Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Moon Jae-in visits Donald Trump. The South Korean president, elected in May, plans to discuss how to handle North Korea. Moon tends to favor engagement with Pyongyang, but the US has rejected talks.
NATO chiefs mull money in Brussels. Military budgets are the main item on the agenda for defense ministers after Donald Trump slammed allies for not paying their fair share last month. Secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday that the allies will aim to boost their defense spending (paywall) by 4% this year.
Fox gets go-ahead to take over Sky—or not. The British government is expected to announce whether Rupert Murdoch’s £11.7 billion ($15.2 billion) bid for the 61% of Sky he doesn’t already own has received regulatory approval. Opponents of Sky’s takeover by 21st Century Fox say it will give Murdoch too much power—he would control both companies, as well as The Sun and The Times newspapers.
Trump’s travel ban goes into effect. The new rules placing restrictions on refugees and migrants from six Muslim-majority countries will keep embassy staff busy trying to figure out who gets a US visa. Existing visas will be honored but new applicants have to prove they have a “close” family or business relationship in the US.
While you were sleeping
Australian police charged the Vatican’s treasurer with multiple counts of sexual abuse. Authorities in the state of Victoria summoned Australian cardinal George Pell to appear before a court in Melbourne. Pell denies the allegations. Considered the third-ranking official in the Catholic Church, he is the most senior member to face allegations of sexual abuse.
Trump kicked off his 2020 re-election campaign with a $35,000-a-head fundraiser. Trump spoke for 30 minutes to around 300 supporters and big donors at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, deriding the media and Democrats. One organizer estimated that the event raised $10 million. Trump has been president for 160 days.
Things looked brighter for H&M. The Swedish retailer, which still plays second fiddle to Inditex (owner of Zara) in the fast-fashion industry, fought off low-cost rivals and online retailers to deliver 10% profit growth in its latest quarter. Sales were robust in the UK and Eastern Europe, but soft in big markets like the US and China.
Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong. His controversial first trip to the semi-autonomous territory as China’s president marks the 20th anniversary of Britain’s handover. Widespread demonstrations by pro-democracy groups are expected; police made several arrests on the eve of the Xi’s visit.
Investors liked Carrefour’s Brazilian IPO plans. The French supermarket group’s Brazilian unit is looking to raise $1.7 billion next month, which would make it the country’s largest listing in four years. The retailer recently beat GPA to become Brazil’s largest retailer.
Quartz obsession interlude
Max de Haldevang on a US crackdown on shell companies with ties to Russia. “President Donald Trump, who would have to sign the bill into law, has long made ample use of shell companies, which obscure exactly what he owns and owes. A recent analysis by USA Today found that 70% of buyers of Trump properties in the last year were shell companies.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
You should never name a company after yourself. It can lead to all sorts of legal disputes and isn’t worth the hassle.
Actors like Aziz Ansari have reduced brown women to a punchline. In romantic comedies starring Indian actors, it’s often white women who are pursued.
Jeff Bezos could teach Donald Trump a thing or two about politics. The Amazon founder has been quietly scoring points in Washington.
Surprising discoveries
Two New York preschools now accept bitcoin for tuition. Parents requested the payment option and are now using it.
An Australian bouncy-castle kingpin was charged with arson. He firebombed his competition and then his own business, to collect the insurance.
Couples who argue while sleep-deprived could seriously damage their health. It helps if at least one partner has had enough shut-eye.
An aggressive crow halted mail delivery in East Vancouver. Canuck the crow, famous for his daring thefts, has taken to attacking Canada Post employees.
Thailand’s government blocked The Great Dictator on YouTube. A viewing of the Charlie Chaplin satire was planned to commemorate the end of absolute monarchy.
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