Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
US national security adviser John Bolton meets Russian officials. They’ll discuss a Cold War-era treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Donald Trump indicated on Saturday he would terminate it on the grounds that Russia has been noncompliant, a move Moscow said would be a ”very dangerous step.”
Rome responds to the EU’s worries over its 2019 draft budget. The European Commission has told Italy, whose rating was downgraded by Moody’s on Friday, the draft budget is in serious breach of EU rules.
Theresa May’s Brexit update. The UK prime minister will tell the House of Commons in a speech that “95% of the withdrawal agreement and its protocols are now settled.” The deadlock over the Irish border, however, remains to be solved.
Officials discuss whether they should create a sanctuary in the Antarctic Ocean. Over the next two weeks, a commission made up of 24 countries and the EU will meet in Hobart, Australia to decide if they should create the world’s largest protected area at nearly 2 million sq km (770,000 sq miles).
Siemens’s CEO decides whether to attend “Davos in the desert.” Joe Kaeser will make up his mind on attending Saudi Arabia’s investor conference, which starts tomorrow, as more names withdraw following the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The US gives an update on the spread of a polio-like disease. Starting today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide weekly updates of new cases of acute flaccid myelitis, a disease that affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis in children. The US has seen a substantial rise in cases in recent months.
Over the weekend
The world reacted to Saudi Arabia’s reversal on Khashoggi’s murder. After the country said the journalist was indeed killed in its Istanbul consulate, the UK, France, and Germany issued a statement saying “urgent need for clarification” remains. Others chimed in, but Trump praised Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom many deem responsible.
About 700,000 people in London rallied against Brexit. In one of the largest demonstrations in UK history, protesters on Saturday called for a second Brexit referendum. Theresa May has ruled out the idea, but it’s gathered support from some parliamentarians.
Deadly attacks disrupted Afghanistan’s long-overdue elections. Voting was extended from Saturday to Sunday because of the Taliban’s threats, and at least 28 people were killed in the country’s first parliamentary elections in eight years. Preliminary results are expected within 20 days.
Taiwan and India mourn victims of deadly train accidents. At least 18 people were killed and 170 injured in Taiwan when a train derailed on Sunday. In India’s northern Punjab state, at least 59 people died and 90 injured on Friday when a train ran into a crowd watching celebrations for a Hindu festival from railway tracks.
Africa’s youngest billionaire was released after he was kidnapped. Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji was dumped at a field near a sports club where he was abducted more than a week earlier. Police said his kidnappers, previously described as white men, communicated in South African vernacular. His family had offered 1 billion Tanzanian shillings ($440,000) for information leading to his rescue.
Quartz Obsession interlude
Lila MacLellan on a simple productivity tip to nudge the easily distracted: “Using any number of apps, you can set up your computer or laptop to chime hourly. That gentle, pleasing sound will nudge you to take a second and ask yourself, ‘Am I doing the thing I’m supposed to be doing right now?’… The hourly chime hack is not new. But usually it’s recommended as a mindfulness tool that can help you remember to breathe or sit quietly for a few minutes.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Welfare and basic incomes don’t produce entrepreneurs. Microfinance, however, creates risk, which can spur people to climb out of poverty.
Elon Musk is too ambitious for Tesla’s own good. The CEO should temper his expectations and take a more hands-off approach if Tesla wants long-term success.
Don’t look for the perfect job right out of college. New grads should take opportunities that let them learn in the working world.
Surprising discoveries
The world’s shortest flight lasts less than two minutes. The journey between two of the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland costs £21 ($27) roundtrip.
A Girl Scout cashed in on Canada’s pot legalization. The 9-year-old sold all her cookies in 45 minutes to patrons in line at a weed shop the day marijuana was legalized.
Steak is a status symbol. Studies find people crave meat when they’re perceived to be of low socioeconomic status.
Scientists found ways to prevent crying. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth or pinching the skin between your thumb and index finger can keep the tears from flowing (paywall).
A Jewish immigrant introduced the UK to fish and chips. Fish prepared “in the Jewish manner” became a Friday tradition for Jews and Christians alike.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Girl Scout cookies, and wagyu steaks 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.