Jury has been selected for Hunter Biden’s federal firearms case with opening statements scheduled for Tuesday
In Wilmington, Del., the jury has been seated in Hunter Biden’s federal firearms case. Twelve panelists and four alternates were chosen after one day of jury selection. Opening statements will begin Tuesday. Biden, the president’s son, is facing charges of lying on federal gun purchase forms when he stated he wasn’t a drug addict. He pleaded not guilty and argues that he is unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. Prospective jurors are being asked about their knowledge of the case, their opinions on gun ownership, and if they or anyone close to them have dealt with substance abuse, addiction, or gun ownership.
India’s marathon election enters final stage of vote counting, with Modi expected to win third term
The final phase of India’s election involves the counting of more than 640 million votes in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which is widely believed to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi win a third term. The 6-week-long election was seen as a referendum on Modi’s leadership. If he wins, Modi would be only the second Indian leader to retain power for a third term, after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister. The counting of votes in each of the 543 constituencies where polls were held could continue into Tuesday evening before a final result is declared by the Election Commission of India.
China’s spacecraft carrying samples from the far side of the moon departs lunar surface
According to Beijing, a spacecraft containing rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has taken off from the lunar surface to begin its journey back to Earth. The Chang’e-6 probe’s ascender lifted off on Tuesday morning Beijing time and entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration reported. The probe was launched last month, and its lander touched down on the far side of the moon on Sunday. The samples will be transferred to a reentry capsule expected to return to Earth around June 25.
Biden set to sign order to halt asylum if daily migrant encounters reach 2,500
The White House is informing lawmakers that President Joe Biden is preparing to sign an executive order to close the U.S.-Mexico border once the number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry. This would mean that the border could be closed to migrants seeking asylum immediately as daily figures currently exceed that number. The border is expected to reopen once the number drops to 1,500. Biden is anticipated to announce this action at an event at the White House on Tuesday, to which border mayors have been invited.
Trump’s lack of remorse could impact sentencing
Donald Trump, following his hush money trial conviction, has refrained from expressing any words of remorse, which could potentially benefit him during sentencing next month. Traditionally, defendants seeking leniency are expected to take responsibility for their actions and show remorse. However, Trump’s “deny everything” strategy during the trial and his combative stance may not work in his favor at sentencing. His trial team employed this strategy, and Trump has been defiant in the face of investigations into his business career and activities both during and after his presidency.
Fauci addresses allegations in House hearing over COVID origins and controversies
Dr. Anthony Fauci has strongly denied Republican allegations of a cover-up of COVID-19’s origins, calling such claims “preposterous.” Fauci faced questioning from a House panel on Monday about U.S.-funded research in China and the pandemic response. The Democratic-led subcommittee has been investigating these matters for over a year and has found no evidence of wrongdoing on Fauci’s part. These allegations have been a source of controversy and have fueled further investigations into the pandemic’s origin.
The Washington Post grapples with restructuring following sudden departure of top editor
Following a sudden restructuring plan, The Washington Post is facing challenges after the departure of its executive editor. The new publisher, Will Lewis, is working to prevent a decline in readership and has introduced a new department to devise strategies to attract more readers. The previous editor, Sally Buzbee, expressed concerns about how the new structure would operate and held the position for three years during a challenging period for the news industry.
Biden calls for cease-fire as Israel and Hamas dispute over next steps
President Joe Biden has urged for a swift cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, stating that Hamas is no longer capable of launching an attack like that on Oct. 7. However, Israeli leaders differ in opinion, believing that destroying Hamas will require continued military operations in the strip. These conflicting views have raised doubts about a new cease-fire effort and have strained tensions between the allies.
Louisiana lawmakers approve surgical castration option for sex crimes against children
Legislators in Louisiana have passed a bill allowing judges the option to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against children under 13. Currently, some states can order chemical castration, which reduces sex drive by blocking testosterone production. Surgical castration is a more invasive procedure, and the bill now awaits approval from Governor Jeff Landry. The bill’s sponsor aims to deter such crimes against children with this legislation.
Market reacts to election of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico’s first female president
Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, faces economic challenges and a divided nation following her election victory. Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, garnered a significant margin of victory in initial vote counts. However, she must now work towards reconciling a deeply divided country left by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. With most of the votes counted, Sheinbaum received about 59% of votes, setting a high bar for her upcoming presidency.
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