Cinema giant mulls closures
Cinema giant Cineworld is considering temporary closures of all of its UK and US cinemas after the release of the next James Bond film was put back to April 2021. The company has 127 cinemas in the UK and employed 37,000 people globally before the pandemic, according to The Guardian
France-Italy floods
At least four people died and dozens remained missing on Sunday after flooding in the French region bordering Italy. The Piedmont region in Italy received rain levels not recorded since 1958, and high winds that brought down power lines. Floods washed away houses and destroyed roads outside of Nice after almost a year’s average rainfall fell in less than 12 hours. Euronews.
Research warning
A Luxembourg bioethicist has warned of potential harmful implications for covid-19 patients as a result of a deluge of substandard research being published by academic journals or to be housed on pre-print servers. Katrina Bramstedt, who is secretary general at the Luxembourg Agency for Research Integrity said in a statement: “Patient harm that is significant, permanent and irreversible could result from using faulty research results from preprints as well as published papers.” Scienceboard.net
Infections in Luxembourg
Luxembourg reported a new death from coronavirus over the weekend, bringing the total toll since the pandemic to 126. Altogether 6,508 tests were carried out and 93 people tested positive. On Sunday, 28 people were in hospital. Health ministry figures.
Bars in the French capital of Paris are expected to shut completely starting Tuesday for two weeks as its alert level is raised to the maximum. The measure is being applied to the three departments immediately surrounding Paris. Restaurants and bistros that serve food can stay open provided they note customer contact details and close at 10pm. BBC news.
Globally, total covid-19 deaths have exceeded 1 million. BBC news offers this global tracking article.
USA infections
The number of reported covid-19 cases rose in nine US states over the last seven days, as cooler weather forced activities indoors. Among the recent diagnoses, president Donald Trump’s is receiving the most attention. On Sunday, the president’s medical team said he was being started on the steroid dexamethasone to treat low oxygen levels. Infectious disease specialist Dr Daniel McQuillen said he was suffering from a more severe illness than “the generally upbeat picture painted.” Reuters, FT
Asset manager & environmental proposals
BlackRock has been criticised for not supporting more climate proposals at annual meetings. The world’s largest asset manager supported just 6% of environmental proposals filed by shareholders in the 12 months to June, down 8% from the previous year, according to Proxy Insight, via the FT
Insolvencies
The effect of the pandemic is expected to be most severely felt in 2021 when businesses insolvencies are forecast to rise sharply in the USA, Brazil, UK and China. The impact will be delayed as many countries have stopped requiring insolvent businesses to file for insolvency during the pandemic. Statista via Delano
New Caledonia independence referendum
Voters in New Caledonia narrowly rejected independence from France in a referendum held on Sunday. Unofficial results released by French president Emmanuel Macron on Sunday suggest 53.3% supported the “non” vote. A third poll is expected in 2022. The Guardian has a photo essay on this story.
Far-right hashtag hijacked
The Proud Boys hashtag used by a pro-Trump far-right group has been hijacked by gay men who flooded the feed with photos of their loved ones. "It feels like the movement for positive change for all is gathering momentum all the time and I'm glad to be a small part of it. By coming together rooted in respect and love for each other, the world can be so much better!" one of the contributors was quoted by CNN as saying.
Burger King star appeal
Burger King Belgium has launched an online marketing campaign urging supporters to sign a petition aimed at inspectors of the prestigious Michelin Guide for a star for its Master Angus burger. CNN Business.
Designer dies
Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada has died in Paris after contracting covid-19. He was 81. The Guardian carried this obituary.
Agenda
Today in parliament, members of the cultural committee will examine the cultural heritage bill, and the finance and budget committee will discuss the reform of dematerialised securities. On Wednesday, meanwhile, the higher education minister will present academic year figures and on Thursday the results of a teleworking study will be published. Chd.lu
On Tuesday, The Bridge Forum Dialogue is holding a video-conference in conjunction with the anniversaries of the Werner Report and the Euro Rescue Funds and on Wednesday, don’t miss Delano Live when we’ll have a housing expert talk about Luxembourg’s housing market.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Jess Bauldry