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Your Friday Briefing Malta, Club World Cup, Airbnb: Your Friday Briefing
(32 minutes later)
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Good morning.Good morning.
We’re covering developments in Malta’s high-profile murder case, recent soccer diplomacy in the Middle East, and the best photos of the 2010s.We’re covering developments in Malta’s high-profile murder case, recent soccer diplomacy in the Middle East, and the best photos of the 2010s.
For years, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman were obscure businessmen in Florida with no footing in government or diplomacy. Now they face charges of campaign finance violations, and their connections with President Trump and his personal lawyer are central to the impeachment drama.For years, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman were obscure businessmen in Florida with no footing in government or diplomacy. Now they face charges of campaign finance violations, and their connections with President Trump and his personal lawyer are central to the impeachment drama.
Our reporters drew on court documents and dozens of interviews to explain how “Lev and Igor,” as they were known in Republican donor circles, helped Mr. Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani conduct a shadow diplomacy campaign in Ukraine. It’s a tale that involves lobbyists, dinner with the president and trips to Warsaw and Kyiv.Our reporters drew on court documents and dozens of interviews to explain how “Lev and Igor,” as they were known in Republican donor circles, helped Mr. Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani conduct a shadow diplomacy campaign in Ukraine. It’s a tale that involves lobbyists, dinner with the president and trips to Warsaw and Kyiv.
What’s next: Mr. Trump will most likely be acquitted of the two impeachment charges approved Wednesday — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — when he goes on trial in the Republican-controlled Senate next year. The exact timing is unclear; the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has said she will delay sending the impeachment articles to the Senate over concerns that its Republican majority would thwart a fair trial.What’s next: Mr. Trump will most likely be acquitted of the two impeachment charges approved Wednesday — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — when he goes on trial in the Republican-controlled Senate next year. The exact timing is unclear; the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has said she will delay sending the impeachment articles to the Senate over concerns that its Republican majority would thwart a fair trial.
Vladimir Putin: At a marathon news conference on Thursday, the Russian president called the impeachment proceedings a baseless political ploy by Democrats, and likened them to the earlier investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.Vladimir Putin: At a marathon news conference on Thursday, the Russian president called the impeachment proceedings a baseless political ploy by Democrats, and likened them to the earlier investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Closer look: Watch highlights from the impeachment voting, see Thursday’s front page of The Times and read our editorial board’s take on the Republican leaders in Congress.Closer look: Watch highlights from the impeachment voting, see Thursday’s front page of The Times and read our editorial board’s take on the Republican leaders in Congress.
After a car bomb in 2017 killed a Maltese journalist tackling corruption, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s chief of staff told reporters that it was a hit job by the Italian mafia. That was untrue, and the chief of staff himself, who resigned last month, now stands accused of trying to help a businessman accused of contracting the murder flee the country on a yacht.After a car bomb in 2017 killed a Maltese journalist tackling corruption, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s chief of staff told reporters that it was a hit job by the Italian mafia. That was untrue, and the chief of staff himself, who resigned last month, now stands accused of trying to help a businessman accused of contracting the murder flee the country on a yacht.
As evidence mounts of potential misdeeds by the prime minister’s staff, our Moscow bureau chief writes, even longtime supporters of his political party “are coming around to the view that corrupt ties between business and politics and the culture of impunity they engendered are what killed the journalist.”As evidence mounts of potential misdeeds by the prime minister’s staff, our Moscow bureau chief writes, even longtime supporters of his political party “are coming around to the view that corrupt ties between business and politics and the culture of impunity they engendered are what killed the journalist.”
Why this matters: The spectacle has sparked further concerns about the erosion of the rule of law in the European Union and illustrates how the investment that poured into the former British colony after it joined the bloc in 2004 created incentives for corruption.Why this matters: The spectacle has sparked further concerns about the erosion of the rule of law in the European Union and illustrates how the investment that poured into the former British colony after it joined the bloc in 2004 created incentives for corruption.
What’s next: Mr. Muscat, who has pledged to leave office in January, is under pressure to do so immediately. He has called the killing of the journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, a “barbaric act that goes against civilization and all dignity.”What’s next: Mr. Muscat, who has pledged to leave office in January, is under pressure to do so immediately. He has called the killing of the journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, a “barbaric act that goes against civilization and all dignity.”
This week’s Club World Cup in Qatar is a dry run of sorts for the 2022 World Cup. It’s also a reminder, our Cairo bureau chief writes, of how soccer has become a conduit for politics in the Persian Gulf.This week’s Club World Cup in Qatar is a dry run of sorts for the 2022 World Cup. It’s also a reminder, our Cairo bureau chief writes, of how soccer has become a conduit for politics in the Persian Gulf.
The diplomacy cuts both ways. In 2014, for example, the United Arab Emirates hired a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst to hack the computers of Qatari and FIFA officials in search of damaging information about the country’s World Cup bid, according to a Reuters investigation.The diplomacy cuts both ways. In 2014, for example, the United Arab Emirates hired a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst to hack the computers of Qatari and FIFA officials in search of damaging information about the country’s World Cup bid, according to a Reuters investigation.
But more recently, soccer has symbolized easing tensions between Qatar and its neighbors. Case in point: The Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia — which has led a strict diplomatic and trade embargo of Qatar for over two years — recently allowed their soccer teams to play in a regional tournament there.But more recently, soccer has symbolized easing tensions between Qatar and its neighbors. Case in point: The Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia — which has led a strict diplomatic and trade embargo of Qatar for over two years — recently allowed their soccer teams to play in a regional tournament there.
Another angle: A Times reporter visited a falcon hospital in Doha, whose feathery patients are revered in Qatar like no other member of the animal kingdom.Another angle: A Times reporter visited a falcon hospital in Doha, whose feathery patients are revered in Qatar like no other member of the animal kingdom.
This weekend: Liverpool faces the Brazilian club Flamengo in the Club World Cup final at 8:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. Central European Time) on Saturday.This weekend: Liverpool faces the Brazilian club Flamengo in the Club World Cup final at 8:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. Central European Time) on Saturday.
Our man in Manchester: Rory Smith, our chief soccer correspondent, provides regular coverage of the beautiful game.Our man in Manchester: Rory Smith, our chief soccer correspondent, provides regular coverage of the beautiful game.
Photo editors at The Times have pored over images of moments both fresh and faded to tell the story of the 2010s, a decade of seemingly ceaseless upheaval.Photo editors at The Times have pored over images of moments both fresh and faded to tell the story of the 2010s, a decade of seemingly ceaseless upheaval.
Above, migrants arriving in Greece in 2015, when more than one million entered Europe, many fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and elsewhere.Above, migrants arriving in Greece in 2015, when more than one million entered Europe, many fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Britain: The House of Commons is set to vote today on legislation to allow the country to exit the European Union by Jan. 31. Queen Elizabeth on Thursday confirmed in a speech that Brexit would indeed happen by that date. The bill would also force Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government to meet its self-imposed — and likely unrealistic — deadline of hammering out a comprehensive trade deal with the bloc by the end of next year.Britain: The House of Commons is set to vote today on legislation to allow the country to exit the European Union by Jan. 31. Queen Elizabeth on Thursday confirmed in a speech that Brexit would indeed happen by that date. The bill would also force Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government to meet its self-imposed — and likely unrealistic — deadline of hammering out a comprehensive trade deal with the bloc by the end of next year.
Russia: Up to three people were killed after a gunman opened fire near the fortresslike headquarters of Russia’s spy agency on Thursday, according to Russian news reports. The incident is highly unusual for such a secure part of Moscow.Russia: Up to three people were killed after a gunman opened fire near the fortresslike headquarters of Russia’s spy agency on Thursday, according to Russian news reports. The incident is highly unusual for such a secure part of Moscow.
Spain: Snap elections may be imminent in Catalonia, where a court ruling in Barcelona on Thursday barred Quim Torra, the pro-independence leader of the region’s government, from holding public office for 18 months.Spain: Snap elections may be imminent in Catalonia, where a court ruling in Barcelona on Thursday barred Quim Torra, the pro-independence leader of the region’s government, from holding public office for 18 months.
Italy: In a sprawling operation against ’Ndrangheta, a crime syndicate with wide influence over local politics, the police made more than 330 arrests across Italy and in Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria.Italy: In a sprawling operation against ’Ndrangheta, a crime syndicate with wide influence over local politics, the police made more than 330 arrests across Italy and in Switzerland, Germany and Bulgaria.
Trade deal: In a rare bipartisan gesture, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a new three-way trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Many Democrats and Republicans alike have long said the deal’s original version, ratified in 1993, contributed to an outflow of American jobs.Trade deal: In a rare bipartisan gesture, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a new three-way trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Many Democrats and Republicans alike have long said the deal’s original version, ratified in 1993, contributed to an outflow of American jobs.
U.S. presidential debate: Pete Buttigieg, a 37-year-old mayor whose popularity in the early nominating states of Iowa and New Hampshire has risen rapidly, faced criticism from his rivals over his credentials and fund-raising practices.U.S. presidential debate: Pete Buttigieg, a 37-year-old mayor whose popularity in the early nominating states of Iowa and New Hampshire has risen rapidly, faced criticism from his rivals over his credentials and fund-raising practices.
J.K. Rowling: The creator of the “Harry Potter” series faced criticism from rights groups after expressing support on Twitter for a British researcher whose views on transgender people were described by a court as “not worthy of respect in a democratic society.”J.K. Rowling: The creator of the “Harry Potter” series faced criticism from rights groups after expressing support on Twitter for a British researcher whose views on transgender people were described by a court as “not worthy of respect in a democratic society.”
‘Spies in their pockets’: In the latest installment of our Privacy Project, two opinion writers analyzed more than 50 billion location pings from the phones of more than 12 million Americans — all collected by software slipped onto phone apps.‘Spies in their pockets’: In the latest installment of our Privacy Project, two opinion writers analyzed more than 50 billion location pings from the phones of more than 12 million Americans — all collected by software slipped onto phone apps.
Snapshot: Above, spinning yarn in a Bangladeshi factory. The Swedish retailer H&M now allows shoppers to access details about its supply chain, including where clothing was manufactured. (But it doesn’t disclose workers’ wages.)Snapshot: Above, spinning yarn in a Bangladeshi factory. The Swedish retailer H&M now allows shoppers to access details about its supply chain, including where clothing was manufactured. (But it doesn’t disclose workers’ wages.)
Airbnb: In response to a complaint by a French tourism association, Europe’s top court ruled that the American home-sharing site is exempt from the Continent’s property regulations because it’s an online platform.Airbnb: In response to a complaint by a French tourism association, Europe’s top court ruled that the American home-sharing site is exempt from the Continent’s property regulations because it’s an online platform.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”: We rounded up reviews of the franchise’s latest film, four decades in the making. (Don’t worry — they’re spoiler-free.)“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”: We rounded up reviews of the franchise’s latest film, four decades in the making. (Don’t worry — they’re spoiler-free.)
What we’re reading: New York magazine’s examination of this year’s internet archetypes (VSCO girl, wife guy…). Katie Rosman, a Styles reporter, says she loves the story “even if I don’t understand many of its sentences.”What we’re reading: New York magazine’s examination of this year’s internet archetypes (VSCO girl, wife guy…). Katie Rosman, a Styles reporter, says she loves the story “even if I don’t understand many of its sentences.”
Cook: Embrace your inner artist with these impressively marbled tahini cookies. (And here are 11 more stunning cookies that will impress everyone you know.)Cook: Embrace your inner artist with these impressively marbled tahini cookies. (And here are 11 more stunning cookies that will impress everyone you know.)
Read: Michael Greger, the author of “How Not to Die,” returns to our advice, how-to and miscellaneous best-seller list with “How Not to Diet.”Read: Michael Greger, the author of “How Not to Die,” returns to our advice, how-to and miscellaneous best-seller list with “How Not to Diet.”
Smarter Living: If you’re one of those last-minute holiday gift shoppers, we have ideas. (And there’s always a gift subscription to The Times.)Smarter Living: If you’re one of those last-minute holiday gift shoppers, we have ideas. (And there’s always a gift subscription to The Times.)
Saturday is the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice, also known as the day that gets the least sunlight.Saturday is the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice, also known as the day that gets the least sunlight.
Some of us earthlings may grumble about the darkness (which hits the Southern Hemisphere in six months). But without it, we might not be alive.Some of us earthlings may grumble about the darkness (which hits the Southern Hemisphere in six months). But without it, we might not be alive.
Seasons occur because Earth, like most planets, does not spin perfectly upright. Our “axial tilt” is a jaunty 23.5 degrees, for example, while Uranus spins at 98 degrees.Seasons occur because Earth, like most planets, does not spin perfectly upright. Our “axial tilt” is a jaunty 23.5 degrees, for example, while Uranus spins at 98 degrees.
Earth’s tilt helps to moderate our sun exposure. Our four seasons are comparatively mild and, thanks to our proximity to the sun, fairly brief.Earth’s tilt helps to moderate our sun exposure. Our four seasons are comparatively mild and, thanks to our proximity to the sun, fairly brief.
Much of Uranus, by contrast, spends winters in permanent darkness and summers under constant sunlight. And those seasons last decades in Earth years.Much of Uranus, by contrast, spends winters in permanent darkness and summers under constant sunlight. And those seasons last decades in Earth years.
“If there were creatures on Uranus — and I don’t think there are — seasonal affective disorder would be a lifetime thing,” the planetary scientist Heidi Hammel told The Times.“If there were creatures on Uranus — and I don’t think there are — seasonal affective disorder would be a lifetime thing,” the planetary scientist Heidi Hammel told The Times.
That’s it for this briefing, earthlings. Have a great weekend.That’s it for this briefing, earthlings. Have a great weekend.
— Mike— Mike
Thank youTo Mark Josephson and Eleanor Stanford for the break from the news. Mike wrote the Back Story we used today for last year’s winter solstice. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.Thank youTo Mark Josephson and Eleanor Stanford for the break from the news. Mike wrote the Back Story we used today for last year’s winter solstice. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about how the Democratic Party united over impeachment. • Here’s today’s Mini Crossword puzzle, and a clue: Something bought and soled (four letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • To create an authentic portrait of a gritty, bygone part of New York, our photographer used a laborious 19th-century technique called tintype.P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about how the Democratic Party united over impeachment. • Here’s today’s Mini Crossword puzzle, and a clue: Something bought and soled (four letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • To create an authentic portrait of a gritty, bygone part of New York, our photographer used a laborious 19th-century technique called tintype.