| | | Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó leaves his hotel in Salinas, Ecuador, Sunday. Source: Getty |
| | IMPORTANT | | 01 | Officials say the death toll could still rise in the aftermath of at least two twisters that left a several-mile trail of destruction through Lee County Sunday — the state’s deadliest day for tornadoes since 2011. “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” one resident said. Gov. Kay Ivey extended an existing state of emergency due to severe weather, and search and rescue efforts will continue today.
Are more tornadoes expected? The worst seems to have passed, but the same storm system is expected to blanket much of the eastern U.S. with winter weather.
Read this OZY story about China’s forgotten natural disaster. | |
| | 02 | Self-declared president Juan Guaidó is planning to return to Venezuela today after defying a travel ban with a tour of several Latin American countries to consolidate support for a transitional government. But amid the threat of legal repercussions, the details of Guaidó’s return are being kept secret. “He can’t just come and go,” embattled President Nicolás Maduro said last week.
What happens now? While it’s unclear whether the Venezuelan opposition can sustain its momentum, the U.S. is already reportedly preparing plans for emergency aid if Maduro’s government falls. | |
| | 03 | Lawyers for Meng Wanzhou announced yesterday that they’ve filed a lawsuit against the Canadian government, alleging that Meng’s Dec. 1 detention in Vancouver — at the request of U.S. authorities — violated her rights. They claim border guards detained and questioned the embattled CFO under false pretenses before formally arresting her. Canadian officials ruled on Friday that extradition hearings against Meng can proceed.
What does this mean for Canada? Ottawa’s now in a major diplomatic spat with Beijing, which has arrested high-profile Canadians in a bid to force the release of Meng, who is accused of skirting U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Don’t miss OZY’s Special Briefing on the Huawei affair. | |
| | 04 | “Today, I think he’s wrong.” That’s how Republican Sen. Rand Paul announced his decisive stance on legislation blocking President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to build his border wall. Paul joins GOP Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis in supporting the resolution, which was passed by the House last week. It now appears set to clear the GOP-controlled Senate — but not by enough votes to override Trump’s veto.
Why does it matter? Observers say this showdown over the separation of powers tests Republican support for presidential policies that could set a potentially dangerous precedent. | |
| | 05 | British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to unveil a $2.1 billion financial aid program for pro-Brexit communities. China’s annual “two sessions” legislative meeting kicks off this week with thousands of delegates in attendance. And President Trump has suggested that the collapse of his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week was due to Michael Cohen’s congressional testimony.
#OZYfact: Water-shaming tactics have helped Cape Town, South Africa, reduce its daily water consumption by 54 percent in three years. Read more on OZY.
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| | | | INTRIGUING | | 01 | “We are prepared to look at it.” So said the country’s transport minister five years after the Malaysia Airlines flight disappeared with 239 people aboard — and 10 months after the most recent search concluded. A widespread effort led by the Australian government and another search by U.S. firm Ocean Infinity attempted to locate the aircraft, but only three confirmed wing pieces have been recovered from the Indian Ocean.
Why now? Ocean Infinity claims new technology could help improve its search effort, prompting interest from the Malaysian government.
Read OZY’s feature about the mysterious plane crash that changed Pakistan. | |
| | 02 | The Confederation of British Industry reported yesterday that its index of private-sector activity dropped three points in February — from zero in January — amid fears of a no-deal Brexit. As the deadline for the British withdrawal from the EU nears, further drops are expected over the next three months. Even if Brexit goes smoothly, the Bank of England predicts the nation’s economy will grow by merely 0.2 percent in the first quarter.
Are all indicators bad? Not quite: Other reports suggest European investment in Britain has more than doubled since the 2016 Brexit referendum, totaling some $31.1 billion in the past year. | |
| | 03 | Try this on for size. A growing number of startups are choosing to make cruelty-free clothing away from traditional hot spots, OZY reports. With new firms in Asia, Africa and Latin America, vegan buyers are no longer limited to producers in the U.S. and Europe. That means lower costs for shoppers too. From vegan tote bags in Singapore to soy leather products in Indonesia, legacy animal-free brands should prepare for stiff new competition.
What’s the market like? Six percent of Americans identified as vegan in 2017 — compared to only 1 percent in 2014 — while the global faux leather market could hit $85 billion by 2025. | |
| | 04 | The popular contestant from Season 13 of the NBC show died this weekend after reportedly suffering complications from a blood clot. The cancer survivor first stunned judges in 2017 with her rendition of the Imagine Dragons song Radioactive, and sheadvanced under Miley Cyrus’ direction. After the competition, the two remained close, with Cyrus even helping Freeman amid financial trouble.
What are Voice coaches saying? Besides Cyrus paying tribute to Freeman on Instagram, Jennifer Hudson called her “a blessing and inspiration to us all.”
Check out this OZY story about French indie labels finding their voice. | |
| | 05 | This is no rough draft. Prospective pros showed off their skills yesterday during the final day of the league’s annual showcase. Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat outshone the competition with the fastest 40-yard dash for a defensive lineman — 4.41 seconds — since 2006. And after going viral over his impressive physique and 1.9 percent body fat, Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf didn’t disappoint with his 4.33-second sprint.
Who’ll be the first pick? Analysts increasingly expect the Arizona Cardinals to kick off the draft next month by choosing Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.
Don’t miss OZY’s feature on Harvard’s NFL dreams. | |
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| | Caught Up? Now Vault Ahead ... | | To get more fresh stories and bold ideas in your inbox, check out The Daily Dose. | | | Fast Forward Demand for animal-friendly clothing is growing globally, alongside pressure to keep prices down. READ NOW | |
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