Morning News Brief: Brazil witnesses spike in COVID cases, Russia celebrates Victory Day and more

COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases

Sao Paulo, a state in southeastern Brazil with almost 46 million inhabitants, has seen more than 3,600 deaths and more than 44,400 cases. READ MORE

Russian President Vladimir Putin urges citizens to 'unite' amid toned down Victory Day celebration

Putin's speech sent a message of "unity" as Russia fights coronavirus. The country has surpassed France and Germany to become the fifth worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. READ MORE

Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call

Obama said the election "is so important because what we're going to be battling is not just a particular individual or a political party." READ MORE

China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment

All five of them have been released on April 24 followed by a 14-day quarantine before they return home.READ MORE

WATCH|3 children have died in New York from a mysterious disease