Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Nikki Haley speaks before the UN body she once called “so corrupt.” The US ambassador to the United Nations will join the Human Rights Council’s Geneva meeting to give a speech on how the intergovernmental organization can stop serving (in her words) as “a haven for dictators.” She’ll also participate in an event focused on human rights in Venezuela.
The EU reports on euro zone retail sales for April. They increased for a third straight month in March, and by more than expected, showing that higher prices had not deterred shoppers. Some analysts are predicting another increase, noting that economic sentiment rose to nearly a 10-year high in April.
Results from the US job openings and labor turnover survey for April. A fave of Fed chair Janet Yellen, the “JOLTS report” includes jobs open, jobs taken, and jobs people quit. The unemployment rate fell to a 16-year low in May, though job growth slowed more than expected. The Fed is expected to raise interest rates next week.
While you were sleeping
The White House won’t try to block James Comey’s testimony. The former FBI director, whom Trump fired last month, will testify this week about conversations he had with the US president. The administration had considered the use of “executive privilege” to try to stop the testimony. One big question is whether Trump tried to pressure Comey into dropping an investigation.
Apple unveiled HomePod, its new Siri-enabled speaker. The seven-inch-tall speaker headlined day one of the tech giant’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California. HomePod costs $349, and will ship in December. Also announced: new Macs, new iPad and Mac software, and new virtual-reality and augmented-reality kits. (Catch up on all of Apple’s announcements.)
The US Justice Department arrested an alleged leaker. Investigators nabbed Reality Leigh Winner about an hour after she allegedly sent a classified National Security Agency document on Russian efforts to hack US voting systems to the Intercept, an online news outlet. The 25-year-old works for federal contractor Pluribus International in Atlanta.
The acting US ambassador to China quit. David Rank resigned from his post in Beijing reportedly because of Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. He was slated to serve until the arrival of Trump’s pick for the job, former Iowa governor Terry Branstad. The State Department said Rank had “made a personal decision.”
Quartz obsession interlude
Katherine Foley on why we watch gross videos. “Watching pimple-popping videos on a screen—or even horror movies like those in the Alien or Hostel franchises where you know something gruesome will happen—provides enough distance for disgust and curiosity to exist simultaneously. ‘I think it is about experiencing these things in safe ways,’ says Alexander Skolnick, a psychologist at Saint Joseph’s University. ‘It’s gross, but… you have power over it.’” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Democrats need to stop obsessing over Russia. Instead of courting the voters they failed to attract, the Dems’ entire strategy seems to rest on Trump being ousted.
Nobody can “solve” climate change. More political will should be focused on readying for its impact.
The US needs more leaks, not fewer. In a government obsessed with secrecy and over-classification, whistleblowers are more important than ever.
Surprising discoveries
A Senegalese duo is rapping the news. Makhtar “Xuman” Fall and Cheikh “Keyti” Sene use their YouTube show, Journal Rappé, to cover everything from terrorism to the environment.
Being the face of an AI is a human job. Lauren Hayes, the model on whom IPsoft’s Amelia avatar is based, had 3D cameras catalog her expressions (including how she’d react to seeing Brad Pitt).
Wonder Woman isn’t just feminist—it’s also hilarious. In the summer’s first blockbuster, actress Gal Gadot learns how to use a revolving door, and carries her giant sword everywhere.
Craig from Craigslist is now funding journalism. Craig Newmark, who also loves birdwatching, has donated millions to journalism centers like Poynter and ProPublica.
Liquor ads during US football games can’t reference football. New National Football League rules (paywall) also dictate that each game can feature no more than four commercials for spirits.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, rapping newscasters, and Brad Pitt reactions to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android.