Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
China reports on trade. Economic growth is likely to slow to its weakest pace in almost three decades. Projections put Chinese exports down 2% from last June, before the trade war hit fever pitch.
The US House votes on renewing the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. The fund, which expires next year, provides financial support for the thousands who suffered serious medical issues after the 2001 terrorist attacks. It is expected to pass and move on to the Senate.
Taiwan’s president visits the Caribbean to shore up alliances. Tsai Ing-wen will travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Haiti on her overseas tour—bookended by visits to the US—in order to strengthen ties with allies amid increasing pressure from China.
London hosts the Wimbledon and Cricket World Cup finals. Serena Williams faces Simona Halep tomorrow, while the men wrap up their semi-finals today and compete for the singles championship Sunday. Meanwhile, England and New Zealand will battle for glory at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.
The US begins nationwide raids on undocumented families. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is scheduled to begin the multi-day operation across 10 major cities on Sunday, targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered to be deported but remain in the country illegally.
While you were sleeping
R. Kelly was arrested on child pornography and sex trafficking charges. The singer, who is already facing over 20 counts of sexual abuse, was detained yesterday evening in Chicago on a 13-count federal indictment.
Singapore’s economy unexpectedly shrank. The export-reliant island nation’s GDP shrank 3.4% in the second quarter compared to the first three months of the year, according to newly released data, missing forecasts of modest growth by a wide margin in a warning sign to the world economy. Its year-on-year growth was 0.1%, the lowest in a decade.
Sudan’s ruling military council survived a coup attempt. A top general announced on state television that a coup had been foiled and 16 soldiers were arrested. The country has been in political turmoil since the army’s ouster of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in April, but the military has refused to hand power over to a civilian administration.
Donald Trump retreated on the census citizenship question. The US president’s plan to add the contentious question to next year’s census was blocked by the Supreme Court earlier this month, but he has vowed to count the number of non-citizens in the country and ordered government agencies to turn over citizenship data.
Jair Bolsonaro appointed his son as ambassador to the US. The far-right Brazilian president’s decision underscored his family’s influential role in the country’s diplomacy and domestic politics. Eduardo, currently a congressman, has strong ties to the Trump administration and the American far-right.
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Matters of debate
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Personalized learning doesn’t work. Silicon Valley’s latest education technology is overhyped.
Families should get on Slack. Product management software can help busy families.
Robots are coming for your parental rights. Humans need to claim their right to parent before they lose the chance.
Surprising discoveries
Surveillance cameras debunked the bystander effect. Researchers looked at camera footage in three cities and found that at least one bystander intervened in almost all instances.
Good gut bacteria helps starving children recover. Bananas, chickpeas, and peanuts are particularly effective at boosting healthy microbes, according to a new study.
Dungeon masters are swimming in gold. Thanks to throwback series like Stranger Things, a professional DM can make hundreds of dollars leading a Dungeons & Dragons adventure.
Snacks are in high demand. Since 11 US states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational weed, sales of munchie-satisfiers are on the rise.
A freakishly long-toed bird leg was found in amber. The 99-million-year-old specimen had a toe-to-leg ratio never before seen by scientists.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, active bystanders, and mature microbiome 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.