Good morning. It's Wednesday, July 22, and we're covering public corruption in Ohio, European stimulus, and a war crimes trial in Sudan. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

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NEED TO KNOW

Ohio Speaker Arrested

Officials from the FBI arrested Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R) yesterday, alleging he and four associates were part of a massive $60M bribery and racketeering scheme. The scope of the probe makes it one of the largest public corruption cases in the state's history.

Specific details have not yet been revealed, but the charges appear linked to kickbacks following a controversial 2019 bill that effectively bailed out two nuclear plants. Under the bill, FirstEnergy Solutions—which operates the state's only two nuclear plants—would receive $150M in direct payments annually through 2027. The company said the plants, which employ more than 1,400 combined, would otherwise shutter in 2021. To fund the payments, all Ohio ratepayers saw an $0.85 surcharge added to their monthly bill. 

Householder, known for shooting televisions in campaign advertisements, was the subject of a bribery investigation during a previous stint as speaker in 2004.

Separately, federal officials are investigating Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) as part of a bribery probe against energy company Commonwealth Edison.

Stimulus in Europe

European Union officials announced agreement on an $857B stimulus package early yesterday to help fight the economic impact of the pandemic in its 27 member countries. Spearheaded by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the plan is notable for being the first time EU countries will collectively raise and sell bonds, rather than individually. At least half the money will be given out as grants, not loans that require repayment from the hardest-hit members like Spain, Italy, France, and the UK.

The pact comes as US lawmakers debate a fourth stimulus package, with a minimum projected price tag over $1T. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said yesterday a bill—which would follow $2.3T in previously passed support—would include a second round of direct payments. Details are being negotiated, but McConnell has stated the payments would be capped at individual incomes of $40K (the previous round was phased-out beginning at $75K). 

Separately, a new study suggested the actual case count in the US could be six to 24 times higher than currently reported, widening the extent of the virus but lowering the implied fatality rate.  

President Trump restarted the White House's daily coronavirus briefings yesterday, saying things may get worse before getting better. The statements came as the US recorded 1,000 deaths in a 24-hour period for the first time since May. 

The US has reported 3.9 million total cases as of this morning, with 142,068 deaths. See how your state is doing here.

Trial in Sudan

The trial of longtime Sudanese ruler Omar al-Bashir began yesterday, with the 76-year-old strongman facing charges related to the 1989 coup that brought him to power. Bashir, who led Sudan for 30 years despite international warrants for his arrest, has been imprisoned since being deposed in a democratic uprising last year. 

The current trial is being held in the country's capital of Khartoum; he will be transferred to the International Criminal Court after the trial to face allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Chief among the charges against Bashir is his role in the Darfur genocide (see history), which has been ongoing in Western Sudan since 2003 and left between 100,000 and 400,000 dead. In particular, the Bashir government backed notorious Janjaweed militia groups, who carried out widespread atrocities on the civilian population. 

Proceedings are expected to begin again in early August.

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DANISH SHADES FOR SUNNY DAYS

As far as people go, the Danes seem to have it figured out. From high scores on income equality to long life expectancy to great education systems, it's hard to see why Danes wouldn't love being Danes. Coincidentally, Christopher Cloos glasses are also from Denmark. Now, we're not saying Christopher Cloos eyewear is the reason Danes are so happy. But we're also not not saying it.

Christopher Cloos sunglasses are the sleeker, smarter, better-functioning versions of your current shades. They're basically the Denmark of sunglasses. Polarized, beautiful designs, and spring-hinged (so they hug—and don't hurt—your face), you'll be wondering how and why you ever bought your last pair of mall kiosk shades. And Christopher Cloos doesn't stop at sunglasses. They also have an elite line of blue light glasses to ease headaches, eyestrain, and insomnia that we know all too well from staring at screens all day.

If you aren't sold yet, just check out their site today. You'll be leaving with your very own spring-hinged sunglasses or blue light glasses by the end of the day. And use coupon code 1440 for 20% off.

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IN THE KNOW

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> San Diego Comic-Con goes virtual today for the first time in event’s 50-year history; will include 350 free panels featuring actors, writers, and more from television, movies, gaming, and comics (More)

> Planned Parenthood will remove the name of Margaret Sanger, the organization’s founder, from its Manhattan clinic due to her connections to the eugenics movement in the 1920s (More)

> All-star group of owners including former players and celebrities like Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner to bring National Women’s Soccer League expansion team to Los Angeles in 2022 (More)

Science & Technology

> Two Chinese nationals charged in the US over decadelong global hacking scheme; pair obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen intellectual property and recently targeted vaccine research efforts (More)

> First-of-its-kind study finds brain connectivity—the efficiency of information transfer through the neural network—is the same across 130 mammal species, regardless of size or structure (More)

> Spinal stimulators used to treat chronic pain could add realistic sensory feedback to prosthetics, potentially returning the sense of touch to those who've lost limbs (More)

Business & Markets

Brought to you by The Ascent

> Walmart to close stores on Thanksgiving for the first time since the 1980s due to the pandemic (More) | Amazon postpones Prime Day, typically held in mid-July (More)

> Apple aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, will focus efforts on supply chain and product development as corporate operations have already achieved goal (More)

> Coca-Cola revenues slide 28% in second quarter, largest decline in more than 30 years; says the worst of the pandemic effects is behind the company (More) | Social media giant Snap shares fall 6% in after-hours trading after missing user growth expectations (More)

0% APR is 100% an insane deal. This card offers 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers, giving you a year and a half to save big. Enjoy that, and no annual fee (More) #Ad

Politics & World Affairs

> White House issues formal veto threat of annual defense policy bill over provision that military bases honoring Confederate leaders be renamed (More) | President Trump signs order excluding undocumented immigrants from congressional reapportionment (More) | US orders Chinese consulate in Houston closed within 72 hours; details not yet provided (More)

> A 7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Alaska; overnight tsunami warning issued but no injuries reported (More)

> Fourteen people injured after gunfire breaks out at a Chicago funeral (More) | Mayor Lori Lightfoot says arrival of federal agents in city would be for anti-violence efforts, not to quell racial injustice protests (More)

HYGGE?

That's right, hygge! It's the Danish word describing a sensation of comfort, coziness, and contentedness. And hygge is exactly what you'll feel when you put on your first pair of Christopher Cloos sunglasses.

Their spring hinges hug your face, extending beyond the typical 90 degrees, so the wide- and narrow-headed among us can wear in style. Plus, their sleek styles will have you stealing glances at the mirror all summer long. So check out Christopher Cloos frames that are straight out of Denmark today. Get 20% off with code 1440.

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ETCETERA

Science solves the fascinating mystery of goose bumps.

MIT engineers design an affordable, reusable N95 quality mask.

Ranking the best cities to be a freelancer.

What Microsoft found when it analyzed its newly remote workforce.

You can now do personal crowdfunding on Instagram.

The 250 greatest movies of all time (per IMDB). 

The Satanic Temple is now offering college scholarships.

An incredibly time-consuming way to smuggle cocaine.

Clickbait: Added to the reasons 2020 is the worst—bunny Ebola.

Historybook:  "America the Beautiful" written (1893); Infamous gangster John Dillinger killed by federal agents (1934); HBD "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek (1940); HBD singer and actress Selena Gomez (1992); Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday and Qusay are killed (2003).

"It's very important in life to know when to shut up."

- Alex Trebek

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Why 1440? The printing press was invented in the year 1440, spreading knowledge to the masses and changing the course of history. Guess what else? There are 1,440 minutes in a day and every one is precious. That’s why we scour hundreds of sources every day to provide a concise, comprehensive, and objective view of what's happening in the world. Reader feedback is a gift—shoot us a note at [email protected].

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