Skimm'd while talking to Stop AAPI Hate's co-founder

"I actually have 21 of these glorious birds" – Martha Stewart, who called out a news article that said she only had 16 peacocks. That's a fowl.

Crisis

The Story

All eyes are on the Middle East.

Give me a recap.

The recent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been ongoing for a week now. Over the weekend, things got worse. Hamas – the Palestinian militant group that runs Gaza – launched over 100 rockets into Israel (most were intercepted by its Iron Dome). And Israel fired right back. Yesterday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 Palestinians in Gaza. It was already the deadliest day of the conflict so far. But Israel struck again with fighter jets targeting the Gaza Strip. The conflict's also affected the media.

Go on.

On Saturday, Israeli forces bombed a high-rise building that held offices for The Associated Press, Al-Jazeera, and others. While journalists received a warning before the strike, outlets' pleas for Israel not to attack were moot as forces claimed Hamas assets were in the building. At least one Palestinian journalist was reportedly injured. The AP and press freedom groups condemned the strike, calling it an evident attempt at censorship. Al-Jazeera added it was an attack on journalists' "duty to inform the world."

What happens now?

The UN Security Council met to discuss the "devastating cycles of violence" and said it was working with both sides for an immediate cease-fire. But Israel says it'll keep attacking "with full force." Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of "apartheid and persecution" against Palestinians. And the International Criminal Court is monitoring potential war crimes from both sides. Meanwhile, the US seems to be divided on the issue. President Biden has stood behind Israel and its right to defend itself from Hamas' rocket attacks. And some Democrats are standing by Palestinians.

theSkimm

The recent conflict has killed over 200 people – a majority of them Palestinians, including many children. And the world is watching as civilians on both sides continue to be the victims of leaders who refuse to stand down.

And Also...This

Where red tape is getting in the way…

India. Since March, the second-most populous country has been battling a second wave of COVID-19 that's left medical oxygen and hospital beds in short supply. In total, India's seen over 24 million coronavirus cases and more than 266,000 deaths. The Indian diaspora, international charities, and Hollywood have banded together in support, raising millions of dollars. But changes to a national law (approved last September) have made it difficult for local Indian orgs to receive that money. Now, NGOs reportedly need affidavits, notary stamps, and an account in the gov-owned bank in order to accept international donations – all of which the Indian gov says help keep tabs on foreign funds. But it's leaving critical aid in limbo at a time when India needs it most.

• Sticky situation: A group of 13 NGO's says the new law has "paralyzed" India's nonprofits. And want restrictions to be loosened amid the pandemic.

PS: Here's how India's COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the rest of the world.

Who's officially in the upper ranks…

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). On Friday, she became the House Republican Conference Chair (aka the No. 3 GOP leader in the chamber). She is replacing Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), who got booted by House Republicans for not falling in line with the party's support of former President Trump. Now, Stefanik says the GOP is "united" again. And will work with Trump to win back the House in next year's midterm elections.

• Introductions, please: Known as a moderate turned Trump loyalist, Stefanik used her fundraising abilities to help get GOP women elected into office. And her new gig as conference chair could give her an even bigger platform.

Who doesn't know what to do with their masks...

Americans. There's been quite the confusion ever since the CDC announced fully-vaxxed people could leave their masks at home (with a few exceptions). While some are breathing in the spring air mask-free, others are glad they kept that back-up mask in the bottom of their bag. That's because some states, cities, and retailers still require them. The country's largest nurses union condemned the new guidance, saying it puts them and others at risk of the virus. But the CDC's still defending its decision, saying it's based on new data showing vaccines are working. But reminded everyone to follow local gov rules.

What's worse than the Sunday scaries...

Tax Day. Yep, that's today – the last day to file your 2020 taxes. And if your Monday's too packed to pull out the calculator, learn how to file an extension here.

Psst...if you're expecting a tax refund, here are a few smart ways to use it.

What's saying 'Mamba forever'...

The Basketball Hall of Fame.

Monday Motivation

Mondays get a bad rap. But they also give us the chance to start fresh. So we teamed up with our friends at Buick to give you some tips to make the most of 'em.

Today, we're talking visualization. Because research shows imagining what it'll look like to reach your goals will help you, well, reach them. So, new Monday morning activity: breathe deep, and develop a vivid image of your future – with an eye toward the positive.

Psst...picturing yourself in the all-new Buick Envision Avenir can also get you going. It's got striking style, an in-vehicle air ionizer, and tons of available high-tech features that make life easier (think: automatic parking assist, wireless phone chargers, and an HD surround vision camera). Build your own.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Last year, Stop AAPI Hate received more than 6,600 reports of hate incidents against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders – with an influx of (think nearly 3,000) reports being submitted in March 2021 alone. We spoke to the org's co-founder, Manjusha Kulkarni, about their impact following unprecedented surges in hate against the AAPI community throughout the pandemic.

Kulkarni deep dives into topics like the model minority myth and COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, mental health, and why women are reporting more hate incidents than men. Check it out.

Psst… Learn more about the history of anti-Asian racism in the US, here.

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

1. A no-annual-fee credit card with serious perks. Like 0% interest on balance transfers for 18 months. Plus cash back on everyday purchases, like gas and groceries. The Ascent gave it five stars. Psst...they don't do that a lot. Swipe right.*

2. A mascara-highlighter set that'll make it look like you got a full night's sleep. Think: bright eyes, lashes as long as extensions, and an overall glow. No matter how many hours you actually got. Btw, only Skimm'rs get $8 off this best-selling duo.*

3. The cut-offs your closet needs. These comfy, flattering jean shorts would make Goldilocks swoon. Because the fit, weight, and length are juuuust right. Oh, and Skimm'rs get early access. Add to cart.*

4. A wellness program that can help you build healthy habits. Then actually stick to them. This one's all about setting reasonable goals, understanding the psychology behind your decisions, and getting the support you need to stay motivated. Try it free for 14 days.*

5. A tablet that'll banish that funky taste from your reusable water bottle. Fill up your bottle and drop one in. Then watch it fizz. It's made of a mix of ingredients (like baking soda and citric acid) to get rid of germs and odors. Hydration station.

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.

Inspiring change...Karen P (NY). She's a stage IV cancer survivor who fought her way into a clinical trial, despite objections from her doctor. This week, she's launching Karen's Club, which empowers patients of color to pursue clinical trials that could help them in their battle. Learn more.

Like and subscribe...Jade V K (TN). She's an RN specializing in epidemiology. And has recently moved to Nashville to start Backstage Triage, a podcast featuring creatives about how they navigate medical and mental health care during the pandemic. Listen here.

(Some) Birthdays…Noah Schneider (NY), David Schneider (NY), Mike Minikes (NY), Elana Winters (NY), Alex Forrey (NY), Mary Katie Ragen (IL), Bridget Donahue (DC), Kavita Goss (CA), Christine Schmidt (IL), Margo Denman (NY), Callie Kiernan (NY), Amy Goldberg (MA), Rachel Shaw (VA), John Hood (IL), Alli Quattlebaum (TN), Susan Cook Newsome (IL), Melissa Kowalchik Dougherty (TN)

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

Our guide breaks down what to know about Traditional Chinese Medicine. Think: what it is, how it differs from Western medicine, and whether it actually works. Plus, the Skimm on some popular practices.

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, and Clem Robineau.