Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Japan ponders the state of its economy… The nation’s central bank starts a two-day meeting to update its economic forecasts and decide on interest rate policy, among other things. It will be the Bank of Japan’s first revision since US president Donald Trump’s election sent the yen into a tailspin, boosting the outlook for both exports and investment. Analysts, eager for any hints on rates (paywall), expect the bank to tweak growth forecasts higher.
…as its earnings season kicks off. Some of Japan’s biggest companies will report earnings this week, including major electronics firms and carmakers, among them Sony and Honda. They’re mostly expected to benefit from the weaker yen. Investors will be watching for any comments about Trump’s vow to impose new import taxes, which could hurt their sales in the US.
The clock ticks on Obamacare. Jan. 31 is the last chance for Americans to sign up for health care under the Affordable Care Act this year. Any boost in sign-ups could complicate congressional Republicans vow to repeal the law.
Over the weekend
US courts pushed back against Donald Trump’s “Muslim ban.” Judges in four states ruled against parts of the US president’s executive orders, which temporarily bar citizens of seven countries from entering the US. Meanwhile, the administration couldn’t decide if green card holders are covered by the order.
Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon joined the National Security Council. The former Breitbart media exec is now a regular attendee at NSC meetings, while officials in two high-profile positions will only sit in occasionally, effectively reducing their roles.
Gunmen opened fire on worshippers at a mosque in Quebec. The attack took place Sunday evening local time during evening prayers. Five people were killed, the mosque president told Reuters, though authorities have yet to confirm the number. Multiple shooters were involved, and police reported two arrests have been made.
The US recorded its first combat death under the Trump administration. Three service members were wounded and one was killed following a weekend raid against al-Qaeda forces in Yemen. American troops killed about 14 militants; it’s unclear how many civilian casualties were involved.
Roger Federer beat rival Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open. Coming off a knee injury and ranked a lowly 17th in the world, the 35-year-old tennis superstar defied expectations and won his 18th Grand Slam. He’s now the oldest male player to have won a singles title.
Quartz obsession interlude
Jenni Avins on how to volunteer like you mean it. “The benefits of volunteering are well-established: It’s good for your body, your mind, and your employment prospects, not to mention, you know, society as a whole. But finding the right opportunity, the one that you’ll commit to and integrate into your life as seamlessly as a solid workout routine or cooking regimen, can be incredibly overwhelming.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
The “Muslim ban” isn’t about protecting Americans. It’s sloppy, hasty, and designed to elevate bashing Islam over any concern for security.
Trade is more powerful than Donald Trump. The US president can’t make the global middle class stop buying stuff.
Guilt is part of Chinese New Year for children of immigrants. It’s tough to carry forward rituals that you don’t actually cherish.
Surprising discoveries
“Note 7 rebels” are clinging to recalled Samsung phones. Some consumers are unconcerned (and maybe even happy) that their device might explode.
Uber hasn’t been all bad for traditional taxi drivers. Wages fell, but the number of cabbie jobs slightly rose in some US cities following the ride-hailing service’s introduction.
Water may have originated deep in earth’s mantle. Scientists think our water could have formed through chemical reactions far below the planet’s surface.
Scientists have asked for help catching a terrifying, poisonous spider. By “milking” its venom, they hope to produce an antidote.
A man blamed his speeding ticket on a speeding deer. The judge didn’t buy that the radar captured the animal instead of his car.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, healing venom, or guilt-inducing New Year rituals to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android.