Thursday 27 July 2017

Thursday Morning Briefing

View in Browser
logo-reuters-news-now

Tourists evacuate the beach as smoke fills the sky above a burning hillside in Bormes-les-Mimosas, in the Var department, France, July 26, 2017

Tourists evacuate the beach as smoke fills the sky above a burning hillside in Bormes-les-Mimosas, in the Var department, France, July 26, 2017.  


Washington

 

U.S. Senate Republicans begin their final push today to unravel Obamacare. Republicans leaders hope a pared-down "skinny" bill that repeals several key Obamacare provisions can gain enough support to pass. The skinny bill's details will be released at some point today, before the Senate embarks on a marathon voting session that could extend into Friday morning.

 

Commentary: How to fast track health reform

 

Reuters TV: Trump supporters want Obamacare gone, but disagree on how

 

President Donald Trump further stoked speculation about the fate of his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, by assailing him in a fresh round of tweets even as Sessions was attending meetings at the White House. Asked whether Sessions would remain in the cabinet, Trump said, "Time will tell."

 

Secretary of State Tillerson says he is 'not going anywhere'

 

Reuters TV: Hundreds rally against Trump's transgender military ban


Russia sanctions

 

U.S. lawmakers reached an agreement that has paved the way for the U.S. Senate to pass a bill as soon as this week to impose new sanctions on Russia and bar President Trump from easing sanctions on Moscow without Congress' approval.

 

Russia risks decades of low growth under U.S. sanctions: Putin adviser

 


U.S.

 

One person was killed and seven injured, three critically, at the Ohio State Fair when they were flung into the air after their seats snapped off a ride that hoists and spins people, police officials said.

 

 

One of two men convicted in the first of several trials stemming from a 2014 standoff led by renegade rancher Cliven Bundy against federal authorities in Nevada was sentenced on Wednesday to 68 years in prison for his role in the armed confrontation.

 


Middle East

 

A U.S.-trained Iraqi army division allegedly executed several dozen men in the final throes of the battle against Islamic State militants in Mosul's Old City, Human Rights Watch said.

 

Muslim elders urge return to prayer as Israel backs down over Al-Aqsa


 

Europe

 

Trump's scrapping of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade accord in January has set the stage for the EU to frame global trade rules. Still the world's biggest trading bloc, the EU is recovering its self-confidence after a long economic crisis and Britain's vote to leave the union. Now it has much of Asia and Latin America in its sights for trade treaties, while a far-reaching pact with Canada will already enter force in September.

 

Interactive: EU trade talks

 

Britain plans to send warship to South China Sea in move likely to irk Beijing

 

Talks between Britain and the European Union on their future relationship are now less likely to start in October, the EU's top negotiator has said, because of lack of progress on Brexit divorce issues so far, EU officials said. EU officials said progress was difficult not because Britain had unacceptable demands, but because it had no position at all on many issues.


 

 

People dressed as Santa Claus bathe in the sea as they take part in the World Santa Claus Congress, an annual event held every summer at the amusement park Dyrehavsbakken, in Copenhagen, Denmark


Business

 

The publisher of iconic marijuana enthusiast magazine, "High Times," plans to take the company public in the fall, two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters this week, as an increasing number of U.S. states legalize the drug.

 

Why record U.S. oil exports are poised for even more growth

 

Reuters TV: Amazon takes on Alibaba in Southeast Asia 

 

Breakingviews: Facebook quest beyond ads should top itinerary


Earnings

 

Facebook shares hit record high as mobile ad sales soar 

 

Verizon's quarterly revenue beats estimates, subscribers rise

 

Twitter struggles to boost monthly user growth, shares fall

 

Comcast results top estimates on film, theme parks growth

 

Deutsche Bank expects lower 2017 revenue after mixed second quarter