Here are some of today’s biggest news stories.
Trump pivots hard away from fight against unvanquished pandemic
President Donald Trump wants to move on. “Wartime” leadership in a national crisis no longer fits his political timetable.
Trump officials try to enlist foreign allies in pressure campaign against China over coronavirus response
With the general election just six months away, and the global economy in shambles because of the coronavirus, there is increasing urgency inside the White House and among President Donald Trump’s Republican allies to blame China over its failure to stem the spread of the disease early on.
Coronavirus quickly spread around the world starting late last year, new genetic analysis shows
The Covid-19 coronavorus has been spreading in people since late last year, a new genetic analysis shows.
A man wore what appeared to be a KKK white hood on a trip to the grocery store
Masks and face coverings are recommended, even required, in many US supermarkets now.
Europe’s leading global airline is losing $1 million an hour and needs a bailout
Lufthansa is locked in crunch talks with the German government on the terms of a rescue deal, as it fights to avoid bankruptcy while keeping state influence at bay.
UK overtakes Italy to record Europe’s highest death toll from coronavirus
The UK has suffered more deaths from coronavirus than any other country in Europe, reaching a grim milestone that piles further scrutiny on the response to the pandemic by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government.
NASA is working with Tom Cruise to shoot a film in outer space. Yes, really
Tom Cruise wants fly into outer space in the name of filmmaking, and NASA says it’s happening.
Airbnb is laying off 25% of its employees
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White House plans to disband virus task force
US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down, with Vice-President Mike Pence suggesting it could be disbanded within weeks. “We are bringing our country back,” Mr Trump said during a visit to a mask-manufacturing factory in Arizona.
Coronavirus: The key questions answered about sport’s £700m ‘hole’
The coronavirus pandemic could cost three major sports almost £700m in the UK. With more than 29,400 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, live sport understandably remains on hold. Leading figures from cricket, football and rugby union spoke of the potential impact of that as they appeared in front of the government’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee on Tuesday.
Coronavirus and sport: Tennis bodies set up fund to support players
Tennis’ governing bodies have confirmed the creation of a Player Relief programme to support players affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund, which is already worth at least $6m (£4.8m), will target around 800 singles and doubles players from the ATP and WTA Tours.
Coronavirus: How much news is too much?
Constant notifications on your phone. TV news specials and debates in place of your favourite sports show. WhatsApp and Messenger stacking up with Covid-19 articles your former flatmate or estranged aunt just “had to share”. Sound familiar?
Disney suffers $1.4bn hit due to coronavirus
Walt Disney Co suffered a $1.4bn (£1.1bn) hit to profits in the first three months of the year, as it closed its parks, cancelled movie releases and reduced advertising sales. Every part of its business was affected by coronavirus, nearly wiping out profits for the quarter.
Lockdown and loaded: virus triggers video game boost
Two of the biggest names in video gaming have seen demand jump as virus lockdowns force people to stay at home. The makers of popular games Call of Duty (COD) and FIFA say player numbers have soared during the pandemic. That’s boosted the financial performance at Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts for the first three months of this year.
Tom Cruise and NASA team up to shoot a movie in space
Tom Cruise could be going to space. Really. On Tuesday, NASA Administrator Representative Jim Bridenstine confirmed rumors that the Academy Award nominee and Top Gun star is working with agency scientists and engineers to produce a project from the International Space Station – reportedly an action adventure to be the first ever narrative movie filmed in space.
Steve Carell tries to cope in Netflix’s hopelessly chaotic ‘Space Force’ trailer
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers.If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. General Mark R. Naird is in for an intergalactic shit show.
Elon Musk and Grimes named their baby X Æ A-12 and the internet reacted accordingly
Celebrity couple Elon Musk and Grimes welcomed their new child to the world late Monday or early Tuesday. Musk posted to Twitter the two had a baby boy, and that Grimes and the child were healthy. He also answered a Twitter user who asked about the baby’s name. And well…
Spotify got Daniel Radcliffe to read Harry Potter out loud and we are legit crying
Celebrities around the world are teaming up to reread Harry Potter. Spotify announced on Tuesday that a new chapter of the first Harry Potter book will be released weekly on its channels, read by a different actor from the wizarding world (and David Beckham).
