No Joke, China Just Banned April Fools: Here’s What We’re Reading Today

The Daily 5 is Sharp’s essential reading list for what’s happening in the world today. Make sure to follow us on Twitter or subscribe to the Sharp Insider newsletter to stay up to date.

Here’s what we’re reading today.

1. Xi Jinping has no sense of humor

“The ancient tradition of hoaxing and playing practical jokes on the first day of April has fallen victim to China’s crackdown. Like democracy and free speech, it is a Western concept that simply isn’t welcome here.”

2. When Taco Bell bought the Liberty Bell

“In 1996, Taco Bell shocked a nation and set the standard for corporate April Fools’ jokes.”

3. Google’s Mic Drop

Some poor placement on Google’s April Fools gag caused a lot of anguish today. The company implemented a feature in Gmail that would send an email and block replies from ever reaching you.

4. The New York Times hates fun

So that’s why they’ve put together this handy guide for avoiding getting pranked today.

 5. The CIA is the bomb

“The CIA ‘inadvertently left’ explosive material on a school bus after a training exercise with local law enforcement in Loudoun County, Va., the agency and the country sheriff’s office say.”