Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
Europe discusses its missing British commissioner. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, is set to be in place Dec. 1—but the UK, still in the bloc for now, hasn’t appointed anyone. That could expose Commission decisions to legal challenges, a problem envoys to Brussels will try to find a workaround to today.
Hong Kong goes to vote. The city’s district elections—a largely democratic exercise, unlike the selection of the city’s leader—appear set to go ahead on Sunday despite ongoing unrest. Meanwhile, president Donald Trump could today sign into law two measures in support of the protest movement.
South Korea and Japan will stop sharing intelligence. South Korea will allow a pact to exchange security information to expire tomorrow, the latest downturn in relations between the two US allies.
Bougainville holds an independence referendum. More than 200,000 people in eastern Papua New Guinea will declare whether they want to become the world’s newest country. The vote, promised as part of a 2001 peace agreement, starts tomorrow and lasts two weeks, but the result isn’t binding.
While you were sleeping
The US Army is carrying out a security review of TikTok. The examination of possible risks from using the hit Chinese video app was prompted by concerns raised by Democratic lawmaker Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, startup incubator Y Combinator shut down its China unit, but said it wasn’t because of rocky US-China relations.
Vaping-related deaths in the US rose to 47. Health officials reported there had been five additional deaths in the past week, and 100 new cases of lung injuries, bringing total illnesses to 2,290.
Tesla’s Cybertruck is here. Tesla unveiled its first pickup in Los Angeles with a starting price of just under $40,000—and it looks nothing like anything you’ve seen before.
Victoria’s Secret got the memo. Its parent, L Brands, canceled the annual lingerie fashion show and said it would “evolve [its] messaging.” Women are disenchanted with a dated event known for its “hyper-sexualized, male-gaze-oriented aesthetic.”
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The worst-case scenario for ETFs. One of the big questions about exchange-traded funds is the extent to which their rapid growth can be tied to a growing number of flash crashes and a heightened risk of even worse ones on the horizon. One bad trade can have disastrous consequences.
Quartz Obsession
Tarot is coming up from the underground. The mystical cards have had several recent high-profile appearances in movies, fashion shows, and even Goop’s gift guide—and yes, of course, there’s an app for that as well. Get a reading with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of Debate
It’s time for Arab-Israeli engagement. A new group of Arab activists is thinking beyond boycotts to help the Palestinian cause.
Consider a vasectomy because of climate change. Taking children out of the equation might be the best thing you can do to save the planet.
China’s Communist Party can’t rule by force alone. Xi Jinping’s uncompromising approach to control is fueling rage (paywall) that will one day explode.
Surprising discoveries
Trump’s eccentric handwriting is now a font. It’s called Tiny Hand.
Seattle’s building a “human composting” parlor. The world’s first facility to turn human remains into soil should be ready in 2021.
Even animals have that awkward phase. Youthful animals have poor judgment and engage in risky behavior, like human teens.
New York’s subway system is flooding station entrances on purpose. It’s to test the network’s readiness for climate change.
An Indian tea chain’s use of facial recognition landed it in hot water. It suddenly began collecting facial data from customers in its loyalty program.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, low-tech loyalty points, and adolescent aardvarks to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Tripti Lahiri and edited by Isabella Steger.