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“When BK met TK”

— Barry Keoghan, sharing a picture with Travis Kelce. The so-called ‘first ladies’ of the Eras Tour have united.

Top Story

Russian demonstrators protest against the president Vladimir Putin in Tbilisi, Georgia

Putin In More Years

The Story

Vladimir Putin just won his fifth term as Russia’s president.

That’s a long time.

He’s been in power since 2000. Yesterday, Russian officials said Putin earned nearly 90% of the vote in the country’s presidential elections. Though, many Western leaders say the elections were neither free nor fair. From the beginning, the Russian president’s path toward victory was preordained, with the Kremlin barring any serious challengers and coercing people to vote. Now, Putin has extended his grip on the country for at least six more years and is the longest-serving Russian leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

So, what now?

Putin is vowing to press ahead with the war in Ukraine, continuing a confrontation with the West. Meanwhile, there is growing concern that Putin’s authoritarian hold will only mean more oppression in Russia. The Kremlin has cracked down on independent media, has put many of Putin’s critics in jail, and the opposition movement recently lost its most vocal leader Alexei Navalny. Still, many aren’t backing down. Dozens were arrested after protesting the elections over the weekend, with some pouring paint in ballot boxes and setting voting booths on fire. Thousands of people also lined up at polling stations in Russia and abroad for the so-called “Noon Against Putin” demonstrations, fulfilling a request Navalny made before his death.

theSkimm

Russia’s presidential election results didn’t come as a surprise. As Putin extends his rule, countries like the US are watching closely to see how it will ramp up tensions with the West.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

Who people are talking about...

Former President Donald Trump. Over the weekend, Trump sparked outrage after he said some immigrants are "not people" during a campaign speech in Ohio. His dehumanizing words are drawing parallels to rhetoric he's used in the past, including when he called Mexicans "rapists." Trump's comments come as immigration shapes up to be a top issue in this year's presidential election. In his speech, Trump also warned it would be a “bloodbath for the country” if he’s not elected, and that it would “be the least of it.” In a statement, President Biden's campaign said Trump's comments doubled down on “threats of political violence.”

…Oh and speaking of Trump, former VP Mike Pence said that he “will not be endorsing” his former boss ahead of the November election.

Where there is growing unrest…

Haiti. Yesterday, the first charter flight carrying dozens of Americans fleeing violence in Haiti landed in Miami. The State Department said it would offer a limited number of flights amid ongoing gang violence that has overwhelmed Haiti and recently forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Gangs have taken nearly all control of the capital Port-Au-Prince. The violence has also led many aid groups to stop operating, raising fears of a famine.

What’s got fans getting their bets in order…

March Madness. Yesterday, the NCAA revealed the men’s and women’s tournament brackets. This year's No. 1 overall seeds: Defending national champions UConn on the men's side and South Carolina on the women’s.

SKIMM TESTED

Wanna know what products are actually, truly worth buying? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try and review buzzy items — can help you figure that out. Today, we’re spilling our thoughts on…

LetsGetChecked’s Vaginitis Test...Think something might be going on down there? This is an easy, fast, and discreet way to screen for common vaginal infections at home.
Esther Perel’s “Where Should We Begin?” Card Game...Just an extroverted girl, standing in front of her introverted boyfriend, asking him to roll the dice and share his stories.
Rent the Runway’s 10-Piece Subscription...Consider this monthly subscription the answer to every “where’d you get that?” question you’re about to receive. Social season hath arrived.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A nighttime moisturizer we won’t shut up about.

One reviewer called this dermatologist-tested cream “a little miracle in a tube.” Thanks to plant-based ingredients like rosehip oil and squalane, you’ll wake up with brighter, smoother, intensely hydrated skin. Skimm’rs get a free 60-day supply, BTW.*

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3. 25% off celebrity-approved handbags.

If you're in the market for an investment bag this season, Mansur Gavriel is a good idea — it's a favorite among Taylor Swift, SJP, and more celebs. Until March 20, you can use code SPRING to get 25% off select styles, including the crossbody bag Katie Holmes wears.

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4. 20% off vet-formulated, high-protein raw dog food.

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Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Finding his way…Adam M (NY). He left banking to pursue his love and passion for dogs. He’s officially made CityWags, a tri-state pet care provider, his full time job.

(Some) Birthdays…In Memory of Skimm Mom Gabrielle Weisberg (IL), Ilia Macdonald (IN), theSkimm's Sam Katz (NY), Jeanne Marcus (IL), Marirose Lula (NY), Alexia Koplewski (MA), Jane Larkins (WA), Alisha Haridasani Gupta (NY), Hannah Glos (TX), Erin Keller (NV), Eileen Culp (PA), Thea Thais (CA), Laynne Holloway (GA), Jackie Fielding (IL), Elizabeth Power (CA)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.