Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The UK parliament debates what Islamophobia means. A working definition set out by a cross-party group of MPs, which states in part that Islamophobia is “a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness,” was rejected by the government on the basis that it needed further careful consideration.
Donald Trump unveils a new immigration plan. The president’s proposal will move the US from a family-based immigration system to what officials describe as an employment- and skill-based system. The plan also includes details on the border wall and new fees on trade to finance its construction.
Democrats hold a marathon reading of the entire Mueller report. The 448-page oration, which organizers hope will spur more Americans to read the report, will begin today at noon and is expected to continue into the early hours of Friday.
London’s marine insurers meet to asses risk in the Gulf. After recent attacks on oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia and oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, underwriters will discuss whether to review risk levels for vessels and increase insurance premiums.
While you were sleeping
Trump declared a national emergency over technology threats… The US president signed an executive order barring US companies from installing foreign-made telecommunications equipment deemed to pose a national security risk, effectively blocking sales by Huawei. The Chinese tech giant and 70 affiliates were also placed on a trade blacklist, banning it from buying vital US technology without special approval.
…and pardoned former media mogul Conrad Black. The Canadian-born billionaire conservative advocate, who once ran a newspaper empire, was convicted of fraud and obstruction of justice in 2007. He also wrote a book, published last year, praising the president, titled Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other.
Tens of thousands protested against Jair Bolsonaro. The far-right president faced his first mass demonstrations since taking office in January, as students and teachers across Brazil rallied against sharp cuts to the education budget.
Austria banned headscarves in primary schools. Members of parliament approved the measure, which had been proposed by the country’s right-wing government. The wording of the law does not explicitly target Muslims, but representatives from the center-right and far-right parties of the governing coalition have made clear that it is aimed at the Islamic headscarf.
Alabama’s governor signed a near-total abortion ban into law. The bill was passed in the state senate less than 24 hours earlier, and is the most restrictive anti-abortion measure in the US since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. It criminalizes abortions at any stage of a pregnancy, with an exemption if the mother’s life is threatened, but not in cases of rape or incest.
Tesla rolled out a battery software update following car fires. The update will change battery charge and thermal management settings. It comes after a parked Model S exploded in Shanghai last month, followed by another Model S bursting into flames in Hong Kong this week.
Quartz Obsession
Helium: US party supply retailer Party City is closing 45 stores, due in part to a worldwide helium shortage. There’s plenty of the universe’s second-most prevalent element left on Earth—but its real importance to the economy is high-tech gizmos like MRI machines and particle colliders. So why can’t supply meet demand? Find out in today’s Quartz Obsession.
Membership
Today we take a close look at Comac, the Chinese aircraft manufacturer that would like to break into the Boeing-Airbus jetliner duopoly. Also, our Private Key column wonders if spring has finally come to crypto, after a long, long winter.
Matters of debate
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Restrictive abortion laws come at a cost…to men. Paternity is expensive, and, in many places, mandatory.
“Healthy” food products are missing the point. Many plant-based alternatives hailed as miracles contain GMOs that could prove dangerous.
Snakebites are the world’s biggest hidden health crisis. Most victims don’t have access to treatment, and one person dies from a bite every four minutes.
Surprising discoveries
Archeologists are horrified by plans for an international Machu Picchu airport. Critics say the multi-billion-dollar construction would destroy the already fragile Inca citadel.
Driverless trucks hit Sweden’s roads. Swedish transport startup Einride says that autonomous trucks save it 60% on operating costs.
Notre Dame architecture proposals have gone off the deep end. One involves a rooftop swimming pool guarded by statues of the 12 apostles.
Uber will let you mute your driver. A new “Quiet Mode” lets riders send a clear signal that now is not the time for idle chatter.
A stolen van was returned for beer. A North Carolina brewery promised a keg party to whoever gave back the vehicle—and saw results in 42 minutes.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, free kegs, and divine pools 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 Isabella Steger.