Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
US Democrats argue impeachment. House speaker Nancy Pelosi will discuss the pros and cons of beginning impeachment proceedings against US president Donald Trump, after many Democrats were outraged by his refusal to comply with ongoing Congressional investigations. Pelosi has previously expressed reluctance to pursue impeachment.
The US Fed releases its May meeting minutes. After the central bank voted to keep rates steady, investors will be looking for more clues on what Fed chair Jerome Powell meant when he alluded to “transitory” factors that could be impacting on inflation.
Amazon shareholders vote on facial recognition. They will decide whether the company should stop selling its Rekognition system to US police forces and other government agencies, and study whether the technology threatens people’s civil rights. Amazon has tried to block the votes, which are non-binding.
Target takes stock. The retail giant is expected to continue its streak of rising sales numbers, as it matures into an “omni-channel” business with both a strong retail and online presence. But an increase in tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt the discount retailer, and will likely feature in discussions today.
While you were sleeping
Louisiana passed an anti-abortion bill. Its senate approved a state constitutional amendment declaring that citizens have no constitutional right to abortions. It will likely be put to a state referendum in the fall. Meanwhile, two dozen states and cities filed lawsuits to stop the Trump administration from enforcing expanded abortion “conscience” rules for healthcare workers.
China’s largest airlines asked Boeing to pay up. Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines want to be compensated for losses related to the grounding of the 737 Max in March. The aircraft manufacturer was also hit with a lawsuit yesterday by the French families of passengers killed in the 737 Max Ethiopian Airlines crash.
Post-election protests turned deadly in Indonesia. Six people were reportedly killed and more than 200 injured as supporters of Prabowo Subianto, the former general who lost to incumbent Joko Widodo in the presidential election, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles. Prabowo, who has refused to concede, is alleging widespread fraud.
Saudi Aramco diversified its energy business. The oil giant struck a deal for a 25% stake in the first part of a Texas natural gas project by US company Sempra Energy, part of Saudi Arabia’s $150 billion effort (paywall) to expand its gas projects at home and abroad.
The US might blacklist a Chinese surveillance technology firm. Under new restrictions currently being considered by the Trump administration, Hikvision may be forced to obtain government approval to buy American technology, according to the New York Times (paywall).
Quartz Obsession
The only thing better than being yourself is pretending to be somebody else. Digital avatars allow us to explore different parts of our personalities, experiment with gender, and commit fraud more easily. They’re also a huge industry, and further tweaks to our online personae, include voice masking, are still to come. Look behind the mask with the Quartz Obsession.
Membership
While the bar has been raised on benefits for new moms and dads, there are a lot of working-parent worries that today’s policies don’t address. We break them down in today’s installment of our field guide to the world of new management.
Matters of debate
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
Work is the millennial religion. But a society built on work cannot stand.
Digital tools could more effectively assess pain. Unfortunately, they’re also likely to introduce bias.
Game of Thrones failed fantasy. In a rush to finish the show, its creators forgot the reasons for the genre’s appeal.
Surprising discoveries
A Nepalese mountain guide set a new Everest record. Kami Rita Sherpa broke a record he set just last week to reach the peak for the 24th time.
Scientists found a liquid ocean on Pluto. It opens up the possibility that frigid planets could potentially harbor alien organisms.
23andMe partnered with Airbnb to suggest heritage travel destinations. The latest attempt to profit from highly questionable race science encourages people to “travel to their roots.”
Mexican commuters are buying fake phones. Muggings on public buses have become so common that having a decoy makes sense.
Belgian monks brewed a fabled medieval beer. Grimbergen Abbey rediscovered a recipe thought to be lost for 220 years.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Everest records, and dummy phones 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.