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New York’s outbreak continues to overwhelm its residents. The epicenter of America’s coronavirus crisis had another record day of deaths on Wednesday. Meanwhile, an elderly woman with dementia was killed after allegedly getting too close to another patient in a Brooklyn hospital.
The Department of Labor releases weekly unemployment figures. The last two Thursdays have seen huge spikes in the number of people applying for benefits, and we could see an unwanted record broken again today at 8.30am ET.
Covid-19 has shut down parts of the hyper-consolidated US meat industry. Employees are getting sick, and with just a handful of facilities churning out an outsized amount of the meat supply, disruption at a single plant can have a big ripple effect.
A Florida man faces federal bioweapons charges after allegedly spitting at a cop. The man claimed he had Covid-19, police said. According to a DOJ memo, coronavirus “appears to meet the statutory definition of a ‘biological agent,’” and that “purposeful exposure and infection” could be grounds for terrorism charges.
Bernie Sanders dropped out. The Vermont senator, originally from Brooklyn, has left the field open for former veep Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee to face Donald Trump. It is not clear how many Sanders supporters will switch allegiance.
Around the world
Boris Johnson is still in intensive care. The UK prime minister has spent the last three nights there, although his colleagues are still saying he’s in “good spirits.” The government is expected to extend Britain’s lockdown.
The Bank of England is going to fund the British government’s rescue package. At least for now anyway, while it is harder for the Treasury to borrow quickly enough from debt markets.
Sub-Saharan Africa is set for its first recession in 25 years. The region is likely to see a drop between 2% and 5% this year. The three biggest economies – Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa – had already been struggling with weak growth and investment as well as declining commodities prices.
Quartz membership
Young people look to each other. Spending their time on content created by their peers rather than reading magazines featuring traditional advertisements has big implications for the future of Gen Z’s consumer habits.
Coronavirus will change sports forever. TV deals and player contracts, especially, may not be so generous in the immediate future.
Quartz daily obsession
Unicorns may not exist, but they’re everywhere. In ancient legends, horned horses were fearsome, awe-inspiring beasts associated with royalty and power. But today, they’ve become the ultra-cute, rainbow-colored playthings of children, and the symbol of extravagantly valued startups. Saddle up with the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matter of debate
Leaders should not aim for “decadent invincibility.” Boris Johnson tried to keep calm and carry on, despite quite clearly being too sick to work, and look where he ended up. And as voters and employees, we must also stop demanding unflinching strength and constant presence.
Surprising discoveries
Some plants regenerate after they’re crushed. Scientists found that orchid and sweet pea could re-orient themselves in 10-48 hours after an injury.
Zoo Miami shared photos of clouded leopard kittens. The offspring have been in a den with their mother since their February birth.
Scientists created a mutant enzyme for recycling plastic bottles. It was first discovered in a compost pile, and was then optimized to enhance its ability to break down PET.
A painting may have inspired a Jane Austen character. A watercolor portrait of Austen’s brother’s ex could have been the model for Lydia Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.
We saw a pink supermoon last night. North America’s was visible the night before. Still amazing.
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