Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
US-China security talks. Tensions are running high ahead of Friday’s security dialogue in Washington, with China’s government having already voiced its displeasure (paywall) over America’s support of Taiwan. US-Chinese relations are already frayed over trade and military conflict, and both sides are expected to entrench their positions.
India sits in on Russia-Taliban negotiations. Friday’s meeting in Moscow will have Indian diplomats attending in a non-official capacity. It’ll be the first time that the US and the Taliban have participated in the forum, which will host delegates from 12 nations.
Japan’s ISS capsule returns to Earth. The Kounotori 7 cargo craft detached from the International Space Station on Thursday, and will help deliver test samples to waters off the coast of Minamitorishima Island, more than 1,800 kilometres (1,148 mi) southeast of Tokyo.
While you were sleeping
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized. The 85-year-old Supreme Court justice broke three ribs (paywall) after falling at her office on Wednesday. As the group’s eldest member, the accident sparked mass concern over her declining health—and the precarious balance of power in America’s highest court.
The Fed left rates unchanged. Benchmark interest will stay in the 2–2.25% range, though the Federal Reserve’s committee noted that overall business investment is slowing down. This year’s fourth rate hike is still expected to come next month, with at least three projected for next year.
Google agreed to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment claims. Last week’s employee walkout in protest of the way the company handles these matters motivated CEO Sundar Pichai to send an email to staff Thursday morning that also promised more transparency and more accountability (paywall).
Key members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s inner circle were accused of bribery. The Israeli PM’s former head of staff as well as his personal lawyer (who also happens to be a relative) face charges of using their connection to Netanyahu to broker business deals.
The UK supreme court gave anti-Brexit politicians new hope. Theresa May’s government attempted and failed to appeal a case that will now move to the European Court of Justice. The case seeks a ruling that the UK can revoke its Article 50 request to leave the EU without support from 27 other European states.
Obsession interlude
Nigeria’s vast diaspora is fueling the world’s hottest pop sound. Signature groovy percussion, autotune-heavy vocals, and catchy hooks are helping the Afrobeats genre find global audiences. Go down the rabbit hole at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Pot won’t fix the food industry. Legalized weed is still mostly smoked, and packaged food brands are better off focusing on making their products healthier (paywall).
Samsung’s foldable phone is the future. Regardless if it succeeds in the market, its existence indicates it’s time for a smartphone redesign.
Intergenerational friendships keep people young. Nurturing the next generation makes the middle-aged three times as likely to be happy.
Surprising discoveries
China’s state-run press has fake anchors. Xinhua uses digital footage of humans and then animates the mouth of the “AI anchor” to read the news.
A Dutch man asked a court to decrease his age by 20 years. He argues that being 69 invites unfair discrimination on dating apps, but critics say his intent is to mock pro-trans legislation.
Spying scares pirates. Threats to monitor internet use kept pirates from illegally downloading files more than big, graphic warnings.
UK kids could have kept their tonsils. Research suggests 88.3% of tonsillectomies performed on children between 2005 and 2016 weren’t actually necessary.
Eyes and tongues could replace the remote. Netflix employees used Apple’s ARKit to control the streaming platform’s iOS app without touching (or licking) the screen.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, youthening lawsuits, and robot journalists 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 and edited by McKinley Noble, April Siese, and Susan Howson.