Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Subtropical storm Alberto makes landfall on the Gulf Coast. The storm comes days before the Atlantic hurricane season formally begins on June 1. It could cause up to $1 billion in economic losses to Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Italy’s political turmoil continues. The new government collapsed before it was even formed, after president Sergio Mattarella on Sunday vetoed its eurosceptic finance minister. Today, he’s expected to ask former IMF official Carlo Cottarelli, known as “Mr. Scissors,” to serve as interim prime minister.
The US celebrates Memorial Day. Markets are closed as the US observes its patriotic three-day weekend with barbecue feasts. Markets in the UK will also be closed for a bank holiday.
Over the Weekend
The US-North Korea summit might be back on. After canceling the June 12 summit last week, Donald Trump said over the weekend that it could still happen. US officials met with their North Korean counterparts at the Demilitarized Zone yesterday to discuss preparations. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un had a surprise meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-in.
Ireland voted to legalize abortions. In an historic referendum, two-thirds of Irish voters cast their ballots in favor of repealing a constitutional amendment that banned abortion in most cases, including incest and rape. Northern Ireland, however, still has a similar law on the books.
Colombians failed to elect a president. The vote will now go to a runoff next month between candidates with starkly opposed views on the peace deal struck with FARC guerrillas in 2016. Right-wing hardliner Iván Duque, now favored to win, opposes the deal.
Samsonite put trading on hold. Shares in the world’s largest luggage brand were suspended in Hong Kong today after activist investor Blue Orca accused the company of questionable accounting practices—including during its 2016 acquisition of Tumi. Samsonite is due to issue a statement today.
China protested US warships in the South China Sea. The US vessels sailed near the Paracel Islands, a chain controlled by China but disputed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Beijing issued its “firm opposition” to the operation, which followed the US rescinding its invitation to China to participate in annual naval exercises.
Quartz obsession interlude
Annalisa Merelli and Nikhil Sonnad on sartorial maps. “Maps are complicated in the current geopolitical climate—especially emblazoned across your torso. What is perfectly acceptable in Vietnam can get you stopped at Chinese border control, and vice versa… But what if you just really want to wear a map of the South China Sea? We have a solution for you.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is the first true feminist anti-hero. The disgraced CEO is certainly no role model, but her formidable ego commands respect.
Millennials are not poorer… they just made different investments. Betting on education rather than homeownership might work out in their favor.
The US is doing exactly what it should not on banking rules. Three centuries of history suggests that now is the time to strengthen supervision rather than water it down.
Surprising discoveries
Buskers in London will take cards. The city has introduced what it says is the world’s first contactless payment scheme for street musicians.
Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup jersey is a winner. The team isn’t expected to go far in the tournament, but its Nike kit is getting rave reviews.
Someone made a movie you can control with your mind. Put on an EEG headset and let your brainwaves live-edit scenes, background music, and more.
US beekeepers are stealing each other’s hives. A startup is selling motion trackers for hives to tackle heists in the cutthroat industry.
Bill Gates loves, loves Vaclav Smil. An analysis of all 185 books Gates has mentioned on his blog reveals his obsession with a Czech-Canadian scientist.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, soccer jerseys, and buskers to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Jill Petzinger and edited by Steve Mollman.