THE BIG STORY The pandemic is nearly three years old. Masks are still effective at reducing COVID spread. |
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A woman in a face mask walks past a face mask requirement sign before entering the New York Public Library in New York City, on Aug. 2, 2021. Wang Ying / Xinhua via Getty Images |
An opinion article published this week in the New York Times that said COVID "mask mandates did nothing" is yet another drop in the misformation bucket, according to doctors and scientists who say the piece depends too heavily on flawed research. The author, who has a history of "discrediting" science, cites a study that examines the effects of mask mandates without confirming compliance with those mandates — meaning some people in the studies may not have worn masks properly or at all. Plus, surgical masks and N95 respirators, which vary widely in effectiveness against respiratory viruses, were compared as if they are the same. When it comes to masks, many, many, many studies (the CDC lists 90 of them through 2021) show that they reduce COVID transmission rates, especially on an individual level. That said, experts aren't claiming that masks are perfect, or that if you wear one you'll definitely never catch a respiratory virus. But wearing one properly can lower your risk of getting sick. "There is a difference between saying that masking doesn't reduce transmission of respiratory viruses and saying that mask mandates — which were a public health policy decision — didn't significantly reduce transmission. We have been using masks effectively in healthcare settings well before COVID," said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease doctor and researcher at Stanford University. |
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STAYING ON TOP OF THIS 365 days of war |
A boy climbs a destroyed Russian tank on display in Mykhailivskyi Square, on February 23, 2023 in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine. Roman Pilipey / Getty Images |
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- Grief and defiance in Kyiv on the anniversary of war, via the Guardian. "That we will win is certain," one Kyiv resident said. "We know why we are fighting. The Russians soldiers don't even understand where they are."
- A timeline of the last year since Russia invaded Ukraine, via AP. "Moscow holds nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, a large part of the industrial Donbas region in the east and broad areas in the south, including Europe's largest nuclear power station. But the Russian military has struggled to regroup following a year of heavy casualties and humiliating setbacks," AP reports.
- Looking ahead, Russia and Ukraine have acknowledged that a peace settlement seems far off.
- What Ukrainians messaged each other in the first hours of war, via the New York Times. "Dad, how are you?" "How will all this end?" "Hold on. I am honored to have such brother as you."
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Alex Murdaugh decided to testify at his murder trial — and immediately admitted to lying. Following his surprise decision to take the stand, which he was not legally required to do, said drug-induced paranoia made him lie to investigators about not being with his wife and son just before they were killed. How to avoid listeria bacteria in your food. Experts believe the latest listeria outbreak and food recall probably won't be the last one this year. 15 books by Black authors you should read no matter the month. Stories about a supernatural spiritual world, a murder case with the wrong body, and an unexpected and forbidden love. How Grey's Anatomy prepared for Ellen Pompeo's exit. Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., and more cast members opened up to BuzzFeed News about continuing the show without Meredith Grey at its helm. (Spoilers for Season 19, Episode 7.) |
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GUILTY VERDICTS Yesterday, R. Kelly and Harvey Weinstein each received new prison sentences for sexual abuse crimes |
Omar Marques / Getty Images |
14-year-old Ukrainian Juliana attends an Ukrainian online class on February 23, 2023 in Jerzmanowice, Poland. Juliana is one of dozens of Ukrainians who are living at the Green Hotel in Poland, which suspended operations and began hosting refugees when Russia invaded Ukraine. |
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CULTURE AND CRITICISM In defense of Cocaine Bear, an utterly ridiculous film |
The cocaine bear from the eponymous film. Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection |
Cocaine Bear, out in theaters today, is too campy and self-deprecating to be an indelible work of cinema, but that's not the point: It's original, and it's a very good time, Venessa Wong writes. Here's the plot: It's 1985 and a drug runner dumps bags of cocaine off a plane into the woods in Georgia; a 500-pound bear finds it, consumes a terrifying amount of drugs, immediately develops an addiction, and goes on a murderous rampage in search of its next hit. An innocent young girl and her friend (played by Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery) find themselves in the bear's path, and their only hope is that her mom (Keri Russell), who goes out searching for her, finds them before Cocaine Bear does. Directed by Elizabeth Banks and written by Jimmy Warden, this high-octane, predator–prey thriller thrives on absurdity. You squeal every time the bear does more cocaine(!) — recharging its bloodlust — and comes across another measly human who quickly realizes that they're screwed. If you've felt at turns paralyzed, numbed out, and extremely uptight amid the world's many big problems lately, Cocaine Bear will make you feel awake, all right — even if that pleasure is being supplied by things onscreen that are so deeply wrong. |
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If you have a favorite corner of the internet that you'd like to share, send it my way at hellomobile@buzzfeed.com with the subject line "reSEARCH." We may feature it in a future newsletter. —Alexa |
Late nights in the middle of June. Matthew Baker / Getty Images |
Revisiting Song Exploder's "Heat Waves" episode. In one of my favorite episodes of my favorite podcast, Glass Animals' lead singer Dave Bayley explains how he and his bandmates built "Heat Waves," the most popular song in the world last year. This episode subverted every preconceived notion I'd had about the song's breezy, radio-friendly sound. Between commentary on stylistic production and vocal layering choices, Bayley sneaks in the story of unthinkable personal loss that inspired "Heat Waves" — before insisting that it's ultimately a song rooted in optimism. Together, the song and podcast underscore how individual vulnerability can transform itself into art that ends up resonating with millions. Obsessing "Friendship After Love" poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. "We do not wish the pain back, or the heat; / And yet, and yet, these days are incomplete." Streaming "IVE OFFICIALLY LOST ViSiON!!!!" by Lil Yachty. There is no better feeling than anticipating a project for so long and having it deliver. There's so much to love about the latest Lil Yachty album, but this track in particular cemented itself as a favorite after just a few listens. This track is nuts… I mean, when the vocals crescendo into Yachty's last verse? It feels like I'm suddenly at T5, watching a live band jam out and loving every second of the cacophony. —Michael |
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This weekend, give and take a little extra, Alexa |
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📝 This letter was edited and brought to you by Alexa Lee and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here. 👉 Your support of BuzzFeed's journalism does not constitute a charitable donation, and your contribution is not eligible for a tax-deduction. This is part of an effort to explore a deeper relationship with our most active supporters.
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