Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Donald Trump delivers a national address. After US senators cleared the US president of charges that he abused his power and obstructed Congress, Trump is set to elaborate on what he called “our Country’s VICTORY on the Impeachment Hoax.”
Several big companies report: L’Oreal and Total are among those to reveal annual results, while Twitter, Uber, and T-Mobile announce their fourth-quarter earnings.
Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg are nearly tied in Iowa. New results from Monday’s caucus showed the two Democrats neck-and-neck, with 97% precincts reporting. Former VP Joe Biden says he is “not going anywhere.”
While you were sleeping
The Trump administration suspended Global Entry in New York state. The Department of Homeland Security has escalated a dispute over a law that allows undocumented migrants to apply for driving licenses in the state, and protects their data from agencies like ICE.
A quarantined cruise ship in Japan recorded 10 more infections. 20 passengers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus aboard the Diamond Princess, where thousands face at least two weeks of isolation. Another cruise liner is quarantined in Hong Kong.
China said it is halving tariffs on some US imports. The finance ministry announced that the reduction will go into effect on Feb. 14, and reiterated its hopes of removing all tariffs in bilateral trade.
Scotland’s finance minister quit. Derek Mackay said he’d “behaved foolishly,” after he was caught sending messages to a 16-year-old boy over a 6-month period, and calling him “cute.”
A record-breaking US astronaut returned to Earth. Christina Koch, a 41-year-old engineer, spent more time aboard the International Space Station than any other woman, and a total of 328 days in space.
Quartz membership
Venture capital has a gender problem. In 2019, just 2.9% of invested dollars went to startups founded by all-women teams. But the industry is starting to change. Quartz contributor Dave Edwards reports on the strategies VCs are using to diversify their offices and portfolios.
Quartz daily obsession
Kali is the feminist icon the modern world needs. She is the Hindu goddess of death and destruction—but also a mother-figure and a representation of love. Her multiplicity isn’t a contradiction, and her images have inspired a style of art, including the Rolling Stones logo. Look in awe upon the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matters of debate
Keep complaining about climate change on Twitter. Your ranting is data, which could help scientists.
The Oscars still matter. But the winners do not.
India’s gig economy is growing. But workers are underpaid, and mostly men.
Surprising discoveries
Watch a giant block of ice split from a glacier. It happened less than a mile away from a news crew.
Researchers grew dates from 2,000-year-old seeds. They were found in ancient caves and fortresses in the Middle East.
OB-GYNs are using Reddit to give advice. The makeshift virtual clinics are a response to public budget cuts and anti-abortion legislation.
Everyone wants one of Anguilla’s .ai domains. The small island raked in $2.9 million in 2018 for vanity URL registrations.
Penguins talk like humans. There is compelling evidence that African penguins have speech patterns similar to ours.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, ancient dates, and huge icebergs to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Luiz Romero and Hasit Shah.