🐟 China’s ban on Japanese fish

Happy Saturday! It’s August 26 — people are talking about China’s ban on Japanese fish, the pros and cons of transition lenses, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

🐟 In the news: China’s ban on Japanese fish

Japan started releasing nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. China banned Japanese seafood imports in response. Is the decision justified?

🐟 WaPo: The IAEA approved Japan's plan to release wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the sea. Japan says the water’s radioactivity is well within regulatory standards.

🐟 Fox News: China wasn't happy — in response, it banned Japanese seafood imports. South Korea also raised concerns about the water's safety.

🐟 The SCMP says China's decision is for the best. It's better to be cautious about Japanese seafood, given the serious safety concerns at stake. Officials should stay vigilant and keep monitoring the seafood over time.

🐟 The Washington Examiner disagrees: There are many reasons to believe the release is completely safe. Besides, China has done far more damage to the environment than Japan has.

🐟 But Reuters says China's ban is actually more about politics than safety. China may be motivated by Japan's ties to the US.

😎 Cultural trend: Are transition lenses back?

Transition lenses are sunglasses in sun, and clear glasses in the shade. Are they too dorky to wear, or are they too convenient to pass up?

😎 Refinery29 loves transition lenses — perfect for people with sensitive eyes. They may be “dad fashion”, but their convenience is hard to beat.

😎 Vogue likes them too. It might have been a “social crime” to wear these in the past, but nowadays they're fashion-forward eyewear.

😎 But Megan Glassy begs to differ. In a TikTok video, she says she regrets getting transition lenses because they “look so f*****g stupid”!

😎 This Redditor on FemaleFashionAdvice agrees: They're just too dorky! Everyone looks better in a pair of glasses or sunglasses.

😎 Esquire defends the accessory, though. Their convenience factor outweighs their dorkiness. Don't knock them until you try them!

Quick hits

🇷🇺 After the death of the former head of the Wagner Group, Putin required Wagner Group fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to Russia. (Reuters)

⚫ The FBI released a “validated list” of 338 people unaccounted for after the wildfires in Maui. The effort to identify victims is still ongoing. (CNN)

🏈 The 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Cowboys for a 4th-round pick. They drafted Lance 3rd overall in 2021, but he played in only 8 games. (USA Today)

⚽ FIFA suspended Spanish Football President Luis Rubiales after his controversial kiss of Spanish player Jenni Hermoso. (Forbes)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)