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What to watch for today
US senators might vote on a massive coronavirus relief bill. They’ve been debating exactly how to reduce the economic damage. Combined with other actions by the Trump administration and the Fed, the bill could have a $2 trillion net impact on the US economy.
The New York Stock Exchange goes fully electronic. The iconic trading floor at the NYSE is empty for the first time ever, while its home state now has more Covid-19 cases than several major countries.
Joe Biden is giving his own coronavirus briefings. The former vice-president and leading Democratic candidate claims that he’s trying to counteract the “false things” that US president Donald Trump says about coronavirus.
Over the weekend
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The Olympics moved closer to postponement. Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe admitted that pushing back the games is an option. Canadian athletes pulled out of this year’s event, if it happens, while Australia is preparing for the games to be held in 2021. Organizers said they’ll decide within four weeks.
SoftBank announced that it is raising $41 billion. The Japanese bank and tech fund is buying back 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) of its shares in order to reduce its debt. Its stock hit a 12-year high, but many of its investments, like Uber, are struggling badly because of coronavirus.
Social distancing didn’t happen in many places, including California. Governor Gavin Newsom—who asked for help from Tim Cook and Elon Musk, as well as the federal government—told residents to “wake up,” while Los Angeles closed beaches and public parks to prevent people gathering.
Harvey Weinstein tested positive for Covid-19. The convicted rapist and former movie producer is in New York’s Rikers Island prison. Rand Paul (R-KY) became the first senator to contract the illness, and two House representatives have also tested positive.
Italy stopped all non-essential business activities. Prime minister Giuseppe Conte ordered anything that’s not necessary for maintaining the country’s supply chain to remain closed until April 3. Italy has had more Covid-19 deaths than any other country.
Major Indian cities began to shut down. Delhi’s lockdown came into effect this morning, while Mumbai’s commuter trains have suspended operations until March 31. India has more than 300 confirmed cases of Covid-19, but the true number is likely much higher.
Quartz membership
Clear communication of risk is critical in stopping the spread of coronavirus. Visualizations often help, but aren’t always effective. To understand the psychology behind “risk literacy,” watch the first episode of our series RISK, exclusive to Quartz members.
Quartz daily obsession
Bubble wrap is more than just a shipping material. Children and adults obsess over the stuff; it’s had cameos in several films. There are even phone apps that allow users to pop a simulated version of the stuff. How did it become so ingrained in our lives? The Quartz Daily Obsession is here to pop this bubble.
Matters of debate
Coronavirus could leave 30% of workers jobless in the US. That’s according to James Bullard, president of the St. Louis branch of the Fed, who also thinks GDP will slash in half.
Books are essential in a pandemic. They provide escape, perspective, and food for thought at a critical time.
The US government should nationalize healthcare equipment production. It might be needed to avoid a shortage of protective gear for doctors and nurses, and ventilators for patients.
Surprising discoveries
Hunters are protecting tigers in India. The community knows all the tricks, and is effective against poachers.
TV hospital dramas are donating medical equipment. Shows like The Resident and Station 19 have given doctors face masks and other items from their sets.
There are two more species of saw shark. Sporting long, flat noses studded with teeth, the primitive creatures patrol the coast of eastern Africa.
Beans are booming. Sales of pulses are skyrocketing as people stock up on foods with long shelf lives.
There’s an ancient submerged continent in Canada. North Atlantic Craton is 10% larger than scientists previously thought.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Ross’s stethoscope, and Hathaway’s clipboard 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 Hasit Shah and Luiz Romero.