Reuters Morning Digest: July 16, 2019

Click to View in Browser Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Trump defiant as lawmakers blast his 'racist' attacks on four congresswomen President Donald Trump doubled down on his attacks against four minority U.S. congresswomen on Monday and dismissed concerns that his comments were racist, prompting outrage from Democrats, who moved to condemn him in the House of Representatives. Turkey says EU funding cuts will not affect its drilling off Cyprus European Union decisions to curb contacts and funding for Turkey will not affect Ankara's determination to drill for gas and oil off Cyprus and Turkey planned to send a fourth ship to the area, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Factbox - Blockchain projects: A status update Banks, exchange operators and other companies are investing billions of dollars to find uses for blockchain, a digital ledger used by cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Move over Trump: China's tweeting diplomats open fresh front in propaganda fight Tweets from Chinese diplomats abroad, including seasoned ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai, have opened a fresh front in Beijing's increasingly assertive approach to diplomacy and propaganda and may be a sign of things to come. SpaceX astronaut mission looking 'increasingly difficult' in 2019: executive As Elon Musk's SpaceX closes in on the possible cause of a fiery explosion in April that destroyed one of its astronaut capsules, a company executive said on Monday its plan to launch humans into space this year looked "increasingly difficult." Cliff divers leap from Beirut landmark in international tour Cliff divers used to competing in isolated spots have been leaping into the Mediterranean in bustling Beirut, the first time the Lebanese capital's landmark Raouche Rock has hosted an international contest. Singer R. Kelly faces bail hearing over sex trafficking allegations U.S. R&B singer R. Kelly faces a bail hearing on Tuesday over federal charges that he ran a racketeering scheme trafficking women and girls for sex. Colombian caught in Spain with cocaine under toupee A Colombian man was detained at Barcelona's international airport after half a kilo of cocaine was found hidden under an over-sized toupee, Spanish police said on Tuesday. Related Video Dozens feared trapped by India building collapse Don't 'take the bait': Squad Dems decry Trump attacks 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