Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, DC, to meet up with President Biden and Congress — and ask for more support in the ongoing war. It’s the first time Zelenskyy has left Ukraine since Russia invaded 10 months ago. And comes amid the threat of a stalemate between the two countries, with Russia holding onto captured territory in Donetsk and Luhansk and Ukraine keeping Russian forces away in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine. Now, Zelenskyy has traveled thousands of miles to plead his country’s case.
What did he say?
In his historic address to Congress, Zelenskyy thanked “every American family” for the aid his country has received — more than $48 billion this year alone. But as he told lawmakers, the money “is not charity” but an “investment in global security and democracy.” He also drew similarities between Ukrainians to US soldiers fighting during Christmas in the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. And said that many Ukrainians will be celebrating the holiday by candlelight this year, “not because it's more romantic” but because millions won’t have heat or running water. At the end of his speech, Zelenskyy presented a flag from the front lines in Bakhmut. As he put it, all Ukrainians have “the same wish” for Christmas: “victory.”
How did Congress react?
With thunderous, bipartisan applause. In a spending bill the day before, Congress proposed another $44 billion in emergency aid. That’s in addition to the $1.85 billion in military aid President Biden announced yesterday before the two held a joint press conference. Zelenskyy’s also taking home a Patriot missile battery — which can bring down short-range ballistic missiles and some aircrafts. Russia has previously condemned any delivery of advanced surface-to-air missile systems as a provocative step. But Biden promised to stand by Ukraine “as long as it takes.”
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Until now, Zelenskyy has managed to stir up global support for his country through social media and remote speeches before the US and Europe. But as the war approaches a second year, the leader sees an urgency to keep the world’s attention. And the value of making big-ticket asks in person.
A winter storm. This holiday weekend, a storm’s expected to hit the eastern two-thirds of the US. About 200 million people are already under winter weather alerts across 48 states. In some places near the Great Lakes, winds could be as strong as 65 mph and there could be dangerously low temps. And it’s already impacting holiday travel. More than 7 million people have flight travel plans — but airlines have canceled at least 250 flights so far. Cities in the Midwest are bracing for power outages. Now, this could be the coldest Christmas in nearly four decades in parts of the Plains and the Midwest. And the storm could become a “bomb cyclone” by early Friday — bringing heavy precipitation or blizzards.
Flyers, beware: United, American, Delta and other airlines are offering to waive fees for anyone who wants to change their flights (but make sure to read the fine print). Note: airlines are obligated to provide a full refund if a flight is canceled under federal law.
Drivers, too: Along with the weather, congestion could be a problem with more than 102 million people on the road. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recs packing an emergency kit with a cellphone charger, flashlight, extra batteries, water, and snacks. And it might be a good idea to skip using cruise control in slick conditions. But if there’s a blizzard in your path, experts are saying it’s best to stay home.
Where the math might not be mathing…
China. This week, the country said it will only record deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official COVID death toll. Earlier this month, citizens protested China’s strict “zero-COVID” lockdown and policy. The gov responded by relaxing its rules. But the quick change has some saying it caught the country’s healthcare system by surprise. Experts are predicting China's surge in cases could lead to around 1 million COVID deaths next year. Now, this updated definition comes as hearses are reportedly being lined up outside crematoriums. And as cases across the country are skyrocketing.
What people are talking about…
Afghanistan. Yesterday, the Taliban reportedly expanded its ban on women’s education to include elementary school girls. That means the militant group has effectively banned over 1 million women and girls from pursuing an education. To top it off, there are reports that female staff members have also been barred from teaching — one of the few professions left for women to pursue.
Who might have the pieces together…
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Yesterday, he announced that he successfully put together a new coalition...minutes before the gov's deadline. Now his Likud Party is forming the most right-wing administration in Israeli history. Bibi also avoided a sixth election after the country's been dealing with five in the last four years. Next: the Israeli Parliament needs to approve the coalition. Then, Netanyahu gets to go back to the office he left over a year ago.
Whose apology tour is coming to the US…
SBF. Oh and his ex-girlfriend, former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison has pleaded guilty to federal charges.
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Brightly shining…Jodie F (FL). She released her own version of “O Holy Night” in honor of her father who passed away this year. It was his favorite holiday song. Take a listen.
(Some) Birthdays…Seth Reilly (IL), Claire Moskowitz (NY), Sarah Schnall (NY), Mariana Jennings (NY), Leah Motzkin (AZ), Libby Stupica (OH), Lynn Thomas (CA), Macy Barnes (WI), Alice Zhang (CA), Lynn Hogeback (OH), Ani Bland (VA), Mayra Bedigan (TX), Kim Pearson (NJ)
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Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
