India commences tallying votes in expansive election, likely securing Prime Minister Modi a third term
NEW DELHI (AP) — The counting of over 640 million votes has begun in India, marking the world’s largest democratic exercise. The outcome is widely anticipated to grant Prime Minister Narendra Modi a third term after his ten-year tenure. The six-week long election was viewed as a referendum on Modi’s leadership. If successful, it would only be the second time that an Indian leader has held power for a third term, the first being Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s inaugural prime minister. Exit polls predict a convincing victory for Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its coalition partners over a broad opposition alliance spearheaded by the Congress party and its main leader, Rahul Gandhi.
Biden claims Hamas is weakened, Israeli leaders object, raising doubts over cease-fire
JERUSALEM (AP) — President Joe Biden has called for an immediate cease-fire and cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, asserting that the militant organization is no longer capable of launching an attack on Israel similar to the one on Oct. 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing ministers disagree, arguing that the eradication of Hamas necessitates ongoing Israeli military operations in the region. These conflicting perspectives on how to deal with Hamas have cast uncertainty over a potential new cease-fire and strained the close relationship between the allies.
Hunter Biden’s federal firearms trial set to begin following jury selection
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, is set to commence with opening statements after a jury comprising of 12 jurors and four alternates was selected on Monday. The first lady and Hunter Biden’s sister, Ashley, were present at the proceedings. Hunter Biden faces three felony charges stemming from a firearm purchase in 2018, during a period of struggle with crack addiction as detailed in his memoir. Jury selection proceeded swiftly in the president’s home state, where Hunter Biden was raised and where the Biden family has deep roots.
Impact of Trump’s denial strategy on sentencing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Since his conviction in a hush money trial last week, former President Donald Trump has been vocal. However, he has refrained from expressing any form of remorse that could potentially benefit him during his upcoming sentencing next month. A longstanding principle in the criminal justice system is that defendants seeking leniency at sentencing are expected to acknowledge their actions and express contrition. This approach contradicts Trump’s “deny everything” strategy employed during the trial, as well as his combative stance throughout various investigations into his business endeavors, presidential actions, and post-presidency activities.
Biden criticizes Trump following convictions, warns of increased threat level
GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden has criticized his probable opponent in the upcoming election, Donald Trump, who was convicted on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments by a Manhattan jury. Biden remarked that “this campaign has entered uncharted territory.” Speaking at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, Biden accused the former president of attempting to depict the situation as rigged, refuting such claims. He emphasized Trump’s attacks on the judiciary and election system as reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible, noting that Trump has become more concerning compared to his 2016 self.
Challenges facing Mexico’s incoming president
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The newly elected president of Mexico is confronted with a range of challenges, including ongoing cartel violence, a deeply divided populace, financial constraints on social programs, and the influence of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Analysts speculate that Claudia Sheinbaum faces three primary obstacles: financial issues, fostering dialogue, and the implications of the U.S. election. She is set to assume presidential duties on Oct. 1, with four months to outline her agenda. Meanwhile, López Obrador is expected to continue his daily press briefings to solidif
