Friday Afternoon Update: Chinese Spy Balloon Over America, Study Finds Masks Make ‘Little To No Difference,’ And More

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. Click here to listen the podcast version. Here.

Suspected Chinese spy balloon flies over the U.S.

After learning that the U.S. Senate had approved the legislation, both U.S. lawmakers from each side of Congress were outraged. Chinese surveillance balloon Has been travelling across the United States, including Montana.

In a joint statement, both the GOP leaders and the Democrat leaders of a House Select Committee on China demanded a strong response from Washington.

This statement is in part. “The Chinese Communist Party should not have on-demand access to American airspace.”

The committee leaders said the surveillance airship’s presence over the U.S. shows that the threat China poses “is not confined to distant shores — it is here at home and we must act to counter this threat.” China issued its own statement insinuating that it invaded U.S. territory. “unintended” That the balloon was meant to be quoted “mainly meteorological” research.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the balloon was safe. “does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground” — and that they have chosen not to shoot it down thus far to prevent risk to people below. Amid the controversy over the balloon, the Biden administration has decided to postpone Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming trip to China.

Amazon could have a majority of robot workers

Investor Cathie Wood Amazon predicts that Amazon will be established by 2030 Amazon could have more robots than human workers, pointing out that Amazon may be adding to its workforce. “about 1,000 robots a day.”

Facebook’s Parent Company Plummets In Revenue

The net income of Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, plummeted 41% over the course of last year, as indicated by the company’s last earnings report.

Narcan Nasal Spray Coming To Los Angeles Schools

Students at Los Angeles Unified School District In the event of an overdose, they will be able to get Narcan nasal spray. Narcan is a drug that can be used to treat overdose. “reverse or reduce the effects of opioids.” Los Angeles is seeing an increase in opioid overdose deaths, as are many other parts of the nation.

Ted Cruz demands China release Texas prisoner

Texas legislators, including Ted Cruz (Republican Senator), are increasing pressure on the Biden government to free Mark Swidan, a Houston businessman who was convicted and charged in 2019 with taking part in a criminal drug plot.

Energy Seeks To Regulate Gas Stoves

The Energy Department Proposed New rules were announced Wednesday to mandate a certain amount of energy consumption for gas stoves, even though there was the possibility that they would be banned nationwide. There was backlash.

Richard Trumka, Jr., Consumer Product Safety Commissioner, said last month, in an interview, that gas stoves were a violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act. “hidden hazard” This was the original “any option is on the table” A nationwide prohibition is required. A consumer Product Safety Commission chairman later walked back the commissioner’s comments, saying that neither he nor the agency planned to outlaw gas stoves.

Make Your Own Masks ‘Little To No Difference,’ Examine Claims

The Cochrane Institute examined There were 78 studies that examined the effectiveness of masks in a global study. They found that they had a higher level of effectiveness than others. “little to no difference” In the spread of respiratory diseases. These studies were conducted on more than 1,000,000 participants worldwide. Study found that surgical masks decreased the risk of COVID transmission and other flu-like illnesses in 5% of the participants. The CDC’s latest guidance still recommends wearing masks in some situations, including indoor public transportation settings.

Sims 4 Has Transgender Options

And “The Sims 4” Video game Recently Updated avatar options now include expanded transgender options. These include scars after breast removal surgery, chest binders, and other medical wearables.

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