• On Thursday, the United Nations approved a draft resolution to reject President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.  The non-binding measure passed with 128 votes in favor, 9 against, and 35 abstentions. [Al Jazeera]
  • Catalonia held a snap regional election to build a new parliamentary government Thursday after the former parliament was dissolved by the government in Madrid.  Early results indicated that separatist parties would secure a majority to govern the area, indicating continued support for independence after October’s banned referendum. The results of the election are unlikely to quiet the turmoil in the region over Catalonia’s status. [BBC]
  • The Republican-controlled legislature this week passed sweeping new rules that provide tax cuts for the majority of Americans, with the largest cuts going to the very wealthy.  The GOP plans to de-fund social safety net programs in an effort to counteract the cuts’ effect on the national debt. [The Atlantic]
  • Rose McGowan led a round-table discussion about sexual violence with a number of victims and accusers, addressing existing issues within the broader culture and steps forward in the wake of the #metoo movement. [New York Magazine]
  • The GOP continues to scramble for the votes needed to pass a short-term government funding bill and avert a government shut down, which will take effect Friday evening if the legislature fails to take action. [Politico]

FACT OF THE WEEK: The date of the December solstice varies, and it can occur on December 20, 21, 22 or 23.  The last December 23 solstice was in 1903 and the next will not happen until 2303. [TimeandDate.com]