Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Hackers and counter-hackers convene in Las Vegas. The annual Black Hat and Defcon events will focus on the risks and opportunities in the growing “internet of things,” including smartwatches, thermostats, cars, and other connected gadgets.
Typhoon Nida closes in on Hong Kong. The first major storm of the year will likely brush within 50 km (30 miles) of the city, with gusts of up to 180 km/h. The storm could also wash away contested “islands” in the South China Sea.
Indonesia hosts the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum. The three-day conference in Jakarta will focus on Islamic finance and Muslim-friendly tourism. Leaders and representatives from over 100 countries will attend.
While you were sleeping
Elon Musk’s Tesla agreed to buy Elon Musk’s SolarCity. The rooftop solar firm’s independent directors approved the $2.6 billion all-stock acquisition—that’s $300 million lower than when the deal was first announced. Shares of both companies fell on the news.
Pregnant tourists were warned to stay away from Miami. After 10 more cases of Zika virus were confirmed in Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel recommendation for downtown Miami. The CDC predicts more infections to come, which is worrying for the state’s large tourism industry.
The US bombed ISIL in Libya. Manned and unmanned aircraft conducted air strikes near the city of Sirte at the request of the Libyan government, signaling a more involved US role in the chaotic area. Separately, ISIL militants called for jihad against Russia, which is in talks with the US to strengthen cooperation in Syria.
The owner of Gawker filed for bankruptcy. Nick Denton sought Chapter 11 protection after losing a court battle against former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, who was secretly bankrolled by tech billionaire Peter Thiel. Gawker Media itself has also filed for bankruptcy pending an appeal of Hogan’s $140 million verdict.
Verizon made another big acquisition. After purchasing Yahoo’s core business for $4.8 billion last week, the telecom giant continued its shopping spree with the $2.4 billion purchase of Fleetmatics, which makes software for commercial trucking companies. Verizon hopes to use the purchase to bolster its “internet of things” business.
Quartz obsession interlude
Aamna Mohdin on how the Olympics allow democracies to behave like dictatorships. “There’s a long history of host cities, most of which operate in democracies, temporarily enforcing far-reaching measures to ensure the Olympic Games go ahead without a glitch.” Read more here.
Quartz markets haiku
Oil prices plunge
As supply glut keeps swelling
Time for summer drive?
Matters of debate
Uber’s defeat shows just how hard it is for a foreign company to compete in China. A conciliatory stance toward Beijing left it bruised, if not totally broken.
Compulsory voting may be the key to democracy. Voter turnout is better, and citizens are more politically aware.
Millennials are apt to “confuse happiness with a sofa.” Pope Francis wants them to put down their smartphones and engage with the world’s problems.
Surprising discoveries
Trump and Clinton were chosen by a mere 9% of Americans. The presidential candidates will be fighting to win over 191 million Americans who are eligible to vote.
Scorned Chinese wives are hiring “mistress dispellers.” They offer couples counseling while encouraging “the other woman” to get lost.
MIT has sewer robots named Mario and Luigi. They’re mining urban sewage for data on human health.
Apple replaced the revolver emoji with a squirt gun. A rifle icon was also rejected due to sensitivities about violence.
Japan’s latest beloved mascot is a depressed egg yolk. The cartoon character Gudetama is a runaway success from the maker of Hello Kitty.
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