday and Monday, as well as one of the hospitals in northern Israel moved to its secure underground complex.

Despite all of this, despite a ceasefire that's almost impossible to see, there is an expectation that another round of direct Israel- Lebanon talks between ambassadors will be held in the coming days.

Oren Liebermann, CNN, in Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Colombia's presidency is headed for a highly polarized runoff election that could redefine relations with the United States. That's after preliminary results show a political outsider surprisingly won the first round of voting on Sunday. Right wing pro-Trump candidate Abelardo de la Espriella took more than 43 percent of the votes, but fell short of an absolute majority. The lawyer and businessman will face the leftist government-backed candidate, Senator Ivan Cepeda, in a run off on June 21st.

Still to come, Mexico is not taking any chances when it comes to the threat of Ebola. We will tell you the precautions the country is taking to keep World Cup visitors healthy.

Back with that and more in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone.

The head of the World Health Organization says there is hope for patients suffering from a deadly outbreak of Ebola in Africa.

[02:45:01]

He's set to meet with leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the coming hours. The WHO is pushing for greater access to medical care in the affected countries, which together have reported more than 270 confirmed cases. At least 43 people have died so far.

Amid global concern over Ebola, Mexico's government is strengthening its response to possible health risks ahead of the World Cup. The country is pouring millions of dollars into added resources to make sure travelers feel safe while there.

CNN's Valeria Leon has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VALERIA LEON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just days before the World Cup kicks off, Mexico is preparing for something far less visible than security threats, a potential disease outbreak.

Health officials are now on alert as the Ebola outbreak raises global concerns.

I met with Jalisco state health secretary, Hector Perez, to talk about the preparations.

HECTOR PEREZ, JALISCO HEALTH SECRETARY (translated): We need to be prepared for epidemiological contingencies to protect the population of Jalisco, but also all visitors. We estimate approximately three million people will come during the tournament.

LEON (voice-over): The new health measures include airport screenings, reviews of travel itineraries and recommendations for isolation

CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM, PRESIDENT OF MEXICO (translated): At the airport, they receive all the necessary instructions for isolation procedures and health screening. Visitors are advised through travel agencies to isolate for 21 days beforehand.

LEON (voice-over): The DRC team is currently in isolation in Belgium and is set to play in Jalisco on June 23rd.

Authorities are also preparing for more common medical issues, with drills simulating large scale medical emergencies and rapid response scenarios ahead of the tournament.

MONTSERRAT OLVERA, HEALTH MINISTRY NURSE (translated): Dehydration, heat stroke, diarrhea, we are also focused on prevention because weather conditions can cause people to become dehydrated, and we want to avoid overwhelming hospitals.

LEON (voice-over): Secretary Perez says Jalisco has invested around $4 million to expand its medical capacity ahead of the tournament.

PEREZ (translated): We're going to have two mobile hospitals, including one at the Fan Festival location, where we expect up to 80,000 people a day.

LEON (voice-over): Mexico's main focus had been security for fans and teams, but the Ebola outbreak has also led to an increased focus on public health preparations ahead of the World Cup. Valeria Leon, CNN, Guadalajara, Jalisco

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Still to come, from YouTube to the big screen, the latest hits at the box office are making top dollars, thanks to creators who come from Internet beginnings. We'll take a look.

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[02:52:21]

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone.

Pride month celebrations are underway in many parts of the world. Thousands of people fill the streets of Bangkok to kick off their annual Pride parade. Thailand made history last year after becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same sex marriage.

In Budapest, police say they will not be cracking down on any Pride celebrations. The decision signals a major shift in Hungary's LGBTQ+ policy, since Prime Minister Peter Magyar took office earlier this month.

Well, the top two films in America are challenging the Hollywood establishment and proving that young creators with passion can beat the studios at their own game.

CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter has more on how YouTube is responsible for producing the next top filmmakers

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BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: Yes, the YouTube revolution has officially come for Hollywood. It was a historic weekend at the box office with the top two movies in America being "Backrooms" and "Obsession". Both of these are horror movies made by 20-something directors who honed their craft on YouTube. Both were able to use relatively small amounts of money to make their movies, and then market them inexpensively online to their existing fan bases.

And this formula worked astonishingly well. All of Hollywood now buzzing about how these two movies broke out and what it might mean for the future of the movie business.

Now, "Obsession" came out first. It came out on May 15th. It's directed by 26 year old Cory Barker. It cost less than $1 million to produce, and so far it's made $150 million not just in the U.S., but around the world. That is a jaw dropping return on investment. Something like that almost never happens in the movie business.

Then this past weekend came "Backrooms" directed by 20 year old Kane Parsons. He developed the "Backrooms" project for years on his YouTube channel. He had millions of fans online doing that. He was able to win the backing of some independent movie studios, so he had about $10 million to make the movie. And still it absolutely crushed expectations. It ranked number one in its opening weekend in the U.S. and in other markets, raking in about $120 million worldwide, with ticket sales driven by Gen Z.

A24 says that Parsons now ranks as the youngest filmmaker in Hollywood history to release a film that finished number one in its first weekend at the box office.

Now, as for "Obsession", it was number two over the weekend, which means it pushed the new "Star Wars" movie "The Mandalorian and Grogu" down to number three.

[02:55:01]

Yes, the new "Star Wars" movie being beaten out by these low budget horror flicks.

Now, for most movies, opening weekend is by far the most lucrative. Ticket sales taper off afterwards, but "Obsession" keeps growing. It's been building week after week, and there's a possibility that "Backrooms" is also going to make a lot more money in the coming weeks.

This is the third movie this year from a YouTuber that's broken out in a big way. There was "Iron Lung" that came out back in January. So what is this hot streak mean? Well, everybody in Hollywood is talking about that. For one thing, it means that young people are still willing to go out to the movie theater to buy tickets to, to spend money, to spend time at the old fashioned cinema, if they know and they like and they relate to the YouTube era talent.

Also, and this is really big, Hollywood studios are now going to be chasing this success, scouring the web to find the next great director. And to some extent, yes, this has been going on for a while, this YouTube to film pipeline. But the huge success of obsession in back rooms is being described as a wake up call for traditional studios that they have to focus more on this talent pipeline.

I'm reading a lot of movie critics saying they're hoping that studio bosses will spend a little less money on franchises and predictable sequels now, and make more bets on the next generation of YouTube type talent.

So in other words, coming up with more of these hits will be the industry's next obsession.

Brian Stelter, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Extraordinary, isn't it?

Well, Japan released eight endangered crested ibises into the wild in the city of Hakui. The birds briefly went extinct in the country back in 2003, but breeding efforts, helped by donated birds from China, have brought them back. Ceremony also served as a symbol of the area's recovery efforts for the surrounding Noto Region, which was devastated by an earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024.

I want to thank you so much for your company this hour. I'm Rosemary Church.

CNN NEWSROOM with Polo Sandoval is next after a short break. Stay with us.

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