10 Things to Know for Today
Ukraine reports 5,276 new COVID-19 cases Zelensky: Every third Ukrainian considers road construction one of greatest achievements of 2021 Ukraine ready to implement Minsk agreements, but Russia's desire needed - Yermak Michel: EU unanimously agree to roll over economic sanctions against Russia Actions by Ukraine's partners will help prevent worst-case scenario - Zelensky COVID-19 in Ukraine: Health officials confirm 8,899 daily cases as of Dec 17 Macron tells Zelensky he declared support for Ukraine in call with Putin Zelensky, Scholz discuss gas transit through Ukraine after 2024 Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia - Zelensky Ukraine’s only journalist in Russia facing extremism charges - lawyer PM Shmyhal: First two applications for investment projects worth $96 million filed Zelensky, PM of Italy discuss security situation around Ukraine President signs off State Budget 2022 London considering all options for responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine Putin, Biden to hold another round of talks Some 260,000 Ukrainians “victims of human trafficking” over 30 years - prosecutor general Ukraine plans to create center to protect energy infrastructure from cyber attacks No clear idea so far when Normandy Four top diplomats set to meet - German Ambassador Ukraine receives EUR 600M in macro-financial assistance from EU Zelensky holds phone conversation with PM of Israel Ukraine sets new daily COVID vaccination record MFA: European Union has not yet removed Ukraine from list of safe countries Kyiv records 1,023 new COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths G7 ambassadors welcome adoption of law on NABU status Ukraine can increase Covid vaccination rates to 1.5M a week – Liashko

Your daily look at late breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. ALABAMA BANS NEARLY ALL ABORTIONS

The state’s Republican-dominated Senate voted to make performing an abortion at any stage of pregnancy a felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison for the abortion provider.

2. IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER MAKES VEILED THREAT

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says it wouldn’t be difficult for the Islamic Republic to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels amid rising tensions with the U.S.

3. A ‘LITTLE SQUABBLE’

Most global stock markets follow Wall Street higher after Trump downplays his escalating tariff war with China and says a settlement is possible.

4. ‘A PRETTY SCARY TOPIC’

Teachers across the country describe struggles finding trustworthy materials to help them teach climate change.

5. WHO SANDERS’ NEW FOIL IS

Former Vice President Joe Biden has been a declared candidate for fewer than three weeks and already the Vermont senator has emerged as one of his most ardent critics.

6. WHAT CONGRESSWOMEN ARE FORMING

Female military veterans serving in the House say they’re setting up a caucus that advocates for women service members and veterans.

7. SHAREHOLDERS THINKING GREEN MORE THAN EVER

As the Earth gets warmer, investors are increasingly targeting consumer-oriented businesses, internet companies and other businesses that don’t first come to mind as big polluters.

8. AMERICA’S BABY BUST ISN’T OVER

The nation’s birth rates last year reached record lows for women in their teens and 20s, leading to the fewest babies in 32 years.

9. WARRIORS TAKE GAME 1 OF WEST FINALS

Stephen Curry makes nine 3-pointers and scores 36 points, and Golden State beats Portland 116-94 while playing without injured star Kevin Durant again.

10. MONET MAKES MONEY

One of Claude Monet’s haystack paintings fetches $110.7 million at Sotheby’s auction in New York.