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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 to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar a global terrorist.
Emmanuel Macron holds talks with Angela Merkel. The EU’s two most powerful leaders will meet in France to discuss Brexit, US relations, and defence.
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.
The US House votes on a landmark gun control bill. Lawmakers will consider legislation that would require background checks for all firearm buyers, including gun show and online sales.
While you were sleeping
US lawmakers blocked Trump’s border emergency. As expected, the House of Representatives easily passed a resolution to overturn Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the Mexican border, which would have allowed him to tap $5.7 billion in spending for his border wall. The measure now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, where passage will be more difficult.
Nigeria’s president was re-elected. Muhammadu Buhari defeated his main rival, former vice president Atiku Abubakar. While pockets of violence marred that election, no independent observer has cited electoral fraud. Meanwhile in Senegal, Macky Sall appears to be headed for victory in that presidential election, according to a media tally.
The UK said a no-deal Brexit would lead some food prices to rise. The government impact report noted that a third of Britain’s food supply comes from Europe, and could be delayed without a deal, while custom checks could cost businesses $17 billion. Parliament is debating Brexit today, after May said she would offer lawmakers the chance to vote on a short-term delay to the departure if her deal fails to get support.
Facebook will finally launch a “clear history” tool. The company’s CFO, David Wehner, said the feature will be rolled out later this year. First announced last May, the tool will make it harder for Facebook to target ads to users using information collected by third parties.
Chinese electric-car maker BYD reported another drop in profit. The company blamed intensifying competition in the Chinese auto market for the more than 30% drop in its preliminary net profit for 2018. A reduction in government subsidies and weak demand is also putting a squeeze on the sector.
The US opened an anti-dumping probe into steel imports. The investigation by the Commerce Department will determine whether fabricated structural steel from China, Mexico and Canada is being sold at below-market prices.
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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We need a new word to describe female militants. The tabloid sensationalism of “jihadi bride” flattens a complicated debate about the agency of women who join ISIS.
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.
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 phone sales lagging, companies are rolling out 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 by Mary Hui and edited by Tripti Lahiri.