2017, in more ways than one.

Happening in the world: 2017 was the second-hottest year on record, according to NASA. It is behind only 2016, most likely due to the La Niña phenomenon, which cool the Earth down. The globally averaged temperature of 0.9˚C, or 1.62˚F, is more than halfway to the 1.5˚C limit that the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement sought to establish. (CNN)

Happening in the US: Republican and Democratic Senators are at loggerheads, with a vote today determining whether or not the government will shut down at midnight. Republicans are pushing a short-term spending bill which Democrats are resisting unless concessions on immigration, aiding Puerto Rico, and attending to the opioid epidemic are secured. Negotiations have been rocky especially since last week, when President Donald Trump made racially incendiary remarks about Haiti and unspecified African nations during a meeting in the Oval Office. (New York Times)

Happening in NYC: A panel created by Governor Andrew Cuomo will submit a report to Cuomo and the NY Legislature suggesting that drivers in New York should pay up to $11.52 per car trip, in order to control congestion in busy areas and generate revenue for system upgrades for the subway system, which is controlled by the state. (New York Daily News)

Happening on campus: The undergrads who took part in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) will be talking about their experience in biology research, and the program in general, from 12 to 2 pm at Low Library. A “light lunch” will be provided.

Overheard: “2018 is going to be all about aligning myself with the world and the larger, physical universe.”

Antibop of the day: Do yourself a favor and avoid the new Justin Timberlake song, “Supplies,” at all costs.

Burning earth via Pixabay