Employment rises in U.S., as 517,000

Hiring in the United States grew strongly in January, pushing back against fears of a possible recession.

The New York Times reported that the Labor Department on Friday stated that 517,000 new jobs were added that month, reversing three months of decline. Additionally, the unemployment rate slipped to 3.4 percent, the lowest since 1969. Traditionally, 4 percent is considered “full employment.”

A balloon-ing crisis with the Chinese?

A huge balloon that was seen flying over Montana this week is from China, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to cancel a planned visit to China.

According to United Press International, the Chinese government claims it was a civilian airship doing meteorological research and drifted off-course. Blinken said, “We are convinced this is a Chinese surveillance balloon.”