Quartz Daily Brief—Pluto’s close-up, Greece’s big deal, Obama’s clemency, volcano sharks
Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Pluto gets a close-up. NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft will zip past the dwarf planet at 31,000 mph (50,000 kph) around 12pm GMT, snapping detailed images and studying its geological features. The ashes of Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto in 1930 and died in 1997, are aboard.
Obama talks about prison. The US president will announce an overhaul of the criminal justice system in a speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), vowing to make it “safer, fairer and more effective,” according to a White House spokesman.
US retail sales show an improving economy. Economists expect US retailers will report increased sales for a fourth straight month in June, due to stable gas prices and low unemployment. Higher outlays on cars and home improvement may suggest rising consumer confidence.
Banks and railroads and snacks, oh my: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, CSX, and Yum! Brands all report quarterly results, along with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson.
While you were sleeping
A deal was signed (sort of) on a new bailout (probably) to end Greece’s economic misery (not a chance). Euro zone leaders finally came up with an agreement for a new three-year Greek bailout worth up to €86 billion ($95 billion). But anyone hoping for a definitive conclusion to the never-ending negotiations is bound to be disappointed.
Iran negotiators missed their fourth deadline in less than two weeks. Diplomats told the Associated Press that an agreement is likely to be announced July 14, but both sides are struggling to resolve a dispute about a UN conventional weapons embargo.
Obama granted clemency to 46 non-violent drug offenders. The decision was part of the administration’s larger push to reduce the prison population and alleviate the effects of past harsh sentencing laws. Nearly half of federal US prisoners are serving time for drug offenses.
Authors took aim at Amazon. Thousands of authors, booksellers and literary agents called on the US government to investigate whether Amazon had violated antitrust laws, the New York Times reports. The online retailer’s critics want the Justice Department should look at Amazon’s allegedly predatory practices and market dominance.
50 Cent filed for bankruptcy protection. The rapper has been ordered to pay $5 million in damages in a bizarre sex tape lawsuit. His net worth is still estimated at $155 million, according to Forbes.
Quartz obsession interlude
Sibusiso Tshabalala on the rise of the smartphone in Africa.“Google’s Android is spurring the growth of Africa’s smartphone market by offering cheap smartphones. The IDC report notes that 89% of all smartphones shipped during the first quarter of 2015 were powered by Android. 45.1% of those were priced below $100.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
The Greeks should blame Tsipras for their woes. He gambled away their futures.
The secret sauce of restaurant eating is avoiding the middle. Enjoy high dining or go low-brow.
The Apple watch is flopping because of its design failures. It is neither fashionable nor particularly useful.
Mexico’s tax on sugary beverages is working. And the United States should take the hint.
Don’t buy a car if you live in the city. It’s both shockingly expensive and completely unnecessary.
Surprising discoveries
Fast food dates back to ancient Rome. “Thermopolia” were the McDonald’s of Pompeii.
Some sharks live in active undersea volcanoes. But what happens when their home erupts?
A French woman was fined for driving in flip-flops. Safety, rather than fashion, was the primary concern.
Two fugitives were tracked down by their Spotify and Netflix usage. Don’t stream media when you’re on the run.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, ancient Happy Meals and sharkcano sightings to [email protected]. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day.