Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Japan ponders the state of its economy. The central bank starts a two-day meeting to update its economic forecasts and decide on interest-rate policy. It will be the Bank of Japan’s first revision since Donald Trump’s election sent the yen into a tailspin, boosting the outlook for both exports and investment. Analysts expect the bank to tweak growth forecasts higher (paywall).
Did US consumers splurge in December? The monthly report on personal income and spending is out today, and is expected to show spending rising by 0.2% from the month before in the world’s largest economy.
The clock ticks down 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
Gunmen opened fire on worshippers at a mosque in Quebec. Two men have been arrested for the attack, which happened on Sunday during evening prayers. Six people were killed and eight wounded in what prime minister Justin Trudeau called a “terror attack on Muslims.”
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 predominantly Muslim countries from entering the US—and caused chaos and protests at US airports all weekend. The administration partly backtracked, saying the ban wouldn’t affect green-card holders.
The US recorded its first combat death under the Trump administration. Three soldiers were wounded and one was killed following a weekend raid on al-Qaeda forces in Yemen. The US military said it killed about 14 militants. Reuters reports that medics at the scene said around 30 civilians, including children, were killed.
Toyota lost its crown to Volkswagen. Like the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of the automotive world, the two car companies have been tussling for the “world’s biggest carmaker” title for years. In 2016, VW sold 10.3 million cars, ending Toyota’s four-year reign—it sold 10.2 million.
Benoît Hamon bagged France’s Socialist presidential nomination. The ex-education minister, who’s in favor of universal basic income and cannabis legalization, comfortably beat former prime minister Manuel Valls with 58% of Sunday’s run-off vote. There have been reports of poll mismanagement, with some people claiming they were able to vote more than once.
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 Islam-bashing 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
Joseph Goebbels’ secretary said she “knew nothing.” The assistant to the chief Nazi propagandist spoke to a film-maker last year, before dying last Friday at 106.
“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.
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