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What to watch for today
Mike Pompeo visits Germany. The secretary of state reiterates US opposition to the Nord Stream pipeline linking Europe and Russia, and raises the testy issue of Germany’s pledge to boost defense funding. He will also join in festivities to mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan discuss a controversial dam on the Nile. The talks in Washington are meant to resolve disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt says would reduce its water supply, and Ethiopia says is essential for its development.
The impeachment probe continues. Legislators want to interview energy secretary Rick Perry, top Trump aide Russ Vought, and two state department officials, but they might not show up. The inquiry intensified yesterday, after Trump’s envoy to the EU reversed his testimony to admit there was a quid pro quo.
While you were sleeping
Democrats win in Virginia and (maybe) in Kentucky. Democrats took control of Virginia’s statehouse for the first time in a generation. Democrat Andy Beshear claimed victory in Kentucky’s governor race but his lead is narrow and Republican Matt Bevin refused to concede.
SoftBank detailed the damage caused by WeWork and Uber. The Japanese giant reported its first quarterly loss in about 14 years, thanks in large part to the devaluation of the office-sharing and ride-hailing firms. SoftBank lost $4.6 billion with its WeWork investment.
China summoned Hong Kong’s leader. Carrie Lam met with vice premier Han Zheng, who is responsible for overseeing China’s two special administrative regions, for the first time since protests began. After the meeting, Han said Hong Kong should address the roots of the protests.
Xerox considers buying HP. The photocopier company may make an offer for the computer and printer maker, “an audacious move that would unite two fading stars of technology,” says the Wall Street Journal. A takeover would help them cut costs, as demand for printing declines.
Australia’s national soccer teams approved equal pay. Women who play for the Matildas will earn the same amount as the men in the Socceroos under a new centralized contract system.
Quartz Membership
Can design break our plastic addiction? By continuing to equate civilization with the use of more resources and energy, we’ve found ourselves stuck in an unsustainable Plastic Age. It doesn’t have to be this way. Join Quartz’s Zoë Schlanger as she examines how educators and companies have accepted that good design is the only way out.
Quartz Obsession
Crossword puzzles drive us crazy, but in a good way. The human brain is hard-wired to fill in blanks, and unlike many of the challenges we face in daily life, these are meant to be solved. The Quartz Obsession puzzles through the clues.
Matters of Debate
France is Europe’s new economic powerhouse. The country is beating Germany and the euro zone as a whole in GDP growth.
We should stop trying to raise successful kids. Parents should prioritize kindness instead.
Design will make or break the 5G revolution. Faster connections will be as transformative as the devices we build for them.
Surprising discoveries
The Queen wears fake fur. Queen Elizabeth’s senior dresser revealed that she’s abandoned the real thing from this year.
The beard-enhancement business is booming. Companies are selling beard-growth sprays, vitamin-infused gummies, hair-growth puddings, and nourishing night elixirs.
Alaska Airlines offers discounts based on wave sizes. The lower fares on some Hawaii routes are meant for surfers.
Parachutes are the next hurdle for space exploration. Rocket scientists are scrambling to perfect the landing of reusable spacecrafts.
A South Korean firm offers “living funerals.” The goal is to teach participants life lessons by faking their deaths.
Correction: Yesterday’s Daily Brief said Uber posted a third quarter loss of $5.2 billion. It should have been $ 1.2 billion. Sorry.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, beard-growth sprays, and fake funeral invitations to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Luiz Romero and Rashmee Roshan Lall.