Good morning, Quartz readers!
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sam Altman joins Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos in an expensive club. The OpenAI founder is donating $1 million to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund.
Ozempic could be linked to a common cause of sudden blindness. Researchers found a connection between the drug and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Taylor Swift fans are generous tippers. Swifties took 353,000 Uber rides on their way to the Eras Tour and tipped their drivers eight times more than the average user.
Costco has a plan to deal with Trump’s tariffs. The retailer’s ideas include pulling forward inventory purchases to stay ahead of potential disruptions.
Stanley is in hot water after recalling travel mugs over burning hazards. Customers with a recalled travel mug can contact Stanley for a free replacement lid.
A SpaceX company town?
Many employees at Elon Musk’s SpaceX live in Starbase, a community near Brownsville, Texas. Now, SpaceX is trying to incorporate Starbase as its own municipality.
Musk has been talking about incorporating Starbase since 2021. “To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” Kathryn Lueders, Starbase’s general manager, wrote in a letter to the state of Texas.
Does Musk want to turn Starbase into a company town? Quartz’s William Gavin looks into SpaceX’s big move.
A profitable triumvirate
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines are three of America’s biggest carriers. In 2025, they’ll likely make some of its biggest profits as well.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank say that the airline industry’s “Big 3” are going to soak up 90% of profits in the space next year. Budget airlines will have a harder time making their margins.
Why will airline income be so top-heavy in 2025? Quartz’s Melvin Backman explains the industry outlook that says so.
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SURPRISING DISCOVERIES
A New Jersey politician faked his love for the boss. Gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer posted an exaggerated Spotify Wrapped that was all Bruce Springsteen songs.
An Australian zoo unleashed a surprising escapee on its guests. The zoo director put on a costume to simulate a cassowary on the loose.
Climate change is accelerating faster than expected. Scientists don’t understand why global temperatures are rising even faster than previously forecast. (paywall)
Fashion’s biggest job has gone to a new person. Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy will take over as creative director at Chanel. (paywall)
Denny’s will make your Christmas dinner for you. The diner chain is selling a turkey-and-dressing bundle through December 24.
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Our best wishes on a safe start to the day. Send any news or comments to talk@qz.com. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Melvin Backman and Audrey McNamara.