Decision Time

Hunter Biden's trial enters day 2 of deliberations. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( June 11, 2024 Good morning. We’ll start with the latest on Hunter Biden’s federal trial as the jury resumes deliberations today, and revisit [his ex wife’s reflections on their marriage](. Then, we’ve got [the details of Princess Kate’s heartfelt letter]( and [Celine Dion’s candid remarks]( about her rare neurological disorder. Let’s dive in…   In the News [Hunter Biden leaves his gun trial ]( Getty Images Decision Time Hunter Biden's historic trial is drawing to a close as the jury resumes deliberations this morning. Here’s what we know so far: What are his charges? Biden was indicted on three criminal counts in September for allegedly lying about his drug addiction when he purchased a handgun in 2018, which is illegal under federal law. He's pleaded not guilty. What happened during closing arguments? Prosecutors pointed to “overwhelming” evidence that came to light during testimonies from Biden’s former romantic partners, including his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, in an effort to paint him as an addict. Defense attorneys argued that he didn’t consider himself a drug user at the time he bought the firearm. Will he face jail time? That's for the judge to decide. If convicted on all three counts, Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. But there’s generally a months-long delay between a conviction and sentencing. The president has already said that he wouldn’t offer a pardon if his son is found guilty and will accept whatever the jury decides.   Going Deeper Much of the testimony has zeroed in on the details of Hunter Biden’s addiction issues, and included accounts from Hallie Biden, Beau Biden’s widow, and Kathleen Buhle, Hunter’s ex-wife. We’re revisiting a 2022 interview with Buhle about [what she learned during her marriage to Hunter]( and sharing [advice for helping a loved one who’s struggling with addiction](.   More Stories [Close-up of Samuel Alito]( Getty Images Justice Alito was caught on tape saying the battle for America "can't be compromised," Rolling Stone reports. He was recorded by an activist posing as a conservative Catholic, and agreed that there must be a fight to “return our country to a place of godliness.” The United Nations passed a ceasefire deal drafted by the U.S., but Israel has refused to partake in "meaningless" negotiations with Hamas and vowed to continue its offensive in Gaza. Israel's rep said the war won't end until Hamas' capabilities are "dismantled." Four U.S. instructors from Iowa's Cornell College were stabbed while visiting a public park in China on Monday. Cornell's president said the instructors had been “injured in a serious incident,” but many details regarding the attack remain unclear. Violent crime dropped more than 15% in the U.S. between January and March, new data from the FBI reveals. Murders dropped by 26.4%. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the number "represents people whose lives were saved." The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Diamond Shruumz-brand "microdosing chocolate bars." At least eight people across four states have fallen ill after eating them, with six hospitalized. Symptoms include seizures, abnormal heart rates, and vomiting.   Must-Reads [Celine Dion]( "I Had to Hide" Ahead of her exclusive NBC interview, Celine Dion explained why she decided to go public with her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome. [Read More »]( [A quantum computer]( Tech Talk That strange-looking device on the left? It's not a bug zapper; it's an ultra powerful computer that could change society. We've got the 411. [Read More »]( [Kate Middleton wearing an emerald green coat and matching fascinator]( On the Record Kate Middleton broke her silence amidst her retreat from public duties in a recent letter to the Irish Guards. Here's what she had to say. [Read More »](   First-Person [Outline of woman's head filled with beautiful mountains]( Getty Images My friend Kathy Izard is an award-winning author and speaker who went from a career in advertising to transforming Charlotte, NC's unhoused population. [In this inspiring essay](, she details how embarking on this new path wasn’t part of a plan, but rather, a result of listening to “little voices” pushing her in a different direction. [Her new book](, out today, tells stories of impressive women who listened to their whispers.   Sound Off [Katie Couric and John Molner holding hands at their wedding]( Photo by [Brian Dorsey Studios]( Later this month, Molner and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary! That's gotten me thinking about what makes a successful relationship work, and I'd love to hear your take. [Drop us a line here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Relationship advice) to share a few words of wisdom about the most effective ways you and your partner have kept your bond strong over the years.   On the Pulse When it comes to muscle recovery, Theragun is the Rolls-Royce of wellness tools. This tiny device delivers deep-tissue massages you can administer yourself. Read all about [this groundbreaking gadget]( and how it works. [Theragun mini on geometric orange, blue, and cream background]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing You all know I love pickleball — maybe a little too much — so I got a real kick out of [this funny video]( about the "side effects" of playing the sport.   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! 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