
US Treasury official meets with China's new ambassador in Washington
By David Lawder WASHINGTON U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Jay Shambaugh met on Friday with China's new ambassador to the
1970-01-01 08:00

Trump wants New York judge removed in Manhattan hush-money case
Hours after he was criminally charged with 34 courts of falsifying business records in New York City, Donald Trump retreated to his Mar-a-Lago resort to lambast the “Trump-hating” judge presiding over his case in Manhattan criminal court. Now, lawyers for the former president and frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination are pressing Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the case, pointing to his daughter’s political consulting work and small-dollar campaign donations. A court filing made public on 2 June – days after Mr Trump’s virtual court appearance for a hearing to abide by a court order prohibiting his sharing of evidence in the case – also took issue with Mr Merchan’s role in a case involving convicted former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 tax violations in what prosecutors called a years-long fraud scheme. In April, Mr Trump was criminally charged in connection with repayments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in an alleged hush-money scheme to prevent the release of potentially damaging stories about Mr Trump and his alleged affairs. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Attorney for Mr Trump argued that the judge’s daughter’s political consulting work could be seen as an actual or perceived conflict of interest for the judge, and his potential role in the case could “result in a financial benefit” for his daughter who “stands to profit from negative rulings or a conviction” against Mr Trump. Mr Trump’s lawyers also want Mr Merchan to “put on the record relevant information surrounding what appear to be certain political contributions.” Mr Merchan appears to have donated $15 to President Joe Biden campaign and $20 to two advocacy groups in 2020, according to federal campaign finance records. Mr Trump, Cohen and the former owner of the National Enquirer David Pecker allegedly worked in concert to “identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects” leading up to the 2016 presidential election, according to prosecutors. The alleged payments were used to cover up sex scandals as part of a “conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election,” according to prosecutors. Hours after he first appeared in criminal court on 4 April, and after the judge warned him against making any incendiary remarks or personal attacks, Mr Trump immediately flew back to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he went on to do just that. “I have a Trump-hating judge, with a Trump-hating wife and family,” he said that night. He called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg “a local failed district attorney” and a “criminal” who should resign. Prosecutors have argued that a protective order was necessary to keep Mr Trump – who already has repeatedly lashed out at the judge and prosecutors – from broadcasting information about the case before a jury has been selected and a trial begins. Last month, the former president made his first appearance in court since his indictment, appearing on a video screen in front of two American flags with golden fringes seated next to his attorney. Mr Trump, who continues to rely on his online bully pulpit with an audience of obedient followers to broadcast veiled threats and insults at his perceived enemies, is prohibited from disseminating “covered materials” on social media platforms “including, but not limited, to Truth Social, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, or YouTube, without prior approval from the court,” according to a protective order issued last month. A trial is set to begin on 25 March 2024 – days after voting begins in presidential primaries. Read More Trump news - live: Classified document noted on tape is reportedly missing as Trump reacts to no Pence charges Trump investigation in Georgia could include other states in sweeping racketeering case, report says Trump and DeSantis must pledge to support eventual White House nominee as first debate announced Trump reacts to report Pence won’t face charges for classified documents: ‘I’m at least as innocent as he is’
1970-01-01 08:00

Lian Li Stuck LCDs in the Middle of Its PC Case Fans, Because Someone Had To
You can always count on Computex, Taiwan's annual mecca for PC enthusiasts, to deliver mind-blowing
1970-01-01 08:00

At least 207 dead, 900 injured in massive train crash in Odisha, India
By Abinaya V and Jatindra Dash BHUBANESWAR, India (Reuters) -At least 207 people were killed and 900 injured when two
1970-01-01 08:00

Biden to Say Debt-Limit Deal Prevented ‘Economic Collapse’
President Joe Biden plans to say the debt-limit agreement he struck with Republicans was “essential” to avoiding an
1970-01-01 08:00

Welsh billionaire Michael Moritz criticised over anti-drug posters
Welsh tech billionaire Michael Moritz is criticised over an anti-drug campaign in San Francisco.
1970-01-01 08:00

OPEC+ Gathers to Make Choice Between Patience and Preemption
OPEC+ gathered in Vienna to decide whether to give their existing production cuts more time to take effect,
1970-01-01 08:00

Congo Homes In on Peru’s World No. 2 Copper Ranking
The Democratic Republic of Congo all but closed the gap with Peru in terms of copper shipment volumes
1970-01-01 08:00

Edward Enninful steps down as British Vogue editor-in-chief to take on new role at Condé Nast
Edward Enninful, the Ghanaian-British journalist known for championing diversity in the fashion industry, will step down from his role as British Vogue editor-in-chief. The fashion editor is set to take on a new role at Condé Nast as global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue. On Friday (2 June), the 51-year-old editor announced in an internal memo to staff that he will step into an “editorial advisor” role in 2024. In the memo, per Vogue Business, he addressed the heads of editorial content at Vogue France, Vogue Italia, Vogue Spain, and Vogue Germany, all of whom report to him. The move seemingly marks the end of his historic run as British Vogue’s first man, and first Black editor, to hold the title of editor-in-chief. “I am excited to share that from next year I will be stepping into the newly appointed position of editorial advisor of British Vogue and global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue, where I will continue to contribute to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally while having the freedom to take on broader creative projects,” the memo read. "For now everything remains the same, and I’m so excited about what the future holds for us. I would like to thank Roger [Lynch] and Anna [Wintour] for their continued support,” he said. Since his induction as editor-in-chief of British Vogue in August 2017, Enninful has made strides towards diversity and inclusion in fashion. Most recently, he helmed the magazine’s first braille editions for blind and partially sighted people, and included activist Sinead Burke as one of five stars with disabilities on the cover of British Vogue’s May 2023 issue. The new position comes amidst rumours of a rift between Enninful and Anna Wintour, the longstanding editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Despite speculation that Enninful will replace Wintour as the head of American Vogue when she eventually retires, Condé Nast insiders believe that there has been a “great tension” between the two fashion powerhouses. His stepping down comes just two days after Wintour announced the second annual Vogue World will make its way to London in September ahead of London Fashion Week. Sources say that her decision to hold the fashion extravaganza, which aims to celebrate British art and culture, in Enninful’s so-called dominion was “incredibly annoying for him” and that the US-based editor was treading on his toes. Perhaps the biggest loss is for Condé Nast, who seemingly chose the 73-year-old global editorial director of Vogue over Enninful – despite his impact in fashion and diversity. However, both Enninful and Condé Nast have previously denied rumours of a rift between the fashion giants, and he thanked his former boss in the memo announcing his departure. Enninful, who had once been considered a protégé of Wintour, began his career at Condé Nast when he was appointed fashion director at W magazine in 2011. He has also contributed to Italian Vogue since 1998 and American Vogue since 2006. He succeeded Alexandra Shulman as British Vogue editor-in-chief in 2017, a role she had previously held for nearly 25 years. In his internal memo, Enninful noted that Condé Nast will begin its search for “head of editorial content” at British Vogue, rather than the coveted title of editor-in-chief. He will continue to report to Wintour in his new role as global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue. Read More Vogue editor Anna Wintour announces Vogue World 2023 is coming to London British Vogue’s first braille edition released to ‘delight’ of editor Edward Enninful condemns lack of diverse models during Fashion Month Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Issa Rae and Simu Liu react to their own doll replicas Amanda Holden’s most extravagant fashion from the BGT live shows Brooke Shields says she ‘fought’ against her daughter becoming a model
1970-01-01 08:00

DeSantis news — live: Judge steps back from Disney case against Florida governor as 2024 campaign tour wraps
Ron DeSantis has wrapped up his first tour of early-voting states that took him to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. At a campaign event in New Hampshire, there was a bizarre moment when a woman interrupted the governor’s speech to claim that her son’s murder was being covered up by the state of Florida. Video captured the unidentified woman being escorted out of the event by security as she threw a DeSantis hat to the ground and pulled out one supporting Donald Trump. The incident came hours after Mr DeSantis snapped at a reporter who persisted in asking him why he was posing for pictures with local voters but not taking their questions. “Are you blind?” Mr DeSantis snarled, insisting he was making himself available. The exchange was leapt upon Mr Trump, who branded his top 2024 rival “angry” at a Fox News town hall event in Iowa on Thursday evening. Back in the Sunshine State, a federal judge disqualified himself from overseeing a court case brought against Mr DeSantis by Disney. The governor is also facing mounting criticism over a sweeping new immigration law coming into effect on 1 July. Read More DeSantis lashes out at reporter on New Hampshire campaign visit: ‘Are you blind?’ Woman interrupts DeSantis speech to claim her son’s murder was covered up in Florida DeSantis says ‘petty and juvenile’ Trump can thank his own behaviour for 2020 loss
1970-01-01 08:00

Ecuador's president declines to run in snap elections after he disbands National Assembly
Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso said Friday he will not seek reelection in the early elections prompted by his decision to dissolve the National Assembly two weeks ago. Lasso, who disbanded the assembly just when it appeared on the verge of ousting him in impeachment proceedings, announced his decision not to run in Aug. 20 balloting at a news conference surrounded by members of his Cabinet and family. “This has been the greatest honor of my life, but I love democracy way beyond the role of president,” Lasso said. "If my duty as president requires me to give up my position and protect democracy, then I will do so. Without fear and with a clear conscience.” Lasso, a conservative former banker, was elected in 2021 on a business-friendly platform and clashed from the start with the left-leaning majority coalition in the 137-member National Assembly. In May, lawmakers launched impeachment proceedings against him on allegations that he failed to intervene to end a faulty contract between the state-owned oil transport company and a private tanker company. Faced with likely removal from office on what he called frivolous charges, Lasso disbanded the National Assembly, calling it “the best possible decision,” giving Ecuadorians “the power to decide their future in the next elections.” Ecuador's constitution includes a provision that allows the president to disband the assembly during a political crisis, but then requires new elections for both the assembly and presidency. Mauricio Alarcón, an analyst with Ecuador's nongovernment organization Citizenship and Development Foundation, praised Lasso's decision to step aside, telling The Associated Press that the level of confidence in the president “had hit rock bottom.” An estimated 13.4 million Ecuadoreans will go to the polls in August to elect president, vice-president and 137 legislators. They will complete the current term of office, which end in May 2025. If no winner is declared in a first round, a second one is scheduled for Oct. 15. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide
1970-01-01 08:00

3M reaches tentative $10 billion pollution settlement with US cities -Bloomberg News
By Clark Mindock and Brendan Pierson 3M Co has struck a tentative settlement of at least $10 billion
1970-01-01 08:00