Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Washington and Moscow discuss Damascus. US national security advisor John Bolton will sit down with Nikolai Patrushev, his Russian counterpart, in Geneva to talk Syria. Bolton said yesterday that Vladimir Putin would be happy for Iran-backed forces to leave the war-torn country (paywall), contradicting recent Russian statements.
Mike Pence gives an update on America’s space ambitions. The vice president, who heads the National Space Council, will visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to speak about the agency’s plans to return to the Moon in advance of future human missions to Mars.
Alibaba, HP, and Gap report earnings. Analysts expect Alibaba (paywall) and HP to post strong revenue growth. Meanwhile, sales at Gap’s Old Navy and Banana Republic stores—not its namesake franchise—likely boosted the fashion chain’s second-quarter profit.
While you were sleeping
Trump expressed concern for white farmers in South Africa. The president asked secretary of state Mike Pompeo to examine farm seizures and “the large scale killing of farmers” in the country. South Africa reacted angrily, saying it gave a “narrow perception which only seeks to divide our nation.”
Another round of US-China tariffs kicked in. Washington imposed 25% tariffs on $16 billion of Chinese goods, with Beijing responding in kind, despite the ongoing trade talks between officials from both countries.
Ryanair and its pilots reached a deal. The result of a 22-hour marathon session of talks will likely put an end to strikes that forced Europe’s second-largest airline to cancel hundreds of flights. Members of its Irish trade union will now vote on the agreement.
Turkey accused the US of waging an “economic war.” A spokesperson for Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the US is unfairly targeting Turkey’s economy. He also said American policies are at odds with the principles of NATO, of which Turkey is a member.
Saudi Arabia denied that it’s calling off the biggest IPO of all time. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister refuted a Reuters report saying the country is pulling the IPO of Aramco, which could be valued at $2 trillion. Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman plans to float a 5% stake in the state-run oil company.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Adam Epstein on why your favorite TV shows never really die. “By now you’re probably familiar with this process: TV show with a loyal following is canceled, fans are upset, cast and crew hint they’re interested in a revival, rumors swirl, maybe a TV movie, maybe a reboot, some time passes, rumors swirl again until, eventually, the revival is ordered.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Your freshman-year roommate should be randomly selected. Though many colleges let students pre-select roommates, the trend seems to be undergoing a reversal.
China will change Google, not the other way around. Plans for a censored search engine suggest the tech company is becoming just like every other corporation (paywall).
America’s golden age of infrastructure is almost over. After 61 years, the last great plan to transform the country’s roads is nearly complete.
Surprising discoveries
The Crazy Rich Asians author is a wanted man in Singapore. Kevin Kwan faces penalties for avoiding mandatory military service.
An Argentine police officer was promoted after she breastfed someone else’s baby on the job. She comforted the child, who was taken away from his mother, after she heard him crying at a hospital.
One of the highest-earning female athletes is a badminton star. India’s PV Sindhu made $8.5 million in prize money and endorsements in the past year, just below Venus Williams.
Sewage tells you a lot about drug use. Wastewater researchers discovered that Americans get lit during holidays and special events.
The Big Bang Theory is finally coming to an end. The longest-running multi-camera sitcom in TV history will air its 12th and final season in 2019.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, sewage samples, and roommate tips 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 Edmund Heaphy and edited by Jason Karaian.