Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
Meng Wanzhou’s bail hearing. The Huawei CFO and daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei will appear in court on Friday in Vancouver (paywall), and is facing extradition to America. Her arrest in Canada—requested by the US government—is a major move against Huawei, which allegedly violated US sanctions against Iran.
China’s moon landing. The nation’s Chang’e 4 mission will launch Saturday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, starting a 27-day flight for a first-ever attempt to send a lander-and-rover to the moon’s farthest side.
Switzerland’s Brexit decision. The Swiss cabinet decides Friday whether to accept an “institutional framework” agreement in which it would more closely follow European Union standards, despite not being a member. A rejection could severely hinder Swiss-EU financial relations, making things difficult for investors.
France braces for “yellow vest” protests. Many landmarks and businesses across Paris, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, will close this weekend to avoid expected clashes between police and anti-government protesters. At least 89,000 security personnel are expected to be on standby.
While you were sleeping
Lyft filed for an IPO. The ride-hailing company is on track to make its Wall Street debut in the first quarter of 2019. It’s an important move for Lyft, which will get early access to investors interested in the industry, possibly giving it an edge over the current ride-hailing leader, Uber.
Luxembourg eliminated transit fares. Attracting more riders to buses, trams, and trains is a move intended to help the country’s congestion problems and boost progress towards its environmental goals. It’s the first country in the world to take such a step.
The US exported more oil than it imported for the first time on record. US crude exports, which have been surging since a ban was removed in 2015, hit a record 3.2 million barrels per day at the end of November, according to newly released data. The historic shift, largely from fracking and shale oil, is expected to blunt the recently announced OPEC production cuts.
The Golden Globes snubbed female directors. The Dick Cheney biopic Vice dominated this year’s field of nominations with six nods, followed by strong showings from The Favourite and BlacKkKlansman. Black Panther made history as the first superhero film to be nominated for a Best Picture award, while Crazy Rich Asians lead Constance Wu joined the small roster of Asian actresses to be nominated in a lead acting category.
Obsession interlude
Vinegar is the original sports drink. Long before fermentation was a food fad, humans were slaking their thirst with vinegar concoctions. It added interest—and also made water safer to drink. Read more in today’s Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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More privacy could mean an online economic collapse. Fraud may become more rare, but the frequency of transactions could dwindle to a dangerous low.
Brands are losing interest in fixing the garment industry. Bangladesh’s government is pushing out a safety coalition—and clothing brands aren’t helping.
Millennials don’t dream of entrepreneurship. A lack of capital and fear of an unstable economic future are keeping the generation from launching start-ups.
Quartz membership
The charts that show how trucking is changing. Hauling freight over roads has long been a part of business, but due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, that practice in the US has dramatically increased in the past 20 years. Plus, trucking is still one of the most deadly occupations in America, and safety numbers have remained stubbornly flat for the last decade. Read more here.
Surprising discoveries
Your vacuum cleaner knows. The US Drug Enforcement Administration is hiding surveillance cameras in vacuums to assist in certain investigations.
US radio stations ejected “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The holiday song’s controversial lyrics are seen as a celebration of date rape culture by today’s standards.
Coyote armor keeps dogs looking fierce. The mohawk of spikes (paywall) could help curb a recent spate of canine casualties caused by coyotes.
Healthy food is a hot baby name trend. Kale, Kiwi, Saffron, and Maple are coming soon to a preschool near you.
Trump’s housekeeper is an undocumented immigrant. Victorina Morales says she’s not the only illegal immigrant (paywall) serving the US president at the Trump National Golf Club.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Baby Kale, and woke holiday songs to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Susan Howson and McKinley Noble.