Good morning, Quartz readers!
Recently in membership we wrapped up our field guide on recessions, written by global economics reporter Gwynn Guilford. Rosie Spinks shared her strategies for getting access to a fancy airport lounge, even when you’re flying rock-bottom coach. And we have an exclusive video interview with Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan.
What to watch for today
Delegates gather in Beijing for China’s National People’s Congress. The annual meeting, officially starting tomorrow, will likely lead to a new foreign investment law to help placate US concerns about the theft of trade secrets, and set an economic growth target of 6% to 6.5%, slightly lower than last year’s. A defense budget will also be announced.
Theresa May unveils a fund for pro-Brexit towns. The prime minister will lay out plans for a £1.6 billion fund ($2.1 billion) to help boost economic growth in towns that supported Brexit. The opposition Labour party’s finance spokesman called the fund “Brexit bribery.”
Juan Guaidó faces possible arrest upon his return. Venezuela’s self-declared interim president could return to the country as soon as today, having spent days touring the region to build support for his campaign to form a transition government and oust president Nicolás Maduro. He risks arrest for violating a travel ban, and has called for mass protests across the country.
The US shuts its Jerusalem consulate. The consulate was the US government’s de facto representative office to the Palestinian Authority. Its closure and merger with the new US embassy to Israel represents a major downgrade of the country’s relations with the Palestinians.
Carlos Ghosn’s new lawyers hold a press conference in Japan. Among them is Junichiro Hironaka, known for winning acquittals in high-profile cases. The former Nissan chairman has been detained over 100 days for alleged financial misconduct. His attorneys filed the latest bail request last week.
Over the weekend
Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou sued Canada. The Chinese tech giant’s chief financial officer, who was arrested last December at the airport at the request of the US, has filed suit against the Canadian government, its border agency, and the national police force for “serious breaches” of her civil rights. Meanwhile, Canada approved extradition proceedings against Meng.
Estonia’s opposition won in general elections. The center-right Reform party comfortably beat the prime minister’s Center party, while the far-right, anti-immigration Estonian Conservative People’s Party more than doubled its previous election score.
The US and South Korea agreed to tone down their joint military exercises. In a bid to ease tensions with North Korea after Trump walked away from his summit with Kim Jong Un, the countries decided to replace large-scale war games with drills that feel less threatening to Pyongyang.
A deadly tornado struck Alabama. At least 14 were killed and more are missing after a tornado caused catastrophic damage and left a trail of destruction several miles long. It was one of several tornadoes that hit the southeastern US, sparked by a severe weather system.
An unmanned SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked with the International Space Station. Since the space shuttle program ended in 2011, NASA astronauts have relied on Russian transport to the ISS. If all goes well—re-entry will be the capsule’s next test—they’ll be able to book with SpaceX instead.
The head of Brazilian mining giant Vale resigned. The CEO and other executives stepped down after prosecutors called for their dismissal. Nearly 200 people died and at least 122 are still missing in the town of Brumadinho after the collapse of a dam that collected waste from Vale’s iron mine.
Quartz Obsession
Bonsai trees: the anti-succulent? If the rugged houseplant favored by millennials is an “emblem of our treacherous, apathetic era,” bonsai signify commitment, focus, and humility. With the right skill and care, they’ll survive centuries. Appreciate the details in today’s Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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Embracing misery can make you happier. Clamoring for happiness, on the other hand, leads to misery.
We must fix fashion to survive the climate crisis. Churning out so much cheap, disposable clothing has enormous environmental costs.
Being a mentor at work reduces stress. It lowers anxiety levels and makes one’s job more rewarding.
Surprising discoveries
The world’s top bridge player failed a drug test. Norway’s Geir Helgemo was suspended after testing positive for synthetic testosterone and clomifene.
Shipwrecks tell the story of an empire. Researchers in Spain have pieced together the history of hundreds of shipwrecks to trace the arc of the Spanish imperial age.
Vans shoes are getting comfortable. Foam technology is making them less painful while maintaining that skateboarding vibe.
Fabric softener could cause faulty brake lights. Japanese automaker Subaru will recall 2.3 million vehicles globally because a chemical compound released by products like fabric softener or perfume could mess with electricity flow to brake lights.
Networking, not creativity, leads to artistic fame. The most famous 20th century abstract artists had more social connections than their more obscure peers—though their work was not necessarily more creative.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, skater shoes, and sociable artists 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 Isabella Steger.