Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.
US News
Trump to Hire Private Attorney Marc Kasowitz for Russia Investigation
President Donald Trump has decided to hire Marc Kasowitz as a private attorney to deal with the investigation into the Trump campaign's alleged ties to Russia, sources said. Kasowitz previously represented Trump during the presidential campaign, accusing the New York Times of publishing a "defamatory" article in October.—NBC News
Senate Committee to Subpoena Former Flynn Businesses
Senate Intelligence Committee panelists said they will subpoena two of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's former businesses. The move follows Flynn's decision to withhold documents from the committee, citing Fifth Amendment rights. "While we disagree with General Flynn's lawyers' interpretation of taking the Fifth… it's even more clear that a business does not have a right to take the Fifth," said Senator Mark Warner, the committee's Democratic vice-chairman.—Reuters
Appeals Court OKs Wikipedia Lawsuit Against NSA
The Fourth US Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday revived a lawsuit brought by the Wikimedia Foundation—the nonprofit parent company of Wikipedia—against the NSA over its surveillance program. The case will now be heard in a Maryland court and will likely reveal more about the NSA's secret data collection program.—VICE News
Trump Meets the Pope at the Vatican
President Trump met Pope Francis in the Vatican Wednesday morning, speaking privately with him for roughly half an hour. The Pope reportedly presented Trump with some of his writings, among them an encyclical about the importance of protecting the environment. "Well, I'll be reading them," said Trump, who called the meeting "a great honor."—The Guardian
International News
UK Raises Terror Threat Level to 'Critical'
Following the bombing at a Manchester arena that killed 22 people, the UK's security threat level has been raised to "critical" for the third time in history. Prime Minister Theresa May has warned another attack may be "imminent." Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it "seems likely" or just "possible" the suspected attacker—22-year-old Salman Abedi, reportedly born in Manchester to parents of Libyan origin—was part of a wider network. At least three men have been arrested in connection with the attack.—VICE News/BBC
Duterte Declares Martial Law on Philippine Island
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte instated martial law on the island of Mindanao, where Islamist militants are battling government troops. Two soldiers and one police officer were killed as roughly 100 militants attacked the city of Marawi. Duterte said martial law would be "harsh" and could last up to a year.—Al Jazeera
China's Credit Rating Downgraded
China's credit rating has been downgraded from A1 to Aa3 by Moody's Investors Service. The international ratings agency predicted "China's financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years." China's finance ministry responded by saying Moody's downgrade was based on "inappropriate methodology."—Reuters
Taiwan Steps Closer to Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
Taiwan's highest court ruled Wednesday that laws forbidding same-sex marriage violate the country's constitution. Judges said parliament should introduce new laws or amend existing ones within two years to allow gay people to marry. Taiwan would be the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.—CNN
Everything Else
Ariana Grande Suspends Tour
Ariana Grande has suspended her world tour following the bomb attack at her Manchester Arena show. Parklife, a music festival in Manchester's Heaton Park featuring Frank Ocean and Run the Jewels, will go ahead as planned June 10–11.—CNN / Billboard
Bond Actors Pay Tribute to Sir Roger Moore
Fellow James Bond actors have paid tribute to Sir Roger Moore, who died at the age of 89 after a short battle with cancer. Sean Connery said their friendship had been filled with "jokes and laughter," while Daniel Craig shared a photo of himself with Moore with the message "nobody does it better."—Sky News
Justice Department Sues Fiat-Chrysler Over Diesel Emissions Tests
The Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler, accusing the company of violating the Clean Air Act by using software to cheat on diesel vehicle emissions tests. The company denies a "deliberate scheme" to cheat tests.—Detroit Free Press
Kendrick Lamar Helps Remix Future Track
A new remix of Future's single "Mask Off" featuring Kendrick Lamar has been released. Lamar's verse includes the line: "How y'all let a conscious n***a go commercial while only making conscious albums?"—Noisey
FOX News Retracts DNC Staffer Death Story
FOX News has retracted a speculative story about the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich. Host Sean Hannity said he would no longer discuss Rich's death "out of respect for the family's wishes," having said earlier on Tuesday that he "retracted nothing."—VICE
Hawaii Prepares New Nuclear Defense Plan Because of North Korea
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show the Hawaii Department of Defense is revamping its emergency plans for a nuclear missile attack. It states a new plan is necessary because of "the current threat from North Korea."—Motherboard
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