Reuters Morning Digest: March 14, 2019

Click to View in Browser Thursday, March 14, 2019 Beto O'Rourke to leap into 2020 Democratic presidential race Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke will launch his 2020 presidential bid on Thursday, ending months of speculation about whether he would join the sprawling field of Democrats vying for the chance to run against President Donald Trump. Russia's parliament backs new fines for insulting the state online Russia's parliament on Wednesday approved new fines for people who insult the authorities online or spread fake news, defying warnings from critics that the move could open the way to direct state censorship of dissent. Audi sees margin target hit by electric car investments Audi the premium brand owned by Volkswagen said it expects to deliver an operating return on sales between 7 percent and 8.5 percent, below its long-term target, as costs for developing electric cars weigh on profits. Experts call for halt to gene editing that results in 'designer babies' Top scientists and ethicists from seven countries on Wednesday called for a global moratorium on gene editing of human eggs, sperm or embryos that would result in genetically-altered babies after a rogue Chinese researcher last year announced the birth of the world's first gene-edited twins. Motor racing: F1 mourns sudden death of race director Whiting The death of Formula One race director Charlie Whiting, a popular and key figure in the sport, cast a pall over the paddock on Thursday, three days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Sex, lies and video: K-pop world rocked by sex scandals South Korean police questioned two K-pop stars on Thursday as allegations of sex tapes, prostitutes and secret chat about rape rocked South Korea's music world and hit entertainment stocks. Lion on the lam locked-up in South African jail A young lion captured after being on the run for almost a month spent the night in a South African police cell before being moved back to its national park home. Related Video U.S. prosecutors probe Facebook data deals: NYT Trump orders all Boeing 737 MAX to the ground Great Debate Cox: AT&T opens itself up to activist attack Cox: Amsterdam has first-world financial dilemma A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today » » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2019 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add newsletters@email.reuters.com to your address book. Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook