Why Portland’s a Powder Keg

1. Portland Portent

President Donald Trump Sunday cited the shooting death of a supporter following clashes between a pro-Trump caravan and Black Lives Matter activists in Portland to insist that he’s America’s best bet to ensure “law and order” in a country seething with racial tensions amid police excesses. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler blamed Trump’s incendiary rhetoric for the violence, while condemning the shooting. But it points to just how fraught with violence the next few weeks could be, ahead of the November election.

2. Not So Fast, TikTok

This is no 15-second challenge. That’s Beijing’s message to the U.S. and a bevy of suitors trying to buy the Chinese social media app’s American operations ahead of a Sept. 15 deadline declared by Trump. New export control rules introduced by Beijing mean that TikTok might need China’s approval before going ahead with a sale.

3. American Sputnik?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration might approve a COVID-19 vaccine before the completion of Phase 3 clinical trials, agency chief Stephen Hahn has said — a controversial assertion that mimics Russia’s approval of its Sputnik V vaccine without full trials. The FDA last week fired two public relations consultants amid criticism of its approval of blood plasma as treatment for the virus. Does the FDA’s decision-making process on the vaccine need congressional oversight? Tell us on Twitter.

It’s a birthday Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko won’t forget in a hurry. Thousands of protesters defied bans and took to the streets on Sunday, Lukashenko’s 66th birthday, to demand that he resign after a controversial election in early August. “Happy birthday, you rat,” some of them chanted. Is Lukashenko’s ship sinking?

5. Outage Outrage

India and Russia have been declared joint winners of the 2020 Chess Olympiad — after two Indian players lost their internet connection mid-match and were logged out. The chess competition was moved online because of the pandemic.

Sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear water, a piña colada … I’d give a lot for an island retreat at the moment; just not what one of Brazil’s most popular paradises wants.

This fall, you don’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good — just buy a pair of Cariumas. These ethically made sneakers are our favorite because they don’t just look amazing — they also feel amazing.

Better yet, OZY readers get $15 off when you buy now, using the code OZYxCariuma!

The city is a liberal bastion, but it’s an easy drive away from pockets of staunch support for Trump, who in 2018 pardoned Oregon cattle ranchers convicted of arson on federal land where they were grazing their animals without authority. That makes Portland a ready battleground for clashes between pro-Trump caravans and Black Lives Matter activists.

2. Black Resilience

Portland is also Ground Zero for innovative anti-Trump campaigns. Cameron Whitten, a 29-year-old longtime Portland resident, has launched a “Black Resilience Fund” that rapidly raised more than $1 million to help local residents in need. Read more.

3. Militia Menace

But there’s a broader pattern at play. Right-wing militias from outside the city organized and then entered Kenosha, Wisconsin, last week, to battle protesters angry about the police shooting of Jacob Blake. A white teenager from Illinois shot two protesters dead.

4. Common Link?

There’s no evidence yet that the Kenosha shooter was inspired by the militias, but both the left and the right are increasingly using Facebook to mobilize support for rallies, testing the social media giant’s ability — and willingness — to screen out provocative content.

This Malian cotton fabric is dyed with fermented mud and is traditionally worn by women prior to the consummation of their marriage or after childbirth. Today it’s also a symbol of Malian culture and pride.

2. Aguayos

Made from the wool of alpacas, llamas or sheep, these handmade weaves are native to the Andes, and are used by women to carry children and other items on their backs.

3. Vegan Wool

Thank the sunbirds for this wool. Seeing them spin a yarn from fibers of a wasteland shrub inspired Indian natural fashion entrepreneur Gowri Shankar into developing what could be a game-changer in the sustainable fabric industry. His plant-based wool is already drawing the attention of European brands, while giving local communities a livelihood. Read more.

What’s your favorite textile? Tell us on Twitter or below.

Speaking of livelihoods, millennials are embracing an unpredictable economic vocation even amid the global crisis: foreign exchange trading, where you take bets on how currency values will move up or down. It’s a market that sees $6.6 trillion in trade every day — that’s 25 times the world’s stock markets combined. Meet some of the emerging stars of forex trading.

He got his first taste of business at the age of 12, when he sold muffins. Now the 27-year-old born in a poor South African township is a self-made millionaire, with a net worth of more than $2.3 million earned through forex trade.

2. Reabetswe Shongwe

A low-paid job as a sales assistant in the fashion industry was never going to satisfy her. The Botswana-born Shongwe is now one of Africa’s best-known voices on forex trade.

3. Kiana Danial

Born and raised in Iran to a Jewish family, the 36-year-old studied electrical engineering in Japan before diving into the world of forex trade, where she’s today a leading adviser and author. The math geek got married on Pi Day.

4. Samuel Leach

The 29-year-old British trader isn’t waiting for millennials to seek his advice — he’s going straight to them on their favorite platform, Instagram, where he offers tips, do’s and don’ts on forex trade to his 115K followers. 

Money might move the world, but nothing moves me like music. Start the week with these cool 2020 numbers from south of the border.

Driving your car? Washing dishes? Banging out a newsletter on a Monday morning? This collaboration between Mexican band Matisse and Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa is perfect to get you moving. Watch and listen.

2. Bounce

The name of the song says it all. You’ll be bouncing on your feet before you know it with this peppy number from Argentine singer Cazzu. Watch and listen. 

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On Friday we asked you: How old was the youngest male champion at the U.S. Open? The answer: Vincent Richards was 15 years, 4 months and 26 days when he won the men’s doubles title with Bill Tilden in 1918.