Daily Skimm: UN Climate Change Summit, the US-China Trade Deal, and a Family Heirloom Fruitcake 

NO DICE

The Story

The UN climate summit ended with little to make Greta Thunberg proud.

What's this summit about?

It's intended to address climate concerns and happens every year. But this year, the 12-day summit got a two-day extension to become the longest meeting in 25 years of talks. Even with those extra 48 hours, countries remained divided on how to tackle climate change.

What couldn't they agree on?

Carbon emissions, basically. The Earth's temperature is rising, in part due to more emissions (think: from cars, planes). One of the main goals of the summit was to find ways to regulate the carbon market (read: put a price on carbon dioxide emissions). But delegates weren't able to agree on the terms as major polluters (hi, China, the US, and Brazil) blocked stronger action. And punted a decision on it until next year. It wasn't the only decision that got punted.

Go on...

Another issue that wasn't resolved: how to tackle damage when climate disasters strike. One proposal could have gotten big polluters to pay developing countries who haven't contributed as much to climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the community "lost an important opportunity" to tackle the climate crisis. And that he's "more determined than ever" to address these issues at next year's summit.

theSkimm

This year's summit ended without significant progress on climate change, an issue that's widely expected to lead to more intense storms, droughts, and a refugee crisis...among other issues.

AND ALSO...THIS

Which countries pretty much did a holiday gift exchange...

The US and China. Last week, they agreed to "phase one" of a trade deal after more than a year of negotiations. Under the agreement, the US hit the brakes on new tariffs set to go into effect yesterday. And cut the tariff rate on some tech goods by nearly 50%. In return, China agreed to buy billions of dollars' worth of agricultural goods, as well as to some protections for US intellectual property. President Trump called the deal "phenomenal." But the details aren't out. And critics are wondering if China will keep its word on those US farm product orders.

• Your pocket: This deal means Americans will avoid price increases on some Chinese goods (think: toys, clothing, and smartphones) just in time for the holidays. It may also mean good news for farmers who've taken the brunt of the impact from the trade war so far.

Where there could be a voter purge…

Wisconsin. Last week, a judge ruled that more than 200,000 voters could be dropped from the state's list of registered voters. Back in October, the state elections commission sent a letter to voters who were thought to have moved, asking them to update their registration info. Those who didn't would be removed from the voter rolls in 2021. But a conservative group filed a lawsuit, arguing that by law these voters should only have 30 days to respond. A judge agreed. Now, over 200,000 people face being purged from Wisconsin's voter rolls.

• Battleground state: Back in 2016, President Trump won Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes. Last year, Gov. Tony Evers (D) beat out the Republican incumbent by fewer than 30,000 votes. The stakes here could be high.

• And the winner from this purge is: It's unclear. But one local outlet pointed out that more than half of the people on track to be purged were in areas that voted Democratic in 2016.

What's been writing apology notes…

The Hallmark Channel. Last week, it removed Zola ads featuring a same-sex couple. That's because a conservative group had complained the wedding site ads were ruining the "family friendly" channel. But critics wanted inclusivity. And called for a boycott on the channel at the peak of the holiday season. Now, Hallmark is saying 'oops, never mind' and that it will run the ads.

Who's feeling tail-great…

Joe Burrow. Over the weekend, the LSU quarterback won the Heisman Trophy – an award given to the most outstanding player in college football. He's only the second player in LSU history to win it. And is projected to be the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL next year.

What'll make you say 'thanks, but no thanks'...

This fruitcake.