vox--2020-12-05--The Trump administration extends the freeze on student loan payments through January

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has extended the pause on federal student loan payments due to the coronavirus pandemic through the end of January .
The freeze on monthly payments and the accrual of interest on loans had been set to expire at the end of December , but Democrats and consumer advocacy groups had called for an extension , arguing that repayments should not begin again amid the presidential transition and that they should stay suspended , due to uncertainty over when another coronavirus relief bill may be passed by Congress .
“ The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary pause in payments will help those who have been impacted , ” DeVos said in a statement Friday .
“ The added time also allows Congress to do its job and determine what measures it believes are necessary and appropriate .
The Congress , not the executive branch , is in charge of student loan policy.
” Student loan relief — which began in March through the CARES Act , and was then extended by the Trump administration — has provided relief to over 40 million Americans as the coronavirus pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a strain on household incomes across the nation .
And the economic picture appears unlikely to brighten soon — more than 5.8 million people are unemployed , and a new federal jobs report found job creation slowing .
The student loan freeze has modestly improved credit scores of student loan borrowers and helped borrowers in default avoid penalties for non-payment , such as wage garnishment , according to the Urban Institute .
While DeVos called on Congress to take action on relief , both the executive and legislative branches of government have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politico reports , the coronavirus relief bill passed by House Democrats in May would keep the freeze in place until September 30 , 2021 , unless the unemployment rate improves .
And a bipartisan bill unveiled in the Senate this week potentially offers some kind of relief on payments through March .
When President-elect Joe Biden takes office , he will have the option to extend the repayment moratorium through executive action just as the Trump administration did .
But Democratic leaders , progressives , and many consumer advocacy groups are pushing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Biden ’ s tenure : the outright cancellation of federal student loans .
Student loan cancellation is a hot policy debate on the left Some progressives , like Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) , have argued that the Higher Education Act gives the education secretary the “ authority to begin to compromise and modify federal student loans , ” meaning that the president has the legal power to cancel student loan debt unilaterally .
As Vox ’ s Dylan Matthews has reported , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Warren have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive authority to forgive the first $ 50,000 in debt for every borrower with federal student loans .
( Federal student loans make up over 92 percent of outstanding student loan balances , as opposed to privately issued loans . )
Biden has preferred more modest cancellation measures .
He has expressed support for far more limited student loan relief — forgiving $ 10,000 per borrower — but sources involved in his transition planning discussions told the New York Times that he prefers any cancellation measure to be authorized through congressional legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in taking control of the Senate after Georgia ’ s two runoff elections — and therefore hold both chambers of Congress — there may be some more serious discussion of doing just that .
But if Democrats fail to take control of the Senate in January ’ s runoffs , pressure on Biden to take executive action to forgive loans may intensify .

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has extended the pause on federal student loan payments due to the coronavirus pandemic through the end of January.
The freeze on monthly payments and the accrual of interest on loans had been set to expire at the end of December, but Democrats and consumer advocacy groups had called for an extension, arguing that repayments should not begin again amid the presidential transition and that they should stay suspended, due to uncertainty over when another coronavirus relief bill may be passed by Congress.
“The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for many students and borrowers, and this temporary pause in payments will help those who have been impacted,” DeVos said in a statement Friday. “The added time also allows Congress to do its job and determine what measures it believes are necessary and appropriate. The Congress, not the executive branch, is in charge of student loan policy.”
Student loan relief — which began in March through the CARES Act, and was then extended by the Trump administration — has provided relief to over 40 million Americans as the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy, and put a strain on household incomes across the nation. And the economic picture appears unlikely to brighten soon — more than 5.8 million people are unemployed, and a new federal jobs report found job creation slowing.
The student loan freeze has modestly improved credit scores of student loan borrowers and helped borrowers in default avoid penalties for non-payment, such as wage garnishment, according to the Urban Institute.
While DeVos called on Congress to take action on relief, both the executive and legislative branches of government have options available for extending relief.
As Politico reports, the coronavirus relief bill passed by House Democrats in May would keep the freeze in place until September 30, 2021, unless the unemployment rate improves. And a bipartisan bill unveiled in the Senate this week potentially offers some kind of relief on payments through March.
When President-elect Joe Biden takes office, he will have the option to extend the repayment moratorium through executive action just as the Trump administration did. But Democratic leaders, progressives, and many consumer advocacy groups are pushing for much more sweeping action on loan relief during Biden’s tenure: the outright cancellation of federal student loans.
Student loan cancellation is a hot policy debate on the left
Some progressives, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), have argued that the Higher Education Act gives the education secretary the “authority to begin to compromise and modify federal student loans,” meaning that the president has the legal power to cancel student loan debt unilaterally.
As Vox’s Dylan Matthews has reported, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Warren have called on the Biden administration to use executive authority to forgive the first $50,000 in debt for every borrower with federal student loans. (Federal student loans make up over 92 percent of outstanding student loan balances, as opposed to privately issued loans.)
Biden has preferred more modest cancellation measures. He has expressed support for far more limited student loan relief — forgiving $10,000 per borrower — but sources involved in his transition planning discussions told the New York Times that he prefers any cancellation measure to be authorized through congressional legislation, not executive action.
If Democrats succeed in taking control of the Senate after Georgia’s two runoff elections — and therefore hold both chambers of Congress — there may be some more serious discussion of doing just that. But if Democrats fail to take control of the Senate in January’s runoffs, pressure on Biden to take executive action to forgive loans may intensify.


vox--2020-12-06--Rudy Giuliani is the latest Trump associate to get the coronavirus

President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Sunday afternoon that his personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Giuliani “ has tested positive for the China Virus , ” Trump tweeted , using the racist term he habitually uses for the coronavirus .
“ Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on !
!
!
” Giuliani ’ s positive test comes roughly two weeks after his son tested positive .
It ’ s unclear how and when Giuliani contracted the virus .
Giuliani has been traveling constantly across the country in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election , and has been in Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Arizona — all states with high virus case numbers — in the past two weeks .
He has been in contact with members of Trump ’ s legal team in recent days , as well as witnesses incorrectly alleging voting improprieties , and Michigan lawmakers .
On Wednesday , he participated in testimony falsely claiming that votes were illegally cast in Michigan in an indoor , largely maskless session before Michigan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani was infected , those in attendance may be at risk of exposure .
The president did not say on Sunday whether Giuliani is symptomatic , or if he plans to isolate to avoid infecting others with Covid-19 .
At 76 years old , and identifying as male , he is in a group considered to be at greater risk for complications and more negative outcomes of the disease .
Giuliani is the latest of many figures and staffers in the president ’ s orbit to contract the coronavirus , including Trump himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , his chief of staff , multiple senior advisers , and the White House press secretary .
All together , more than a dozen people in the president ’ s personal orbit have tested positive since October .
Some of this spread has been attributed to the fact that Trump ’ s inner circle has routinely declined to wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols .
For instance , the president has held a number of large , maskless indoor events — including a party celebrating Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ super spreader ” event by top federal infectious disease expert and national coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci .
Giuliani has participated in a number of these sorts of high-risk events , from the hearing on Wednesday to a rally the former mayor held for Trump ahead of the election .
Like many on the president ’ s team , Giuliani has not shown strong support for precautions like mask wearing ; in October , Giuliani criticized President-elect Joe Biden for his mask-wearing habit , and said that his use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It isn ’ t science to be wearing that mask , Joe , when you are giving a speech and people are 30-40 feet away from you , ” Giuliani said during an interview with Fox News .
“ The only thing you can infect is the teleprompter that ’ s near you .
So , I see through you .
That ’ s a political statement to scare people , wearing that mask .
You do not need that mask when you are standing at a podium .
”

President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Sunday afternoon that his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Giuliani “has tested positive for the China Virus,” Trump tweeted, using the racist term he habitually uses for the coronavirus. “Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!”
.@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2020
Giuliani’s positive test comes roughly two weeks after his son tested positive. It’s unclear how and when Giuliani contracted the virus.
Giuliani has been traveling constantly across the country in recent weeks, leading Trump’s failing legal efforts to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election, and has been in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona — all states with high virus case numbers — in the past two weeks. He has been in contact with members of Trump’s legal team in recent days, as well as witnesses incorrectly alleging voting improprieties, and Michigan lawmakers.
On Wednesday, he participated in testimony falsely claiming that votes were illegally cast in Michigan in an indoor, largely maskless session before Michigan’s House Oversight Committee. Depending on when Giuliani was infected, those in attendance may be at risk of exposure.
The president did not say on Sunday whether Giuliani is symptomatic, or if he plans to isolate to avoid infecting others with Covid-19. At 76 years old and male, he is in a group considered to be at greater risk for complications and more negative outcomes of the disease.
Giuliani is the latest of many figures and staffers in the president’s orbit to contract the coronavirus, including Trump himself, much of the president’s family, his chief of staff, multiple senior advisers, and the White House press secretary. All together, more than a dozen people in the president’s personal orbit have tested positive since October.
Some of this spread has been attributed to the fact that Trump’s inner circle has routinely declined to wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols. For instance, the president has held a number of large, maskless indoor events — including a party celebrating Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. That party was labeled a superspreader event by top federal infectious disease expert and national coronavirus task force member Anthony Fauci.
Giuliani has participated in a number of these sorts of high-risk events, from the hearing on Wednesday to a rally the former mayor held for Trump ahead of the election. Like many on the president’s team, Giuliani has not shown strong support for precautions like mask-wearing; in October, Giuliani criticized President-elect Joe Biden for his mask-wearing habit and said that his use of them was meant to induce fear.
“It isn’t science to be wearing that mask, Joe, when you are giving a speech and people are 30-40 feet away from you,” Giuliani said during an interview with Fox News. “The only thing you can infect is the teleprompter that’s near you. So, I see through you. That’s a political statement to scare people, wearing that mask. You do not need that mask when you are standing at a podium.”


vox--2020-12-06--Report: Microwave weapons may be behind mysterious illness afflicting US officials abroad

A new report from the National Academy of Sciences has found “ directed ” radio frequency energy to be the most plausible explanation for mysterious and debilitating neurological symptoms experienced by dozens of American diplomats and intelligence operatives in Cuba , China , and other countries starting in late 2016 .
The State Department-commissioned report , reviewed by a number of journalists — including at NBC News and the New York Times — does not come to firm conclusions about the origins and nature of the affliction often referred to as “ Havana syndrome , ” but its account gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of deliberate attacks — which some members of the intelligence community suspect may have been carried out by Russia .
The symptoms suffered by those afflicted with Havana syndrome vary , but in reported cases , many experienced nausea , headaches , dizziness , and loss of hearing .
These maladies were sometimes so severe and long-lasting that they caused officials to retire early .
As the New York Times explains , the language of the report suggests an intentional attack was behind the strange symptoms , and that they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of radiation that includes microwaves — since it describes the attacks as “ directed ” and “ pulsed.
” However , the report stated that the National Academy of Sciences “ can not rule out other possible mechanisms and considers it likely that a multiplicity of factors explains some cases and the differences between others.
” The report concludes that “ the larger issue is preparedness for new and unknown threats that might compromise the health and safety of U.S. diplomats serving abroad , ” and notes that future instances may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” at least in part because attacks could be spaced farther apart , or used in a more targeted manner .
“ These injuries have tormented those afflicted .
Their illnesses and suffering are real and demand action from Congress , ” tweeted Sen. Jeanne Shaheen ( D-NH ) , who led successful calls to have the full report given to Congress for review .
“ To start , the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold a hearing on this ASAP so we can hear from Secretary [ of State Mike ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to uncover the source of these attacks and protect our public servants.
” Speculation about Havana syndrome has been ongoing for years Beginning in Cuba in November 2016 , over a dozen American diplomats reported feeling ill with mysterious and severe symptoms like loss of hearing and loss of balance .
Shortly thereafter , experts began to speculate that they may have been attacked by a sonic weapon wielded by Cuban intelligence .
Similar sets of symptoms also surfaced in other places .
Americans at the US Consulate in Guangzhou , China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As GQ and the New York Times have reported , in the last year , a number of new incidents have been reported by CIA officers in Europe and Asia .
The timeline of the incidents , the plausible explanation of microwave weapons , and the specific locations in which they occurred have raised questions of whether Russia is behind them .
In 2018 , US intelligence officials described Russia as the primary suspect behind what they believed to be attacks in Cuba and China .
Russia has denied any involvement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , no conclusive intelligence has pointed to that explanation .
However , the Times notes a number of Russia experts at the CIA believe that all evidence points to the country being behind the illnesses .
Still , concrete evidence remains elusive ; to compile the new report , experts ranked how plausible various explanations are , using limited evidence and educated conjecture based on expertise .
And as the Times reports , these experts and others in national security have pointed out that Russia , as well as the former Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with microwave weapons — and of using them against the US : NBC News reports that a source said that the CIA used mobile phone location data to determine that some Russian intelligence operatives who were involved in microwave weapons programs were present in cities at the same time that CIA agents began suffering from symptoms of Havana syndrome .
Some of the US personnel experiencing Havana syndrome have reported anger and frustration , claiming that their own government has done far too little to attend to their health care needs and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , Marc Polymeropoulos , a former covert CIA operative who was struck by symptoms matching Havana syndrome in Moscow in 2017 , has said the CIA has not taken adequate care of him and other injured CIA officers .
“ It ’ s incumbent on them to provide the medical help we require , which does not include telling us that we ’ re all making it up , ” he told GQ .
“ I want the Agency to treat this as a combat injury.
” Mark Lenzi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China , told the Times he thinks the Trump administration has overlooked “ inconvenient scientific and medical facts ” in its assessment of the situation .
For advocates of these public servants , there is now hope that the new report , which provides the clearest estimation of what may have happened to date , could result in more pressure on the agencies to attend more carefully to their injured personnel .
And it is seen as an important first step toward solving the mystery of what has happened to these officials @ @ @ @ @

A new report from the National Academy of Sciences has found “directed” radio frequency energy to be the most plausible explanation for mysterious and debilitating neurological symptoms experienced by dozens of American diplomats and intelligence operatives in Cuba, China, and other countries starting in late 2016.
The State Department-commissioned report, reviewed by a number of journalists — including at NBC News and the New York Times — does not come to firm conclusions about the origins and nature of the affliction often referred to as “Havana syndrome,” but its account gives weight to theories that the illnesses are the results of deliberate attacks — which some members of the intelligence community suspect may have been carried out by Russia.
The symptoms suffered by those afflicted with Havana syndrome vary, but in reported cases, many experienced nausea, headaches, dizziness, and loss of hearing. These maladies were sometimes so severe and long-lasting that they caused officials to retire early.
As the New York Times explains, the language of the report suggests an intentional attack was behind the strange symptoms, and that they were caused by radio frequency energy — a kind of radiation that includes microwaves — since it describes the attacks as “directed” and “pulsed.” However, the report stated that the National Academy of Sciences “cannot rule out other possible mechanisms and considers it likely that a multiplicity of factors explains some cases and the differences between others.”
The report concludes that “the larger issue is preparedness for new and unknown threats that might compromise the health and safety of U.S. diplomats serving abroad,” and notes that future instances may be “even more difficult to recognize quickly,” at least in part because attacks could be spaced farther apart, or used in a more targeted manner.
“These injuries have tormented those afflicted. Their illnesses and suffering are real and demand action from Congress,” tweeted Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who led successful calls to have the full report given to Congress for review. “To start, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold a hearing on this ASAP so we can hear from Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo directly about what is being done to uncover the source of these attacks and protect our public servants.”
Speculation about Havana syndrome has been ongoing for years
Beginning in Cuba in November 2016, more than a dozen American diplomats reported feeling ill with mysterious and severe symptoms like loss of hearing and loss of balance. Shortly thereafter, experts began to speculate that they may have been attacked by a sonic weapon wielded by Cuban intelligence.
Similar sets of symptoms also surfaced in other places. Americans at the US Consulate in Guangzhou, China, developed symptoms of Havana syndrome in 2017. As GQ and the New York Times have reported, in the last year, a number of new incidents have been reported by CIA officers in Europe and Asia.
The timeline of the incidents, the plausible explanation of microwave weapons, and the specific locations in which they occurred have raised questions of whether Russia is behind them.
In 2018, US intelligence officials described Russia as the primary suspect behind what they believed to be attacks in Cuba and China. Russia has denied any involvement. NBC News reports that, now or then, no conclusive intelligence has pointed to that explanation. However, the Times notes a number of Russia experts at the CIA believe that all evidence points to the country being behind the illnesses.
Still, concrete evidence remains elusive; to compile the new report, experts ranked how plausible various explanations are, using limited evidence and educated conjecture based on expertise.
And as the Times reports, these experts and others in national security have pointed out that Russia, as well as the former Soviet Union, have a history of working with microwave weapons — and of using them against the US:
The [National Academy of Sciences] report does not point to a perpetrator, though it mentions “significant research in Russia/U.S.S.R.” on pulsed radiofrequency technology, as well as the exposure of military personnel in Eurasian communist countries to microwave radiation. The Soviet Union bombarded the American Embassy in Moscow with microwaves in the 1970s and ’80s. In a 2014 document, the National Security Agency discussed a microwave weapon used by a hostile country, which people familiar with the document said was Russia.
NBC News reports that a source said that the CIA used mobile phone location data to determine that some Russian intelligence operatives who were involved in microwave weapons programs were present in cities at the same time that CIA agents began suffering from symptoms of Havana syndrome.
Some of the US personnel experiencing Havana syndrome have reported anger and frustration, claiming that their own government has done far too little to attend to their health care needs and to investigate the origins of their health problems.
For instance, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former covert CIA operative who was struck by symptoms matching Havana syndrome in Moscow in 2017, has said the CIA has not taken adequate care of him and other injured CIA officers.
“It’s incumbent on them to provide the medical help we require, which does not include telling us that we’re all making it up,” he told GQ. “I want the Agency to treat this as a combat injury.”
Mark Lenzi, a diplomatic security officer who showed symptoms in China, told the Times he thinks the Trump administration has overlooked “inconvenient scientific and medical facts” in its assessment of the situation.
For advocates of these public servants, there is now hope that the new report, which provides the clearest estimation to date of what may have happened, could result in pressure on the agencies to attend more carefully to their injured personnel. And it is seen as an important first step toward solving the mystery of what has happened to these officials once and for all.


vox--2020-12-06--SNL’s cold open spoofs Rudy Giuliani’s absurd Michigan hearing

In its December 5 cold open , Saturday Night Live parodied the testimony of Rudy Giuliani ’ s roster of witnesses at a widely-panned hearing before Michigan lawmakers last week , in which President Donald Trump ’ s personal lawyer tried to convince legislators to overturn the state ’ s election results .
The sketch sought to mock the way in which many of the witnesses , in real life , rehashed baseless claims of voter fraud and misconduct , and on one particularly notable occasion , became adversarial toward the Michigan lawmakers overseeing the hearing while floating conspiracy theories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bumbling Giuliani , opened the hearing by declaring , “ This election was stolen from the American people with a level of trickery not seen since Houdini.
” When asked for evidence of his claims , McKinnon ’ s Giuliani went on : “ I have brought before you a dozen highly intelligent , barely intoxicated individuals who are all eyewitnesses , and after hearing their testimony you ’ re going to say , ‘ Wow , Rudy was right , and he ’ s getting smarter and more respected every day.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their testimony was Cecily Strong playing Melissa Carone — a contract information technology worker for a voting systems company — who , in real life , made sweeping , evidence-free allegations about fraud at the hearing .
“ I personally saw hundreds , if not thousands , of dead people vote for Democrats , ” Strong ’ s Carone stated .
“ Did you check every poll ?
Did you talk to all the dead people ?
” Heidi Gardner played another eyewitness , who claimed she saw Democrats serving ballots from food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ It ’ s lunch time ’ and then they opened the food truck and it was full — full of ballot sandwiches , ballot pizzas , ballot steaks , and ballot spaghetti , ” she said .
Gardner ’ s testimony seems to be an allusion to the real-life Carone ’ s insinuations in an interview with Fox News ’ s Lou Dobbs that venders providing food to poll workers were carrying fraudulent votes .
Beck Bennett played My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell , a Trump ally who has made numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , and who , in SNL ’ s version of events , used his testimony as a thinly veiled advertisement for his company .
Alex Moffat played a witness who described an alien abduction story and then clarified that he saw the aliens “ clearly filling out absentee ballots , all of them for Biden.
” Asked when it happened , he said it was “ seven years ago.
” There was also an appearance by Pete Davidson and Kyle Mooney playing two of the 14 men accused of a militia plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gretchen Whitmer , saying that they needed a chance “ to do the whole thing over again.
” “ If we have one more shot , we can get her in my basement for sure !
” Davidson shouted .
McKinnon ’ s Giuliani wrapped up the hearing with a nod to the personal interests of those involved with keeping up Trump ’ s quixotic legal efforts to contest the election results : “ The defense rests , but we will never rest , not until this election is overturned , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 million in cash .
”

In its December 5 cold open, Saturday Night Live parodied the testimony of Rudy Giuliani’s roster of witnesses at a widely panned hearing before Michigan lawmakers last week, in which President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer tried to convince legislators to overturn the state’s election results.
The sketch sought to mock the way in which many of the witnesses, in real life, rehashed baseless claims of voter fraud and misconduct, and on one particularly notable occasion, became adversarial toward the Michigan lawmakers overseeing the hearing while floating conspiracy theories.
Kate McKinnon, playing a theatrical and bumbling Giuliani, opened the hearing by declaring, “This election was stolen from the American people with a level of trickery not seen since Houdini.”
When asked for evidence of his claims, McKinnon’s Giuliani went on: “I have brought before you a dozen highly intelligent, barely intoxicated individuals who are all eyewitnesses, and after hearing their testimony you’re going to say, ‘Wow, Rudy was right, and he’s getting smarter and more respected every day.’”
The first witness to offer their testimony was Cecily Strong playing Mellissa Carone — a contract information technology worker for a voting systems company — who, in real life, made sweeping, evidence-free allegations about fraud at the hearing.
“I personally saw hundreds, if not thousands, of dead people vote for Democrats,” Strong’s Carone stated. “Did you check every poll? Did you talk to all the dead people?”
Heidi Gardner played another eyewitness, who claimed she saw Democrats serving ballots from food trucks. “The Democrats said, ‘It’s lunchtime’ and then they opened the food truck and it was full — full of ballot sandwiches, ballot pizzas, ballot steaks, and ballot spaghetti,” she said.
Gardner’s testimony seems to be an allusion to the real-life Carone’s insinuations in an interview with Fox News’s Lou Dobbs that vendors providing food to poll workers were carrying fraudulent votes.
Beck Bennett played My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell, a Trump ally who has made numerous implausible claims about voter fraud in recent weeks, and who, in SNL’s version of events, used his testimony as a thinly veiled advertisement for his company. Alex Moffat played a witness who described an alien abduction story and then clarified that he saw the aliens “clearly filling out absentee ballots, all of them for Biden.” Asked when it happened, he said it was “seven years ago.”
There was also an appearance by Pete Davidson and Kyle Mooney playing two of the 14 men accused of a militia plot which included kidnapping Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, saying that they needed a chance “to do the whole thing over again.”
“If we have one more shot, we can get her in my basement for sure!” Davidson shouted.
McKinnon’s Giuliani wrapped up the hearing with a nod to the personal interests of those involved with keeping up Trump’s quixotic legal efforts to contest the election results: “The defense rests, but we will never rest, not until this election is overturned, or unless I get a full pardon or $10 million in cash.”


vox--2020-12-07--A less miserable winter

A less miserable winter

Winter is never the easiest time .
It ’ s cold .
It ’ s dark .
It ’ s icy and snowy and windy .
It puts the “ season ” in “ seasonal affective disorder.
” And this winter , the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 , is extra complicated .
The end of the pandemic might be in sight , but we ’ re not there yet , not by a long shot .
So we know that we won ’ t have all the things to look forward to that we once had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , bundling up for a night out at a restaurant or bar , the relief of running on a treadmill at the gym while the streets outside are slick and dangerous .
It ’ s going to be rough ; some might even call it miserable .
We ’ d like to help you make it less miserable .
Vox has brought together some of our coziest minds — and tapped the experts — to help you figure out how to navigate this winter .
Join us as wel roll out tips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( indoor ) hobby , how to bake magical bread , and how to keep your houseplants from calling it quits .
We ’ ll be checking with people who know how to deal with small-space living and long , dark winters .
We hope it ’ ll help make things less terrible — maybe even a little joyful .
How to keep your houseplants ( and yourself ) less miserable this winter by Umair Irfan A Scandinavian local explains how to make it through winter , by Melinda Fakuade

Winter is never the easiest time. It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s icy and snowy and windy. It puts the “season” in “seasonal affective disorder.”
And this winter, the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, is extra complicated. The end of the pandemic might be in sight, but we’re not there yet, not by a long shot. So we know that we won’t have all the things to look forward to that we once had: gatherings at home with family and friends, bundling up for a night out at a restaurant or bar, the relief of running on a treadmill at the gym while the streets outside are slick and dangerous. It’s going to be rough; some might even call it miserable.
We’d like to help you make it less miserable. Vox has brought together some of our coziest minds — and tapped the experts — to help you figure out how to navigate this winter. Join us as we roll out tips on how to pick up a new (indoor) hobby, how to bake magical bread, and how to keep your houseplants from calling it quits. We’ll be checking with people who know how to deal with small-space living and long, dark winters. We hope it’ll help make things less terrible — maybe even a little joyful.
How to keep your houseplants (and yourself) less miserable this winter, by Umair Irfan
A Scandinavian local explains how to make it through winter, by Melinda Fakuade
How to get a hobby this winter, by Alanna Okun
How do you handle a tiny living space? We asked a Below Deck crew member, by Alex Abad-Santos
A patio expert explains how to make winter socializing tolerable, by Alex Abad-Santos
This sourdough recipe takes all day. That’s what makes it great, by Brian Resnick
How to find fitness motivation after this trainwreck of a year, by Alex Abad-Santos


vox--2020-12-07--A Scandinavian local explains how to make it through winter

Winter will suck .
We gathered some of Vox ’ s coziest minds to help you make it suck less .
Ida Skibenes , a 32-year-old born and raised in Norway , resides in Bergen , where by December , there is an average of six hours of daylight per day .
Shorter days mean more time spent inside , sheltering from the cold .
But as a result , Scandinavians are familiar with the business of creating bearable winters for themselves , bringing small joys to where despair might typically occur .
Seasonal depression affects around 10 million Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to manage for many as the pandemic continues on , and forces us to spend more time at home .
We could use some Norwegian advice — “ hygge , ” a culture of coziness that has taken over the self-care space , is Scandinavia ’ s specialty .
They ’ ve mastered and perfected the art of making winter less miserable .
Skibenes spoke to Vox about how she survives winter , and her methods to combat feelings of isolation that come with the colder months of the year .
Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cold winters over the course of your life .
Do you like winter ?
Do you not like winter ?
I think growing up here you get used to it .
You kind of don ’ t have a choice .
Of course , some people will travel south , especially the older generation who will leave for Spain or Italy for a month or two when it gets really cold and really dark .
But most of us just deal with it .
We are used to having many months in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really see that much sun or daylight .
When it ’ s at its darkest , I think most people will struggle a little , maybe feel a little more tired .
Especially if you work in an office and you don ’ t have the chance to step outside and get some sunlight on your face .
It can be pretty hard because it ’ s dark when you leave in the morning and then it ’ s dark when you get home .
I struggle with how early it gets dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any tips to combat that difficulty ?
In some ways , [ I ’ ve experienced it . ]
Especially with feeling more tired than in the summer months .
That might be the hardest part .
But I ’ m a full winter girl , so I kind of appreciate the dark .
I think it ’ s cozier to get up in the morning when it ’ s dark outside .
I think that the most important thing you can do is keep your sleeping rhythm the same .
Try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during your day , get out and get some sun .
If it ’ s only for like ten minutes , I think it can make a huge difference .
We also have really bad weather , especially in November and December .
It can be very tempting to just stay inside and just hunker down and wait for it to pass , but I think it ’ s really important to get that fresh air and just move around a little .
In Norway , we are very much professionals when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candles and being under a blanket on a couch and playing games , so that ’ s in our blood I think .
I actually wanted to ask you about that .
I ’ ve read that the Scandinavian culture of coziness is called hygge .
Can you tell me more about that ?
I think Norway may be most explicit about it .
We go all in .
I think maybe it ’ s the way that we ’ ve kind of learned to survive through hard winters for a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in just doing the really small things to make your home a bit more cozy and just lighten the mood .
And a lot of us have grown up staying in family cabins — that ’ s a thing , where we would go to a cabin up in the mountains or by the sea or somewhere else .
That ’ s a peak level of coziness when you get to the cabin and you light the candles and play games and eat a lot of food .
How it got that way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s just become this thing that most of us do , just a way of surviving those long months .
So it ’ s kind of like this culture of togetherness and warmth ; it ’ s kind of like a purposeful escape from the dreariness of winter .
I think it ’ s interesting because we as a people here in Norway , we ’ re generally quite cold .
We like to keep our distance from people .
On the news now with Covid-19 , they [ say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What did they do that we didn ’ t do ?
” And I think that often they miss the point of us being people that really , generally don ’ t like being around people that much .
“ For most of us , especially from 30 years and up , we only like being comfortable , and warm is more important than looking good ” We kind of just stay with the people we know and the people we love , and we don ’ t socialize that much with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Especially now during the winter months , we don ’ t really go that much outside anyways , so I think it ’ s easier for us to socially distance than other people .
I think that ’ s a part of the coziness culture as well , that we have this kind of small group .
Maybe it ’ s just a partner or maybe it ’ s a couple of friends or maybe it ’ s just a couple of family members that you ’ re really close with , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the way that Norwegian people prep for the cold in the way they get dressed ?
Is there anything clothing-wise that you would recommend to Americans who want to make their winter less miserable or cozier ?
We use a lot of wool .
From top to bottom .
Immediately , as soon as we hit the end of September , start of October , that ’ s when we get our wool game on .
If you ’ re going to survive winter either in Norway or anywhere else where it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thing to do .
It ’ s important for us to stay warm throughout the day , because if you get cold then you ’ ll be cold for the rest of the day and you ’ ll be miserable .
Especially socks and hats .
If you ’ re warm on your feet and warm on your head , then you ’ re basically covered .
Layering and always wool .
The first layer is always wool .
When it gets really cold like December and January , I always have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always feel like I look so bulky .
I imagine that in Norway , people find a way to look more chic about it .
Some of us try — especially the younger generation .
I don ’ t know how they do it , but they look flawless .
But for most of us , especially from 30 years and up , we only like being comfortable , and warm is more important than looking good .
“ I think that often they miss the point of us being people that really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around people that much ” And is there any way that Norwegians approach winter skin care or beauty or self-care habits that you would recommend to Americans ?
Moisturize .
I ’ m terrible at skincare in general , but moisturizing is number one .
L ’ Occitane has this really awesome face cream that I would recommend to anyone who has to live through the cold months because it really helps keep your face moisturized throughout the day .
Is anything else , winter tip wise , that you want to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get through the winter , whether it ’ s physically or emotionally , and how a Scandinavian view informs it ?
People will react to dark and colder months in different ways , and I think just embracing whatever you ’ re feeling [ is important . ]
Telling yourself that it ’ s okay if you ’ re more tired , it ’ s okay if you don ’ t want to go outside , and it ’ s okay if you feel less energized and don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re feeling .
Just embrace what you ’ re going through , because it is hard when it ’ s so dark all the time , and maybe your sleeping rhythm is a bit off and your eating rhythm is a bit off .
Be a bit more aware of self-care .
Of course , right now it ’ s hard to not isolate .
So keep in touch with your friends , and if you have a partner , talk to your partner about how you ’ re doing .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .

Winter will suck. We gathered some of Vox’s coziest minds to help you make it suck less.
Ida Skibenes, a 32-year-old born and raised in Norway, resides in Bergen, where by December, there is an average of six hours of daylight per day. Shorter days mean more time spent inside, sheltering from the cold. But as a result, Scandinavians are familiar with the business of creating bearable winters for themselves, bringing small joys to where despair might typically occur.
Seasonal depression affects around 10 million Americans, and winter may be even more difficult to manage for many as the pandemic continues on, and forces us to spend more time at home. We could use some Norwegian advice — “hygge,” a culture of coziness that has taken over the self-care space, is Scandinavia’s specialty. They’ve mastered and perfected the art of making winter less miserable. Skibenes spoke to Vox about how she survives winter, and her methods to combat feelings of isolation that come with the colder months of the year.
Tell me a little bit about your relationship with cold winters over the course of your life. Do you like winter? Do you not like winter?
I think growing up here you get used to it. You kind of don’t have a choice. Of course, some people will travel south, especially the older generation who will leave for Spain or Italy for a month or two when it gets really cold and really dark. But most of us just deal with it. We are used to having many months in a row where we don’t really see that much sun or daylight.
When it’s at its darkest, I think most people will struggle a little, maybe feel a little more tired. Especially if you work in an office and you don’t have the chance to step outside and get some sunlight on your face. It can be pretty hard because it’s dark when you leave in the morning and then it’s dark when you get home.
I struggle with how early it gets dark even in New York. Do you have any tips to combat that difficulty?
In some ways, [I’ve experienced it.] Especially with feeling more tired than in the summer months. That might be the hardest part. But I’m a full winter girl, so I kind of appreciate the dark. I think it’s cozier to get up in the morning when it’s dark outside.
I think that the most important thing you can do is keep your sleeping rhythm the same. Try to, if you have the chance during your day, get out and get some sun. If it’s only for like ten minutes, I think it can make a huge difference. We also have really bad weather, especially in November and December. It can be very tempting to just stay inside and just hunker down and wait for it to pass, but I think it’s really important to get that fresh air and just move around a little.
In Norway, we are very much professionals when it comes to making things cozy. Lighting candles and being under a blanket on a couch and playing games, so that’s in our blood I think.
I actually wanted to ask you about that. I’ve read that the Scandinavian culture of coziness is called hygge. Can you tell me more about that?
I think Norway may be most explicit about it. We go all in. I think maybe it’s the way that we’ve kind of learned to survive through hard winters for a long time. We find a lot of comfort in just doing the really small things to make your home a bit more cozy and just lighten the mood. And a lot of us have grown up staying in family cabins — that’s a thing, where we would go to a cabin up in the mountains or by the sea or somewhere else.
That’s a peak level of coziness when you get to the cabin and you light the candles and play games and eat a lot of food. How it got that way, I’m not sure, but it’s just become this thing that most of us do, just a way of surviving those long months.
So it’s kind of like this culture of togetherness and warmth; it’s kind of like a purposeful escape from the dreariness of winter.
I think it’s interesting because we as a people here in Norway, we’re generally quite cold. We like to keep our distance from people. On the news now with Covid-19, they [say] “What did Norway do right? What did they do that we didn’t do?” And I think that often they miss the point of us being people that really, generally don’t like being around people that much.
“For most of us, especially from 30 years and up, we only like being comfortable, and warm is more important than looking good”
We kind of just stay with the people we know and the people we love, and we don’t socialize that much with people we don’t know. Especially now during the winter months, we don’t really go that much outside anyways, so I think it’s easier for us to socially distance than other people. I think that’s a part of the coziness culture as well, that we have this kind of small group. Maybe it’s just a partner or maybe it’s a couple of friends or maybe it’s just a couple of family members that you’re really close with, and that’s your flock.
What about the way that Norwegian people prep for the cold in the way they get dressed? Is there anything clothing-wise that you would recommend to Americans who want to make their winter less miserable or cozier?
We use a lot of wool. From top to bottom. Immediately, as soon as we hit the end of September, start of October, that’s when we get our wool game on. If you’re going to survive winter either in Norway or anywhere else where it’s cold, that’s the thing to do.
It’s important for us to stay warm throughout the day, because if you get cold then you’ll be cold for the rest of the day and you’ll be miserable. Especially socks and hats. If you’re warm on your feet and warm on your head, then you’re basically covered. Layering and always wool. The first layer is always wool.
When it gets really cold like December and January, I always have a million layers on. But I always feel like I look so bulky. I imagine that in Norway, people find a way to look more chic about it.
Some of us try — especially the younger generation. I don’t know how they do it, but they look flawless. But for most of us, especially from 30 years and up, we only like being comfortable, and warm is more important than looking good.
“I think that often they miss the point of us being people that really, generally don’t like being around people that much”
And is there any way that Norwegians approach winter skin care or beauty or self-care habits that you would recommend to Americans?
Moisturize. I’m terrible at skincare in general, but moisturizing is number one. L’Occitane has this really awesome face cream that I would recommend to anyone who has to live through the cold months because it really helps keep your face moisturized throughout the day.
Is anything else, winter tip wise, that you want to add that our readers should know about how you get through the winter, whether it’s physically or emotionally, and how a Scandinavian view informs it?
People will react to dark and colder months in different ways, and I think just embracing whatever you’re feeling [is important.] Telling yourself that it’s okay if you’re more tired, it’s okay if you don’t want to go outside, and it’s okay if you feel less energized and don’t want to socialize much, or anything that you’re feeling. Just embrace what you’re going through, because it is hard when it’s so dark all the time, and maybe your sleeping rhythm is a bit off and your eating rhythm is a bit off. Be a bit more aware of self-care.
Of course, right now it’s hard to not isolate. So keep in touch with your friends, and if you have a partner, talk to your partner about how you’re doing. Just embrace the time that you’re in.


vox--2020-12-07--How to keep your houseplants (and yourself) less miserable this winter

Winter will suck .
We gathered some of Vox ’ s coziest minds to help you make it suck less .
So you ’ ve acquired a houseplant during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Or several .
Or dozens .
You ’ re certainly not alone .
Next to cultivating sourdough , gardening has become one of the most popular Covid-19 pandemic hobbies across the United States as people spend more time at home , overwhelming plant nurseries that are still trying to maintain social distancing precautions .
“ I can tell you that we have seen worldwide interest in gardening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual participation from 2019 to 2020 , ” said Dave Whitinger , executive director of the National Gardening Association , in an email .
“ The number of website visitors to garden.org is twice as high as last year , and most of the gardening companies we have spoken with have reported approximately the same thing .
The gardening companies I have spoken to have all told me they have completely sold out their inventory this year.
” With so many restrictions on going outside , it seems natural to want to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least close by ) .
Plants bring us numerous benefits .
Beyond the obvious aesthetics , your pothos plants , African violets , and succulents can relieve stress and boost productivity .
( Their air-cleaning benefits , however , are a bit more questionable . )
But now as we head into the winter , when cooler outdoor air becomes less hospitable to fingers and fronds alike , first-time gardeners are facing the challenge of nurturing their new charges through one of the toughest times of year .
To find out more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States Botanic Garden in Washington , DC .
It ’ s the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the US and turns 200 this year .
It contains nearly 29,000 square feet of indoor growing space , in addition to five acres of outdoor gardens .
Its 65,000-plant collection includes chocolate plants , orchids , the endangered aloalo flower , and the crown jewels , two 8-foot-tall flowers that look like deformed penises and smell like rotting corpses .
I figured they would know a thing or two about keeping fussy plants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning green or you ’ re an aspiring plantfluencer , here ’ s what to know about keeping your plants ( and maybe yourself ) happy and healthy through the cold months .
Plants can prepare for winter , but they may need your help The first step in getting your household foliage to survive the winter is to do some homework .
That can involve doing some research in a plant database to learn more about the ideal conditions for your plant , like temperatures , sunlight , and soil .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Agriculture hardiness zone you live in , which can help determine which of your plants can survive the winter outdoors and which need the warmth of your home .
“ Getting a little bit of background of the plants is probably one of the most critical things for winter care , ” said Angela Weber-Hetrick , the gardens and grounds supervisor at the US Botanic Garden .
“ Tropical needs are a lot different than your hardy plants , or Zone 7a , which is what we are here in the DC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it ’ s difficult to come up with broad recommendations for every bit of greenery .
Weber-Hetrick explained that there are plants that do winter prep of their own .
Many plants , but particularly perennials that experience winters in the wild , can go dormant when the season changes .
That ’ s when the plant stops growing actively .
Its leaves and stems may even fall off , but the root structure is still alive .
( A general way to test whether a plant is alive is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pliable , it ’ s alive , but if it ’ s brittle , it ’ s probably dead . )
The signs of dormancy can be subtle in houseplants .
It can be as simple as their growth slowing .
But not every piece of vegetation hunkers down for the season .
Succulents like aloe go dormant in the summer while other succulents like agave go dormant in the winter , for example .
When it comes to plants that go dormant in the winter , it ’ s all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their healthiest as the days get shorter .
“ In fall , they ’ re starting to store up all their carbohydrates , and really what they are trying to do is basically store as much energy as they can to make it through the winter , ” Weber-Hetrick said .
Tropical plants , like philodendron , cane , and bamboo , also respond to shorter days with less growth , thereby consuming less water and fertilizer .
And other species may need some trimming to get rid of dead branches or decaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good pruning , a good haircut , before going into the winter months , ” Weber-Hetrick said .
But regardless of the species , once winter begins , you , the plant owner , become the gatekeeper for almost everything that a plant needs to survive if it ’ s kept indoors .
So it ’ s on you to figure out what your garden needs .
Keep a close eye on your greenery and establish a routine Every home has its own terroir , and general plant care guidelines may be too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hanging basket .
That ’ s why your own observations are crucial .
“ You can kind of ‘ listen to your plants ’ in terms of just kind of looking at them , ” said Chelsea McKinley , a plant health specialist at the US Botanic Garden .
“ If it seems like they ’ re drying out more frequently and they ’ re putting out more growth , then that ’ s a sign that they ’ re ready for more water and maybe for some light fertilizing.
” Throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key things to observe on roots , stems , leaves , and buds to help your plants thrive .
Pests : Make sure there aren ’ t any stowaways on plants you bring inside , and keep an eye out for any critters that could harm them , like aphids and mealybugs .
Check the undersides of leaves for even tinier pests like spider mites .
“ They usually cause a silvering or yellowing of the leaves , ” McKinley said .
“ Those you might need a magnifying glass to see.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants to a different container , make sure the new vessel is sterile .
Use a mild bleach solution and rinse thoroughly to prevent bacterial or fungal infections .
Light : Plants depend on photosynthesis , the process by which they use light , carbon dioxide , and water to make sugar and oxygen .
With the sun going down earlier , every photon is precious .
Some plants can cope with less light , but others may need the assistance of a growing lamp .
Check to make sure what kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighting source is adequate , especially if it ’ s a supplemental source .
“ You just want to make sure that lightbulb is fairly bright and has both red and blue wavelengths in the spectrum , ” McKinley said .
If you are just relying on sunlight , the optimal position can change through the winter , so be prepared to move your plants .
Temperature : As it gets cold outside , it becomes more important to maintain warmth inside .
Though some plants like orchids prefer a bit of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady conditions , so avoid placing them in drafty areas .
Water : Both too much and too little water can be harmful .
That can manifest as wilting or yellowing leaves .
But rather than waiting for a plant to show signs of distress , one sign that a plant may be ready to water is if the top centimeter or two of soil is dry .
“ When you do water , make sure the entire root bulb gets really wet , ” McKinley said .
“ You want about 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pot to come out the bottom of the pot.
” This helps flush out salt in the root structure .
But make sure the water drains away and that the plant doesn ’ t remain sitting in water .
Some chemicals in tap water can also be harmful to plants , leading to problems like yellowing leaves .
You can use distilled water or leave some water out for 24 hours to allow residual chlorine to evaporate out .
Humidity : Running the furnace in the winter can dry out the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heated air parches your throat , it can desiccate plants as well .
A humidifier can help reduce these effects .
So can misting plants with a spray bottle .
Maintaining proper humidity can also reduce the need for watering .
But make sure to wipe down leaves after misting since tap water can leave behind mineral deposits as it evaporates .
A wipe will also remove household dust that can block sunlight .
Balancing all of these elements may be tricky at first , but over time , it should get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and routine .
“ Plants love consistency , ” Weber-Hetrick said .
If you ’ re looking for inspiration , you can also explore the US Botanic Garden virtually .
And while we ’ re all housebound this winter with our aloes , begonias , and cacti , know that it ’ s totally okay to talk to your plants ; just be cautious if they start talking back .

Winter will suck. We gathered some of Vox’s coziest minds to help you make it suck less.
So you’ve acquired a houseplant during the Covid-19 pandemic. Or several. Or dozens.
You’re certainly not alone. Next to cultivating sourdough, gardening has become one of the most popular Covid-19 pandemic hobbies across the United States as people spend more time at home, overwhelming plant nurseries that are still trying to maintain social distancing precautions.
“I can tell you that we have seen worldwide interest in gardening that has approximately doubled in terms of individual participation from 2019 to 2020,” said Dave Whitinger, executive director of the National Gardening Association, in an email. “The number of website visitors to garden.org is twice as high as last year, and most of the gardening companies we have spoken with have reported approximately the same thing. The gardening companies I have spoken to have all told me they have completely sold out their inventory this year.”
With so many restrictions on going outside, it seems natural to want to bring some of the outdoors inside (or at least close by). Plants bring us numerous benefits. Beyond the obvious aesthetics, your pothos plants, African violets, and succulents can relieve stress and boost productivity. (Their air-cleaning benefits, however, are a bit more questionable.)
But now as we head into the winter, when cooler outdoor air becomes less hospitable to fingers and fronds alike, first-time gardeners are facing the challenge of nurturing their new charges through one of the toughest times of year.
To find out more, I called up experts at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. It’s the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the US and turns 200 this year. It contains nearly 29,000 square feet of indoor growing space, in addition to five acres of outdoor gardens. Its 65,000-plant collection includes chocolate plants, orchids, the endangered aloalo flower, and the crown jewels, two 8-foot-tall flowers that look like deformed penises and smell like rotting corpses. I figured they would know a thing or two about keeping fussy plants alive.
Whether your thumbs are barely turning green or you’re an aspiring plantfluencer, here’s what to know about keeping your plants (and maybe yourself) happy and healthy through the cold months.
Plants can prepare for winter, but they may need your help
The first step in getting your household foliage to survive the winter is to do some homework. That can involve doing some research in a plant database to learn more about the ideal conditions for your plant, like temperatures, sunlight, and soil. You can also look up the US Department of Agriculture hardiness zone you live in, which can help determine which of your plants can survive the winter outdoors and which need the warmth of your home.
“Getting a little bit of background of the plants is probably one of the most critical things for winter care,” said Angela Weber-Hetrick, the gardens and grounds supervisor at the US Botanic Garden. “Tropical needs are a lot different than your hardy plants, or Zone 7a, which is what we are here in the DC area.”
Plants themselves are quite varied, so it’s difficult to come up with broad recommendations for every bit of greenery. Weber-Hetrick explained that there are plants that do winter prep of their own. Many plants, but particularly perennials that experience winters in the wild, can go dormant when the season changes. That’s when the plant stops growing actively. Its leaves and stems may even fall off, but the root structure is still alive. (A general way to test whether a plant is alive is to bend the stem. If it’s pliable, it’s alive, but if it’s brittle, it’s probably dead.)
The signs of dormancy can be subtle in houseplants. It can be as simple as their growth slowing. But not every piece of vegetation hunkers down for the season. Succulents like aloe go dormant in the summer while other succulents like agave go dormant in the winter, for example.
When it comes to plants that go dormant in the winter, it’s all the more critical for them to be at their healthiest as the days get shorter.
“In fall, they’re starting to store up all their carbohydrates, and really what they are trying to do is basically store as much energy as they can to make it through the winter,” Weber-Hetrick said.
Tropical plants, like philodendron, cane, and bamboo, also respond to shorter days with less growth, thereby consuming less water and fertilizer. And other species may need some trimming to get rid of dead branches or decaying leaves. “Sometimes it needs a good pruning, a good haircut, before going into the winter months,” Weber-Hetrick said.
But regardless of the species, once winter begins, you, the plant owner, become the gatekeeper for almost everything that a plant needs to survive if it’s kept indoors. So it’s on you to figure out what your garden needs.
Keep a close eye on your greenery and establish a routine
Every home has its own terroir, and general plant care guidelines may be too vague for your porch, windowsill, or hanging basket. That’s why your own observations are crucial.
“You can kind of ‘listen to your plants’ in terms of just kind of looking at them,” said Chelsea McKinley, a plant health specialist at the US Botanic Garden. “If it seems like they’re drying out more frequently and they’re putting out more growth, then that’s a sign that they’re ready for more water and maybe for some light fertilizing.”
Throughout the winter, here are some of the key things to observe on roots, stems, leaves, and buds to help your plants thrive.
Pests: Make sure there aren’t any stowaways on plants you bring inside, and keep an eye out for any critters that could harm them, like aphids and mealybugs. Check the undersides of leaves for even tinier pests like spider mites. “They usually cause a silvering or yellowing of the leaves,” McKinley said. “Those you might need a magnifying glass to see.”
If you are repotting or moving plants to a different container, make sure the new vessel is sterile. Use a mild bleach solution and rinse thoroughly to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Light: Plants depend on photosynthesis, the process by which they use light, carbon dioxide, and water to make sugar and oxygen. With the sun going down earlier, every photon is precious. Some plants can cope with less light, but others may need the assistance of a growing lamp. Check to make sure what kind of lighting your plant needs and ensure your lighting source is adequate, especially if it’s a supplemental source. “You just want to make sure that lightbulb is fairly bright and has both red and blue wavelengths in the spectrum,” McKinley said. If you are just relying on sunlight, the optimal position can change through the winter, so be prepared to move your plants.
Temperature: As it gets cold outside, it becomes more important to maintain warmth inside. Though some plants like orchids prefer a bit of a nighttime drop in temperature, most prefer steady conditions, so avoid placing them in drafty areas.
Water: Both too much and too little water can be harmful. That can manifest as wilting or yellowing leaves. But rather than waiting for a plant to show signs of distress, one sign that a plant may be ready to water is if the top centimeter or two of soil is dry.
“When you do water, make sure the entire root bulb gets really wet,” McKinley said. “You want about 10 percent of the water you put into the pot to come out the bottom of the pot.” This helps flush out salt in the root structure. But make sure the water drains away and that the plant doesn’t remain sitting in water.
Some chemicals in tap water can also be harmful to plants, leading to problems like yellowing leaves. You can use distilled water or leave some water out for 24 hours to allow residual chlorine to evaporate out.
Humidity: Running the furnace in the winter can dry out the air in your home. And as dry, heated air parches your throat, it can desiccate plants as well. A humidifier can help reduce these effects. So can misting plants with a spray bottle. Maintaining proper humidity can also reduce the need for watering. But make sure to wipe down leaves after misting since tap water can leave behind mineral deposits as it evaporates. A wipe will also remove household dust that can block sunlight.
Balancing all of these elements may be tricky at first, but over time, it should get easier to establish a plant care rhythm and routine. “Plants love consistency,” Weber-Hetrick said.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you can also explore the US Botanic Garden virtually. And while we’re all housebound this winter with our aloes, begonias, and cacti, know that it’s totally okay to talk to your plants; just be cautious if they start talking back.