promoearn: Everything's gonna be alright

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Everything's gonna be alright

Thursday, March 12

A worker uses a spray to disinfect the Reverend Francisco Schmitz School from Coronavirus, in San Jose, Costa Rica, on March 12, 2020. - The school will remain closed for 15 days, as one of its teachers was diagnosed with the virus.

March Madness is canceled. Travel from Europe is canceled. Sarah Palin is canceled (on the 'Masked Singer'). It's Thursday's news.

The coronavirus news has been a lot lately, I know. So before I get to what people are talking about today, I wanted to thank you all for being along for this wild ride. I mean, why are you doing this, 2020? Impeachment. Coronavirus. McDonald's burger candles? WHAT??!! Anyway, thanks folks.

It's Ashley. Let's talk news.

But first, take a break from coronavirus everything: Here are 12 adorable baby animal photos you need in your life.

The Short List newsletter is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe here!

The world is on edge

Between declarations of emergency and increasing coronavirus cases, a lot of us are freaking out (or know someone who is freaking out). But my colleague Alia Dastagir made an excellent point in a story she published today: The facts aren't all scary. Why are so many of us stocking up on toilet paper and hoarding food like it's the apocalypse? Psychologists and public health experts say it all boils down to one emotion: powerlessness. We don't completely understand coronavirus, we don't know where this is all going and the best advice we've got – wash your hands – isn't any different from what we all do (or should do) daily. So we do what we can to make us feel more in control (by buying toilet paper).

Psychologists say we should try to keep our stress in check. Strive for emotional balance. Maintain routines. Find someone who can help check fears and concerns. Stay away from people who freak out. Get your information from sources you trust. And yes, wash your hands.

We'll get to more coronavirus news in a bit. But let's take a mental break, shall we? Remember Sarah Palin? 👇

The news wasn't all un(bear)able

Picture this: Sarah Palin in a bear costume. Singing "Baby Got Back." The former Alaska governor appeared on the "Masked Singer" on Wednesday, where celebrities perform in head-to-toe costumes to conceal their identity. Palin said she chose the bear because it referenced her nickname growing up, she is a mama bear and bears are prominent in her home state. "This is the weirdest thing I've ever done, that's for sure," Palin said after being eliminated from the competition. "But it's all about fun. It's unity. This is what our country needs right now, too."

"This is the weirdest thing I've ever done," says Mama Bear Sarah Palin, a former politician.

Michael Becker/FOX

You've got this, Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks says he has contracted coronavirus. The actor confirmed that he and wife Rita Wilson, both 63, tested positive for COVID-19 while filming in Australia. Hanks said he will be "tested, observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires." People with diabetes, such as Hanks, are among those at increased risk for complications from COVID-19, public health officials say.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus while working in Australia

Getty

Real quick

•	Chelsea Manning is recovering after attempting suicide in jail.
•	A body that was found is missing toddler Evelyn Boswell, authorities confirmed.
•	Severe weather, including the threat of "significant tornadoes," is forecast for portions of the central and southern USA.
•	See pictures of how Duchess Meghan spent her last days in the U.K.

Travelers race to get home after Europe coronavirus travel ban

Travelers scrambled after President Donald Trump made the bombshell announcement to restrict "all travel" from Europe (except for the U.K.) for the next 30 days to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some travelers found that prices skyrocketed for major U.S. airline flights back to the USA from Europe. Thankfully, a few airlines set fare caps after ticket prices soared.

•	Q&A: What you need to know about Trump's travel ban from Europe.

What everyone is talking about, but on the lighter side

•	A student was suspended from school for selling "squirts" of hand sanitizer to classmates.
•	Thank you, internet: Here are some coronavirus TikToks and memes to get you through the chaos.
•	Who forgot to mute? How to maintain good manners while working from home.
•	Naomi Campbell's airport routine is still extra, including a hazmat suit.
•	We've got more coronavirus news where that came from! Subscribe to our Coronavirus Watch newsletter.

March Sadness

This is an unprecedented time in the history of American sports. March Madness men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments were canceled Thursday over coronavirus concerns. The move came hours after Major League Baseball joined the NHL, NBA and other professional sports leagues in putting a halt to activities because of the pandemic. The NBA said Wednesday night it would pause its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. A second Utah player, guard Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive.

Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus.

Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports

A break from the ~viral~ news

•	Can you answer these real "Jeopardy!" questions about each state?
•	The 5 best Amazon deals you can get Thursday.
•	Best books of 2020 so far: What USA TODAY's critics loved reading.