Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Twelve (possibly angry) Democrats are on stage in Ohio. Candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination take part in the fourth debate of the campaign, and the first since the start of an impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump.
The IMF fuels recession fears. The organization is expected to cut its global growth forecast for 2019 at its annual meeting, lowering the already-modest 3.2% estimate. Its new chief, Kristina Georgieva, recently warned we are in a “synchronized slowdown.”
Big banks kick off earnings season. JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup all report their latest quarterly earnings, and investors looking anxiously at 2020 hope the reality matches the expectations of seemingly optimistic Wall Street forecasters.
While you were sleeping
A white ex-cop was charged with murder. Aaron Dean shot dead an unarmed black woman, Atatiana Jefferson, through the window of her home in Fort Worth, Texas. He resigned his position with the police hours before charges were filed.
Bulgaria’s prime minister entered the soccer racism row. After black English players were racially abused by fans during a game in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, Boyko Borissov told his country’s soccer chief to quit.
LeBron James criticized the Rockets manager for his Hong Kong tweet. The Los Angeles Lakers star has waded into the row between the NBA and China by saying Houston’s Daryl Morey “wasn’t educated about the situation at hand.”
Kurdish fighters fought back against Turkish forces in Syria. They launched a counterattack in the northeastern town of Ras al-Ain, and in Manbij. It follows a deal with Syrian government forces, who entered several towns to forestall a Turkish offensive after the US withdrawal.
London police banned Extinction Rebellion protests. They also cleared climate protesters from their main camp in Trafalgar Square, central London, hours after dozens were arrested for blocking traffic.
Quartz Membership
Sign up for your free trial.
This week’s field guide offers deep dives into two areas where Apple is betting big: Ananya Bhattacharya explores the strategies that Apple is using to make inroads in India’s Android-dominated smartphone market, while Adam Epstein unpacks the Cupertino giant’s plan to take on Netflix with the Apple+ streaming service, set to debut next month.
Matters of debate
Join the conversation on the Quartz app!
Jetsetters should pay more to fly. Frequent flyers should be penalized, not rewarded.
Investors are tired of founder-gurus. The recent string of high-profile CEO departures shows that patience with the leaders of big, buzzy, controversial startups is wearing thin.
“Break up Big Tech” is starting to sound tired. Political leaders must think beyond yesterday’s solutions to rein in Silicon Valley.
Surprising discoveries
Cows need friends to be happy. Research shows that bovines form close individual bonds—but large dairy farms often split up pals.
A lost chapter of the world’s first novel was unearthed. Parts of the 11th-century epic tale, The Tale of Genji, were discovered in a Tokyo family home.
A new California law says schools can’t start earlier than 8am. The new rule is designed to improve sleep-deprived kids’ physical and mental health—and their grades.
Africans are the fastest-growing immigrant group in the US. The numbers arriving grew almost 50% from 2010 to 2018.
AI-driven apps are helping divorced parents communicate better. By recognizing when a dispute is brewing, they are stepping in as court-approved referees.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, divorce apps, and lost manuscripts 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 and Hasit Shah.