Good morning!
Today in membership, we have an infographic about which industries do well during a recession, the inside scoop from a reputation-management expert on the power of a bad review, and a Private Key feature on the future of Ethereum, one of the world’s largest blockchain platforms.
What to watch for today and over the weekend
SpaceX launches its astronaut capsule for the first time. An unmanned SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will be carried into space on a Falcon 9 rocket in the early hours of Saturday, Florida time.
Saudi allies in the EU try to block its inclusion on a money-laundering blacklist. The kingdom has threatened to sever trade ties if the list—which also includes Puerto Rico and three other US territories—is adopted on Friday.
Pakistan frees a downed Indian pilot POW. Prime Minister Imran Khan said the release of Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday is a “peace gesture” to de-escalate conflict between the two nuclear rivals.
A momentous speech from South Korea’s president. Moon Jae-in is expected to discuss plans on Friday to expand engagement with North Korea when he celebrates the 100th anniversary of an uprising against Japan.
While you were sleeping
North Korea disputed Trump’s summit claims. In a rare press conference, foreign affairs minister Ri Yong-ho said that Pyongyang was prepared to dismantle parts of a key nuclear facility if the US removed some of its sanctions.
Benjamin Netanyahu was charged with bribery and fraud. The country’s attorney general said the Israeli prime minister offered lucrative official favors in exchange for valuable gifts and positive media coverage.
Uber is in talks to buy its Middle Eastern rival Careem. The negotiations value the Dubai-based startup, backed by Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Japan’s Rakuten, at about $3 billion, Bloomberg reports.
The US economy cooled off to 2.6% growth in the fourth quarter. The figure exceeded expectations as record-high employment, Trump’s tax cuts, and low interest rates offset the China-US trade war and an economic slump in Europe.
The US is offering to pull out of Afghanistan and share power with the Taliban. The proposed Pentagon peace plan (paywall), which is currently being discussed with European allies, would end the 18-year war. Half of the 14,000 US troops would be withdrawn within a year.
Chinese tech giant Tencent is on the hunt to buy half of Universal Music Group. A stake in world’s biggest music label could fetch up to €20 billion ($23 billion), Reuters reports. Liberty Media and buyout firm KKR also have their eyes on the prize.
Quartz Obsession
Cruise ships: Haughty travel writers love to hate them, but the floating cities are expected to carry 30 million people paying a total of $134 billion this year. A huge swig of that comes from drinks and extras, which makes sense: the good-time industry has its roots in Prohibition-era booze cruises that took patrons into international waters to tipple. Come aboard, we’re expecting you at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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The Mueller Report is being released in plain sight. Michael Cohen’s testimony is only the latest disclosure by the special counsel.
Facebook’s privacy promises are going to hurt its ad business. And that’s a good thing.
Cryptocurrencies could enable universal basic income. But a global decentralized digital currency is not yet viable with today’s technology.
Surprising discoveries
The legal cannabis industry loves Ford Transit vans. Customized versions are being used to carry cash and weed, since businesses can’t use banks or armored cars.
The cloud is made of magnetic tape. The retro technology is cheap, stores a lot of data, and can be physically secure from hackers.
Opium is addicting Indian parrots. The addicted birds are destroying poppy crops.
Fast food is being super-super-sized. Despite consumer demand for healthier menus, some chains have increased calories and sodium.
Scientists are brewing THC and CBD from genetically engineered yeast. From the fungus that brought us beer comes a weed experience without the hassle of plants.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, quadruple cheeseburgers, and psychotropic yeast 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 Adam Pasick and Susan Howson.