Daily Skimm Weekend: Bluesky is the latest Twitter rival — and it may be the closest yet.

The Story

Watch out, Twitter. It may be nothing but Bluesky ahead.

Go on.

It’s the latest app vying to be a true Twitter rival. Compared to its competitors (Mastodon, Artifact, Post), some users say Bluesky is the closest yet. Not so surprising, since it originally started as a project within Twitter, under then-CEO Jack Dorsey. Open the app and you’ll notice it looks a lot like Twitter — you can post short messages, share pictures, and scroll through an algorithmic or chronological feed. But there are a few differences: You can’t block a user or send a direct message. Most notable, though, is the backend. It’s an open, decentralized network. Meaning, users will eventually be able to create their own apps and communities within it and no single person will be able to own or control it. All of which has Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Chrissy Teigen, and other big names spreading their wings and pursuing greener pastures, err, bluer skies.

Count me in. Now, how do I join?

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. It’s still in development, so right now, it’s invitation-only. You either have to know someone with an invitation code or sign up for the online waitlist. But many think it’ll be worth the wait: So far, more than a million people have said ‘sign me up.’ That comes as Elon Musk continues to ruffle some major feathers over at Twitter. Since Musk became “Chief Twit“ in October, there’s been a series of glitches and seemingly haphazard decisions (see: the blue check mark fiasco). Not to mention that Musk has loosened content moderation, which has led to a rise in misinformation and hate speech. That might explain why Black tech workers on Twitter were reportedly some of the first to flock to Bluesky.

theSkimm

In the months since Musk’s takeover, many platforms have tried to give former Tweeters a place to land. While Bluesky appears to be its most serious contender, it’s still far from Twitter’s more than 230 million active users, as reported last year. TBD if it’ll make it to the Twitter, oops, bitter end.

🗞 In news...

In Texas, people are grappling with another mass shooting, after a gunman opened fire at a crowded, Dallas-area mall, killing at least eight people and injuring seven others. On Tuesday, President Biden will sit down with top congressional leaders to discuss the debt ceiling. It comes after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that without action in Congress, the US may not be able to pay its bills as soon as June 1 — which, reminder, could impact millions of Americans and trigger a global economic crisis. In other White House news, the Biden admin met with tech CEOs about the risks of AI and unveiled a plan that includes investing $140 million in “responsible“ research and development. Plus, for those keeping up with the Thomases: New investigations from ProPublica and the Washington Post are raising more questions. Meanwhile, in 2024 developments, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) announced that their days in office are coming to an end.

💊 In health...

This week, the Biden admin will officially end the public health emergency for the coronavirus pandemic. It follows a similar announcement by the World Health Organization. And early data from the CDC showing COVID-19 deaths dropped by nearly 50 percent last year. In other news from the CDC, its director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, announced that she’ll step down in June. Also happening this week: The FDA will discuss whether the US will get its first over-the-counter birth control pill. Plus, a new study found that speaking more than one language may help prevent dementia. Same with regular internet use. Oh and turns out, walking your dog may be ruff-er than you think.

💵 In business...

Despite the Fed’s efforts to cool the economy, US job growth beat expectations in April — with employers adding 253,000 jobs. Now, all eyes are on the next batch of inflation data (aka, the consumer price index), which comes out Wednesday. Meanwhile, nearly half of Americans are worried about the safety of money deposited in the bank, according to a new poll. Perhaps that’ll change since regional bank stocks rebounded slightly on Friday. Speaking of money in the bank, some of the millions of taxpayers who used Intuit’s TurboTax may be getting some money back, thanks to a $141 million settlement. And Olive Garden’s owner wants a stake in, well, steak. While Burger King isn’t having its way — and will reportedly close up to 400 restaurants this year.

Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

Inside the Delirious Rise of ‘Superfake’ Handbags…if you can’t tell a real Birkin from a fake Birkin, you’re not alone. In fact, neither can many experts.

The Chronically Online Third Culture Is Redefining Asian America…how social media has allowed young Asian Americans to come into their own — no explanations needed.

Call My Soothsayer! How Astrologers Won Back the A-List...you don’t have to understand the zodiac to know that the future looks bright for astrology.

How K-Pop Helped These Fans Forge Lasting Friendships…for some, it’s more than just a music genre.

No, that’s not backwards. You’re probably (unfortunately) familiar with the pleasure gap. Meet Vella. They’re here to bridge it, with products created to make pleasure a priority for every body. The best part? Skimm’rs get 30% off with code SKIMM30. Go get you some: 

• Pre-play topical serum that’s made for more arousal ($65). And more intense orgasms more often for women at every age and stage. 

• Menopause-friendly, moisture-boosting elixir ($40). This one’s basically liquid gold, keeping pleasure front and center for anyone going through menopause.

• Silky, silicone-based lube ​​that’s made for all bodies ($40). Ideal anywhere and everywhere, for any type of play. Yes, please.

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

1. Hand-blended teas that promote a healthy heart, body, and mind.

Woman-founded wellness brand Modestine Tea crafts organic blends that boost energy, relieve indigestion, balance hormones, and reduce night sweats and menopausal symptoms using natural ingredients like tulsi, lemongrass, ginger, and hibiscus. Psst…Skimm’rs get 15% off.*

2. The best sales to shop this week.

We’ve found everything from Mother’s Day sales to a deal on the Always Pan at Our Place. Let’s get shopping and saving, shall we?

3. Swimsuits that are actually worth your money.

Our editors have tested many of these brands, and can assure you that these options will hold up over the years. Time to make a splash.

Here’s one tip for a better start to your week.

As you’ve probably noticed, knitting has been having a moment (hi, Michelle Obama). But now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to trade in your knitting needles and get hooked on crochet. Particularly since the easy, breezy style seems to be everywhere — in the form of tops, bucket hats, bikinis, and yes, Harry Styles’s cardigans. Even better? Some say crocheting is easier and faster than knitting, plus it may deliver the same mental health benefits, like reduced stress and an improved mood. That’s likely thanks to needlework’s rhythmic, repetitive hand motions, which can induce a relaxed state. If you’re ready to get started, here’s the stitch...

• Gather the right supplies. Beginners only need two tools: yarn (ideally made from wool or acrylic) and a crochet hook (ideally 5.0mm or 5.5mm), according to some experts. While not necessary, you could also invest in metal darning needles, which are helpful for finishing a project, and locking stitch markers, so you don’t miss any stitches. 

• Pick a project. To avoid unraveling (you, not the project), choose something that’ll take about 30 minutes to complete. That could be a dishcloth, beanie, or mug cozy. Keep in mind: Basic, single crochet patterns are great for newbies, but you can also look for anything that’s marked “for beginners.“ 

• Watch a few tutorials. Are you a visual learner? In that case, a great place to start is on YouTube. Creators like TL Yarn Crafts, Ami Amour, and Henri Purnell all have videos that’ll help guide you through the process. Or, you could download an app like Patternum and AllFreeCrochet. But if you do better with in-person instruction, you always have that option, too. Just do a quick Google search to find a class near you.