Daily Skimm: Rescuers are searching for five people lost on an expedition to the Titanic wreckage.

On a Mission

The Story

Rescuers are searching for five people lost on an expedition to the Titanic wreckage.

Back up. What happened?

Over the weekend, the US Coast Guard began searching for a submersible (a submarine-like vessel). A Canadian support ship said it lost contact with the vessel on Sunday — less than two hours into the expedition. Five people, including a British billionaire, were aboard the sub. There are only about 70 to 96 hours worth of oxygen left in the submersible. Now, the US and Canadian coast guards are racing against the clock to find the missing vessel, which was last seen about 900 miles east of Cape Cod, MA.

What’s the latest?

Officials are using aircraft and sonar buoys to try to locate the missing vessel, which could have resurfaced or still be underwater. One former attendee reportedly said even if the sub surfaced, passengers would not be able to escape unless a crew opened it from the outside. The US Coast Guard said the mission faces many other challenges, including a remote location and lots of debris underwater. OceanGate Expeditions, which operates the submersible, said its “entire focus is on the crew members” and their families.

theSkimm

The US Coast Guard and Canada are working around the clock to locate the missing sub before oxygen runs out. Unfortunately, rescue operations at sea come with their own set of challenges.

What’s trying to mend relations…

The US and China. Yesterday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Blinken reiterated that the US doesn't support Taiwan's independence, but that it will ensure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself. The trip came amid heightened tensions between both countries (remember the spy balloon?) and as China tries to exert its grip on Taiwan. Now, the two superpowers have agreed to “stabilize” their relationship. That means trying to meet in the middle on some big topics to avoid conflict. Still, Blinken said there are “profound differences” between the two countries and that they’ll continue to work on their relationship over a series of visits. Relationships, amirite?

Who’s back in court…

Alexei Navalny. Yesterday, the jailed opposition leader stood trial on new charges of financing and inciting extremism. It comes as Navalny — a vocal critic of the Kremlin — launched a campaign to turn Russians against the war in Ukraine. He’s currently serving nine years in a penal colony for charges including fraud and contempt of court. Now, his sentence could be extended by another 30 years if he’s convicted. Navalny has called the charges “absurd.”

Who doesn’t want to talk dollar bills…

Gen Z. A new survey from Charles Schwab shows that many Gen Zers and millennials delay making financial plans because it's too time-consuming and complicated. Why not take it one month at a time?

What Julius Caesar's soothsayer didn't see coming...

A tourist attraction.

Who's saying "I'm Good" now...

Bebe Rexha.

What’s coming for pickleball…

Padel.