Jury has been selected for Hunter Biden’s federal firearms case with opening statements scheduled for Tuesday
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The jury for Hunter Biden’s federal firearms case has been chosen. After a day of selection, twelve panelists and four alternates were picked. The trial will begin with opening statements on Tuesday. Biden, the son of the president, is facing charges of providing false information on federal gun purchase forms by denying his drug addiction. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he is unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. Prospective jurors are being asked about their familiarity with the case, their views on gun ownership, and their experiences with substance abuse, addiction, or gun ownership.
Final stage of vote counting in India’s marathon election sees Modi likely to secure third term
NEW DELHI (AP) — The final phase of counting in India’s marathon election is underway, with over 640 million votes being tallied in the largest democratic exercise in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is widely expected to secure a third term as a result of this 6-week-long election, which was seen as a referendum on his leadership. If he wins, Modi will become only the second Indian leader to retain power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru. The official results from the 543 constituencies where polls were held may be announced by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday evening.
Chinese spacecraft carrying moon rocks departs lunar surface for return journey to Earth
BEIJING (AP) — China has announced that a spacecraft carrying 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 launched on Tuesday morning Beijing time and entered orbit around the moon. Last month, the Chang’e-6 probe landed on the far side of the moon, and the samples will be transferred to a reentry capsule for a scheduled return to Earth around June 25.
Biden set to issue executive order to halt asylum for migrants if daily encounters reach 2,500
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that would suspend entries to the U.S.-Mexico border once the daily number of encounters reaches 2,500 between ports of entry. This would effectively close the border to migrants seeking asylum, as current daily figures already exceed this threshold. The border may reopen once the number drops to 1,500. Biden is expected to announce these actions at the White House on Tuesday, inviting border mayors to the event.
French schoolchildren welcome D-Day veterans to Normandy for anniversary events
DEAUVILLE AIRPORT, France (AP) — French schoolchildren greeted dozens of U.S. World War II veterans with a large poster saying “thank you” as they arrived in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Among the veterans was Jake Larson, a 101-year-old American known as “Papa Jake” on social media. They will participate in events marking the June 6 landings by soldiers from the U.S., Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations.
Trump’s lack of apology strategy could impact sentencing following hush money trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following his hush money trial conviction, Donald Trump has refrained from expressing remorse, a move that could affect his sentencing next month. In the criminal justice system, defendants seeking leniency at sentencing are typically expected to take responsibility for their actions and show remorse. Trump’s “deny everything” approach during the trial and his combative stance in various investigations could hinder his chances for a favorable outcome at sentencing.
Fauci defends against partisan attacks in congressional hearing over COVID origins and controversies
WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci disputed Republican claims of a cover-up related to COVID-19 origins in a fiery House hearing. The infectious disease expert faced questioning from lawmakers about the pandemic response, with some scrutinizing U.S.-funded research in China. Democrats asserted that there is no evidence Fauci acted improperly.
The Washington Post grapples with reorganization after editor’s departure
NEW YORK (AP) — The Washington Post is undergoing a reorganization following the departure of its executive editor. The newspaper, under new leadership, aims to address declining readership and implement strategies to attract more readers. The restructuring has sparked concerns about the future direction of the publication.
Biden calls for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas conflict, contrasting views on Hamas destruction emerge
JERUSALEM (AP) — President Joe Biden has urged a quick cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, while Israeli leaders advocate for continued military operations to eradicate Hamas. The differing perspectives on addressing Hamas have complicated efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement and strained relations between the allies.
Market volatility follows election of Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, faces market fluctuations and the challenge of reconciling a divided nation following her election victory. Sheinbaum, a climate scientist, emphasized her commitment to all Mexicans, despite facing a deeply divided electorate. Initial vote counts show Sheinbaum securing a significant margin of victory over her closest competitor.
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