BUSINESS
Questions over Kim’s health highlight intelligence limits
The exact state of Kim’s health matters because it could determine the stability of the dynastic government in Pyongyang and the security of nuclear weapons that the nation has repeatedly threatened to use on its neighbors and the United States.
BUSINESS
Global tourism industry may shrink by more than 50% due to the pandemic
Predicting the economic impact of the coronavirus right now is akin to participating in a running competition without knowing how long the course is.
WORLD
Robots are playing many roles in the coronavirus crisis – and offering lessons for future disasters
The lessons they’re teaching for the future are the same lessons learned at previous disasters but quickly forgotten as interest and funding faded.
WORLD
2 cats in New York become first US pets to test positive for coronavirus
The American Veterinary Medical Association says pets can stay in homes where a person has COVID-19, so long as the animal can be cared for.
BUSINESS
China buys crude as prices collapse, adding to stockpiles
The price collapse is battering state-owned oil producers and possibly disrupting official plans to develop the industry but is a boon to Chinese drivers and factories.
WORLD
Coronavirus warnings back safety over tradition during Ramadan
As Muslim leaders announce the official start of Ramadan, governments are trying to balance health protection with traditions and many have closed mosques or banned collective evening prayers.
BUSINESS
Two cats in New York become first US pets to test positive for virus
The cats, which had mild respiratory illnesses and are expected to recover, are thought to have contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
INDIA
Lockdown reveals fresh air, cleaner rivers in India
India accounts for the highest pollution-related deaths in the world with more than 2 million people every year, according to a December 2019 report by the Global Alliance of Health and Pollution.
BUSINESS
Conspiracy theorists burn 5G towers claiming link to virus
It’s a scene that’s been repeated dozens of times in recent weeks in Europe, where conspiracy theories linking new 5G mobile networks and the coronavirus pandemic are fueling arson attacks on cell towers.
BUSINESS
Back to work? Companies finding it easier said than done
Detroit-area automakers, which suspended production roughly a month ago, are pushing to restart factories as states like Michigan prepare to relax their stay-at-home orders. Fiat Chrysler has already announced a May 4 gradual restart date; General Motors and Ford don't want to be left behind.
BUSINESS
“I just can’t do this.” Harried parents forgo home school
Amid the barrage of learning apps, video meet-ups and e-mailed assignments that pass as pandemic home school, some frustrated and exhausted parents are choosing to disconnect entirely for the rest of the academic year.
WORLD
Muslims try to keep Ramadan spirit amid coronavirus restrictions
As Ramadan begins with the new moon later this week, Muslims around the world are trying to maintain the cherished rituals of Islam’s holiest month without further spreading the outbreak.
BUSINESS
Pandemic is dealing European tourism 'staggering' blow
Making things worse is that some countries that are specifically hard-hit by the coronavirus are also heavily dependent on tourism, like Italy and Spain.
BUSINESS
First woman CEO of a German bluechip firm SAP out after 6 months
Christian Klein, the other half of the leadership tandem that was appointed in October, will continue as sole CEO, the company said.
BUSINESS
Q&A: Oil prices go negative. What does that mean?
“It’s the worst oil price in history, which shouldn’t surprise us, because it’s the inevitable result of the biggest supply and demand disparity in history,” said Ryan Sitton, commissioner at the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state’s oil industry.
WORLD
Families sue helicopter company in deadly Kobe Bryant crash
The pair of lawsuits comes about two months after Bryant's widow, Vanessa, the mother of Gianna, also sued Island Express Helicopters Inc., which operated the Sikorsky, and its owner, Island Express Holding Corp.
SPORTS-TRENDS
Novak Djokovic says he may reconsider his anti-vaccination stand
A vaccine hasn't been made yet, but some such as Amelie Mauresmo have said the world tennis tours shouldn't restart until there is one.
BUSINESS
How the rich reacted to the bubonic plague has eerie similarities to today's pandemic
The wealthy work remotely and flee to resorts or pastoral second homes, while the urban poor are packed into small apartments and compelled to keep showing up to work.
BUSINESS
Why wear face masks in public? Here's what the research shows
President Donald Trump, in announcing the change in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on April 3, stressed that the recommendation was voluntary and said he probably wouldn’t follow it. Governors and mayors, however, have started encouraging the precautions to reduce the spread of the virus by people who might not know they are infected.
BUSINESS
For asthma patients, the novel coronavirus can be scary. Here's what you need to know
Some worry that their asthma inhalers could increase their risk of COVID-19 infection. Others are asking if nebulizers are safe, and if they can use expired inhalers
BUSINESS
‘A stroke of luck’ to be on global cruise during pandemic
Now, his trip inside the virus-free bubble that the Costa Deliziosa cruise ship became on its 15-week odyssey is coming to an end. The boat is steaming toward Barcelona, Spain, where it will make its first port-of-call on Monday after 35 days of continuous sailing with no human contact with the outside world.
BUSINESS
Ventilator from old car parts? Afghan girls pursue prototype
The members of Afghanistan’s prize-winning girls’ robotics team say they’re on a life-saving mission — to build a ventilator from used car parts and help their war-stricken country battle the virus.
BUSINESS
UN warns virus putting children `in jeopardy’
The U.N. chief said in a video statement Thursday that the lives of children “are being totally upended” by COVID-19, with almost all students out of school, family stress levels rising as communities face lock-downs, and reduced household income expected to force poor families to cut back on essential health and food expenditures, “particularly affecting children.”
BUSINESS
Some people turn to herbal medicine for virus without proof
This is most evident in India and China, densely populated countries with a deep history and tradition of touting such treatments, and where there’s sometimes limited access to conventional medicine.
