Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The British parliament votes on whether to leave the EU without a deal. After rejecting prime minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal yesterday (for a second time), MPs vote on a so called “no-deal Brexit.” Here’s a flowchart of possible outcomes. Meanwhile, the finance minister will deliver his biannual update on the economy and government budget, detailing any damage done by the chaotic handling of the Brexit process.
Emmanuel Macron visits Kenya. The first-ever trip by a French president to the country is part of a four-day pan-African tour to challenge China’s increasing influence on the continent.
Paul Manafort is sentenced for the second time. Donald Trump’s former campaign manager has pleaded guilty to conspiracy over lobbying for pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians, in a case brought by special counsel Robert Mueller in DC. In a parallel case last week in Virginia, Manafort received a lighter-than-expected sentence for tax fraud and other charges.
California suspends the death penalty. Governor Gavin Newsom will grant a reprieve to the state’s 737 condemned inmates. Opponents of capital punishment hope the move will spur other states to follow suit.
While you were sleeping
Norwegian Air said Boeing should foot the bill for grounded 737 planes. The airline, which operates 18 of the 737 Max aircraft, said it would seek compensation for lost revenue and other costs after the EU grounded the model following Sunday’s crash in Ethiopia. Pressure is mounting on the US to ground the planes, as countries around the world close their airspace to the aircraft.
George Pell was sentenced to six years for child sex abuse. The Australian cardinal and former adviser to Pope Francis was convicted in December of molesting choir boys more than two decades ago. He is the most senior Roman Catholic leader found guilty of sexual abuse.
Uber hired more investment banks as it prepares to go public. The ride-sharing company added more than half a dozen banks to its IPO underwriting team in anticipation of a listing as early as the first half of 2019. Rival Lyft is expected to list at the end of this month.
The Pentagon barred most transgender troops. The new rules, which take effect next month, fall short of the complete ban sought by the president, but will largely bar recruits from transitioning to another sex and require most soldiers to serve in their birth gender.
Adidas has a “demand problem.” The German sports apparel company said sales growth this year will be crimped by supply chain issues, as it struggles to keep up with growing demand for its gear in North America.
Membership
Today we have an essay about how sovereign wealth funds, many of which come from emerging markets, avoid those same markets when seeking destinations for their ample monies. While much has been (correctly) made about the rise of the Global South, funds from those regions overwhelmingly park their cash in northern and western democracies like the UK and the US.
Quartz Obsession
Stalking the history of celery, a forgotten status symbol in Victorian England: The tricky-to-grow swamp plant was once considered an exotic delicacy—and even inspired specific tableware designed to show it off. How did the fibrous stalk fall to the bottom of the crudité platter? Find out in today’s Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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The gender pay gap is more than just discrimination. Cultural norms influence the perception that women are less flexible employees who may not stick around.
It’s not pepperoni unless it curls on your pizza. Flat discs have been the norm for decades, but grease-filled pepperoni cups are arguably the true measure of a good pie.
College admissions have never been fair. Test scores are more accurately privilege scores—and it’s all entirely legal.
Surprising discoveries
Brexit has become a mental health issue. Studies show that people who voted to remain have suffered higher levels of mental distress since the 2016 referendum.
Opioids are decimating the US labor pool. Research found that addiction significantly impacted male participation in the labor market.
Salmonella is perfectly happy to live in dry food. A Pillsbury flour recall is a reminder that bacteria adapt quickly to their surroundings.
One-tenth of the world’s digital ad fraud originates in India. It costs the industry $1.6 billion.
The sun blasted Earth with radiation in 660 BC. If the solar storm had hit today, it would have sickened astronauts and taken out electrical grids.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, uncontaminated cookie dough, and pepperoni cups 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 Eshe Nelson and edited by Jason Karaian.