Skimm'd with mental health on our minds

"Real life river monster" – Fish and wildlife officials, about a 240-pound fish that could be over 100 years old. Fin.

India

The Story

Things in India are going from bad to worse.

What's the update?

Since March, cases have skyrocketed, from under 20,000 daily (out of more than 1 billion people) to over 400,000. And the deaths are believed to be undercounted. By one estimate, the country accounts for more than 40% of all new global infections. The explosion in cases has pushed the country's health care system to collapse. Hospitals have run out of beds. Medical oxygen and ambulances are in short supply. But scientists think much of this could have been avoided.

How so?

In early March, a group of five scientists reportedly warned Indian officials that a more contagious variant was on the rise. But the gov didn't listen. Instead, PM Narendra Modi and opposition lawmakers held large political rallies with millions of unmasked supporters. Religious festivals continued without restrictions. And the impact has been devastating: the Indian diaspora – the world's largest – is in mourning. Burial sites are running out of space. Last week, the US called for American citizens to get out. It's not the only action the US is taking.

Go on.

The admin's imposed a travel ban (effective tomorrow) on most travelers from India, saying it's following the CDC's rec. The move came after Biden and other Democrats criticized former President Trump for his response to the coronavirus when he enacted a travel ban from China last year. But the US is also helping out. Last week, the Biden admin announced it's sending medical aid including 400 oxygen cylinders, about 1 million rapid tests, and supplies to make vaccines. Others have also pitched in to help, including celebrities like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Jay Shetty.

theSkimm

There's a split screen going on. As vaccinated people in the US are increasingly hugging their friends and families, countless in India are in a state of terror and mourning. They deserve accountability. But more immediately, they need help.

And Also...This

Who's entering an Epic battle…

Apple. Today, the tech giant and "Fortnite" creator Epic Games will face off in court over an antitrust lawsuit. Last year, Apple removed "Fortnite" from its App Store after Epic tried to bypass the store's payment system. The video game creator sued, arguing Apple's taking a big bite of profits by claiming upwards of 30% of all revenue made on iOS apps. And that it's holding a monopoly on apps for over a billion iPhones. Apple's saying 'don't be so sour,' arguing there are plenty of players (hi, Google Play and PlayStation Store) who offer users app or gaming services. Now, a federal judge in Oakland, California, is stepping into the arena. And will likely hear from the company CEOs during the three-week trial.

• Box Fight: This lawsuit could shape the future of Apple's App Store, which brought in about $54 billion in revenue last year. But either side could appeal. And Apple and Epic have other bosses to defeat.

What's showing Resilience…

SpaceX. Yesterday, its Crew Dragon capsule (aka Resilience) carrying four astronauts landed safely in the Gulf of Mexico – the first nighttime landing since 1968. Last November, SpaceX and NASA teamed up for their second mission together and sent the Crew-1 to the International Space Station (ISS). The four astronauts (three Americans and one Japanese) spent six months on the ISS, studying how gravity affects heart tissue, growing radishes as part of a food experiment, and making repairs to the spaceship. Now, SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule has wrapped up the first operational mission under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Next up: SpaceX's all-civilian crew flight this September dubbed Inspiration4.

What's not scoring points...

Manchester United and Liverpool. Yesterday, their soccer game was postponed after hundreds of protesters – mostly Man U fans – broke into the stadium. Reminder: Last month, both Premier League teams had signed up to break away and join the new European Super League. But then they quickly said 'nevermind' after FIFA, UEFA (European soccer's governing body), and fans raised red cards. Now, Manchester United fans are calling out the team's American owners (who also own the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers), saying they've put the team into hundreds of millions of dollars of debt since their leveraged takeover of the team in 2005. And want to be able to have more say over the team's future. Officials are investigating the protests that left two officers injured.

What's saying 'keep calm and vax on'...

The CDC. Early last month, at least 64 people reported "adverse reactions" after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (different from the blood clots). Think: headaches, difficulty breathing, and nausea. On Friday, the CDC said 'it's probably anxiety,' and that most symptoms were resolved within 15 mins.

Who's riding a Kentucky Derby high...

Medina Spirit.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – during a time when anti-Asian hate crimes continue to rise across the country. Our guide breaks down the long history of discrimination the AAPI community has faced in the US. Plus, we've got resources to help you take action and tips to be an ally in the fight against racism.

Every Thursday, our Skimm Your Life newsletter gives you recs for what to buy, watch, read, and more. Here's a little preview, but you can sign up here to get more ideas like these to your inbox.

1. Low impact training workouts. You read that right. This no-jumping plan is easy on your joints...and downstairs neighbors. But it still brings the intensity. And Skimm'rs can try it for free. Start sweating.*

2. 15 last-minute Mother's Day gifts. If you haven't started shopping, don't panic. We've got you covered with products that'll ship quickly. Love ya, Mom.

3. And the best flowers to buy online. Florals? For Mother's Day? Groundbreaking. Here are some faves that you can get in time for the weekend.

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

1. Convenient, confidential mental health support. Talkspace can connect you to a licensed therapist or psychiatrist right from your phone or computer. It's up to 80% less expensive than face-to-face therapy. Oh, and Skimm'rs can save an extra $100 this month. Find out more.*

2. "The Girlfriend Experience." In this season of the STARZ acclaimed anthology series (from Executive Producer Steven Soderbergh, NBD), we meet Iris. She's a neuroscience major who starts to explore the transactional nature of her client relationships. And then starts asking even bigger questions. Watch now.*

3. Big savings on Mother's Week gifts. That's right. Coupons.com thinks moms (and mother figures) deserve a seven-day celebration. They've got promo codes for 30% off Kate Spade, 20% off Mrs. Fields, 20% off ProFlowers, and LOTS more. Get going to get 'em in time.*

4. Swedish dishcloths so you can stop using paper towels. Single-use products? No more. You can use these cellulose cloths all around the house. They're incredibly absorbent and fast-drying. Once they're dirty, just pop them in the wash. Simple as that.

5. Sustainable cleaning products to turn your home green. Aka nontoxic sprays, recyclable packaging, and refillable containers. Time to roll up your sleeves.

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.

Now walk it out...Beth C (IL). She's part of SitStayRead, an org working to increase children's literacy skills with the help of certified reading-assistance dogs. And is helping with the Walk, Bark 'n Ball event to raise funds for the org. Learn more.

Shining a light...Mike F (VA). He's part of Help Heal Veterans and is launching #VigilForValor, a month-long virtual candlelight vigil to honor those who've been lost to war and fell victim to suicide. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Nida Kiani (NY), Allison Paisner (NJ), Francesca Doering (IL), Stacey Morin (IL), Theresa Carey (OH), Lea Salamoun (NY), Pilar Silva (CA), Dricka Kimball (VT), Patrick Newson (IL), Chris Ascani (PA), Roisin King (NZ), Barbara Berk (PA), Abbey Flower (WI), Francesca Doering (IL), Haley Loder (WA)

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

We texted with "The Handmaid's Tale" Elisabeth Moss about everything from whether she's Team Luke or Team Nick to which housewife she'd want in Gilead.

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