Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The US and China get back to trade talks. Deputies from both countries will meet today in Washington, ahead of discussions between top officials later this week. A sharp increase in US tariffs takes effect on Oct.15.
Extinction Rebellion protests begin. A two-week civil disobedience campaign in dozens of cities around the world kicks off as climate activists demand urgent government action.
The World Bank chief offers his view of the global economy. David Malpass will follow up on June’s gloomy forecast. Tomorrow, the IMF’s new head, Kristalina Georgieva, chimes in with her take.
Brexit talks continue in Brussels. The EU rejected Boris Johnson’s new Brexit plan, and the UK leader now has to come up with new ideas. Meanwhile, Scotland’s highest court decides on penalties if Johnson goes ahead with a no-deal Brexit.
Nobel Prize season begins. First up is the prize in medicine or physiology. Scientists who made discoveries leading to new treatments for breast cancer and hepatitis C are among the favorites. Here’s a Quartz guide to the awards.
Over the weekend
Another whistleblower came forward. A second person, this time with first-hand knowledge of Donald Trump’s phone call with Ukraine’s leader, has spoken out. Yet again, Trump said a political opponent could be guilty of treason.
The US pledged to withdraw from northern Syria. The decision, following a call with Turkey’s president and against the wishes of US officials, ends months of efforts to broker peace between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces. A Turkish offensive is imminent.
The UK asked a US diplomat’s wife to return and face justice. Anna Sacoolas, a suspect in a fatal car crash, returned to the US despite telling the authorities she would not. UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has urged the US to waive diplomatic immunity.
The UN called for a probe into Hong Kong violence. It follows three people injured in protests last week. Much of the city’s subway system was shut over the weekend, but thousands took to the streets anyway, defying the new ban on face masks.
The death toll in Iraq’s protests surpassed 100. At least 25 were killed over the weekend in Baghdad as security forces clashed with protesters. Yesterday’s violence erupted just hours after the government announced a raft of socioeconomic reforms.
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A bloody civil war in Syria. The threat of nuclear weapons in North Korea. The US Space Force. If modern warfare seems futuristic, confusing, and terrifying all at once, well, it is. Our new field guide this week by Quartz reporters Tim Fernholz, Justin Rohrlich, and Daniel Wolfe explores the geopolitical, economic, and technological trends that are driving the future of war.
Quartz Obsession
The koi fish is increasingly fashionable. Over the past century, the fancy carp have been bred for glamour, leading to beauty contests and big business. A starter koi can cost from $50 to $500, but a prize koi can go into the millions (and outlive you). If that sounds like too much money or effort, koi tattoos are chic, too. Dive in at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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GDP falls short as a measure of human wellbeing. An ease-of-living index would be a better metric.
The idea of unmanned planes may not fly. Pilotless technology makes sense—but only if passengers and labor unions accept them.
Women don’t promote themselves enough. Unlike men, they don’t always see themselves as 100% qualified for a job—or political office.
Surprising discoveries
Giant pigs might solve China’s pork shortage. An enterprising farmer thinks breeding gargantuan pigs could increase supply and bring heftier profits.
The center of our galaxy exploded 3.5 million years ago. The energy flare started near the Milky Way’s massive black hole, and spread 200,000 light-years away.
A travel guru is imposing a carbon tax on himself. Rick Steves encouraged millions of Americans to travel, and is now reckoning with his cost to the environment.
The NBA had to apologize for hurting Chinese feelings. The apology came after a Houston Rockets manager tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests.
Mark Zuckerberg thinks nobody deserves to be a billionaire. In a Q&A, the Facebook founder—worth $70 billion—said he “understands” Bernie Sanders’ criticism of the ultra-rich.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, political basketballs, and carbon tax ideas to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Adam Rasmi, Luiz Romero, and Rashmee Roshan Lall.