Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
Taiwan elects a new president. The stakes are high tomorrow with incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen facing off against Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu, whose party favors closer ties with China. Polling shows that Tsai is expected to win a second term.
Sinn Fein considers a deal to restore Northern Ireland’s government. The region’s largest Irish nationalist party will consider a power-sharing arrangement with the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party. The regional assembly has been missing in action for three years, and a new election will have to be called if no deal is agreed.
Spain’s prime minister holds his inaugural cabinet meeting. After nearly a year of political limbo, Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Workers’ Party managed to form a coalition government with the far-left Podemos and win a vote of confidence earlier this week. Now his minority government can start governing.
The US publishes its 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% unemployment rate is expected to remain the same.
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.
While you were sleeping
US and Canada said an Iranian missile was responsible for the Tehran plane crash. Officials suggest the Ukrainian International Airlines’ 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.
Australian authorities urged a quarter of a million people to leave their homes. Prime minister Scott Morrison also said the military was on standby to support firefighters as rising temperatures and volatile winds are expected to worsen already deadly bushfires.
Hong Kong’s political crisis is creating a mental health crisis. A long-term Lancet study found a third of adults showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder last year, compared with 5% five years ago.
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
Restricting athlete protests violates the Olympic spirit. The games were meant to unite humanity, and also to strive for a better world.
The Meghan-Harry move is basically a corporate spin-off. The younger, more speculative Sussex unit is hiving off from the legacy divisions of the royal family.
Americans don’t really care about inequality. People aren’t blaming their life problems on income distribution.
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.
The average human body temperature is steadily dropping. The 98.6°F (37°C) standard established in 1851 may no longer be accurate in 2020.
A flock of new species has been discovered. Researchers have identified 10 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 at the Tokyo Olympics will be made of cardboard. Sturdy sportspersons should not fear: the beds can take up to 200 kgs (440 lbs).
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, AI feet, and protest race best times 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 Tripti Lahiri and edited by Mary Hui.