Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
An update on euro zone inflation. European Central Bank president Mario Draghi says the improving economy is likely to drive up prices (paywall) as “deflationary forces have been replaced by reflationary ones.” Yet analysts expect the June inflation rate to drop to 1.2% from 1.4% in May.
Three Tepco executives appear in court. The trio faces criminal charges for professional negligence after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which killed more than 40 people. All three have pled not guilty.
Senate Republicans attempt to resuscitate their healthcare bill. After delaying the vote this week, it’s the GOP’s final opportunity to shore up its divisive legislation before an Independence Day recess. Moderate senators say securing enough votes will be “very difficult.”
Germany’s parliament votes on same-sex marriage. The move follows a reversal from chancellor Angela Merkel, who urged lawmakers to vote according to their conscience despite a long history of opposition by her Christian Democratic party.
While you were sleeping
Iraq declared the end of the Islamic State’s caliphate. After eight months of urban warfare, Iraqi troops captured the ruins of the 850-year-old Mosul mosque, where ISIL proclaimed its fundamentalist Islamic state nearly three years ago. The battle for Mosul is expected to end in the next few days, and ISIL’s onetime stronghold of Raqqa is also teetering.
Walgreens backed out of buying Rite Aid. Following resistance from US regulators, the US pharmacy reneged on the $6.8 billion merger. Instead, it will purchase more than 2,000 stores, three distribution centers, and related inventory from Rite Aid for about $5.18 billion in cash.
The UK blocked Rupert Murdoch’s Sky purchase. Media secretary Karen Bradley said that the $15 billion deal would give the mogul too much power across TV, radio, newspaper, and online news. Regulators will now subject 21st Century Fox’s purchase of the satellite TV firm to a lengthy in-depth investigation.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company finished digging the first section of its Los Angeles tunnel. Prior to the Tesla CEO’s encouraging tweet, no one knew when the city would allow the digging machine named “Godot” to break ground.
Trump assailed an MSNBC host. Angry at harsh treatment by the “Morning Joe” program, the US president tweeted coarse insults about “crazy” Mika Brzezinski “bleeding badly from a facelift.” Leaders from both parties condemned his behavior.
Quartz obsession interlude
Nikhil Sonnad on the “wellness” products peddled to opposite ends of the political spectrum. “Many of the alternative-medicine ingredients in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop products are sold—with very different branding—on the Infowars store. That’s the site run by Alex Jones, the radio show host and conspiracy theorist.” Read more here.
Markets haiku
Tough medicine for / Rite Aid. Spit out by Walgreen’s / is a bitter pill
Matters of Debate
India seems to be better at protecting cows than women. A striking photo project questions the country’s priorities when it comes to religion and gender equality.
Can China save the US economy? While Donald Trump resists globalization, Chinese investors continue to pour billions in the American economy.
You don’t have to be a jerk to disrupt an industry. Steve Jobs may have succeeded despite his abrasive personality, not because of it.
Surprising discoveries
Male cockatoos flirt by playing dramatic drum solos. Scientists have captured footage of birds doing their best John Bonham impressions with sticks and seeds.
Dating apps can make you ugly. Rating people in advance makes them seem less attractive when you meet face-to-face.
Birds use cigarette butts as chemical weapons. Urban house finches use the pesticidal properties of nicotine to keep ticks and parasites out of their nests.
The World Bank is letting investors bet on pandemics. It issued $425 million in bonds that pay out less money if there are outbreaks of certain diseases.
The UK parliament is now business casual. The House of Commons voted to reform its centuries-old dress code—including making ties optional.
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