THREAD: wuhan coronavirus covid19 lasting grip

NO NEW World News Shocks: Media Silent Beyond US, UK on April 21

21 April 2025 — On April 21, 2025, global news outlets had nothing new to report outside the United States and United Kingdom. Headlines stayed the same as previous days.

Most coverage still centers on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Aid groups warn about Gaza’s growing crisis because of ongoing blockades. In the UK, protests and legal fights over transgender rights continue to make news.

No fresh international events or emergencies have surfaced beyond these stories today.

Conservative readers may notice how media keeps focusing on just a few issues instead of reporting unexpected world events that matter to everyday people.

TOURISM INDUSTRY Braces for ‘Trump Slump’ Fears

16 April 2025 — The U.S. TOURISM industry, worth $2.36 trillion, is under pressure from economic and political uncertainties. Concerns over tariffs and currency fluctuations are making foreign visitors uneasy. This turbulence could affect the world’s strongest travel market.

American Ring Travel, a California-based tour operator, reports a slowdown in bookings from Germany. This drop followed Elon Musk’s endorsement of a far-right party in Germany’s election, showing broader worries impacting international travel to the U.S.

Industry insiders humorously compare their uncertainty to Batman and King Kong’s fictional adventures. Their feelings mirror those of Times Square’s superhero-themed businesses facing similar struggles last week. Optimism remains cautious as stakeholders navigate these unpredictable times.

MARKET PANIC: Bitcoin and Stocks Plummet in US Tariff Chaos

07 April 2025 — Bitcoin dropped below $80,000 on Sunday, falling over 3% in just two hours. This decline happened alongside major losses in U.S. stock markets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed nearly 6% lower on April 4. Analyst Holger Zschaepitz noted the stock market lost $8.2 trillion, surpassing losses from the worst week of the 2008 financial crisis.

The market chaos comes from recent U.S. tariffs that have sparked widespread sell-offs across many sectors. Despite this turmoil, some investors see potential buying opportunities as stocks are now trading at historically low valuations of 15 times future earnings projections.

Jim Cramer has warned this could be just the start of a bigger downturn for the S&P 500, predicting a further meltdown of up to 20%. As of Sunday night, S&P futures were down about 4%. Global stocks have already lost $7.46 trillion since April 2nd and may exceed $10 trillion if recent sell-offs continue to unfold.;

WORLD NEWS Pause: A Calm Before the Storm?

11 March 2025 — The current world news cycle shows no fresh BREAKING developments. Events remain steady, reflecting a pause in major headlines.

This stability offers a chance to focus on ongoing stories and their impacts. It’s a moment to dig deeper into existing issues and understand their implications.

Stay informed by watching for updates as they happen. Even in calm times, deeper analysis can provide valuable insights into global affairs.

ALARMING Rise in RARE Brain Disorder Among Children This Flu Season

02 March 2025 — This flu season has seen a shocking increase in rare brain disorder cases among children. Nearly a dozen young patients have been diagnosed with this severe condition, showing symptoms like seizures, loss of consciousness, and speech issues.

Healthcare professionals urge parents to stay vigilant as this worrying trend continues. The disorder can lead to delirium and even death in many instances. This situation demands urgent attention from health authorities worldwide.

This development highlights a major public health concern tied to seasonal flu complications in children. Authorities may need to act quickly to tackle this growing crisis effectively.

POPE FRANCIS Fights On: Health Update Sparks Global Concern

27 February 2025 — Pope Francis has shown some improvement over the past day, according to the Vatican. Despite this progress, he remains in critical condition. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized in Rome for nearly two weeks with an undisclosed prognosis.

The Vatican stated that Pope Francis resumed some duties earlier this week. His mild kidney failure has improved, and a chest CT scan showed normal lung development. However, he continues to need high-flow oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy as his prognosis stays confidential.

Pope Francis was admitted on February 14 after bronchitis worsened into pneumonia affecting both lungs. The Vatican confirmed he had a peaceful night’s rest following a recent respiratory crisis. While there is slight improvement, the situation remains serious for the Holy Father as he continues his hospitalization in Rome.

NVIDIA EARNINGS Shock: What It Means for Inflation and Your Wallet

24 February 2025 — The optimism that marked the start of the year for U.S. businesses has faded. Now, economic uncertainty, stalled business activity, and rising prices dominate the scene. Investors are especially focused on Nvidia’s earnings this week to understand the state of the AI market.

Nvidia’s report is vital as tech stocks have struggled in early 2025. The company’s performance could reveal broader market trends and investor feelings about AI technologies. Other companies reporting include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Advance Auto Parts, and Salesforce among others.

Chris Williamson from S&P Global Market Intelligence notes a shift to a gloomier economic outlook. This change highlights concerns about inflation affecting business activities across sectors. As February 2025 continues, these reports will be key in understanding economic directions and investment strategies moving forward.

CHINA’S Tech Boom: How Deepseek AI is Shaking Global Markets

15 February 2025 — China’s tech industry is booming, thanks to the rise of the DeepSeek AI model. Major companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Xiaomi are seeing big benefits. This surge has pushed Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index up this year.

Alibaba, co-founded by Jack Ma, stands out in this market rally. The company’s growth shows the broader impact of tech advancements on China’s economy. Investors are watching these changes for possible global effects.

The rise in China’s tech stocks might affect U.S. investments and international trade ties. As U.S. markets close with small changes in the S&P 500, global investors keep an eye on shifts in Chinese tech trends.

This ongoing rally highlights China’s growing influence on worldwide economic dynamics, making it a key player to watch in global markets.

CHINA’S AI Threat: Tech Stocks in Danger of $1 Trillion Wipeout

27 January 2025 — Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has shaken global tech stocks, sparking fears about America’s technological advantage. Investors worry about a potential $1 trillion loss in tech value due to rising foreign competition.

The drop in tech shares shows growing concern over the competitive landscape. Major indices have fallen, urging investors to be cautious as the situation develops.

This happens amid wider talks on global trade and economic competitiveness, especially in tech-heavy areas. Experts recommend reassessing portfolios, favoring stable investments over risky tech stocks.

Market analysts emphasize watching these changes closely as they could affect market stability and growth prospects in the technology sector moving forward.

WILDFIRES WREAK Havoc In LOS Angeles: Death Count Soars To 24

13 January 2025 — Los Angeles is facing a crisis as wildfires, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, have claimed 24 lives. Emergency crews are battling the flames under tough conditions, struggling to contain the spread.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and called for investigations into firefighting failures after hydrants ran dry at critical moments. His administration faces criticism over handling the crisis and questions about tax dollar allocation.

Firefighters are tackling several blazes, including one in Pacific Palisades. This raises fears of looting as residents evacuate. Reports suggest some individuals disguise themselves as first responders to commit burglaries.

Authorities warn that private drones are interfering with aerial firefighting efforts. Despite the chaos, community resilience shines through as residents form neighborhood fire brigades and support each other during evacuations amid forecasted harsh winds.

COVID-19’s LASTING Grip: How the Virus Still Affects Our Lives

03 January 2025 — Five years ago, a mysterious virus emerged in Wuhan, China, sparking a global pandemic. This exposed weaknesses in the health system and changed how we view disease control. While vaccines and natural immunity have reduced its deadliness, COVID-19 continues to evolve.

The cycling world recently felt COVID-19’s impact during the Tour De France. Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard and American teammate Matteo Jorgenson wore masks to protect against infection. Several riders had to leave the race after contracting the virus, showing its ongoing presence in sports events.

Vaccination efforts remain crucial as scientists closely watch COVID-19’s evolution. Dr. Sydney Sewall was photographed giving vaccines in Augusta, Maine back in 2021 — a reminder of ongoing public health measures. The pandemic’s legacy is visible worldwide as communities adapt to new challenges posed by this persistent virus.

TRUMP’S Bold Move: Withdrawing From WHO On Inauguration DAY

22 December 2024 — The U.S. gives 16% of the World Health Organization’s budget, making it the top donor. Conservative voices have criticized this large financial commitment. Former President Trump has called the W.H.O. a tool of China’s global ambitions.

According to the Financial Times, Trump’s team plans to announce a withdrawal from the Geneva-based health body on January 20, inauguration day. This move would cut off the W.H.O.’s biggest source of funds in one decisive action.

Trump began a withdrawal process in 2020 during his presidency, accusing the agency of being under China’s control amid Covid-19’s spread. Joe Biden reversed this decision on his first day in office in 2021 by restarting relations with the organization.

Experts say Trump’s team aims to act quickly if he returns to office, emphasizing symbolism by reversing Biden’s actions immediately upon inauguration. Ashish Jha noted that many within Trump’s circle do not trust the W.H.O., seeking a symbolic departure as a clear statement of their stance on day one.

COVID-19 SHOCKER: Pompeo’s Intel Suggests Chinese LAB Leak

05 May 2024 — Mike Pompeo, the former U.S. Secretary of State, has reportedly shared critical intelligence with the United Kingdom indicating a “high likelihood” that COVID-19 originated from a lab in China. This information was part of a confidential briefing to allies including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as part of the Five Eyes alliance in early 2021.

The shared intelligence raised alarms about the lack of transparency from China and potential military ties at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. It was revealed that Chinese authorities hindered global investigations and showed signs of corruption and incompetence at critical times. Moreover, it emerged that researchers at the institute experienced illnesses just before the pandemic spread globally.

Despite these concerning revelations, UK officials led by then-Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab seemed to downplay these findings initially. Pressure from some scientists who supported theories of natural transmission played a role in this skepticism. However, two ex-officials from Trump’s administration described the evidence pointing to a lab leak as "gobsmacking.

This disclosure not only questions China’s handling of crucial data but also challenges global understanding about COVID-19’s origins, potentially reshaping international relations and public health strategies moving forward.

WHO Chief SOUNDS Alarm on ‘Disease X’: The Inevitable Threat We’re Not Ready For

18 February 2024 — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has issued a stark warning about the looming threat of “Disease X”. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he stressed that another pandemic is not just likely — it’s inevitable.

Tedros, who accurately predicted a similar outbreak in 2018 before COVID-19 hit, criticized the world’s lack of readiness. He dismissed any doubts that his call for a global treaty by May was simply an effort to expand WHO’s influence.

Tedros labels the proposed treaty as “mission critical for humanity”. Despite some advancements in disease surveillance and vaccine production capabilities, he maintains that we are still ill-prepared for another pandemic.

Reflecting on COVID-19’s severe impact, Tedros underscored the urgency of addressing this issue. The world is still wrestling with social, economic and political aftershocks from the ongoing pandemic.

WHO Chief WARNS of Deadlier ‘Disease X’: Urges Nations to Prepare for Next Pandemic

21 January 2024 — The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, has made a strong plea to countries worldwide. He urges them to sign the health organization’s pandemic treaty. This call was made during his address at the World Economic Forum, where he expressed optimism for a global agreement by May to fight this “common enemy”.

The focus of this preparation is “Disease X”, a hypothetical virus that could be up to 20 times more lethal than COVID-19. This potential threat was added to WHO’s research list in 2017 as a possible trigger for an international epidemic.

Ghebreyesus declared that COVID-19 was indeed the first “Disease X”. He emphasized the urgent need for readiness for another pandemic. Reflecting on the loss of lives during COVID due to insufficient resources, he underscored the importance of having a system that can scale up when needed.

This call-to-action from Ghebreyesus highlights not only our vulnerability but also our collective responsibility in preparing and responding effectively to future pandemics.

TIKTOK’S SHADOW BAN: Suppressing Content Critical of Chinese Communist Party?

28 December 2023 — A recent investigation by Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute has unveiled unsettling details about TikTok’s content guidelines. The popular social media platform, notorious for its data collection and sharing with its parent company in China, now stands accused of stifling content that criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The research team found a stark contrast in the number of posts featuring contentious hashtags such as China’s conflict with India over Kashmir, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the Uyghur genocide on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram. For instance, there were 206 Instagram posts tagged #HongKongProtests for every single one on TikTok. Similar ratios were observed for #StandWithKashmir, #FreeUyghurs, and #DalaiLama.

The report suggests that there is a high likelihood that TikTok either boosts or suppresses content depending on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. This is worrisome since many Generation Z users rely on TikTok as their primary news source — interestingly enough, this is also the only generation reported not to take pride in being American.

TikTok cannot deny these findings as they mirror the methodology used by them last month to prove their platform was not biased against Israel. This revelation raises serious questions about

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

President BIDEN’S RELENTLESS Coughing During Climate Speech Stirs Concerns

15 November 2023 — During his Tuesday speech, President Joe Biden was seized by a persistent cough. He was discussing his administration’s efforts to tackle climate change and marking the anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Biden’s coughing fit disrupted his conversation about the CHIPS and Science Act, a law he ratified last year. This act is designed to establish America as a forerunner in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation — vital for clean energy progression.

The president also relayed insights from his visit to the White House “Demo Day”. Here, he interacted with scientists engaged in projects funded by his administration. However, a recent poll from The Wall Street Journal indicates that two-thirds of Democrats believe Biden, at 80 years old, is too aged to be president.

Should he win reelection, Biden would be 82 at the onset of his second term and 86 at its conclusion. This would render him the oldest individual ever to assume presidency for a second tenure.