Trudeau loses second minister
A second cabinet minister has given the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau her resignation amid a growing political scandal. Jane Philpott, the treasury secretary, said she had “lost confidence” in the government’s response to allegations of undue political interference. Jody Wilson-Raybould, the former justice minister, said she quit after being pressured to help a construction company avoid a corruption trial. Trudeau said he was taking the matter “seriously”. Reported by the BBC, Guardian and Reuters.
Guaidó returns to Venezuelan capital
The Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó has returned to Caracas after meeting the presidents of several neighbouring countries. He faces arrest for breaking a travel ban. Reported by the BBC, CNN and DW.
Chicago mayor election to make history
There are two candidates, Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle, in a runoff election next month, but either way Chicago will get its first black woman mayor. Reported by CNN, the Economist and NPR.
Washington reverses EU diplomatic snub
The US has reversed a downgrade of the diplomatic status of the EU’s mission in Washington. The Trump administration made the protocol change last autumn amid transatlantic trade and security tensions. Reported by DW, Euractiv and Reuters.
Trump cancels trade status for India & Turkey
Donald Trump said the US would end preferential trade treatment for India and Turkey. Under America’s “GSP” programme for developing economies, the countries’ imports face zero tariffs. But Trump said India had not opened up its own market enough to US firms and Turkey was no longer poor enough to qualify for the exemptions. Reported by the BBC, Financial Times and Reuters.
Ghosn to be released on bail
A Tokyo court has granted Carlos Ghosn bail, set at ¥1bn (€7.9m). The former chairman of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi has been in jail since November and is facing charges of financial misconduct at Nissan, which he denies. Reported by CNN, the Japan Times and Reuters.
FT puts Luxembourg economy and society in post-Brexit spotlight
The Financial Times has run a special report entitled “Destination: Luxembourg”. The nine articles were: “Duchy is on a mission to reinvent its niche appeal”, “No end in sight for upward housing market spiral in Luxembourg”, “Space joins finance as Luxembourg’s future engine of growth”, “Luxembourg in free transport first to tackle traffic congestion”, “Luxembourg fears a lose-lose Brexit despite financial sector gains”, “Luxembourg’s locals proudly hold their tongue in cultural mix”, “Foreign residents queue up to obtain Luxembourg passports”, “Belval, Luxembourg: the unlikely test bed for brownfield revival” and “The appliance of science now centres on Luxembourg’s domestic research”.
Apple-Qualcomm trial begins
The long-running legal battle between Apple and Qualcomm moved into a courtroom in San Diego. Qualcomm accuses Apple of stealing three chip patents; Apple says Qualcomm pinched its ideas. The trial is expected to last 8 days. Reported by Bloomberg, Cnet and Reuters.
Netflix bundle business model briefing
The Harvard Business Review explained that: “Netflix is not in the business of selling individual movies to many different customers. Instead, it’s in the business of selling many different movies to individual customers--in bundles.”
Hot grape news
Ever wanted to create plasma in your kitchen? Cut a grape in half and put it in the microwave, according to Science magazine.
Actor Luke Perry dies
Luke Perry, the actor best known for “Beverly Hills, 90210”, died of a stroke in southern California at the age of 52. Reported by the AP, Guardian and Variety.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Aaron Grunwald