đ Trumpâs back
Good morning, Quartz readers!
Hereâs what you need to know
President Trump will address global leaders this Thursday. Days after his inauguration, Trump is set to speak, via video, at the World Economic Forum.
Trumpâs tariff threats are looming. Canada and Mexico havenât met the presidentâs criteria and could face steep hikes come February.
Tech leaders praise Trumpâs day-one orders. NetChoice, which represents Amazon, Google, and Meta, calls Trumpâs rollback of Biden-era regulations key to U.S. tech leadership.
A âCrypto Task Forceâ is coming. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is shifting its focus on cryptocurrency assets to create a clearer regulatory framework.
⊠Meanwhile, crypto could be âjust another payment option,â according to Bank of Americaâs CEO. Brian Moynihan suggested big banks may adopt crypto payments if new regulations allow.
Nvidiaâs back on top. The chipmaker reclaimed the title of the worldâs most valuable company, surpassing Apple.
Costco workers plan to strike. Hereâs why
A Costco strike is now on the table, with workers prepared to walk off the job unless the retailer meets their demands for higher wages and better benefits.
The Teamsters union, which represents over 18,000 Costco workers nationwide, has been negotiating for months, arguing that Costcoâs record profits show the company isnât living up to its claims of treating workers better than its competitors. Costco, which employs over 300,000 people across the U.S., has pushed back on these claims.
How long does Costco have to settle the labor dispute? Quartzâs Francisco Velasquez breaks it down.
Los Angelesâ future after the fires
In the past two weeks, wildfires driven by 100 mph winds have devastated northern Los Angeles, burning more than 12,000 buildings and leaving at least 24 people dead.
Thousands have been forced to evacuate as the fires destroyed homes, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. With no significant rain in sight, experts expect the damage to reach tens of billions of dollars, with much of it uninsured.
What are the estimated insured losses, including damage, cleanup, and rising construction costs? Quartzâs Peter S. Green has the details.
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đą Bitcoin will hit $130,000 this year, wealth advisor says
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Our best wishes on a safe start to the day. Send any news, comments, or ski resort recs to [email protected]. Todayâs Daily Brief was brought to you by Francisco Velasquez and Kevin Ryan.