Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Central bankers converge on Wyoming. Tonight marks the opening reception for the 39th Economic Policy Symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a gathering of the world’s most powerful monetary policymakers. This year’s theme is “Fostering a Dynamic Global Economy.”
Jared Kushner talks peace in the Middle East. Donald Trump’s son-in-law and advisor will hold separate meetings with Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. No major breakthroughs are expected.
A checkup on US home sales. In June, existing-home sales fell 1.8% from the month prior, as prices surged on tight inventory. The numbers for July will give a better idea (paywall) of whether those factors continue to deter prospective home buyers.
While you were sleeping
An explosion risk was identified in the Airbus 350. European aviation-safety authorities ordered operators of the long-haul A350-900 planes to immediately install a software fix to prevent potential overheating of the hydraulic system, which could cause an explosion. Airbus has delivered over 100 of these planes so far.
Brazil opened up a vast national reserve for mining. President Michel Temer abolished the protected Amazon reserve, which is the size of Denmark and rich in gold, copper, and other minerals. Critics warn that mining these areas could hurt indigenous tribes and devastate the environment.
India’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of citizen’s privacy. The court decided that the right to privacy is an “intrinsic part” of the constitution. This will have huge implications for Aadhaar, the government’s biometric ID scheme that controls access to benefits, bank accounts, and tax payments that critics say violates citizens’ privacy.
Ford poached Key Safety Systems’ CEO to run its China operations. Jason Luo will take the reins in the world’s largest auto market as Ford revs up its electric-vehicle joint venture there. Under Luo, auto parts maker Key Safety Systems acquired troubled air-bag maker Takata.
French managers felt upbeat. Business confidence in the euro zone’s second-largest economy hit its highest level since 2011 (paywall). This buoyant mood suggests the French economy may maintain its first-half momentum.
Quartz obsession interlude
Jenny Anderson on the teen friendships that make for happier adults. “New research shows that teens aged 15 and 16 who had a close friend, rather than a bigger peer group featuring less intense relationships, reported higher levels of self-worth and lower levels of social anxiety and depression at 25 compared with their peers who were more broadly popular as teens.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Google shouldn’t own “google.” The verb is as ubiquitous as kleenex, and only references a fraction of what Alphabet has in the works.
Wellness culture is making us unwell. “Orthorexia” is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with “pure” and “clean” foods.
Ivy League schools don’t admit enough students. The best American universities are minuscule compared with their foreign counterparts, exacerbating socioeconomic inequality.
Surprising discoveries
Salmon used the eclipse to make a daring escape. Up to 5,000 Atlantic salmon escaped into the Pacific on Monday, prompting Washington state to temporarily lift fishing limits.
Disco is a weapon. The polarizing genre is being used to disarm British neo-Nazis.
Dublin airport’s lost-and-found contains one headstone. “You will always be remembered,” reads an inscription on the forgotten grave marker.
Climate change is coming for your champagne and cava. Rising global temperatures could drastically change harvest times and the taste of grapes used for sparkling wine.
Neptune’s forecast calls for diamond rain. Due to its hot temperatures and complex atmosphere, the icy planet experiences glittery showers of diamond slivers.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, poignant headstone inscriptions, and Bee Gees playlists to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android.