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What to watch for today
Filipinos head to the polls. The congressional and local elections are seen as a referendum on the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, whose gutter language, embrace of China, and brutal war on drugs have sparked controversy even as he’s remained popular. Duterte hopes to gain more senate allies as he pushes for the death penalty and other legislative goals.
The Trump administration gives details on more tariffs against China. It will explain plans for tariffs on an additional $300 billion of imports from China, after it hiked existing duties on $200 billion worth of them on Friday. Based on his tweets, Trump doesn’t seem to grasp that US importers pay those duties, not Chinese exporters.
Slack gives an online presentation to prospective shareholders. The messaging-platform company is headed for a direct listing on the NYSE (paywall). It won’t raise capital in the deal, but it will let employees and current shareholders sell stock to the public.
The leader of Hungary visits the White House. Prime minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing populist who has been held at arm’s length by most of his colleagues in Europe, could use his time with Trump as evidence that he hasn’t forced his country into isolation.
Over the weekend
Hong Kong lawmakers came to blows. Physical fights broke out over a proposal that would make it easier to send criminal suspects to mainland China, where they could face unfair trials. Last month the proposal spurred the largest protests seen in Hong Kong in five years.
An Iranian commander derided US aircraft carriers. What used to be a threat is now an opportunity, said Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace division, suggesting the warships are now easier targets. More US naval forces are headed to the region to head off possible Iranian attacks.
The ANC narrowly won South Africa’s elections. For the first time in its history, the African National Congress fell below 60% in a general election, giving president Cyril Ramaphosa a weak mandate (paywall). The Economic Freedom Fighters, a radical-left party, enjoyed growing support.
Elon Musk revealed 60 satellites headed to orbit. SpaceX plans to launch them this week to kick off its Starlink program, aimed at covering the globe with internet access.
Quartz Obsession
Procrastination is the pause that does the opposite of refresh. So why do we do it? Fortunately, the list of reasons is small and pretty simple, and the number of potential solutions is pretty vast—from friends to virtual co-workers to timers to clever mind games. Just beware of procrastinating about bucket-list goals: The regret for those can be a lot worse than getting behind in your work. Get on it at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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Playgrounds should be a bit more dangerous. Less structured environments help kids learn how their bodies and the world work—important in preventing injuries.
Watchmen can fill the void created by Game of Thrones ending. The upcoming HBO series also exists at the intersection of geekdom and mainstream culture.
Asian elephants should be used as rescue workers. The cooperative pachyderms face habitat loss but excel at navigating the kind of chaotic terrains caused by climate change.
Surprising discoveries
The “America first” White House doesn’t buy American flowers. The Trump administration is sticking with foreign blooms, despite pleas from US growers.
Burmese python hunters are getting their own reality TV show. Who doesn’t want to watch Dusty “the Wildman” Crum taking on the invasive species in the Florida Everglades?
Subsistence farmers in India beat PepsiCo’s legal team. Facing backlash, the corporation withdrew lawsuits alleging they grew its proprietary potato.
Scientists have identified another form of dementia. Called LATE, it may occur in as many as 25% of adults over age 80.
Shakespeare’s works may have been authored by a female Italian contemporary. Numerous elements of Emilia Bassano’s life are reflected in the plays and poems of history’s most famous, and elusive, writer.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, homegrown flowers, and Shakespearean authorship theories to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Steve Mollman and Holly Ojalvo.