Impeachment testimony divides opinion
In what Reuters says was at times a contentious hearing, US diplomats Bill Taylor and George Kent testified before the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. Both witnesses expressed their concerns about what they saw as pressure applied by president Donald Trump to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. The New York Times (paywall) has an informative summary of key moments from their testimony. The Guardian asked a panel of four experts whether president Donald Trump “won” the first day of the public hearings. And Vox has its own takeaways. Fox News reports that during a press conference with Turkish president Recep Erdogan Trump reiterated his opinion that the impeachment was a “witch hunt” and said he hadn't watched the broadcast of the hearing “for one minute.” The president added that he would be releasing, probably on Thursday, another transcript of the first of two phone calls he had with Ukraine’s president.
UK won’t nominate commissioner
The BBC says that despite reports to the contrary earlier this week, the British government has rejected a demand from Ursula von der Leyen to nominate a candidate for the next European Commission, which she will head. Sir Tim Barrow, the UK's EU ambassador, reportedly told the commission that rules prevented ministers from nominating candidates for EU jobs until after the 12 December election.
China-US trade stalemate
CNBC says that trade talks between China and the USA have hit a stumbling block just weeks away from what had been reported would be an initial agreement signing in London. The US wants stronger concessions to regulate intellectual property protections, but the Wall Street Journal (paywall) reports that China is wary of committing to purchase a specific amount of agricultural produce from the United States.
Bolivia clashes
Protests by supporters of exiled Bolivian leader Evo Morales resulted in clashes with police, the BBC reports. The demonstrators are opposed to the self-declared interim presidency of senator Jeanine Áñez, despite the fact that she has promised new elections.
Venice suffers worst flood in 50 years
An exceptionally high tide struck Venice on Tuesday night, causing serious damage and leaving two people dead. The crypt of St. Mark's Basilica was inundated for just the sixth time in 1,200 years, says CNN. The Local Italy reports that many residents and merchants are angry because they say corruption has delayed construction of a flood barrier protection system.
Alibaba misses target
Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma blamed the weather and day of the week for the company missing its Singles Day sales target this year, says CNBC. Meanwhile, the Chinese firm could raise around $13 billion with an imminent secondary listing in Hong Kong.
Something for the weekend
Friday-Sunday: taste local wines and crémants at the annual pre-Christmas event on the Glacis. Friday & Saturday: discover some great new music at the Sonic Visions festival in Belval. Saturday: catch Icelandic pop icon Björk’s stunning “Cornucopia” show at the Rockhal. Or have a ball at the autumn céilí hosted by Comhaltas Luxembourg in Cessange. Sunday: head to the annual Red Cross Bazaar at the Victor Hugo halls in Limpertsberg. Or hear classical British music at the Philharmonie courtesy of the Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg.
Cherry blossom cancellation
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly cancelled the 2020 cherry blossom viewing party that government leaders have traditionally held to honour sportspeople, celebrities and other citizens. The Guardian says the ceremony is increasingly being seen as a lavish waste of taxpayer money that is used to reward political supporters.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts