Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
The US releases employment data. The January jobs report will show whether US employers were able to keep up the record pace set in December, and what effect the government’s partial shutdown had on the labor market.
Mike Pence rallies support for Juan Guaidó. The US vice president addresses Miami’s large Venezuelan community today in support of the opposition leader, who declared himself interim president (paywall) of the struggling country last week. The US and 20 other countries back Guaidó, but president Nicolás Maduro, who has the support of the military, has yet to stand down.
A net neutrality appeal. Federal judges will hear arguments over whether the Trump administration’s decision to scrap net neutrality rules in 2017, widely seen as a boon to major service providers, broke the law. A House panel also announced yesterday it will hold a hearing on the issue on Feb. 7.
The US announces its withdrawal from a landmark arms-pact with Russia. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo is expected to make the announcement today, CNN reported. The decision comes after diplomatic talks to convince Moscow to comply with the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty failed.
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement begins. Although it’s unclear how the deal will look after Brexit, regulations for more than $200 billion in trade goods will see significant changes as Japan and the EU enter their free-trade pact.
Energy and health results. Exxon Mobil and Chevron report fourth-quarter earnings today; investors will want to see how Chevron, a major buyer of Venezuelan oil, has been impacted by US sanctions. Year-ahead forecasts by drugmaker Merck and health insurer Cigna will also get close attention.
While you were sleeping
The US polar vortex took its toll. At least 21 people are believed to have died as a result of the record-breaking cold, with temperatures as low as -56˚F (-49˚C) striking the US midwest. The frigid and windy conditions also forced US airlines to cancel two thousand flights. Temperatures are expected to rebound over the weekend.
Trump called border negotiations a “waste of time.” In an interview with the New York Times published late Thursday night, the US president shrugged off (paywall) the usefulness of border wall talks, saying he would build his own if Congress failed to reach an agreement. He also dismissed investigations into associates such as advisor Roger Stone, who was arrested last week.
A mixed score sheet for Deutsche Bank. A weak fourth quarter overshadowed the German investment bank posting its first full-year net profit since 2014. The company is trying to make a turnaround after being hit by allegations of money laundering and ratings downgrades, and plans to step up cost-cutting measures (paywall).
Nintendo and messaging app Line are developing Dr. Mario for mobile. Seen as Nintendo’s latest push into mobile gaming, “Dr. Mario World” is set to be released in mid-2019. Nintendo also reportedly plans to release a mini version of its Switch console this year.
The UAE denied spying on Americans. After a Reuters investigation found that the Middle East country’s cyberspying program used former US intelligence operatives to target rival governments, dissidents, and activists, foreign minister Anwar Gargash said, “We don’t target friendly countries and we don’t target American citizens.”
Quartz obsession interlude
We fear change—especially when it comes to logos. Every new one that comes out runs an internet gauntlet of mockery and disappointment, but legendary designer Saul Bass knew that “failure is built into creativity.” It’s rare for a logo to completely miss, but when it does, the backlash makes it easy to tell. (Just ask the Gap.) Get on brand with the Quartz Obsession.
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All you need to know about water’s global impact. Contributor Peter Green breaks down the Earth’s looming H2O shortage by listing estimated volumes, potential conflict zones, active multibillion-dollar conservation projects, and the biggest companies in the water market—in roughly 500 words.
Matters of debate
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Apple could regulate Facebook. Cutting off the social network’s App Store access is an effective sanction—and a new spin on commercial warfare.
McDonald’s needs to help itself before it can help the environment. Its rocky relationship with embattled franchisees is its biggest barrier to becoming eco-friendly.
The human race needs to hang on for another 100 years. It’s the benchmark to figure out if our species will survive.
Surprising discoveries
American colonization caused an ice age. The murder of more than 50 million indigenous people triggered an imbalance in the New World’s environment.
Elephant seals invaded a Bay Area parking lot. The US government shutdown allowed dozens of adults and newborn pups to take over an unsupervised beach.
It’s hard to say when the Super Bowl “starts.” A theoretical physicist tackled the question for Sports Illustrated using relativity and time dilation.
A drug trafficker altered his fingerprints by burning his skin. Hair transplants, false IDs, and skin grafts helped him evade Spanish police for 15 years.
Rock salt keeps roads safe at a high price. Cheese brine, pickle juice, and potato juice are being proposed as more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, bold logos, and seal pups 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.