Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
Protestors take up residence at Hong Kong’s airport. The organizers say they’ve rallied 10,000 demonstrators for a “tourist reception” at Hong Kong International Airport, with corresponding marches scheduled in Tai Po and Sham Shui Po for the weekend. Earlier this week, the US issued a travel advisory for the airport when information about the protests began to circulate online.
India’s Congress party considers Kashmir. The Indian National Congress’s top brass will convene on Friday to discuss Parliament’s decision on Article 370, which many of its leaders have come out against, with a few notable exceptions.
Huawei’s developer conference kicks off. The company is poised to introduce its own Hongmeng operating system—with millions of smartphones using the OS to be released later this year—as well as the Android Q-based, EMUI 10 user interface, in Songshan Lake, China, on Friday.
While you were sleeping
Uber reported a record loss of $5.2 billion. The world’s biggest ride-hailing company also reported its slowest-ever revenue growth in its earnings report, and its stock suffered in after-hours trading. Meanwhile, Wall Street indexes rose over positive US and China economic data, after a rocky start to the week.
Kyrgyzstan’s former president was arrested. Almazbek Atambayev had been repeatedly summoned for questioning as an alleged witness to corruption and abuse of political office, and his reported surrender followed clashes between authorities and supporters, which resulted in the death of an officer. Police say they will charge Atambayev with a “grave crime” over the standoff.
Russia responded after a rocket engine test explosion. The Arkhangelsk blast that killed two people led to reports of a radiation spike in the region—though Russia’s defense ministry insists levels are normal. Civilian ship travel in the White Sea has been suspended for a month, however.
Climate change may lead to rockier skies. A study on how rising temperatures affect jet streams at different altitudes found wind speeds have increased over the last 40 years. As a result, flights may be more turbulent or take longer routes—which only leads to more emissions that feed climate change.
Kraft Heinz stock hit an all-time low. The food giant reported it wrote down the value of its company by another $1.22 billion while it deals with an investigation by US regulators. Yet, it claims its outlook stays rosy as it focuses on building up its brands.
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We continue our week-long deep dive on whether technology can make us better parents by taking a look at what early childcare is like in countries that prioritize it. High-quality early childhood education and care has been shown to have benefits that extend way beyond building babies’ brains (as if those aren’t important enough).
Quartz Obsession
Barneys is on the brink, again. The New York luxury retailer (don’t call it a department store!) just filed for bankruptcy, and while it’s gotten an emergency capital infusion, it has until Oct. 24 to find a buyer. Fashion companies’ trend towards direct sales has challenged its legendary status as a curator of cool, making it harder to deal with a massive rent increase on its flagship store. To get back to where it was, it’s going to have to get ahead of where fashion is now. Do some browsing at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
What if people were paid for their data? Machine learning needs tons of the stuff, and a blockchain-backed solution may address privacy concerns.
We should treat the internet like a utility. The digital divide only hinders social mobility.
Imagine that everyone is rooting for you. TED coaches always give this single comforting piece of advice to their speakers.
Surprising discoveries
Hong Kong police are using tear gas in record amounts. The unprecedented barrage is affecting the health of residents, children, the elderly, and even pets.
Chase Bank forgave credit card debt for its Canadian customers. The lender wanted the cleanest possible break after shutting down two of its cards.
Milk’s about to be a lot less sour. A shelf-life-quadrupling technique could be a gamechanger for areas hit by natural disaster.
Vodka made from Chernobyl-based grain isn’t radioactive. “Atomik” sales could capitalize on recent interest and help revitalize the region.
Rickshaws are going electric. India’s iconic street transporters are steering a green revolution.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, questionable spirits, and everlasting milk 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 Patrick deHahn.