Jury deliberations have commenced in the criminal case involving hush money related to Donald Trump.
The trial, which marks the first criminal proceeding against a former U.S. president, is now in the hands of a jury consisting of seven men and five women from New York. The jury entered a private room just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to begin the deliberations. Their discussions will remain confidential, but they have the option to send notes to the judge for requests to rehear testimonies or view evidence. The verdict or a declaration of a hung jury will also be communicated through such notes.
The political landscape is shifting, with courtroom dramas taking precedence over traditional campaign rallies and debates. Both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, are embroiled in legal battles that have fueled political discussions.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military has announced its control of a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt, known as Philadelphi, where recent fighting has escalated. The corridor is significant due to the presence of smuggling tunnels underneath, connecting Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated claims of antisemitism have raised concern among his critics, who accuse him of leveraging the label for political gains. Some argue that his actions risk diluting the significance of the term amid a global surge in antisemitic incidents. Netanyahu’s alleged failure to prevent an attack by Hamas has also drawn scrutiny.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are intensifying their outreach to Black voters, amid signs of diminishing support within the community. Their visit to Philadelphia aims to strengthen ties with the Black Chamber of Commerce and engage with the predominantly Black student body at Girard College.
In Eastern Europe, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged $135 million in aid to Moldova to bolster energy security and counter Russian disinformation. Moldova and Georgia are facing renewed threats from Russia, prompting international assistance to preserve their Western-leaning stance.
Mexico is on the verge of electing its first woman president, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. However, some Indigenous communities still uphold patriarchal traditions that limit women’s participation in local governance. Efforts to promote gender equality are slowly gaining momentum, particularly in younger generations.
In South Africa, voters are participating in a crucial election that could shift the political landscape after three decades of African National Congress dominance. The ANC’s support has waned, with polls indicating a potential loss of majority in Parliament for the first time. Results are expected to be announced by Sunday.
Texas continues to face extreme weather conditions, with powerful storms causing widespread damage and claiming one life. The state is grappling with the aftermath of deadly storms over the Memorial Day weekend, as authorities work to provide shelter and support to impacted communities.
ConocoPhillips has announced the acquisition of Marathon Oil in a $17.1 billion all-stock deal, reflecting the ongoing surge in energy prices. The transaction is expected to enhance ConocoPhillips’ U.S. onshore portfolio, amidst a lucrative period for major oil companies.
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