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What to watch for today
The Tiananmen Square anniversary comes at a tense time. Many of China’s most-wanted activists who took part in the June 4, 1989 protests now live in the US. Berlin-based dissident Liao Yiwu recently published a book on his experiences. Despite a censorship crackdown on social media leading up to the anniversary, the Chinese have found ways to mark the occasion, and Berlin-based dissident Liao Yiwu recently published a book on his experience.
Ramadan ends for much of the Muslim world. The holy month, which began in some countries on May 6 and in others on the following day, ends with the fast-breaking festival of Eid al-Fitr. Those who began Ramadan on May 7 will start celebrating Eid on Wednesday.
Salesforce and GameStop report Q1 earnings. Salesforce stock tumbled Monday after JPMorgan took the firm off its Focus List, but analysts still expect steady growth. Meanwhile, GameStop is expected to report losses as its sales of used games continue to fall.
While you were sleeping
Donald Trump arrived in Buckingham Palace for a state visit. The American president kicked off his three-day diplomatic jaunt with some Twitter battles and ended his day with a banquet at Buckingham Palace (paywall). Protesters greeted him for the second time with a 20-foot, orange baby blimp. Trump will meet with prime minister Theresa May today—and face more protesters, including opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn (paywall).
Apple announced a redesigned Mac Pro. The company ditched its wastebasket-like 2013 design for a new look reminiscent of a giant cheese grater. Starting at $5,999, the machine promises to be more powerful and more flexible.
Senior Mexican and US officials talked tariffs. The Mexican delegation made the case that it’s already doing all it can to stem the flow of migrants reaching the US border, and that punitive tariffs would only hurt both countries. Foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico would not consider a proposal to take in US asylum-seekers.
Big Tech investors got nervous. Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple stocks all slid (paywall) as the shadow of regulators loomed (paywall). The US Justice Department will be handling investigations into antitrust allegations against Google and Apple, while the Federal Trade Commission looks into Amazon and Facebook.
Caster Semenya got cleared to compete again. The South African track champion successfully challenged a rule that would have required her to take testosterone-reducing drugs, but her victory may only be temporary. The ruling from the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland also applies to other female athletes with high testosterone.
Membership
Fashion has historically been defined by its great houses and the gowns, suits, and handbags they crafted. These days, however, it’s all about sneakers. The rise of what used to be gym equipment into a leading artifact of high fashion says a lot about how we’ve changed as a culture. Delving into sneakers’ rapid ascendance is Marc Bain, Quartz’s fashion reporter, starting with a state of play memo laying out the growth of the sneaker industry both financially and culturally.
Quartz Obsession
Rats: can’t live with ’em, can’t live without them. They can carry dozens of diseases, but their genetic similarity to man makes them critical for medical research. Reports of the pest are growing in quickly gentrifying cities—perhaps because new construction brings them out of old hiding places—but they can also be trained as friendly pets or to sniff for land mines. Get acquainted with our oldest frenemy.
Matters of debate
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It’s OK to say someone is “disabled.” Using “identity-first” language makes disability a marker of pride.
The internet is splintered and broken. It’s beyond repair—but we can, and must, rebuild it.
Nice people are happy people. Praising others will make you feel better.
Surprising discoveries
A stunning turquoise pool formed inside a Canadian iceberg. Photographer Rodger Price captured the wonder in Bacon Cove, Newfoundland.
TV characters are finally acknowledging our phone obsession. Some are even showing GIFs on screen.
Humans have been impacting Earth’s climate for millennia. Ancient Romans burned so many fires they affected temperature levels, though it pales to current global warming.
Africa’s top phone maker won out with better selfies. Transsion designed a front-facing camera calibrated to capture darker skin.
Charmin made a toilet paper roll that lasts three months. The massive roll takes one more chore off your to-do list.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, exquisite selfies, and giant toilet paper rolls to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Susan Howson and Nicolás Rivero.