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What to watch for today and over the weekend
The White House discusses the vaping health crisis. Vaping-related deaths in the US rose to 47 after five more were reported in the past week. Health officials think they’ve been caused by “popcorn lung,” a rare injury named after workers who were badly hurt by inhaling the chemical diacetyl in a microwave popcorn factory.
Hong Kong bills head to Donald Trump in Washington… The US president could sign into law new measures requiring an annual review of Hong Kong’s autonomy from Beijing, and restricting exports of crowd-control supplies to the city’s police force as soon as today.
…while over in Hong Kong, the city heads to vote. The embattled territory is still scheduled to hold elections on Sunday despite months of public unrest. Beijing has reportedly urged the Hong Kong government to hold the district council elections as planned, to avoid even greater disruption.
Leonard Cohen’s posthumous album is out. Skeptical fans should fear not: “Thanks for the Dance,” produced by Cohen’s son Adam, is receiving glowing reviews. Cohen died in 2016 at the age of 82.
While you were sleeping
China said it seeks a trade truce with the US. According to President Xi Jinping, the country has worked to avoid a trade war, but will fight back when necessary. If Trump signs the two bills backing protests in Hong Kong, however, it could further endanger any trade talks.
The US Army confirmed a security review of TikTok. The army’s investigation into whether the hit video app is recruiting American teens to the Chinese Communist Party was prompted by concerns from Democratic lawmaker Chuck Schumer. TikTok is interested in shedding its Chinese brand to protect its valuable position in the US.
South Korea said it’s keeping an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. The Koreans were under pressure from the US to maintain the pact after threatening to withdraw over history and trade disagreements.
Tesla launched its Cybertruck. Elon Musk unveiled the company’s first pickup truck with fog, flashing lights, and puffs of flame at an event in Los Angeles. He managed to break its windows while trying to demonstrate how tough they are.
Victoria’s Secret cancelled its annual fashion show. Once a touchstone of pop culture, the show had its worst ratings ever last year amid criticism that it was out of touch, sexist, and lacked diversity. The brand reported a net loss of $252 million in quarterly results earlier this week.
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Matters of Debate
Toddlers don’t need to choose sides in the scooter wars. Electric scooter startup Bird is selling a manual version of its device for little kids, complete with conspicuous Bird branding.
Consider a vasectomy because of climate change. Taking children out of the equation might be the best thing you can do to save the planet.
Indian cities are not inclusive enough. They lag far behind places like Vienna and Zurich for equality.
Surprising discoveries
You can’t take it with you. The world’s first “human composting” facility, where human remains are turned into soil, has opened in Seattle.
Even animals have that awkward phase. Youthful animals have poor judgement and engage in risky behavior, just like human teens.
From booty to bounties. Rare coins found in rural England shed light on lost history, but the discovery has already led to arrests.
Tiny hand. Trump’s eccentric handwriting is now a font.
New York is flooding subway station entrances. The city is testing the network’s readiness for climate change.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, awkward puppies, and new fonts to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Ali Griswold and Hasit Shah.