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What to watch for today and over the weekend
Iran’s seized tanker leaves Gibraltar. The Grace 1 ship was intercepted by the British navy on suspicion it violated EU sanctions for taking oil to Syria. The US had made a last-minute bid to keep the tanker detained.
The Kashmir crisis heads to the UN. The Security Council will hold an emergency closed-door meeting on the tensions in Kashmir later today. The consultations come at the requests of the Chinese and Pakistani delegations.
The corruption trial for Sudan’s deposed leader begins. The proceedings are scheduled to begin tomorrow, the same day that military rulers and protest leaders will sign a landmark transition accord that’s meant to pave the way for civilian rule.
Pokémon fans geek out in Washington, DC. The 2019 World Championships will see about 2,300 competitors from more than 40 countries compete for more than $500,000 in prize money. The tournament, which runs until Sunday, will include traditional card games as well the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon video games.
While you were sleeping
Donald Trump walked back talk of gun control. After strongly stating support for stricter background checks in the aftermath of the Dayton and El Paso mass shootings, the US president shifted focus to mental health issues at a campaign rally in New Hampshire.
The CEO of Cathay Airways abruptly quit. The Hong Kong carrier announced the resignation of Rupert Hogg, along with another top exec, in the latest sign that the company is caught in the middle of the Hong Kong protest movement. Chinese firms have boycotted the airline, and last week ordered the airline to suspend workers who back the pro-democracy protests.
Hong Kong police said they can’t “envisage” China’s intervention against protests. They also said they could handle the crisis, as 10 weeks of protests in the semi-autonomous territory continue. Tomorrow evening will see an animal rights rally against the indiscriminate use of tear gas, which has affected pets. Sunday will see a mass gathering against the government and police violence.
North Korea upped the ante again. The country fired at least two more projectiles into the sea, its sixth such test in less than a month, according to the South Korean military. Shortly before the weapons launch on Friday, Pyongyang rejected further peace talks and called South Korean president Moon Jae-in a “truly shameless man.”
General Electric tried to contain the fallout over fraud accusations. CEO Larry Culp bought $2 million worth of shares to help shore up a sinking stock price. Harry Markopolos, the analyst who blew the whistle on Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme in 2008, claimed GE was concealing $38 billion in potential losses. GE called the charge “meritless.”
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AI, self-driving cars, and the move away from full-time employment are all making the future of work more uncertain. But as reporter Dan Kopf notes, as populations age there will be a lot of jobs for those caring for the elderly. Read more on our weeklong exploration of the future of work.
Quartz Obsession
Hong Kong’s protesters are channeling Bruce Lee. They’re not necessarily imitating his fighting style, but his fluid philosophy to “be like water.” It’s a fitting tribute to a Hong Kong native (and philosophy major) who used his multicultural background to transform martial arts and the movies into what they are today. Kick back at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Shipping containers are for shipping. They’re not cheap, they’re wildly uncomfortable, and they don’t deserve to be turned into architecture.
Tracking your family and friends’ location isn’t creepy at all. Done well, location-sharing services can ease a lot of anxiety in emergency situations.
Thursday is the best day. Without the hype of a Friday or the pressure of a weekend, the week’s unsung hero has just the right vibe.
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Surprising discoveries
Ships could pass invisibly in the night. A new cloaking device steers light, sound, and water waves away from a boat in certain conditions.
Humans sense pain with a newly discovered organ. Research into cells wrapped around nerves could give insight into chronic pain.
Boston saved $5 million by routing school buses with an algorithm. A team of researchers wrote code to optimize getting kids to class.
Volcanoes brought us diamonds from the deep. Recent eruptions prove there’s a reservoir of ancient rock 250-400 miles (400-640 kilometers) beneath our feet.
Robo-shorts can now help you run and walk. A battery-powered exosuit developed by researchers helps reduce the energy cost of walking by 9%, and running by 4%.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, deep diamonds, and efficient bus routes to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Adam Rasmi and edited by Jason Karaian.