Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Stand up YouTubers. Google’s parent, Alphabet, reports earnings today, and it will likely take a hit from its $2.7 billion fine leveled by EU antitrust regulators in June. The company is appealing the fine, but said it would report it with its second-quarter earnings. Alphabet may also breakout its YouTube revenue for the first time.
Play it cool Fox. The UK’s trade negotiator flies to the US today amid warnings about being too eager to reach a deal. As Liam Fox begins discussions, British businesses say the government’s enthusiasm to produce an agreement with the US may give American businesses the upper hand.
Shortage of the American dream. US existing home sales are expected to show a decline when. While demand is strong, due to rising employment, a shortage of inventory may be putting a crimp in sales.
While you were sleeping
Trump to accept Russia new sanctions. US Congress has agreed to a new round of sanctions on Russia in retaliation for its interference during the 2016 presidential election. The Trump administration signaled it would accept the penalties, despite previously objecting that Congress was infringing on its executive powers.
Duterte headed toward military rule. The Philippines will impose martial law over the southern island of Mindanao after president Rodrigo Duterte won a major legislative victory to bolster his crackdown on militants linked to ISIL. Opponents fear it’s the first step to placing the entire nation under military rule.
Robot might have found Fukushima debris. An investigating robot has potentially found the debris of the fuel rods that melted in in 2011 after the Fukushima nuclear reactor was swamped by a monstrous tsunami. Finding the material, which appears to be in the form of black icicles, is an important first step to finally cleaning up the reactor.
Metal detectors to remain outside al-Aqsa. Israel won’t remove the metal detectors outside a mosque in Jerusalem, despite the violence sparked by their presence. The metal detectors were installed at al-Aqsa, mosque after two Israeli police officers were shot there July 14, leading to violent clashes. Israel’s cabinet met Sunday to discuss the possibility of removing the detectors.
Migrants found dead in Texas. At least 10 people died from heat exposure and asphyxiation after being held without water in the back of a truck used by human traffickers to smuggle migrants. The truck was found in the parking lot of a Walmart in San Antonio, about 250 miles from the Mexican border.
Quartz obsession interlude
Corinne Purtill and Dan Kopf on the class dynamics of breastfeeding in the US. “‘Breast is best’ has not always been the mantra of the upper classes in the US. While the cultural definition of the “best” food for babies has fluctuated over the last century between infant formula and breast milk, one thing has remained constant: the most socially desirable form of infant nutrition has been whichever is harder for poor parents to access.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Police body cameras are a failure. The problem of police brutality in the US requires more than video footage.
It’s not a pipeline problem. According to female execs, women still can’t rise to the top of businesses because of structural impediments.
No peace in the Middle East. The demise of the Islamic State will not end violence in the region.
Surprising discoveries
Mongolians can keep a secret. Genghis Khan’s tomb will never be found because he wanted it to stay hidden and Mongolian people want to respect that.
Pirates love Game of Thrones. The premiere of season 7 was illegally viewed 90 million times.
There’s a new garbage patch in the South Pacific. Plastic and debris could be one-and-a-half times the size of Texas in these waters.
Skip the soda. A new study finds that drinking a sugary soft drink with a high-protein meal like a burger triggers extra fat storage.
No needles? No problem. Vaccines could soon be delivered via patch or needleless injection.
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