Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The UK government releases a long-awaited Brexit white paper… Downing Street describes it as a comprehensive vision that would see the country leave the single market and regain control of its laws, money, and borders. A complex proposal for a customs partnership is expected. Brexiteers demanding a clean, hard break from the EU are not pleased.
…and welcomes Donald Trump. On his first official visit, the US president will attend a dinner tonight hosted by prime minister Theresa May. Tomorrow he’ll be in May’s country home Chequers for bilateral talks as a “Stop Trump” march travels through central London—and a scowling “Trump baby” blimp hovers above parliament.
Indonesia and Freeport end their tussle. Jakarta will reportedly pay the US mining company less than $4 billion to get a majority stake in one of the world’s largest mining operations, as it asserts rights to natural resources. The agreement comes after more than a year of wrangling over the Grasberg copper and gold complex, located in the province of Papua.
While you were sleeping
Broadcom plans to buy CA Technologies for $18.9 billion. The surprise move would take the semiconductor powerhouse in a new direction. The target company makes software used in corporate IT infrastructure, including mainframe computers. Some analysts are already questioning the logic (paywall) of the acquisition.
JD.com’s finance affiliate doubled its valuation. JD Finance said it’s raised $1.96 billion in fresh equity at a valuation of nearly $20 billion. That’s more than twice its valuation after being split off last year from JD.com, China’s second-largest e-commerce firm.
Walmart will unload its Japanese supermarket chain. It’s approached major retailers and private equity funds about the possibility of a sale, Nikkei reported (paywall). Analysts expect the unit, Seiyu, would fetch between $2.7 billion and $4.5 billion. Walmart is reviewing its global operations amid intensifying competition from online retailers, especially Amazon.
The US opened the final door for ZTE. The Commerce Department signed off on an escrow account, into which the Chinese telecom firm has agreed to deposit $400 million. After that, a ban on doing business with it would be lifted, with the sum held in case the company violates its settlement. Hong Kong shares of ZTE surged nearly 24% today.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Corinne Purtill on the culture of sucking up. “The straw debate is not really about straws. It’s about the broader effects of a culture of thoughtless consumption and disposal. To consider whether to take a straw is to be conscious, even for a fleeting moment, of the resources it takes to prop up the illusion that life is cheap or convenient.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Add some ice to your wine. Summer is too short for putting up with peer pressure over the correct ways to drink certain types of alcohol.
A Thailand cave escape movie would flop. Films these days aren’t able to capture the subtle yet heroic nature of the rescue.
Let humans die out. The Voluntary Human Extinction Movement might be on to something with its controversial suggestion for saving the planet.
Surprising discoveries
The world’s ugliest dog died. Zsa Zsa went to her well-deserved rest just two weeks after being crowned most repugnant pooch.
Marcel Duchamp didn’t create “Fountain.” The iconic urinal—er, work of art—was actually crafted by Dada poet Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven.
All that spitting at the World Cup is probably “carb rinsing.” Athletes can boost their performance by rinsing their mouths with a carbohydrate solution, then spitting it out without swallowing.
Sarah Palin says she was duped by Sacha Baron Cohen. The comedian disguised himself as a disabled vet, before the US politician stormed out.
A clay tablet reveals the oldest-known Odyssey excerpt. Archaeologists excavating the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece, believe the writing dates to the third century.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, celebrity canines, and miscredited art 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 Steve Mollman and edited by Tripti Lahiri.