An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Tonight’s Republican debate; machine guns on U.S. streets; fast-food punishment; and more

2023/12/06

Good morning. It's Wednesday, Dec. 6, and we won't be asking Santa for a Cameo from disgraced ex-congressman George Santos this year. Now let's catch up.

What to know: Federal prosecutors went further in tying Trump to the 2021 attack. In a new court filing, they accused him of lying about elections and encouraging violence.
Why it matters: Prosecutors said they intend to introduce evidence of these acts at the former president's criminal election obstruction trial, scheduled to begin in D.C. in March.

The issue: Republicans are demanding U.S. border restrictions in exchange for billions in Ukraine aid. Yesterday, at least a dozen senators walked out of a classified briefing.
What now? The Senate is set to hold a vote on the package today but it appears likely to fail. Without more funding, Ukraine aid could soon run out.
Also in Congress: Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has eased his hold on military promotions, ending a nearly 10-month standoff.

Yesterday: A school where civilians were sheltering was bombed as Israel expanded its offensive in Khan Younis, the south's largest city.
In Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a contentious meeting with families of hostages still held by Hamas, who accused him of not doing enough to return them.

Who's debating? Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Where things stand: Haley has emerged as the most viable alternative to Trump, who will again be absent. The debate is on NewsNation at 8 p.m. Eastern.
In related news: Trump critic Liz Cheney is considering a third-party presidential run.

Two "switches," or conversion devices. (Tom Jackman/The Washington Post)

How? A small device that plugs into some semiautomatic handguns and rifles can make them capable of firing 20 bullets in one second. The devices can be made using 3D printers.
The numbers: In 2021, 27 guns were recovered with these "conversion switch" devices. That rose to 119 last year, and, as of October, the number was over 150.

How much? They're expected to increase by 1.1% this year, a new analysis said. That's despite huge growth in renewable energy and soaring sales of electric vehicles.
What it means: Investment in clean energy is not enough to cancel out the impact of fossil fuels. Temperatures won't start to level off until net carbon emissions reach zero.

Why? Rosemary Hayne, 39, screamed and hurled a scalding chicken burrito bowl at a worker in an Ohio Chipotle in September. She was found guilty of assault last month.
The deal: The judge said Hayne could reduce her jail time in exchange for working 20 hours a week at a fast-food restaurant for two months.

Before you go … did you miss any of this year's best music? Here are our critic's 10 top singles and 10 top albums of 2023.

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.