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What to watch for today
Jeremy Corbyn renews his pledge to block a no-deal Brexit. As the prospect of a general election grows, the opposition leader will give a speech reiterating the pledge that Labour will back a second Brexit referendum. Corbyn has also said that he will try to force a vote of no confidence on prime minister Boris Johnson.
Emmanuel Macron meets with Vladimir Putin. The French president will host his Russian counterpart at his holiday residence in southern France today, where they are likely to talk about Ukraine, Syria, and Iran’s nuclear program.
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.
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. More than 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 ⭐️,🥊, and 🤦♀️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
A Cold War-era Russian sailor’s message in a bottle was found in Alaska. A man who was out gathering firewood on the shores of Anchorage chanced upon the green bottle—and Russian media tracked down the note’s author.
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 vegan eggs 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 Tripti Lahiri.