Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Japan announces its coronavirus policy… Prime minister Shinzo Abe’s government is due to release rules for both the public and businesses, as the virus continues its spread. The vast majority of cases involve passengers from the cruise ship Diamond Princess, and there’s some concern that their release was premature.
…and Hong Kong enacts a ban on travelers arriving from South Korea. Local residents returning home may still enter the city, but they’ll have to be quarantined for 14 days—the current recommendation by health officials. Those whose flights land before the ban becomes official will undergo rigorous testing.
The market could go either way. Customer relationship management company Salesforce may show an upward tick due to its acquisition of Tableau, and though Macy’s numbers will most likely not be reassuring, JPMorgan’s annual investor day could give some insight into the near future for the bank, which has continued to beat expectations.
While you were sleeping
The World Health Organization says the coronavirus outbreak is not contained. WHO still isn’t calling it a “pandemic,” but says the world should prepare itself for one. As Italy reported more deaths from the virus and the impact on the global economy began to become more clear, stocks took a dive.
Julian Assange began his fight against extradition to the US. Lawyers for the WikiLeaks founder told a London court that the US government is targeting Assange as an “enemy of America” and had considered kidnapping or poisoning him. A final decision could take years.
Harvey Weinstein was convicted. The disgraced Hollywood executive whose misdeeds launched the #MeToo movement was found guilty of a criminal sex act and third-degree rape. While he was acquitted on the most serious charges brought against him, he has been immediately jailed pending sentencing.
A driver slammed a car into a crowd during a carnival parade in Germany. Dozens were injured in the western German town of Volkmarsen, but so far there has been no loss of life. Police said the driver, a 29-year-old German man, acted intentionally, although his motives are still unclear.
Three people died in Delhi protests. Shortly before US president Donald Trump touched down for a visit, demonstrators who oppose India’s new citizenship law clashed with counterprotesters and police, leaving two Muslim civilians and a policeman dead.
Quartz membership
TikTok is China’s first truly global app. With hundreds of millions of monthly users and burgeoning TikTok stars, ByteDance’s hit video app is here to stay. But “TikTok’s roots are a double-edged sword,” writes Quartz reporter Jane Li. This week’s field guide for members tells you why.
Quartz daily obsession
Leopard print spottings are on the rise. Throughout history, the fabric has been the preserve of royalty, the priesthood, high society ladies, and pinup models, but today it’s for anyone who’s bold enough to wear it. Leopard print’s democratization has a lot to do with technological advances that allow machines to cheaply recreate the complex pattern, and with fashion doyens who have decided it’s now “neutral.” Accessorize your mind with the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matters of debate
Corporations speak “garbage language.” What does “parallel path” even mean?
Italy’s coronavirus hysteria is reminiscent of the Black Death. Just as in the middle ages, mobs are taking their anxieties out on scapegoated minorities.
Making friends as an adult doesn’t have to be so hard. Just approach it like dating.
Surprising discoveries
The North Pole is responsible for the world’s warmest winter yet. A low-pressure system has drawn the jet stream north, locking frosty temperatures away.
Some ants use their poison to disinfect foods. Unless, of course, they choose to spray that acid at enemies.
The Friends cast members are each making $2.5 million to hang out for an hour. That’s the price of an unscripted reunion special to publicize HBO’s acquisition of the show’s catalogue.
A lost 18th century crown made its way back to Ethiopia. The rare artifact had been stashed in the home of a political exile who kept it secret until reformist PM Abiy Ahmed came to power.
Warren Buffett finally got a smartphone. The billionaire gave up his signature flip phone and bought an iPhone 11—after purchasing 5.6% of Apple.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, corporate babble, and discarded flip phones 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 Susan Howson and Nicolás Rivero.