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With each passing week, it gets that much harder to discern what day it is. Quantifying anything, really, from the last time I changed my pajamas to how Stanley Tucci remains ageless has proven challenging. Luckily, this week brought a few positive news items to hold onto as we journey into the next week (month?) of social-distancing. Parks and Recreation is returning with a coronavirus-themed reunion episode and Beyoncé donated $6 million to mental health organizations. Ahead, other news stories that helped us survive the week—from Michelle Obama's virtual reading series to the fact that Quarantine Pinot Noir has officially arrived.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below 1 Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Launch Quarantine Wine
Two things that only get better with age: wine and the relationship between co-stars-turned-couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. This week, the pair sported sweats to announce they're capitalizing on their love of vino with the launch of "Quarantine Pinot Noir." Head to their website to snag a bottle complete with customizable label. All proceeds will go to COVID-19 relief and you can begin pre-ordering the first week of May.
2 Chicago Woman Who Makes Prom Dresses For Those In Need Switches To Face Masks
This week, the Chicago Tribune reported on Christel Williams-Hayes, a longtime educational professional who made prom dresses for those in need for 30 years. This year, she'a using her sewing machine to make face masks for essential workers. But Williams-Hayes told the outlet the outbreak isn't stopping her from making prom ensembles—including one for a client whose mother is battling COVID-19.
3 Two ER Nurses Get Married
Over the weekend, Clare Seghers and Mel Keefer—a pair of emergency room nurses at Baton Rouge General Medical Center—wed in front of just under 10 family members and friends. Keefer's mother printed photos of nearly 100 other guests that were invited to the wedding before the pandemic hit. She placed them all at the wedding site.
"It was a good break for both of us to put a lot of sad and negative things to the side and focus on each other for a day,” Keefer told Good Morning America. “It felt like a vacation from everything that’s going on and I'm thankful for my family and friends that helped us celebrate our marriage."
4 Michelle Obama Starts Her Own Virtual Reading Series
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has once again swept in to make the world feel a little less weighty. This past Monday, she announced her new virtual reading series, Mondays With Michelle Obama. Each week, she'll read a classic picture book as part of the PBS KIDS Read-Along series through May 11. You can view it at noon ET on the PBS Kids Facebook and YouTube pages, plus on the Penguin Random House Facebook.
5 Eminem Gifts Detroit Healthcare Workers "Mom's Spaghetti"
Eminem paid homage to a famous lyric in his Oscar-winning song "Lose Yourself" while providing aide to healthcare workers. The rapper donated pasta to frontline workers at Henry Ford Hospital in his hometown of Detroit with a "Mom's Spaghetti" label on the food. Eminem's rep confirmed to ABC News that his Marshall Mathers Foundation partnered with the restaurant group Union Joints to provide the meals, which will be delivered to area hospitals over the coming weeks.
6 Germany Produces Record Solar Power
One of the environmental silver linings to emerge from coronavirus lockdown: solar panels in Germany produced record levels of electricity—a major win for renewable energy. Time Magazine reported on the uptick, noting that solar energy generated about 40% of Germany's power on Monday, compared to 22% produced by coal and nuclear fossil fuels. "Solar, wind and other renewables accounted for 78 percent of Germany’s electricity output," the outlet confirmed. The cloudless skies and decrease in emissions have inspired optimism about the area's energy output moving forward.
7 Dog Therapy Goes Virtual at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
For this week's mandatory pet-related story, People reported on a heartwarming dog therapy program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles that's adapting to the times. The 127 dogs that would normally visit patients to provide comfort are now taking on remote sessions.
So far, 60 of the 127 therapy dogs and their handlers have been set up with video conference equipment for socially-distant visits. The virtual check-ins have been a hit, program director Kate Buhrmaster told People. "They were oohing and aahing at their screen," she said of the patients. "Then the questions started: 'Can you scratch him behind his ears? Can you give him a belly rub for me?' Just seeing a relaxed doggie face on the screen looking back at you does wonders."
8 Families Continue To TikTok Together
As we continue to social distancing, we remain united in the universal love for TikTok. That's especially been the case for families isolating together, CNN reported this week. The app has seen an influx of family members bridging the generational divide by filming game nights and participating in dance challenges. "This technology is supporting a family's ability to work together, and that's fun, but it also acts as a catalyst for just spending time together," Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental behavioral pediatrician, told CNN.
Savannah Walsh Editorial Fellow Savannah Walsh is an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below Mayor London Breed Isn't Here to Get Credit Can I Get an Abortion During the Pandemic? Advertisement – Continue Reading Below Madeleine Albright Is Fighting Gravity Loud Person Has Bad Idea It's Only Going to Get Worse From Here Seeds of Change Why So Many Black People Are Dying From COVID-19 How Extinction Rebellion Built a Movement Stacey Abrams on Being Vice President How to Help Your Community During the Coronavirus































