Cargolux flies whales to sanctuary

International media has picked up on the story of the two beluga whales who have safely been transferred by Cargolux 747-400ERF freighter plane to Keflavik in Iceland from China. Following a 6,000-mile flight, the two whales are on their way to a sanctuary on one of the Westman Islands. The Guardian says conservationists hope the transfer will become a model for rehoming 3,000 whales currently in captivity. But France 24 reports that campaigners have pointed to the irony of choosing Iceland as a sanctuary, as the country defies international bans on hunting whales.

Federal Reserve holds cuts for now

CNBC reports that a “divided” Federal Reserve on Wednesday indicated in a statement that there will be no interest rate cuts in 2019, but leaves open the possibility of policy loosening. Reuters says Fed chairman Jerome Powell pointed out that some agree the case for lower rates is building. President Trump has repeatedly demanded that rates be cut and has suggested he could demote Powell, but Politico reports that the Fed chairman said he intends to serve out his full four-year term.

Four remain in Tory race

The third round of voting for the next leader of the Conservative Party on Wednesday evening saw Rory Stewart knocked out of the race, the BBC reports. Favourite Boris Johnson substantially increased his tally to 143 vote, says The Guardian.

4 charged over flight MH17

Three Russians and a Ukrainian have been formally charged with murdering 298 passengers and crew aboard the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 that was shot down in July 2014, the BBC reports. The Washington Post has an insight into the four suspects.

Xi in North Korea

The BBC reports that Chinese president Xi Jinping is heading to North Korea for a meeting with Kim Jong-un. It is in the first meeting between the two leaders since the failed US-North Korea nuclear arms summit in Hanoi in February. The South China Morning Post reports that Xi has pledged firm support for North Korea in an editorial published by North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun.

Later today

Royal reception: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Princes Alexandra are hosting people who contributed to the Stand Speak Rise Up! forum earlier this year. Kerschen honour: The British embassy is hosting a reception for retiring British Chamber manager Sophie Kerschen, who was awarded an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Coming Up

Friday 21 June: last chance to enter Delano’s contest to win a pair of tickets for the Asteroid Day gala dinner at Cerclé Cité. Monday 24 June: tickets for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan go on sale. The Luxembourg Olympic Committee has a deal with Germany travel agency DER Tours for package deals.

8-hour work week ideal

CNBC reports on scientific findings that working eight hours a week is the “recommended dose” for optimum mental wellbeing. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Salford were looking at the way the rise of automation would force companies to “rethink current norms” around working hours.

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts