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Here’s what you need to know
Hurricane Ida hit the US Gulf coast. The powerful storm will test defenses erected in the 16 years since Hurricane Katrina, while officials worry about hospitals crowded with Covid-19 patients.
Removing atomic weapons from the Korean peninsula got more complicated. The International Atomic Energy Agency said North Korea restarted a nuclear plant at Yongbyon that is capable of fueling weapons.
The US destroyed a car bomb in Afghanistan. A drone-launched missile struck a car bomb near Kabul airport that US officials said was part of a plot to attack refugees fleeing the Taliban on the last day of civilian evacuation.
Vietnam’s Covid-19 restrictions could raise coffee prices. Lockdowns to curb the coronavirus have made it difficult for the world’s largest exporter of green robusta coffee to get beans to the port.
And Malaysia’s restrictions delay computer chips. The nation’s factories are a key link in the supply chain that brings silicon chips to car makers, who are struggling to meet demand without them.
Only China can solve the coronavirus mystery. US intelligence officials said they could not determine the origins of Covid-19 without more transparency from China; Beijing accused Washington of “scapegoating.”
What to watch for
Chinese food delivery giant Meituan reports its results for the first half of the year today. The company had a strong first quarter, thanks to China’s quick recovery from Covid-19. There are several things to watch for in today’s earnings:
- A charity pledge: Chinese tech giants Pinduoduo and Tencent have pledged $1.5 billion and $15 billion, respectively, to donate to philanthropic initiatives, after president Xi Jinping called for companies to “give more back” to society to push for common prosperity.
- Conditions for gig workers: In July, China requested that firms like Meituan ensure their delivery workers earn more than the country’s minimum wage, are free from being exploited by algorithms, and have access to social security and trade unions.
- More regulatory headwinds: China has been cracking down on its tech sector since last year. Meituan, which is said to face a $1 billion antitrust fine, could reveal more details in its earnings report.
Charting the rise of streaming in Africa
Africa’s entertainment industry, including video streaming services, is in a rapid growth phase. Spurred by a young population and increasing internet connectivity, it is gaining a larger audience and raising record amounts of funding.
Local video streaming platforms like Showmax continue to gain traction and have a head start over some global providers. In addition, local media companies are investing in new video streaming services. Netflix’s first African original, King of Boys, debuts this month.
One big number
36,000
That’s how many cars just one of Mærsk’s Triple-E ships can move. At nearly 400 meters long, they are among the largest container ships in the world.
✦ Learn all about Maersk in the most recent edition of The Company, one of Quartz’s member-exclusive emails. Become a member and get more Quartz.
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Surprising discoveries
Forbidden American grapes thrive secretly in France. Winemakers point to their more resilient vines as a way to prepare for the changing climate and reduce pesticide use.
A Covid-19 field hospital had quite the party scene. Patients were having orgies and doing drugs before Thai officials raided the facility and separated men from women.
Undersea cables are incredibly vulnerable to solar weather. Two words: Internet apocalypse.
100 bottles of wine for your 100th birthday. Most newly minted centenarians in the Swiss canton of Fribourg take the government-provided wine, but they do have the choice of directing a charitable donation or taking a voucher to a local merchant.
There’s a reason hurricanes whose names start with “I” are infamous. When arbitrary name conventions and weather cycles intersect.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Send any news, comments, Nollywood shows, or forbidden fruit to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Tim Fernholz, Jane Li, Carlos Mureithi, and David Yanofsky.