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2007 photo of Japanese Emperor Akihito during a visit to Estonia. Photo: Shutterstock 

Japanese emperor abdicates

Japan’s 85-year-old Emperor Akihito is expected to abdicate on Tuesday, in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 59. Reuters reported on the public’s reaction, The Guardian laid out the ceremony to come while the New York Times considered why only one woman will be present at the ceremony.

Tech firm discrimination

A technology firm has apologised for a discriminatory job advert in which it said it was seeking “preferably Caucasian candidates”. Cynet Systems, which listed the ad on LinkedIn and other sites, was forced to make a withdrawal and issue an apology after outcry on Twitter. The firm said the individuals responsible had been fired. More from The Guardian, BBC news and the Washington Times.

John Singleton tributes

The first African American to be nominated for a best director Oscar, John Singleton, died on Monday aged 51, following a stroke on 17 April. His family had announced the director of “Boyz n the Hood” would be taken off life support. Tributes from The Guardian, Fox News and Rolling Stone, which described Singleton as “a cinematic gunfighter”.

EC infringement proceedings

The European Commission has “ongoing infringement proceedings” against Estonia and Denmark, for failing to introduce anti-money laundering rules, a spokesperson told politico. The proceedings are related to revelations that 6,000 non-resident clients had funneled €200b through Danske Bank’s Estonian branch. Read more from the FT.

Trumps sue Deutsche Bank & Capital One

US president Donald Trump and his family are suing Deutsche Bank and Capital One to block them from giving financial records to congressional committees that issued subpoenas for Trump’s financial records, politico reports. The lawsuit claims the subpoenas by the House Intelligence Committee and House Financial services Committee are not valid because they violate banking privacy law, writes CNN. More from the FT.

Honduras protests

A mass demonstration in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa has turned violent with at least four buildings set alight. Protestors were demonstrating against health and education reforms, which they fear will lead to mass layoffs or privatization of services. More from Reuters.

Biden starts campaign

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden began his campaign on Monday saying in a speech he would fight for American workers and not corporate bosses, the FT reports.

Isis leader alive

Terrorist group Isis has released a video suggesting that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is still alive. In the video, al-Baghdadi claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombing attacks in Sri Lanka, which he said was revenge for Isis’ loss in Syria. The claims have not been verified. More from the FT, the New York Times and Al Jazeera.

Drive and earn

Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is testing software that would allow drivers to earn IOTA cryptocurrency as a reward for sharing data, Reuters reports.

Later today

On Tuesday, Luxembourg’s deputies will consider what bearing analysis from the Venice commission of the European Council will have on the new constitution of Luxembourg.

Tuesday is the last chance to use up old stamps. Starting 1 May, the cost of a standard letter (XS up to 50 grams) will increase by €0.10 to €0.80 if the recipient is within Luxembourg, it will cost €1.05 to send from Luxembourg to another European country, and €1.40 to send from Luxembourg to anywhere else in the world. Sending small and domestic XXL parcels will get cheaper, however.

Looking ahead

A number of events taking place this weekend, including the Rock Against Cancer fundraising concert on 3 May, and the Andy Schleck cycling challenge on 5 May. The biggest event of the weekend will be the funeral of Grand Duke Jean on 4 May.

 

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Jess Bauldry