An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Biden’s 2024 polling problem; Southwest Airlines’ $140 million fine; a huge solar flare; and more

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Good morning. It's Monday, Dec. 18, and here are some timely tips for making holiday gift wrapping less wasteful. Now let's catch up from the weekend.

Three hostages were mistakenly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

What happened? The men were holding a white flag when they were shot on Friday, an Israeli official said. They had been captured in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
The fallout: The deaths have compounded growing concerns over Israel's lax regard for human life in Gaza as it wages a punishing war against Hamas militants.

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Rudy Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million for false election claims.

The case: Two election workers sued the former New York mayor for defamation over his false claims that they helped steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump in Georgia.
The bigger picture: Friday's ruling was the first major judgment against someone in the former president's orbit for pushing the myth that vote fraud tipped the election.

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President Biden is increasingly frustrated by his dismal poll numbers.

What to know: For months, Biden has complained to aides and friends about his low approval rating. In recent weeks, he has grown upset about a lack of progress.
Where things stand: Most polls show Biden trailing Trump, the Republican front-runner, nationally and in key battleground states, less than a year before the 2024 election.
This weekend: Trump quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin and used dehumanizing language to describe undocumented immigrants in campaign speeches.

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Southwest Airlines was fined $140 million for its meltdown last Christmas.

A reminder: The airline canceled or significantly delayed about 16,900 flights. The problems were caused by weather and Southwest's staff scheduling system.
The latest: The Transportation Department announced the fine this morning and ordered Southwest to set up a $90 million fund for passengers affected by future delays.

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The number of fake news sites has increased by over 1,000% since May.

The breakdown: Websites hosting AI-created false articles have increased from 49 to more than 600, according to an organization that tracks misinformation.
It's a problem: AI is making it easy for nearly anyone, from spies to bored teens, to create these outlets and produce false information about elections, wars and natural disasters.

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The NFL playoff picture started to take shape this weekend.

Who's in? The Baltimore Ravens became the first AFC team to earn a spot, winning last night in Jacksonville. The San Francisco 49ers won in Arizona to clinch first in the NFC West.
Other movers: The Dallas Cowboys — who lost yesterday — and Philadelphia Eagles also locked up postseason spots with three weeks to go in the regular season.
Tonight: The Eagles are in Seattle to face the Seahawks (8:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN), who remain in the playoff hunt. But if Seattle loses, the Detroit Lions clinch.

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A massive solar flare launched off the sun.

(NOAA/NASA)

What to know: The flare — an intense burst of radiation — was unleashed by the sun last week. It was the most powerful eruption recorded since Sept. 10, 2017.
Its impact: The flare triggered a shortwave radio blackout over Central and South America. Some U.S. National Weather Service aviation centers reported interference.

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Before you go … just in time for holiday break: Scan our list of the year's best TV shows.

And finally … test your news knowledge with The Post's daily quiz, On the Record. Click here to play. Or try our word game, Keyword.

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow.