🌍 Fauci on omicron

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Here’s what you need to know

Anthony Fauci said omicron might not be too dangerous. But he emphasized that scientists can’t yet make a definitive judgment, and also said the US travel ban on African countries could be lifted soon.

Another Wall Street titan found himself in hot water over China. Billionaire investor Ray Dalio had compared China to a “strict parent,” but tried to clarify the “misunderstanding.”

Aramco raised oil prices in Asia and the US. In those regions, Saudi oil is now the most expensive it’s been since before the pandemic.

BuzzFeed lists on the Nasdaq today. The media company has only raised around $16 million from its public listing so far, with more than 90% of investors already withdrawing from its SPAC.

CNN fired star anchor Chris Cuomo. An external law firm reviewed how he’d helped his brother, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, defend himself against sexual harassment allegations.

What to watch for

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin are meeting in New Delhi today, for the first time in person since 2019.

Talks are set to address:

🏗  Development in Russia’s Far East. India has already extended a $1 billion line of credit to develop the region, which is rich with oil, timber, diamonds, and other resources.

🤝  Defense pacts. The leaders are expected to set up a framework for military and technical cooperation over the next decade, with Putin likely reassuring Modi that Russia’s deepening relationship with Beijing isn’t at the expense of India.

📄  Arms deals. Russia is India’s largest weapons supplier—India is taking delivery of missiles that are part of a $5 billion deal, and could draw US sanctions.

The group of nurses not quitting

Nurses in the US are quitting in droves. But there is a group of nurses who are actually in no rush to leave their jobs: Those born or educated abroad.

Most international nurses in the US (77%) come from three countries: The Philippines, Jamaica, and India. They are more likely to have higher levels of education than American ones—90% have a bachelor of science in nursing or comparable status, compared to 56% of their local counterparts.

In the short term, recruiting more international nurses will help fill some of the gaps, particularly as they are far more likely to prefer full-time employment with one healthcare facility than working as travel nurses, despite the more lucrative nature of contract work.

How to work—and do some good

Ever wonder what a career in social impact looks like, or how to get there? The good news is you don’t have to start from scratch, but rather build on your current skills and discover how they match with your social impact goals.

Whether you’re just starting your career and looking to maximize your potential—or maybe you’re mid to senior level and looking to pivot into work that allows you to spur social change—the latest Quartz at Work from anywhere workshop is for you. Quartz senior reporter Cassie Werber will talk to leaders of companies and nonprofit organizations in the UK, Kenya, and the US about how to make a social impact on the job.

Claim your free spot for the workshop. See you on Dec. 9 at 11am-12pm US eastern time.

Handpicked Quartz

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💲  Even dollar stores are offering delivery now

🤔  Economists are confused by the latest US jobs report

💉  How can scientists update coronavirus vaccines for Omicron?

Surprising discoveries

Hawaii’s big island was hit with a blizzard. Snow on the tropical island’s mountains is common enough, but comes as much of the US sees far less snow than normal.

Most NFTs sell for an average of $15. Only 1% go for more than $1,500.

Bat moms teach their babies directions. Offspring learn as they’re carried upside down through the air.

A French climber was rewarded with a trove of gems he discovered on Mont Blanc. The $340,000 precious stones are thought to be from a 1966 Air India plane crash.

Mizunara oak is what gives Japanese whisky its distinct flavor. Learn what else differentiates the distilling process from your average spirit in the latest episode of the Quartz Obsession podcast.

🥃 Drink up all this season’s episodes on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

Our best wishes for a productive day. Send any news, comments, snow-ready swimsuits, and hidden gems to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Hasit Shah, Annalisa Merelli, and Morgan Haefner.