Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Italy hosts a peace conference. Leaders of Libya’s warring factions will gather in Palermo in the latest attempt to end years of strife in the North African country. Italy is tussling with France, which has held similar summits, for influence in Libya, an important source of fossil fuels.
Mike Pence talks North Korea in Japan. The US vice president begins an Asia tour in Tokyo, where he and prime minister Shinzo Abe will discuss North Korea and other security issues. Unusually, given their unequal rank, the two will hold a joint press conference.
California’s fires could get even worse. The winds that have fueled devastating fires in recent days are expected to wreak further havoc, with the strongest not easing until Wednesday. That could mean more Hollywood celebrities evacuating their mansions and tweeting about it.
Over the weekend
Emmanuel Macron warned against nationalism. Speaking at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the French president called nationalism “a betrayal of patriotism” and warned that “old demons are reawakening, ready to sow chaos and death.” In attendance were dozens of world leaders, including nationalists Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Alibaba broke a Singles’ Day sales record. The Chinese e-commerce giant’s self-created retail holiday on Nov. 11 led to a record $30 billion (213.5 billion yuan) in sales. But momentum is slowing: The 27% increase was the slowest year-over-year growth in the event’s history.
Oil cuts are coming. OPEC nations will limit oil production at next month’s cartel meeting, Oman’s oil minister told the Wall Street Journal (paywall) on Sunday. Saudi Arabia’s oil minister chimed in to confirm forthcoming reductions in an attempt to drive up lackluster prices.
Florida launched its first statewide recounts ever. Local officials have just five days to tally 8 million ballots and identify the winners in pivotal races for governor and the US senate. Republicans—including Donald Trump—decried attempts to “steal” the elections and filed several lawsuits to halt the process, while Democrats called for every ballot to be counted.
The US won’t refuel Saudi fighter jets heading to Yemen. US support of Saudi bombing flights, long a target of criticism from human rights groups for causing heavy civilian casualties, became increasingly untenable after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate. Saudi Arabia claimed that it asked the US to stop providing inflight refueling on its own.
Obsession interlude
Lipstick is one of life’s little pleasures. During recessionary times, it’s synonymous with an inexpensive way of treating yourself, known as the lipstick effect. It’s also an empowering pleasure, historically associated with Cleopatra, Queen Puabi of Ur, and the suffragette movement. Pucker up with today’s Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Foreign contractors prolong wars. Intended to save money and boost local economies, contractors make war more expensive, less democratic, and more dangerous.
Donald Trump scorned the US military. The president showed his true colors (paywall) by skipping a ceremony honoring war dead and using troops for political stunts.
Eat whatever you want. “Intuitive eating” is the solution to struggles with diet and nutrition.
Surprising discoveries
26,000 Florida voters might have missed their Senate race. A poorly designed ballot in Broward County could have national consequences—again.
One-fifth of China’s homes are empty. A nationwide study in China (paywall) found more than 50 million empty homes, which could be a ticking time bomb for the country’s economy.
Beatboxing is scientifically valuable. Researchers are using MRI scans of mouth percussionists (paywall) to understand language and how the vocal tract works.
Ancient DNA rewrote American history. New research finds three separate waves of migration to north and south America instead of just one.
A wounded animal is the subject of the world’s oldest drawing. The 40,000-year-old cave painting in Borneo is the first surviving human sketch that isn’t a tracing or abstract design.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, beatbox tracks, and ballot designs to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Steve Mollman, Tim Fernholz, and Adam Pasick.