Jurors continue their deliberations in the federal gun case involving President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Deliberations have entered their second day in the criminal case against Hunter Biden concerning a gun purchased in 2018 when he was reportedly struggling with a crack cocaine addiction. Jurors deliberated for under an hour on Monday before adjourning and resumed deliberations on Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Delaware. The case has Hunter Biden facing three felony charges in a legal battle against his father’s Justice Department during the Democratic president’s reelection campaign. Hunter Biden’s defense argues that he did not consider himself an “addict” at the time of the gun purchase.
Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza cease-fire plan following strong endorsement by UN Security Council.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes the recent UN Security Council vote in favor of a cease-fire in Gaza demonstrates global support for the proposal. He once again calls on Hamas to accept the plan and states that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to the proposal. Blinken made these remarks during his eighth visit to the region since the outbreak of the conflict sparked by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7. Hamas has welcomed the Security Council’s vote but seeks assurances regarding the plan’s implementation.
UN raises concerns of possible war crimes by Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in deadly raid.
GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. human rights office has highlighted potential war crimes involving Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in connection with a recent raid that resulted in the release of four hostages by Israeli forces. The office has expressed worries about violations of rules regarding proportionality, distinction, and precaution by Israeli forces during the raid in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Palestinian health officials report that at least 274 Palestinians, including women and children, lost their lives during the operation. The office also points out that Palestinian armed groups holding hostages in densely populated areas are endangering nearby civilians and the hostages due to increased risks from ongoing hostilities.
Biden and gun control advocates seek to shift focus from NRA dominance on the issue.
ATLANTA (AP) — Gun control advocates and many Democrats see new opportunities arising from the uncompromising stance of the gun lobby. President Joe Biden’s campaign views gun control as a potentially motivating factor for suburban college-educated women, a demographic that could prove pivotal in key battlegrounds this fall. The Biden campaign has already circulated statements from former President Donald Trump, who vowed not to impose new gun restrictions if re-elected. The majority of suburban college-educated women who voted in the 2022 midterms supported stricter gun control laws.
Malawi’s vice president and nine others confirmed dead after plane wreckage discovery.
BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — Malawi’s president has confirmed the deaths of Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others in a plane crash. The wreckage of the military plane, carrying Chilima, was found in a mountainous area after a search that lasted over a day. President Lazarus Chakwera has stated that there are no survivors. The plane went missing during a 45-minute flight from the capital city. Air traffic controllers had advised against a landing at the Mzuzu airport due to adverse weather conditions, leading to the fatal crash.
Pamela Smart admits to orchestrating her husband’s 1990 killing for the first time.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Inmate Pamela Smart has, for the first time, taken full responsibility for plotting with her former student to have her husband killed in 1990. Smart, serving a life sentence, acknowledged her role in a videotaped statement released as part of her latest request for sentence reduction. Smart, who was 22 at the time, was involved in an affair with a 15-year-old student who carried out the murder. Although Smart denied knowledge of the plan, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and received a life sentence without parole.
Unexpected candidates secure seats in the European Parliament, challenging conventional expectations.
LONDON (AP) — Social media influencers and even candidates in jail have managed to win seats in the significant European Parliament, thanks to the amplifying effect of social media in various elections. In Cyprus, a 24-year-old influencer without political experience but with a massive following secured a seat in the legislature. In Spain, an anti-immigrant influencer with an unusual logo also clinched multiple seats. In Germany, a scandal-ridden far-right candidate who was expelled still won a seat. A jailed Greek politician and an Italian activist imprisoned in Hungary also emerged victorious in their respective countries.
As bird flu impacts the poultry industry, the dairy sector faces similar challenges.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — With the U.S. dairy industry grappling with a bird flu outbreak, lessons can be drawn from the egg industry’s experience in managing the disease. Over the past decade, nearly 100 million chickens and turkeys have been culled due to bird flu outbreaks. While outbreaks still occur, biosecurity measures and coordinated efforts have helped reduce their frequency. Some of these strategies can be applied to the dairy sector, but differences between the industries limit the extent to which lessons can be translated.
Frequent floods exacerbate challenges for shrinking Mississippi River towns.
WEST ALTON, Mo. (AP) — Data provided exclusively to The Associated Press by risk analysis firm First Street reveals that flooding has driven a higher percentage of people out of their homes near the Mississippi River compared to the national average. This trend is particularly concerning for regions already experiencing slower growth and economic hardship. In West Alton, Missouri, a community repeatedly affected by floods, residents have been forced to relocate, impacting community cohesion. Climate change is identified as a key factor contributing to the increased frequency of severe floods, exacerbating challenges faced by these vulnerable communities.
Falling gas prices linked to subdued demand ahead of summer travel.
NEW YORK (AP) — Gas prices in the U.S. are once again decreasing, bringing relief to drivers who are paying less at the pump. The national average for gas prices has dipped to around $3.44 per gallon, marking a decline compared to the previous week and month, and a significant drop from the same period a year ago. The reduction in prices is attributed to a combination of lower demand and increased supply, alongside stable oil prices worldwide. Barring unexpected disruptions in production, experts suggest that gas prices could continue their downward trend.
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