Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
The US government shutdown becomes the longest ever. If the stalemate lasts into the weekend—and Donald Trump tweeted that he won’t budge until he receives funding for a border wall—it will set a new record by surpassing 21 days. Meanwhile, unpaid federal workers are resorting to crowdfunding to pay their bills, and Trump has canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Japan and Russia talk territory. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono heads to Russia (paywall) on Saturday to meet with his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about the ownership of four disputed islands that Japan calls the Northern Territories—and Russia calls the Southern Kurils. Moscow summoned the Japanese ambassador earlier this week to discuss comments made by Japan that it felt cast unnecessary tension over the coming negotiations.
A more closely watched inflation report than usual. The monthly release of US inflation data will draw a lot of attention, because Fed officials have suggested in recent weeks that subdued price pressures would persuade them to put off hiking interest rates.
While you were sleeping
Alphabet was sued over allegations it covered up sexual misconduct. A shareholder lawsuit accused Google’s parent of playing a direct role in shielding executives at the search giant who faced sexual misconduct complaints, including approving a $90 million payout to one of them on his departure. A New York Times (paywall) report late last year on Google’s handling of sexual misconduct by top employees prompted a global staff walkout in November.
China lowered its GDP growth target. Reuters reported that the world’s second-largest economy expects its GDP to grow between 6% and 6.5% in 2019, down from last year’s goal of “around” 6.5%. China needs at least 6.2% growth to meet officials’ 2020 goal of doubling GDP over a decade.
Two Myanmar journalists lost a court appeal. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were convicted in September on charges of breaking the country’s official secrets act, a move that drew international outcry. The pair of Reuters journalists had been investigating the atrocities committed against the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority. Their lawyers can launch an appeal to Myanmar’s Supreme Court.
France’s “yellow vest” protests hit luxury goods sales. Richemont, the holding company that owns Cartier and other high-end brands, warned investors about a slump in fourth-quarter European sales (paywall). It said that protests in France caused its stores to close for six consecutive Sundays. The demonstrations began over a now-scrapped fuel tax hike, but have morphed into a broader anti-establishment movement.
Andy Murray said he will retire from tennis. The 31-year-old Brit and three-time Grand Slam winner announced that this would be his last season, citing constant hip pain. Fighting back tears in Melbourne, Murray said the Australian Open, which begins next week, could be his last tournament.
Quartz obsession interlude
Ankle monitors are the worst of GPS technology. From bracelets for teens to trackers for criminals, the electronic monitoring industry has more than doubled in size in recent years. And even when ankle monitors eventually become obsolete, smartphones will keep us all in an open-air prison. Read all about it in today’s Quartz Obsession.
Quartz Membership
The #MeToo movement is an opportunity for Goldman Sachs to be a leader. Talking about diversity is easy, but Goldman has the talent and resources to actually set an example for the notoriously male-dominated finance industry. Read our in-depth interview with former Goldman partner Jacki Zehner, available exclusively with a Quartz membership. You can sign up here for a 30-day free trial.
Matters of debate
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A small “big city” can have deeper connections. Cities that are less dense have tighter communities and provide more reasons to actually try connecting with your neighbors.
A simple Harvard rebranding signals a big change. Going from HBX to Harvard Business School Online shows how mainstream online learning has become.
India’s citizenship bill is effectively a Muslim ban. The amendment to the 1955 Citizenship Act is a thinly veiled attempt at cementing religious divisions, and a clear constitutional affront.
Surprising discoveries
Most fake news is spread by boomers. Adults older than 65—no matter their political leanings—tend to share way more misinformation on Facebook than any other demographic.
India’s young adults don’t care about romance. A Tinder survey says they prioritize travel, careers, solid friendships, and making their parents proud.
Climate change may be fueling bird-on-bird murders. Pied flycatchers are arriving in Europe earlier in the year, interrupting the breeding cycle of great tits, who respond by killing them and eating their brains.
There’s not much untouched Earth left. Humans have modified 95% of the world’s surface, much more than a previous estimate of 81%.
Some plants “hear” through flowers. A study found petals vibrated in response to recordings of a bee’s wingbeats, leading plants to sweeten their nectar.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, bird murder suspects, and fake news from mom 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 Jason Karaian.