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The Sun
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
World Health Organisation admits they STILL have no idea what caused Covid pandemic – but refuses to rule out lab leak
A LEADING theory that the Covid pandemic originated from a lab leak in China cannot be ruled out, the World Health Organisation said. A team of experts set up by the WHO in 2021 to investigate Covid's origins said 'all hypotheses remain on the table' - while also accusing Beijing of not giving up critical information. 7 7 7 The Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (Sago) said on Friday that most data suggests the idea that the virus jumped from animals to humans. This is the same conclusion the WHO came to in 2021. Watch the documentary in full on our YouTube channel here Their new report made the bombshell claim that a lab leak theory should "not be ruled out". But they added: "Nor can it be proven until more information is provided." Group chair Marietjie Venter said after three years of investigating, they were unable to come to a certain conclusion of the pandemic's origins. They blasted China for not releasing all necessary data to determine Covid's creation - despite hundreds of requests for genetic sequences and biosecurity information to the government. She Venter: "Therefore, this hypothesis could not be investigated or excluded. "It was deemed to be very speculative, based on political opinions and not backed up by science." Venter said the 27-member group could not reach a unanimous conclusion on Covid's origins, following one member's resignation earlier this week. Three other scientists also asked for their names to be removed from the new report. I was in Oval Office with Trump at start of pandemic - no one was closer to Chinese officials than me & I believe Covid was engineered in lab Covid-19 emerged just eight miles from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Scientists there had been importing and manipulating bat coronaviruses and had been filmed handling animals with inadequate protection. Venter added that there was no evidence proving Covid was created in a lab, nor was there any indication it was spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China. She said: "Until more scientific data becomes available, the origins of how SARS-CoV-2 entered human populations will remain inconclusive." Beijing has consistently refused to release full details about the lab in Wuhan, despite repeated requests for information from multiple countries. 7 7 7 It comes after The Sun's explosive Covid lab leak documentary laid bare the mounting evidence and disturbing questions surrounding the virus's emergence in Wuhan - home to China's most secretive bio-research facility. In April, the US unveiled a bombshell new web page on the origins of Covid, blaming the Wuhan Institute of Virology for unleashing the killer virus. And in a fresh propaganda push, Beijing insisted "substantial evidence" showed Covid "might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China". The document - titled Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance - was released via China's official Xinhua news agency. It unashamedly accused the US of "indifference and delayed actions" during the global Covid fight - and of scapegoating China to deflect from its own "mismanaged" response. It wrote: "The US has made China the primary scapegoat for its own mismanaged COVID-19 response." The report added that America was 'spreading misinformation' and wasted 'precious time China had secured for the global fight against the pandemic". It revived Beijing's long-standing claims that it shared information with the world in a "timely manner". The paper added: 'The US should not continue to 'pretend to be deaf and dumb', but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community.' In May Donald Trump banned all US funding for risky virus research in China and beyond, five years after Covid-19 upended the planet. The US President said in the Oval Office last month: 'I said that right from day one it leaked out — whether it was to the girlfriend or somebody else, [a] scientist walked outside to have lunch with the girlfriend or was together with a lot of people — but that's how it leaked out in my opinion." The Sun's investigation into the origins of Covid 'Smoking gun' docs show US scientists planned to make viruses in Wuhan with SAME features of Covid year before outbreak Pentagon was told SIX times that Covid was lab leak at start of pandemic – but buried the truth, ex-intel official says US government backed shock Wuhan lab plan to collect 500,000 viruses months before Covid… and KNEW it was dangerous Wuhan Covid 'lab leak' firm given $60m US taxpayer funding for MORE virus tests Covid was 'perfectly adapted' to infect humans when virus emerged in Wuhan which 'proves' lab leak Bombshell clues that 'prove' China hid Covid lab leak in 'cover up of the century worse than Watergate' Crumbling sewers, no PPE, & filthy cages – Inside 'chaotic & crowded' Wuhan labs which may have unleashed Covid Wuhan Covid 'lab leak' scientists were 'bitten by bats & sprayed with blood' China's OWN scientists discussed 'problems' with Wuhan lab days after Covid outbreak Secret memo shows how panicked China ordered labs to destroy Covid samples Wuhan lab chief 'ordered scientists not to talk about Covid origins ' in leaked email France 'warned Wuhan lab could be turned into a 'biological arsenal' by Chinese military four years before Covid 'leak'
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
All hypotheses on Covid-19 origins ‘remain on the table': WHO chief
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said China had failed to provide key information that could help to determine the origins of Covid-19. PHOTO: AFP All hypotheses on Covid-19 origins 'remain on the table': WHO chief GENEVA - All hypotheses on how the Covid-19 pandemic began remain on the table, the World Health Organisation said on June 26, following an inconclusive investigation into the global catastrophe's origins. The pandemic killed an estimated 20 million people, according to WHO, while shredding economies and crippling health systems. Understanding where the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 came from is seen as key to preventing future pandemics. The first cases were detected in Wuhan in China in late 2019, with the WHO first characterising the outbreak as a pandemic in March 2020. The WHO set up the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (Sago) to take the investigation into the pandemic's origins as far as they could. Its report was being published on June 27. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sago had advanced understanding of the origins of Covid-19 but much of the information needed to evaluate fully all the hypotheses had not been provided. 'Despite our repeated requests, China hasn't provided hundreds of viral sequences from individuals with Covid-19 early in the pandemic, more detailed information on animals sold at markets in Wuhan, and information on work done and biosafety conditions at laboratories in Wuhan,' he told a press conference. 'WHO is also aware of intelligence reports performed by other governments around the world on the origins of Covid-19. We have also requested access to those reports. 'As things stand, all hypotheses must remain on the table, including zoonotic spillover and lab leak.' Dr Tedros said the UN health agency continued to appeal to Beijing and other countries with information about the origins of Covid-19 to share the information openly, in the interests of protecting the world from future pandemics. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Axios
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
N.C. swing-voter focus groups: Negative on Tillis while supporting Trump
A majority of North Carolina swing voters in our latest Engagious / Sago focus groups expressed skepticism about re-electing N.C. Sen. Thom Tillis, even as they broadly support President Trump's policies, especially on immigration. Why it matters: While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events. The big picture: The Trump-to-Biden voters' said they could not point to any actions he has taken as senator, and only one of the 12 focus group attendees said they would be likely to vote for him. "After more than a decade, Sen. Tillis remains largely unknown to these North Carolina swing voters," said Rich Thau, President of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups. State of play: Tillis, who faced some backlash from Republicans for his stances on some Trump appointees, looks likely to face a tough re-election campaign next year — especially if former N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, enters the race. How it works: Axios observed two Engagious / Sago online focus groups Tuesday night comprising 12 North Carolinians, all of whom said they voted for Biden in 2020, then Trump in 2024. Nine are independents and three are Republicans. What they're saying: "I['ve] just seen so much stuff on TV ... around election time that just had a bad imprint on my mind. You say his name, it's like saying Joe Biden to me," Ashley B., 36, of Arden, said of Tillis. "He hasn't done much for North Carolina, in my opinion," Karen L, 61, of Wilmington said. Driving the news: Top of mind for the focus group, however, was the topic of immigration, especially with so much media coverage focused on anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. A majority of the focus group said they support President Trump's deportations and activation of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles, despite reservations about extremism and civil rights violations. Seven of 12 panelists said they support the president's activation of the National Guard and Marines in L.A. despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's and local officials' objections. Three disapproved; two didn't have an opinion. Between the lines: Several panelists cited concerns about the economy, tariffs and political corruption. A majority objected to Trump's moves to cut university research (though many were unsure of the nature of the cuts) as well as the prospect of Medicaid cuts as part of the spending and tax-cut bill before Congress. Research funding cuts are already leading to job and investment cuts at UNC and Duke, both among the state's largest employers. After a decade of debate, Medicaid was expanded in North Carolina last year by the Republican-led General Assembly, giving hundreds of thousands of people coverage. "The people that need [Medicaid benefits], I mean they really need them," said Kimberly S., 37, of Sanford. "They need to be able to survive with medications and things like that."
Axios
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Focus groups: North Carolina swing voters mostly OK with Trump's LA response
A majority of North Carolina swing voters in our latest Engagious / Sago focus groups supported President Trump's deportations and activation of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles, despite some concerns about civil rights and government overreach. The big picture: These Biden-to-Trump voters' desire to eject undocumented migrants from the U.S. — and their critical views of California and Democrats — shape how they see this massive test of executive power playing out far from their own hometowns. Seven of 12 panelists said they support the president's activation of the National Guard and Marines in L.A. despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's and local officials' objections. Three disapproved; two didn't have an opinion. Eight of the 12 said they believe Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. Why it matters: "Democrats who doubt their party remains out of touch with swing voters will be stunned by what these North Carolinians told us about immigration," said Rich Thau, President of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups. How it works: Axios observed two Engagious / Sago online focus groups Tuesday night with North Carolinians who said they voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024. The panelists included nine independents and three Republicans. While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events. What they're saying: "The stance California has on illegal immigration only enables all these people, and they're not going to stop it," said Gregory D., 43, of Greensboro. "So we need to bring it up another level. It needs to stop. California doesn't want to stop it." "It's in the best interest of the nation that we call this, I don't know, uprising, call it what you want, but yeah, that needs to get nipped in the bud, just like George Floyd and all that sh*t should have," said Alex H., 44, of Charlotte. Butch F., 58, of Mebane, said he believes illegal immigrants got government assistance that reduced North Carolinians' access to disaster funds. Gerius J., 33, of Charlotte, said he's for diversity but wants to "do it the right way. Get the right paperwork, the right documentation." He said Democrats "have always wanted illegals to come here," and if anyone objects, "you're the bad guy. And as a U.S. citizen, I'm not the bad guy. I just want things to be done the right way." The other side: Karen L., 61, of Wilmington, said of Trump's immigration actions, "When he first started out, it seemed like he was really going after the criminals — like, the ones committing murder and rape — and he was getting all of them. And we don't want them here if they're [here] illegally, especially. But now ... it's way too extreme, and he's violating civil rights, and he's causing more chaos than anything." Rachid O., 46, of Raleigh, said the administration should prioritize arresting and deporting criminals, above all undocumented immigrants. Many undocumented immigrants pay taxes "so they contribute to the country," he said. Between the lines: Shifting the focus to combating illegal immigration may help him with some voters who have cooled on his performance in other areas. Several panelists voiced concerns about the economy, tariffs and political corruption and objected to Trump's moves to cut university research, or possible Medicaid cuts in the spending and tax-cut bill before Congress. "It's getting harder and harder to afford things," said Kimberly S., 37, of Sanford. "We are just kind of told, 'Hey, you just got to bear with us just a little bit more,' and it doesn't feel like it's getting any easier." Shauna S., 54, of Harrisburg, said when it comes to tariffs, "There's no plan, and it's been erratic. It appears to be an opportunity to manipulate the markets, and I really want someone to investigate where and who's actually gaining financially every time these tariffs are being threatened and then removed. I'm just curious what's really happening."
Axios
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Focus groups: Pennsylvania swing voters aren't sold on Shapiro
Gov. Josh Shapiro may have a perception problem among some Pennsylvania swing voters, recent Engagious/Sago focus groups suggest. Why it matters: Some analysts have floated Shapiro as a possible presidential contender in 2028, but political observers warn that he must first decisively win reelection next year. A poor showing, especially among independent and right-leaning voters that Democrats need to retake the White House, could complicate Shapiro's chances to rally national support if he chooses to run. Driving the news: Most comments about Shapiro in the recent focus groups were critical, with only two of the 13 Biden-to-Trump voters who participated supporting a potential Shapiro presidential run in 2028. And some of the swing voters expressed inaccurate views about Shapiro's policy stances and the positions he's held in state government. Case in point: One voter, a 61-year-old from Havertown, incorrectly stated that Shapiro was lieutenant governor during the COVID-19 pandemic. He blamed Shapiro, who was attorney general at the time, for being directly involved in imposing strict business closures when then-Gov. Tom Wolf was the one ordering the shutdowns. Another voter claimed Shapiro supported the "defund the police" movement, when he has pushed for increased funding to recruit more officers. Between the lines: The two recent Engagious / Sago online focus groups, which Axios sat in on, involved 13 Pennsylvanians who voted for Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Six identified as Republicans, three as Democrats and four as independents. Many were from Philly and surrounding areas that tend to lean liberal, Randall Miller, St. Joe's professor emeritus and political commentator, tells Axios. The focus groups were conducted earlier this month, before the arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion while Shapiro and his family were inside. Although a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events. What else they're saying: One voter felt Shapiro took action that suppressed free speech on Pennsylvania college campuses. Shapiro, who's been outspoken against antisemitism, had denounced universities for failing to guarantee the safety of students during pro-Palestinian protests last year. "I don't like any candidates that take any action to limit free speech on college campuses," Anna D., 32, of Northampton, said during the panels. Stephanie S., a 40-year-old from Ambler who supports a 2028 Shapiro bid, felt the current governor has always "been a champion" of Pennsylvania. "He just feels like somebody who really has the state at heart." Others said they didn't think he had done anything notable since helping to get I-95 fixed in less than two weeks in 2023. Context: Shapiro was among a group of Democratic leaders who sued the Trump administration this month for halting federal pandemic relief money from the state's schools. Shapiro also filed suit against Trump in February over the freezing of $1.2 billion in federal funds. Plus, Shapiro has been fighting against the president's new tariffs and meeting with Pennsylvania businesses to better understand their impacts. The bottom line: "Shapiro is back to facing the perpetual question posed by skeptical voters: 'What have you done for me lately?'" said Rich Thau, president of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups.
