The coronavirus pandemic is causing pain and suffering the world over, but then there are always those who never let a good crisis go to waste. Some are benefiting from COVID-19 for legitimate reasons: just think of companies that make video conferencing apps, ventilators, or canny investors. But there are also more nefarious players looking to bank a win off the back of coronavirus fear and confusion: scam artists, fraudsters, counterfeiters. This week, Geoff Thompson, Mario Christodoulou, Meghna Bali and Kat Gregory investigate who's winning in these turbulent times and how.

People experiencing homelessness are being moved from the street and shelters into four-star hotels. The radical plan is meant to protect them from the pandemic and it's temporary. But as Hagar Cohen discovers, there are questions about what happens once the virus crisis is over.

The UN Security Council plans to call for a 90-day 'humanitarian pause' in conflicts worldwide as part of the ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic. It's hoped that in some of the world's worst conflict zones, this could lay the groundwork for longer term peace agreements.

An obscure character from traditional Japanese folklore has become an unlikely unifier in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just as Australia was about to confirm its first case of coronavirus in Australia in January, Sunshine Coast health figures were given a grim briefing.

Colombian student Angelo Romero, unable to fly home due to coronavirus, is receiving emergency treatment in a Brisbane hospital for a shock leukaemia diagnosis, concerned his private health policy won't cover it.

Forty experts from the Asia-Pacific will train animal workers to spot virus outbreaks before they even begin, in a new government-funded scheme to reduce the risk of another virus crisis.

MORNING BRIEFING: The NSW Premier's leadership through the coronavirus crisis receives a 70 per cent approval rating, while Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches reopen for exercise only.

People who have been stood down from their regular jobs have helped bolster the volunteer workforce for charities that have lost much of their elderly workforce.

The Government's stimulus packages have been set up to get people through the COVID-19 pandemic, but how will unemployed Australians fare as we come out the other side?

If you're thinking of sending flowers for Mother's Day next week, order early because some growers are predicting a sell-out of supply.

The NSW government has hired up to 3,000 cleaners to ensure the public transport network is safe for commuters as the state is looking to ease restrictions of lockdown.

Once a destination for grey nomads and bus tours, Australia's island state has built its brand into something clean, green and edgy. With 10 per cent of its economy hinging on tourism, Tasmania has a lot to lose.

The Ruby Princess leaves Australian waters today over a month after docking in Sydney. About one in 10 cases of coronavirus in Australia is linked to the cruise ship.

At least eight US states are blocking health clinics from providing abortions, describing the procedure as non-essential during the pandemic.

Auslan interpreters have been in high demand this year as they convey critical and life-saving information to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Labor's Home Affairs spokesperson Kristina Keneally has sparked controversy after declaring the COVID-19 crisis should force a revamp of the temporary migration program.

The former South Australian Premier said it's now time for states and territories to take control of childcare and treat them more like schools.

Not every state and territory has put into law the code of conduct, which aims to provide rental waivers and deferrals for commercial tenants.

The Australian Government joins a small group of so-called "first mover" nations which have been relatively successful in suppressing the coronavirus, to exchange ideas as restrictions continue to loosen.

The ACT Government's decision ends weeks of uncertainty about when the gradual return to "normal" lessons would begin. It comes as Opposition Leader Alistair Coe tells ABC radio that the coronavirus pandemic has ended.

A World Health Organization food safety expert says research is needed to find out if the wet market was a "source, amplifying setting" for the spread of coronavirus, or if it was a coincidence that cases were detected in and around there.

Regarded by many as the home of the Anzacs, the cancellation of this year's Anzac Day services will be keenly felt in Albany where residents and veterans share a special bond.

Disability advocates say they are concerned about an increase in anxiety among children whose support services have been stripped back during the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has made life harder for most people, but spare a thought for 66-year-old Isabel McLeary, who is looking after three teenagers with disability who can now only access vital support online.

A north-east Victorian alpine village says it will welcome visitors when restrictions allow despite uncertainty whether the ski season will go ahead at all.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas says casual public sector workers who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus will receive fortnightly payments if $1500, May 6, 2020.

Queensland law enforcement are undergoing a close shave of their own after being directed to shave for potential close-fitting masks to protect against coronavirus.

Food and drink businesses defied an overall drop in UK exports during the first quarter of 2020 as supply chain disruption and international efforts to combat coronavirus hit overseas sales of goods and services, according to the Lloyds Bank International Trade Index.

Warehouse solutions and label specialist, inotec UK, has ramped up production of its labelling systems to support the medical, facilities and e-commerce industries during the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival had been scheduled to begin performances at its Ashland theaters in early September, but Gov. Kate Brown has banned large gatherings into at least October.  

The in-person events that were the heart of voter outreach efforts have been put on hold. But Multnomah County election officials are still holding office hours, as they also go virtual.

As the days of social distancing become weeks, some have turned to poetry to cope with such strange times. OPB spoke with a few Oregon poets to hear what they are writing about right now.

Mazda Motor Corp has sought loans totalling about 300 billion yen ($2.8 billion) from Japan's three megabanks and other lenders to ride out the coronavirus epidemic, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Saturday. The megabanks - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group - along with the Development Bank of Japan, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings and others are set to agree, with some already having extended the loans, the person said, declining to be identified because the information is not public.

The Pandemic Is the Time to Resurrect the Public University via Instapaper https://ift.tt/3dsBHFd

By Ezra David Romero

The latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic from weekend across the region. We check in with the mayors of Truckee and Chico on how their cities are managing, and a local photographer offers a window into the lives of her neighbors.

Republican California Rep. Tom McClintock on Congress’ coronavirus relief efforts. We check in with a pair of superintendents on prospective timelines for opening their schools, and finding comfort in baking during the pandemic.