Not surprising here: United Airlines lost a staggering $ 1.6 billion last quarter amid travel restrictions and Covid-19 fears. That’s actually less than the dire losses analysts predicted. Here’s what you need to know to catch up and get on with your day. (You can also receive daily “5 things you need to know today” in your inbox. Sign up here.)
1. Coronavirus
While other countries like the United Kingdom, India, France, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Pakistan and Iran have some sort of federal mask mandate in place, that debate is still raging in the United States. Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use their authority to implement and expand the mask requirements, and possibly intervene in situations like the one unfolding in Georgia, where Governor Brian Kemp has banned local mask commands. US case numbers are approaching the 4 million mark, and hospitalization rates are approaching their April peak. California has also surpassed New York as the state with the most confirmed coronavirus cases. Worldwide, Argentina saw a new record number of cases and deaths, and Mexico has now reported more than 40,000 deaths from the disease. In the Indian capital of New Delhi, a randomized trial study shows that nearly one in four residents may have been infected with the virus.
2. Encouragement
After a full day of negotiations, Republicans in the White House and Senate are no closer to a deal on the upcoming stimulus bill. During a closed-door lunch, some Republicans protested President Donald Trump’s desire for a payroll tax cut, and other party members appear to be against the idea of another stimulus bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Republicans will still launch his proposal this week, and will likely include $ 105 billion in funds to help reopen schools across the country, as well as another round of direct payments. to Americans. But it will have opposition in its own ranks. Senator Ted Cruz was clear about his position: “As it is written at the moment, I am not only a no, I am hell no.” A reminder: There are less than three weeks to reach an agreement before the August recess and before the current unemployment improvements are over.
3. Protests
Almost two months after George Floyd’s death sparked protests worldwide, riots continue to simmer in parts of the country, leading to further efforts to regulate the use of force by the police and the federal government. In Portland, Oregon, where ongoing riots have gripped parts of the city, there have been 43 federal arrests since July 4. The federal presence has come under increased scrutiny by local officials and lawmakers who have urged the Trump administration to withdraw. The state’s two Democratic senators are even pushing legislation aimed at reducing the use of federal law enforcement officers against protesters and preventing officers from making arrests without showing clear identification. Meanwhile, the Senate has voted overwhelmingly to put some limits on the transfer of military equipment from the Department of Defense to state and local police departments under the National Defense Authorization Act.
4. China
The United States has charged two suspected Chinese hackers with a “global campaign of global computer intrusion” aimed at treating the coronavirus and investigating vaccines. And, US prosecutors say, the effort was backed by the Chinese government. These are the first criminal charges against foreign hackers to pursue the coronavirus investigation, but the efforts of the hackers did not stop there: they have also allegedly targeted dissidents and human rights activists in the US, China, and Hong Kong, as well as hundreds of international people. The couple is also accused of stealing information about US military satellite programs and high-powered defense contractor systems, among other defense technologies.
5. Social networks
Twitter has removed more than 7,000 accounts related to QAnon, a group that powers various unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and is known to spread information online. The social media titan says there are more actions to come that will limit the influence of the approximately 150,000 accounts worldwide that are linked to the QAnon movement. Meanwhile, Facebook began enacting a new policy to tag posts by President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden about the November election. However, critics point out that the tags don’t actually verify or provide information about the posts themselves. They simply link to a government website on how to vote, which some say could be seen as a tacit endorsement of what the publication promotes.
BREAKFAST NAVIGATION
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge release adorable photos of Prince George on his seventh birthday
Already 7 years old? Time flies!
A new mask allows people to drink without removing it or uncovering their mouth.
But yes, you will have to suck your favorite drink through a straw.
Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank is closing hundreds of stores
In the world of the WFH, the only tie people are tying is their sports pants.
The NBA has announced zero positive tests of Covid-19 after a week in its Disney bubble.
It appears that his quarantine measures are doing some Disney magic.
zombie brand (n):
In business, it refers to brands that are not growing. An example is Odwalla, the juice brand recently launched by parent company Coca-Cola. The beverage giant says it is on the lookout to further eliminate so-called zombie brands to streamline its offerings and help ease tension in supply chains.
This just in…
Earthquake triggers a tsunami warning near Alaska
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 shook the Alaska coast early Wednesday morning. The earthquake is considered shallow at about six miles, or 10 kilometers deep. This is important because surface earthquakes tend to be more damaging. However, the first tsunami warnings in the area have been canceled.
TODAY’S NUMBER
738,000
A new study measuring the health impacts of synthetic chemicals has found that exposure to a common flame retardant compound called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, resulted in these many cases of “intellectual disability” among children over the course of five years.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I don’t see anything more American than defending what you think. I don’t see anything more patriotic than peaceful protests when things are frustrating and annoying.”
Manager of the San Francisco Giants Gabe Kapler, responding to President Trump’s criticism of team members and staff who knelt during the national anthem before a game this week.
TODAY’S TIME
Check your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Hidden Beauty
I literally said “No way!” out loud when I saw what was hidden in these volcanic rock formations known as “thunder eggs”.
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