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February 20, 2024

Daily Skimm

 

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“like going to a new school”

Frankie Muniz on shifting to NASCAR. He's changing lanes.

 
Top Story
Memorial for Alexei Navalny

The Aftermath

The Story

The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has all eyes on the Kremlin

Tell me. 

Last week, Russian officials said 47-year-old Navalny died in prison, where he was serving sentences totaling more than 30 years. Western leaders blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny’s death, with President Biden saying it was proof of “Putin’s brutality.” The Kremlin has reportedly denied involvement. Navalny, who survived an alleged 2020 assassination attempt, had been Putin’s fiercest critic: organizing massive protests and exposing allegations of the Kremlin's corruption. Now, many are asking: What's next for Russia's opposition movement?

What's the response?

Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya has vowed to continue her late husband’s work for a “free Russia.” She reportedly called on supporters “to fight more desperately and furiously than before.” It comes amid fears the Kremlin may only tighten its grip on dissent, especially ahead of next month’s presidential election, which Putin is expected to win. Meanwhile, Russia's first major victory in months in Ukraine has world leaders confronting the Kremlin's potential threat to Europe. That's as Germany and Denmark have warned Russia could attack a NATO country in the coming years.

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For some, Navalny’s death is a sign of Russia’s return to totalitarian rule. Others believe his death will galvanize the opposition movement ahead of a presidential election and amid an ongoing war, with many remembering Navalny’s words: “If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong.”

 
And Also...This

What’s being argued over in court...

Israel’s land occupation. Yesterday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearing arguments over the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The case is separate from South Africa’s genocide accusation against Israel. In 2022, the UN General Assembly voted for the ICJ to hear the case and issue an advisory opinion. Now, the court will hear from the representatives of more than 50 countries this week. On the first day of hearings, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign minister said Israel has only given Palestinians three options: “displacement, subjugation, or death.” Israel isn't scheduled to speak, but has rejected the ICJ’s validity in the case. The court could take months to issue a ruling, which won’t be binding. The case comes as Israel said it would launch a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza, if hostages aren’t freed by Ramadan, starting March 10.


What people are paying attention to…

Alabama’s Supreme Court. Last week, it ruled that fertilized, un-implanted embryos created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) are children under state law. The ruling reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a 2022 lawsuit. Three couples had sued an Alabama fertility clinic under the state's Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, alleging their embryos were killed after a hospital patient dropped them on the floor. The state justices ruled the act protects “all unborn children, regardless of their location.” Reproductive rights advocates said the ruling — believed to be the first of its kind — could deter parents or health care providers from pursuing IVF.


Who’s stepping into another market…

Former President Trump. Over the weekend, he unveiled the $399 “Never Surrender High-Top Sneaker” at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. The shoes are already sold out. A company called 45Footwear LLC, which is licensed to use Trump's name and likeness, sells the sneakers. The shoe drop comes on the heels of a New York judge issuing Trump a nearly $450 million civil fraud penalty. The judge also barred Trump from running any New York business, including his own, for the next three years.


Who may get more gains in the gym…

Women. A study published yesterday showed women could exercise less than men and reap the same benefits, if not more. Researchers looked at the self-reported exercise habits of more than 412,000 men and women from 1997 to 2019. Women who said they exercised regularly had a 36% lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke, while men who reported regular exercise had a 14% lower risk.


Who’s going from Hollywood to Silicon Valley…

Bridgit Mendler.


Who's alleging Jimmy Kimmel played him…

George Santos.

 
Skimm Picks

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

1. A tiny but mighty vibrator our editors won’t shut up about.

This brand’s water-resistant, palm-sized vibrator is built to mimic the ball of a wand. It has three speeds and a two-hour runtime. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off with code MAUDE-SKIMM.*


2. Clever things to buy now that'll save you money later.

Like storage containers that keep produce fresher for longer, and mini spatulas that let you scrape out every last bit of makeup or skincare from the bottle.


3. We tried the viral Dyson Airstrait on four different hair types.

Is the wet-to-dry hair straightener worth almost $500? Here's our final answer to the internet's burning question.


4. The tote bag that fits a ton and always looks cool.

The great L.L. Bean Boat and Tote resurgence is still going strong. Great news for all the stuff we insist on schlepping around with us on a daily basis. Choose from 12 colors and monogram it with your initials (or a cheeky slogan).

 
THESKIMM BETA

We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.

 
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.

Getting it done…Kelsey L (PA). She accomplished her career goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner and just had her first day.

(Some) Birthdays…Lynne Madorsky (IL), Jaime Patel (CA), Trevor Noah (NY), Rob Ross (NY), Katharine Stoate (KY), Jessica Mancini (NY), Dae Smith (WA), Sasha Williams (FL), Ashish Kundra (MD), Lex Kimmel (FL), Gina Hayes (CA), Abi Rychtik (WI), Tracy Stetson (IL), Laura D'Angelo (MA), Karla Chavez (CA)

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