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What to watch for today and over the weekend
The US publishes the final jobs report for 2019. Economists expect that 160,000 jobs were added in December, adding to about 2.1 million in the entire year, more than expected but lower than in 2018. Job growth could continue decelerating in 2020, pulled down by trade conflicts, political instability, and slowing demand.
Australians brace for a weekend of fire. After days of improved weather, temperatures are expected to increase and winds to intensify on Friday, aggravating the bushfires. Australians in targeted areas in the southeast of the country are fleeing their homes or gathering supplies.
Taiwan elects a new president. Incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen faces off against Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu, who is seen as pro-China. Polling shows Tsai winning another term, despite battling homophobic fake news. Meanwhile, people from Hong Kong have travelled to Taiwan to see its democracy in action, Quartz’s Isabella Steiger reports.
While you were sleeping
Iran demanded evidence after being accused of shooting down the Ukrainian plane. Iran’s aviation chief denied the claim by the US and Canada that an Iranian missile downed the aircraft last week, possibly by accident.
Boeing had a mixed day. Shares in the company went up after a missile, and not technical issues, was said to have caused the crash in Tehran, the third involving a Boeing since 2018.
But on the same day, Boeing released damning internal messages. They showed pilots complaining about security issues, while the company worked to avoid regulatory scrutiny. One message said that the 737 Max was “designed by clowns.”
India’s top court told the government to review the internet shutdown in Kashmir. Narendra Modi’s government started an internet blackout in August, before it reduced its autonomy. The supreme court said access to the internet is a fundamental right related to freedom of expression.
A study showed that one in three Hong Kong adults reports PTSD symptoms. PTSD and depression levels in the territory, following months of violent protests, are comparable to levels found in areas that suffered large-scale disasters, armed conflicts, or terrorist attacks.
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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
Want to give good feedback? Do the opposite of Friedrich Bhaer in Little Women.
Quibi thinks it can change the way you watch TV. The short-form mobile streaming service is backed by more than $1 billion from Disney, NBC, and Warner.
Americans don’t care about inequality. They don’t blame their problems on income distribution.
Surprising discoveries
Grass is growing around Mount Everest. It could increase the risk of flooding in the Himalayas, one of the fastest-heating regions in the world.
Americans streamed more than one trillion songs in 2019. It’s a record for services like Spotify, with Taylor Swift, Post Malone, and Billie Eilish some of the most popular.
Taco Bell is now a six-figure job. Persistently low unemployment in the US is causing the chain to offer managers $100,000 salaries.
A flock of new species has been discovered. Researchers have identified 10 new types of birds off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia.
The average human body temperature is steadily dropping. The 98°F (37°C) standard established in 1851 may no longer be accurate in 2020.
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