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What to watch for today and over the weekend
Taiwan elects a new president. The stakes are high the Saturday with incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen facing off against Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu, who is seen as a pro-Beijing candidate. Political polling shows that Tsai is expected to win a second term after Saturday’s votes are counted.
Bangkok protesters “run against dictatorship.” Thousands of runners will toe the start line at the crack of dawn on Sunday in Thailand’s capital for a six-kilometer race to demonstrate against the government. Supporters of prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha have organized a “Walk to Cheer Uncle” in response.
The US publishes the last jobs report of 2019. Economists predict that fewer jobs were created last month than the 266,000 added in November, but the consensus forecast also shows that the 3.5 percent US unemployment rate is expected to remain the same.
While you were sleeping
The first phase of the US-China trade deal is nearly in the books. Beijing confirmed that its top negotiator, Liu He, will be in Washington for a signing ceremony next week. Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump says he may wait on starting the second phase of trade deal negotiations until after the November presidential election.
US and Canada said an Iranian missile is responsible for the Tehran plane crash. Officials suggest the Ukranian Airline’s Boeing 737-800 was mistakenly shot down, killing all 176 onboard. Shares of Boeing rose after the new intelligence countered Iran’s initial blaming of engine issues.
Apple stock reached an all-time high. Stronger than expected iPhone sales in China helped the company’s shares rise over 2%, sending the stock to a new record price of $309.63. The gains also helped push the S&P 500 and Dow Jones to new record highs as well.
Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill passed. The UK House of Commons voted 330 to 231 on a Withdrawal Agreement Bill that clears the way for Britain to leave the European Union at the end of the month.
Political protest won’t be allowed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee ruled that athletes will receive disciplinary action if they demonstrate during competitions or ceremonies. However, political comments made in the media or online during the Games will be allowed.
Mark Zuckerberg ditched his “personal challenge” tradition. The Facebook founder replaced his annual New Year’s resolution routine—which has included tasks such as visiting all 50 US states and running one mile per day—with a set of goals-slash-predictions to take place over the next decade.
A SoftBank-backed construction startup nabbed a big Saudi order. In a rare bit of good news for the embattled SoftBank Vision Fund, one of its portfolio companies, Katerra, has reached a $650 million agreement to build 8,000 homes in Saudi Arabia.
Quartz membership
Arun Paul used to work in resorts. But when he realized his Indian American parents wouldn’t enjoy most senior communities, he founded Priya Living, offering senior housing for immigrant populations. It’s a new model for senior living that’s likely to become more common. Read more about it in our latest field guide.
Quartz obsession
Windmills are making a comeback. While the first recorded use of wind power was in 10th century Persia, the rise of steam power and the spread of electricity led to its decline. But with concerns about climate change fueling interest in renewable energy, wind turbines are becoming more popular. The Quartz Obsession takes you for a spin.
Matters of debate
Fake news prevented a US-Iran war. Misleading statements from both countries’ leaders helped both sides claim partial victory.
Quibi may actually be the next big thing. Short for “quick bites,” the pre-launch streaming service could be the first successful truly premium video experience of the mobile era.
Americans don’t really care about inequality. “People are having problems with their lives but are not blaming them on income distribution,” Harvard’s Robert Blendon says.
Surprising discoveries
Taco Bell is now a six-figure job. Persistently low US unemployment is causing the Yum! Brands chain to offer fast-food managers $100,000 salaries.
Pokémon Go is more popular than ever. The augmented reality game generated nearly $900 million in player spending last year.
A flock of new species has been discovered. Researchers have identified ten new species of birds off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia.
We’re in the age of AI-generated feet. The digital foot photo economy may never be the same.
Athletes’ beds during the Tokyo Olympics will be made of cardboard. Sturdy athletes should not fear: the beds can take up to 200 kgs (440 lbs).
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