What to watch for today
Apple unveils a new iPhone. The 6S model will have a better camera and a faster processor than the iPhone 6, but is expected to look largely similar to its predecessor. Apple is also expected to reveal its new Apple TV device and a new, larger iPad.
EU leaders address the migration crisis. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker gives his first State of the Union address, which is expected to focus on EU migration policy. Meanwhile in Berlin, German chancellor Angela Merkel speaks to the parliament on the country’s 2016 budget as well as Germany’s response to crisis.
Netanyahu visits London. The Israeli prime minister arrives in the UK for a three-day visit to meet with his counterpart, David Cameron. The trip has been denounced in the UK by members of the Labour Party, union leaders and left-wing activists, who have called on Netanyahu to answer for “war crimes” in Gaza.
Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Her 63-year, seven-month, and two-day tenure, breaks the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
Earnings, earnings: John Wiley and Sons, Box, Krispy Kreme, and Barnes and Noble are among the companies posting their quarterly results.
While you were sleeping
Yahoo’s Alibaba spin-off hit a snag… The tech firm said US tax officials refused to clarify whether the sale of a stake in the online retailer could be made on a tax-free basis, throwing Yahoo’s strategy into question. If it attempts to continue as planned, it could face a lengthy court battle against the Internal Revenue Service.
…And Alibaba slashed its sales projections. The bellwether Chinese firm said that weak consumer spending would result in total transactions to fall short of expectations. Its already beleaguered shares fell by more than 3%.
The CEO of United Continental stepped down. The airline replaced Jeff Smisek as federal authorities carry out a corruption probe. Smisek allegedly created a new flight route to the vacation home of the chairman of agency that oversees Newark airport, in return for lower lease payments and other concessions.
Blackstone agreed to buy string of iconic hotels. The private equity giant is spending $4 billion to buy Strategic Hotels and Resorts, which owns the Hotel del Coronado in Southern California and the Four Seasons in Washington, DC. The deal is another in a recent shopping spree by Blackstone, the world’s biggest real estate investor.
Mall security guards foiled a terror attack in Nairobi. A man who was detained after acting suspiciously was found to be carrying a bomb containing 500 grams (1.1 lb) of explosives. Nairobi’s giant shopping malls are a hub of urban social life but also a target for al-Shabaab militants.
Heineken bought half of US microbrewer Lagunitas. The Dutch brewer will buy a 50% stake in one of America’s best-known independent beers. The deal is the latest in a series of deals that have pushed major breweries into the craft brewery aisle as they seek out new growth.
Quartz obsession interlude
Steve Levine on why two of the world’s biggest carmakers refuse to fold on driverless cars. “It’s hard to believe that future drivers, even in cities, will ever agree to be ever and always mere passengers. Around the world, the sensation of controlling one’s own way through the chaos—when every other driver on the road is an idiot, and danger lurks along every mile—is still seen as one of the purest remaining expressions of freedom.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
The Fed should realize its policies affect ordinary people. Tightening credit will worsen inequality.
A lack of health education can be as dangerous as a disease. The list of common misconceptions is mind-boggling.
Australian refugees are the most enterprising migrants. Surviving war can help you become a successful business owner.
Casualwear is the ultimate American uniform. It’s about being an individual, and yet fitting in.
Talking about race is nothing to fear. For a difficult topic, practice makes perfect.
Surprising discoveries
A homeopathy conference tripped on an LSD-like drug. The German attendees probably consumed the drug unknowingly.
The need to de-clutter can be a life-consuming illness. It’s the opposite of hoarding.
Someone patented a gumball-dispensing T-shirt. Perfect for making back-to-school friends.
This girl can fold a pizza box faster than you can say “pizza.” There’s a championship for everything.
Scientists have unearthed a bigger, older Stonehenge. Researchers think it was a ritual arena of sorts.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, pizza-box-folding records, and t-shirt gumballs to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day.