Hulu has moved up the premiere dates for Love, Victor and Taste the Nation to June 17 and June 18, respectively, in observance of Juneteenth. Both shows were set to hit the streaming service on June 19, the same day as Juneteenth. "This June 19 - Juneteenth - will mark 155 years since slavery was abolished in the United States. This date represents an important turning point for our nation and for human rights, and we believe that now, more than ever, it deserves to have its own day in the … [Read more...]
Most Americans now spending less amid COVID-19 crisis
More Americans are now spending less each month than at any time since the Great Recession, a new Gallup survey showed Wednesday. When asked about money habits compared to previous months, 51 percent said they're now spending less -- an increase from 32 percent last year. It's the highest figure since 2010, when 57 percent said they were spending less. More Americans are being careful with money as the coronavirus crisis has taken a toll on the global economy. More than 30 million adults … [Read more...]
USDA announces another $470 million in purchases for food banks
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to food banks -- some $470 million this time. The purchases, announced this week, will come in addition to the $3 billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program that was announced April 17. While across the country farmers welcomed the news, they were quick to warn that even when combined with the other aid programs, this … [Read more...]
Trump announces $850B coronavirus stimulus package
The proposal includes stimulus payments to Americans the administration called "business interruption" compensation. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he's confident the United States will rebound quickly from the coronavirus outbreak, as his administration outlined an $850 billion economic stimulus program. Trump, speaking at a White House briefing with his Coronavirus Task Force, said the United States will rebound "stronger than ever" after beating the virus. "If we do this … [Read more...]
Amazon to hire 100,000 workers to help deliver ‘critical’ supplies
U.S. retail giant Amazon says it will hire 100,000 full- and part-time workers at fulfillment centers to keep up with demand and help Americans who are isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. The company said it decided to hire additional workers to help Americans who "rely on Amazon's service in this stressful time." Amazon also said it will hike pay for some workers in the United States and Britain through April. "Amazon and our network of partners are helping communities around the … [Read more...]
House sends revised coronavirus response bill to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised coronavirus relief bill on Monday night with unanimous consent as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a third multi-billion-dollar COVID-19 package. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act package initially passed 363 to 40 on Saturday following intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin hashed out technical … [Read more...]
Older age, history of sepsis, heart trouble elevate COVID-19 death risk
Data out of China on the new coronavirus offers information on how the disease passes from one person to another, and who is at greatest risk for severe illness after infection. In findings published Monday by The Lancet, researchers from Wuhan, China, ground zero for the ongoing outbreak, document trends in adults who ultimately died after acquiring the virus, known as COVID-19. They observe that those infected appear to be contagious "for longer than expected." The study is the first … [Read more...]
Idris Elba tests positive for COVID-19
Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Elba shared a video where he spoke, with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background. He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too. He said he feels fine, and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet. He encouraged viewers to take … [Read more...]
Tom Brady to leave Patriots; has offers from Buccaneers, Chargers
Tom Brady says he will join a new team for the 2020 NFL season, ending his decorated tenure with the New England Patriots. Brady announced his departure from New England Tuesday on social media. The six-time Super Bowl champion has spent his entire 20-year NFL career with the AFC East franchise. Brady made his debut with the Patriots in 2000. Brady, 42, thanked fans, teammates, coaches, the Patriots' front office and others before announcing he was leaving the team. "Although my … [Read more...]
Ricky Gervais mocks PC culture, Netflix domination at Golden Globes
Controversial comedian Ricky Gervais kicked off his fifth gig hosting Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards gala with jokes about diversity, celebrity activism and Netflix. "We were going to do an 'in memorium' this year, but when I saw the list of people that had died, it wasn't diverse enough. It was mostly white people and I thought, 'Nah, not on my watch,'" he quipped. "Maybe next year. Let's see what happens." Gervais also teased his fellow celebrities for starring in TV shows and movies … [Read more...]
