New Chinese Spy Balloon Info Leaked

The Pentagon’s recent intelligence leak included details on the Chinese spy balloon shot down earlier this year.

The Chinese government said it was a weather balloon that lost its way, but an analysis of the downed aircraft revealed sophisticated sensors and antennas: equipment likely used to surveil the area beneath it and send data to Beijing.

US intelligence officials also knew about four additional Chinese spy balloons in US airspace—including one that circled a U.S. carrier strike group in the Pacific.

The document containing the sensitive information remained online for weeks before it was discovered, creating significant fallout between the intelligence community and concerned critics.

A young airman was charged with unlawfully copying and transmitting classified material; the Pentagon has called the leak a "deliberate, criminal act."

Teen Riot in Chicago Meets Huge Police Response

Over the weekend, hundreds of teenagers descended on Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.

The park has checkpoints around its perimeter, and it requires entrants to be 21 or accompanied by an adult. In response to the barriers, teenagers smashed windows, jumped on cars, danced on top of a CTA bus, and even fired shots into a crowd. Hundreds of police—along with SWAT teams— responded to the riot.

Two of the teens were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. One woman had her car pulverized while her husband, who was in the driver’s seat, was beaten nearly to death. News crews were unable to remain in the area.

Nine adults and six juveniles were arrested: most for reckless conduct. A 16-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, and two people were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.

Montana Bans TikTok

Montana has become the first state to ban TikTok.

The social media app has been the subject of inquiry and consternation on Capitol Hill and around the nation—primarily due to the national security threat caused by its Chinese ownership. The app has also been criticized for its capacity for creating addiction among children.

The new law prevents app stores from allowing users within Montana to download TikTok, but it doesn’t require current users to delete the app. It also prevents the company from doing business within the state.

The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte for his signature.

➤ A judge in California has ordered Calvary Chapel San Jose to pay $1.2 million as punishment for holding worship services without masks in 2020. The church is appealing the ruling and has a separate lawsuit against Santa Clara officials that is pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. (More)

➤ Mike Pence was booed at the NRA Leadership Summit in Indiana—Pence’s home state. (More)

➤ The Justice Department has announced formal charges against El Chapo’s sons, along with other members of the Sinaloa cartel. (More)

➤ Russia is changing its conscription laws to allow for digital notices for draftees and reservists. Previously, in-person notice was required, making draft-dodging feasible. (More)

➤ Grand Canyon University, a conservative Christian college in Arizona, has tripled its enrollment in the last 10 years without raising tuition. The school points to its efficient staffing model as a large part of its success. (More)

➤ Ja Morant hurt his right wrist in Game 1 of the Grizzlies’ series with the Lakers. After the game, the star guard couldn’t undo a balled-up sock with his shooting hand. (More)

➤ Ja wasn’t the only star to get hurt in round one of the playoffs: Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a back contusion and may not play in game two. (More)

➤ Rapper E-40 was ejected from Game 1 of the Warriors-Kings playoff game after an altercation with another fan. (More)

Market Report   Previous Week

➤ Budweiser called in the Clydesdales for damage control after its $5 billion marketing snafu. A new commercial features the iconic horses running across America and has a feel-good, patriotic vibe. (More)

➤ Google is scrambling to incorporate AI into its search engine, and it’s building a completely new AI-focused engine to swat away the rising competition from products like Bing. (More)

➤ The Super Mario Bros. Movie has raked in almost $700 million at the box office. (More)

➤ Finland’s latest nuclear reactor is now online. It’s the largest ever built in Europe, and it’s one of five reactors that produce 40% of Finland’s electricity. (More)

➤ Scientists have discovered how bears avoid blood clots while hibernating: low levels of a key protein. (Read more)

➤ A San Francisco startup is 3D-printing disposable coffee cups that resemble terracotta. Dirt, salt, and water are the only ingredients. (Read more)

➤ A Spanish woman spent 500 days in a cave. Her time underground was part of an experiment measuring the sunlight’s effect on circadian rhythms. (More)

➤ SpaceX’s Starship has been cleared for takeoff by the FAA. It’s the biggest rocket ever built, and it’s taking off this week. (More)

Today’s Trivia

What year was the first Super Mario Brothers Nintendo game released?