Discover essential information for June 4: Huntington Biden updates, India voting results, COVID-19 developments, the heatwave, and Middle East news.
Here's what you need to know to kickstart your day.
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1. Hunter Biden's trial
Testimonies are set to commence today in a federal trial involving Hunter Biden. Prosecutors will lay out their case that the President's son was an active drug user when he obtained a revolver from a Delaware gun store in 2018. Hunter entered a plea of not guilty to charges of illegally procuring and maintaining a firearm while engaged in drug abuse, a federal offense. A jury of 12 individuals have been chosen after they were questioned about their perspectives on the politicization of the judicial system, the state of American firearm regulations, and their links to individuals battling dependence. President Joe Biden made an unusual statement on Monday about his son's legal situation: "I'm the President, but I'm also a Dad," he said, "Jill and I love our son, and we're incredibly proud of the man he is today."
2. India's elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to achieve an incredibly rare third consecutive term when results from the world's largest election are revealed today. However, Modi's ambition to secure a 400-seat majority in the lower house of India's 543-seat parliament seems to be under threat. While his Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in the preliminary results, the opposition Congress party's performance is exceeding certain analysts' predictions, making the attainment of the 400-seat goal uncertain. A total of 642 million votes, cast over six weeks of massive elections that concluded on June 1, will be counted today.
3. Covid-19: Fauci testifies
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, appeared in a heated House hearing on Monday. Fauci confronted attacks from Republicans who aimed to discredit his credibility and dispute the rationale underlying public health guidance. He discussed potential sources of the virus that gave rise to Covid-19 and emphasized that the US still requires better readiness for the upcoming pandemic. Furthermore, Fauci elaborated on the dangers he faced during his stint in government service, indicating that these threats have continued since his retirement in 2022.
4. How we're sweltering
A heat dome is about to send temperatures soaring to triple-digits across the Western US, fanning wildfires in the area. Over 10 million people in California, Nevada, and Arizona are under excessive heat warnings for this week. The intense heat is a consequence of a high-pressure region that stalls over a region, accumulating heat and sunshine for days or weeks. Temperatures are due to rise in California's Central Valley starting today, where the Corral Fire blaze is currently raging near Tracy. By Wednesday, the heat dome is anticipated to expand its reach to the Southwest, and later in the week, it'll encompass the Pacific Northwest.
5. Middle East turmoil
The families of four hostages held in Gaza have been notified by Israel "that they are no longer alive." The specifics of their deaths in Hamas custody remain under investigation. The victims were males aged between 51 and 84, according to Israeli officials. This development is likely to prompt added pressure on Israeli leaders to pursue a ceasefire proposal put forth by President Joe Biden last week. More than 250 people were taken prisoner in Gaza during Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, of whom more than 100 were freed during a temporary truce the following year. Israeli authorities suspect that 124 hostages, both alive and non-alive, remain captive in Gaza.
Hot reads for your food break
Avoid drinking anything before your plane nap, health professionals adviseIf you're attempting to make it through a long-haul trip with a glass of vino and a snooze, think again — research indicates this approach may adversely affect your health and sleep.
A fossil of an ancient, huge "thunder bird" has been found in AustraliaScientists are having their first meeting with the extinct "thunder bird" thanks to a remarkable discovery.
Cyndi Lauper announces a farewell tourThe "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time" singer Cyndi Lauper announced her first comprehensive tour in over a decade — which will also be her last.
Spotify raises its prices againThe music streaming giant declared it will raise its prices once again, less than a year after its previous price hike for the bulk of its subscription plans.
Kylian Mbappe sign with Real Madrid from Paris Saint-GermainReal Madrid announced the signing of French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappe on Monday, effectively concluding one of the most prolonged transfer dramas in the sport.
TODAY'S NUMBER
99%That's how much Berkshire Hathaway's stock dipped on Monday — plummeting to just $185 per share — following a strange technical issue that interrupted trading on a series of New York Stock Exchange symbols. The NYSE has since addressed the issue and declared it would nullify all "erroneous" transactions for Berkshire that took place during the two-hour glitch below $603,718.
TODAY'S QUOTE
“Time is rapidly running out.” [icite feed=blog]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again urged for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine's territory, as the conflict continues. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed a missile system inside Russian soil using a Western-supplied weapon. This incident occurred shortly after President Joe Biden granted Ukraine the rights to launch limited strikes using US weapons along the Kharkiv region.
WEATHER INFO
Get your local weather forecast here>>>
NEWS BITS
Exploring the World of 3D-Printed HousesThe construction of the biggest 3D-printed community is currently underway in Austin, Texas. This video shows how these homes are made or read about a potential game-changer in the industry, a different printing method that could transform the way houses are built.
Read also:
The United States is closely following Hunter Biden's trial, with President Joe Biden expressing his support for his son. (Hunter Biden, US)
The outcome of India's elections could affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's quest for a 400-seat majority in the lower house of India's parliament. (India, Narendra Modi)
