Here are today’s top headlines.
The virus hunters who search bat caves to predict the next pandemic
Before entering the cave, the small team of scientists pull on hazmat suits, face masks and thick gloves to cover every inch of their skin. Contact with bat droppings or urine could expose them to some of the world’s deadliest unknown viruses.
New Zealand claims ‘elimination’ of coronavirus with new cases in single digits
New Zealand claimed Monday it had “eliminated” the coronavirus as the country announced the easing of restrictions from “level four” to “level three,” with new cases in single figures.
From private testing for the rich to unrest in banlieues, coronavirus is highlighting France’s stark divide
While billionaires isolate themselves at luxurious hideaways on the Mediterranean during the coronavirus outbreak, residents in deprived and crowded areas of France are now facing a surge in deaths, along with unrest on the streets.
People crowd Southern California beaches despite coronavirus concerns
Seeking relief from a heat wave, thousands of people crowded beaches in Southern California this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite a statewide stay-at-home order implemented by the governor last month.
SpaceX Starship SN4 passes key test, Elon Musk says
A prototype of a SpaceX ship – the Starship SN4 – meant to one day take humans to the moon and Mars has passed a key test.
What you need to know about coronavirus on Sunday, April 26
The World Health Organization has warned against the idea that coronavirus immunity passports can provide a safe way out of lockdown.
Social distancing in 100 square feet: Hong Kong’s cage homes are impossible to self-isolate in
Before the pandemic, Lum Chai used to go to the park and drink beers with friends to escape his tiny living quarters. Now the 45-year-old walks the city’s streets alone to kill time and keep away from his neighbors.
Actor Dimitri Diatchenko of ‘Sons of Anarchy’ dies at 52
Actor Dimitri Diatchenko, best known as Uri on “Chernobyl Diaries,” was found dead in his home in Daytona Beach, Florida, police say.
Kanye West is finally a billionaire, Forbes says. He texted the magazine to say he’s worth more
Kanye West has long coveted the title of “billionaire.”
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urges UK to stick with lockdown – BBC News
Maddy Savage BBC News, Stockholm Five bars and restaurants in Stockholm have been closed by the city council after failing inspections on coronavirus safety. The inspections took place following concerns that some venues weren’t doing enough to encourage social-distancing between customers. More than a dozen other venues were given a warning by inspectors over the weekend.
Spain’s children run free again
For the first time in six weeks, the country’s children have been allowed outside to exercise and play.
Italy’s PM outlines lockdown easing measures
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has given a televised address outlining how the country will begin easing its coronavirus lockdown. Restrictions will start to be eased from 4 May, he said, and people will be allowed to visit their relatives in small numbers, wearing masks.
Coronavirus ‘currently eliminated’ in New Zealand
New Zealand says it has stopped community transmission of Covid-19, effectively eliminating the virus. With new cases in single figures for several days – one on Sunday – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the virus was “currently” eliminated. But officials have warned against complacency, saying it does not mean a total end to new coronavirus cases.
1970 FA Cup final: The most brutal game in English football history
Eddie Gray collects the ball in the centre circle and immediately sets his sights on Chelsea’s goal. But David Webb has other ideas. Fuelled by fresh memories of his roasting at the hands of the Leeds winger a couple of weeks prior, the defender hits him, both feet off the ground, no prisoners.
WhatsApp’s anti-viral content measures are working
A few weeks ago, WhatsApp limited the way viral messages can spread on its network in order to fight misinformation. Now, the company says the measures are working. “We recently introduced a limit to sharing ‘highly forwarded messages’ to just one chat.
We regret to inform you that people are stanning Kim Jong-Un’s sister
Maybe it’s that we’ve all been in quarantine for too long and some people have nothing better to do, or maybe it’s that she would be the world’s first known female dictator. More likely, it’s that the internet is notorious for sexualizing everything and anything possible.
Brad Pitt as Dr. Fauci on ‘SNL’ reminds viewers not to inject bleach
Hey, America! Dr. Fauci knows you have a little crush on him. So who better to portray the doctor on Saturday Night Live this week than collective crush of the ’90s, Brad Pitt? The deeply random casting likely came about because a few weeks ago, Dr. Fauci jokingly said he’d like the famously handsome star to portray him on the program.
Scientists discover new species of turtle that looks like a muddy rock
Finally, some good news: A new turtle species has been discovered. Scientist and professor Dr. Uwe Fritz of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden, Germany and his international team have identified a new type of fringed turtle, also called matamata.
Man dressed as grim reaper to visit Florida beaches that reopen too early
While the coronavirus pandemic is far from over, some U.S. states have decided to reopen as soon as… well, right now. Georgia was the first to ease restrictions, with businesses like gyms and salons opening Friday. Michigan will soon follow suit, following protests from residents.
