Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
China flies its first big jet. Comac’s C-19, roughly the same size as Boeing’s 737, will have its maiden test flight at Shanghai Pudong international airport on Friday. The jetliner, which has suffered from significant delays, will need months or years of testing before it’s ready to carry passengers.
An Indian rocket launch. A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-Mk II) is scheduled to blast off on Friday, carrying a communications satellite for South Asian countries into orbit.
France’s presidential run-off. Centrist Emmanuel Macron has a significant lead in the polls over far-right rival Marine Le Pen, after gaining support during Wednesday’s bruising presidential debate.
While you were sleeping
House Republicans narrowly passed a divisive healthcare bill. The measure—the first step to dismantling former president Barack Obama’s signature legislation—would make it easier for health insurers to restrict coverage, shifting costs from healthier to sicker Americans. It now faces much longer odds in the US Senate.
Donald Trump’s first foreign tour will be to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Vatican. A tour through three of the world’s major religions in late May will put the US president in the middle of the intractable Middle East conflict. Trump’s visit will highlight his campaign promises to bring peace to the region.
Emmanuel Macron filed a defamation claim against Marine Le Pen. During Wednesday’s contentious debate, the far-right leader insinuated that Macron may be hiding offshore bank accounts—a claim also made online by sites with links to Russia, using forged documents. The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating.
Food startup Soylent chugged down another $50 million. The meal-replacement company secured additional funding from Google’s venture capital arm and other investors, despite a string of embarrassing recalls.
Britain’s Prince Philip called it quits. Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and self-described “world’s greatest plaque unveiler” announced that he would cease public duties at the age of 95.
Quartz obsession interlude
Oliver Staley on the tragic twilight of a forgotten comic-book mastermind: “In 1992, Bill Mantlo suffered a severe and permanent brain injury. His outlook began to change about a decade ago, when Marvel entered the movie business … Mantlo received a significant sum for the use of his Rocket Raccoon character from the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movie.” Read more here.
Markets haiku
Metal prices fall / The culprit? No one needs all/ the steel in China.
Matters of debate
Dorms for adults could cure an epidemic of loneliness. The cohousing movement touts hybrid dwellings with shared kitchens and other common spaces.
The GOP health care bill treats being female as a pre-existing condition. Women who have experienced C-sections, sexual assault, and domestic violence would all suffer.
Your financial fate is sealed by the time you turn 25. Pay raises get progressively smaller as we get older.
Surprising discoveries
Apple’s Singapore debut is baffling residents. The new Apple Store’s cryptic icons—🍎 ❤️ 🔴—supposedly reference the island’s “little red dot” nickname.
A plague of insects is eroding Louisiana’s coast. The mealy bug infestation is killing the plants that shore up crucial wetlands.
Elon Musk’s juvenile joke is costing Tesla real money. His plan to name his car models “S,” “3,” “X,” and “Y” only confused consumers.
India is falling for chocolate for all the wrong reasons. Sales are up sharply because 44% of Indians think it’s a healthy snack.
Grease thieves are plaguing US restaurants. The surging cost of biodiesel fuel is to blame.
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