Good morning, Quartz readers!
“For many businesses, Brexit isn’t something that may or may not happen this year or in the near future. It has already happened,” writes our London-based economics and markets reporter Eshe Nelson, who has crafted a masterful state of play memo that looks at Brexit through the lens of real companies making real decisions. We’ll continue our guide to Britain after Brexit throughout the week with Q&As, charts, an essay, a toolkit of resources, and a conference call on which Eshe will answer all your questions.
What to watch for today
The US downgrades its Palestinian mission. The US government will close its de facto representative office to the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem and merge it with its new US embassy to Israel, also in Jerusalem. The move represents a major shift (paywall) in the country’s relations with Palestinians.
Juan Guaidó faces possible arrest. 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.
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 called the fund “Brexit bribery.”
Two houseware firms blend business. Instant Brands and Corelle are expected to announce (paywall) a merger today, valued at $2 billion. The move joins the popular Instant-Pot electric cooker line with the enduring, century-old Pyrex and Corningware brands.
Over the weekend
The US and China inched toward a trade deal… The agreement would reportedly see $200 billion in US tariffs scrapped in exchange for China agreeing to structural economic reforms and an end to retaliatory tariffs, according to a source close to the negotiations. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping could seal the deal at a summit around March 27, the Wall Street Journal reported (paywall.)
…while the US and South Korea inched away from 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.
Tensions between India and Pakistan rose again. At least five soldiers and two civilians were killed in the disputed region of Kashmir on Saturday, after the nuclear-armed neighbors exchanged fire. The fighting came despite Pakistan’s “peace gesture” release on Friday of an Indian pilot shot down over Kashmir.
Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou sued Canada. The Chinese tech giant’s chief financial officer, who was arrested last December 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. Canada approved Meng’s extradition to the US Friday.
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.
Trump had a packed weekend. On Saturday, the president vowed to sign a controversial executive order upholding “free speech” on college campuses, with schools that don’t comply risking access to federal research grants. On Sunday night, he suggested his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen’s testimony last week before the House may have spoiled US-North Korea talks in Hanoi. Also on Sunday, the House Judiciary Committee said it will begin investigations into the president for possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power.
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
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
Embracing misery can make you happier. While clamoring for happiness, on the other hand, leads to misery.
We must fix fashion to survive the climate crisis. 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.
Researchers are looking to shipwrecks to tell the story of an empire. Their history is being used to trace the arc of the Spanish imperial age.
An AI composer will compete against a maestro. Concert-goers at London’s Barbican Center will be asked to choose (paywall) between original Bach works and pieces from a Bach-trained AI.
Fabric softener could cause faulty brake lights. A massive recall of Subaru vehicles may be the result of a chemical compound released by products like fabric softener, car polish, or perfume messing with electricity flow to brake lights.
Networking is more likely to lead to artistic fame than talent. 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, beautiful bonsai, 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 Adam Rasmi and edited by Jackie Bischof.