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What to watch for today
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have words. The two contenders for the UK’s top office will finally go head to head in front of a live audience on Britain’s ITV. The debate begins at 8pm UK time.
The US and Qatar have a sit-down. President Donald Trump will host emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for talks at the White House on regional politics and counter-terrorism. The meeting comes as the US tries to build pressure on Iran.
A Trump associate testifies before a House panel. Felix Sater, a Russia-born real estate developer who worked on a proposed Trump Tower project in Moscow, will sit for a closed-door interview as part of the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the president’s financial dealings and potential foreign influence.
Boeing reports. The aircraft company is expected to announce a significant drop in both orders and deliveries (paywall) amid its extended grounding of the 737 Max. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Flyadeal became the first airline to officially drop the troubled plane model after it switched to Airbus.
While you were sleeping
Hong Kong’s leader said the extradition bill is “dead.” However, chief executive Carrie Lam held firm in her refusal to completely withdraw the hated legislation, which has sparked the city’s largest political crisis in decades.
The US approved a potential $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The deal, which includes tanks and missiles, is likely to anger Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has long vowed to retake control of the island.
Trump lashed out at the UK. The US president assailed the British ambassador to Washington, Kim Darroch, saying he “will no longer deal with him” in a fallout over leaked confidential cables in which Darroch described the Trump administration as “inept.” Trump also laid into prime minister Theresa May, criticizing her handling of Brexit as a “mess.”
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded not guilty. The American financier was arrested Saturday and formally charged yesterday on counts of sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking. New York prosecutors are asking for the multimillionaire to be detained, over concerns that Epstein might flee or tamper with witnesses or evidence.
Russia’s RT and Sputnik were barred from a media freedom conference. The UK’s foreign office banned the two news organizations from the London event because of their “active role in spreading disinformation.” RT slammed the decision as hypocritical “slandering of alternative media.”
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The war on khat. Chewed (or smoked, or drunk as tea) in moderation, the plant can stimulate sociability and boost alertness like coffee. But too much can launch a manic state followed by a hangover-like crash—or worse. Western countries are cracking down, leading to a culture clash with impacts on the farmers who quite profitably grow it. Chew on this at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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Podcasts should stick to proving people innocent. True-crime journalists don’t need to finger an alternate suspect.
Tip your food delivery person in cash. In-app tips are counted towards workers’ basic pay—unless you slip them cash off the books.
Disney is bowing to Chinese nationalism. Its Mulan remake transforms the movie into patriotic propaganda.
Surprising discoveries
London’s public parks are being privatized. Figures show that local councils are hiring out the parks for commercial events for large portions of the summer.
Nursing moms are swapping breastmilk on Facebook. Some altruistically donate to families in need, while others charge hefty fees.
iPhones are good for the environment. By combining a dozen gadgets in one, they allowed us to manufacture fewer devices.
A cockatoo choreographed its own dance moves. A new study shows that the bird came up with an impressive routine of head-bobs and body-rolls.
Pokémon Go can help fight loneliness. Social workers in Spain are prescribing the game to help patients get out, connect, and collect.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Pikachus, and stimulant leaves to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.