Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
Trump mulls more tariffs. The US president could decide this weekend whether to slap tariffs on car imports. Bloomberg reported earlier this week that a draft executive order (paywall) would give Japan and the EU 180 days to restrict imports to the US, and exempt South Korea because it has renegotiated a trade deal.
China’s answer to Starbucks goes public. Beijing-based Luckin Coffee begins trading on the Nasdaq today. The coffee startup raised $561 million yesterday after pricing its shares at $17, the top end of an indicative price range.
Australia elects a new prime minister… Voters head to the polls tomorrow to choose between conservative incumbent Scott Morrison and Labor leader Bill Shorten. Morrison predicts a close race, while polls have shown an advantage for Shorten.
…As India concludes its gargantuan general election. The seven-phase election comes to a close amid reports of violence that led the election commission to curtail campaign time in the eastern state of West Bengal. Tens of millions have cast their ballots for a new Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament.
Two hotly debated shows wrap up. Over two dozen countries will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest finale in Tel Aviv on Saturday; critics have called for a boycott over Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the pressure is on for Game of Thrones to deliver a satisfying ending to its eight-year run on Sunday in the US, after taking a historic critical nosedive.
While you were sleeping
Taiwan raised rainbow flags. The country became the first in Asia to legalize gay marriage following a bruising and divisive two-year fight. The historic decision comes on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Viktor Orbán revealed more details of his chat with Trump. Hungary’s far-right prime minister, who calls the US president his “twin,” said they discussed US support of Hungary’s military development, including the purchase of mid-range missiles, at a meeting earlier this week.
Amazon eyed hungry shoppers. The tech giant is leading a $575 million investment (paywall) in UK-based Deliveroo, as it increasingly eyes the European food market. The cash influx will help Deliveroo compete against Just Eat and Uber Eats in the food delivery sector.
I.M. Pei died at 102. The Chinese-born architect, whose most famous works include the Louvre pyramid, Hong Kong’s Bank of China building, and Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, passed away at his home in New York.
easyJet took a big tumble. The budget airline posted a £272 million ($347 million) loss in quarterly earnings (paywall). It blamed Brexit uncertainty and drone disruptions at London Gatwick airport, but the low-cost airline business model is facing challenges across the board.
Quartz Obsession
All about the Benjamins. In the past few years, the US $100 bill overtook the more practical smaller denominations to become the most circulated US note in the world. One theory about this puzzling development is that the criminal world is fueling demand for it—along with the larger notes of other currencies—which is why some are calling for its demise.
Membership
We wrap up our field guide on US aerospace giant Boeing today. Over the week, we’ve looked at its current crisis, how passengers feel about it, and the opportunities it has presented for China. Members also have access to a video Q&A with Box founder Aaron Levie, and coverage of crypto’s largest annual conference.
Matters of debate
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India needs to start talking to boys about sex. Many don’t understand what consent means or that it needs to be sought.
“Angry Birds” marked the beginning of the end of privacy. The game made people comfortable with giving away their information online.
Creativity isn’t necessarily what drives innovation. Companies function best when they employ lots of conscientious people.
Surprising discoveries
Game of Thrones fans want a do-over. More than 750,000 have signed a petition demanding “a final season that makes sense.”
A $91 million giant steel rabbit broke art-world records. The Jeff Koons sculpture is now the most expensive artwork by a living artist.
The Chinese lunar rover located rock samples from the Moon’s mantle. This is the first time a mission has revealed evidence of the frozen magma that lies beneath the rock.
Americans in Austria can get passport help at McDonald’s. The fast-food chain has agreed to provide a 24-hour hotline to the US embassy.
Timor-Leste wants to be the world’s first “plastic-neutral” country. It is securing funding for a new recycling plant that breaks down plastic waste and allows it to be used again.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Benjamins, and GoT critiques 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.