Yesterday, the Kremlin and the US met up in Turkey to exchange Trevor Reed — a former US Marine — for a Russian pilot serving time in the US. In 2020, Reed received a nine-year prison sentence for endangering Russian police officers. While Konstantin Yaroshenko was serving a 20-year sentence for smuggling charges. The move comes as relations between the US and Russia are almost as strained as it was during the Cold War. But it’s bringing up questions about other US prisoners in Russia…
Brittney Griner?
Yup. The WNBA star has been detained in Russia since February when she was arrested on drug charges at Moscow’s airport. Griner isn't just any WNBA player — she's the best offensive player in the history of the league. But surprise: female players get paid a fraction of their male counterparts. So for years, Griner's been playing in Russia during the offseason to supplement her income. Enter: these charges.
What happened?
Russian officials accused her of carrying vape cartridges with a cannabis product. The charges carry an up to 10-year sentence. And there's worry the Kremlin is using her detention as leverage amid its invasion and the West's sanctions. She's being detained until at least May 19 — but could be held longer. The State Department says her case remains a “top priority.” And President Biden says he “won’t stop” until other Americans are home. That includes former Marine, Paul Whelan.
theSkimm
Americans are breathing a sigh of relief with the release of Reed. But at least two other US citizens are being held in Russian prisons. And many want answers.
Southern California. This week, for the first time, officials there declared a water shortage emergency. It comes as the state enters its third year of extreme drought that’s been intensified by hotter temperatures. We’re looking at you, climate change. And as Northern CA — where a lot of the state's water resources originate — is dealing with “severely limited” supplies. Now, about 6 million residents will face water restrictions starting in June. Think: limiting outdoor watering to once a week. And anyone who doesn’t follow the rules will have to pay up.
What's like Twitter but longer...
Facebook. Yesterday, its parent company, Meta, projected its first-ever revenue drop. To be fair, they’re still expecting $28-30 billion in the second quarter. CEO Mark Zuckerberg blamed the issue on its ad strategy and Apple privacy changes. He also said it took a hit when cutting off Russian advertisers. But at least users grew and overall profit was up — enough to keep investors happy.
...Oh and speaking of users, politicians on Twitter are seeing a fluctuation in their follow count. Some are wondering whether the company's reinstating accounts on the right in anticipation of Elon Musk's takeover. Twitter says it's looking into it but that the changes look “organic.”
Where courts are stepping in…
New York. Yesterday, the state’s highest court threw out the state’s Democratic-drawn congressional map because of partisan gerrymandering. After a redistricting commission couldn't agree on the district lines, the Democratic majority took the pen. Republicans sued, arguing the lines were skewed. An appeals court agreed, saying that the maps gave Democrats a leg up in 22 of the state's 26 congressional districts — and that it violated the state constitution. Now, the court has appointed a special master to draw new maps. The delay means NY’s primary election — which was scheduled for June — may not happen until August. All of this could throw a wrench in candidates’ plans as they try to garner support ahead of the midterms.
Why every meeting should be a cameras-off meeting…
Creativity. Yesterday, a study found that video meetings equal less brainstorming. That's because (surprise) people spend much of their attention staring at their on-screen selves rather than letting their eyes and minds wander. Managers, take note. Oh and all that staring has made people fixate on their perceived flaws and wrinkles.
Unstable molecules that can hurt your cells. Too many can cause all the un-fun stuff we associate with aging. Hiii wrinkles, fine lines, hair thinning, and shedding.
Feel like a ‘thanks, but no thanks’ moment? Meet: Augustinus Bader. Their science-backed, antioxidant-packed products can help combat excess free radicals. For skin that looks and feels more youthful. Plus, after totally mastering skincare (see: their “Greatest Skincare of All Time” award), they’re bringing their talents — and patented tech — to haircare. With products that’ll give you stronger, fuller hair from root to tip. The best part? They’re giving 10 lucky winners their full haircare line for free. Head here to enter the giveaway — aaand get a special Skimm’sclusive reward.
Summer is so close, we can aaaalmost taste it. So it wouldn't be right if we didn't share some of our best beach tips. Blink once if you agree. Okay, we'll tell you…
Number one: Always bring a fitted sheet. If you turn it upside down and place your bag, cooler, chair, and toys in the corners, it’ll help keep your space sand-free. Number two: Stock up on Vineyard Vines bathing suits and cover-ups. They’ve got tons of chic, flattering styles that pair well with SPF and frozen drinks with tiny umbrellas. And we have a feeling they won’t last long. Sea what we mean. PS: Skimm’rs get 10% off women’s swim and cover-ups with code SKIMM10.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Colorful, cult-fave sneakers you’ll wanna wear every day this summer. Period. These Cariuma kicks are thaaaat comfy. And they’re finally back after a (*grabs megaphone*) 61K waitlist. Insider tip: They’re never on sale. But Skimm’rs get a little something off the price tag.*
2. An online wellness platform that focuses on behavior change. Aka the real deal when it comes to building healthy habits. Noom uses proven psychological techniques to help you understand the ‘why’ behind your decisions. And it all starts with this quiz.*
3. How to tackle allergies without any guesswork. No need to panic-search the internet. This brand’s quiz will help you find the right meds based on your symptoms and history. Then ship ‘em right to ya. Plus Skimm’rs get 50% off their first order. Bless (you).*
4. An ingredient worthy of being your summer meal’s main character. NatureSweet® tomatoes are grown responsibly and sustainably. And cultivated with care by real people. So you can feel even better about putting these warm-weather faves on — and in — everything. Get cooking.*
5. Tips for making the most of every day from Melissa Ben-Ishay. Aka the Melissa of Baked by Melissa. She shares her morning routine, advice for stressful moments, and (drumroll, please) whether cupcakes are a breakfast food in our new video, created with Porsche. Watch now.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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.
Chop chop…Eunice B (NY). She’s the co-founder of kitchenware brand Material. Cooks, tastemakers, and interior designers can’t get enough of her chic knives and recycled cutting boards. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off with code SKIMM20 through April 30.*
(Some) Birthdays…Steve Tannenbaum (LA), Chris Dolce Castillo (CA), Jessica Hammer (WI), Stephanie Chilcott (CA), Alexander Schaefer (NY), Samantha Baker (IL), Stevie Ondra (NY), Brittany Elias (NY), Shelley Stamm (MD), Kristen Burke (CT), Bob Quackenbush (SC), Jasmine Kyles (TX), Ally Mangia (IL), Bambi Broadbent (ID)
Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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