Fresh fuel in debate over COVID origins
A report from the Department of Energy stirred up new debates over the origins of COVID-19. More harsh weather is expected around the country. And China slammed the United States for its sanctions on companies involved with Russia.
👋 Hey! Laura Davis here. It's time for Monday's news.
🌄 But first: Hate crowds but love nature? Check out America's least-visited national parks, where you can experience just as much beauty as a place like Yellowstone – but with way less traffic.
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Energy Department report reignites debate over COVID-19's spread
How did the COVID-19 pandemic begin? It has been the subject of much debate, but neither of the two leading theories – that the virus jumped from animals to humans at a market, or that it accidentally leaked from a research lab – has had enough evidence to be conclusive. The debate has been stirred up again after a report from the Energy Department concluded (albeit with "low confidence") that the pandemic most likely began after a lab leak in China, according to the Wall Street Journal. Here's what you should know.
- U.S. agencies haven't agreed on the origins of COVID-19 in wake of controversial report, White House says
More wild weather after historic snow, rain in California
The weather outside is frightful. Parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas were blasted by wild storms and tornadoes, while heavy rain and snow blanketed much of California and parts of the West on Monday as belligerent weather marched across the nation. And a winter storm watch was in effect across much of the Northeast. See the full weather picture here.
🌀 Think your home is safe from hurricane damage? Not so fast. Increasingly destructive hurricanes will put more U.S. homes at risk for wind damage, according to a new report. See how to look up a specific address.
🌤 What's the weather up to in your neck of the woods? Check your local forecast here.
What everyone's talking about
- Are you procrastinating? Unproductive? Get a 'body double.'
- True-crime book. Netflix adaptation. Why New York ax murder case continues to fascinate.
- Suspect in dog theft sues Lady Gaga over promised $500,000 reward for return.
- Harvey Weinstein rape victim revealed her name. The power in reclaiming your identity.
- Nearly 1,500 miles from home: Missing Miami tabby cat found in Kansas 2 years later.
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China blasts US sanctions over Russian involvement
China slammed the United States on Monday for "illegal" sanctions placed on Chinese companies involved with Russia and warned of retaliation if the sanctions are not revoked. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said that China's position on Ukraine has been objective and fair, promoting peace talks and a political solution – but that the U.S. has been "fanning the flame and fueling the fight with more weaponry." She said U.S. actions have no basis in international law and no U.N. Security Council mandate. Keep reading.
'Everything Everywhere All at Once' wins big at SAG Awards
The sci-fi multiverse-hopping "Everything Everywhere All at Once" won the top prize at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night, the last stop on the road to next month's Academy Awards. The acclaimed indie movie cemented its status as the Oscars front-runner by winning the SAG honor for best cast, while star Michelle Yeoh snagged best actress and Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan took home supporting actor honors. And Brendan Fraser scored a victory for "The Whale," winning best actor. See all of the winners from Sunday's show.
- Watch Jenna Ortega and Aubrey Plaza try to out-deadpan each other at the SAG Awards.
- Mark Wahlberg was criticized for his SAG Awards presentation. When can we forgive a star's problematic past?
A break from the news
- 💋 Cop their style: 5 beauty trends to shop from the SAG Awards.
- 🛀 Pamper yourself or a loved one with 20 relaxing, self-care gifts.
- 🧖♀️ Dry skin? You need to try these hydrating products from Glossier, Sol de Janeiro, Laura Mercier.
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at Paste BN. Send her an email at laura@usatoday.com or follow along with her adventures – and misadventures – on Twitter. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to Paste BN here.
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