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Here’s what you need to know
The UK releases its report on Russian interference. The long-awaited report gives an overview of what intelligence agencies have found with regards to Russian meddling in last year’s general election. Separately, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo will meet with lawmakers in London to discuss the UK’s response to China.
EU leaders reached an economic recovery deal. After four days of grueling negotiations, the 27 member states agreed on a €750 billion ($857 billion) coronavirus stimulus, to be raised by issuing pan-European bonds, but reduced the amount for grants for the hardest-hit countries after opposition from the frugal north. A condition that countries meet requirements on the rule of law was also watered down in order to persuade Poland and Hungary.
Uber makes a last stand in the UK. The Supreme Court will hear the ride-hailing company’s challenge against a 2016 judgment which ruled that drivers should be treated as employees rather than self-employed contractors. Uber has lost two previous appeals in the UK.
The White House resumes coronavirus daily briefings. President Donald Trump’s decision comes amid a sharp rise in cases in the US and a decline in his poll numbers. Trump also said it was “patriotic” to wear face masks in a tweet that showed a photo of him wearing a mask.
Omar al-Bashir gets his day in court. The recently ousted Sudanese autocrat is facing trial in Khartoum over his role in a 1989 coup against the democratically elected government. He is the first modern Arab leader to be put on trial over a coup, and could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Screens of India, large and small
Home to the world’s largest film industry, India’s cinemas have remained shut during coronavirus lockdowns. BookMyShow, the country’s largest platform for movie tickets, has responded by hosting virtual events. In an interview with Quartz, co-founder Parikshit Dar spoke about the unprecedented economic hit, and how he’s hopeful that people will return to the movies.
Some Indians have been filling that missing movie time with the social music-streaming app Resso. When India banned 59 Chinese apps last month, the ByteDance-owned service slipped through the cracks—other platforms including TikTok, Vigo Video, and Helo weren’t so lucky. Overall, the app has been installed 10.6 million times, with about 74% of those coming from India.
Charting a hefty IPO
Ant Group announced its dual market debut. The Alipay operator said that it will list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and on China’s Science and Technology Innovation Board in an IPO that could reportedly lift its valuation to $200 billion (✦ Quartz member exclusive). That would put Ant on par with Bank of America, and make it worth as much as Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs combined.
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You asked about face shields
Can the use of face shields, without masks, successfully combat Covid-19? —Richard
While masks get most of the attention, over the last few months we’ve visited 3D face shield printers in Kenya, covered Ford’s efforts to manufacture 100,000 shields, and even offered DIY instructions to make your own. But how effective are they, really?
Unfortunately, the jury is still out. However, the CDC is clear that it does not recommend using a face shield as a substitute for a face mask. So the answer to your question, Richard, is no—face shields without masks are not a proven successful way to combat Covid-19.
Running low on masks? We’ve got you covered with a new article that explains how to make cloth face masks at home to World Health Organization specifications.
Surprising discoveries
The S&P 500 only moves after hours. The stock index has gained more than 30% since April—but it has posted all of its gains outside of regular trading hours.
TikTok witches hexed the moon. A renegade band of novice witches have angered the spiritual community through their act of irreverent magic.
London’s Beefeaters face layoffs. The iconic bodyguards are on the chopping block for the first time in their 500-year history.
Your face mask may be have been made by forced labor in China. An investigation found that masks that have been shipped all around the world were made by Uyghurs coerced into working at factories.
Uncuttable bike locks may be on the way. A new synthetic material inspired by grapefruit peels and abalone shells cannot be cut by angle grinders, drills, or water jets.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, ethical PPE, and after-hours stock tips to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Isabella Steger, Tripti Lahiri, Nicolás Rivero, and Max Lockie.