The White House said on Monday the United States could not confirm a Wall Street Journal report on the origins of COVID-19.
But U.S. intelligence agencies are examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory were seriously ill in 2019, according to U.S. government sources who cautioned that there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab.
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESWOMAN JEN PSAKI: "We don't have enough data and information to jump to a conclusion at this point in time." The White House on Monday said it could not confirm a Wall Street Journal report on the origins of COVID-19 that said three researchers from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology sought hospital care in November of 2019 - a month before China reported the first cases of the coronavirus.
The report has fueled debate over whether the virus was transmitted from animals to humans and has lent support to claims it escaped from a lab.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said more information was needed and called on the World Health Organization to step up its investigation.
PSAKI: "We have repeatedly called for the WHO to support an expert-driven evaluation of the pandemic's origins that is free from interference of politicization... Now we're hopeful that WHO can move into a more transparent, independent Phase 2 investigation." The Wall Street Journal report cited a previously undisclosed U.S. intelligence report that went beyond a State Department fact sheet released near the end of the Trump administration that said researchers at the lab had symptoms that were consistent with "both COVID-19 and common seasonal illness." The new intelligence report adds new details, including the number of researchers, the timing of their illnesses and their hospital visits.
On Monday, Reuters asked Psaki about the intelligence report the Wall Street Journal cited.
REUTERS REPORTER JEFF MASON: "Was it accurate?
And do you have any concerns that it may have been politicalized?" PSAKI: "I would say, in terms of the report, which was specifically about individuals being hospitalized, we have no means of confirming that or denying that.
I mean, it's not a report from the United States." MASON: "I think the Journal cited a U.S. intelligence report.
So that would've been a U.S. report." PSAKI: "Well, I don't have anything more on a U.S. intelligence report from here." Earlier on Monday, China's foreign ministry rejected the Wall Street Journal report, saying it was "completely untrue." CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ZHAO LIJIAN: "The United States continues to hype up the lab leak theory.
Does it care about traceability?
Or is it just trying to distract attention?" Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb told CNBC on Monday that - despite the claims from China - scientists still havenât discovered definitive proof that the virus came from an animal, and that there was an increasing amount of circumstantial evidence supporting the theory that the virus could have come from a lab.
The first cases of what would eventually be known as COVID-19 were reported at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan, China, where the advanced laboratory specializing in coronavirus research is located.
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt â no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
Thereâs no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , âWe know what Republicans are going to do; we canât
stop them from that. But itâs also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.â
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Announces Deal With Taiwanâs TSMC , to Ramp Up US Chip Production.
On April 8, the White House said that it has reached an agreement with TSMC to help build new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Arizona, 'The Hill' reports. .
The Biden administration will
provide up to $6.6 billion in funding
via the CHIPS and Science Act.
The president said that the money
will âsupport the construction of
leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities right here in the United States.â .
Funding would also go toward
training local workforces at the new facilities.
A year and a half ago, I toured
the site of TSMCâs first new
fab in Phoenix, Arizona, President Joe Biden, via statement.
TSMCâs renewed commitment
to the United States, and its
investment in Arizona.., President Joe Biden, via statement.
... represent a broader story for
semiconductor manufacturing thatâs
made in America and with the strong
support of Americaâs leading technology firms
to build the products we rely on every day, President Joe Biden, via statement.
America's ability to produce its own microchips remains a key area of concern for Biden.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which was passed
with bipartisan support in 2022, is intended to
make the U.S. less dependent on foreign suppliers.
The White House has also made
agreements with Intel, GlobalFoundries
and Bae Systems, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Brussels, my love? explores the potential threat of Trump 2.0. What would happen if a NATO ally were attacked by Putin? Would Trump respond proportionately and in the interests of America's closest partners? Or would he take the view that he bore no responsibility to respond?
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 32:26Published
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Study Investigates Link Between, COVID, Mental Health and Insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
As a sleep researcher, I received
many questions and complaints
from relatives, friends, and colleagues
about their sleep disturbances
after recovering from Covid-19, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
I found that the majority of papers
focused on hospitalized patients.
The environment of their treatment
and quarantine would differ greatly
from those with milder symptoms, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Of the 1,056 people surveyed, over 76.1% of
participants said they experienced insomnia.
22.8% of those surveyed reported
experiencing severe insomnia.
The study found that two groups experienced
a statistically significant increased rate of insomnia,
including those with depressive or anxious symptoms.
The authors of the study note that further
investigation of the connection between COVID,
mental health problems and insomnia is needed.
Since this is a cross-sectional
study, the relationship of anxiety
and depression with insomnia
cannot be fully investigated, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
In addition, collecting data
online and a convenience
sampling method can cause
recall bias and selection bias. , Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Global Increase of , Neurological Disorders , 'Very Concerning,' Researchers Say.
'Newsweek' reports that a new study
warns that neurological disorders have
become more common worldwide.
According to a team of international researchers,
the number of people with such conditions has
risen "substantially" over the past thirty years.
These conditions include Alzheimer's disease,
as well as other forms of dementia,
meningitis and stroke. .
In 2021, the team found that 3.4 billion people had
one of these neurological conditions, accounting for
approximately 43% of the world's total population.
Researchers attribute the alarming
statistic to a rapidly aging population and
increases in lifestyle risk factors.
Researchers attribute the alarming
statistic to a rapidly aging population and
increases in lifestyle risk factors.
Over a 31-year period, researchers found
an 18% increase in disability, illness and
premature death related to these conditions.
'Newsweek' reports that the team's findings highlight the
need for more research into these neurological conditions,
which have proven to be extremely difficult to treat.
'Newsweek' reports that the team's findings highlight the
need for more research into these neurological conditions,
which have proven to be extremely difficult to treat.
Because many neurological conditions
lack cures, and access to medical care
is often limited, understanding
modifiable risk factors and the
potentially avoidable neurological
condition burden is essential to
help curb this global health crisis, Katrin Seeher, study co-lead author and mental health
specialist at WHO's Brain Health Unit, via 'Newsweek'.
Because many neurological conditions
lack cures, and access to medical care
is often limited, understanding
modifiable risk factors and the
potentially avoidable neurological
condition burden is essential to
help curb this global health crisis, Katrin Seeher, study co-lead author and mental health
specialist at WHO's Brain Health Unit, via 'Newsweek'.
The team's findings were detailed in a study
published in the journal 'The Lancet Neurology.'.
Neuroscience research is now
progressing rapidly offering
hope through new treatments
for diseases like dementias and
through better understanding
of lifestyle modifications
to best care for our brains, Tara Spires-Jones, president of the British Neuroscience
Association and group leader in the U.K. Dementia Research
Institute at the University of Edinburgh, via Newsweek
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Delhi Is the âMost Pollutedâ , Capital City in the World.
The capital of India was found to be the
world's most polluted capital city in 2023,
according to air-quality monitoring group IQAir.
India was also ranked as the
third-most polluted country after
Bangladesh and Pakistan, BBC reports.
In 2022, India was the
eighth most polluted country. .
According to the report, the average level
of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in India's
air was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. .
Delhi's air quality had a PM2.5 reading
of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter.
Air that is considered safe to breathe
typically has 12 to 15 micrograms per
cubic meter of PM2.5, BBC reports. .
Levels higher than 35 micrograms per
cubic meter are thought to be unhealthy. .
Only seven countries were within
the World Health Organization's yearly
PM2.5 guideline, an "average of 5 micrograms per cubic meter or less," BBC reports. .
Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand.
Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand.
In 2023 air pollution remained a global health
catastrophe, IQAirâs global data set provides
an important reminder of the resulting
injustices and the need to implement the
many solutions that exist to this problem. , Aidan Farrow, senior air quality scientist at
Greenpeace International, via 'The Guardian'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US State Department warns businesses of potential sanctions risks regarding deals with Iran following Iran's engagement with Pakistan. Recent US sanctions target entities aiding Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including Chinese companies. The Pentagon reaffirms positive relations with Pakistan, emphasizing its importance as a regional security partner.
#Biden #JoeBiden #VedantPatel #USSanctions #Sanctionlist #Pakistannews #Irannews #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
~PR.152~ED.101~GR.125~HT.96~
US State Department reports human rights abuses in Manipur post-ethnic conflict. Modi condemns. Report notes violence between Kuki and Meitei groups, UN urging.. IndiaTimes
US Vetoes Resolution , to Grant Palestine , Full UN Membership.
On April 18, the United States vetoed a United Nations
resolution that would have allowed Palestine
to become a full United Nations member. .
Associated Press reports that the
widely-supported resolution was backed
by 12 of 15 Security Council members. .
The United Kingdom and Switzerland
both abstained from the vote,
while the U.S. opposed the measure.
AP reports that Palestine's broad support reflects the
growing international concern for Palestinians facing
a humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
AP reports that Palestine's broad support reflects the
growing international concern for Palestinians facing
a humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
The resolution would have made Palestine
the 194th member of the United Nations. .
Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stressed to the
Security Council that the U.S. veto of the resolution... .
... âdoes not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood
but instead is an acknowledgment that it will only
come from direct negotiations between the parties.â.
Similarly, deputy State Department
spokesman Vedant Patel said that the U.S. has...
... âbeen very clear consistently that premature actions
in New York â even with the best intentions â will
not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people.â.
In response to the failed vote, Palestinian U.N.
Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the council that
the decision would not deter the Palestinian people.
The fact that this resolution did not
pass will not break our will and it
will not defeat our determination, Riyad Mansour, Palestinian U.N. Ambassador, via Associated Press.
We will not stop in our effort.
The state of Palestine is inevitable.
It is real. Perhaps they see it as
far away, but we see it as near, Riyad Mansour, Palestinian U.N. Ambassador, via Associated Press
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Following India's protest over US comments on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated Washington's stance on fair legal processes. He emphasized transparency and timeliness in both Kejriwal's case and the freezing of Congress party bank accounts.
#ArvindKejriwal #Kejriwal #MatthewMiller #EDArrest #CongressParty #BankAccounts #Indianews #USIndia #Biden #PMModi #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
~PR.152~ED.103~GR.122~HT.96~
On Wednesday, the government convened a 40-minute meeting with the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission from the United States, who was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs' office located in Delhi's South Block. While specific details of the meeting have not been disclosed, it follows a statement by a US State Department spokesperson the previous day. The spokesperson mentioned that the department is actively monitoring reports concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and expeditious legal process for the detained Aam Aadmi Party leader.
#ArvindKejriwal #USKejriwalArrest #USReactsToKejriwalArrest #MegaRally #INDIABlocRally #KejriwalArrestOppositionRally #OppositionRallyKejriwalArrest #HighCourtChallenge #ImmediateRelease #KejriwalArrest #LegalAction #DelhiHighCourt #LegalBattle #EnforcementDirectorate #UrgentHearing #LegalJustice #AAPLeader
~PR.152~ED.194~GR.125~HT.96~
Congress Sends Biden a Bill , That Could Ban TikTok.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
However, the ban would take place
after the 2024 election, NBC News reports. .
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
The new bill gives TikTok parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the
platform or be banned in the U.S.
A one-time, 90-day extension can
be granted by the president.
Without an extension, the earliest a ban
could be implemented is January 2025.
Some Democrats say that ByteDance would rather sell TikTok than be banned in America.
TikTok ainât going away. There is
no more capitalistic entity than
an organization controlled by
the Chinese Communist Party.
Theyâre going to sell it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Young people will go on their
TikTok tomorrow and theyâll still
have it. And then the day after
that, theyâll still have it. And the
day after that, theyâll still have it.
If you like it, youâre going to keep it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Donald Trump issued a statement seeking to
exploit the development for his own political gain.
Just so everyone knows, especially the
young people, Crooked Joe Biden is
responsible for banning TikTok. He is the one
pushing it to close ⊠Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote!, Donald Trump, via Truth Social
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with ex-President Donald Trump at Trump Tower, emphasizing the enduring significance of the US-Japan alliance amid Indo-Pacific security challenges. Trump praised Japan's defense efforts. These diplomatic exchanges coincide with Trump's legal proceedings and his active engagement with other global leaders.
#DonaldTrump #donaldtrumplatestnews #donaldtrumpnews #donaldtrump2024 #TaroAso #JapanUS #ShinzoAbe #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
~ED.101~GR.123~HT.318~
Jon Stewart is mocking the media's coverage of Donald Trump's criminal trial. 'The Daily Show' host slammed the likes of Jake Tapper, Nicolle Wallace and Erin Burnett for their extensive and at times incredibly dramatic reporting of the former president's New York criminal trial.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 02:03Published
A newspaper chief was Donald Trump's "eyes and ears" and killed unfavourable stories about him in the run-up to the 2016 election, a court has heard. Sky News
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease official, said he and many experts felt it was more likely that COVID-19 was a "natural occurrence" but couldn't know the origin for sure, and..