Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The US midterm elections begin. Voting begins on dozens of high-profile races, in what is largely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump that will shape the second half of his term. Democrats are expected to retake control of the House of Representatives (paywall), where they could begin presidential impeachment proceedings, while Republicans are favored to maintain control of the Senate.
Theresa May presses her cabinet for a Brexit deal. The UK prime minister is reportedly preparing to issue an ultimatum (paywall) to her fellow Conservative party members, with Northern Ireland’s border the major sticking point. The EU may reportedly allow a modified customs union for the entire UK as a stopgap measure.
China’s human rights check-up. President Xi Jinping’s government will be under the spotlight in a periodic review by the United Nations. Many members have criticized the country over its treatment of dissidents, journalists, ethnic minorities, and influential Chinese nationals.
While you were sleeping
Amazon may split its second headquarters in half. The retail giant is strongly considering stretching its HQ2 expansion across two cities to draw in more talent, reported the Wall Street Journal (paywall). That would mean the company’s planned 50,000 new staffers could be shared between leading contenders including New York City, Dallas, and Crystal City, Virginia.
Turkey detailed a Saudi cover-up operation. A senior Turkish official said Saudi authorities who were supposed to be assisting a probe into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi instead sent chemists and toxicologists to destroy evidence (paywall) and sabotage the investigation.
Russia intercepted a US plane over the Black Sea. A Russian SU-27 jet harassed a US Navy recon plane for nine minutes by flying in an “unsafe and unprofessional manner,” US officials said, including subjecting the plane to dangerous turbulence.
Jury selection began for El Chapo’s trial. Prosecutors admitted that it’ll be tough to find jurors who haven’t heard of the infamous Mexican drug lord. The panel will be anonymous and partially sequestered, and under protection by US marshals.
Under Armour’s expense-account strip club visits were revealed. The company announced that executives and staffers—including CEO Kevin Plank—could no longer expense visits to adult entertainment venues (paywall). Plank and other managers have long been accused of creating a hostile atmosphere for women.
Obsession interlude
Just about everything you thought you knew about bees is wrong. Only one of the 20,000+ species of bees makes honey—and most don’t work in massive hives while serving the queen and the greater good. We can learn a lot from the loners—including the role of genetics in social behavior, and potential lessons about autism. Go down the rabbit hole with solitary bees in today’s Obsession.
Matters of debate
The $100 laptop was the ultimate tale of tech industry hubris. It proposed a one-size-fits-all solution to complex development problems—just as true disruption arrived with the smartphone.
Why isn’t the world outraged about Tuti Tursilawati? The Indonesian rape victim was beheaded by the Saudi Arabian government last week.
Apple’s iPhone defies economic gravity. Its rise from $499 to more than $1,000 confounds expectations that electronics prices tend to fall over time.
Surprising discoveries
Eurostar is reminding rail passengers not to bring bombs aboard. People may be carrying alarming mementos during the upcoming 100th anniversary of the First World War armistice.
Prehistoric dolphins had swordfish-like snouts. They also had up to 350 teeth, more than any mammal in history.
US fast food chains are hiring seniors to replace teenagers. The tight labor market has led to recruitment drives at retirement homes (paywall).
An Australian man died after eating a sea slug on a dare. It was tragically infected with deadly rat lungworm disease.
Venezuela wants to move $550 million in gold out of London. The bullion, stored in the Bank of England, may be subject to international sanctions.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, prehistoric dolphin teeth, and Venezuelan heist screenplays 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 Adam Pasick and McKinley Noble.