World Business Report US House passes Trump's mega tax-cut bill
A massive tax and spending bill has just been passed by the US House of Representatives. The so-called mega-bill would extend tax cuts from President Donald Trump's first term, end taxes on tips, and increase military and border spending.
The sportwear giant Nike is raising prices - but how much of it is down to the global tariff situation, and how much is down to other difficulties in the company?
And we look at the Japan's economy - why the price of rice is increasing and how it is affecting Japanese businesses?
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Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Will Diddy take the stand? All the witnesses at rapper's blockbuster trial
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial started up again after a short break for Memorial Day weekend. The rap mogul himself could take the stand and will be able to decide if he wants to up until the last minute, but his lawyers will most likely advise him not to do so. So far, the blockbuster trial has consisted of a number of bombshell testimonies from his ex-girlfriend and main accuser Cassie Ventura, rapper Kid Cudi, Dawn Richard, a former member of Combs' pop group Danity Kane, and his former executive assistant George Kaplan, among others. Diddy denies all allegations against him. His lawyers admit he's a woman beater - although he does not face domestic abuse charges - but that he is not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering. Here is a full list of everyone who has taken the stand so far: Cassie Ventura Combs' long-time ex-girlfriend was the first witness to testify in his trial. The music mogul's staggering downfall began when Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit in 2023 detailing horrific claims of sexual abuse and violence at the hands of her ex-partner. The lawsuit was settled for $20 million just a day after it was filed, but it was too late for Diddy 's reputation, and the rapper was then hit with dozens of lawsuits including similar claims. During her time on the stand, a heavily pregnant Ventura, and four days of giving her emotional testimony, she was visibly pregnant as she is eight months along and is in her third trimester. During her testimony, Ventura claimed she suffered years of traumatic abuse at the hands of Combs during their decade-long, on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. Even after they called it quits and she started dating her now husband Alex Fine, she revealed how she had allegedly cheated on him with Combs after years of being brutalized by him. The music mogul's staggering downfall began when Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit in 2023 detailing horrific claims of sexual abuse and violence at the hands of her ex-partner. (Pictured: The former couple in 2016) Evidence images included the above photograph of dark bruising on Cassie's back she said Diddy inflicted on her during an altercation in Christmas 2011 She also described one particularly chilling instance in the fall of 2018, where her ex allegedly raped her and she claimed Fine punched a hole in the wall when she told him what happened. Ventura testified that she had consensual sex with Combs on one other occasion after the assault. The court was shown horrific photographs of injuries Ventura, 38, sustained allegedly at the hands of Combs. They included pictures of dark bruising on her back and lower thigh that she said came during an altercation with Diddy in Christmas 2011. Other photos show her badly swollen lips after the infamous 2016 assault Diddy launched on her in the hallway of an LA hotel, as caught on camera. The singer, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, said she chose to not report who had assaulted her when police showed up because she wanted to protect Diddy. Another image shows what Cassie described as a 'pretty significant gash' above her left eye. Kid Cudi During the second week of the trial, rapper Kid Cudi and Ventura's ex-boyfriend, took the stand. His bombshell testimony sensationally revealed that his $140,000 Porsche was blown up after the hip hop mogul found out he had been seeing his girlfriend, Ventura. The Pursuit of Happiness hitmaker, real name Scott Mescudi, told jurors Combs had broken into his house months prior and that his car exploded shortly after he broke off his relationship with Ventura because he knew Combs was 'dangerous.' Kid Cudi told the court he had no proof or knowledge that Diddy or any of his associates were at his home the day of the firebombing. He had approached Diddy about the incident and Diddy claimed to have no knowledge of it. His lawyers took issue with Kid Cudi telling jurors he believed Diddy was lying. The performer went on to detail how his dog was never the same after his Porshe blew up. He testified that his fog became 'very jittery and kind of on edge all the time' after the bombing incident. Dawn Richard The former member of Combs' pop group Danity Kane told jurors she personally witnessed Ventura being assaulted by the disgraced rapper several times. One of the instances occurred in Los Angeles in 2009 while Ventura cooked her then boyfriend breakfast. 'He came downstairs angry and was saying where the f*** was his eggs – excuse my language – and he was telling Cassie that she never gets anything right, where the f*** is his food, and he proceeded to come over to her and took the skillet with the eggs in it and tried to hit her over the head with it and she fell to the ground,' she said. She went on to detail how she saw Combs punch Ventura with a 'closed fist' that same year before a music festival in Central Park. Richard then witnessed Ventura put on sunglasses to seemingly cover the injury, as she did the same 'in solidarity.' A photo was then shown to the jurors of her, Ventura and another Danity Kane member wearing sunglasses at the festival. Kaplan said that his duties involved being asked by Diddy to buy drugs for him: on one occasion at his Miami home Diddy gave Kaplan a bag of money and a number to call for a dealer who gave him a bag of MDMA pills In 2024, Richard sued Combs for assault, copyright infringement and false imprisonment, among other things. She alleged that Combs grouped her numerous times and forced her to endure inhuman work conditions as his employee. Combs denied all of the allegations she made against him and filed a motion to dismiss the case in the May of that year. George Kaplan Diddy's former executive assistant testified under an immunity order signed by the judge overseeing the case. Kaplan said that he worked for Diddy for 15 months from September 2014. He was one of five assistants working for Diddy at the time and he put in working weeks of between 80 and 100 hours. Sometimes his day finished at 7am if Diddy was working late in the studio. Kaplan said that his duties involved being asked by Diddy to buy drugs for him: on one occasion at his Miami home Diddy gave Kaplan a bag of money and a number to call for a dealer who gave him a bag of MDMA pills. Among Kaplan's other roles was setting up a hotel room ahead of Diddy's arrival. Kaplan said he took a bag with him and unpacked the items inside: clothes, a speaker, candles, liquor, baby oil and Astroglide. Combs would stay in the rooms - where prosecutors say he staged Freak offs - for between 12 hours and a few days. Once he had finished, Kaplan would return to tidy up the rooms. Describing what he saw, he said: 'Lots of empty bottles, Gatorade bottles, liquor bottles, often baby oil, on the table on the floor, around the bed. 'On a single occasion, I came across some sort of brown crystalized power on the counter of the bathroom sink. 'I tidied them, I made it as close as it was when I came in.' Asked why he did this, Kaplan said he was 'protecting his (Diddy's) public image'. Kerry Morgan Kerry Morgan, Ventura's best friend, emerged as a crucial figure in Diddy's trial and was also mentioned in Ventura's testimony a week prior. The R&B singer told the court that her ex-boyfriend threw a wooden hanger at her then best friend, giving her a concussion. Ventura also mentioned the alleged incident in the 2023 lawsuit she filed against Combs, where she accused the disgraced rapper of putting her through years of a 'cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.' The alleged incident between Morgan and Combs led to a settlement between the two, and Ventura also paid additional money to 'resolve the dispute between her close friend and her abusive and controlling boyfriend,' legal documents stated. Following the alleged ordeal, the Me & U singer's relationship with Morgan, a model, became 'strained,' per the filing. During Morgan's testimony, she said she saw Combs hit Ventura at a rental home in Hollywood Hills, California. Another time, during a trip in Jamaica, Morgan said 'he was dragging her by her hair on the floor.' 'I heard her screaming and I went to the hallway. The hallway was extremely long. And they were coming out of the master bedroom and he was dragging her by her hair on the floor,' she said. Daniel Phillip The 41-year-old male escort delivered a graphic account of how he was regularly paid thousands of dollars by the rap superstar to have sex with his then-girlfriend. He took the stand for an hour to allege how Combs paid him up to $6,000 each time to take part in orchestrated sexual relations with Ventura. Diddy would often direct their encounters, forcing them to engage in awkward 'role play' before giving Phillip specific instructions on when and where to orgasm, the male escort alleged. He said Combs routinely instructed him to massage baby oil all over Cassie and have sex with her while the rapper performed a sex act on a chair in the corner. On one occasion, Combs allegedly instructed Phillip to orgasm inside Cassie, with the escort mentioning that the pair rarely used condoms. The escort said he 'pretended' to orgasm and was subsequently asked repeatedly by Combs whether he was 'sure' he had done so inside her. He also claimed to have witnessed Combs physically abuse Cassie on multiple occasions and added that the music mogul once gave him MDMA, according to a court report by Variety. Israel Florez The prosecution's first witness was Los Angeles police officer Israel Florez, who in 2016 was a security guard at the InterContinental Hotel in LA when the CCTV of the assault on Ms Ventura was filmed. He said he was called to help a 'woman in distress' on the sixth floor, where he found Cassie sitting in the corner covering her face while Combs was slouched in a chair wearing just a towel with a 'devilish' look on his face. 'She was scared,' Florez added. 'She was in the corner, hood on, covered up. I couldn't see her face, she was pretty much in the corner.' After escorting Ventura out of the hotel, Combs attempted to offer him a bribe, which he rejected, Florez said. Florez also told the court he used his phone to film the assault video from the hotel security monitor to show his wife. Cassie's mother, Regina Ventura (middle), testified that she took out a home equity loan of $20,000 when Diddy demanded 'recoup money' after he found out Cassie was in a relationship with rapper Kid Cudi 'If I had told my wife what had happened, she wouldn't have believed me,' he said. Regina Ventura Cassie's mother, Regina Ventura, testified that she took out a home equity loan of $20,000 when Diddy demanded 'recoup money' after he found out Cassie was in a relationship with rapper Kid Cudi. She testified that the money was returned to her account five days later. Regina Ventura also testified that she took photos of her daughter after Cassie was allegedly physically assaulted by Diddy. 'I was physically sick. I did not understand a lot of it. The sex tapes threw me. I did not know [Combs] but I knew that he was going to try to hurt my daughter,' she told jurors. Those horrific photos of her daughter's injuries were shown to the court during the trial. Sharay Hayes The male stripper, also known as 'The Punisher,' revealed to the court that he wore a veil the first time he met Diddy and Ventura. 'There was an area for me to sit and her to sit and there were little bowls of water and bottles of baby oil,' he said of the meeting at the Trump International Hotel on Central Park West. 'Ms Ventura got on the sofa opposite me and I followed, mimicked what she did. She got a bottle of baby oil and started pouring it on herself and I did similar. 'A few minutes (later) I could see her husband enter the room. The man was nude but I could not see his face, there was a veil and I could see he had a bottle of Astroglide. 'At some point the man stood up and left the room. Ms Ventura follow him out.' He said he was paid an additional $1,200 when he was done. When asked, the witness said he had between eight and 12 total encounters with the couple. He said he'd also met with them at Essex House, a luxurious hotel on Central Park South, just a stone's throw from the Trump International Hotel. Hayes added that as Combs became more comfortable in his presence, he switched from wearing a veil to a baseball cap. Gerald Gannon Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon talked jurors through the startling exhibits, including guns, drugs, industrial quantities of 'freak off' paraphernalia and boxes of women's high heels, at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Manhattan last Tuesday. They were seized during a March 2024 raid on Diddy's $40 million home on the ultra-exclusive Star Island after an armored vehicle was used to smash open its gates. The images, shared with the public on Wednesday morning, include parts of AR-15 rifles. One of the guns had a 'red dot' viewer that would have made it easier to hit a target. Gannon told the court that the weapon had their serial numbers removed which would have made it difficult or 'impossible' to trace them. In a dramatic moment, he was asked to open an evidence bag in a cart next to him with scissors and stand before the jury holding up the upper part of the AR-15 rifle. Gannon assured the jury the gun had been rendered safe and held it up with both hands: jurors craned their necks to see. Other exhibits and images shown to jurors were less dangerous but equally disturbing. Dawn Hughes Prosecutors called Dr Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist who specializes in trauma and traumatic stress. She has previously testified at many high-profile trials including Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard. Dr Hughes was called to explain to the jury why individuals stay in relationships even when there is domestic violence, how individuals cope in such relationships, and how their memory could be affected, among other issues. Dr Hughes - who had not interviewed either Diddy or Ventura - said it was 'very common' for victims of abuse to stay in a relationship. Victims feel 'entrapped' because they are seeking love and affection but when it comes with violence and abuse it becomes 'very hard for the victim to see the way out'. Prosecutors called Dr Dawn Hughes (left), a clinical and forensic psychologist who specializes in trauma and traumatic stress According to Dr Hughes, victims find themselves 'walking on eggshells' and fearing they are next going to get hit. Dr Hughes said that sexual abuse was 'so inherently damaging' that it made it especially likely a victim would not leave her abuser. Mylah Morales Morales described herself as a 'celebrity makeup artist' who had worked with Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Ventura. During her testimony, she detailed an argument at a hotel in Beverly Hills in 2010 between Ventura and Combs where she heard 'yelling and screaming' behind a bedroom door they were both inside. Combs stormed out and Ventura was left in the room with a swollen eye, a busted lip and knots on her head. According to Morales, Ventura was 'distraught.' Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, showed the jury the notes that were put on the account of Diddy, who often stayed there. The notes, which advised front desk staff, read that Diddy was only allowed to rent 'entry' level rooms because he regularly caused so much damage. Prosecutors have claimed Diddy used candles during Freak Offs. Frederick Zemmour Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, showed the jury the notes that were put on the account of Diddy, who often stayed there. The notes, which advised front desk staff, read that Diddy was only allowed to rent 'entry' level rooms because he regularly caused so much damage. The notes read: 'ALWAYS spills candle wax on everything and uses excessive amounts of oil, place the room out of order upon departure for deep cleaning. 'Please authorize an extra $1,000 when guest stays with us to cover any room damages'. Under the 'Housekeeping' section the notes read: 'Pls monitor outside his rm / down the hall to spray air freshener. Likes the room HOT! set thermostat to 75. Put portable heater in the room prior to arrival'. Prosecutors have claimed Diddy used candles during Freak Offs and liked to keep the room warm. In one daily note from January 10 2010, the manager's notes state: 'Found large deposit of candle wax on carpet in living room area and on night stands in bedroom areas.' Joshua Croft The special agent with Homeland Security Investigations briefly testified about the process of examining some of the electronic devices found during the investigation into Diddy. He also noted collecting computer extractions from three laptops that belongs to Ventura. According to Croft, one of the computers had a user profile listed as Frank Black, which was an alias used by Combs. Capricorn Clark Capricorn Clark is Combs' former assistant. The mogul's ex-employee has been mentioned about a dozen times by various witnesses who have taken the stand in the trial, and prosecutors claim she was kidnapped twice by Diddy or his bodyguards. During her testimony, Clark mentioned Lauren London, who was a close friend of Ventura. Clark said Diddy once explained to her and London why they 'didn't have a man.' '(He said) let me show you something. He called Cassie over and he asked her to sit down, stand up, turn around, turn the other way, walk over there, grab that hand me that, walk back, turn around, go back in the other room,' Clark told the jury. Clark told the jury she learned that Cassie was seeing Kid Cudi when the R&B singer brought him to her apartment for a hangout. (Pictured: Clark and Ventura in 2008) Clark told the jury she learned that Ventura was seeing Kid Cudi when the R&B singer brought him to her apartment for a hangout. She said she became 'very concerned' that Diddy would learn about the relationship. 'I took her to Best Buy to buy a burner phone. The way she was moving she was going to get us all killed,' Clark said in court. She told the court when a 'furious' Diddy found out about Kid Cudi seeing Ventura, he showed up at her house armed with a gun. Clark said she was fired as his assistant in 2012 after complaining that she was being sent work while on vacation.
Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Kylie Jenner is a busty beauty as her new racy Khy collaboration goes on sale
Kyle Jenner downplayed her glamorous good looks as she promoted her latest collection of clothing Tuesday. The reality star, 27, who got wild with pal Hailey Bieber and sisters Kendall and Khloe at a pre-launch party over the weekend, was nearly unrecognizable in the latest offering on social media. Putting the focus on the fashion, the model relied on more natural looking makeup with a soft neutral lip for the online fashion show. In one photo, she partially covered her face with her hair. In others, she used netting to diffuse her features, including a sexy ensemble featuring a red bra top and a beige mini-skirt. She also showed only part of her face in another snap. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. In other photos, the reality star used netting to diffuse her features, including putting a sheer hood over her head for a sexy ensemble featuring a red bra top and a beige mini-skirt. 'The symmetry of your face is beautifully carved like a masterpiece,' commented one fan after seeing the snaps. 'I'm so excited to share this collection with you guys. My collaboration with @dilarafindikoglu launches TOMORROW at 9AM PT on she wrote. Diehard fans gushed over the latest selection of outfits. 'Every new launch you make continues to redefine beauty in the most inspiring way, and I couldn't be prouder to support a brand like @khy that I truly love and believe in @kyliejenner,' wrote an ardent admirer. 'One of the most iconic collections ever!!,' stated a fan. Another remarked on the 'Structure' of the garments. One fan called her a 'Goddess,' adding, 'you look absolutely stunning.' Jenner, who has experienced great financial success with her Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin, launched her clothes brand in November 2023. When it first went online, customers bought $1m worth of product in the first hour. Some critics have been wary of the high prices, while others don't think they tight fitting looks will be flattering to 'normal' women. For instance, the red Satin Zipper bralette she modeled retails for $248 on the website and the corseted skirt is $248 as well. The zippered black Denim Jacket goes for $288. The company also sells a variety of items, including high end dresses, skirts, jeans, pants and tees, along with athleisure wear such as hoodies and joggers.
Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Glamorous exec beaten into a coma as maniac raids Beanie Babies tycoon's Montecito mansion
A woman was held hostage and violently beaten by a combat veteran who barricaded himself inside the home of reclusive billionaire Beanie Babies CEO Ty Warner. Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, is 'comatose due to a brain injury' after being 'violently beaten' at Warner's Montecito estate last Wednesday. Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, of Nevada, allegedly broke into the billionaire's home, proclaimed it was his property and demanded everyone leave, The Santa Barbara Independent reports. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Malek-Aslanian outside with 'severe injuries' and Phay 'barricaded' in a second-story bathroom. He tried to evade arrest by jumping from the bathroom window, but was tackled to the ground by sheriff's deputies and K-9 officers, authorities said in a press release obtained by Phay was charged with attempted murder, burglary, kidnapping, and assault. The former Army combat soldier, who previously claimed he was 'trained to eliminate' his enemies, is being held at the Santa Barbara County jail and is not eligible for bail. Warner, 80, was at the mansion - located in Montecito, a southern California celebrity enclave that home to dozens of stars including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - during the attack, but was unharmed. It is unclear if he and Phay ever occupied the same room. Officials do not believe that Phay personally knew the CEO or his alleged victim Malek-Aslanian, a financial services expert 'who once worked for Warner's hotels division', KSBW reports. Police responded to reports of a disturbance at Warner's mansion in the 1000 block of Fairway Road shortly after 4.30pm Wednesday. The suspect - later identified as Phay - was holed up inside the property in what authorities feared could be an ongoing hostage situation. A BearCat armored vehicle, K-9 officers and a helicopter were deployed as officers established a perimeter around the residence. Officers entered the home in search of victims and discovered that the occupants had all escaped, but did find Phay hiding in a restroom upstairs. Crisis negotiators tried to talk him into coming out of the bathroom, but Phay attempted the flee out of the window instead. He was apprehended, arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Southern Branch Jail, where he continues to be held without bail, sheriff's records show. Phay was arraigned in Santa Barbara County Superior Court on Friday morning. He pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, prosecutor Kevin Weichbrod confirmed to the Noozhawk newspaper. Prosecutors allege Phay entered Warner's home with the 'intent to commit larceny' before assaulting Malek-Aslanian and inflicting 'great bodily injury'. The criminal complaint said Malek-Aslanian 'was particularly vulnerable'. He has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, assault, kidnapping and residential burglary, as well as obstructing or delaying sheriff's deputies. Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch has also filed special allegations against Phay, claiming he poses 'serious danger to society'. He is due back in court on June 2 for a preliminary hearing. Phay appears to have a history of alleged violence, with the veteran having been named in a complaint as recently as last year, according to KEYT. He allegedly threatened a couple, who resided in Arroyo Grande, over the phone. He was arrested in in Siskiyou County in 2018 and charged with battery and assault, but the case was dismissed last year. Phay also appeared in court in 2014 after he allegedly threatened his wife and followed her across state lines after she tried to flee with their son. A violent attack against his wife resulted in a prison sentence, but his release Phay was eligible for diversion programs that targeted ex-military personnel battling mental health issues. He told The San Francisco Chronicle after his release: 'They've recognized that I am salvageable. I need treatment, and I've gotten treatment. I feel like people here understand the brotherhood.' Phay left the Army as a trained infantry combat soldier with specialized weapons training, telling the newspaper how 'I have been trained to eliminate you'. He admitted that his remark 'sounds crazy, but it is true.' Phay was expecting to serve in Kuwait, but his tour of duty expired before he could be deployed. In the charging documents for his latest alleged offence, DA Savrnoch cited Phay's previous criminal records, which he claimed were 'both numerous and of increasing severity'. He also alleged that Phay's behavior on probation, parole, and post-release supervision was 'unsatisfactory'.
