Coronavirus Updates

Global cases rose to more than 3.0 million yesterday with more than 207,000 deaths. The number of confirmed U.S. cases rose to more than 987,100 with 55,413 confirmed deaths.

• Tennessee, Mississippi, and Montana are set to reopen some businesses Monday - for a closer look at where each state stands on reopening, check out this link.
• The Congressional Budget Office on Friday predicted the federal deficit will increase by $3.7 trillion in 2020, in large part due to the four coronavirus relief bills.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a program that will fund local eateries to prepare and deliver free meals to homebound senior citizens in need.
• New York on Saturday recorded less than 400 deaths for the first time in more than a month.
• British PM Boris Johnson will return to work today after a month-long battle with COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia Reduces Some Punishments

Saudi Arabia on Sunday said they will no longer impose the death sentence for individuals who committed crimes while still minors. The kingdom’s decision comes two days after its supreme court abolished flogging as a form of punishment.

More: Last week, Amnesty International published a review that found Saudi Arabia executed a record 184 people in 2019.

What’s Going On In North Korea??

Reports surfaced last week claiming North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was in “grave danger” following cardiovascular surgery. Very little information is available regarding Kim’s status, but here’s what we do know:

• Kim was last shown in the country’s media on April 12, and was not present for the April 15 celebration of his grandfather’s birthday.
• A Seoul-based website on April 20 reported that Kim was recovering at one of his countryside villas following cardiovascular surgery.
• A Japanese magazine on Friday cited an unnamed Chinese medical officer who said Kim had entered a vegetative state following emergency surgery due to a heart attack.
• Reuters reported Saturday that China had dispatched medical experts to North Korea to advise on Kim.
• South Korean officials have reported no signs suggesting a sudden change within their northern counterpart.

The Coronavirus Effect

• Facebook announced a new video chat feature called “Messenger Rooms,” which functions similar to Zoom but allows a free option for up to 50 people to join at once.
• At least 13 public companies who received money from the SBA lending program have agreed to pay back their loans. More than 200 public companies applied for a PPP loan.
• Online education company Coursera will begin providing unlimited free courses to unemployed workers across the world (normally $399/year).
• The recent closure of bars and restaurants has the beer industry worried about the millions of gallons of beer - worth ~$1 billion - slowly going stale while stuck in storage.

Take Your Pick

DraftKings debuted on the NASDAQ stock exchange on Friday, closing the day of trading up 8%. The company reported record betting volume on the NFL draft, which took place over the weekend, but said alternatives like e-sports and table tennis have also seen increased demand.

Rough Landing

Boeing on Saturday said it ended talks with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer concerning a potential $4.2 billion deal to purchase an 80% stake in Embraer’s commercial jet unit. Boeing asserted that the Brazilian company did not satisfy conditions under the agreement - which expired late Friday - while Embraer later said the deal was “wrongfully terminated.”

Gone With The Wind

On Easter night, a tornado swept through the town of Chattanooga, TN, destroying the home of Beulah Lockmiller and her family. The Lockmillers desperately searched the wreckage for signs of an irreplaceable family heirloom - a special quilt to commemorate Beulah’s late husband - but could find no trace.

So they took to Facebook to help with the search. The social network worked its magic and Beulah was soon reunited with her husband’s quilt - thanks to two helpful strangers.

Take HARTT

Most pet owners have experienced their beloved companion running away - and the sense of helplessness that comes along with it. The Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team (HARTT) has emerged as an organization for worried dog owners to rely on.

Since 2017, the Arizona-based nonprofit has returned more than 800 lost dogs to their grateful owners using a combination of high-tech cameras, humane traps, and enticing treats.

Celebrate Good Times

Most people’s idea of a birthday celebration involves a party with cake, ice cream, and presents. For Wisconsin native Shannon Shultz, her upcoming 45th birthday involves embarking on a journey of bringing kindness to others.

Five years ago, in the 40 weeks leading up to her 40th birthday, Shannon made it her mission to perform one unique act of selflessness each week. Fast forward to today - Shannon is in the process of a similar ‘45 for 45’ challenge involving several coronavirus-related good deeds.