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DECEMBER 28, 2017

Skimm'd with peppermint tea

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The Library will continue to acquire tweets but will do so on a very selective basis" - The Library of Congress has been archiving every. single. tweet. for years. And just can't anymore.

LET'S SWAP

The Story

Yesterday, Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists swapped hundreds of prisoners.

I'm having flashbacks...

A few years ago, Ukrainians wanted to consciously uncouple from Russia and have closer ties to the EU. Ukraine's pro-Russia president wasn't on board, so they voted him out. Around that time, Russia annexed a piece of Ukrainian territory called Crimea and said 'you're mine now.' And pro-Russia separatists - some of whom wanted to join up with Russia - started rebelling against Ukrainian gov forces. Russia has allegedly been supporting the separatists by arming and training them. The West has pushed back by sanctioning Russia. A ceasefire was agreed to in 2015.

Tell me more.

As part of the ceasefire, both sides were required to hand over their prisoners. That never fully happened, and some prisoners were reportedly kept as bargaining chips. The fighting hasn't really stopped either. More than 10,000 people have been killed since 2014.

Where are we now?

Swapping like its hot. Hundreds were exchanged in the largest prisoner swap since the conflict began.

theSkimm

This prisoner swap could continue into 2018. Unclear why it's happening now, but the US and the EU have reportedly said the swap is a must if Russia wants those sanctions lifted.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What people are watching...

Kabul. This morning, a suicide bomb attack killed dozens of people in a cultural center. Witnesses say an attacker snuck into the basement before the bomb went off. Two other explosions went off after that. This comes days after another suicide attack killed 10 people - and ISIS claimed responsibility. Still unclear who's responsible for today's attack.

What to say when the barista always spells your name wrong...

Still not happy about this. Last night, Republican Roy Moore filed a lawsuit to try to block Democrat Doug Jones from becoming Alabama's newest senator. Earlier this month, Moore - who's been accused of child molestation - lost to Jones in a special Senate election by more than 20,000 votes. Moore didn't concede the race, and said it was too close to call. Now, he filed the suit the night before officials are expected to declare Jones the new senator. Moore claims there might have been "election fraud" because he thinks votes in some counties seem unusual. And he wants a new election. Unlikely that he'll get his Christmas wish this year.

What to say after reading Sec. of State Rex Tillerson's North Korea strategy...

Is this part of it? A North Korean soldier who defected this year reportedly has signs of anthrax in his blood. For years, the US has accused North Korea of developing biological weapons - among lots of other things. The North has always denied it. This seems to signal otherwise. Meanwhile, it's also come out that four North Korean defectors have shown signs of radiation exposure. The North's nuclear weapons testing has led to concerns that it may be exposing people to radioactive material. But scientists don't know for sure what caused these defectors' symptoms. Not super comforting, especially with the Winter Olympic Games just months away...in South Korea.

What to say when you hear why this chess champ is boycotting a Saudi tournament...

Making (chess) moves. Yesterday, officials in Iran's capital said they're going to pump the brakes on arresting people for violating Islamic codes. Iranian law follows a strict interpretation of Islam, meaning people can be punished for everything from dancing to wearing nail polish. Now it's telling citizens to sit back and relax. The change may or may not have something to do with the fact that a huge part of Iran's population is more liberal, young people...that vote. And the president probably wants to stay on their good side. It also comes as Iran's Mideast rival Saudi Arabia has been letting loose too. See: letting people go to the movies, letting women drive. All aboard the progress train.

What to say when there's a Will Smith marathon on...

Here come the men in black.

SMALL BALLS

Playoff vs playoffs

Not the same thing. It's the College Football Playoff. Fun way to annoy your friends: correct them when they say 'playoffs.' It's singular because it's only one knockout round - with one game on each side of the bracket - to decide who goes to the championship. This year, the playoff semifinal games are happening on New Year's Day. #2 Oklahoma's facing off against #3 Georgia at 5pm ET, then #1 Clemson battles #4 Alabama at 8:45pm ET. All on ESPN. Watch here.

SKIMM LIFE

SKIMM FAVES

For when your makeup bag needs a makeover...

Don't miss this. Tarte cosmetics makes Skimm HQ say 'I woke up like this.' And right now, you'll get up to 70% off the price tag on beauty that's good for you. Pretty, prettyyy good.*

*PS This is a sponsored section.

SKIMM TO GO

For when your New Year's resolution is to read more...

Start with our fave books of 2017.

For when the group chat is draining your phone's battery...

We feel you.

For when you need some 'me' time before heading back to work...

Press play on Jamila Woods' album. Skimm HQ'rs are really into "Bubbles" right now.

IPHONE HOME

We want you to say 'cheers' to a smarter year ahead. So this week, get a year of theSkimm App for just $19.99. That's like getting 5 months free. You'll get all the events synced directly to your calendar, Skimm Notes audio, and all our Skimm Reads and Skimm Picks. Get it here.

SKIMM SHARE

The countdown is on. Tomorrow is our year in review Daily Skimm where we unpack all the big moments of 2017. Now's the time to share theSkimm with your friend who doesn't read yet. Resolution to be a good friend, handled.

Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=98d063bf

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Pour it up.

Bob Pittman NY, Henry Kelrick CA, *Allison Holzman NJ, *Kristyn Manoukian UK, *Jessie Dib NY, *Madison Barlow NC, *Lisa Kwit IL, *Sarah Hansen NE, *Blake Acquarulo CT, *Marie VandeVrede NC, *Chelsea Kubasiak MI, *Emma DAntoni VA, *Carly Voinski NJ, *Kira Russell PA, *Eva Neil MI, *Caroline Schaab IL, *Cassie Olson WI, *Joél Payne IL, *Robin Kleban, *Tess Gardephe NY, *Robyn Ellis IL, *Sabina Sobhani CA, *Bailey Jaeger, *Sandi Lara TX, *Kayla Efaw TX, *Sara Shokravi CA, *Megan Kelley OH, *Beth Novick PA, *Olivia Walker NY, Maggie Shea NY, Teri Beardsley VA, Sara Moe NY, Abi White, Kristyn Manoukian UK, Eden Ghebresellassie NY, Sarah McHugh NJ, Kelly Evelyn Yang NY, Caitlin Sperzel ME, Ari Tafreshi TX, Mimi Cordova CA, Alaina Hermanowski PA, Grace Milam TX, Abby Drazner IL, Carly Ilvento NJ, Marianne Crowley MA, Kimberly Sons TN, Maureen Roxbury AZ, Francesca Johnson IA, Carrie Dephillip FL, Ariel Taylor OH, Kathleen Forte FL, Maria Margarites NY, Lauren Gelfarb NY, Brandon Staub NY, Brittany Staub Zeltser TX, Fred Milgrim MA, Courtney Cummings OR, Suzann Braun MI, Shaun Digel PA, Tracy Watters GA, Peggy McMurtry TN, Caitlin Juneau TX, Sara Beth Berman NY, Shannon Swanda KS, Iza Zermeño, Roz Lueck-Mammen WA, Ally Traister NY, Jessica Wilcox MO, Maureen McNulty NY, Amanda Zapp CO