Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
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.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt debate. 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 at 8pm BST. The event will give foreign secretary Hunt one of his last chances to cut into Johnson’s sizable lead before Conservatives announce a winner on July 23.
Boeing tumbles. 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
The US approved a potential $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The deal, which includes tanks and missiles, has angered Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has long vowed to retake control of the island.
A US judge ruled in favor of big pharma. A new rule proposed by the Trump administration that would require drug companies to list wholesale prices in TV ads was struck down yesterday ahead of its implementation today. The measure aimed to embarrass firms like Merck and Eli Lilly into reducing their drug costs.
The US slapped tariffs on Mexican steel, again. The Commerce Department announced the decision following an investigation that concluded Mexico and China—but not Canada—were aiding manufacturers of fabricated structural steel with government subsidies.
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.
Virgin Galactic is set for launch. A reported $800 million deal with Social Capital Hedosophia would see Richard Branson’s space tourism company go public later this year. The decision could fund Virgin Galactic’s operations until its commercial spaceships are able to turn a profit.
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Continuing this week’s deep dive into data brokers, Olivia Goldhill examines how propaganda spread by data “bombs” pushed Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro to power, and what this means for elections around the world. And we continue our members-only video interview with Brandless CEO Tina Sharkey, who describes the one thing employers should filter prospective hires for that isn’t on their resume.
Quartz Obsession
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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iPhones are good for the environment. By combining a dozen gadgets in one, they’ve allowed us to manufacture fewer devices.
Tip your food delivery person in cash. In-app tips are counted towards workers’ basic pay—unless you slip them cash.
Disney is bowing to Chinese nationalism. Its Mulan remake transforms the movie into patriotic propaganda.
Surprising discoveries
Judges are struggling to interpret emojis. Their multiple meanings are complicating court cases in the US.
Post-it notes have become a protest weapon in Hong Kong. It’s part of a strategy to spread demonstrators’ demands.
Nursing moms are swapping breastmilk on Facebook. Some donate to families in need, while others charge hefty fees.
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. Spanish social workers are prescribing the game to help patients get out and connect.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, companionable Pikachus, and politicized Post-it notes 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 Adam Rasmi and edited by Jackie Bischof.