The 7 things you need to know for Friday, November 25

1

Russian strikes have knocked out water and power in Ukraine.

• The details: About two-thirds of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, is without heat and about 50% of homes don’t have electricity, as of early today. Fifteen regions are having water supply problems.
• Why it matters: Temperatures are dipping below freezing in parts of the country, and millions are expected to leave their homes in search of warmth and safety.

2

China is fighting one of its biggest coronavirus outbreaks of the pandemic.

• What we know: A record 31,656 infections were reported yesterday. Major cities including Beijing and Guangzhou have ordered residents in some areas to stay home.
• Why is this happening? China’s strict “zero covid” strategy means most of its 1.4 billion people have never been exposed to the virus, leaving them with no natural immunity.

3

Elon Musk said he plans to bring back all banned Twitter accounts.

• When? The reversal would begin next week, according to the platform’s new owner. Users are banned for things like violent threats, harassment, abuse and misinformation.
• Why it matters: This would be “existentially dangerous,” one expert said, and help bring on a “free-for-all hellscape.” But it’s not clear whether Musk has the practical capacity to do this right now.

4

It’s Black Friday, but today will look different than it used to.

• Why? Stores started having sales much earlier this year. That’s partially because they wanted to avoid last year’s supply chain issues and now have way too much stuff to sell.
• So, what can you expect? Discounts on a wider range of products — but watch out for return fees and high shipping costs. We have a full guide here.

5

Florida is still struggling to clean up from Hurricane Ian.

• Why? The deadly storm, which hit nearly two months ago, left behind enough debris to fill the Empire State Building 22 times.
• Where will it go? Temporary dump sites, then larger landfills. But it will probably take months, cost billions of dollars and could have environmental impacts.
• The bigger picture: Costly disasters like this one will probably become more common as climate change accelerates.

6

The U.S. men’s soccer team plays England at the World Cup today.

• What to know: A win against the Group B favorite would be a huge step for the U.S. toward the knockout stage. A tie or loss would set up a must-win game against Iran on Tuesday.
• How to watch: The game kicks off at 2 p.m. Eastern time and will be live on Fox Sports and streaming services. Follow our coverage of today’s matches here.

7

A British Paralympian will become the first astronaut with a disability.

• What to know: The European Space Agency has chosen John McFall, a 41-year-old doctor and medal-winning sprinter, to join its next class of astronauts, it announced this week.
• Why this matters: The ESA hopes this is the first step toward sending a “parastronaut” to space.

And now … if you’re struggling to find that perfect present: Check our gift guide. Plus, here’s what to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers.

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