Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The EU summit begins in Brussels. UK prime minister Theresa May will address her fellow European leaders Thursday afternoon. The main topic on the table is, of course, Brexit, including possible contingency plans. Complicating matters: The EU lacks a clear, strong leader (paywall).
Nissan’s board meets to determine ex-chair Carlos Ghosn’s future. CEO Hiroto Saikawa’s head could be on the chopping block as well, along with other executives’, in the fallout from Nissan being indicted by Japan.
Virgin Galactic takes a giant leap towards space tourism. It will try to send a rocket-powered plane up to 50 miles (80 km) into the atmosphere–to what’s considered the edge of space, closer to leaving Earth than ever before. If it succeeds, it could move the Richard Branson company ahead of its competition, Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin.
While you were sleeping
UK parliament conservatives affirmed their confidence in Theresa May. Conservative MPs split, 200-117, but decided to keep May as party leader. Saying she would step aside for someone else to lead the party into the next election, in 2022, helped her survive. Her Brexit plan, though, is still shaky.
Michael Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison. The president’s former lawyer pled guilty to making illegal hush money payments on Trump’s behalf, saying: “I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds.” Prosecutors also revealed a settlement with the publisher of the National Enquirer, which admitted to paying off a Playboy model in coordination with Trump’s presidential campaign (paywall).
China warned researchers not to travel to the US. Internal memos circulating in the wake of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou’s arrest urged workers to set foot in the US only if absolutely necessary, and to delete sensitive materials from their laptops and phones. Separately, US officials pushed back on Trump’s threat to use the Meng prosecution as trade-war leverage.
The Trump administration prepared to deport thousands of Vietnamese refugees. The immigrants, who have been in the US for decades following the end of the Vietnam War, had previously been protected by an agreement between the two countries. Trump officials are now re-evaluating the terms of the deal.
China’s Chang’e-4 probe entered lunar orbit. The China National Space Administration is waiting for the ideal moment to stage its landing on the dark side of the moon.
Obsession interlude
Is “Baby It’s Cold Outside” problematic in the #MeToo era? A handful of radio stations have stopped playing the holiday classic, but some feminists see it as a subtle anthem of empowerment. Also, did you know “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” played a pivotal role in the rise of Islamic fundamentalism? There’s bound to be talk tomorrow, so let’s see if “BICO” really can’t stay.
Matters of debate
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
The workplace needs humans and AI to survive. Humans working with machines give businesses the agility to survive the rise of automation.
Bill Gates needs to read more fiction. The genre is essential to gaining a better understanding of the world.
The best way to reach equality in the boardroom is through legislation. Legally mandating that women get board seats could quickly close the gender gap.
Quartz membership
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Surprising discoveries
Taylor Swift used facial recognition to track her stalkers at a concert. She knew they were trouble when they walked in.
Millennials are actually getting richer. They only look poor by traditional measures of wealth.
Samsung accidentally collaborated with a counterfeit Supreme in China. The mobile giant tapped a knockoff brand for its partnership.
Rudy Giuliani’s claim that “truth isn’t truth” is the year’s top quote. SCOTUS justice Brett Kavanaugh’s profession of love for beer was a close second.
US diplomats in Cuba targeted by an apparent “sonic weapon” suffered real damage. Doctors in Miami confirmed (paywall) that embassy employees had significant inner ear injuries.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Taylor Swift highlight clips, and real Supreme swag to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by April Siese and edited by Holly Ojalvo.