Skimm'd while prepping for a long lunch full of basketball

"Will arrange to return the pets to them as soon as possible" - United Airlines, after accidentally sending a dog that was going to Missouri...to Japan. Woof.

MAYDAY

The Story

UK Prime Minister Theresa May just told 23 Russians to pack their bags and go.

Why?

Earlier this month, a Russian former spy living in the UK and his daughter were poisoned with a rare nerve agent created decades ago by Russia. May pointed the finger at the Kremlin, and asked them to explain themselves. The Kremlin says 'wasn't us.'

What happened then?

May didn't buy it. Yesterday, she expelled 23 Russian diplomats that she says are spies, and deleted Moscow's phone number. Also, she says Prince George will no longer be attending the World Cup this summer in Russia. That'll show 'em.

What are people saying?

Supporters are cheering the biggest expulsion of Russians from the UK in decades. Critics were hoping to see May hit Russia where it really hurts - like the wallets of the oligarchs living it up in London. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley says the US "stands in absolute solidarity" with the UK and agrees Russia totally did it.

How's Russia taking it?

Not well. Russia says 'we didn't do it.' It called these latest moves "unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted." But don't go anywhere - Russia says it'll respond with action soon.

theSkimm

The Kremlin's prob not stressing about all this. Theresa May's relationships with the EU and President Trump are on the rocks - and it's unclear how far either will go to back her up in punishing Russia.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you need to take time to yourself...

Walk it out. Yesterday, thousands of students walked out of their schools to protest gun violence in the US. The protest came one month after a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, FL. Some TV networks including MTV, BET, and Comedy Central hit pause on their programs in solidarity. The #NeverAgain movement wants to see things like reforms to background checks and bans on assault weapons. So far, that hasn't picked up much support in Congress. But yesterday, the House did pass a bipartisan bill to up federal funding for schools to help them prevent gun violence. It would put money toward training officials to identify warning signs and improving schools' coordination with law enforcement. It's off to the Senate now.

What to say when you can't find a new show to watch...

Ready to settle. So is Elizabeth Holmes - the founder and CEO of Theranos - who was charged with massive fraud. Theranos is the Silicon Valley startup that promised a cheaper, faster, less painful way to take and analyze blood tests. It was once valued at $9 billion. And Holmes was once called the health tech's Steve Jobs. Turns out, no. A few years ago, the WSJ reported that Theranos wasn't actually using its hyped-up tech for most of its tests - and when it did, it didn't seem to work that well. And the company wasn't being open about that. Now she's agreed to write the gov a big check and not lead a public company for a few years. Seems like the least she can do.

What to say when your boss wants to chat...

Am I getting fired? Yesterday, it came out that a division of the FBI is recommending that Deputy Director Andrew McCabe get fired. Days before he's set to resign. The beef: The DOJ was looking into McCabe's alleged decision to let FBI officials speak to the press about the Clinton investigation. And decided he wasn't entirely honest when asked about. So a disciplinary office of the FBI is recommending he get shown the door. Now, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has to decide whether to cut him loose before his last day on Sunday. If he does, it means McCabe may have to say goodbye to his pension check after nearly 22 years at the bureau. In other shake-up news, President Trump got himself a new top economic adviser. Say hello to Larry Kudlow, a conservative analyst you might've seen on TV who's pro-free-trade but open to being tough on China.

What to say when you haven't been to the gym in months...

Time to call it quits. Yesterday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he's pulling his country out of the International Criminal Court (ICC). For years, Duterte's been carrying out a brutal war on drugs in the Philippines that's killed thousands of people. Last month, the ICC said it's looking into accusations that he and his gov committed crimes against humanity. At first, Duterte said he'd cooperate. Then, a top human rights commissioner at the UN - which is also looking into human rights abuses in the Philippines - said Duterte should be psychiatrically evaluated. Duterte didn't take it well. He's now accusing the international community of bias and saying 'bye.' Won't change much - the ICC could still put him on trial.

What to say when your childhood friend shares a #TBT...

Here's a new one: Toys "R" Us.

BALLS

March is full of madness. The tournament starts at 12:15pm ET today with Oklahoma v Rhode Island. Psst...make sure you fill out your bracket by then. Here's one name to know before the games kick off:

Trae Young: College basketball's Steph Curry. The freshman point guard plays for Oklahoma. Even though the team had a rough end to the regular season and is a no. 10 seed, all eyes are on Young to see if he can bring it today.

Our Sports Calendar is here to get you through the Madness. It will give you the big and important games to watch so you don't have to watch all of them. And we're giving you things to celebrate for downloading theSkimm App. Today you can win an Apple Watch, three SoulCycle classes, and $500 to Adidas. Get ballsy. And to yesterday's winner: check your inbox.

SKIMM LIFE

For when the 'skills' section of your resume needs a refresh...

Get classy. As in classes. These ones in marketing, design, photography, and more will have you feeling ready to get down to business. Bonus: Skimm'rs get two months free. Get schooled here.*

For when you miss your mom...

Send her our interview with Hoda Kotb. We talked adoption, her new book, and her new (history-making) job. We also sipped tequila. Watch here.

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador.Go shawty, it's your birthday

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