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What to watch for today
A key deadline for Canada. The Trump administration has given Justin Trudeau’s government until midnight ET Sunday (Sept. 30) to reach a deal on a revised North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada is wary of opening its protected dairy market, among other concerns (paywall).
Mainland Japan contends with Typhoon Trami. Meteorologists have issued red alerts for flooding, high waves, and storm conditions in much of central and southern Japan. Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of people ahead of the storm, which made landfall late Sunday local time.
The US Supreme Court begins a new term. There are just eight justices instead of the usual nine, with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh still in doubt over sexual misconduct allegations he denies. For now the court will remain ideologically deadlocked as it begins hearing cases.
Over the weekend
A death toll in Indonesia surged. After a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the island of Sulawesi Friday, authorities now say that over 830 people were killed in the disaster, which included tsunami waves as high as 6 m (20 ft). The final count could be in the thousands, warned vice president Jusuf Kalla.
Macedonia’s name-change initiative fell short—or did it? The nation voted Sunday whether to rename itself the Republic of North Macedonia, which would help its efforts to join the EU and NATO. Voter turnout was low, but the idea received overwhelming support among those who did vote.
Thyssenkrupp agreed to a large restructuring. Following a profit warning and pressure from activist shareholders, the German conglomerate decided to spin off its capital goods business into a separate entity called Thyssenkrupp Industrials, which will sell elevators, car parts, and other things. It also chose a new chairman and CEO.
China expanded a tax exemption for foreign firms. In an attempt to increase foreign investment amid trade tensions, Beijing widened an income tax exemption on profits that foreign companies re-invest in the country. The measure is retroactive from Jan. 1.
Elon Musk dodged a bullet. The Tesla chief will stay CEO but must relinquish the title of chairman—and cough up $20 million—as part of a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which said he misled investors with tweets about possibly taking Tesla private.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Olivia Goldhill on philosophy being the new battleground in South Africa’s fight against colonialism: “African philosophy does not necessarily focus on radically different topics than Western philosophy. The point is rather that the Western canon does not hold the only ways to explore philosophy, and that many ideas about living ethically or the nature of free will can be found elsewhere.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Facebook needs employees who aren’t team players. Given the chance, Instagram’s co-founders could’ve helped Facebook finally address its problems (paywall).
The US has the power to end war in Yemen. All that stands in the Trump administration’s way is its focus on Iran.
Social media blackouts don’t help victims of domestic violence. Activism—not silence—is what’s needed to raise awareness.
Surprising discoveries
An “extinct” tree kangaroo was caught on camera. The elusive marsupial has been missing for 90 years.
Creating caricatures of Rwandan politicians is risky. Those caught creating art that humiliates officials face hefty fines and jail.
A paint substitute could offset high-energy usage during heatwaves. The polymer coating with nanoscale holes keeps interiors more temperate.
Moths love feasting on birds’ tears. They gain vital nutrients like sodium and albumin and feed as birds sleep.
Discarded mattresses are the new urban canvas. Street artist David Shillinglaw’s spray-painted “mattress mantras” have earned him international acclaim.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, mattress art, and tree kangaroos 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 and edited by April Siese and Steve Mollman.