Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Italy contemplates its high-speed future. The government is likely approve a plan to inject €6 billion ($6.7 billion) into replacing copper lines with fiber-optic cables, to create a broadband network that will reach 85% of the country’s population in five years.
While you were sleeping
Hillary Clinton’s email usage was scrutinized. The New York Timesreports that the presumed US presidential candidate exclusively used a personal email account while serving as secretary of state, which may have violated security and record-keeping guidelines. Her office submitted selected emails to the State Department two months ago.
Taiwan wrapped Alibaba’s knuckles. Taiwan’s investment commission said the Chinese e-commerce giant broke investment rules by registering in Taiwan under a Singaporean entity, instead of applying for approval as a mainland Chinese businesses. The company has until August to apply formally, or exit the market.
South Korean inflation fell to a more-than 15-year low. Consumer prices rose only 0.5% in February from a year earlier, falling short of an expected 0.7% rise. Low fuel prices and weak consumer demand prompted speculation that the central bank may roll out new stimulus measures at its March 12 meeting.
Sharp is raising funds to withstand a slump. The Japanese electronics manufacturer is seeking assistance from its biggest lenders on the back of poorer-than-expected smartphone sales, according to Reuters. Shares fell almost 10% in morning trading, and Sharp said it would announce a new business plan in May (paywall).
SPONSOR CONTENT BY COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL
The high cost of climate uncertainty. As snowball fueled debates over climate change rage on, Columbia Business School researchers suggest what we don’t know should cost us more. Read the article. 
Quartz obsession interlude
Gwynn Guilford on China’s latest monetary predicament. “For decades, China has been the global epicenter of cash inflows, thanks to its huge trade surplus and surging foreign investment. No longer. Rapidly slowing inflation is making it harder and harder for Chinese companies to pay down their huge pile of debts. That disinflation is getting creepily close to deflation, when prices start falling. That’s pushing China closer and closer to a liquidity trap.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
It’s time to start worrying about firmware hacks. If manufacturers don’t act, our gadgets could be hardwired for betrayal.
American democracy is doomed. The presidential system of governance may be to blame.
Surprising discoveries
Correction: In Friday’s surprising discoveries we told you that scientists may have found the gene responsible for conscious thought and language. In fact the gene is thought to be responsible for helping to grow the neocortex, where such activity takes place.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, long-term investment plans, and super-stoned bunnies to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter here for updates throughout the day.
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