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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a passionate speech before Congress for continued aid in the fight against Russia. Plus, a doctor shares the one symptom of her breast cancer that multiple mammograms missed, and an attorney and Girl Scout mom details how facial recognition technology had security guards asking her to leave a performance by the Rockettes.

This is TODAY will return on Monday. We hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Zelenskyy says Ukraine is 'alive and kicking' as he pleads for continued support in a speech before Congress.

In his first trip outside his country since Russia invaded in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden and appeared before Congress in his trademark army-green sweater yesterday to plead for continued support from the U.S. “Your decisions can save millions of people," he said. Ukraine has been dependent on billions in U.S. and European aid and weaponry in the fight against Russia. "Ukraine is alive and kicking," he said. "Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender."

A doctor shares the symptom that led to her breast cancer diagnosis after a mammogram missed it. 

Dr. Robin Hall, 63, was relieved when her regular mammogram and breast ultrasound were normal in early 2021, but she realized something was off later that year. Her right breast was getting noticeably larger than her left, so she got another mammogram that again came up normal, but a second ultrasound test found a tumor deep in her dense breast tissue. She ended up undergoing a double mastectomy last year and is now urging other women to check themselves in the mirror once a month for any breast changes. "Anything that’s different about one than the other, even if you just had a normal mammogram two or three months ago, you still need to get it checked out,” she told us. Here's what to look for, and what the doctor from Texas learned on her own breast cancer journey. 

👁️ A mom was kicked out of a Rockettes show after being detected by facial recognition technology. 

An attorney who was at a Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City with her daughter and members of her Girl Scout troop said she was denied entry after being flagged by facial recognition technology. Kelly Conlon is with a law firm involved in personal injury litigation against a restaurant owned by MSG Entertainment, which also owns Radio City Music Hall. MSG Entertainment confirmed to NBC New York that any attorneys from the firm are banned from the theater. Conlon told NBC New York that security guards approached her and already knew her information because the facial recognition picked her up. "The fact they’re using facial recognition to do this is frightening," a partner at her firm told NBC New York. "It’s un-American to do this.” MSG said its policy is in compliance with applicable laws and that it did not deny entry to Conlon's daughter or the other Girl Scouts. 

👗 5 looks for holiday gatherings you can pull off at the last minute.

If running around to get all your shopping done has left you without time to put together an outfit for a holiday gathering, style expert Melissa Garcia has 5 curated looks you can assemble in no time. Whether you're headed to a fancy party or a more casual gathering, these jeans, dresses, boots and accessories will have you looking like you planned your look weeks in advance. 

Achieve your life goals with easy tips.

At a time when frigid temperatures are plunging much of the country into a deep freeze, just going outside to get the mail can feel like a chore to be put off for another day. So how do you get motivated to work out when it's that cold out? We have 11 tips on how to push yourself to stay active during winter, from seeking out an exercise partner to making it a goal just to get to the gym or work out during your lunch break. Plus, a warm pool is always a good idea if you have access to one. See all the tips here. 

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

This bright pork and pistachio meatball dish from chef Molly Baz is not only a visual treat as well as one for your stomach, it's perfect for a busy holiday week because it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You can save time by making the meatball mixture and yogurt in advance, and you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Get the recipe here. 

A little pick-me-up before you go.

The responses were immediate when the Haupert family from Massachusetts did not include their lovable 13-year-old pug on this year's Christmas card. Was Murphy OK? How come the family's new lizard made the card and Murphy didn't? What happened to him? Tina Haupert got the message loud and clear and decided to rectify the situation. She mailed out new cards with a picture of Murphy that read, "I'M STILL HERE." A message on the back from Murphy said his humans forgot to include him on the earlier card, but "I assure you I'm alive and well." The recipients were promptly relieved and cracking up when they got mailed card No. 2. "Honestly it was just us being our goofy selves," Tina told us. "We just love the dog." Justice for Murphy!

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Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Shane Lou

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