Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
US national security adviser John Bolton meets Russian officials. They’ll discuss a Cold War–era treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Donald Trump said on Saturday he would terminate it on the grounds that Russia has been noncompliant—a move Moscow has said would be a “very dangerous step.”
Italy responds to EU worries over its 2019 draft budget. The European Commission has told Rome the draft budget is in serious breach of EU rules. On Friday, Moody’s downgraded Italy’s rating (paywall).
The Bank of Japan talks monetary policy. The central bank will report on the effect that prolonged easing is having on the nation’s banking system. Analysts will look for clues on whether it sees any new or elevated risks (paywall).
Over the weekend
The world reacted to Saudi Arabia’s reversal on Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. After the country said the journalist was indeed killed in its Istanbul consulate, the UK, France, and Germany issued a statement saying “urgent need for clarification” remains. Others chimed in, but Trump praised Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom many deem responsible.
As many as 670,000 people rallied against Brexit. In one of the largest demonstrations in UK history, protesters in London on Saturday called for a second Brexit referendum. Prime minister Theresa May has ruled out the idea, but it’s gathered support from parliamentarians representing all the main political parties.
Africa’s youngest billionaire was found after a kidnapping ordeal. Tanzanian Mohammed Dewji was dumped in healthy physical condition at a field near the sports club from which he was abducted more than a week earlier. Police said his kidnappers, previously described as white men, communicated in South African vernacular.
Saudi Arabia reportedly groomed a Twitter engineer to troll dissenters. According to the New York Times, the kingdom persuaded the employee (paywall) to monitor accounts of journalists and others. The engineer, fired in 2015, had access to users’ IP addresses and phone numbers.
Deadly attacks disrupted Afghanistan’s long-overdue parliamentary election. At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured in violent incidents across the country as citizens voted in the legislative elections, which have been delayed for years due to security concerns.
A passenger train derailed in Taiwan. At least 18 people were killed and 160 injured in the accident, the cause of which is still being investigated. Such incidents are rare in Taiwan.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Annabelle Timsit on a Virginia community that came together to fight the opioid epidemic: “Winchester began recruiting its first crop of volunteer cuddlers—community members who would come into the NICU once or twice a week in two-to-three hour shifts to hold babies, especially those with neonatal abstinence syndrome, in their arms. That’s because the best treatment for any child going through NAS is skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Microfinancing is the key to ending poverty. Creating two financial systems—one for the rich and one for the poor—is the only way forward.
The right job after college is one that makes you grow. New grads should focus on learning in the working world rather than chasing after the perfect position.
Elon Musk is too ambitious for Tesla’s own good. The CEO should temper his expectations and take a more hands-off approach if Tesla wants long-term success.
Surprising discoveries
Scientists found ways to prevent crying. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth or pinching the skin between your thumb and pointer finger can keep the tears from flowing (paywall).
Tractor stores are thriving in the retail apocalypse. Tractor Supply has seen sales growth of 56% over the past five years and will add 500 more brick-and-mortar locations (paywall) in the US over the next decade.
Fish-and-chips came to the UK thanks to migrant Jews. Joseph Malins opened a fish-and-chips shop in London in the early 1860s.
Sociologists are using The Bachelorette to study modern femininity. An analysis of contestants’ Instagram posts illustrates the norms and values important to contemporary society.
A Girl Scout made $91 in 45 minutes outside a Canadian pot dispensary. Patrons bought every Girl Scout cookie the 9-year-old was selling the day marijuana legalization took effect.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, tractor supplies, and Girl Scout cookies 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, Jessanne Collins, and Steve Mollman