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What to watch for today
Russia punishes Google. Antitrust regulators will decide how much to fine the company for requiring the pre-installation of some of its applications on Android devices. Last year authorities sided with Google’s Russian competitor Yandex, but put off a decision about a penalty.
Macy’s investors are prepared for disappointment. The department store is expected to post lower earnings and revenues as its business struggles against online retailers. Toyota also reports its quarterly results, which are expected to be strong.
The World Economic Forum on Africa kicks off. The conference will focus on using digital technologies to accelerate the continent’s development. It convenes in Rwanda, which has become a regional tech hub, earning comparisons to Switzerland.
While you were sleeping
Republican lawmakers confronted Facebook over its alleged bias. The social media site is accused of manipulating the “Trending News” items that are seen by hundreds of millions of US users. Facebook denies any bias, but a major Senate committee sent CEO Mark Zuckerberg a letter demanding more information.
A US warship raised hackles in the South China Sea. The US navy sailed close to a Chinese-occupied reef, one of many disputed territories in the region. China scrambled fighter jets in response, alleging that the US ship had illegally encroached on its waters.
Barack Obama will visit Hiroshima, but don’t expect an apology. The first visit by a sitting US president to the site of the World War II atomic bombing will include a tour of a memorial later this month. But Obama “will not revisit the decision to use the atomic bomb,” a White House official announced.
A French lawmaker is under investigation for sexual harassment. Prosecutors announced an official probe into allegations that Denis Baupin groped his female colleagues in parliament and sent them explicit text messages. Baupin was France’s deputy parliamentary speaker until Monday, when he resigned over the accusations, which he says are false.
Uber agreed to create a drivers’ guild in New York City. It’s not quite a union: The guild will enable drivers to lobby for better terms and appeal decisions by the ride-hailing giant. But it won’t have the ability to collectively bargain or enjoy other labor protections.
Quartz markets haiku
Long petroleum?
It’s rising today because
Lol nothing matters
Quartz obsession interlude
Anne Quito on how procrastination is essential to creativity. “The purpose of procrastinating, said Konnikova, is ‘to make sure to have perspective before you start working.’ … [When] we’re developing an original idea, a pause gives our brains time to form creative associations, and recognize patterns, or simply see things from a different angle.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
We need to know who invented bitcoin. The real Satoshi Nakamoto could settle crucial disputes about the future of the crypto-currency.
Denmark isn’t the utopia it seems to be. The country has the highest household debt in the developed world.
Legal pot isn’t living up to its promise. Cops are still more likely to go after young black men for possession of marijuana.
Surprising discoveries
Mercenaries are Uganda’s biggest export. Its private military contractors can be found around the world’s trouble spots.
Five islands have been swallowed up by rising seas. They were uninhabited, but other islands with residents are also disappearing.
Engagement rings have a “tainted love” discount. A study found that rings with an unhappy backstory were more than 30% cheaper.
The next Silicon Valley trend is saying goodbye to perks. Free shuttles and laundry services are the first to go when VC money dries up.
Germany had so much renewable energy that it paid people to use electricity. The wind and solar surplus was brief, but a sign of things to come.
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