Good morning, Quartz readers!
Today, we’re releasing What Happens Next—our video guide to the future. To make five documentaries, each under 15 minutes long, our team traveled from tiny Pacific islands and South Dakota farms to Oregon forests, Canadian cities, and Central American backlands. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of human life poised to see large changes in the years to come—money, work, food, fact, and home.
What to watch for today
Kenyans head to the polls, again. The previous presidential election was nullified over hacking claims by the opposition party, whose candidate, Raila Odinga, has since withdrawn. He is calling for a boycott of the contest, which was allowed to proceed after not enough justices showed up to rule on a potential challenge.
Thailand holds a $90 million royal funeral. The body of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last year at age 88, will be cremated in front of Bangkok’s Grand Palace in a five-day ceremony that’s expected to draw about 250,000 mourners.
US-bound airlines roll out new security rules. New measures could include “short security interviews” at departure airports. About 325,000 passengers on about 2,000 commercial flights will be affected every day.
While you were sleeping
Kaspersky Labs admitted that it snagged secret NSA codes. The Russian antivirus company said its software snagged the classified hacking tools from the computer of a contractor who brought files home. Kaspersky, facing allegations that it’s aiding Kremlin spying efforts, promised to release its source code for auditing.
Apple’s iPhone X production woes intensified. Bloomberg reported that the company told suppliers they could reduce the accuracy of facial recognition technology to speed up production of the phone, set to debut on Nov. 3. Apple denied the claim, but analysts are still predicting there will not be nearly enough handsets to meet demand.
Catalonia’s independence crisis deepened. Vice president Oriol Junqueras said the region has “no choice” but to declare independence and will “work toward building a republic.” Spain prepares to impose direct rule on the region on Friday.
The UK reported a surprisingly robust economy. Despite Brexit looming, the country reported its highest rate of inflation in over five years, paving the way for the Bank of England to hike interest rates for the first time in a decade next week.
Legendary musician Fats Domino died at age 89. The singer of “Blueberry Hill” had a career that spanned nearly 70 years, and was one of the inaugural members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Quartz obsession interlude
Molly Rubin on the true cost of the iPhone X: “Are the new bells and whistles and bigger screen worth, for example, 50% of your monthly salary? That’s a decision consumers in Spain will have to reckon with when the iPhone X goes on sale next month. In India and China, smartphone markets poised for massive growth and where Apple is trying to expand, the iPhone X costs far more than the typical monthly income in each country; in India, the new model will cost almost as much as the average citizen makes in a year.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Hurricane victims are getting too much stuff and not enough money. Aid experts say that donations rarely match up with needs on the ground.
Facebook thinks too little of us. Its new Explore feed uses an algorithm to predict what we’ll like, but it’s actually a distillation of the worst parts of the internet.
Corporate insistence on four-year degrees is a costly mistake. It’s one reason US employers can’t fill 6.1 million openings.
Surprising discoveries
You should wash your apples with baking soda. The mild bleach used by growers doesn’t remove much pesticide residue.
Vladimir Putin once performed “Blueberry Hill” live on TV. Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, and Kevin Costner clapped while while the Russian president crooned.
The 74-year-old “Ninja of Heisei” has been unmasked. Police were surprised at the age of the nimble Japanese thief.
There’s a thriving legal market for human body parts. Unregulated companies charge an arm and a leg for transport, cremation, and other costs.
Singapore now has the world’s most powerful passport. Holders can now access 159 countries, narrowly edging out Germany.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, elderly ninjas, and organic apples to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android.