Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Theresa May meets her new Cabinet after the “Brexodus.” Beset by a revolt over her “soft” Brexit plans—in the form of a slew of high-profile resignations—May chose new Cabinet members overnight. She could still face a leadership challenge, and the UK could still get another general election.
Pepsi kicks of second-quarter US earnings season. Investors are keen to see how Pepsi is weathering changing consumer tastes in the North American fizzy drinks market. It’s expected to report healthy growth in its snacks division.
Donald Trump arrives in Brussels. Bars, clubs, and public areas will be packed with fans—of the Belgian national soccer team. Its World Cup semi-final match with France takes place the same day the president lands in the Belgian capital, ahead of the NATO summit on Wednesday.
While you were sleeping
Trump chose his second Supreme Court nominee. Washington DC Circuit Court of Appeals judge Brett Kavanaugh has had a role in some of America’s most partisan legal battles. For example, he was the lead author of the Starr Report calling for ex-president Bill Clinton’s impeachment and also represented George W. Bush in the 2000 Florida vote recount.
Liu Xia, widow of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, may finally be free. Liu Xia, who’s been under house arrest for years, is reportedly being flown to Germany, where Chinese premier Li Keqiang is wrapping up a visit. Imprisoned Nobel peace prize winner Liu Xiaobo died in custody in China nearly a year ago.
The Turkish lira fell as Recep Tayyip Erdoğan tightened his grip on monetary policy. Investors feared the country could be heading towards a currency crisis after the Turkish president gave himself the power to name the head of the central bank and deputy governors. Erdogan immediately named his son-in-law (paywall) as the new finance minister.
Elon Musk tweeted from the Thai rescue zone. The Tesla CEO, who had offered to help rescue the 12 kids and their soccer coach trapped in a cave, appeared to be tweeting photos and videos from the area. The head of the operation command center said Musk’s submarine was not needed. The final push is on to get the last four boys and the coach out today.
Canada said 70 people had died in the Quebec heat wave. Last week’s extreme weather in the province led to 34 deaths in Montreal alone—where temperatures soared into the mid-90s—and overcrowding in the city’s morgue. Most of those who died were over 60 and had chronic illnesses.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Jenni Avins on the marijuana industry’s high-growth opportunity: “Aside from its clinical role, and despite its dubious legal status, CBD has a growing number of casual fans: It’s weed for people who don’t actually like being stoned. Found in everything from pet-calming drops to ache-alleviating muscle rubs and lattes, these days you can drink it, drop it, smoke it, spray it, eat it, and rub it into your skin.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Successful activists embrace backlash. Acknowledging that progress often sparks adverse reactions can increase the odds of sustaining positive movements.
AT&T’s push to make HBO more like Netflix signals change. It’s ditching its “quality-over-quantity” approach to reach a broader audience.
Love is bad for dating apps. Advanced matchmaking technology means people fall in love and leave the service faster than new clients can be found.
Surprising discoveries
Recently poached ivory is widely sold as legal, antique ivory in Europe. Sellers advertise it as pre-1947, which means it can be legally traded.
A fart prank helps med students learn. Foul-smelling novelty products help train doctors and nurses to brave the stenches of the human body.
Men and women sleep better in gender-equal societies. Sharing the worry over finances and childcare makes both sexes more rested.
Baby teeth offer clues on autism. The effects of chemical exposure on a fetus’s developing teeth (paywall) could explain links between the disorder and pollution.
Poisoned books surfaced in a Denmark library. The medieval manuscripts were coated in arsenic, likely in an attempt to deter pests.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, air fresheners, and non-lethal books 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 Lianna Brinded.