Time and oxygen are running out as officials look for the OceanGate vessel that went missing on an expedition to the Titanic wreckage. Authorities estimated that the oxygen for the five passengers on the 21-foot submersible would officially run out today. The missing vessel, which includes a British billionaire and two members of a wealthy Pakistani family, has taken over the airwaves and prompted an international response. Since the sub disappeared on Sunday, the British Royal Navy, French specialists, and more ships have joined the US Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue operations. Now, many are calling the dedicated efforts a double standard.
Explain.
Human rights advocates point to the multiple migrant shipwrecks in the past week that have failed to get as much media attention or resources. Last week, at least 82 migrants coming from Syria, Egypt, and Pakistan drowned off the coast of Greece after authorities failed to immediately intervene. 500 others haven't been found and are believed to be dead. Yesterday, at least 35 migrants reportedly died after an inflatable boat sank before reaching the Canary Islands. One human rights lawyer said the glaring difference between the submersible search and events in the Mediterranean “sends a message…that our lives are cheap comparatively.”
theSkimm
The world's oceans now reflect the two different realities people face when out at sea. In the Atlantic, resources are being poured out to find a missing billionaire, CEO, and others, while questions still remain about hundreds of migrants lost in the Mediterranean.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). Yesterday, the Republican-led House voted along party lines to censure Schiff for leading investigations into former President Trump. Schiff led a congressional probe into the Trump campaign's alleged ties to Russia and the impeachment proceedings against the former president. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) pushed the censure resolution, saying Schiff misled the American public about Trump’s actions. The California Democrat, who’s running for Senate, called the accusations “false and defamatory.” Now, Schiff is the 25th House member to ever be censured.
Where the numbers aren’t adding up…
National test scores. Yesterday, new national data revealed that the average test scores for 13-year-olds in math and reading fell to their lowest levels in decades. The declines were across the board, regardless of gender, race, or region. Math and reading scores dropped by nine and four points, respectively. The lowest-performing students scored at levels not seen since the 1970s, when the assessment first began. Now, officials say the data shows kids are struggling to make up for lost learning during COVID.
What might not be feeling prime…
Amazon. Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company for allegedly tricking and trapping people into Prime memberships. The FTC’s accusing Amazon of enrolling millions of customers into automatically-renewing subscriptions without their consent and making the cancellation process difficult. Amazon says the FTC’s claims are “false on the facts and the law” and plans to take the case to court.
What's got real chickens saying 'egg-cellent'...
Lab-grown meat. Yesterday, the Agriculture Dept approved the sale of cell-cultured chicken from two start-ups. Upside Foods and Good Meat both take cells from chickens and grow them in steel tanks to produce meat that's formed into patties, fillets or sausages. Now, the meat will be sold in a couple of restaurants in the US before making its way to grocery stores.
2. A speculum built to modernize the gyno experience.
Up to 90% of women feel anxious at the OB/GYN. It’s time to say ‘bye’ to painful, large, antiquated metal speculums and ‘hi’ to NELLA, a quieter, comfier speculum that’s slim like a tampon.*
This brand’s loaves, tortillas, and buns are fluffy, soft, and high-fiber. Fill your (bread) basket with their limited-time, handmade 2g net carb croissants — and grab their seeded bread while you’re at it. PS: Skimm’rs get $5 off a $50+ purchase.*
4. How to save up to $2k on every. flight. for. life.
For a limited time (read: the next 12 hours), Skimm’rs can get this club’s lifetime membership for $129 (normally $1,690). Then fly roundtrip to Italy from $289, Hawaii from $197, and more.*
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On Our Radar
Forget love. Balls are in the air. Take your tennis game to the next level with these shock-absorbing, breathable mesh sneakers. The best part? Zappos offers free shipping and returns 365 days a year. Win, meet win.*
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.
Feeling accomplished…Stacia C (MA). She’s finishing up her first year as a high school teacher for students with language-based learning disabilities.
(Some) Birthdays…Gabe Aprati (IL), Kalli Lawrence (TX), Melani Jaffe (PA), Emily Albrecht (WA), Sarah Scalia (MA), Jen Hayes (DE), Camille D'Amato (NY), Brittany Stubbs (DC), Mlyssa Sarandos (IL), Rebecca Verbosky Kerns (SC), Carolyn Schoenfelder (OR), Stephanie Mueller (AZ), Cindy Harendt (TX), Adaobi Ekweani (TX), Kris Kirk-Flower (CO)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images, Brand Partners
