Life +30 for El Chapo
Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years by district judge Brian Cogan in New York on Wednesday, the BBC reports. The 62-year old drug trafficker had been found guilty of 10 charges in February. He was also ordered to forfeit $12.6 billion as the judge called his actions “overwhelming evil” says The Irish Times in an in-depth piece. Meanwhile Guzmán’s daughter, Alejandrina, on Wednesday launched an El Chapo clothing line at a fashion expo held in Guadalajara, CNN reports.
Ebola outbreak international concern says WHO
The Guardian reports that the World Health Organization has called for more funds and support to tackle the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Analysing the outbreak, Al Jazeera says a “toxic mix” of armed factions in the region and a mistrust of health officials have hampered efforts to halt the spread of the virus. Australia’s 9 News has a guide to the disease.
Barr and Ross held in contempt
The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to hold Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in criminal contempt, Reuters reports. Representatives voted 230-198 along party lines (except for four Democrats who voted against) after the two men defied subpoenas to produce documents as part of an investigation into the 2020 census citizenship question. Ross later said Democrats in the House had "never sought to have a productive relationship with the Trump Administration," according to Fox News. The Washington Post has a good explainer of what being held in contempt and executive privilege actually means.
Netflix suffers losses
Shares in Netflix were down 11% on Wednesday after its Q2 results showed it missed international subscription expectations by some 42%, CNBC reports. The media service also lost some 130,000 U.S. customers from April to June, Reuters says.
South Korea cuts rates
South Korea’s central bank cut its base rate ahead of an announcement of its revised economic growth and inflation forecasts, Reuters reports. A trade dispute with Japan has added to risks for the country’s slowing economy.
Japan low on confidence
Meanwhile Japanese manufacturers’ business confidence has hit a three-year low, according to Reuters. Analysts have suggested the country’s central bank may increase stimulus measures later this month.
New drivers in England could face restrictions
The Guardian reports that the British government is considering introducing a graduated licence system for novice drivers in England in a move to reduce the number of accidents. Measures could include a ban on driving at night and not driving with passengers under a certain age.
Macca’s wonderful life
The BBC reports that Paul McCartney is working on an adaptation of perennial favourite Christmas movie “It's A Wonderful Life”. The 1946 classic, directed by Frank Capra, has already been the subject of an ill-fated musical adaptation.
Comic-Con as pop-culture pilgrimage
San Diego Comic Con 2019 opens in the Californian city later today. Vulture has 15 “burning questions”, The Hollywood Reporter has a “3 things to watch out for” video, Inverse lists 9 things it expects Marvel to unveil at the convention, and Wired mourns with diehard fans that the event has gone from “comics convention to infrastructure-overwhelming pop-culture pilgrimage.”
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts