Chinese researchers discovered a new coronavirus that uses the same cell surface protein to enter human cells as the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The report, featured in the journal Cell, notes that the HKU5-CoV-2 is a virus found in bats. The coronavirus variant closely matches the one that lead to the global pandemic in 2020.   Researchers…

The Vatican reports Pope Francis is in critical condition. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of “prolonged intensity,” requiring the administration of high-flow oxygen. “Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions,” the press office said, adding, “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical.…

One person is dead and at least two others are injured following a knife attack in eastern France Saturday, Feb. 22. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the attack is “without any doubt an act of Islamist terrorism.” According to reports, one person was killed after they tried to intervene in the attack, which seriously…

UnitedHealthcare is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. The government has launched a civil fraud investigation, looking at whether the embattled healthcare giant is illegally inflating its monthly payments received by the Medicare Advantage program, using patient diagnoses. Medicare Advantage is…

The release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners is temporarily delayed. Israeli press reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stalled the plans, at least until Israeli security officials meet Saturday evening, Feb. 22. The information comes from an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the meeting had not been formally announced.…

Transgender actress and model Hunter Schafer says her newly issued U.S. passport lists her gender as male. She attributes the change to a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Schafer, known for her role on HBO’s “Euphoria,” shared her experience in a TikTok video. She applied for a replacement passport after her original…

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is down one member. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco has abruptly requested to withdraw from the case. This comes just weeks before Combs’ highly anticipated May trial. The music mogul faces sex trafficking and other serious charges stemming from multiple allegations. The trial is expected to draw significant media attention. According…

President Donald Trump announced the firing of Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. on Friday, Feb. 21. Brown served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  “I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of…

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Friday, Feb. 21, limiting Chinese investments into critical American assets. Trump said investment by other countries can benefit the U.S. However, he also said “investment at all costs is not always in the national interest.” “Certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate…

On Friday, Feb. 21, the New York Yankees made bigger news for their revamped “facial hair policy” than for beating the Rays in their first spring training game of 2025. But that hasn’t stopped most from picking the Bronx Bombers to repeat as American League East champs. Can the Yankees make up for the loss…