Good morning, Quartz readers! We’ve got something new today: an all-new version of the Quartz Index, which highlights statistics that show how the global economy is changing. Like our app, it’s designed to shine on your phone.
What to watch for today
The UN Security Council discusses a chemical weapons attack in Syria. The US, France, and Britain have blamed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for the death of scores of people, including many children. Russia and China have blocked previous attempts to sanction Syria’s use of poison gas.
Chinese construction stocks get a lift. When trading reopens after a two-day holiday, companies like cement maker BBMG are expected to surge on plans for a new special economic zone outside of Beijing. The Xiongan New Area will be three times the size of New York City.
A peek behind the Fed curtain. The US central bank raised its benchmark interest rate in March, signalling increasing confidence in the economy. Details from last month’s meeting will hold crucial clues about future hikes.
While you were sleeping
A top Federal Reserve official resigned for leaking information. Richmond Fed president Jeffrey Lacker admitted that he shared confidential details about the central bank’s plans with a hedge fund advisory service. Law enforcement officials said no charges would be filed.
The Trump administration may demand access to foreigners’ phones. White House officials are reportedly examining a new round of “extreme vetting” that could apply to any visitors. Passwords for social media accounts, email, and financial records could all be fair game.
Spotify struck a deal that will limit access to some top albums. A new licensing contract with Universal Music will allow the label to make non-paying listeners wait two weeks longer than premium subscribers to hear some new music. The deal could pave the way for a Spotify IPO in 2018.
South Africa’s biggest union called for Jacob Zuma to resign. The Congress of South African Trade Unions deepened a rift in the ruling African National Congress by demanding the president’s ouster, following a controversial cabinet reshuffle.
The US approved China’s biggest foreign acquisition. Antitrust regulators cleared state-owned China National Chemical’s $43 billion takeover of Swiss pesticide maker Syngenta, after requiring the combined company to divest three pesticides.
Quartz obsession interlude
Heather Timmons and Zheping Huang on the divergent paths of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump: “While Trump, a first-time politician, flaunted a flamboyant lifestyle through most of his adult years, Xi emphasized restraint and control as he steadily rose through the ranks of China’s Communist Party after a bruising childhood.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
China makes authoritarianism look good. A powerful political system is more attractive than freedom or prosperity.
The man who invented the web is disappointed how it turned out. Tim Berners-Lee is frustrated with pernicious ads and privacy violations.
Comic book fans aren’t into “diverse” superheroes. Marvel says sales of titles featuring women and minorities have been disappointing.
Surprising discoveries
There’s a grammar vigilante roaming Bristol under the cover of darkness. His mission is to correct apostrophe misuse.
Harrison Ford got a slap on the wrist for nearly colliding with a passenger jet. He admitted that he was flying like a “schmuck.”
A Swiss man is being prosecuted for liking a Facebook post. He faces defamation charges in an online spat involving animal rights and anti-Semitism.
Makeup retailers are riding a selfie boom. Shoppers are emulating the looks they see on Instagram and Pinterest.
A prototype amusement park ride feeds on your fear. The Neurotransmitter 3000 speeds up and slows down based on your heartbeat.
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