Yesterday, the US agreed to send more than 30 tanks to Ukraine while Germany is sending more than a dozen. It marks a potentially pivotal moment for Ukraine: For months, the country has been in a stalemate with Russia over control of the eastern Donbas region — roughly split between Ukrainian and Russian control. Now, despite a series of victories, Ukraine has started to suffer a setback. And this spring, Russia is expected to launch a major offensive. For months, Ukraine has been asking the West for more powerful tanks. But it's been met with a firm 'no.'
So what changed now?
Pressure. Germany has long resisted sending its valuable, easy-to-maintain Leopard tanks out of fear of provoking Russia. And has said it wouldn't do it unless the US helps, too. Meanwhile, the US has been saying there's no point in sending its Abrams tanks because they're hard to maintain and operate. But after days of international pressure — including from countries like Poland — both are coughing them up.
What does that mean for the war?
It will take months for the US to send the tanks and to train Ukrainians to use them. But the move seemed to have given Germany the push it needed to send its tanks over — and allows about a dozen NATO countries to share their German tanks, too. Ukraine is thanking the allies, but the move falls short of the 300 tanks it has previously said it needs. Meanwhile, critics say the tanks should've been sent sooner. But Russia says the tank shipments take things to "a new level of confrontation." And that these tanks will "burn" like "all the others."
theSkimm
It's been nearly a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. The war has left more than 18,000 civilians dead and cost Russia and the global economy about $2.8 trillion. Dozens of countries have called for the war to be over. Now, Ukraine hopes these tanks will get them closer to the end.
Abortion pills. Yesterday, a pair of lawsuits challenged West Virginia and North Carolina's laws restricting access to abortion pills. In 2000, the FDA authorized mifepristone to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Since then, that pill and others are used in more than half of abortions in the US. But more than a dozen states — including West Virginia and North Carolina — have laws limiting how, when, and where patients can get abortion pills. Now, the lawsuits are calling for the laws to be suspended, arguing that federal policies — not state laws — should determine access to the pills. North Carolina's AG is reviewing the complaint. West Virginia's AG promises to defend the state's abortion law.
Who's saying 'it was more than just one bad apple'...
Abby Zwerner. Yesterday, a lawyer representing the teacher — who was critically wounded after a six-year-old student shot her — said she intends to file a lawsuit. Zwerner's attorney alleges the school administrators in Newport News, VA didn't take action after being warned at least three times by teachers and other school employees that the student had a gun and had threatened multiple people that day. The school district hasn't responded to the claims but the board has voted to oust its current superintendent, effective next week. Meanwhile, police say the child is receiving treatment at a medical facility. The school's been closed since the shooting but plans to add metal detectors once it reopens.
Who's taking a stand…
Pope Francis. Yesterday, in a newly released interview with AP, the pontiff criticized anti-gay laws criminalizing homosexuality as "unjust." Francis called on bishops to recognize the dignity of everyone. Although the pope says that homosexuality is not a "crime" he still recognizes it as a "sin." His remarks also go in hand with his previous approach of being more open to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Metabolism. Mood. Menstrual cycle. What do these bodily systems have in common? They're all controlled by your hormone levels. Which means a hormonal imbalance can cause not-so-fun changes to your body. Think: irregular periods, acne, and thyroid problems, to name a few.
The good news? LetsGetChecked's at-home Female Hormone Health test can provide helpful info about your hormonal and overall health. Read: fertility status, estrogen and progesterone levels, and more. And we tried it out for our latest Skimm Tested review. So you can see what we loved — and whether it's worth buying. (Skimm'rs get a lil' something off the price tag, btw.) Here are our thoughts.
Skimm Life
We're nearing the end of January, which means some of your new-year momentum may be fading fast. Have no fear, we've hand-selected items to keep ya going strong:
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On Our Radar
25% off items in Harry & David's Valentine's Day Collection with code BEMINE25. Like a classic heart-shaped box of chocolates or an Advent calendar for a daily sweet treat leading up to the day of love. D'aww.
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.
Your health is your wealth…Jessica T (GA). After spending 10 years working in the employee wellbeing industry, she founded a company aimed at forging the path of entrepreneurship for other underrepresented women founders.
(Some) Birthdays…Chelsea Wheeler (NY), Whitney Yount (MD), Mille Davis Alderman (AR), Maridee Charlton (CA), Kera Recce (PA), Ely Cabrera (NY), Chris Fretz (NJ), Beth Correll (IN), Alex Melton (CA), Miral Gothi (NJ), Cristina Ramos (NY), Donna Grosser (FL), Niccole Wilson (IL), Kayla Holley (TX), Isabel Ramirez (PA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
