- NewsThe Independent
Coronavirus: Packed Soho scenes spark concern as pubs and bars reopen
Concern has been raised over the reopening of pubs in London after scenes from Soho appeared to show people failing to observe social distancing rules.Numerous pictures and videos have been shared online of packed, crowded streets in the famous London district.
9494 reactions - NewsThe Independent
It's sad David Starkey's career has ended this way but the fallout sends a clear message that racism will not be tolerated
I am sorry to tell David Starkey that he brought all this furore on himself. Whatever possessed this highly educated man to utter such vile comments?I agree with Sajid Javid and David Olusoga that this mind-set is extremely worrying and disturbing and should be called out, as it widely has been. It is sad to finish an illustrious career like this, but this widespread condemnation is encouraging and sends out an irrefutable message that such casual and dire racist comments will not be tolerated.
- PoliticsThe Guardian
Trump claims 99% of US Covid-19 cases are 'totally harmless' as infections surge
Trump claims 99% of US Covid-19 cases are 'totally harmless' as infections surge. President’s White House speech capping 4 July celebrations says US coronavirus strategy is ‘moving along well’
- PoliticsThe Guardian
Trump claims 'victory' as US sees Covid-19 case records in multiple states
Trump claims 'victory' as US sees Covid-19 case records in multiple states. Florida says confirmed cases up by record 11,458 but president claims US on the way to ‘tremendous victory’ over coronavirus
- CelebrityHello!
Vernon Kay makes shocking revelation about his marriage to Strictly star Tess Daly
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are one of the most popular celebrity couples in the UK, managing extremely busy television careers as well as being doting parents to their two daughters. During a new interview, TV star Vernon confessed life in lockdown has had an incredible impact on his marriage to the Strictly Come Dancing host.MORE: Tess Daly treated to special surprise on 51st birthday during lockdownLoading the player...WATCH: Tess Daly gives fans a tour of her kitchen"At first it took a lot of getting used to because we do enjoy our freedoms, the simple things like just nipping to the shop or going out for a beer with your mates and general social gatherings that you take for granted and once they've gone you think, ''Right, what am I going to do?'" he told the Humans of XS Manchester podcast. "The positive thing is that it's enabled us as a family to really get to know each other even better than you would as a family."READ: Martin Lewis reassures wife Lara Lewington following hilarious on-air gaffeThe couple, who live in Buckinghamshire with their two daughters Phoebe and Amber, have been married since 2003. Over the years, their relationship has been under scrutiny, with both parties admitting that marriage isn't all plain sailing. The admission comes after Vernon confessed to texting glamour model Rhian Sugden in 2010 and again in 2015.Vernon Kay has been married to the Strictly host since 2003"When you think about it when you're in a relationship, a working relationship, you wake up, you go to work, you get back and you have your dinner, kids doing their homework, you go to bed. So you only really see each other for four or five hours in a day, if that," the doting dad explained.MORE: Look back at Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and Vernon Kay's weddingHe added: "When you're in lockdown and you're spending 24/7 with each other it really gives you the chance to really kind of re-connect and get to know each other better, not better, but you really get under the skin of your relationships with your kids and your missus."Last month, Tess shared an honest post about her lockdown struggle and many of her fans were able to relate. She opened up about these "uncertain times" and how it's affected her day-to-day life. "Is it just me or does time seem to fly by even MORE quickly when you've got so much more of it on your hands," she told her followers.Tess and Vernon's daughters Phoebe and Amber on the beach at sunset"Still struggling a bit with the disconnection from my usual routines and the unpredictability of everything at the moment; but have also been focusing on using the time productively and positively (yoga, writing, cleansing the home, cleansing my mind with meditation, tutoring, den making, and occasional kitchen dancing...)"MORE: Strictly host Tess Daly's house is flawless – take a look insideHowever, Tess revealed that she was looking ahead to the future once lockdown life is over, writing: "Keeping the faith that brighter days are hopefully just around the corner. I feel like we have worked SO hard together to get through this. Really hope you're all taking good care of yourselves, sending all the love & positivity I have your way. fridayfeeling strongertogether goodvibesonly."Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
- CelebrityHello!
Serena Williams' daughter Olympia, 2, praised for her impressive abs
Serena Williams shared the most adorable pictures of her and her mini-me daughter Alexis Olympia playing tennis together on Thursday - but all fans could talk about were the two-year-old's impressive abs!One particular photo, shared on Olympia's own personal Instagram, shows the duo dressed exactly the same in a black skirt and a tight purple top, which highlights their toned bodies.MORE: Wimbledon stars' homes: see where Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal & more liveOlympia, 2, showed off her abs as she posed with her mum Serena"Six pack baby stroooooong," captioned proud dad Alexis Ohanian. Another fan added: "Love the abs Olympia."A third remarked: "Baby girl has a six pack already." A fourth follower commented: "Strong like mom!"Loading the player... WATCH Serena and daughter Olympia play tennis togetherProud mum Serena also shared several snaps from their fun day together, and if the pictures are anything to go by, we predict her adorable two-year-old daughter is heading straight to Wimbledon!Serena's sister was quick to react to the snaps, with her writing: "I just love her and you too much! If this gets any cuter I will NOT LIVE!"It seems Olympia loves tennis just as much as her champion motherA friend added: "THIS IS INCREDIBLE! 2035 WIMBELDON DOUBLES CHAMPS!"READ: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's inner circle of close friends revealedWith all tennis competitions cancelled due to the pandemic, Serena has been making the most of her time with her daughter whilst they self-isolate at their Miami home.Most recently, the tennis champ shared an adorable video of herself and her young daughter dancing around the front room in matching Beauty and the Beast costumes. Most impressive of all, though, was an incredible piece of furniture that could be seen in the background.Next to Serena's huge grey sofas a small staircase of the same colour was visible, allowing little Olympia access to the settee so she can sit and watch TV with her famous mum – how cute is that! Olympia, who Serena shares with her husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, also sweetly clutched a bucket of tasty-looking popcorn in the clip.
- ScienceThe Independent
Questions raised over whether virus sample in Wuhan lab could cause Covid-19
Scientists have raised fresh questions over whether a coronavirus sample held for years in a Wuhan laboratory could have mutated naturally or via genetic experimentation to become the virus which causes Covid-19.Since the Sars pandemic in 2003, China-based researchers have been scouring bat-inhabited caves in the hope of tracking and analysing potential new coronaviruses, notably at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).
