What to watch for today
A comet flies close to Earth. Comet P/2016 BA14 will “safely” pass within 2.2 million miles of the Earth, according to NASA’s Planetary Defense Office, making it the third-closest comet fly-by in recorded history. The comet is too small to be seen with the naked eye, but can be tracked with professional-grade telescopes.
Nike reports earnings. The shoe and fitness gear maker’s profits and revenue are both expected to show solid growth thanks the global athleisure boom. CEO Mark Parker may also discuss the impact of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Three western US states hold primaries. Republican and Democratic voters in Arizona and Utah will choose presidential candidates, while in Idaho only Democrats go to the polls. Ted Cruz is expected to win big in Utah, where front-runner Donald Trump is not popular.
While you were sleeping
Intel’s former CEO Andy Grove died. Grove served as the chipmaker’s first hire and went on to serve as CEO, president, and board member before retiring in 2004. He oversaw the release and marketing of the 386 and the Pentium, two chips that became brand names just as famous as the PCs they powered.
Apple launched a smaller iPhone. With its 4 inch (10 cm) screen, the iPhone SE (for “special edition”) looks just like the three-year-old iPhone 5S, but with upgraded components. At the launch event, Apple CEO Tim Cook also reiterated the company would not stand down in its fight with the US government over privacy.
The Justice Department delayed Apple’s hearing. The FBI said they have learned how to unlock a suspected terrorist’s iPhone without Apple’s assistance, meaning the company’s head of product security and privacy will no longer need to testify.
Trump named his foreign policy team. The presidential candidate named five men that will serve as advisors under Alaskan senator Jeff Sessions. They include George P. Schultz, a former diplomat under Reagan, and Carter Page, a former Merrill Lynch executive who has been critical of the US’s role in Ukraine.
A tense and historic meeting in Cuba. During the first visit of an American president to the island since 1928, Barack Obama met with his counterpart, Raúl Castro. Obama said the US trade embargo “does not serve our interests” and called for greater respect for human rights, while Castro called for the US to leave its naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
Quartz markets haiku
A small step higher
on a dull day of trading
but that’s fine by me
Quartz obsession interlude
Joon Ian Wong on why Americans think they’re more productive than they actually are. “Why do Americans think they’re so much better than their fellows at work? It’s difficult to say, Qualtrics’ global insights head Mike Maughan told Quartz, but it could be an overhang from the financial crisis of 2008.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
It’s game over for coal. Market trends and new regulations spell the end of a once-dominant energy source.
The rise of robots is why we need a universal basic income. Many jobs will soon disappear, but that doesn’t mean people should starve.
Global authoritarianism is on the rise. Trumpism is a manifestation of a transnational trend.
Surprising discoveries
The Silk Road used to go through Tibet. An 1,800-year-old tomb suggests that the ancient trade route once scraped the roof of the world.
Norwegians are surfing in the Arctic Circle under the Northern Lights. Thanks to the jet stream, sea temperatures are a balmy 6℃ (43℉).
A record number of Americans blame humans for climate change. But it’s still only 41%, according to Gallup.
Elon Musk’s second wife has second thoughts about canceling their second divorce. They are getting unhitched, again, after all.
The Netherlands is suffering from a criminal shortage. It may have to close five prisons due to a lack of inmates.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Norwegian surfboards, and lumps of coal to hi@qz.com. And download our new iPhone app for news throughout the day.