Author: Newyorki

On Sunday, the United States called for the immediate release of Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai just before his trial in the Chinese city on national security charges that carry the possibility of a life sentence. Jimmy Lai, aged 76, founded the now-closed Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily, known for its critical stance on Beijing and support for the significant protest movement in Hong Kong in 2019. He is charged with “collusion” with foreign forces under the broad national security law imposed by Beijing on the financial hub in 2020. Lai’s trial is set to commence on Monday in…

On Thursday, global equities cautiously advanced, witnessing brief all-time highs in Frankfurt and Paris, following the decisions by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged. This comes after the Federal Reserve propelled Wall Street to significant gains, with indications of a shift towards potential rate cuts in the coming year. Having implemented a series of rate hikes over the past two years to curb rising inflation, the Bank of England joined the ECB and the Federal Reserve in maintaining a pause on interest rates for the second consecutive meeting. The Federal Reserve’s…

On Wednesday, the House officially approved the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden, despite Republicans’ inability to present evidence demonstrating that the president gained financial benefits from his family’s business engagements. The House voted along party lines, with a tally of 221-212, to initiate the inquiry. This decision came after President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, declined a subpoena for a closed-door deposition with House members. Instead, he held a press conference on Capitol Hill, expressing his willingness to testify publicly, an offer rejected by House Republicans. “I am here to testify at a public hearing today, to answer any of…

US President Joe Biden vowed on Tuesday, following White House talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he “will not walk away from Ukraine.” Biden told reporters Russian leader Vladimir Putin was “banking” on the United States failing to provide further military assistance to Ukraine. Zelensky, who spent the morning talking to Republicans and Democrats in Congress, signaled cautious optimism that the stalled US aid flow will restart. “I got the signals. They were more than positive. But we know that we have to separate words from particular results. Therefore, we will count on particular results,” Zelensky said. But the…

The US Supreme Court has been petitioned to determine whether former President Donald Trump can face charges for alleged crimes committed during his presidency. Jack Smith, the former war crimes prosecutor and current special counsel overseeing two criminal investigations involving Trump, formally requested a prompt ruling on the matter. The Supreme Court has subsequently agreed to review the request and has set a deadline of December 20 for Trump’s legal team to submit a response. While the judges did not specify the mechanism or venue for his trial if approved, former President Donald Trump, aged 77, is slated to face…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with the new Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, in Washington today as he tries to restart US aid to his embattled country, Johnson’s office said. The meeting, which Johnson spokesman Raj Shah said would take place at the US Capitol, could prove key to a breakthrough on aid as Ukraine fights off a Russian invasion, with Republicans balking at sending more funds and the White House warning that the money it has already greenlit could run out within weeks. “As Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine,…

As the countdown to the 2024 U.S. presidential election begins, former President Donald Trump is positioning himself as the inevitable Republican nominee. The first crucial test lies ahead in the Iowa caucuses, scheduled for January 15, 2024. While Trump’s lead in the polls appears commanding, the real intrigue surrounds the race for the runner-up position, with significant implications for the broader GOP landscape. The embattled Trump is tirelessly attempting to be among the next election’s candidates. Defying the establishment, he has been pursuing the same line as he did eight years ago. Recent polling in Iowa during December indicates that…

Jonathan Majors returned to court to face trial for the alleged assault of his former girlfriend earlier in the year. Accompanied by his girlfriend, actress Meghan Good, and holding a Bible, Majors appeared somber as he entered Manhattan Criminal Court for the proceedings. The charges stem from an incident in March when Majors was arrested after an alleged domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Prosecutors claim Majors hit Jabbari in the head while they were in a cab, resulting in misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment. Majors has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Before opening statements Monday, both…

The Biden administration has issued long-awaited guidance that will restrict Chinese content in batteries qualifying for electric vehicle tax credits starting next year. In line with the guidance, the U.S. Treasury will provide a temporary exemption for certain trace-critical minerals from strict rules that prohibit materials from China and other nations identified as “Foreign Entities of Concern” (FEOC). These rules, mandated by an August 2022 law, aim to reduce dependence on China in the U.S. electric vehicle battery supply chain and hold significance for automakers making investment decisions in battery production for their electric vehicle initiatives. The FEOC rules will…

It was President Joe Biden’s turn to bring some holiday spirit to the U.S. capital. President Biden and his wife, Jill, took part in the yearly tradition of illuminating the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, located in President’s Park on the south side of the White House. Following a countdown from five, President Biden wished everyone a “Merry Christmas,” and the towering tree lit up in a festive display of holiday colors. President Biden expressed that the White House holiday theme, centered around “wonder, magic, and joy,” embodies the spirit of Christmas. He emphasized that Christmas is a time to rediscover…