Good morning, Quartz readers!
Here’s what you need to know
Samsung’s chairman, and South Korea’s richest person, died. Lee Kun-hee, the son of Samsung’s founder, joined his family’s firm in 1968 and became chairman in 1987. He led the company’s transformation into a global technology leader—not without controversy—and has left behind an estimated inheritance of $21 billion.
Hundreds of Taiwanese protested Chinese arrests. Demonstrators gathered in Taipei calling for China to release 12 people from Hong Kong it arrested in August. The detainees had been traveling by boat to democratic Taiwan, which pledged to help Hong Kongers fleeing Beijing’s tightening control and crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
Thailand’s parliament will consider pro-democracy demands. Tens of thousands in the country have rallied for days calling for the constitution to be rewritten, the monarchy to be reformed, and the prime minister to resign. The cabinet is meeting for a two-day session to debate what it will concede.
Top aides to Mike Pence tested positive for Covid-19. Despite the infections, the US vice president will not quarantine and will continue campaigning ahead of the upcoming election, a decision described as “grossly negligent” by one infectious disease expert. The US reported a record 85,000 new coronavirus cases on Friday.
Europe’s second wave of coronavirus infections accelerates. France, Italy, and Spain are enacting new restrictions to curb a rapid rise of Covid-19 cases, including instituting or extending curfews.
What to watch for this week
Monday: US Senate Republicans push through a vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Barrett. Demand for Scrabble and Monopoly is expected to boost Hasbro’s quarterly report. Japan announces a plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Tuesday: India and the US are expected to sign a military pact. Microsoft and Pfizer report quarterly earnings.
Wednesday: Analysts expect Australia’s inflation figure to take a record dive. eBay and Boeing earnings capture the impact of the pandemic.
Thursday: Europe’s central bank meets. A flurry of earnings come out, including Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook, Samsung, Starbucks, Shell, and Twitter.
Friday: The euro zone reports third quarter GDP. A Moody’s forecast predicts EU economies will show significant improvement from spring’s Covid-19 lockdowns, but raised concerns over present conditions.
Saturday: Cities contend with their first post-pandemic Halloween. The governor of Italy’s Campania region has announced a curfew for the holiday, calling it a “stupid American extravagance.”
Charting enthusiastic CEOs
An uncontained pandemic. A shrinking economy. What could corporate executives possibly be excited about?
A lot, it turns out. Executives said they were “super excited” more than ever in the third quarter, according to a Quartz analysis of transcripts from earnings calls, conferences, and analyst and shareholder meetings.
The latest batch of earnings calls in October suggest the corporate big cheese are still in good cheer (or at least pretending to be when analysts and shareholders are on the line). Read more about why executives are so optimistic.
Welcome to the splinternet
For many people across the world, the internet has delivered on its promise to radically accelerate access to information. But it’s become increasingly clear that we don’t have the ideal version of a singular internet that early enthusiasts might have hoped for. The internet’s splintering is accelerating, exemplified by China’s increasingly influential philosophy of cyber-sovereignty, and US president Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a sale of TikTok.
For our latest field guide, Quartz asked experts to help us imagine the experiences of internet users across the world five years from now, based on the present-day battles between tech giants, politicians, and internet freedom fighters that are directly shaping our online future. You can peer into that fragmented future in our guide to the splinternet.
✦ Superglue your splinternet with a Quartz membership today. Use the promo code QZTWENTY to unlock a 20% discount.
Surprising discoveries
The Vatican just named its first African-American cardinal. Pope Francis confirmed the promotion of Washington archbishop Wilton Gregory next month.
A green puppy was born in Sardinia. Pistachio’s rare and temporary hue is from exposure to a green pigment called biliverdin in the womb.
The pandemic is a boost for Barbie. Mattel said parents looking for screen-free ways of entertaining kids have led to the strongest sales in 20 years.
Researchers found a bug so strong a car can’t crush it. They are studying the diabolical ironclad beetle for clues on how to engineer stronger materials.
A horrific Twinkie is stumping scientists. The eight-year old snack, still in its wrapper, has shriveled like a dried mushroom.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, green puppies, and pandemic Barbies to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Marc Bain, Jackie Bischof, John Detrixhe, and Jane Li.