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What to watch for today
G7 finance ministers discuss the economic impact of coronavirus. They will hold a conference call to plot a joint response to the epidemic, though a draft statement does not currently detail fiscal or monetary steps. The call comes day after the OECD called on governments to act “swiftly and forcefully” to cushion the outbreak’s economic blow.
EU leaders visit the Turkish land border. Among them will be European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as thousands of refugees from Syria and elsewhere have passed through Turkey on their way to Europe since last week.
Super Tuesday. California, Texas, and North Carolina are among the US states hosting primaries for the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. Bernie Sanders could pull away from the pack, but with fresh endorsements from former candidates Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden has solidified support.
China could retaliate against the US for state media restrictions. After the White House announced yesterday that it will slash the number of Chinese nationals employed by state-run media companies to work in the US from 160 to 100, Beijing may escalate the ongoing tit-for-tat.
While you were sleeping
Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory in Israel’s general election. The prime minister, who has been indicted on corruption charges, said the vote was a “giant” success as exit polls showed his Likud party clinching almost a third of parliamentary seats. However, it’s unclear if he and his allies will secure a majority.
China reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases since January. Authorities announced 125 new confirmed infections, suggesting the outbreak there may be coming under control though it’s unclear what will happen when quarantine orders are lifted. Clusters grew globally, however, with cases now detected in at least 70 countries.
Australia said it would use a biosecurity law to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Enacted in 2015, the legislation has rarely been applied outside the agricultural sector. Its use will now be expanded to designate certain places out of bounds and to restrict the movements of those suspected to be infected. Meanwhile, the country’s central bank slashed interest rates by 25 basis points to a record low of 0.5%.
The Vatican announced that it’s sending two sex crimes investigators to Mexico. They’ve been dispatched on a fact-finding mission due to start later this month to address sex abuse and cover-ups within the Mexican Church.
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A college education can’t guarantee success in the digital economy. So what can? Quartz’s Michael J. Coren reports on the challenge to transform education and close the widening gap between a slow-moving higher ed system and a fast-moving economy—without miring students in debt.
Quartz daily obsession
Ghost ships are modern miracles, curious rebels, and the stuff of romantic imagining. Beyond folklore like the Flying Dutchman, real, massive, unmanned vessels remind us that the oceans are wilder and larger than we can fathom. Appearing suddenly on the high seas, stuck in some kind of undead state, they often warn against the dangers of greed, rivalry, or ego—and they could be relegated to history soon. Come aboard at your own risk with the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matters of debate
Europe still wields a lot of power. To make the most of it, countries need to cooperate on issues like foreign policy and security.
Roadkill is an acceptable vegetarian protein source. It’s ethical and makes use of what would otherwise go to waste.
What’s good for the New York Times might be bad for journalism. The newspaper has grown so successfully that it could crowd out the competition.
Surprising discoveries
An archaeology intern unearthed an ancient Roman dagger. The 2,000-year-old weapon might have been used to wage war against a Germanic tribe.
A free WiFi provider leaked the details of 10,000 UK railway riders. The data breach exposed travelers’ personal contact details and dates of birth.
This might be life’s first meal. Scientists found a trio of metal compounds around seafloor vents that can react to form energy-rich compounds crucial for cell growth.
Who is Jan Thiel? On Spotify, an artist with millions of streams. On the rest of the internet, nonexistent.
A new bed for gamers makes some assumptions. The tricked-out furniture provides maximum comfort, but figures you’re probably single.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, your favorite fake Spotify artists, and dug-up daggers 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 written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.