An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: What Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing means; the chances of a white Christmas; why reindeer eyes shine blue; and more

2023/12/22

The 7: What Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing means; the chances of a white Christmas; why reindeer eyes shine blue; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Hannah Jewell

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Good morning. It's Friday, Dec. 22, and if you're tired of sweeping up Christmas tree needles, rest assured that a needle-free floor is in your future. Now let's catch up.

The death toll in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 20,000 people, officials said.

What to know: The Gaza Health Ministry also said over 53,000 people have been wounded in the war, which began after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7.
The bigger picture: Israel's campaign has killed almost 1 in 100 people in the Strip. The number of deaths is far higher than in any conflict in Gaza in recent history.
Today: The U.N. is set to vote on a resolution for increased aid to Gaza.

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Fourteen people were killed in a shooting at a university in Prague.

What we know: The 24-year-old gunman died and around 25 others were injured in the attack at Charles University in the Czech capital yesterday, authorities said.
The bigger picture: Yesterday's attack was one of the worst mass killings in Europe in nearly a decade. Such shootings are rare in the Czech Republic.

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Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday.

Why? It came after the former Trump attorney was ordered to immediately pay $148 million to two Georgia women he falsely accused of trying to help steal the 2020 election.
What it means: Going bankrupt wouldn't get Giuliani out of paying, legal experts say. But he may attempt to appeal the case, which could delay payment or lead to a settlement.

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Colon cancer is rising in young Americans.

The numbers: People under 55 made up 20% of all colorectal cancer cases in 2019, up from just 11% in 1995, a report said.
What's driving this? No one knows for sure. But rising obesity rates, highly processed foods and lack of exercise could all be contributing to this medical mystery.

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Colorado released five gray wolves into the wild.

Why? Three years ago, voters passed a ballot measure calling for the return of the endangered species to the state after an absence of nearly a century.
Will it work? It's hoped the three males and two females released this week will help establish a thriving population. More wolves will be released over the next few years.

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Christmas will be unusually mild across most of the country.

Why? A warm Pacific weather pattern is sweeping over North America. Atypical warmth will stretch from Texas into Canada — and it could even set some records.
So there won't be a white Christmas? Probably not, and human-caused climate change is making them less likely. But you can check your state's chances of snow here.

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Scientists found out why reindeer eyes glow a vivid blue in the winter.

It's a striking trait: Rudolph's red nose may have gone down in history. But, according to new research, his shining blue eyes help to keep him — and other reindeer — well fed.
How? Reindeers' unique eyes change to let in more ultraviolet light. This makes it easier to find their favorite food, lichen, which absorbs UV light and appears dark in the snow.

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Before you go … get ready for Christmas: Plan a festive breakfast with these nine recipes. If you need a last-minute present: Our gift guide is here to help.

And finally … end your week by playing On the Record, The Post's quotable quiz. The weekend version is 10 questions, and you can risk all your points on a final bonus question. Ready to play? Click here. Or try our word game, Keyword.

You're all caught up. We're taking a break for Christmas, but we'll see you on Tuesday. Happy holidays!