Hunter Biden’s Guilty Verdict, Global Economy Grows: Today’s Front Pages

Good morning and welcome to Newsweek’s summary of Wednesday’s national, regional and international newspapers.Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street Journal leads with Hunter Biden being found guilty of falsely claiming to be drug-free when applying to buy a handgun six years ago. The paper also runs a prominent story reporting Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar believes more civilian deaths are to Hamas’ advantage.New York TimesThe New York Times also covers Hunter Biden’s charges, featuring a picture of him holding hands with his first lady stepmother, and his wife, following the jury’s verdict. It also runs an international story on economic hardship in Nigeria, where there is rampant inflation and millions of people are struggling to buy food.Washington PostThe Washington Post leads with the same photo as The New York Times, with a piece reflecting on the toll the verdict would have for President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection. A story on the global economy features prominently, with the news that the global economy is growing at a better rate now than at the start of 2024, largely due to the performance of the U.S., according to the World Bank.New York PostThe New York Post covers the Hunter Biden verdict with the headline “FIRST FELON faces up to 25 years after historic verdict,” with a picture of President Biden embracing his son. The piece points out that Hunter Biden could be sentenced to probation or all the way through to 25 years in prison.USA TodayUSA Today leads with school absenteeism, as millions of students miss weeks of school. Chronic absenteeism has nearly doubled, from 15 percent to 26 percent. The article points to boredom, disconnection and depression as causes of school absenteeism. It also runs a story on how space travel may advance aging, according to a new series of scientific papers on the impact of space on the human body.L.A TimesThe Los Angeles Times covers “the worst airport,” LAX, and the plans for a $30-billion overhaul before the 2028 Olympics. It also runs a front-page article on the Hunter Biden case, suggesting that the President’s rivals will be sure to exploit the verdict against his son in the upcoming election.Boston GlobeThe Boston Globe runs with a lead on the Celtics, covering how a big financial bet by the team’s owners is paying off. The paper also covers the Hunter Biden verdict, pointing out that although the president’s son could face up to 25 years in prison, such a significant sentence is unlikely.