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According to a news release, customers who purchase the pass will receive a black-and-gold card in the mail that earns them the right to one gourmet burger with a side of bottomless fries (one of the fast food chain’s signature […]

Donald Trump has scrapped the government website that had been providing vital information on preventing and fighting COVID-19. The site now redirects to a page claiming to offer information on “the true origins of COVID-19.”

Aligning with the theory Trump has been pushing since the pandemic began, the website criticizes China for spreading the virus, USA Today reported. It also features a banner that says “Lab leak” and blames Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, for failing to defend Trump’s theory. Any resources on vaccines, treatment and testing were removed from the previous page.

Who are the officials being slammed on Trump’s new COVID-19 website?

The new site slams officials who enforced preventive measures such as masks, social distancing and lockdowns. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is among the officials blamed for how he handled the pandemic. According to Trump’s administration, Cuomo is guilty of “medical malpractice” for the policies he enforced. The website also criticizes the World Health Organization, saying its response to the pandemic was “an abject failure.”

“The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2′ publication — which was used repeatedly by public health officials and the media to discredit the lab leak theory — was prompted by Dr. Fauci to push the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally,” the site states.

What is the CIA saying about Trump’s COVID-19 theory?

The CIA has shown support for Trump’s theory on the origins of COVID-19. Earlier this year, a CIA agent said the virus probably originated in a lab instead of in nature. However, the agency also noted that it’s still not confident in the theory and that it’s possible COVID-19 emerged naturally.

As WorldAtlas notes, “Humanity has physically explored more of our oceans than space. However, the journey of discovery in both fields has barely begun, promising endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in the future.” The idea of life on another planet is something that humans have thought about extensively. This is clearly demonstrated through art and science, both of which dream about the possibility of transcending space (and eventually, time). Science fiction has really set the precedent in terms of our planetary potential. In tandem, our modern times have brought advanced technology and new possibilities.

While things on Earth become divisive at times, we can always count on the excitement of exploration to bring mankind together. The International Space Station is kept running thanks to astronauts and experts from 15 different nations, all of whom are working toward “a long-range human space exploration strategy,” as NASA puts it. Long before the 1969 moon landing, adventurers have been curious about the potential of life on other planets. Now, new findings reveal that we’re closer to confirming alien life than ever before – although it’s trillions of miles away, on planet K2-18b.

What Does the Discovery on K2-18b Mean?

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At this stage, despite advances in technology, there has been no confirmation of extraterrestrial life (unless you believe conspiracies about Area 51). Most recently there have been some speckles of hope for life on another planet though. Cambridge scientists have detected some signs of molecules which are typically derived from simple organisms on a planet called K2-18b. This is the second time that a similar observation has been made in its atmosphere, as observed by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan spoke with BBC about his team’s findings, expressing that more data is needed, although he remains optimistic. “This is the strongest evidence yet there is possibly life out there. I can realistically say that we can confirm this signal within one to two years,” he told the outlet this week. Madhusudhan and his researchers used the JWST to analyze the chemical composition of K2-18b’s atmosphere via light which passes through from the small red Sun it orbits around.

What stands out to the Cambridge team is that the planet’s atmosphere appears to contain the signature of at least one of two molecules associated with life: dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulphide. BBC explains that, on Earth, “these gases are produced by marine phytoplankton and bacteria.”

The professor told the outlet, “The amount we estimate of this gas in the atmosphere is thousands of times higher than what we have on Earth. So, if the association with life is real, then this planet will be teeming with life. If we confirm that there is life on K2-18b, it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy.” Another expert, Dr. Subir Sarkar, suggested that the far-off giant could have an ocean that’s full of life, but for now, scientists “don’t know for sure.”

While there’s still a lot to learn about K2-18b as Madhusudhan’s research continues, we know that the planet is two-and-a-half times the size of Earth, and located a mere 124 light years (or 700 trillion miles) away. If you’re excited about the potential of meeting life on another planet, you might be disappointed to know this distance is beyond what a human could travel in their lifetime.

How Are We Going To Get To Other Planets? Journeying to the New Frontier 

Beyond looking for pre-existing life on other planets, there are many different organizations trying their hand at space exploration right now. Along with the international efforts made on the behalf of human kind, there are private companies competing in the space race too. So far, they’ve sent robotic spacecraft to the Moon, Venus and Mars, making progress and conducting plenty of research. 

The main issue of getting mankind to another planet is the human body, which is very sensitive to its conditions outside of the International Space Station. We have yet to crack the code on how to endure the intense heat, cold and toxic gases present on other planets. Despite the odds, there is some hope of making it to Mars. In comparison to other planets like Uranus, Venus, Neptune and more, it has the most habitable conditions. Astronomy.com’s assessment of the situation puts it the plainest, “technological innovation and a better understanding of the human body, mind and how we might adapt to life on another planet” is needed before we take the next steps.

There is a lot of work to do, but private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin have set their sights on this planet. Only time will tell just who and what will help us cross that finish line of getting (or finding) life on another planet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has any human ever landed on another planet?

Beyond Earth’s Moon, which was reached by spaceflight Apollo 11 in 1969, no human has ever traveled to another planet. 

Will we eventually live on another planet?

There are hopes that we will, but scientists and spectators are split on the odds. If we do eventually live on another planet, it will likely be no time soon. 

Has anyone ever been lost in space?

While some astronauts have experienced delays or have been temporarily stranded, there have been no instances of them being lost. There have, however, been fatal incidents during spaceflights.

The parents of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old student who was accused of stabbing another student during an altercation at a track meet, have spoken out for the first time. A press briefing was organized on April 17 by Next Generation Action Network, a social justice organization advocating for Anthony and supporting his self-defense claim.

Karmelo Anthony’s parents said they’re facing death threats

“In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack,” Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, said, according to ABC News. “Whatever you think what happened … my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about.”

“The lies and their amplification put my family in danger, as well as everyone in our community, everyone involved in the investigation from the police, the attorneys and the court staff,” she added.

Hayes added that her husband had to take a leave of absence from his job because he was afraid for his family.

“His mental health is deteriorating,” Hayes said. “Day by day, we have endured death threats.”

She noted that there is an “active investigation that everyone involved wants to be full and fair.”

“I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to,” Hayes said. “We believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out. To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you. To those who have supported my family, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We ask for your continued support, patience and prayers as we navigate this difficult process.”

Some people say the harassment of Karmelo Anthony’s family is coming from conservatives

Minister Dominique Alexander, the president and CEO of Next Generation Action Network, called out some conservatives for being “outright disrespectful” and “posting nonstop about this case.” He noted that the family has not yet received money from a fundraiser set up to help them cover Anthony’s legal fees.

Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, showed up to the press conference and was asked to leave by law enforcement. Metcalf said he wanted to hear what was being said, according to FOX 4. However, Alexander called out his decision to appear at the briefing.

“I want to start off this press conference to say something as a deep note. A deep note that I can tell America. What we seen at the beginning of this press conference. The father being at this press conference. These are my words, don’t quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son,” he said while opening the briefing, per FOX4.

What happens next in Karmelo Anthony’s case?

Metcalf was stabbed during an altercation with Anthony that took place at Frisco Independent School District stadium on April 2 during a track meet. Anthony was shortly arrested following the incident and immediately claimed self-defense. He was charged with murder.

Anthony was being held on a $1 million bond, which was then set at $250,000 during a hearing on Monday. He was also released from detention and was put on house arrest. Anthony was ordered to receive parental or adult supervision at all times, have no contact with the Metcalf family and request court approval in order to leave the house. The 17-year-old was also expelled from school, Alexander said during the briefing.

“Karmelo Anthony is a 3.7 GPA student, and if he doesn’t even go to class for the remainder of the year, he would graduate,” he said, according to FOX4. “Okay, we’ve asked that Frisco do not make a decision in this situation, but Frisco ISD has notified of their intent to expel Carmelo Anthony from school one month before his high school graduation. That just shows me that Frisco ISD is trying to push off the blame.”

The family of a teenager being held in a notorious prison in El Salvador claims that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents knowingly arrested the young man by mistake but detained and deported him anyway. The family of Merwil Gutiérrez is seeking answers as he and others remain imprisoned without being convicted of any crimes based on dubious accusations of gang affiliation.

‘He’s not the one’ but deported anyway

Merwil was detained by ICE agents on Feb. 24, Documented first reported. Merwil’s arrest was witnessed by his cousin Luis, who observed Merwil’s apprehension from the window of their shared apartment and later informed Merwil’s father, Wilmer Gutiérrez, about the arrest. According to the account shared by Luis, ICE agents approached Merwil and two other young men on the street. One of the agents allegedly said of Merwil, “No, he’s not the one,” but the other agent responded, ‘Take him anyway,’” and he was detained. Merwil’s father was eventually allowed a brief phone call with his teenage son, who was later sent to Texas and then deported to El Salvador, along with other Venezuelans rounded up in the ICE crackdown.

Imprisoned in ‘a foreign country he’s never even been to’

Wilmer left Venezuela in 2023 with his son Merwil and his nephew Luis, traveling by bus and foot across several countries to a town in Mexico along the U.S. border, from which they applied to enter the U.S. and seek asylum based on the conditions in their home country. The family was eventually housed in New York City while they applied for asylum. Merwil has no criminal record in the United States or Venezuela and does not even have any tattoos, which are often used by authorities in the U.S. to indicate gang affiliation. He and other alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang were deported to El Salvador, “I could have understood if he’d been sent back to Venezuela,” Merwil’s father said, “but why to a foreign country he’s never even been to?”

Deported to El Salvador despite no criminal records

Merwil was one of over 200 Venezuelans arrested by ICE agents over alleged affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang. President Donald Trump recently declared the gang a terrorist organization and used this designation to round up and deport alleged members of the gang under the controversial Alien Enemies Act, a rarely enforced 18th century law. The majority of the 238 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador have no criminal record. Despite the lack of proven evidence of gang affiliation or terrorist ties, the United States has made a deal with El Salvador to hold these deportees in the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center prison in El Salvador. Cases like Merwil’s come alongside that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and remains imprisoned there despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return.

For now, however, Merwil, Abrego Garcia and others remain locked up in El Salvador, with the possibility that others will be deported from the U.S. and joining them in detention there. For the families of these deported detainees, the governments of the U.S. and El Salvador are giving them few options as they seek their relatives’ release and return to the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under fire for what critics are calling a cover-up of a deadly E. coli outbreak that spread across more than a dozen states and left scores of people ill. Now, controversial Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being accused of a cover-up, even as the agency defends its decision not to publicize more information about the disease outbreak.

The FDA failed to disclose information about the deadly outbreak

As investigated by NBC News, a major outbreak of E. coli bacteria began in November 2024, eventually spreading to 15 states and infecting at least 89 people, based on an FDA investigation that included genetic testing of the strain of E. coli spread during the outbreak. One person died after falling ill from E. coli. According to an FDA report produced in February, the dozens of reported cases were traced to tainted romaine lettuce distributed by “a sole processor” after being purchased from a grower. However, the FDA chose not to publicize information about the outbreak. Even when lawyers for one of the infected parties obtained the report, the names of the companies involved had been redacted from the document.

Accusations of a cover-up and mishandling of food safety

According to The Daily Beast, although the FDA is not reported to have broken any laws by withholding information from the public, its lack of transparency about the outbreak is being labeled as a cover-up by community watchdogs and those impacted by the outbreak. Several news outlets are also characterizing the withholding of information as a cover-up.

“RFK Jr.’s FDA Covered Up Killer E. Coli Outbreak,” reads the headline of a story by The Daily Beast criticizing the health secretary, whose department includes the FDA. The agency has defended its actions as routine, arguing that “by the time investigators had confirmed the likely source, the outbreak had already ended and there was no actionable advice for consumers.”

Beyond this particular situation, Kennedy and the Trump administration have been criticized for their skepticism related to public health initiatives and their efforts to reduce the size and function of relevant agencies.

“We no longer have all the mechanisms in place to learn from those situations and prevent the next outbreak from happening,” Taryn Webb, who was laid off this month from her FDA position leading public engagement concerning human foods, said, according to The Daily Beast.

Lawsuits mounting against company accused of causing outbreak

Despite the lack of information coming from the FDA, several of those impacted by the E. coli outbreak are now suing the company they believe is responsible for spreading the contaminated lettuce. NBC reported that at least nine lawsuits have been filed against California-based Taylor Farms for being the source of the contaminated lettuce. Weeks before the lettuce-based outbreak, the company was linked to a separate deadly E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers that were topped with onions supplied by Taylor Farms. Regarding the lettuce, the company has denied responsibility.

“Taylor Farms product WAS NOT the source of the referenced 2024 E. coli outbreak,” the company said in a statement to NBC, adding, “we perform extensive raw and finished product testing on all our product and there was no evidence of contamination.”

With multiple legal actions being pursued by those hit by the outbreak, we will likely see more information come to light about how this outbreak happened and why federal authorities didn’t do more to inform the public about it. Kennedy, who has made a living dabbling in conspiracy theories about the healthcare industry, now finds himself under scrutiny for potentially hiding a public health danger.

Lowe’s announced this week that it’s acquiring Artisan Design Group, the company that produces flooring, cabinets and countertops, for $1.325 billion.

According to Lowe’s, the deal will become official in the second quarter of 2025.

What is the Artisan Design Group?

Artisan Design Group is widely regarded as a premium interior design producer, providing residential interior services across the country. The Dallas-based company brought in about $1.8 billion in 2024, per Fox 4 News. ADG owns 132 facilities for distribution, design and service across 18 states, USA Today reported.

What does Lowe’s aim to accomplish by acquiring Artisan Design Group?

Lowe’s said the acquisition of ADG will help expand the business significantly, bringing in more than $50 million.

“With more than 18 million homes needed in the United States by 2033, we expect new home construction will be a major driver of Pro planned spend for the next decade,” Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement, per USA TODAY. “The acquisition of ADG allows us to build on our momentum with Pro planned spend and is expected to expand our total addressable market by approximately $50 billion.”

The latest move from Lowe’s comes after its rival Home Depot purchased SRS Distribution for $18 billion in 2024. Home Depot announced at that time that SRS “is a leader with the specialty trade PRO in roofing, landscaping, and pool.” Lowe’s added that the acquisition complements the “Pro capabilities Home Depot is already building and will help us better serve complex project purchases.”

As Blavity reported, Lowe’s has continued to operate while many other stores have been facing closures in recent months. Companies like Party City, Big Lots, Walgreens Boots Alliance, 7-Eleven and Macy’s faced closures in 2024. According to Coresight Research, which released a report in January, about 15,000 closures from major companies are expected in 2025 while President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs that could effect the stock market and economy.