Daily Skimm

Where Ukrainians are watching closely…

Kherson. Yesterday, Russia said it would withdraw from the southern Ukrainian port city — the only regional capital Russia has captured since launching its invasion in February. It’s not yet clear if or when the military will do it. And some Ukrainian officials are wary that this is a ploy to lure Ukrainian troops to the city. But the announcement comes after a wave of Ukrainian victories, including blocking Russian advances in the summer and retaking key parts of the eastern region in September. It’s also a big messaging reversal for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who just weeks ago took steps toward annexing Kherson. The withdrawal — which could be the most glaring Russian military failure to date — apparently comes as some Kremlin allies are speculating a ceasefire.

What’s on SCOTUS’s mind…

The Indian Child Welfare Act. Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard arguments about the 1978 law that puts restrictions on Native American children in foster care or up for adoption. Specifically, it requires they be placed with extended family, their Native tribe, or in other Native homes before families with no tribal connections. The goal: to ensure a child’s ties to their cultural heritage and community. But several people trying to adopt Native kids and three states have asked the high court to strike the law, arguing in part that it’s racially discriminatory. Meanwhile, defenders say it’s a tribal (and therefore political) issue — not a racial one. Now, the Supremes seem divided on how to handle the law, with Justice Neil Gorsuch joining liberal justices who appear to support upholding it. Other conservative justices questioned whether the law counts as federal overreach. And if it “incorporates” the best interests of Native children. A ruling is expected by this summer.

What said ‘never mined’…

Binance. Yesterday, the world’s largest crypto exchange pulled out of a deal to buy its rival, FTX. The change of heart to bail out FTX follows reports that it “mishandled customer funds" and amid “alleged US agency investigations.” Now, without a lifeline, the three-year-old FTX needs an $8 billion cash influx, now. Otherwise, it’s facing collapse — spelling panic mode for its 30-year-old founder once hailed as the next Warren Buffett. And it signals further turmoil for the crypto market, which has been spiraling for months.

What’s on our minds…

Anxiety. Yesterday, the first study to directly compare medication to mindfulness meditation for treating anxiety found that the two worked equally well. After two months, patients participating in a weekly mindfulness program saw their anxiety decrease the same amount as patients taking anxiety meds like Lexapro. Now, one expert says that the study is reaffirming how “useful mindfulness can be when practiced effectively.” And it couldn’t come sooner: one in five US adults live with an anxiety disorder — an issue the pandemic has exacerbated.

PS: You may have seen people on TikTok doing something called ‘vagus nerve icing’ to treat anxiety. We asked an expert.

While marveling at Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana…

King Charles doesn’t seem to be cracking on.

Who’s jingle bell rocking our world…

Lindsay Lohan.

Who’s ready to talk about her struggles getting pregnant…

Jennifer Aniston.