Thursday 5 May 2022

The Covid death toll in the U.S. reaches 1 million, tips to save as interest rates go up, and Dave Chappelle addresses his attack. Here's the latest.

May 05, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER

Your day starts here. The latest in news, pop culture, wellness and more.

The U.S. reaches 1 million Covid deaths, and Dave Chappelle speaks out about that shocking onstage attack. Also, we're sharing ideas about how to make some extra money on the side, plus delicious Cinco de Mayo recipes that go beyond chips and guac.

THE LATEST

The COVID-19 death toll reaches a stunning number: 1 million in the U.S.

The country reached a grim milestone yesterday, as more than one million people have now died from Covid since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, according to an NBC News tally. Doctors reflected on how we got here and what we can expect going forward. "That number is devastating. In the modern context, a million deaths in a very advanced country is unthinkable," a New York City doctor told us.

⚖️ Amber Heard describes alleged abuse by Johnny Depp, saying he slapped her after she asked about his tattoo.

Heard took the stand for the first time in her trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp, who is suing her for $50 million for defamation. She described his alleged drug and alcohol use and said the first time the actor allegedly hit her was after she asked about a tattoo of his that says "wino." "I will never forget it," she said. "It changed my life." Depp has denied the allegations, telling the court earlier in the trial that he has never hit a woman and that Heard had "a need for conflict."

💲 The Federal Reserve issues biggest interest rate hike in 22 years. What does that mean for your bottom line?

The Federal Reserve raised the interest rate by 0.5% on Wednesday as expected, making borrowing for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards more expensive. The move aims to lower prices amid the highest inflation in 40 years. If you're feeling the pinch at home, here are some clever ways to save, from the gas pump to the grocery store to prescription drugs.

🤑 Need some extra cash as inflation soars? Here are some easy side hustle ideas.

If inflation is squeezing your wallet and you're looking to grind out some extra dollars between paychecks, we have 7 side hustle ideas that can have you making anywhere from $5 to $50 an hour and up. Extra gigs like taking online surveys, becoming a virtual assistant or working as a tutor can help you earn some extra cash quickly. Got a swimming pool in your backyard? Even that can become a moneymaker.

Dave Chappelle says he won't let onstage attack 'ruin the magic' of his comedy show.

The comedian issued a statement on Wednesday night about being attacked onstage at a show in Los Angeles by a man who has been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon. The attack was "unfortunate and unsettling," his rep said, but Chappelle "refuses to allow last night's incident to overshadow the magic" of his sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl. The incident came just weeks after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock in a stunning moment at the Oscars. Chappelle said he will continue with future tour performances.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

It's Cinco de Mayo today, so we're paying homage to the rich culture of Mexico with 30 mouthwatering recipes from some of our favorite Mexican and Mexican American chefs that go beyond cold margs and chips and guac. (Although we have those, too!) Try birria tacos (pictured above), where the meat is slow-cooked in a chile-based stew and served with a broth on the side for dipping. Or for dessert, we love these chocolate and chipotle brownies. 🇲🇽

DAILY DELIGHT

A little pick-me-up before you go.

Now that's an adorable face you could put on a jar of baby food. This 7-month-old girl from Oklahoma named Isa is the first Gerber baby with a limb difference, as she was born missing part of her right leg. Isa, who loves to snuggle with her toy hippo and babble to her big sister, was chosen as the winner of the 2022 Gerber Photo Search from 225,000 entries across the country, and the big news was revealed on TODAY. "We are so happy that she can hopefully bring awareness to children born with limb differences, and that is really special for us," her mother told us. See all of Isa's cute photos here.