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"Grueling and righteous battle of Rock, Paper, Scissors" – A competition among people named Josh to determine who's the best one. Whatever gets you through pandemic boredom.

A First 

The Story

The US has officially acknowledged the Armenian genocide.

I need background.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was crumbling and many distrusted the loyalty of the Christian Armenians in the east. On April 24, 1915, Ottoman forces rounded up and executed hundreds of Armenian intellectuals. Many were deported to places like Syria, with countless dying in the trek. In all, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed in what many consider the first genocide of the 20th century. That includes the 29 countries that have acknowledged the genocide. Now, more than a century later, the US is joining the list.

What happened?

On Saturday, Biden marked the annual Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day by officially declaring the mass killings a "genocide." He said America honors "all those Armenians who perished." And that acknowledging the genocide could help prevent history from repeating itself. Biden's statement fulfilled a campaign promise he made last year to officially recognize it – something Congress did in 2019. The move had been encouraged and supported by Armenian American activists for decades. And Biden's decision broke with previous presidents who didn't want to strain relations with Turkey – a NATO ally.

What do you mean?

Already, the US and Turkey don't have the best relationship. Now, tensions are dialed up. That's because Turkey has long denied what happened was genocide. The country argues that the numbers are inflated and that people died as a result of civil unrest, not systemic ethnic cleansing. It's been a crime in Turkey to even bring up what happened. Turkish officials are condemning Biden's move, calling it "simply outrageous" and have promised to respond in the coming months. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Ankara and consulates are closing in Turkey today and tomorrow out of concern for potential protests.

theSkimm

Biden is breaking with tradition in his willingness to acknowledge a century-old genocide. But it's unclear if the US will be taking stronger stances on other massacres.

And Also...This

What's got people's attention…

India. In the last few days, India's set and broken daily records for COVID-19 cases. Today, it broke another (read: over 350,000 cases). The rising number of cases – driven by things like variants and large gatherings – has crumbled the country's health care system, and India's called for international help. Yesterday, the US said it's sending drug treatments, rapid coronavirus tests, and PPE to the country. As well as raw materials for it to create more vaccines. And the UK is sending over 600 medical devices like ventilators and oxygen equipment and said it'll "continue to work closely" with the Indian gov in its fight to end the pandemic.

Johnson & Johnson. On Friday, the CDC and FDA agreed to give the company the green light to resume its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine after an 11-day pause. Earlier this month, six women reported rare blood clots in the brain that led to "stroke-like" illness. J&J decided to pause its vaccine rollout in Europe and the US held off on giving out the vaccine as it investigated. Last week, EU regulators said 'it's good to go.' Now, health officials in the US say the shot is safe to use. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says it's important for as many people as possible to continue getting vaccinated.

...Oh and, speaking of people getting vaccinated, one analysis found that more than 5 million people in the US have skipped their second COVID-19 vaccine dose – a move that could leave people at a higher risk of infection from variants.

Who people are talking about…

Isaiah Brown. Last week, the 32-year-old Black man was shot and injured by a sheriff's deputy in Virginia. It came less than an hour after the same deputy gave Brown a ride home after his car broke down. Authorities say the deputy then responded to the same area for a "domestic incident" involving Brown. Family lawyers for Brown say the deputy allegedly mistook Brown's cordless house phone for a gun, shooting him. And say Brown's in the hospital "fighting for his life," after reportedly being shot ten times. Authorities released the body camera video of the shooting on Friday. The deputy has been put on admin leave and the shooting is being investigated.

• And again: There have reportedly been at least six deadly police shootings – all within 24 hours of Derek Chauvin's conviction.

Who's waking up with some new hardware...

These Oscar winners. Last night, Hollywood's biggest night saw women of color make history. Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win best director for "Nomadland." And Youn Yuh-jung became the first Korean actress to win an Oscar. Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson made their (makeup) mark as the first Black women to win for makeup and hairstyling. Other highlights include: the Oscar for best "Da Butt" dance going to Glenn Close. And Frances McDormand's latest role as a she wolf. But Regina King knows it's been a year. And Twitter knew Chadwick Boseman deserved more.

While some are seeing stars and a Pink Moon…

Others prefer staying in the dark.

Post-Vax Pro Tip

Personal space. WFH. Masks that match our outfits. There are some pandemic things we're okay keeping. But, as more people get vaccinated, we just might be getting closer to a world where we can safely start doing some of the things we've really missed.

The new, new normal feels so close you can taste it. And CLEAR can help you experience it to the fullest. They're updating their app so it can securely digitize the info on that little vaccine card you keep telling yourself not to lose. For free. So you always have proof of your vaccination with you on your phone. Sign up to get in on it as soon as it's ready. Full hearts, CLEAR app, can't lose.

Time to Shop For...

Mother's Day. Because the weeks leading up to the holiday shouldn't be spent stressing while searching for the so-called 'perfect gift.' Which is why we're here to help you celebrate the mom figures in your life. Check out…

• Practical products that'll make her day a bit easier

• Great gifts to split with siblings

• Everything she needs for an at-home spa day

• Things for the mom who really needs some sleep

• Cards for anyone who has a tough time on Mother's Day

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A vibrant collection of comfy, flattering bathing suits. And active gear. And loungewear. And PJ sets. This brand's latest collab with The Home Edit will have you seeing stars. Bonus: Skimm'rs get $10 toward their purchase with code SKIMM10. Wear the rainbow.*

2. A great way to celebrate World Immunization Week. Psst...that's happening right now. It's about coming together to promote the global benefits of vaccines. Yes, v timely. And UNICEF is all in. Learn more.*

3. The actual best short film out there. This one's all about how hard it is to invest in Bitcoin. JK…you can do it straight from your phone if you qualify. Find out how.*

4. A brand new metabolism-booster to know. This female-founded, fan-fave wellness brand just launched 100% plant-based Metabolism Super Bars. They're packed with 12 grams of protein and ingredients that shift your body from 'storage' mode to 'burn' mode. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Fire it up.*

5. Fresh wheels that'll help you live your best life. With available Alexa Built-In†, the first-ever Buick Envision Avenir makes it easy to check the weather, set cal reminders, adjust your smart thermostat, and project directions to your fave restaurant. All while getting a seat massage.*

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

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.

bELIeving in a cure...Ilissa & Scott R (NY). Their two-year-old son, Eli, was diagnosed with FOXG1 Syndrome – a rare brain disorder that makes him unable to walk, talk, or do anything without assistance. Together, they've created Believe in a Cure, a non-profit foundation to fund research to develop a cure. Help out and share the story with #bELIeveinELI.

(Some) Birthdays...Marci Levine (KY), Tresa Sanders (GA), Casey Fritz (CO), Gavriella Seftel (NY), Laura Bauman (IA), Carrie O'Donovan (PA), Ann Pisacano (NY), Eleanor Hawkins (MA), Kelli Kaufmann (FL), Courtney Corcoran (TN), Nancy Ariosa (MD), Taniesha Sims Dann (DC), Josh Walker (MO), Molly Glascock (MA), Deana Dynis (TX)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Staying on top of your money doesn't mean doing everything the hard way. We've got tips to help you manage your finances. Like using tech to your advantage, getting strategic about your debt, and earning passive income.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

• Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain