An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: A historic deal to reduce fossil fuels; today’s impeachment vote; the best meteor shower of the year; and more

2023/12/13

Good morning. It's Wednesday, Dec. 13, and we're sorry to say your chances of a white Christmas are looking slim. Now let's catch up.

What it says: The agreement, adopted at COP28 this morning after weeks of contentious talks in Dubai, calls on countries to start "transitioning away from fossil fuels."
It's a first: In nearly 30 years of the U.N. summit, a deal has never before specifically called for curbing the use of fossil fuels — the biggest contributors to the planet's warming.

What he said: That "indiscriminate bombing" in the Gaza Strip is costing Israel support. It suggests the U.S. is souring on a campaign that has killed thousands of Palestinians.
What else to know: The U.S. has pushed for another pause in fighting to release hostages and deliver aid to Gaza, but yesterday opposed a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire.
In related news: The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning of potential safety dangers in the U.S. stemming from the war.

Why? Republicans want to strengthen their powers to investigate the Biden family's finances. Today's vote could formally authorize the inquiry, which began in September.
What they're investigating: Whether Biden financially benefited from his son Hunter's foreign investment deals. But Republicans have so far failed to prove their claims.

Braugher in 2018. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

How we'll remember him: As Capt. Raymond Holt in the comedy "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." He also starred in the 1990s drama "Homicide: Life on the Street."
What we know: The Emmy-winning actor's talent agency confirmed the death yesterday. Braugher's publicist said the 61-year-old had "a brief illness."

What to know: Emergency room visits for covid-19, flu and RSV are collectively reaching their highest levels since February, but hospitals are not as overwhelmed as last year.
How to protect yourself: The CDC recommends getting vaccinated and ordering free at-home coronavirus tests, as well as hand washing, opening windows and wearing a mask.

The details: Netflix released its first "engagement report" yesterday. "The Night Agent" was its top show from January to June, and "The Mother" was its most-watched movie.
Why it matters: The streaming company has been criticized for a lack of transparency about viewership data. Actors and writers raised the issue during the Hollywood strikes.
In related news: "Home Alone" is one of 25 movies selected for the National Film Registry this year. See the full list here.

What is it? The annual Geminid shower. Rice-size meteors will burn up as they reach the Earth's outer atmosphere, creating colorful streaks of purple, green and amber.
When to look up: You could start to see "shooting stars" clearly by around 10 p.m., but the best time to view the celestial show will be between midnight and 2 a.m.

Before you go … if you didn't catch the "The Discord Leaks" documentary last night: Watch it here.

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.