Daily Skimm: Super Bowl LVI, Russia, and Valentine’s Day

Whose House?

The Story

Rams’ house.

Who Dey?

Super Bowl LVI champs. Last night, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. And they couldn’t have done it without Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp.

How’d it happen?

Things were looking up for the Bengals in the third quarter. But Rams QB Matthew Stafford (a newbie on the team) helped deliver the W — even with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr on the sidelines after an injury. The team solidified its first NFL title since 2000. And became the second Super Bowl team to win on their home turf (hi, Buccaneers).

What about the halftime show?

California knows how to party like it’s the early '00s. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg are “Still D.R.E.” 50 Cent played coin toss...and landed face down. Eminem’s knees weren’t weak. We got a snippet of Kendrick Lamar. And Mary J Blige made it a “Family Affair.” The all-star team made up the NFL’s first full hip-hop halftime show.  

And now for a commercial break…

Let’s talk about them: Ye said ‘uhhhhh.’ Gwyneth Paltrow said ‘mmm.’ Coinbase got people talking with a QR code. But the app crashed. Chevrolet woke up the "Sopranos" fans. And the Ring has awoken for LOTR fans. Precious.

Any other big moments?

Ye was there. Mickey Guyton gave a rousing rendition of the national anthem. And The Rock gave teams drive, power.

theSkimm

Some people call it Super Bowl LVI, others call it the pregame to “Euphoria.” But on their own turf, the Rams took home the first Vince Lombardi Trophy in decades. It may not be a Cinderella story…but it was a Hollywood ending.

And Also...This

Why the world is on its toes...

Russia. On Friday, the White House warned Americans to evacuate Ukraine within 48 hours. And warned them that the US won't rescue them if Russia invades. That could happen at "any time" according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan. And now President Biden has sent another message. Yesterday he told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that any Russian aggression would be dealt with “swiftly and decisively.” It comes after 8,500 US troops were put on alert and as the US promises to protect "every inch" of NATO territory. Meanwhile, Russia reportedly says it hasn't received any "substantial answer" on key security demands.

Why some parents are still in limbo...

Vaccines. On Friday, Pfizer postponed a request to the FDA to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5. The company was scheduled to meet tomorrow to make a case for emergency use authorization. But data apparently found that the kids’ vaccine, while safe, had little effect in preventing COVID-19 in kids ages 2 to 4. Now, Pfizer’s pulling back its application as it looks into a three-dose vaccine which could provide a “higher level of protection.” The data isn’t expected until early April.

Where police are saying 'Alohomora'…

Ontario, Canada. Yesterday, the busiest US-Canada trade border reopened as a key bridge was cleared of protesters. This is part of the weeks-long protests over COVID-19 restrictions…that have also included Nazi and Confederate flags. In addition to honking and setting off fireworks, the group of truckers and supporters blocked a bridge between the US and Canada responsible for about 27% of trade. Now, the bridge is cleared, bringing relief to carmakers like Ford and GM, who relied on it for supply chains. Dozens of protesters have reportedly been arrested. But...

• Taking cues: The protests in Canada have inspired a wave of demonstrations in places like New Zealand, Australia, and France. In Paris this weekend, protesters were dispersed with tear gas.

Who’s been cleared to compete…

Kamila Valieva. Despite testing positive on a drug test in December, the 15-year-old Russian athlete can continue competing. Cue controversy.

…Oh and Erin Jackson made history on the ice.

When your Valentine’s Day plans are non-existent...

It could be worse.