Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The European Council summit begins… EU leaders in Brussels will discuss Brexit (pdf), migration, climate change, relations with Africa, and an upcoming summit with the Arab League.
…While European and Asian nations convene to talk Korean denuclearization. At the Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels, the leaders of more than 50 countries will also discuss trade and the Iran nuclear deal. On the sidelines of the two-day summit, the EU is expected to sign a free-trade pact with Singapore.
An Indian politician felled by #MeToo goes to court. A defamation lawsuit by MJ Akbar—who resigned yesterday as India’s minister of state for external affairs—against his accuser Priya Ramani will be heard in court. At least a dozen women have since come forward alleging sexual harassment by the former newspaper editor, who is represented by 97 lawyers.
The US Treasury secretary decides whether to attend “Davos in the Desert.” Steven Mnuchin said he will make up his mind on attending the Saudi investor conference after secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who recently went to Riyadh and Ankara, briefs Donald Trump. The list of invitees boycotting the event has grown after dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was allegedly murdered.
China, Japan, and the US join ASEAN’s meeting of defense ministers in Singapore. Southeast Asian nations, keen to maintain good ties with China, may not challenge Beijing over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, but China could face pushback from Japan and the US.
While you were sleeping
The Washington Post published Khashoggi’s last piece. The column, titled “What the Arab world needs most is free expression” (paywall), came with a note explaining the newspaper had held off on publishing the story in hopes Khashoggi would return. “Now I have to accept: That is not going to happen,” wrote global opinions editor Karen Attiah.
Theresa May signaled the Brexit transition could be delayed. After the UK leaves the EU in March 2019, the transition period—during which the country will remain in the customs union and the single market—could be extended another year to the end of 2021. That could buy both sides more time to find a way out of the deadlock over the Irish border, but Brexiteers in her government are angry at the delay while EU leaders say May has offered no new ideas.
Trump will finally name a new top diplomat to Asia. The White House said former Air Force general David Stilwell will be nominated as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, a post that has been unfilled since April last year.
The US Treasury department avoided calling China a currency manipulator. Its biannual currency-exchange report criticized China’s trade and currency practices (paywall), but determined Beijing’s efforts to devalue the renminbi were “limited.” China is on the department’s monitoring list for potential manipulation, alongside Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland.
A US-bound caravan with thousands of migrants gained steam. More Honduran migrants are making the journey to Mexico and then the US, but authorities are trying to stop them after Trump threatened to cut off aid to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Police in riot gear are stationed at checkpoints, but an early group had made it to Guatemala City on Wednesday.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Cynthia Breazeal on how social robots will become family members in the future: “With fewer stay-at-home parents, social robots can serve as personalized practice partners to help with homework and reinforce what children have learned that day in school. Far beyond helping you find recipes and ordering groceries, they can be your personal sous-chef or even help you learn to cook. They can also act as personal health coaches to supplement nutrition and wellness programs recommended by doctors.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Saudi Arabia must be held accountable for more than Khashoggi’s death. Dozens of Yemeni civilians have been killed by Saudi airstrikes, yet the kingdom hasn’t faced real consequences.
Trump’s complaints about rate hikes are a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Federal Reserve has no choice but to continue raising interest rates to appear independent.
You shouldn’t have to pay an extra 20% to be handed a muffin. Cafes’ payment devices guilt (paywall) customers into tipping when it’s not necessary.
Surprising discoveries
Banksy’s shredder malfunctioned. Girl With Balloon should’ve been totally destroyed, instead of partially shredded.
A French perfume maker created a scent derived from waste. “I Am Trash” is created from recycled materials along with notes of strawberry.
You can hire star architects to design structures for your animals. Designer pet furniture can include stylish dog houses, bird cages, and even chicken coops.
Rice Krispies are helping scientists study sinkholes and rock slides. The cereal mimics the Earth’s terrain and can illustrate how natural disasters impact our environment.
An ice shelf in Antarctica is making eerie noises. The Ross Ice Shelf has been humming low tones for years as it vibrates from wind and melting activity.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, breakfast cereal, and rotting fragrances to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Alice Truong and edited by Isabella Steger.