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What to watch for today
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un meet… The Hanoi talks could result in a deal that would lift US sanctions in return for Kim making good on his earlier promise to shut down North Korea’s most prominent nuclear facility. But few experts expect Kim to give up his nuclear weapons immediately or easily.
…As do foreign ministers from India, China, and Russia. The annual RIC gathering is expected to revolve around India’s outrage at a recent terrorist bombing. China has refused to back the Indian government’s request to the United Nations Security Council for the extradition of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar.
Michael Cohen testifies before Congress. Trump’s former attorney has signaled he will accuse the president of criminal conduct while in office (paywall), related to the hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Spotify presses play in India. For just 119 rupees ($1.67) per month—by far the lowest subscription cost offered by the music streaming company—India’s massive market can access the entire Spotify library…for now. Warner Music has yet to license its catalog, though Spotify is currently offering those tunes in India on a temporary license.
While you were sleeping
Elon Musk kept poking the SEC. After the securities regulator asked a federal judge to hold the Tesla CEO in contempt of court for tweeting more inaccurate corporate information, Musk piled on with remarks that the SEC is “broken” and “embarrassing.” Tesla shares fell an additional 3%.
AT&T secured approval to buy Time Warner. A US appeals court ruled in favor of the $85.4 billion merger, despite concerns that it will raise costs for consumers.
The Fed warned of rough waters ahead. Central bank chairman Jerome Powell noted that the economy, while currently healthy, is facing real threats from economic disruptions in China and the EU.
Fiat Chrysler announced the first new US auto factory in more than a decade. The Italian-American automaker will expand its operation in the city (paywall) with a $4.5 billion new Jeep assembly site, that will focus on SUVs and pickup trucks. No US automaker has opened an assembly facility on domestic soil since 2006.
Quartz Obsession
Pickup trucks: They’re right up there with apple pie on the list of things that signify America. But now their rugged, flat-bed utility makes them increasingly desired all over the world—despite the heavy environmental costs. Roll up here for today’s Quartz Obsession.
Membership
Today, we have a Q&A about recessions with a top economist at the “central bankers’ central bank,” who correctly predicted the last downturn. We also present a new business-book primer and a new Private Key column that explains why blockchain is still waiting for its killer app.
Matters of debate
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Apple sees you when you’re sleeping. The company is reportedly preparing a new sleep tracking app for the Apple Watch, putting its privacy policies in the spotlight.
Cannabis advertising is going mainstream. A new ad for MedMen by director Spike Jonze depicts the journey from prohibition to the suburbs.
Cutting your personal carbon footprint won’t end climate change. A global political solution is the only possible answer.
Surprising discoveries
A whale carcass was found in the Amazon jungle. The juvenile humpback may have been pulled into the mangroves by the tide.
Pet gadgets are the new smartphones. With mainstream gadget sales lagging, companies are switching to canine exercise trackers and smart litter boxes.
Internet vigilantes are taking down psychics who snoop on social media. The group Guerrilla Skeptics sets up fake Facebook profiles (paywall) to ensnare huckster mediums.
Rotten Tomatoes is under siege from “Captain Marvel” haters. The site deleted a category of user reviews after an organized campaign of sexist trolls attempted to kill the movie.
The US wants to turn tanks into AI-powered killing machines. A proposed weapons system would be able to autonomously target and fire weapons, without human involvement.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, lost whales, and cat apps 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 Adam Pasick.