Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The AT&T-Time Warner merger faces its fate. A federal judge will weigh in (paywall) on the justice department’s attempt to block the $85 billion deal, which it argues will decrease competition in the cable industry. The decision will signal if similar mergers will come in the future, though the loser will likely appeal.
A major Brexit backer answers questions about Russian influence. Arron Banks, who gave $16 million to the campaign to leave the EU, will be grilled by a parliamentary committee about reports that he had multiple meetings with Russian embassy staff in the run-up to the Brexit vote.
Nintendo takes the stage at E3. The Japanese game maker is expected to reveal details about the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Switch, and might also share more details about new Pokémon titles.
While you were sleeping
The historic US-North Korea summit began. In front of flags for both countries, Donald Trump gave a thumbs-up to Kim Jong Un before the two commenced a 40-minute one-on-one meeting. The summit took place on Sentosa, a millionaire playground once known as “the island behind death.”
Facebook finally got back to senators with 454 pages of answers. The social-media site sent two Senate committees separate documents, each exceeding 200 pages in length, which together answer roughly 2,000 questions posed before and after CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s April hearings. Reporters state that the documents contained no bombshells (paywall).
The US unveiled a new de facto embassy in Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as Washington’s unofficial link to Taipei since Beijing does not allow countries to diplomatically recognize both the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, cut the ribbon on a new $250 million complex. Walking a fine line to avoid conflict, the US has not sent any high-level White House staff to the event.
Trump’s top economic advisor had a heart attack. Minutes before the Singapore summit began, the president tweeted that Larry Kudlow, chair of the National Economic Council, had been hospitalized. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed Trump’s message and added that Kudlow is in good condition.
The US barred asylum for victims of domestic violence. The justice department stated that it grants asylum status to individuals who are persecuted as members of a social group in their home country, and not solely on the grounds of being victims of “personal crimes.” The decision reverses a precedent set by the Obama administration (paywall).
Quartz Obsession interlude
Steve Mollman on how Trump’s dealmaking style led to a summit with Kim Jong Un. “When South Korean officials relayed an invitation from Kim to Trump to meet in person, Trump accepted the invitation straightaway, sending his aides scrambling… That Trump was not more cautious—and didn’t consult extensively with Korea experts—isn’t surprising. As a businessman, he often dismissed steps others would view as prudent, such as hiring consultants.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Schools need better teachers, not smaller classes. More school funding also has a vanishingly small effect.
Denuclearization shouldn’t stop with North Korea. There is only one long-term solution to potential annihilation: global nuclear disarmament.
If you want to make the world a better place, don’t travel. Bali is proof that well-intentioned tourism can raze ecosystems and drive out locals.
Surprising discoveries
Does Justin Trudeau wear fake eyebrows? An unusual video from the G7 summit is spawning follicular conspiracy theories.
Rat bones reveal how humans change the environment. Their chemical compositions can tell us what people were eating over 2,000 years ago.
US bureaucrats have to tape Trump’s papers back together. The president enjoys tearing documents into shreds, even when they must be preserved.
The Pope has a space suit. Astronauts from the International Space Station gave the pope his very own blue jumpsuit, outfitted with a white cape.
Africa’s ancient baobab trees are suddenly dying. Researchers suspect climate change might be the cause, but have no direct proof.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, papal space suits, and fake eyebrows to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Josh Horwitz and edited by Alice Truong.