Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was convicted on June 11 of lying about his drug use to purchase a gun in 2018. A federal jury in Wilmington, Delaware, found him guilty on all three counts. This makes Hunter Biden the first child of a sitting U.S. president convicted of a crime. Sentencing is expected within 120 days, with guidelines suggesting a possible 15 to 21 months in prison. This verdict is significant amidst claims of politicized justice by former President Trump, convicted last month on unrelated charges.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, facing a crucial election on July 4, acknowledged public frustration with the Conservative Party. Sunak, aiming for a second term, launched the party's manifesto emphasizing financial security and tax reductions. Despite these pledges, the Conservatives trail Labour by 20 points in polls. Sunak admitted, "I'm not blind to the fact that people are frustrated with our party." The campaign faces additional challenges, including criticisms over Sunak's conduct and economic policies. With just weeks left, the election appears contentious as Conservatives strive to regain voter trust.

Animal Rising activists vandalized a portrait of King Charles by Jonathan Yeo at the Philip Mould Gallery, London. The protesters covered the King’s face with a Wallace and Gromit sticker, adding a speech bubble criticizing the RSPCA's farming practices. Daniel Juniper from Animal Rising explained that the action aimed to highlight cruelty on RSPCA Assured farms and urge King Charles to reconsider his association with the scheme. The protest follows the group's investigation into alleged animal mistreatment on 45 farms, prompting calls for a shift towards plant-based farming.

Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel has reopened nearly three months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed when the cargo ship Dali crashed into it. The March 26 incident killed six bridge workers and blocked the channel, shuttering the Port of Baltimore. Crews removed 50,000 tons of steel and concrete to restore the waterway. Col. Estee Pinchasin of the US Army Corps of Engineers praised the effort, despite the tragic loss of life. Rebuilding the bridge is expected to continue until 2028, with costs projected at $1.9 billion.

In southern Gaza, four Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a clash with Hamas forces, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The incident occurred in Rafah, with details still emerging about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Hamas claimed responsibility, stating that they had "booby-trapped" a building where Israeli forces were stationed. The soldiers' deaths bring the total military losses to 298 since the ground offensive began in October, highlighting the persistent violence in the region despite international efforts to broker peace.

The UN Security Council endorsed a US-proposed Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan on June 10, 2024. The resolution, supported by 14 of 15 members, calls for a full ceasefire, hostage release, and a prisoner exchange. Despite abstaining, Russia questioned Israel's commitment to halting military operations in Gaza. The plan, praised by the G7 and other global leaders, includes a phased approach for peace and Gaza’s reconstruction. The vote follows recent intense diplomatic efforts led by the US to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party won Italy’s European Parliament vote, securing 27% to 31%, a substantial increase from 6% in 2019. According to a Swg poll for La7, the left-wing Democratic Party followed with 21.5% to 25.5%. Meloni's victory reflects broader gains for far-right parties in Europe and strengthens her influence in EU parliamentary alliances and decisions, including the future of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meloni’s strategic leadership and direct appeal to voters have solidified her domestic and EU political standing.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the dissolution of parliament and new legislative elections following a significant defeat in the European elections to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). Le Pen’s party secured 32% of the vote, while Macron’s alliance garnered 15%. Citing the need for a clear majority, Macron set the first round for June 30 and a second round for July 7. This election marks a critical juncture for Macron’s government, facing rising far-right sentiment across France.

Astronaut Sunita Williams and eight other crew members on the International Space Station (ISS) face a new threat - a multi-drug resistant bacteria dubbed 'Enterobacter bugandensis'. This superbug infects the respiratory system and has evolved in the closed environment of the ISS over 24 years. It's a new concern for NASA, in addition to space debris and micrometeorites. Williams and her colleagues are on a mission to test the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft, but now they must also contend with this potentially harmful bacteria. The ISS crew is working to contain the superbug and prevent its spread.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's party won 28% of votes in the European elections, a significant boost from the 2022 general election. Her far-right Brothers of Italy party surpassed expectations, while coalition partner Matteo Salvini's League party dropped to 8.5%. The Democratic Party came in second with 24.5%, followed by the Five Star Movement with 10.5%. Meloni's victory solidifies her leadership in Italy and the EU, giving her a stronger mandate to shape policy and influence European politics.