Microsoft co-founder Allen dies
Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, has died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, reported the AP, CNBC and Financial Times. After building the technology firm, he went on to invest in technology, sports and real estate, and donated millions to health charities. Earlier this month, Allen said he had been seeking treatment for the cancer since 2009. He was 65.
Superdry earnings warning
Shares in Superdry, the British (not Japanese) fashion brand, dropped 20% after it issued a profit warning. Superdry specialises in cold weather clothing, and was hit by unusually warm weather, as well as foreign exchange woes, reported the BBC, Evening Standard and Reuters.
“Rogue killers” theory in Khashoggi case
Donald Trump said that “rogue killers” may have been responsible for the death of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reported the Guardian. Trump made the comments after speaking with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The New York Times reported that the Saudis may say the incident was an interrogation gone wrong. With Riyadh’s approval, Turkish police searched the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where Khashoggi is believed to have been killed. Cleaners were seen entering the consulate prior to the search, said the BBC and DW.
Brexit “more likely”, but “still achievable”
The European Council president, Donald Tusk, warned that the risk of a no-deal Brexit is “more likely than ever before”, but told EU leaders to “remain hopeful and determined”, reported Politico and RTE. The UK prime minister, Theresa May, told the British parliament that it was the time for “cool, calm heads to prevail” and a Brexit deal was “still achievable”, according to the BBC and Spectator.
Italy’s draft budget breaks EU rules
Rome has sent its draft budget to the European Commission, which is likely to lead to further tensions with Brussels, reported DW, the Financial Times and MarketWatch. The budget lowers the retirement age and certain taxes, which would widen Italy’s budget deficit. Earlier this year, both the EU and IMF warned Italy about rising debt. The budget still needs to be passed by Italy’s parliament.
Juncker seen positively in Greece
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president and former Luxembourg prime minister, is the second most admired world leader in Greece, according to a survey published by Ekathimerini. 55% of Greeks had a positive opinion of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, 43% of Juncker and 42% of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin.
Diplomatic soirée of the year
The US embassy in Australia… well, this Indy 100 headline pretty much explains it: “US embassy apologises for accidentally sending invitation with picture of cat dressed as Cookie Monster”.