Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Qassem Soleimani is interred in Kerman. After mourners thronged the streets of Tehran yesterday for his funeral, the assassinated Iranian general’s body will be buried in his hometown. Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives will reconvene and are expected to vote this week to limit president Donald Trump’s war powers in Iran.
Spanish lawmakers vote on Pedro Sánchez’s coalition. The country will likely see its first coalition government in modern times, with parliament expected to back the Socialist acting prime minister and his radical left Podemos allies. Separately, Austria’s Sebastian Kurz returns to office as the world’s youngest democratically elected leader.
French unions resume negotiations with the government. Officials have seized on the moderate CFDT union’s offer of delaying financing talks to get over the current impasse about the official retirement age, but hardline unions have vowed to step up protest actions.
CES 2020 kicks off. The exposition formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show showcases the most cutting edge new technology from sex tech products to the long-awaited 5G. Stay in the loop all week by signing up for our CES Daily Brief, brought to you by Quartz reporters on the ground in Las Vegas.
While you were sleeping
The Pentagon chief denied that US troops are leaving Iraq. US secretary of defense Mark Esper said a letter from a general to Iraqi officials about an imminent troop withdrawal was sent by mistake. Separately, former national security advisor John Bolton said he would testify if subpoenaed in the expected Senate impeachment trial of Trump.
Singapore’s opposition party will challenge the country’s fake news law in court. The Singapore Democratic Party said it would take legal action after the government rejected its application to cancel a correction request for Facebook posts that allegedly contained falsehoods.
Harvey Weinstein got hit with new charges. The Hollywood mogul went to court in Manhattan yesterday on two charges of sexual assault, just as Los Angeles prosecutors filed a separate criminal complaint that charges Weinstein with raping one woman and assaulting another, both occurring in 2013.
The Libyan National Army seized Sirte. Troops loyal to general Khalifa Haftar announced possession of a strategic city on the coast after airstrikes paved the way for a rapid advance. Haftar’s LNA counts it as a major victory in its conflict with the ruling Government of National Accord in Tripoli.
Quartz membership
The world is getting older. In the US alone, 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Over the next 30 years, many of them will move into nursing homes and assisted living. This group will redefine what senior living looks like, writes Quartz’s Lila MacLellan in this week’s field guide, giving birth to an era of “geriatric cool” and a new luxury industry that caters to it.
Quartz obsession
Formula One is racing into the future. The world’s classiest racing event is dominated by elite automakers, picturesque locations, and cars that burn as much as 110 kg (243 lb) of fuel before they cross the finish line. But bowing to changing times and a warming earth, F1 has vowed to become carbon neutral by 2030—and may even merge with a rival league, Formula E, that features exclusively electric vehicles. Take a lap with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Don’t second guess yourself. Overthinking makes for worse decisions.
Netflix is doing better than Hollywood. At least in terms of hiring more female directors.
Tech companies can’t make us put our phones down. New features designed to help us limit our screen time are just window-dressing.
Surprising discoveries
A model said her photos have raised $700,000 for Australia’s fire relief. The 20-year-old pledged to send a nude to anyone who donated at least $10 to a charity.
Taiwan’s president is battling a glut of homophobic fake news. The misinformation comes months after Tsai Ing-wen’s government legalized gay marriage and ahead of an election on Saturday.
There’s a new print-only magazine about bathrooms. Called Facility, the publication thinks the culture around restrooms has not been thoroughly plumbed.
Someone planted bedbugs in a Walmart fitting room. Police are investigating after two pill bottles containing the parasites were found.
A walrus shortage may have done in Greenland’s medieval Norse communities. Without tusks to trade, they vanished in the 15th century.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, creative fundraisers, and bathroom reading 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 written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.