Good morning, Quartz readers!
Announcing Quartz Private Key: The smart, busy person’s guide to cryptocurrencies. We provide unbiased information and analysis of the noisy and volatile crypto world, from reporters around the globe. Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter, including a free 14-day trial.
What to watch for today
The US releases revised GDP numbers. Economists predict growth will be around 4%. The US is expected to expand at a rate of 3% in the second half of 2018, thanks to consumer spending and business investment.
American Eagle Outfitters reveals quarterly results. The clothing retailer is expected to report a robust rise in sales, boosted by online sales and its Aerie lingerie brand.
Salesforce rolls out second-quarter earnings. The cloud-computing company completed its $6.5 billion acquisition of MuleSoft early in the quarter. Investors will want to know how that has affected results.
While you were sleeping
Aston Martin revved up for a big IPO. The legendary sports-car brand, which has gone bankrupt seven times, said it plans to float on the London Stock Exchange (paywall) later this year on the back of a successful turnaround. It reportedly expects a valuation of around £5 billion ($6.4 billion).
Primaries in Florida and Arizona pointed to polarized midterms. In a major upset, Florida Democrats chose progressive Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, who will face off against Trump ally Ron DeSantis. In Arizona, House representative Martha McSally won the Republican primary for an open Senate seat. She’ll go up against Democrat Kyrsten Sinema in what’s expected to be a tight race.
California voted to abolish cash bail… The bill attempts to even out a system that previously favored the wealthy, turning instead to an assessment process that determines each individual’s flight risk. Criminal justice advocates say the new law could end up handing judges too much power.
…And voted to mandate carbon-free electric power by 2045. California had already committed to generating 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The state, which has the world’s fifth-largest economy, is determined to be a leader on green energy and climate issues.
Trump accused China of hacking Hillary Clinton’s emails. The president tweeted last night that Clinton’s emails, “many of which were Classified Information, got hacked by China,” but offered no evidence. US intelligence agencies have said Russia was behind the Democratic hacking before the 2016 presidential election.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Jenny Anderson on the entrepreneurs adapting the Airbnb model to child care. “Our current child-care system was built for the industrial age… Large child-care centers may make sense if parents work on a typical 9-5, inflexible schedule, with a drop-off period in the morning and a pickup at night. But parenting has changed, along with how and where we work.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
What’s wrong with the dollar? After an unexpected run, recent declines may be the start of a serious correction.
Phone numbers are our most important identifier. They serve as today’s differentiators and means of authentication, so they’re a big target for hackers.
Senators shouldn’t ask Brett Kavanaugh about controversial cases. The point of a Supreme Court confirmation hearing is to understand nominees’ judicial philosophy, not their political opinions—which can and do change.
Surprising discoveries
A lustful dolphin is harassing French swimmers. Officials in Finistère had to ban swimming after the aroused animal became increasingly aggressive.
About 20,000 bees descended on a New York hot dog stand. The police vacuumed them up as thousands watched on a Reuters livestream.
Even a fake Warren Buffett gives good advice. The now-suspended Twitter account may have been fake, but the life guidance it offered was valuable.
China added as much battery-storage capacity in 2018 as all previous years combined. Entire cities support the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.
South Koreans can’t smoke weed abroad. The government threatened criminal charges against its citizens, even if they smoke pot in countries where it’s legal.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, hot dogs, and life advice 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 Sarah Todd.