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"Just make sure it's not one that's heading towards Earth" – Former astronaut José Hernández after NASA asked if they could name an asteroid after him. Rock on.

Gun Control

The Story

President Biden wants action on guns.

Tell me.

Yesterday, the president issued several executive actions to confront what he called the country's gun violence "epidemic." It's the Biden admin's first move on gun control. And follows deadly shootings in Georgia, Colorado, and – most recently – in California, South Carolina, and Texas. But despite the president calling gun violence an "international embarrassment," his actions aren't expected to result in immediate change.

What do they do?

Tell the Justice Dept to focus on a few things. That includes ghost guns. These self-assembled (sometimes 3D-printed) weapons are on the rise in major cities. But they don't have serial numbers so they can't be traced. Biden wants the DOJ to come up with a plan to crack down on them. He also wants to crack down on stabilizing braces, which turn pistols into rifles – and were allegedly used by the gunman in Boulder. And "red flag" laws. These allow families or officials to ask a court to remove someone's firearm if they present a danger to themselves or to society.

I'm sensing a theme.

Right – a lot of the announcements involved Biden telling the DOJ to handle it. He also wants the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to publish an annual report on weapons trafficking. And to invest $5 billion over eight years into community programs fighting violence. Beyond that, he said Congress needs to "go further."

What are people saying?

Anti-gun violence advocates said it's 'about time' for some of these moves. Some critics wondered whether this will change anything. Others said the efforts infringe on their Second Amendment rights.

theSkimm

More than 100 Americans die each day at the hands of guns. And it's still unclear what the tangible impacts of yesterday's announcement will be.

And Also...This

What's got people's attention…

Derek Chauvin's murder trial. This week, America heard from experts on the former police officer's actions and George Floyd's death. Prosecutors are trying to prove that Chauvin's excessive force led to the 46-year-old Black man's death last year. And the defense is trying to prove Floyd's opioids and underlying health problems killed him, not Chauvin. The trial's expected to last until the end of this month. Here's a recap of week two so far:

• Monday: A Minneapolis Police Dept official said Chauvin didn't use an authorized restraint technique when he put his knee on Floyd's neck. But the defense argued Chauvin didn't have his knee on Floyd's neck the whole time – but on his shoulder at times.

• Tuesday: A Minneapolis police use-of-force instructor said officers are trained to use the "least amount of force necessary" and kneeling on a person's neck isn't a technique that's taught. It contradicted the defense's argument that Chauvin did "what he had been trained to do."

• Wednesday: The defense tried to argue that Floyd admitted he was on drugs. But a special agent interpreted Floyd as saying he wasn't on any.

• Thursday: Medical experts testified that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen. And that any healthy person would have died when "subjected to what Mr. Floyd was subjected to."

What people are watching…

Northern Ireland. It's been experiencing a spike in violence over the past week. Reminder: Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland is part of the EU. And while the UK officially left the EU last year, the process complicated the relationship over the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Things have been boiling over since Protestant unionists want to be part of the UK, while Catholic nationalists want a united Ireland. Earlier this week, violence escalated along the so-called peace wall that separates the two. Protesters set buses on fire, and threw Molotov cocktails across the wall. Yesterday, police fired a water cannon for the first time in six years to disperse crowds. Over 50 police officers have been injured. Now, the US, UK, and Northern Ireland, and Ireland are calling for calm.

What's saying 'pish posh biological clock'…

This study. Earlier this week, researchers reportedly said that women's reproductive years increased from age 35 to 37. Medical experts have said it's harder for women to get or stay pregnant as they get older. And 35 was thought to be the age our reproductive system slows down. Now, this study's saying reaching menopause at a later age and getting periods earlier might be extending women's reproductive years.

PS: if you're struggling to get pregnant, we Skimm'd the fertility methods that could help.

What's showing us the power of the digital world…

An NFT we can get behind.

What there's a shortage of...

Chips and ketchup.

Skimm Reads

"When the Stars Go Dark" by Paula McLain

This week, we've got a special Skimm Read thanks to our friends at Book of the Month. Use code SKIMM to join now and get a copy for just $9.99. And then pick from five books every month to get one delivered right to your door. You love to read it.

You might know New York Times bestselling author Paula McLain from her historical fiction: "The Paris Wife," "Love and Ruin," and "Circling the Sun," to name a few. Her newest novel weaves together actual missing persons cases and trauma theory to explore the meaning of fate, redemption, and human connection. This mystery will keep you guessing, and stay with you long after you finish. Dive in.

Skimm This

A few weeks ago we asked Skimm'rs what the past year has been like. And what pandemic habit they most want to change. A common response? Drinking.

On this week's episode of "Skimm This" we spoke to one of the authors behind a RAND Corporation study on alcohol use pre and post-pandemic – particularly among women. Plus, we got advice from a life coach on building healthier habits.

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

1. A superhero comedy starring Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer. Plus Bobby Cannavale, Pom Klementieff, and a very crabby Jason Bateman (IYKYK). "Thunder Force" drops on Netflix today. Btw, we partnered with the cast to donate $25K to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Good guys win again.*

2. A language app to help you talk the talk. This one teaches words that you'll use in real conversations. And it'll have you speaking the basics in three weeks. Psst...Skimm'rs get 50% off. Sounds good to us.*

3. The ultimate razor kit. It comes with two five-blade cartridges, an ergonomic razor handle in the color of your choice, and a magnetic hook that'll stay put. Oh, and the blades are surrounded with a water-activated serum so your skin stays smooth. Shave on.*

4. Pet products for your furry friend. National Pet Day is April 11. So celebrate with things that'll make pet parenthood a bit easier. Like this handy water bottle that doubles as a cup, this licking pad to keep dogs occupied while you bathe them, and these biodegradable poop bags. Goodbye, ruff life.

5. Two products to keep your hair from tangling post shower. Hello, smooth locks. This brush expertly works though wet (or dry) hair to remove tangles. No more pulling. And once you're done, hold your hair back with these spiral hair ties. They won't cause annoying creases or strand breakage, and are super easy to remove. Phew.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox once a week. 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.

Smooches...Michelle L (CA). She founded Kiss Me I'm Vaccinated, a company that sells merch to promote vaccination efforts. And donates 10% of proceeds to the WHO COVID-19 Response Fund. Learn more.

I'll take impressive for $400...Emily P (PA). She's the event coordinator for Do Something Trivia for a Cause, a startup that uses virtual trivia games to raise money for a different cause each week. Since their founding last year, they've raised over $17,000 for 40 different charitable causes. Test yourself.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Michelle Stabinsky (NY), theSkimm's Lindsay Schneider (NY), theSkimm's Sarah Rostant (NY), Chris Rochester (NY), Lloyd Heller (NY), Nancy Schandler (NY), Abi Averill (CA), David Rasmussen (FL), Abigail Averill (CA), Susan King (OR), Nicky Sanders (TX), Wesley Smithart (AL), Laurie Brill (VA), Maggie Keel (MO), Ola Fialkowski (TN)

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

Meet: vaccine passports. Aka a form of proof to show you've been vaccinated. Our guide breaks down what they are and the debate around whether they're a beneficial tool or a potential harm to society.

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.

• Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.

• Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.

• Sign up for our "Press Pause" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.

• Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

• Download our app to get it all in one place.

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

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