Coronavirus Update

Global cases rose to nearly 2.48 million yesterday with more than 170,400 deaths. The number of confirmed U.S. cases rose to more than 793,000 with 42,514 confirmed deaths.

• President Trump late Monday said he will sign an executive order to temporarily suspend all immigration into the U.S.
• New research from the LA Health Department and USC indicates the outbreak in Los Angeles County is likely 28 to 55 times larger than reported numbers.
• Governors of Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina have announced plans to begin easing coronavirus lockdowns.
• Iran on Monday allowed local bazaars and shopping malls to begin reopening, though health officials have cautioned against a premature return to normal.
• The U.S. and Mexico on Monday agreed to extend restrictions on nonessential border travel for another 30 days, two days after the U.S. and Canada reached a similar agreement.

Israel Agrees To Form Government

Israel incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz agreed to form a “national emergency government” for the next three years. Under the terms of the agreement, Netanyahu and Gantz will be sworn in as prime minister and prime minister-designate, respectively. Netanyahu will serve as PM for the next 18 months, with Gantz scheduled to take over for the following 18 months.

More: The agreement avoids an unprecedented fourth general election in a political deadlock that dates back to an initial April 2019 election.

Kim Jong Un In “Grave Danger” After Surgery

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly in “grave danger” following surgery for a cardiovascular issue, according to information from U.S. government officials obtained by CNN. Though gathering intelligence out of N. Korea is notoriously difficult, several news outlets previously reported that Kim was absent from the country’s April 15 celebration of the birthday of his grandfather (and national founder), Kim Il-sung.

The Coronavirus Effect

• Shake Shack will return a $10 million loan from the SBA loan program after the company raised additional capital from stock investors.
• United Airlines on Monday said it expects to report a first quarter pretax loss of roughly $2.1 billion due to coronavirus.
• Facebook is banning posts and groups advocating for U.S. protests that violate local social distancing guidelines. The social media giant also unveiled county-by-county maps showing people with COVID-19 symptoms.
• The CDC granted Swiss drugmaker Novartis approval to begin a Phase III human clinical trial testing the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19.
• Uber yesterday introduced two new services that provide retail (Uber Direct) and peer-to-peer package (Uber Connect) delivery services to consumers.

Big-Ticket Purchase

Movie ticket company Fandango on Monday agreed to buy Walmart’s on-demand video streaming service, Vudu, for an undisclosed amount. Walmart has said that current Vudu users will continue to have uninterrupted access to their library, and can still use their Walmart wallet to make purchases on Vudu.

Pay For Play

The Australian government on Monday said it will force Google and Facebook to share advertising revenue with Australian media companies whose news content the companies host. Government officials have tasked the country’s competition watchdog with developing a mandatory set of rules to govern the relationship between media companies and digital platforms.

The Gang’s All Here

Cape Town, South Africa is normally considered a dangerous place, with dozens of warring gangs occupying roughly half the city, and crime running rampant in those areas.

However, the recent coronavirus crisis has inspired rival gang members to place their feuds on hold and collaborate to deliver essential goods to those in need. Said a local pastor: "What we're seeing happen here is literally a miracle" (video).

Tom Terrific (Pt. 2)

Last week, we covered how 99-year-old Tom Moore had raised over $9 million for the UK’s NHS by pledging to walk 100 laps in his backyard garden before he turns 100 on April 30.

Fast forward to today - the WWII veteran has raised a staggering $33.7 million for his country’s health service, inspiring over 875,000 people to sign a petition calling for Tom to receive a knighthood.

Screen Savers

Loneliness can be an oft-forgotten side effect of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Barring an internet connection, the only sources of human interaction for an infected patient are nurses and doctors in full protective gear.

Grassroots nonprofit COVID Tech Connect (CTC) has raised over $100,000 to fund their goal of securing 20,000 donated WiFi-enabled devices to ensure every hospitalized COVID-19 patient doesn’t have to fight the virus alone.

Attention All Tea Lovers:

Here at Cup & Leaf, we’re always on the hunt for new tea to sip and fresh knowledge to share.

We started Cup & Leaf to create an inviting space where experts and novices alike can enjoy our wide selection of tea, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. We write about tea on our blog, sell tea on our online store, and serve tea at our café in Austin.

Cup & Leaf is your one-stop-shop for all things tea, especially if you are:

• New to tea, but want to learn more without feeling bombarded with information
• Want the basic and proper tools to make a perfect first cup of tea
• An experienced tea drinker who’s looking for a new favorite blend
• Buying a gift for someone, but aren’t sure what to get them
• Located in Austin and want to sip some tea, co-work with some cool people, and pet cute puppies at the café

Do any of these sound like you? If so, we’re excited for you to begin your tea journey with us.

And because you’re a smart and informed Donut reader, we’re offering you 15% off your first online purchase with us. Simply use the code DONUT at check out for 15% off your entire purchase. If you’re Austin, show this email to your tea-rista for 15% off your first cup of tea at the café!