Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The trial of Samsung’s heir begins. Vice chairman Lee Jae-yong, currently in jail, faces charges of bribery and embezzlement in a growing scandal that began with South Korean president Park Geun-hye. The trial is expected to last a few months. Samsung shares have surged despite—or possibly because of—the scandal.
European Union council president Donald Tusk is up for re-election. The former Polish prime minister will likely serve another term, despite opposition from rival Polish lawmaker Jacez Saryusz-Wolski.
The European Central Bank makes a big decision. The ECB’s latest call on interest rates and stimulus measures comes after euro inflation has finally reached the bank’s 2% target. Analysts don’t think the bank will raise rates during its meeting, but it could drop some hints.
While you were sleeping
Softbank is shifting a big chunk of ARM Holdings. A quarter of the UK chipmaker’s shares will be placed in a Softbank technology fund backed by the Saudi government and other Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. Softbank bought ARM in July for £24 billion ($29 billion).
China approved 38 new Trump trademarks. Officials moved with unusual quickness, raising concerns that the US president received special treatment in violation of the US constitution. The trademarks would allow the Trump Organization to open a number of businesses in China, from hotels to lifestyle brands.
Kim Jong-nam’s son released a video about his father’s death. Kim Han-sol said his father was murdered and that he and his family are currently in hiding. South Korea’s intelligence agency confirmed his identity.
ISIL killed dozens after infiltrating a Kabul hospital. Gunmen disguised as doctors launched an attack that lasted seven hours and resulted in at least 30 deaths. The group’s regional affiliate, Khorasan Province, claimed responsibility for the incident.
Tesla completed a Hawaiian solar power project. The Kapaia installation on Kauai includes a 13-megawatt solar system and 52 megawatt hours of Tesla Powerwall batteries. Tesla has a 20-year contract with the island’s utility provider to deliver affordable electricity; the state has the highest rates in the United States.
Quartz obsession interlude
Jenny Anderson on the limited benefits of “adulting school.” “Somehow, Gen X became the suits. Not through any superior abilities or unique confidence, but through paying a lot of bills and taking care of children—a remarkably effective adulting strategy. Their struggles were no less fraught or self-indulgent: They just didn’t feature on Facebook or Instagram.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Alexander Hamilton was a dangerous reactionary. The current darling of American liberals thought democracy was a disease.
What if Donald Trump was a woman? A gender-swapping reenactment of the presidential debates revealed some uncomfortable truths about the US president’s appeal.
Marine Le Pen is luring French women to the far right. Her promise to staunchly defend women against Muslims, immigration, and globalization is gaining traction.
Surprising discoveries
It was eyes, not legs, that led fish onto land. Fossils show that the size of eyes nearly tripled before the water-to-land transition.
Americans are having much less sex than in years past… The cause is still up for debate, but it doesn’t seem to be linked to more work or internet porn.
…Except perhaps on the elite version of Tinder. The secret invite-only service is only available to the ridiculously good-looking, fabulously famous, and mega-rich.
Malta’s “Azure Window” landmark collapsed into the sea. The rock arch, shown several times in “Game of Thrones,” was badly eroded by daredevil tourists.
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