What Putin’s landslide reelection means, Congress seeks to avoid government shutdown and March Madness brackets revealed
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
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Good morning, everyone. March Madness begins tomorrow. Have you made your predictions for who’s going to win? Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
What Putin’s landslide reelection means
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory with 87% of the vote in this weekend’s election, extending his rule for another six years, amid allegations of voter fraud.
His tenure: Putin, who has been in power for 24 years, will soon match Soviet leader Joseph Stalin as the country’s longest-serving modern ruler. [NBC News]
Navalny comments: During a news conference, Putin spoke for the first time about the recent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, saying, “It happens. There is nothing you can do about it. It's life.” [AP]
What’s next: Putin is expected to use his victory to justify more aggression in Ukraine, where battle lines have remained unchanged. [New York Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
🎬 Chalamet as Bob Dylan
The first photos of Timothée Chalamet playing a young Bob Dylan showed the actor on the set of the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown. The film doesn’t yet have a release date. [People]
🏛️ Government shutdown
Disagreements over a Homeland Security stopgap measure delayed plans over the weekend to unveil a proposal that would avert a partial government shutdown on Friday, the deadline for approving six crucial funding bills. [The Hill]
➡️ First flight from Haiti
The first charter flight out of Haiti, carrying 47 U.S. citizens, landed in Miami. Thousands more Americans may be stranded in Haiti after gang violence erupted last month. [Miami Herald]
💰 DirecTV’s ‘opt-out’ option
DirecTV said it will allow subscribers to “opt out” of receiving local TV station feeds for as long as they want in an effort to provide more flexibility. It’ll reduce bills by $12 a month. [Variety]
🏀 March Madness seeds
March Madness brackets are out. For the men, UConn, Purdue, Houston and North Carolina earned No. 1 seeds. For the women, South Carolina, Iowa, USC and Texas top the board. [USA Today / Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
💊 Oprah Winfrey hosts Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution, an ABC special on prescription weight loss drugs, at 8 p.m. ET. [TVLine]
📺 Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV airs its final two episodes at 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery. [Yahoo Entertainment]
🏀 Hawks and Lakers fans: The two teams take the court at 10:30 p.m. ET on Bally Sports. [AP]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1965, the first spacewalk took place when Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov left his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether. The outing lasted 12 minutes and 9 seconds. [Time]
3 QUESTIONS
...about a spring health reset
With the first day of spring tomorrow, I asked health writer Kaitlin Reilly about tips to make the most out of warmer weather, spring produce and more.
Lily: What’s one way that I can get some movement outside?
Kaitlin: Try Today’s 100-mile walking challenge. It began at the top of 2024 but is way more fun to do in nice weather!
Lily: Do you have a favorite recipe that’s both seasonal and nutritious?
Kaitlin: I love Padma Lakshmi’s salad with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, lemons, spinach and chives. It has all the fiber and protein you need without having to cook.
Lily: Is there a doctor’s appointment that I should schedule for this season?
Kaitlin: If you haven’t, your annual physical! And if it’s your time for a colonoscopy, schedule one ASAP.
Get more from Kaitlin: Read her health reporting.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Emeka Ihedigbo, a dad in Texas, went viral for a video of his toddler Zizi giving him long nail extensions. After he jokingly asked if she could fix a smudged nail, she informed him that he’d have to pay extra. [Today]
Have a wonderful day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: If you're going to a restaurant with other people and don't want to split the bill evenly, have that conversation before heading out. [USA Today]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.
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