"Not Free Nor Fair"

Putin faces pushback at the polls. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( March 18, 2024 Good morning. We'll start with the latest on Russia’s election and the striking protests at the polls. Then, we’ve got the details of Trump’s disturbing rhetoric on the campaign trail. Later on, we’ll share [a health update from Celine Dion]( and [Oprah’s reasons for leaving WeightWatchers](. Then we hope you're hungry, because we're serving up [a salmon recipe that’s bursting with flavor]( and [high-quality wines]( to pair with it. Let’s begin.   In the News [People line up outside a polling station in St. Petersburg for a protest.]( People line up outside a polling station in St. Petersburg to support the opposition. (Getty Images) "Noon Against Putin" Vladimir Putin has won another six-year term as Russia’s president. The election was a foregone conclusion, but that didn’t stop thousands from protesting the race that the U.S. has called neither “free nor fair.” Here’s the latest: Navalny’s last act: Before his death last month, opposition leader Alexei Navalny urged Russians to flood polling stations at noon on Sunday and vote against Putin. Thousands answered his call, forming long lines midday in an impressive, although futile, display of solidarity. Under duress: In parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces, poll workers accompanied by armed soldiers have reportedly visited people’s homes and coerced them to vote. A fifth term: In a race closely orchestrated by the Kremlin, Putin won about 88% of the vote. If he serves until the end of his term in 2030, he will surpass Josef Stalin as Russia’s longest-serving leader in more than 200 years.   More Stories [Trump greets South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem during a rally at the Dayton International Airport ]( Getty Images Politics: Donald Trump told a rally in Ohio that there'll be a "bloodbath" if he loses the election, later adding "I’m not sure that you’ll ever have another election in this country.” His campaign spokeswoman told NBC News he was referring to an "economic" bloodbath for the auto industry. A spokesman for Biden called Trump: "A loser who gets beat by over 7 million votes and then... doubles down on his threats of political violence.” World news: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told CNN that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's call for elections in Israel is "totally inappropriate." A crowded building at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital is on fire as the IDF carries out operations in the area. And stateside, the first charter flight carrying U.S. citizens out of Haiti has landed in Miami. Tournament time: March Madness has arrived. Last night, the draws for the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments were finally revealed, setting the stage for three straight weeks of buzzer beaters, grudge matches, and incredible upsets. [Take a look at the teams going to the Big Dance]( and make sure to fill out your brackets before the action begins tomorrow. Pop culture: Former Nickelodeon actors are speaking out about the toxic side of the colorful world they knew as kids in a new documentary titled Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. Familiar faces will include The Amanda Show star Drake Bell, who recently went public with sexual abuse allegations against ex-Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck.   Must-Reads [Celine Dion at the 2024 Grammys]( "I Remain Determined" Celine Dion shared an update about her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome — and whether she'll ever perform again. [Read More »]( [Epsom salt on a spoon held in front of someone's bare feet]( Stay Salty Epsom salt's been credited with all kinds of benefits, from muscle relief to exfoliation — but is it legit? We dug into the research. [Read More »]( [Oprah Winfrey wearing a light blue pantsuit, sitting on a gray chair]( Speaking Out Weeks after announcing she was leaving WeightWatchers' board of directors, Oprah Winfrey revealed why she stepped back. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Meal prep Monday: Salmon is a go-to nutritious and delicious dish, but if you're growing weary of your usual prep, this [sweet and savory recipe]( will spice up your dinner. (For more delectable dishes, [sign up for Good Taste!]() Movie magic: Need help picking your next flick? We dug up [the best films on Max right now](, so grab the popcorn. Uncork savings: Wine subscriptions make it easy to keep your fridge stocked with affordable and tasty vino. Just in time for rosé season, Naked Wines is offering new customers [$100 off a case of 6 bottles](, and we'll toast to that.   Best Dressed Take your spring style up a notch: J.Crew's elevated apparel's [up to 40% off right now](. With significant savings on [classic pleated skirts]( and [sensible button-downs](, your work wardrobe will thank you for the upgrade. [Tan pleated skirt and light blue short sleeve button-down]( [SHOP HERE](   [Good Taste by Katie Couric Media]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.