Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
The Brexit Party launches its election campaign. Nigel Farage, its leader, will unveil the party’s strategy today amid reports that it will withdraw hundreds of candidates in order not to split the Leave vote.
Christine Lagarde takes over at the European Central Bank. The former head of the International Monetary Fund officially succeeds Mario Draghi today. Though he is widely credited with saving the euro zone, Lagarde will need to rebuild unity within the institution.
US jobs likely took a hit in October.
Though the labor market is still strong, the numbers are
as a result of the 40-day strike by 50,000 General Motors workers.
The Rugby World Cup reaches its climax. England faces South Africa in the final in Yokohama, Japan on Saturday.
While you were sleeping
Angela Merkel met Narendra Modi. The German chancellor was received by the Indian prime minister as part of a two-day trip to the country. The two leaders will are expected to sign about 20 agreements, and discuss topics including the economy, climate, economy, and a possible free trade deal with the EU.
Facebook was sued for age and gender bias. A class-action lawsuit filed in San Francisco accused the social media company of withholding advertising for financial services from older and female users.
The US withheld aid from Lebanon. Officials told Reuters that the White House has held back $105 million of military assistance, two days after the resignation of Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri. Washington has repeatedly raised concerns over the growing role in the Beirut government of Hezbollah, the Shia militia backed by Iran.
Donald Trump ditched New York. The US president changed his permanent residence to his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida in late September. He said he had been “treated very badly” by politicians in the Empire State.
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Can cell-cultured meat be considered kosher or halal? Religious rules are very specific about ensuring an animal is properly killed for consumption, but meat that circumvents the slaughtering process turns those rules upside-down. Discover how laboratories are making high-tech kosher and halal meat in Quartz’s latest field guide.
Quartz Obsession
Secret passages: They’re not just for royalty and wizards. Companies have been doing a brisk trade recently in hidden rooms and the clever ruses, like phone booths and pop-up staircases, that hide them. Some of it is the speakeasy craze, but homeowners use them as safe rooms or just something to entertain the kids. Take a peek at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of Debate
Humans aren’t actually creative. Making unconventional choices is often the result of brain errors.
Rich people have ruined marathons. Their focus on wellness over competition has changed races for the worse.
We should forgo tombstones. Wooden grave markers make for lower-carbon, chemical-free burials.
Surprising discoveries
Astronomers may have found the smallest black hole yet. The discovery could reveal a whole new class of low-mass black holes that we didn’t previously know existed.
Japan has a muddy spin on rugby. Called tambo rugby, the mixed-gender, no-tackles game is played in waterlogged rice fields.
A rare trait may hold the secret to better memory. Studying people who have “hyper-memory” could help identify treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
YouTube helped a Chinese propaganda video go viral. The site’s algorithm promoted a state media clip bashing the Hong Kong protests.
A life-sized Gozilla attraction is coming. An amusement park on Japan’s Awaji Island will host the 120-meter (394 ft) long statue.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, creative brain errors, and muddy rugby games to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Mary Hui and edited by Tripti Lahiri.