As summer edges ever nearer, here's some positive news nuggets to keep you going.
Buckingham Palace gardens are to reopen to the public this summer and, for the first time ever, you will be able to picnic on the lawns. The 39 acre gardens will open for visits from July to September and - unlike in the past, when entry was by guided tour only - visitors will be able to enjoy the 156m herbaceous border, the famous plane trees and views across the 3.5 acre lake under their own steam.
Norfolk sheepdog Peggy was given to the RSPCA after her loss of hearing meant that it was impossible for her to continue working on a farm. She was subsequently adopted by a member of staff who, along with her shepherd husband, trained her to obey hand signals so that she could continue what she loved: herding sheep. "She's proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks, and is a wonderful example of the capability of a dog - even if they do lose a sense", said Mrs Shorten, her new owner.
Apple launches AirTags: This handy coin-sized device can be attached to car keys (and almost anything else you can think of that you're fed up with misplacing) and can be located via the Find My app in your iPhone. It's likely to be Apple's next billion dollar business.
Hats off (or, rather, on) to 82-year-old retired teacher La Verne Ford Wimberly from Oklahoma who kept up her habit of looking her best even during the pandemic. Every Sunday, after online church, she posted a selfie on Facebook of her outfit. “I received such favourable responses to the first post, so I just kept it up for 52 Sundays,” she said.
Restaurant offers job to burglar: A Georgia restaurant owner has been praised for his compassionate response to a burglary after inviting the thief to apply for a job.
Tablets that can be taken at home to treat Covid-19 could be available as early as the autumn, says Boris Johnson. The drugs would be taken at home after testing positive rather than in the hospital, freeing up pressure on hospitals for only the most severe cases. In further good news, just 32 vaccinated people were hospitalised with Covid-19 in recent months, according to “extraordinary” real world data showing the effectiveness of Britain’s jabs programme. Scientists are preparing to hand the findings to Government’s advisers today, showing the dramatic impact of first doses.
Subtraction: New research suggests we might be ignoring the easiest way to problem-solve climate issues.
Joe Biden plans to announce the US will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least by half by 2030, according to The Washington Post. The target, timed for Earth Day and a U.S.-led global virtual climate summit today, is intended to reassert America’s global leadership on greenhouse gas reductions. Biden wants to encourage other nations to follow suit. The president’s pledge represents a near-doubling of the US commitment under the 2015 Paris climate agreement
Fancy a cultural fix? Why not take yourself off to Amsterdam and enjoy a virtual tour of the Rijksmuseum...