1. TOKYO OFFICIALLY MOVES OLYMPIC MARATHON TO SAPPORO: Following two weeks of debate, organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have decided to move the marathon event to the northern city of Sapporo, Japan. The International Olympic Committee made the decision due to Tokyo’s severe heatwave, to the objection of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. Associated Press: “The I.O.C. abruptly announced the marathon and race walk changes two weeks ago, fearing Tokyo’s summer heat could produce TV images like those seen last month from Doha, Qatar. Despite a midnight start, dozens of runners collapsed on the marathon course at the world track and field championships. Some were carried away on stretchers, and others rode wheelchairs to ambulances. I.O.C. member John Coates, who has been meeting with Koike for a week on an inspection visit to the Japanese capital, likened Tokyo’s summer conditions to the Arabian peninsula, even after the city agreed to start the race at dawn.” 2. ICE DETAINS WORKER INJURED IN HARD ROCK HOTEL COLLAPSE: Immigration authorities have detained a worker injured in the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans after he spoke about the incident on the news. Delmer Joel Ramirez Palma, who is from Honduras, is one of five workers who sued seeking damages for injuries they sustained in the collapse. The Daily Beast: “Ramirez was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents on Monday, two days after the building collapsed, which killed three workers and injured dozens, Nola.com reports. One of Ramirez’s attorneys, Daryl Gray, said Ramirez has not seen a doctor since he was taken into custody, and that he requires surgery for his injuries.” 3. AIRBNB OFFERING FREE HOUSING TO CALIFORNIA FIRE EVACUEES: The wildfires raging in California have displaced thousands of people from their homes, and Airbnb is offering evacuees temporary shelter for free. Through the home-sharing platform’s Open Homes program, displaced people and disaster relief workers affected by the Tick and Kincade wildfires can book free accommodations through November 7. CNN: “Airbnb is encouraging homeowners in Santa Clarita, Sonoma County, and the surrounding areas to participate by listing their homes for $0 on the site. The Kincade, Tick, and Getty fires have forced many residents to evacuate in the face of encroaching wildfires and power shutoffs. The Kincade Fire alone has displaced almost 200,000 people over an estimated 50,000 acres. … Through Open Homes, Airbnb organizes relief stays for people needing a home or bed in the face of natural disaster, war, conflict, or other disastrous events. The program acts as a tool for people to open their homes in affected areas.” 4. UBER MIGHT SELL CULINARY EXPERIENCES ON FOOD DELIVERY APP: Uber is testing out a new feature on Uber Eats, the ridesharing company’s food delivery app, which will sell culinary experiences such as cooking classes and multi-course dinners. The feature, called Uber Moments, is currently having a test run for users in San Francisco through November 17. Events include a $75 Chinese dumpling making class and a $55 Nigerian dinner. Forbes: “The one-month, one-city trial is very limited for the global ride-sharing giant, but could signal a new revenue source for Uber and a new front for competition. For example, home-sharing startup Airbnb has spent the last three years building out its own Experiences platform to let people book everything from surfing to behind-the-scenes museum tours. It already counts over 1,000 cities on the platform, with more than 40,000 experiences available.” 5. TAYLOR SWIFT WILL HEADLINE ALIBABA’S SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA: Taylor Swift will perform in China at Alibaba Group's annual Singles' Day shopping extravaganza in November. Swift is headlining with other musicians and TV personalities from Asia at the e-commerce company’s annual shopping event, which will be televised on November 10 from the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. The Hollywood Reporter: “More than a few U.S. sports and entertainment figures—including Scarlett Johansson, David Beckham, Mariah Carey, and Daniel Craig—have flocked to the Alibaba-produced spectacle in years past to build their brands among Chinese consumers. But in recent months, U.S. celebrities' eagerness to please the Chinese government and the country's enormous consumer base have begun to be viewed with more skepticism by the U.S. public. … Alibaba's Singles' Day Gala Show, held each year on Nov. 10 and broadcast live across China, has since grown into a hybrid spectacle combining elements of a pop concert with a variety show, the New Year's Eve countdown, and the Home Shopping Network.” |