Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The US Fed mulls another rate cut. The central bank is likely to lower interest rates for the second time in less than two months despite mixed feelings among Fed members for such a move, as chair Jerome Powell acts to stave off risks from the trade war with China, and low inflation.
Tech giants testify in the US Senate on extremism. Representatives of Facebook, Google, and Twitter address Senators after a string of mass shootings in the US and New Zealand drew greater attention to the role of social media in inflaming hate speech online.
More details on the Saudi oil attacks. Riyadh is due to present evidence at a news conference to show that Iran was involved in last week’s attacks on its oil facilities. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo is also due to arrive in Jeddah today, where he will meet with crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the incident and a response to Iranian aggression.
Donald Trump restricts California’s authority on emissions. The US president is set to abolish the state’s ability to set its own auto emissions rules, which are stricter than federal rules. California has vowed to fight back with a lawsuit that could go all the way to the Supreme Court.
While you were sleeping
Spain’s government fell into turmoil. The country will hold its fourth election in four years after the Socialists, headed by acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez, failed to form a governing coalition with the populist left-wing Podemos party. The new ballot offers the Socialist party a chance to gain more seats and strengthen its negotiating position.
Israel’s election was left in a deadlock. Exit polls in the historic election—the second in five months—show that both current prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger Benny Gantz failed to win an outright majority. Avigdor Lieberman and his secular nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party could be the kingmaker in forming a coalition government.
New York became the first state to ban flavored vapes. The state’s health department made the move following the death of seven people due to vaping-related illnesses in the US. State governor Andrew Cuomo said vape companies were using flavors such as “bubblegum, Captain Crunch, and cotton candy” to entice young people to use their products.
The US government sued Edward Snowden. The civil lawsuit against the whistleblower alleges that his new memoir, Permanent Record, violated non-disclosure agreements he signed with both the CIA and the National Security Agency. Snowden now lives in Moscow.
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Indian ride-sharing startup Ola’s story of startup scrappiness contains some valuable lessons on how to attract angel investors on blind faith. Early backer Zishaan Hayath told Quartz reporter Ananya Bhattacharya how the story unfolded as part of this week’s field guide.
Quartz Obsession
The turban is a simple garment, but it’s also a complex expression of culture, religion, style, and identity. For Sikhs they’re a sacred object. They’re also a staple of old Hollywood glamor. And when Gucci sold an $800 turban it inspired a massive clapback against cultural appropriation. Get the look with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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Math scores don’t explain the STEM gender gap. The real reason there are more men in science and tech may be that girls are better than boys at reading.
Economists don’t understand macroeconomics. According to Bill Gates, that makes it harder for policy makers to reform the economy.
Phone calls are good. Speaking words out loud to people allows you to accomplish more faster and make deeper connections.
Surprising discoveries
Whitney Houston’s hologram is going on tour. The legendary singer’s likeness will play stadiums, concert halls, and even the Kremlin.
Most mammal fossils come from males. Reckless boy mammoths and bison were more likely to get themselves trapped in tar pits.
Coral gardeners are reviving reefs. Conservationists in scuba gear have painstakingly brought back Jamaica’s coral from the brink of extinction.
Korean politicians are shaving their heads in protest. The lawmakers are turning to a traditional form of protest over the appointment of a scandal-ridden justice minister.
Vinyl, book, and magazine sales are up. Despite the prophecies of digital doomsayers, people still like owning physical things.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, mammoth fossils, and collectible vinyls 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 Isabella Steger and edited by Tripti Lahiri.