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What to watch for today
Huawei’s reprieve is extended. The US Commerce Department will give the Chinese telecommunications giant another 90 days to buy supplies from American companies, according to Reuters. The current agreement was slated to lapse today.
Najib Razak feels the heat. The former Malaysian prime minister begins a key trial in the 1MDB scandal. He faces numerous charges of graft and money laundering at the state development fund.
Baidu reports earnings. The Chinese search engine operator is expected to report a dismal quarter. Its shares have lost nearly 40% of their value since the year began, as China’s weak economy has dented companies’ ad spending on the platform.
Over the weekend
The Hong Kong protests showed no signs of slowing. Demonstrators came out in huge numbers Sunday despite heavy rain and recent violence. Canada and the EU, meanwhile, issued a joint statement urging de-escalation and a respect for fundamental freedoms.
A suicide bomber killed 63 people in Kabul. An ISIS affiliate claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack in Afghanistan’s capital so far this year, which took place during wedding celebrations late Saturday. Over 180 people were injured.
A leaked document revealed the UK government expects a no-deal Brexit. The document, marked “official-sensitive,” shows that no one is prepared, and the effects would be dire on everything from trade to food supply to the Irish border.
Gibraltar rejected US pressure to hold an Iranian oil tanker. Authorities in the British overseas territory allowed the vessel’s release, noting that the EU sanctions regime against Iran is “much narrower than that applicable in the US.” American officials had hoped to seize the ship.
Sudan came one step closer to democracy. Military and civilian leaders signed a peace treaty Saturday in Khartoum, promising that the country will in 2022 hold elections, the first since the fall of Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for three decades before being deposed earlier this year.
Quartz Obsession
Emoji are more than just smiley faces. Billions of emoji are exchanged daily. More people use the cute little images than speak the English language. They’re also used to solve complex logistics problems and to convey emotions in a way that words sometimes can’t. Look into the symbols with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
“True crime” entertainment disrespects victims. Their stories are overlooked while their killers are glamorized.
You owe it to the environment to buy used clothes. The fashion industry produces huge amounts of waste, and it isn’t slowing down.
Kids are too stressed-out these days. They need more free play and childhood independence.
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Surprising discoveries
“Old Town Road” isn’t popular in Asia. Lil Nas X’s record-breaking hit missed the charts in Japan, China, and South Korea.
A funeral was held for a glacier. Scientists, politicians, and others met in Iceland to pay their respects to Okjökull, a victim of climate change, over the weekend.
The MoMa Design Store is selling household goods from Italy. They’re deemed so beautifully crafted they belong in a museum, or at least its shop.
PayPal helped the FBI catch a cybercriminal. He used his real phone number to verify his account, leading to his arrest.
Plant-based eggs are starting to compete with the real thing. They’re made from mung beans, sold as a liquid, and apparently convincing in both flavor and texture.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Italian staplers, and used clothing 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 Steve Mollman and Alex Ossola.