World News: Fresh fuel in debate over COVID origins

Monday, February 27

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

A nurse administers a COVID-19 test outside the Salt Lake County Health Department, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, in Salt Lake City.

A nurse administers a COVID-19 test on Dec. 20, 2022, in Salt Lake City.

Rick Bowmer, AP

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.

Snow covers the San Gabriel mountain range behind a used car lot in the Mission Hills section of the San Fernando Valley on Sunday.

Richard Vogel, AP Images

🌤 What's the weather up to in your neck of the woods? Check your local forecast here.

What everyone's talking about

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•	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.

Ukrainian military fires from a multiple rocket launcher at Russian positions in the Kharkiv area, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

Vadim Ghirda, AP

'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?

(L-R) Harry Shum Jr., Jenny Slate, Andy Le, Tallie Medel, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michelle Yeoh and Brian Le, recipients of the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award for "Everything Everywhere All at Once ".

Harry Shum Jr., Jenny Slate, Andy Le, Tallie Medel, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michelle Yeoh and Brian Le, recipients of the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at Sunday's Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

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 USA TODAY. 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 USA TODAY here.

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