Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Scotland looks for a way to remain in the EU. First minister Nicola Sturgeon travels to Brussels to meet with European parliamentary leaders, despite being snubbed by European Council president Donald Tusk. Scotland voted overwhelmingly against Brexit, and Sturgeon has proposed another referendum for Scotland to leave the UK.
India tests a new missile. Weather permitting, India will fire a surface-to-air missile developed in conjunction with Israel at the Integrated Test Range, a defense base off the Odisha coast. The launch will be overseen by India’s defense ministry and Israel Aerospace Industries.
The world’s largest uncut diamond goes on sale. Sotheby’s in London will auction off a 1,109-carat diamond about the size of a tennis ball. Typically these sales are made privately to industry buyers, but the gem could fetch more money in an open auction.
While you were sleeping
Terrorists attacked Istanbul’s main international airport. At least 36 people were killed and about 150 injured after two explosions ripped through one of the world’s busiest airports. Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim said early indications pointed to an operation carried out by ISIL.
Moody’s lowered the outlook on UK banks. The debt rating agency said the UK’s decision to leave the European Union would reduce profits at Barclays, HSBC Bank, and TSB Bank, and do the same at various “building societies” (member-owned financial institutions) in the nation.
Airbnb started raising funds at a $30 billion valuation. The current funding round, if completed, would make Airbnb the world’s third most valuable tech startup. Airbnb, which has 2 million listings in nearly 200 countries, wants to expand globally and target business travelers.
Nike disappointed investors. Its quarterly revenue growth and forecast for future orders missed analysts’ estimates. The sportswear giant is struggling to fend off competition from Adidas and others, especially in North America; meanwhile, a strong US dollar ate into overseas sales.
Quartz markets haiku
A bit of relief
After a nasty lil rout
I doubt it’s over
Quartz obsession interlude
Solana Pyne on the misleading myths about working moms. “Mothers who work full time will never spend as much total time in the presence of their children as mothers who stay at home, though the time spent interacting with them often ends up about the same. Regardless, that’s not what’s important. Research keeps showing that parental time tallies are lousy predictors of how well children turn out.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Don’t start your startup in Silicon Valley. Google co-founder Sergey Brin advises waiting until you’ve gained some traction before setting up in such an expensive area.
The World Bank should make human rights central to its development work. The institution could do more to persuade borrowers to live up to their humanitarian commitments (paywall).
Apple is driving its best customers crazy. People who want to buy a new laptop or desktop are in a bind because of sluggish product updates.
Surprising discoveries
China wants to wipe Lady Gaga from the internet. Beijing was not pleased that she met with the Dalai Lama.
Diet Pepsi drinkers really love aspartame. The company is restoring the artificial sweetener after a customer revolt.
Lawyers are debating whether a parrot can testify in a murder trial. The talking pet may have witnessed his owner’s death.
The wine-pocalypse may be upon us. Demand for Burgundy has never been higher, but climate change is making production dicey.
Cycling’s next doping scandal is mechanical. Thermal cameras are being used to detect hidden motors at the Tour de France.
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