Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The US Senate votes on two bills meant to end the government shutdown. Both the Republican and Democratic measures are expected to fall short of the 60 votes they need to pass, so the deadlock will likely continue.
The Renault board names a new CEO and chairman. The automaker is expected to choose Thierry Bollore, who has been running the company since Carlos Ghosn was arrested for financial misconduct, and Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard, respectively.
The pope arrives in Panama for World Youth Day. His appearance is clouded by controversy over his handling of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
While you were sleeping
Venezuela’s opposition leader declared himself president, with US backing. Juan Guaidó called on the military and thousands of protesters to oppose authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro, in the most dramatic challenge yet to the left-wing populist movement started by the late Hugo Chávez. Guaidó was immediately recognized by Donald Trump; Maduro retaliated by breaking off relations with the US and expelling all US diplomats.
Nancy Pelosi blocked Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech. The Democratic speaker of the House revoked her customary invitation for the US president to give his State of the Union address to Congress next week, saying he was not welcome until the government shutdown ended. Trump said he would hold an “alternative event” instead.
Michael Cohen postponed his congressional testimony due to “threats” from Trump. The president’s former lawyer was scheduled to testify Feb. 7 before beginning a three-year prison term. Cohen said he feared for his family’s safety over comments made by Trump and his current lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
China’s vice president decried US “bullying” at Davos. In a thinly veiled swipe at Trump, Wang Qishan warned that “unilateralism, protectionism and populism” pose “serious challenges to the international order.” He described China’s 6.6% economic growth rate, its lowest in nearly three decades, as more “sustainable.”
Four men accused director Bryan Singer of sexual misconduct. The director of blockbusters like the X-Men franchise and the Oscar-nominated Bohemian Rhapsody allegedly sexually assaulted a number of underage boys over two decades, according to an extensive report in The Atlantic. Singer denied the allegations.
Quartz obsession interlude
Small talk: Anthropologists believe that the urge to engage in low-stakes conversation is rooted in our deepest natures as social creatures. Small talk is the conversational glue that holds societies together. So, how about that local sports team? Read more in today’s obsession.
Quartz membership
Our complete guide to Crispr explores how disruptive gene editing tools are triggering explosive innovation—and investment—in every industry that involves living things. Plus: Crispr might even cure our hangovers.
Matters of debate
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Retraining US workers displaced by robots will cost an estimated $34 billion. Taxpayers will bear most of the cost.
Regulations will never stop “designer babies.” A Crispr crackdown won’t prevent a technique that’s already being used.
Makeup is the new workout gear. The beauty industry is taking a cue from the athleisure boom.
Surprising discoveries
Boeing has successfully tested a flying car. The first flight of the autonomous Passenger Aerial Vehicle will accelerate the race to build air taxis and delivery drones.
The Gawker reboot imploded in a very Gawker manner. The site’s only writers resigned after disclosing offensive comments made by their editor-in-chief.
Amazon is rolling out delivery robots in a Seattle suburb. For now, the deliveries will be available only to the affluent consumers who live in the company’s backyard.
Brace yourself for a Sweethearts-free Valentine’s Day. The company that makes the beloved candies went out of business, and its new owner is still retooling operations.
Scientists are using facial recognition to fight chimpanzee trafficking. The “ChimpFace” algorithm searches through social media posts for the faces of stolen apes.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, flying cars, and discontinued Valentine’s Day sweets to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Adam Pasick and Holly Ojalvo.