Vladimir Putin just won his fifth term as Russia’s president.

Putin In More Years

The Story

Vladimir Putin just won his fifth term as Russia’s president.

That’s a long time.

He’s been in power since 2000. Yesterday, Russian officials said Putin earned nearly 90% of the vote in the country’s presidential elections. Though, many Western leaders say the elections were neither free nor fair. From the beginning, the Russian president’s path toward victory was preordained, with the Kremlin barring any serious challengers and coercing people to vote. Now, Putin has extended his grip on the country for at least six more years and is the longest-serving Russian leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

So, what now?

Putin is vowing to press ahead with the war in Ukraine, continuing a confrontation with the West. Meanwhile, there is growing concern that Putin’s authoritarian hold will only mean more oppression in Russia. The Kremlin has cracked down on independent media, has put many of Putin’s critics in jail, and the opposition movement recently lost its most vocal leader Alexei Navalny. Still, many aren’t backing down. Dozens were arrested after protesting the elections over the weekend, with some pouring paint in ballot boxes and setting voting booths on fire. Thousands of people also lined up at polling stations in Russia and abroad for the so-called “Noon Against Putin” demonstrations, fulfilling a request Navalny made before his death.

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Russia’s presidential election results didn’t come as a surprise. As Putin extends his rule, countries like the US are watching closely to see how it will ramp up tensions with the West.

Who people are talking about...

Former President Donald Trump. Over the weekend, Trump sparked outrage after he said some immigrants are "not people" during a campaign speech in Ohio. His dehumanizing words are drawing parallels to rhetoric he's used in the past, including when he called Mexicans "rapists." Trump's comments come as immigration shapes up to be a top issue in this year's presidential election. In his speech, Trump also warned it would be a “bloodbath for the country” if he’s not elected, and that it would “be the least of it.” In a statement, President Biden's campaign said Trump's comments doubled down on “threats of political violence.”

…Oh and speaking of Trump, former VP Mike Pence said that he “will not be endorsing” his former boss ahead of the November election.

Where there is growing unrest…

Haiti. Yesterday, the first charter flight carrying dozens of Americans fleeing violence in Haiti landed in Miami. The State Department said it would offer a limited number of flights amid ongoing gang violence that has overwhelmed Haiti and recently forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Gangs have taken nearly all control of the capital Port-Au-Prince. The violence has also led many aid groups to stop operating, raising fears of a famine.

What’s got fans getting their bets in order…

March Madness. Yesterday, the NCAA revealed the men’s and women’s tournament brackets. This year's No. 1 overall seeds: Defending national champions UConn on the men's side and South Carolina on the women’s.

What’s taking a dip...

The divorce rate.

Who is speaking out…

Former Nickelodeon stars.

Who's embracing being an Irish icon...

Ayo Edebiri.

We are those friends. So if we’re not already friends on Instagram, we should be.