Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Donald Trump holds a border-wall briefing. The day before Democrats are set to take control of the House, congressional leaders will meet at the White House, marking the first time Trump has sat down with leaders from both parties since a partial government shutdown began on Dec. 22. The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are poised to close from today because of it.
US markets kick off 2019. Increased volatility, slowing economic growth, rising interest rates, trade tensions, and a host of other worries loom over trading, after the Dow closed out its fourth-worst December since 1900. Asian stocks slipped on the first day of trading this year, with Europe also off to a gloomy start (paywall).
The US manufacturing sector’s health is measured. Markit PMI, the first of two factory activity readings out this week, was below expectations last month, reflecting a dip in business confidence. The same measure for China released earlier today showed factory activity had contracted for the first time in 19 months, as the impact of US-China trade tensions continued to be felt.
Germany’s money vans decline to deliver. New Year’s shopping in Europe’s biggest economy might take a hit after a union urged drivers of vans that deliver cash to ATMs and stores to go on strike today. In the cash-loving country, roughly 80% of transactions involve paper bills.
Over the holiday
NASA visited the farthest object ever explored. Just after midnight Eastern time on Tuesday, the New Horizons space probe flew by celestial object 2014 MU69, a mysterious chunk of reddish rock 4 billion miles from Earth. New Horizons will spend 20 months transmitting data and imagery on the object, nicknamed “Ultimate Thule.”
Kim Jong Un shared a warning. In a televised New Year’s address, the North Korean leader said denuclearization is his “firm will” and professed interest in another summit with Trump. But Kim cautioned that continued US insistence on sanctions could force him to “consider a new way to safeguard our sovereignty and interests.”
Xi sent Trump—and Taiwan—messages. In a statement marking 40 years since the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations, Xi Jinping on Tuesday expressed willingness to work with Trump on reaching “consensus.” The two countries will resume trade negotiations this month. Xi also said China “must and will be united,” in a speech today delivered to the people of Taiwan.
Elizabeth Warren signaled a run for US president. The Massachusetts senator announced an exploratory committee to assess a potential run in 2020. Warren is the first major Democratic candidate (paywall) to put her name forward for a primary field that many expect to be crowded.
Russia detained a US citizen for spying. The country’s FSB state security service arrested Paul Whelan, a corporate security director and former marine, who was visiting Moscow for a wedding. Russia has provided no details on the nature of Whelan’s alleged espionage activities.
Indian women formed a “wall” of equality. Tens of thousands of women in Kerala formed a series of chains extending 385 miles (620 km) to protest being barred from a revered place of worship for Hindus in the south Indian state. India’s Supreme Court ruled last year that it is unconstitutional to stop women of menstrual age from entering the Sabarimala Temple. Two reportedly entered on Wednesday under police escort.
Brazil’s far-right president was sworn in. Jair Bolsonaro, the controversial new far-right leader of Latin America’s largest economy, took office on Tuesday (Jan. 1) under the protection of more than 3,000 officers. Bolsonaro, who has railed against leftists and the LGBT community, told the 100,000-plus crowd that Brazil was now “liberated” from socialism and political correctness.
Netflix reportedly pulled a satirical episode over Saudi pressure. The streaming giant blocked an episode of American comedian Hasan Minhaj’s show Patriot Act in Saudi Arabia, after Riyadh complained about a monologue criticizing the kingdom’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. HRW said the move undermined Netflix’s claim to “support artistic freedom.”
Quartz obsession interlude
Ashley Rodriguez on Netflix’s ridiculous original-content pipeline. “By Quartz’s measure, the streaming-video giant put out nearly 90,000 minutes—close to 1,500 hours—of original series, movies, and other productions this year. It would have taken more than four hours of streaming per day, every day of 2018, to watch all of it.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
Dry January is about the mind, not the body. Taking a break from booze has some physical benefits, but its biggest payoff is the skill of breaking a habit.
Our phones are disconnecting us. This is the year to start consciously managing your relationship with technology.
All 2019 predictions are nonsense. The prediction industrial complex is built on publicity, ambiguity, and a lack of accountability.
Surprising discoveries
The Earth has buried evidence of a fifth of its geological history. A missing layer of rock known as the Great Unconformity may have been wiped out by planet-wide glaciers.
The maker of the “Pooey Puitton” toy purse is suing Louis Vuitton. MGA Entertainment says its slime-filled poop-shaped purse could not reasonably be confused for a luxury handbag.
The TSA prefers employing floppy-eared dogs. Transportation Security Administration chief David Pekoske said pointy-eared dogs, such as German shepherds, tend to “scare children.”
GE was almost the worst performing stock of 2018. The company founded by Thomas Edison also had its credit rating cut and lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The oldest woman ever might have been a fraud. The daughter of Jeanne Calment, who reportedly died in 1997 at 122, may have assumed her mother’s identity to avoid paying inheritance taxes.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, space pics, and floppy-eared dogs to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Adam Rasmi and edited by Jackie Bischof.