Morning Brief: December 17

So we've all been enjoying this strange bout of warm weather, most likely. But it's about to get weird, because after a brief cooldown this weekend, the (slight) warmth is likely to come back, and make for a warm Christmas. An unseasonably warm one.

NEED TO KNOW

US and Russia to Team Up Against ISIS Finances  [Wall Street Journal]

Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates  [Washington Post]

New York State Overhauls Solitary Confinement  [New York Times]

Success Academies Will Shorted School Days  [New York Times]

NTSB Releases Photos of Metro-North Crash  [NY Daily News]

WEATHER

Rain expected, 59 degrees high

SPORTS

Yesterday

Knicks beat Minnesota, 107-102

The Nets fell to Miami, 104-98

Today

The Rangers play Minnesota at 8

The Islanders play Colorado at 9

The Devils play Florida at 7

ON STAGE TONIGHT

San Fermin, Sam Amidon  @ Bowery Ballroom at 9

Dar Williams @ South Orange Performing Arts Center at 7:30

Billy Joel @ Madison Square Garden at 8

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today in 1777, France officially recognizes the United States of America.