Anthony Monteiro (2020-05-19). The revolutionary legacy of Malcolm X. peoplesworld.org Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little May 19, 1925, was assassinated Feb. 21, 1965, and buried El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He is the most remarkable figure in the African-American nationalist tradition and one of the more important figures in the entire struggle for democracy and Black liberation. In many respects, his legacy defines modern day revolutionary African-American …

David Trujillo, Ismael Parra (2020-05-19). Socialist lessons learned: The political shifts brought by the coronavirus. peoplesworld.org Rev. Dr. William Barber of the New Poor People\'s Campaign has been preaching: \"This virus is teaching us that from now on, living wages, guaranteed health care for all, unemployment and labor rights are not far-left issues but issues of right vs. wrong and life vs. death.\" Expanding on those truths, here are some more …

Sam Pizzigati (2020-05-19). Civil Disobedience, Billionaire-Style. counterpunch.org Last week, billionaire Elon Musk defied local public health officials and reopened his flagship Tesla auto assembly plant in Fremont, California. Public safety officials had ordered that plant shut down — over Musk\'s fierce opposition — almost two months earlier. \"Dumb\" concern about the coronavirus, Musk had ragedwith that shutdown impending, had morphed into a

Media Lens (2020-05-19). An Illusion Of Protection: The Pandemic, The \"Criminal\" Government And Public Distrust of The Media. dissidentvoice.org Any notion that the UK government actually considers that its primary responsibility is to protect the health and security of the country\'s population ought to have been demolished in 2020. The appalling death toll that continues to mount during the coronavirus pandemic is largely rooted, not merely in government \'incompetence\', but in criminal dereliction of …

Walden Bello (2020-05-19). The Race to Replace a Dying Neoliberalism. counterpunch.org The morning will come When the world is mine. Tomorrow belongs to me! From Cabaret In response to the cataclysm occasioned by the coronavirus, three lines of thinking are emerging. One is that the emergency necessitates extraordinary measures, but the basic structure of production and consumption is sound, and the problem lies only in determining

Mark Gruenberg (2020-05-19). AFL-CIO sues Trump\'s OSHA to force firms to protect workers from virus. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Fed up with the Trump government\'s refusal to force firms to protect workers from the coronavirus, the AFL-CIO is suing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to force it to do so. The suit, filed May 18, in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for D.C., which handles most cases involving federal agencies and their …

Jack Wareham, Dylan Burgoon (2020-05-19). Leftist Perspectives on Zoom: Socialist Struggle while Social Distancing. counterpunch.org Social distancing regulations have made video-chatting a necessity for many students, office workers, and anyone interested in maintaining their relationships while quarantined. No one foresaw that video-chatting software would receive such a large boost in popularity in 2020—least of all Zoom Video Communications, a Silicon Valley-based tech corporation that, in the past few months, has seen a $1 billion valuation turn into a $40.3 billion market cap.

Emile Schepers (2020-05-19). Trump deportation frenzy threatens the lives of thousands. peoplesworld.org The hostility of President Donald Trump and his entourage toward immigrants from the poorer countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean has long been notorious. It is at the root of a whole series of repressive policies aimed at those communities, including mass deportation and the horror of \"children in cages\" at the …

Eds. (2020-05-19). Let evidence, not talk radio, determine whether the outbreak started in a lab. mronline.org The president and his secretary of state made a startling claim last week: that there is enough evidence to suggest with a high degree of confidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is the source of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Daniel Warner (2020-05-19). The World Trade Organization and the Demise of Multilateralism. counterpunch.org Seventy-five years after the creation of the United Nations in the wake of the Second World War, the recent resignation of the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevedo, does not bode well for the international trading system, multilateralism and International Geneva. The organization has had several setbacks even before the pandemic: The

Elijah Magnier (2020-05-19). Israel strikes Syria to keep the USA in the Levant. 20 years after the unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, what has been achieved? (2). thealtworld.com Following its defeat in the second war on Lebanon, Israel discovered that its only way to suppress Hezbollah would …

Ted Rall (2020-05-19). 5 Things the Government Must Do Now to Avoid Collapse And/Or Revolution. counterpunch.org The COVID-19 medical and economic crisis remains mostly unaddressed by both the Republican and Democratic parties. They have only passed one piece of legislation that significantly helps workers: supplementing existing state unemployment benefits by $600 per week. Those additional payments expire in four months. Until then many people who are out of work will receive

Eds. (2020-05-19). Race—a capitalist invention. mronline.org Scientists are struggling to understand how Covid-19 affects people differently. Socialist Worker shows that the construct of race has more basis in exploitation than biology.

Xinhua News Agency (2020-05-19). OMS: Largo camino por recorrer pues riesgo de COVID-19 sigue siendo elevado. peoplesworld.org GINEBRA, 18 may (Xinhua) — La mayor parte de la población mundial sigue siendo susceptible a la COVID-19 y hay un largo camino por recorrer pues el riesgo sigue siendo elevado, dijo hoy el director general de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). \"Este es un enemigo peligroso, con una peligrosa combinación de rasgos. …

Eds. (2020-05-19). COVID-19: Through the eyes of workers in the U.S. mronline.org Sarah Jaffe, with co-journalist Michelle Chan, interviews U.S. workers of all stripes for their podcast \"Belabored\" for Dissent Magazine. The following interviews are excerpts from their series on COVID-19 stories, republished with permission.

Gilbert Mercier (2020-05-19). COVID-19 Great Depression: Global Ecosocialism Is the Way Out. dissidentvoice.org Suffering in numbers The abstract science of mathematics is a language like music. But while music is in the realm of pure emotion, the language of mathematics only speaks to the mind not the heart. Numbers and equations do not lie. They are not, by essence, subjective. This being said, when the numbers are those …

Melvin Goodman (2020-05-19). How the New York Times Enhances Trump\'s Propaganda. counterpunch.org The mendacity of Donald Trump is without parallel in the history of American presidential politics. His lies, as tabulated by the Washington Post\'s fact checker, number in the thousands. U.S. truth tellers have become Trump\'s favorite targets as Inspectors General, federal judges, intelligence officers, and the nation\'s media face constant punishment and harassment from the White

Chris Wright (2020-05-19). Learning from the Great Depression. counterpunch.org According to Mark Twain (supposedly), history doesn\'t repeat itself, but it frequently rhymes. He was right. Donald Trump, for example, rhymes with Mussolini. The decline of organized labor in recent decades rhymes with its decline in the 1920s. And the coming depression will rhyme, in many respects, with the Great Depression. For decades, in fact,

John Raby (2020-05-19). Mine Wars: \'Matewan Massacre\' a century ago embodied miners\' struggles. peoplesworld.org MATEWAN, W.Va. (AP) — The bullet holes in the brick wall of a former post office serve as a reminder of how Appalachian coal miners fought to improve the lives of workers a century ago. Ten people were killed in a gun battle between miners, who were led by a local police chief, and a …

pip.hinman (2020-05-19). Making up 28% inside, First Nations inmates are still at threat from COVID-19. greenleft.org.au

Staff (2020-05-19). \"Whitening of the Media\": As Pandemic Cuts Ravage Newsrooms, Diversity Is \"First Thing That Goes\" democracynow.org At a time when many journalists are risking their lives to cover the coronavirus, media companies are slashing jobs and salaries. Over the past week, hundreds of journalists at Vice, Quartz, The Economist, BuzzFeed and Condé Nast have been laid off. In April, The New York Times estimated 36,000 employees of news media companies had been laid off, furloughed or had their pay reduced since the arrival of the pandemic. We speak with award-winning journalist and former editor of The Denver Post, Gregory Moore. He says, \"Advertising has fallen out of these newspapers because of the economic shutdown, and it has led to…

Staff (2020-05-19). Harvard Doctor: As States Rush to Reopen, Lack of COVID-19 Testing Is \"Achilles Heel\" for U.S. democracynow.org President Trump claimed Monday he\'s been taking the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine, even though multiple studies show the drug can be dangerous and is not an effective treatment for COVID-19. This comes as the U.S. COVID-19 death count tops 90,000 and all 50 U.S. states prepare to partially reopen by Memorial Day. We speak with Dr. Ashish Jha, the director of Harvard University\'s Global Health Institute, who says that testing needs to vastly improve in order for widespread reopenings. He calls the lack of accurate tests in the U.S. the nation\'s \"Achilles heel,\" saying, \"The testing saga will go down as one…

The Canary (2020-05-19). IT experts unconvinced on effectiveness of Covid-19 contact tracing app. thecanary.co Less than a quarter of IT experts believe the UK\'s coronavirus (Covid-19) contact tracing app will be effective, according to a survey.Just under half (45%) said they were undecided about it, while almost a third (32%) believe the tool will not be useful in helping to contain Covid-19.The app is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight as part of the government\'s \"test, track and trace\" strategy to ease the country out of lockdown.Health secretary Matt Hancock had indicated that a roll-out across the rest of England was on the cards for mid-May, but Downing Street has said the aim is to launch more widely in…

The Canary (2020-05-19). Scientists dismiss claims \'mega doses\' of vitamin D can protect against Covid-19. thecanary.co Scientists have dismissed \"very misleading\" social media reports that so-called \"mega doses\" of vitamin D can protect against coronavirus.Some articles have claimed that the vitamin can act as a protective measure — which scientists say is \"not true\" and prompted an urgent need to inform the public.However, they have emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in the body.Professor Colin Smith, the University of Brighton\'s professor of functional genomics, said: \"There are currently some very misleading articles doing the rounds on social media about mega doses of vitamin D as a Cov…

The Canary (2020-05-19). Grenfell Inquiry to resume when possible, but not for several weeks. thecanary.co The latest stage of the Grenfell Inquiry will not resume until at least July — more than three years after the west London tower block blaze that killed 72 people.The second phase of the investigation was halted on 16 March by chair Martin Moore-Bick as the coronavirus swept through Europe, with at least one panel member falling ill with suspected Covid-19 and concerns over the safety of other participants.The panel had spent more than a month hearing evidence from witnesses to examine the circumstances and causes of the disaster — on 14 June 2017 — before proceedings were drawn to an abrupt end.

The Canary (2020-05-19). Rees-Mogg says resisting return of MPs to Commons is an attempt to \'stymie\' government. thecanary.co Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg has accused Labour of opposing the return of MPs to Westminster in order to \"stymie\" the government.Ahead of a meeting with Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle, senior politicians from opposition parties and representatives of the unions, Rees-Mogg claimed that parliament was not able to do its job properly under the current arrangements.Critics of Rees-Mogg\'s approach have warned that returning to Westminster would put staff and MPs at risk of spreading coronavirus and fly in the face of the advice to work from home wherever possible. | Hybrid proceedings mean that MPs will be able to pa…

The Canary (2020-05-19). Harriet Harman says Covid-19 contact tracing app assurances do not cut the mustard. thecanary.co New laws to protect the privacy of personal information gathered by the coronavirus contact tracing app are a \"no brainer\" — and can be adopted quick enough without disrupting its rollout, Harriet Harman has said.The Joint Committee on Human Rights — which Harman chairs — has a bill drafted and ready for introduction, amid concerns about the data such an app can gather and who can access it.Using Bluetooth, the app keeps an anonymised log of other people also using the app who have been in close contact with the user.If someone shows symptoms, they can inform the app, which will instruct anyone who…

The Canary (2020-05-19). What do the latest statistics tell us about Covid-19 deaths? thecanary.co The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its latest figures for the number of deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales.Here are five things the data tells us about the situation across the country.— The number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has passed 44,000Tuesday\'s ONS figures show that 39,071 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in England and Wales up to 8 May and had been registered up to 16 May.(PA Graphics)Latest figures from the National Records of Scotland, published last week, showed 3,213 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to 10 May.Data f…

The Canary (2020-05-19). MPs \'risk becoming 650 super-spreaders\' if forced to return to Westminster. thecanary.co Plans for MPs to return to Westminster next month risk creating 650 Covid-19 \"super-spreaders\", a Labour MP has warned. | Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg has It comes as MPs learned that the planned multibillion-pound renovation of the Palace of Westminster is set for a review due to…

The Canary (2020-05-19). Ministers face pressure as councils and teachers question school reopening date. thecanary.co Ministers are facing increasing pressure from council leaders and teaching unions to reconsider their plans to open primary schools in England to more pupils from next month. | Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire has joined a number of local authorities in advising its schools against reopening more widely to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from 1 June amid safety concerns. | Solihull Council, believed to be one of the first Conservative-led local authorities to question the government\'s proposed start date, has warned that some school places may not be ready for the first week of June. | It came as a poll f…

RT (2020-05-19). Macron loses absolute majority in parliament as frustrated MPs DEFECT to new left-leaning grouping. rt.com Emmanuel Macron has lost his outright majority in France\'s National Assembly as a group of defectors from his LREM party jumped ship to join a new left-wing grouping, in another indication of his floundering leadership. | Seven lawmakers announced a split from President Macron\'s La Republique En Marche (LREM) on Tuesday, saying they would join the newly-formed \'Ecology, Democracy, Solidarity\' (EDS) group, which now consists of 17 parliamentarians who are demanding more left-leaning policies. | \"I am a leftist. To remain so, I must leave LREM,\" one of the breakaway MPs, Aurelien Tache, told Le Journal du Dimanc…

RT (2020-05-19). Fearing the baying mobs? Jamie Dimon roasted for belated show of caring about inequality. rt.com JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called for \"rebuilding a more inclusive economy\" in a letter to shareholders. The internet isn\'t buying the plutocrat\'s change of heart, however, reasoning he\'s more concerned about populist rage. | Dimon used his company\'s latest shareholder

RT (2020-05-19). Pakistan suffers 1st economic decline in 68 years due to Covid-19 pandemic. rt.com While 2020 was projected to be a breakthrough year for Pakistan, the global coronavirus crisis has hit the country\'s economy hard, causing its first contraction since 1951-52. | Coupled with currency devaluation, the economic contraction has caused the size of the economy to slip to around $265.6 billion from $280 billion a year ago. | According to the National Accounts Committee (NAC), GDP is projected to have a negative growth rate of 0.38 percent during the fiscal year 2019-20 ending on June 30. The estimates are based on six to nine months provisional data projected for the whole year and adjusted for the…

RT (2020-05-19). India to help millions of migrant workers leave cities as some states report rising infections rate. rt.com India will run more special trains and buses to allow millions of distressed migrant workers to leave big cities, the federal government said on Tuesday. | Workers are walking long distances to their homes in the countryside ever since PM Narendra Modi imposed a vast lockdown in March to control the spread of coronavirus, shutting down all public transport. | After initially trying to keep workers in their cities of employment, authorities are now helping them get home. The federal home ministry is in talks with states to run trains and buses, and set up rest stops for those on foot. | The move comes as India\'

RT (2020-05-19). Italy warns against \'tourism corridors\' between EU states in about-face, urges reopening all borders AT ONCE. rt.com Italy urged fellow EU countries to work together to reanimate the tourism industry after the coronavirus pandemic, speaking against any bilateral deals between member states — after Rome reportedly considered doing just that. | All European countries should open their borders at once after passing the Covid-19 peak, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said in a speech \"We need to restart the country and ensure the safety of Italians. This is why Italy has the opportun…

RT (2020-05-19). \'We turned our back on PM because of budget cuts & lack of staff\' — Belgian nurse to RT on viral protest. rt.com Belgian nurses and frontline medical staff had been striking for a year, before they were called up to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. After months of ignored demands, they seized their chance when the prime minister came to visit. | By now the video of the viral protest has been seen the world over; the heroes of the coronavirus turning their backs on Belgium\'s PM Sophie Wilmes upon her arrival at the Saint-Pierre hospital in Brussels. RT sat down with one nurse at the hospital, Nicolas Houyoux, to understand what exactly motivated the stirring protest after a year of strikes at the hospital over poor working co…

RT (2020-05-19). MSNBC and Fox News finally agree! Media comments on Trump \'taking\' malaria drug against Covid-19 reach new level of bizarre. rt.com MSNBC\'s Joe Scarborough has recommended listening to Fox\'s Neil Cavuto over hydroxychloroquine — an anti-malarial drug with hotly-debated effectiveness in fighting Covid-19 — slamming the president\'s support for the medicine. | The media went into a frenzy after Donald Trump said he was taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive measure against coronavirus, but none of the responses have been more bizarre than the apparent teaming-up of liberal commentator Scarborough and Fox News\' Cavuto. | \"I say this to seniors who I\'m so worried about, and I know we\'re all worried about you, because the presiden…

RT (2020-05-19). 17yo blood sample with SARS antibodies could be new secret weapon against CORONAVIRUS — study. rt.com Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the war against the coronavirus, discovering an antibody from a patient who recovered from SARS in 2003, which blocks Covid-19 infection while stopping the virus from mutating. | Scientists based in Switzerland and the United States examined 25 different types of antibodies, which each target different protein spikes on the virus, which it uses to infiltrate host cells and infect them with genetic material. From this list of antibodies, the researchers identified eight that could bind to both Covid-19 and the infected cells. | One in particular — S309 — wa…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Potential benefit outweighed the risk\': Trump\'s doctor pens letter in defense of HCQ, Twitter still unconvinced he\'s taking it. rt.com With media and online pundits going into a full-blown meltdown after US President Donald Trump said that he was taking hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis against coronavirus, his doctor issued a statement in support of the drug. | Trump\'s admission late Monday that he has been taking the experimental drug, originally designed to treat malaria and several other conditions, has caught many off-guard, spawning a torrent of reactions online. | The White House physician says he and the president \"concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks.\" The FDA says there\'s no evidence hydroxy…

RT (2020-05-19). India to help millions of migrant workers leave cities as some states report rising infection rate. rt.com India will run more special trains and buses to allow millions of distressed migrant workers to leave big cities, the federal government said on Tuesday. | Workers are walking long distances to their homes in the countryside ever since PM Narendra Modi imposed a vast lockdown in March to control the spread of coronavirus, shutting down all public transportation. | After initially trying to keep workers in their cities of employment, authorities are now helping them get home. The Ministry of Home Affairs is in talks with states to run trains and buses, and set up rest stops for those on foot. | The move comes a…

RT (2020-05-19). Australia\'s most populated state reopens schools full-time next week. rt.com Children in Australia\'s most populated state will return to school full-time next week, a major step towards normalizing life amid the coronavirus pandemic. | The directive from New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian to reopen schools full-time eases childcare responsibilities for the parents and carers of around 800,000 children in public schools, as Australia seeks to stem a surge in unemployment and restart the economy. | Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos said the decision \"caused a lot of concern, frustration and anger among teachers and principals.\" According to Berejiklian, indiv…

RT (2020-05-19). Paper gold trade is now bigger than ALL of Germany\'s reserves. rt.com The price of gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) steadied on Tuesday at the equivalent of $1,733 per ounce after retreating on the news of a potential coronavirus vaccine by drug maker Moderna. | Gold ETFs are not equal to physical gold, as they are simply securities backed by the commodity designed to track the gold price. | Gold bullion, which hit an eight-year high just before the news, lost $40 per ounce for US dollar traders by the start of Tuesday\'s London trade. It has also dropped over two percent from new all-time highs in British pound and euro currency terms. | \"Gold sold off on upbeat trader attitude…

RT (2020-05-19). All of EU should back Franco-German recovery plan or \'nobody will be able to get out of crisis\' — French FM. rt.com France\'s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday EU states which are skeptical about a Franco-German proposal for a €500 billion (US$546 billion) coronavirus recovery fund should back it or risk making it even harder to get out of the crisis. | \"It\'s in the interest of all European countries to sign up for this initiative… if there isn\'t this momentum, nobody will be able to get out of it,\" Le Drian told LCI television. | The plan proposed by Berlin and Paris on Monday would offer non-repayable grants to EU regions and sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, with the cash borrowed by the bloc a…

RT (2020-05-19). Entire EU should back Franco-German recovery plan or \'nobody will be able to get out of crisis\' — French FM. rt.com France\'s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday that EU states which are skeptical about a Franco-German proposal for a €500 billion (US$546 billion) coronavirus recovery fund should back it or risk making it even harder to get out of the crisis. | \"It\'s in the interest of all European countries to sign up for this initiative… if there isn\'t this momentum, nobody will be able to get out of it,\" Le Drian told television channel LCI. | The plan proposed by Berlin and Paris on Monday would offer non-repayable grants to EU regions and sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, with the cash borrowed…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Potential benefit outweighed the risk': Trump\'s doctor pens letter in defense of HCQ, Twitter still unconvinced he takes it. rt.com With media and online pundits going into a full-blown meltdown after US President Donald Trump said that he was taking hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis against coronavirus, his doctor issued a statement in support of the drug. | Trump\'s admission late Monday that he has been taking the experimental drug, originally designed to treat malaria and several other conditions, has caught many off-guard, spawning a torrent of reactions online. | pic.twitter.com/o9DQrfSjJH— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 19,…

RT (2020-05-19). Britain suffers BIGGEST surge in unemployment claims SINCE RECORDS BEGAN, as UK minister insists country can cope. rt.com Britain can cope with the massive increase in people claiming unemployment benefits — the largest rise since records began — propelled by the coronavirus crisis, according to a UK minister. | Data

RT (2020-05-19). WATCH: UK Speaker of the House shows zero tolerance for Tory MP struggling with Zoom video call. rt.com The Speaker of the UK\'s House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, showed little sympathy for a Conservative lawmaker struggling to be heard at her home via Zoom — not once, but twice — during a parliamentary session in Westminster. | During questions put to Health and Social Care Minister Matt Hancock regarding the issue of coronavirus and care homes on Tuesday, Hoyle called on Jane Stevenson, the Tory MP for Wolverhampton North East, to make her contribution via Zoom. | Stevenson is then seen staring quite blankly at her screen and speaking for a few brief moments before realising that she was muted and so…

RT (2020-05-19). Report claims 70% of Indian startups will run out of money in less than 3 months. rt.com India\'s startup community, the third largest in the world, is facing an existential crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. | A month-long survey released last week by the Indian trade association Nasscom revealed that 70 percent of startups in India have less than three months of money left in the bank, with almost a quarter (22 percent) stating that they might not make it to the end of the year. | Also on rt.com | | In stark contrast to its immediate f…

RT (2020-05-19). WHO member states agree to independent investigation of agency\'s coronavirus response. rt.com Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed on Tuesday to an independent probe into the UN agency\'s coronavirus response. Countries taking part in the WHO\'s annual assembly adopted a resolution by consensus urging a joint response to the crisis. The event was held virtually for the first time. | The resolution was tabled by the European Union and called for an \"impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation\" of the international response to the pandemic, which has so far infected more than 4.8 million people and killed over 318,000, AFP said. | The investigation should include a probe into…

RT (2020-05-19). China\'s provinces offer farmers cash to end exotic animal trade. rt.com Farmers in China are being offered cash to stop breeding exotic animals as pressure grows to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade that has been blamed for the coronavirus outbreak. Authorities have, for the first time, pledged to buy out breeders in an attempt to curb the practice, AFP reported on Tuesday, citing animal rights activists. | In recent months, China has banned the sale of wild animals for food, citing the risk of diseases spreading to humans. The trade remains legal for other purposes, including research and traditional medicine. | Two central provinces have outlined details of a buyout progr…

RT (2020-05-19). Czech authorities cite biggest jump in coronavirus cases in 4 weeks as they begin reopening economy. rt.com The number of new coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic showed its biggest daily rise in four weeks and climbed above 100 for the first time this month, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. | It said that 111 new cases were recorded on Monday, bringing the total in the central European country to 8,586. The ministry reported no new deaths, leaving the toll at 297, Reuters said. | Authorities have been reopening the economy in recent weeks by getting most shops back up and running along with cinemas, theatres and outdoor dining places. There are plans to let restaurants open indoor areas next week. | The gove…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Rotten from the top\': Sexual harassment \'RAMPANT\' at McDonald\'s, international labor group tells OECD in complaint. rt.com An international group of labor unions has filed a complaint alleging \"systemic\" and \"rampant\" sexual harassment at McDonald\'s restaurants around the globe, arguing the corporate fast food giant has ignored the problem for years. | The complaint was filed with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Monday by the International Union of Food Workers (IUF), which said McDonald\'s had allowed a \"sexual harassment crisis\" to persist in restaurants all over the world, including in the US, Brazil, Australia, France, the UK, Chile, and Colombia, among other countries. | \"McDonald\'s workers…

RT (2020-05-19). Taiwan tells US \'it is complying\' with international N. Korea sanctions. rt.com Taiwan is complying with international sanctions against North Korea, a senior Taiwanese security official told the US\' deputy representative for North Korea on Tuesday, having previously been called out for breaking them. | Tsai Ming-yen, deputy secretary-general of Taiwan\'s National Security Council, told Alex Wong, the US State Department\'s deputy assistant secretary for North Korea, during a teleconference that Taipei \"will continue to closely cooperate with the US, and carry out and implement actions to comply with international sanctions against North Korea.\" | Independent UN monitors said in 2018 that t…

RT (2020-05-19). \'No time to waste\': Trump gives WHO 30 days to make \'major improvements\' before US PERMANENTLY freezes funding. rt.com US President Donald Trump has threatened to halt American funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) for good, giving the agency 30 days to clean up its act while insisting it mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic. | This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! In a scathing letter addressed to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom on Monday night…

RT (2020-05-19). \'You first then\': Prince Charles\' plea to Brits to \'Pick for Britain\' during Covid-19 crisis provokes anger. rt.com Britain\'s Prince Charles\' appeal to citizens to join a movement — similar to the \'Land Army\' of World War II — and descend on farmlands up and down the nation to help harvest produce during the pandemic has prompted resentment. | Clarence House in London, Charles\' official residence, tweeted out a \'Pick for Britain\' campaign video fronted by the Prince of Wales on Tuesday. The royal called on Britons to make \"a vital contribution to the national effort\" by taking on the arduous work this summer to avoid the scenario of crops rotting in fields and going to waste. | The UK\'s agricultural industry is…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Deep, deep mistrust\': Warring parties in Syria agree to reconvene Geneva talks, UN envoy says. rt.com Opposing sides in Syria\'s conflict have agreed to reconvene in Geneva for talks on the constitution, United Nations special envoy Geir Pedersen said on Tuesday. | He added that a lull in fighting could provide an opportunity to start healing \"deep, deep mistrust\" between them. | \"As soon as the pandemic situation allows, they have agreed to come to Geneva and they have agreed on an agenda for the next meeting,\" he told reporters. The envoy did not give a date and said that a virtual meeting of the constitutional committee would not be possible. | Pedersen also repeated a message made to the UN Security Council…

RT (2020-05-19). Global consumer will benefit from US-China trade row, economics professor tells Boom Bust. rt.com The United States has issued a new regulation aiming to limit chip exports to Chinese tech giant Huawei. The firm said its business will \"inevitably be impacted\" and that \"survival is the key word\" for the company at present. | RT\'s Boom Bust is joined by John Quelch, Dean of Miami Business School, to talk about the future of US-China relations. | Huawei will be able to survive, Quelch says, adding that Washington aims to slow down the Chinese company\'s efforts to globally dominate the 5G market. \"The consumer division of Huawei accounts for about 50 percent of its total sales, and this particular regulation i…

RT (2020-05-19). Nature unloads on Cancun, Mexico with waterspout, solar halo, lightning, wind & hail (VIDEOS). rt.com Residents in Cancun, Mexico were stunned when a massive waterspout appeared just 500 meters offshore of the area\'s normally picturesque beaches. It wasn\'t the only unusual natural phenomenon to hit the area, however. | Terrified locals watched the waterspout descend on their peaceful coastal village at approximately 15: 45 local time following a bout of ferocious winds and lashing rain which hit the north of Quintana Roo state on Monday. Eyewitness video captured the stomach-churning sight, as residents faced the tough choice of whether to run or hide. | Global warming is getting real. Tornado cuerpo de agua…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Man of my word\': Leaked audio seemingly sheds light on Biden\'s efforts to pressure Poroshenko into firing Burisma investigator. rt.com Audio recordings released by Ukrainian MP Andrii Derkach allegedly offer confirmation that Joe Biden pressured former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to fire an attorney general in exchange for a billion-dollar loan. | Former top Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin filed a criminal complaint in January, alleging that Biden had Biden himself has boasted publicly that h…

RT (2020-05-19). Study Trump cited in his latest attack on WHO does NOT EXIST, says editor-in-chief of prestigious medical journal. rt.com US President Donald Trump cited a study supposedly published in the Lancet medical journal as he once again accused the WHO of ignoring early Covid-19 warnings. Now, the Lancet chief editor says there has been no such publication. | \"Dear President Trump, you cite the Lancet in your attack on WHO. Please let me correct the record,\" Dr. Richard Horton, the editor-in-chief of the prestigious British medical journal, wrote on Twitter on Monday. Trump referred to the outlet in his latest letter to the World Health Organization head, Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus, in which he warned that Washington would perm…

RT (2020-05-19). Censorship detected? Russian Embassy says NYT \'refused\' to publish comparative Covid-19 death statistics in official\'s letter. rt.com Russia\'s Embassy in the US has accused the NYT of refusing to publish a comparison of the Covid-19 death rates in Moscow, London, and New York. The paper earlier accused Russia of \"underreporting\" the death rate from the disease. | On May 11, the New York Times ran a story which claimed to have solved the \"mystery\" of Russia\'s relatively lower death rate from Covid-19, which is below the world average. Citing official statistics, the paper noted that Moscow\'s number of overall deaths in April exceeded its five-year average for the same period by more than 1,700. Together with the city\'s official death toll fro…

RT (2020-05-19). \'Fat shaming is cool now?\' Pelosi\'s jab at Trump\'s weight sends #MorbidlyObese trending & the \'Resistance\' can\'t get enough. rt.com US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was cheered by President Donald Trump\'s critics after dubbing him \"morbidly obese,\" even making the phrase trend online, but many have condemned what they see as a double standard over \"fat shaming.\" | Pelosi\'s comment came during an interview with CNN\'s Anderson Cooper on Monday, telling the pundit she was concerned about the president\'s health after he said he was taking hydroxychloroquine — a controversial treatment for Covid-19 which Trump says he\'s taking as a preventative measure. Speaking on air, Pelosi \"diagnosed\" the US leader as \"morbidly obese.\" | \"I would rather h…

RT (2020-05-19). Top Ukrainian journalist comes out as INTEL AGENT after interviews with \'enemies of the state\' kindle protests. rt.com A prominent Ukrainian media personality has stirred public anger by interviewing controversial Russian figures regarded as fugitives by Kiev. His explanation? It was all part of an elaborate sting operation. | It wouldn\'t be unprecedented for a popular reporter or editor to moonlight as an intelligence officer. But Dmitry\'s Gordon\'s explanation – that he was carrying out espionage while many of his viewers accused him of treason – would certainly stand out as an unusual example of the genre. | Gordon, an influential Ukrainian journalist and video blogger, first sat down with Russian MP Natalia Poklonskaya, who…

RT (2020-05-19). Charitable donations increase 89% during quarantine period as Russians seek to help out the vulnerable. rt.com Russians have become far more charitable during self-isolation. That\'s according to data compiled by newspaper Kommersant, which discovered that non-profit organizations recorded a notable increase in donations during quarantine. | Based on data from online transfer services Yandex.Money and QIWI, Russians became much more active in supporting charities that support the \"socially vulnerable,\" such as poor people, homeless people, and orphans. | Also on rt.com | |

RT (2020-05-19). Who wants to be a Russian? Citizenships granted to foreign nationals up 154% in 2020. rt.com Russia\'s plan to naturalize more foreign citizens seems to be working. In the first quarter of 2020, over 2.5 times more people received Russian citizenship compared to the same period in 2019. | In the first three months of the year, more than 161,000 people became Russian citizens. The same period in 2019 saw just 63,249. In recent years, an increasing number of people are receiving Russian citizenship, and new laws meant to attract more foreigners appear to be ramping up the growth even faster. | In 2019, almost 498,000 people received Russian citizenship, a sharp rise from 269,400 in the previous year. Spe…

RT (2020-05-19). \'A bright ball crossed the sky\': Falling METEOR spotted in Siberia (VIDEOS). rt.com Bewildered residents in Russia have witnessed a spectacular glowing meteor shooting across the night sky. The incident was caught on CCTV cameras and was seen from several locations. | The dazzling object was seen travelling over the city of Kansk in western Siberia and several other areas of the Krasnoyarsk Region at around 22: 40 local time. | Some local media reported that witnesses also heard a \"loud bang.\" However, top local emergency official Eduard Bille told Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper that everything was quiet. | It literally lasted several seconds; a bright ball crossed the sky and disappeared s…

RT (2020-05-19). Hot ride: WATCH bus ON FIRE driving through St. Petersburg. rt.com Public transport can — literally — be quite the hot ride, a freak video from Russia\'s \'northern capital\' proves, as an empty passenger bus was spotted cruising through its streets with the engine engulfed in flames. | The unplanned fire show unfolded in St. Petersburg late on Monday. The flaming bus was caught on CCTV camera making a right turn and driving onto a bridge where it met its fiery demise. | –ê –≤–æ—Ç –∏ —Å–∞–º–æ –≤–∏–¥–µ–æ –&…

RT (2020-05-19). E. Libyan forces pull out of parts of Tripoli as campaign to seize capital continues. rt.com Eastern Libyan forces pulled out of parts of Tripoli overnight, it has been announced, after losing one of their main strongholds in western Libya on Monday. Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari was cited as saying the forces had carried out a \"redistribution and repositioning in the battle fronts, disengaging from some crowded residential areas.\" | Commander Khalifa Haftar\'s LNA has been fighting for more than a year to capture Tripoli, seat of the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognized by the UN and has been active since January with military help from Turkey, Reuters repor…

RT (2020-05-19). Four coaches FIRED after investigation discovers partially NUDE, DRUNK cheerleaders at University of Kentucky awaydays. rt.com The University of Kentucky sensationally fired its entire cheerleading coaching staff after an investigation uncovered public nudity, alcohol use and inappropriate conduct. | Cheerleading head coach Jomo Thompson and assistant coaches Ben Head, Spencer Clan and Kelsey LaCroix were all fired following the investigation, which found incidents of inappropriate routines, partially-clothed cheerleaders and alcohol abuse had taken place under the coaches\' stewardship during off-campus events. | According to a press release from the university, the three-month investigation saw that the coaches had \"failed to provide…

Mark Gruenberg (2020-05-19). Virus or no virus, Service Employees and allies to mobilize 3 million voters. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Coronavirus or no coronavirus, the Service Employees and three other progressive organizations rolled out a $30 million campaign to register and mobilize three million new voters—women, people of color, and union members—for the fall election. But the pandemic, which has killed over 92,000 people nationwide as of this writing and sickened over 1.5 million in …

George Wuerthner (2020-05-19). Bozeman Watershed Project Spills Bad Blood. counterpunch.org Back in the Middle Ages, it was a common practice for \"doctors\" to bleed the \"bad blood\" from sick patients. If the patient survived, the doctors took credit for their recovery. If the patient died, well, obviously, not enough bad blood was removed. A similar logic drives the Forest Service thinning programs like the proposed

Gareth Porter (2020-05-19). Washington\'s tall tale of Iranian-al Qaeda alliance based on questionably sourced book, \'The Exile\'. thegrayzone.com A disinformation campaign aimed to justify the assassination of Qassem Soleimani by painting him and Iran as willing enablers of…

Gareth Porter (2020-05-19). Washington\'s tall tale of Iranian-Al Qaeda alliance based on questionably sourced book \'The Exile\'. thegrayzone.com A disinformation campaign aimed to justify the assassination of Qassem Soleimani by painting him and Iran as willing enablers of…

Prof Michel Chossudovsky (2020-05-19). After the Lockdown: A Global Coronavirus Vaccination Program… globalresearch.ca The tendency is towards a Worldwide lockdown spearheaded by fear and media disinformation. Currently, hundreds of millions of people Worldwide are under lockdown. | What is the next step in the evolution of the COV-19 Crisis? A multibillion dollar coronavirus vaccination program to be implemented in the wake of the Lockdown.

Philip A Farruggio (2020-05-19). Right Off the Right Wing Radar Screen! globalresearch.ca Ok, let me be perfectly clear here. I know, from years of studying the real American history from writers like Parenti, Chomsky, Zinn, Chossudovsky, even Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznik, that the fix has always been in. Meaning, that this …

Rep. Ron Paul (2020-05-19). Listening to the Coronavirus \'Experts\' Has Led to Death and Despair. globalresearch.ca On April 21st the Washington Post savaged Georgia governor Brian Kemp\'s decision to begin opening his state after locking down for weeks. \"Georgia leads the race to become America\'s No. 1 Death Destination,\" sneered the headline. | The author, liberal …

Stephen Lendman (2020-05-19). The Myth of a COVID-19 Vaccine to the Rescue. globalresearch.ca Aided by establishment media fear-mongering, the public mind is being manipulated to support COVID-19 mass vaxxing as a way to protect against coronavirus infections. | Unmentioned is that all vaccines are toxic and hazardous to human health. | Taking them risks contracting …

Stephen Lendman (2020-05-19). Sports Without Fans in the Stands. globalresearch.ca MLB, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA tout the surreal idea of playing in empty stadiums. | The roar of the crowd for home teams is part of the game. | I don\'t follow sports like I did long ago after my …

Stephen Lendman (2020-05-19). Trump Sacks Another Regime Official, a Policy of Purging Critics. globalresearch.ca On Friday, Trump sacked State Department Inspector General Steve Linick — reportedly for launching an investigation into how Pompeo runs things. | A White House statement said Pompeo \"recommended the move\" — to quash an inquiry into his management of the …

Paul Antonopoulos (2020-05-19). Trump\'s Threat to End Relations with China: Is It a Distraction From His Coronavirus Mishandling? globalresearch.ca The anti-China campaign in the U.S. is nearing its climax. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote a letter to colleagues calling for them to be careful when working with Chinese officials, or better, to avoid contact with them. Last week, Republican …

Ramzy Baroud, Romana Rubeo (2020-05-19). What You Need to Know about the ICC Investigation of War Crimes in Occupied Palestine. counterpunch.org Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has, once and for all, settled the doubts on the Court\'s jurisdiction to investigate war crimes committed in occupied Palestine. On April 30, Bensouda released a 60-page document diligently laying down the legal bases for that decision, concluding that \"the Prosecution has carefully considered the

Ramzy Baroud (2020-05-19). ICC Investigation of War Crimes in Occupied Palestine. zcomm.org Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has, once and for all, settled the doubts on the Court\'s jurisdiction to investigate war crimes committed in occupied Palestine.

Freedom Socialist Party Bay Area (2020-05-19). Poetry in the Time of the Pandemic & Other Earthly Ills. indybay.org Zoom (access registration after ticket purchase)…

Peter Koenig (2020-05-19). China\'s new Crypto-Currency: First Step to Full Dedollarization? dissidentvoice.org \'We\'ll cut off the whole relationship\' —Trump threatened China in a recent Fox-Business interview, suggesting he may cut diplomatic relations with China and thereby saving US$ 500 billion. He didn\'t say how, though. Mr. Trump\'s anger referred to what he calls China\'s \"mismanagement\" of the corona crisis. This is consistent with the new China bashing …

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Entrance to \'Hidden Alien Base\' Discovered on Indonesian Island, UFO Hunter Claims. sputniknews.com A \"secluded\" island in Indonesia that became a new source of scrutiny for self-proclaimed UFO expert Scott C. Waring, who seeks to uncover all unresolved extra-terrestrial mysteries around out planet and far beyond.

Mike Whitney (2020-05-19). Is the Lockdown the Greatest Policy Disaster in U.S. History? globalresearch.ca \"Lockdowns are meant to condition people to obey without question. A nation of people who just do what they are told by the \"experts\" without question is a nation ripe for a descent into total tyranny.\" —Ron Paul | Donald Trump…

South Front (2020-05-19). Video: ISIS Terrorists Attack Syrian Army Near Al-Sukhna. globalresearch.ca About 2 dozen Turkish-backed militants have been killed or wounded in a recent series of clashes in northern Syria. 14 of them were reportedly killed in a failed attack on positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Kubrlik overnight …

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-19). The Soviet Victory over Nazism 75 Years Ago and Covid-19. dissidentvoice.org How could the Great Patriotic War in which the Soviet people (including many members of my own family) lost at least 25 million lives, have anything in common with the latest outbreak of the novel coronavirus? You think this is an absolutely insane question? However, before you dismiss it, think twice. There are similarities how …

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-19). The Soviet Victory Over Nazism 75 Years Ago, China and COVID-19. globalresearch.ca How could the Great Patriotic War in which the Soviet people (including many members of my own family) lost at least 25 million lives, have anything in common with the latest outbreak of the novel coronavirus? | You think this is …

Rabbie Dovid Weiss (2020-05-19). Zionists Should Return Entire Occupied Lands to Palestinians: Rabbi Weiss. globalresearch.ca In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Rabbi Weiss said the Israeli regime was established in Palestine by committing all kinds of crimes against its people, which is a violation of Jewish religious laws towards fellow human beings, adding that …

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Only Palestinians can, should decide for Palestine: Foreign Ministry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its twitter account on Tuesday wrote that only Palestinians whether Muslim, Christian, or Jew with a national referendum can and should decide for Palestine.

WSWS (2020-05-19). US courts revoke emergency protections in coronavirus pandemic. wsws.org Over the past week, the US Supreme Court and the Texas Supreme Court have issued a series of antidemocratic decisions that place countless lives at risk and increase the hardships faced by workers in the coronavirus pandemic.

F. William Engdahl (2020-05-19). The Warp Speed Push for Coronavirus Vaccines. globalresearch.ca The US White House has appointed a coronavirus \"Vaccine Czar\" from Big Pharma to oversee something dubbed Operation Warp Speed. The goal is to create and produce 300 million doses of a new vaccine to supposedly immunize the entire US …

Junaid S. Ahmad (2020-05-19). Afghanistan: Will U.S. Finally Withdraw? globalresearch.ca Al Jazeera reports Monday: \" He said today: \"With the recent spate of attacks in Afghanistan, the so-called \'peace agreement\' between the U.S. and the Taliban signed just a few weeks…

Staff (2020-05-19). Headlines for May 19, 2020. democracynow.org Trump Claims He Is Taking Hydroxychloroquine Despite FDA Warnings, Navajo Nation Has Highest Coronavirus Infection Rate in the U.S., 60-Year-Old Burmese Refugee Becomes Eighth COVID-19 Victim at Colorado Meat Plant, 74-Year-Old Man at California ICE Prison Dies of Suicide, Trump Attacks WHO as U.S. and China Trade Barbs over Pandemic Response, Early COVID Vaccine Trials Show Positive Results, Outbreak at Refugee Center in Germany Infects at Least 70 people, France and Germany Propose 500 Billion-Euro Coronavirus Assistance Fund for EU, Sà£o Paulo\'s Hospitals \"Near Collapse\" as Brazil Becomes Third Most Infe…

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2020-05-19). \'More Testing, Not More Bombs\': 29 House Democrats Demand Cuts to Pentagon Budget Amid Pandemic. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11911594031.jpg …

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2020-05-19). \'Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm\' Amphan Barrels Towards India, Bangladesh. commondreams.org Meteorologists say there's \"catastrophic storm surge potential.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/amphan.jpg …

Philip Giraldi (2020-05-19). News Stories Avoid Naming Israel. globalresearch.ca There are two stories that seem to have been under-reported in the past couple of weeks. The first involves Michael Flynn\'s dealings with the Russian United Nations Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. And the second describes yet another bit of …

Potere al Popolo (2020-05-19). From fields to supermarkets, solidarity with laborers on strike. peoplesdispatch.org On May 21, migrant agricultural workers across Italy are set to strike in protest over the new immigration rules announced by the government. These rules — offering only six month permits for workers in limited sectors — fall far short of what has been demanded…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-19). German Left demands national rent cover, protests CDU\'s pro-real estate policies. peoplesdispatch.org Die Linke (The Left) in Germany has demanded that rent hikes be halted. It has also called for a ban on evictions during this period of crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-19). Prominent Hirak movement activists released in Algeria. peoplesdispatch.org Two prominent activists related to the Hirak protest movement in Algeria were released on Monday after an Algiers court reduced one\'s sentence and awarded the other a suspended sentence. The duo was convicted on frivolous and trumped up charges…

Leon Kunstenaar (2020-05-19). Protest at Fort Mason Against CCSF Cuts. indybay.org People young and old protest CCSF cuts in programs that benefit seniors, immigrants and working people.

Yves Engler (2020-05-19). Canada Does Not Deserve a Seat on the UN Security Council. globalresearch.ca Despite its peaceful reputation, Canada is not acting as a benevolent player on the international stage. | Rather, Canada ranks among the twelve largest arms exporters and its

commondreams (2020-05-19). New Greenpeace Report Exposes Big Tech Connection to Big Oil. commondreams.org ______________________________…

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran seeks peaceful coexistence with neighbors: amb. to Moscow. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iran is interested in maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbors and it does not seek expansionism, said Iran\'s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Killed By Mistake: Lebanese Teenager Who Moved to UK is Gunned Down Outside Supermarket. sputniknews.com The family of Aya Hachem moved to England from the Lebanese village of Qlaileh – only five miles from the Israeli border – in 2011, looking for security and peace. But on Sunday the 19-year-old law student was shot dead outside a supermarket.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). \'Enmity Towards God and Corruption on Earth\': Iran MPs Ban Work with Israel. sputniknews.com Previously, the Iranian parliament\'s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission had prepared and approved a bill on \"confronting the hostile acts of the Zionist regime against peace and security\".

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-19). Activist who denounced lack of water in poor neighborhoods in Buenos Aires died of coronavirus. peoplesdispatch.org Ramona Medina was hospitalized and connected to a respirator after she tested positive for coronavirus.There are more than 1,000 confirmed cases in Buenos Aires\' poor neighborhoods…

Eleanor J. Bader (2020-05-19). Staging a Defense of Reproductive Rights. progressive.org As anti-choice activists try using the pandemic to stop abortions, this nonprofit theater group pushes back.

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-05-19). \'Shell Must Fall,\' Climate Activists Declare at Oil Giant\'s Headquarters During Shareholders Meeting. commondreams.org Donning face masks and abiding by social distancing guidelines because of the coronavirus pandemic, climate activists gathered at Royal Dutch Shell's headquarters in The Hague Tuesday during the oil giant's annual shareholders meeting to declare that \"Shell must fall.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/shell-must-fall.jpg …

WSWS (2020-05-19). Trump official blames high US coronavirus death toll on the diversity that \"unfortunately\" exists in the population. wsws.org The fascistic comment is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to find an excuse for its catastrophic performance in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tom Tomorrow (2020-05-19). Trump\'s a Master of Crisis Mismanagement. thenation.com Trump\'s a Master of Crisis Mismanagement…

Massoud Nayeri (2020-05-19). Poverty Forces Chileans to Cook in \'the Common Pot\'. globalresearch.ca Capitalism is a system to accumulate capital. People are only a commodity in this system. The Coronavirus crisis has enabled the capitalists to pay less for the healthy laborers to make more profit. The rest are left to their own …

Dr. Anthony Fauci (2020-05-19). Video: Dr. Anthony Fauci Stated in 2017 There Will be a \"Surprise Outbreak\" Coming Administration Will Face. globalresearch.ca Dr. Anthony Fauci, member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, stating in January 2017 that there will be a \"surprise outbreak\" the coming administration will face. | * | Note to readers: please click the share buttons above or below. …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic\'s comprehensive COVID-19 research. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org \"At Mayo, we\'ve developed a comprehensive research portfolio, or what we call a COVID-19 research task force, in order to respond to every area that we need to learn more about this virus. We have scientists doing research in epidemiology. We have people doing research in immunology and vaccine development, in virology, in translational work, in …

WSWS (2020-05-19). Hundreds of Mexican maquiladora workers dying after back-to-work orders take effect. wsws.org In Northern Baja California, 432 of the 519 people who have officially died from the virus in the state were maquiladora workers.

Christian Sorace (2020-05-19). Gratitude: the ideology of sovereignty in crisis. zcomm.org When governments demand gratitude for their response to the coronavirus they reveal the insecurity of sovereign power that the left must exploit…

Karen J. Greenberg (2020-05-19). Covid-19 Is Destroying the Myth of American Exceptionalism. thenation.com Covid-19 Is Destroying the Myth of American Exceptionalism…

Binoy Kampmark (2020-05-19). The Mouse Roars: Australia, China and a Coronavirus Independent Inquiry. counterpunch.org Australia matters little when it comes to international muscle. It is the retainer and pretender of power, a middle-distance runner who runs out of puff on the final stride. The big boys and girls look, agog. Why did you even bother? In the recent international relations shouting match (for Australia, shouting; for China, sotto voce

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). VIRUS: COVID-19 registry first to track global ICU experience to shed light on trends in care of critically ill patients. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill

graham (2020-05-19). Private healthcare hospitals poised to cash in on exploding surgery waiting list. truepublica.org.uk The COVID-19 crisis caused NHS Doctors to postponed more than 2million operations after non-emergency surgery was cancelled for at least three months to free up beds for coronavirus patients. This number was just less than eight weeks of booked operations that currently costs the NHS £1billion a month. \"We have to do a really major …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 research at Mayo Clinic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Thanks to its combination of practice, education, and research, Mayo Clinic has a strong foundation to respond quickly to a medical crisis such as COVID-19. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread worldwide, a research task force was formed at Mayo Clinic to review and approve research proposals related to the virus and the disease it causes. …

commondreams (2020-05-19). Campaigners Condemn UK for Putting Big Pharma Profits Ahead of Coronavirus Vaccine at WHO. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Ellen Brown (2020-05-19). Another U.S Bank Bailout Under Cover of a Virus. globalresearch.ca When the Dodd Frank Act was passed in 2010, President Obama triumphantly declared, \"No more bailouts!\" But what the Act actually said was that the next time the banks failed, they would be subject to \"bail ins\" — the funds …

Sasha Abramsky (2020-05-19). Is Trump Encouraging Paramilitary Violence? thenation.com Is Trump Encouraging Paramilitary Violence?

John Feffer (2020-05-19). Death and the Economy: a Dialogue. counterpunch.org Welcome to Chewing the Fat, our weekly talk show here at WXYZ. Today, we have a special treat for you — two guests who will answer the question on everyone\'s mind. Should we stay at home in virtual quarantine or should we head out the front door and reopen the economy? The coronavirus pandemic is

WSWS (2020-05-19). World health conference dominated by US-China conflict as coronavirus spreads across the globe. wsws.org Washington sought to turn Monday\'s annual conference of the World Health Organization into an arena for its relentless campaign to scapegoat China.

WSWS (2020-05-19). Canada: Quebec government advocates hiring children to disinfect daycare centres amid coronavirus pandemic. wsws.org Faced with a shortage of childcare staff, Quebec\'s CAQ government is advocating their replacement by teenagers as young as 14, thus threatening to expose them to the potentially lethal coronavirus.

Ellen Brown (2020-05-19). Another Bank Bailout Under Cover of a Virus. dissidentvoice.org Insolvent Wall Street banks have been quietly bailed out again. Banks made risk-free by the government should be public utilities. When the Dodd Frank Act was passed in 2010, President Obama triumphantly declared, \"No more bailouts!\" But what the Act actually said was that the next time the banks failed, they would be subject …

J.P. Linstroth (2020-05-19). Coronavirus, Poverty, and Structural Violence. counterpunch.org As a nation, obviously, there are so many things we can do better. There always will be. Yet, what the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made all too apparent is how we have not appropriately dealt with poverty in the United States. This is not just about the Trump Administration, it is about all past presidential

WSWS (2020-05-19). As Modi government eases lockdown, coronavirus cases surge in India. wsws.org Municipal authorities in Mumbai, India\'s second largest city, recently announced that due to a lack of hospital beds, they were placing COVID-19 patients on a waiting list for medical treatment.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 news briefing. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic\'s Vaccine Research Group, covers the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Poland discusses how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is changing, and how scientists and researchers are rapidly gaining new knowledge about the virus and the disease that it …

WSWS (2020-05-19). Workers angry, concerned as US auto plants reopen. wsws.org Tens of thousands of workers returned to factories across the US Monday in a major test of the Trump administration\'s plans to restart the flow of corporate profits even as the death toll of the pandemic continues to rise.

Newsclick (2020-05-19). Global north has forgotten that private sector wants ill-health. peoplesdispatch.org The increasing corporatisation of the health sector has meant that private interests not only play a huge role in determining policy, but also control licensing. This is a threat for countries like India.

NationAction (2020-05-19). Take Action Now: Fight for Immigrant Justice. thenation.com Take Action Now: Fight for Immigrant Justice…

WSWS (2020-05-19). Millions of Americans, including front-line workers\' families, face loss of employer-sponsored health insurance in pandemic. wsws.org The families of health care workers, first responders and other workers deemed essential who have died from COVID-19 now face the prospect of losing their health coverage due to the cut-off of their loved ones\' employer-sponsored insurance.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Spring cleaning takes on a new importance during COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released reopening guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes. Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert, suggests taking a practical approach to spring cleaning. If no one in your household has been infected, he says standard spring cleaning practices …

Robert Reich (2020-05-19). The Privileged and Powerful in the Pandemic. commondreams.org Musk\'s thin-skinned, petulant narcissism bears an uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump, who last week tweeted, \"California should let Tesla and @elonmusk open the plant, NOW.\"(Photo: flickr/cc) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/musk.jpg …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Mayo Clinic expands in-person care. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and clinics were forced to postpone nonessential appointments and surgeries in March and April. Thanks to social distancing and executive stay-at-home orders which helped flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak, Mayo Clinic is prepared now, not only to meet the projected needs of COVID-19 patients, but safely treat …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). New collaboration on COVID-19 response to include new serology test. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. announced it will expand its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a total antibodies test in collaboration with WuXi Diagnostics and Mayo Clinic. The new test is the result of ongoing collaboration between all three organizations, including clinical evaluation and support from Mayo Clinic. Thermo Fisher will seek U.S. FDA …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Packing on pounds during COVID-19 and how to turn it around. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org If you\'ve gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, you aren\'t alone. The \"Quarantine 15\"

Joshua K. Leon (2020-05-19). Nations Fight Extreme Patenting to Ensure Access to COVID-19 Relief. progressive.org The pandemic is spurring fresh efforts to rein in the ability of Big Pharma to put profits over public health.

WSWS (2020-05-19). Petition demanding pandemic hazard pay for UPS workers gains 300,000 signatures. wsws.org The response to the petition demonstrates workers\' willingness to fight, but its appeal to the Teamsters union is a dead end. A genuine struggle for safety requires the formation of independent rank-and-file committees.

WSWS (2020-05-19). US health care system devastated by COVID-19 as the markets clamor to reopen the economy. wsws.org Health care workers throughout the US have been furloughed as health care systems are facing economic devastation caused by the pandemic. A second surge in economically hard-hit areas will confront an equally devasted health care infrastructure.

Lucas Leiroz de Almeida (2020-05-19). US Donates War Equipment to Kiev. globalresearch.ca Apparently, Washington is helping to increase the violence in the Donbass. In the midst of a pandemic and the civil war at a softer stage, Kiev is promoting a gradual increase in the actions of pro-Maidan paramilitary groups in the …

Joseph Winters (2020-05-19). Rather Than Cull Millions of Livestock, Let\'s End Animal Agriculture. commondreams.org In the midst of this pandemic, we must do everything possible to spare millions of animals from unnecessary suffering and death. (Photo: Peakpx) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-05-19_at_10.21.38_am.png …

WSWS (2020-05-19). US retailer JCPenney to close nearly one-third of department stores, announces bankruptcy. wsws.org The decline of traditional \"brick and mortar\" retail is part of a protracted process which has spanned decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated processes which were already well underway.

WSWS (2020-05-19). Turkish government steps up attack on Kurdish HDP amid COVID-19 pandemic. wsws.org The dismissal of five Kurdish-nationalist mayors comes amid growing military tensions in the region and growing social anger at the government\'s failure to handle COVID-19.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Masking your kids during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Do you or don\'t you wear a mask? If you do, what material is best? And what about children? Questions around masks during the COVID-19 pandemic abound, especially in light of the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that all Americans wear masks in public settings. \"The direction around face masks has …

Jessica Suriano (2020-05-19). What Happens When You Age Out of Foster Care During a Pandemic? thenation.com What Happens When You Age Out of Foster Care During a Pandemic?

Robert J. Burrowes (2020-05-19). Covid-19: Breaking the lockdown, defeating the coup, averting extinction. nationofchange.org Humanity has reached the most critical point in its history. Using COVID-19 as \'cover\', the global elite is conducting a coup to take vastly greater control of our lives.

Jeffrey A. Tucker (2020-05-19). The 2006 Origins of the Lockdown Idea. globalresearch.ca Now begins the grand effort, on display in thousands of articles and news broadcasts daily, somehow to normalize the lockdown and all its destruction of the last two months. We didn\'t lock down almost the entire country in

The BMJ (2020-05-19). COVID-19: Testing Testing. globalresearch.ca The following article published by the British Medical Journal provides a critical perspective on the health impacts and political implications of the Lockdown. | Lockdown is a crude instrument. On its own it can\'t eliminate covid-19, but it buys a …

Tom Clifford (2020-05-19). China\'s \"Two Sessions\" in Beijing Against a Backdrop of COVID-19. globalresearch.ca Even though it\'s being held on its home turf, Beijing will play second fiddle for the next week as thousands of delegates pour into the capital to debate, argue and socialize amid the \"Two Sessions\". | The sessions, taking place after …

WSWS (2020-05-19). US steps up witch hunt against Chinese scientists. wsws.org The US federal government has arrested researchers and scientists of Chinese descent as part of an accelerated crackdown on alleged participants of China\'s \"Thousand Talents\" program.

David Hearst (2020-05-19). Israel\'s Annexation Plan Is \"The Nakba Revisited\" globalresearch.ca Anniversaries commemorate past events. And you could be forgiven for thinking that an event which happened 72 years ago is indeed in the past. | This is true of most anniversaries, except when it comes to

Leo Panitch (2020-05-19). In and Against the Brazilian State. globalresearch.ca Following the demise of the communist regimes, and the collaboration of so many social-democratic parties in neoliberal, capitalist globalization, a strong anarchist sensibility emerged, quite understandably, on the radical left, and remained influential for a considerable period of time. From …

Ashley Curtin (2020-05-19). 5G Wireless Radiation: Scientists Warn Harmful Biologic, Health Effects. \"We Are Flying Blindly\" globalresearch.ca New 5G cellular wireless technology is already rolling out in some states. But as a country, there is little to no research on the health effects of the new technology. As one United States\' senator put it, we are \"flying …

Bill Van Auken (2020-05-19). Washington Places Cuba and Venezuela on \"Terror\" List. globalresearch.ca Less than two weeks after an abortive mercenary invasion aimed at overthrowing Venezuela\'s government and murdering its president that was hatched by the Trump White House, the US State Department on Wednesday renewed it classification of the country as \"not …

Elizabeth Shackelford (2020-05-19). Trump\'s Inspector General Purge and the Death of Dissent. commondreams.org Last Friday, Trump notified Congress of the removal of Steve Linick, the State Department\'s inspector general. This was reportedly done at Secretary Mike Pompeo\'s urging to ensure a friendlier IG was at the helm so Pompeo could avoid accountability in at least two investigations Linick was pursuing into his actions. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/mike_0.jpg …

Joan Walsh (2020-05-19). The Murder That Threatened to Divide the Two Harlems. thenation.com The Murder That Threatened to Divide the Two Harlems…

WSWS (2020-05-19). New Zealand Labour government promises billions for big business. wsws.org While handing over billions to big business through the COVID-19 crisis, Labour\'s budget boosts the military and prepares a sweeping assault on the social position of the working class.

Scott Ritter (2020-05-19). US nukes in Poland would not be a deterrent, but a MASSIVE provocation for Russia. thealtworld.com The US has promoted the deployment of US nuclear weapons on Polish soil as part of NATO\'s \'nuclear sharing\' arrangement. Such a move would only increase the chances of the very war such a deployment seeks to deter. | For the second time in little more than a year, the US ambassadors to Germany and Poland have commented on matters of NATO security in a manner which undermines the unity of the alliance while threatening European security by seeking to alter the balance of power in a way that is unduly provocative to Russia. | Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to Germany and the acting director of national intellig…

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Convalescent plasma advocate donates at Mayo Clinic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org A recovered COVID-19 patient who has become a strong nationwide advocate for the Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program made a plasma donation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Chaim Lebovits became involved with the program in March and since then has rallied thousands, who have also recovered, to donate.The initiative, which Mayo Clinic is leading, studies …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic launches radio campaign to encourage recovered patients of COVID-19 to donate plasma. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic is collaborating with Entercom Communications to launch a radio campaign that raises awareness in Detroit, New York City, Miami and Chicago of the federally-sponsored national Expanded Access Program (EAP) for Convalescent Plasma. The Food and Drug Administration announced Mayo Clinic as the lead site for the EAP program to speed access and increase availability of investigational convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients …

WSWS (2020-05-19). Brazilian police massacre 13 in brutal operation in Rio de Janeiro. wsws.org \"Instead of sending doctors and nurses to protect the residents from COVID-19, the government sends police, armored vehicles and helicopters to kill us.\"

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). FDA issues emergency use authorization for algorithm designed to improve detection of heart failure during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization to Eko, a digital health company, for the heart screening algorithm developed by Mayo Clinic. The AI-driven algorithm can detect weak heart pump, which is commonly detected by echocardiogram, a test that is not normally conducted during a physical exam, requires specially trained technicians to record, and requires prolonged contact with …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic Q and A: COVID-19 and people with disabilities. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Dear Mayo Clinic: My father, who suffers from Lou Gehrig\'s disease, lives with me and my family, including three children. While my husband can work at home, I am still required to go on-site for my job. Although I practice social distancing, I am wondering if I need to do anything differently in caring for …

graham (2020-05-19). BMJ lays out how the government response to Covid-19 got it so wrong. truepublica.org.uk The British Medical Journal is one of the world\'s oldest and most respected general medical journals. It has published a damning report that details the Boris Johnson government response to the COVID-19 crisis that can be distilled down to just a few words, — \'too little, too late and too flawed\'. The BMJ identifies what …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Mayo Clinic expands in-person care on all campuses. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic will expand in-person care on all of its campuses as COVID-19 executive orders are lifted for elective procedures by governors in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin. \"Our patients\' health and safety is always our top priority,\" says Amy Williams, M.D., Mayo Clinic Executive Dean for Practice. \"We have taken several extra precautions to …

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-19). Updated visitor policy: Mayo Clinic limits number of visitors during COVID-19 response. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. ? To support the best safety for patients and staff, Mayo Clinic is currently limiting the number of outpatient and hospital visitors? UPDATED: Friday, May 15 As Mayo Clinic continues to monitor our communities for the spread of COVID-19, updates have been made to visitor restrictions at all Mayo Clinic sites. The ongoing …

WSWS (2020-05-19). The policy of \"malign neglect\": How the Russian oligarchy sacrifices the health and lives of the people. wsws.org The government\'s policy of malign neglect has provoked an initial upsurge in opposition from the working class, including Gazprom workers in Yakutia, northern Russia.

commondreams (2020-05-19). Shareholders Urge JPMorgan Chase to Reduce Climate Impacts of Financing. commondreams.org ______________________________…

WSWS (2020-05-19). Ukrainian National Police official demands a list of Jews living in Kolomyya. wsws.org The intimidation and persecution of ethnic and religious minorities within Ukraine has become routine, with far-right elements operating openly as officials of the Ukrainian state.

Fight Back (2020-05-19). Read some Ho Chi Minh for his birthday. fightbacknews.org To mark the birthday of Ho Chi Minh, May, 19, 1890, Fight Back is circulating his 1960 article The path which led me to Leninism. | After World War I, I made my living in Paris, now as a retoucher at a photographer\'s, now as painter of \"Chinese antiquities\" (made in France!). I would distribute leaflets denouncing the crimes committed by the French colonialists in Viet Nam. | At that time, I supported the October Revolution only instinctively, not yet grasping all its historic importance. I loved and admired Lenin because he was a great patriot who liberated his compatriots; until then, I had read none of his boo…

WSWS (2020-05-19). Explosion at downtown Los Angeles warehouse injures 12 firefighters. wsws.org The warehouse explosion spread the fire to adjacent buildings but was contained in about an hour by some 230 responders.

Sarah Anderson (2020-05-19). Trump: Postal Workers Don\'t Deserve a Financial Lifeline. zcomm.org No one else can deliver essential goods to every home in America. But the president is dismissing dire warnings of an imminent USPS collapse, falsely claiming that postal financial woes are self-inflicted…

WSWS (2020-05-19). Kraftwerk\'s Florian Schneider: The pioneer of electronica (1947-2020). wsws.org The cultural background of a disoriented avant-garde in the aftermath of World War II and the division of Germany helped shape the music of Schneider and his peers.

Caitlin Johnstone (2020-05-19). Dissident Circles Too Often Become Another Nerdy Hobby Group. thealtworld.com On the whole and in general, anti-establishment circles are just another nerdy hobby group. Leftist groups, populist groups, conspiracy analysis groups, groups centered around revolutionary ideas — if you actually look at them and look at what\'s actually happening in the discussions therein, most of the time it\'s nothing more than a bunch of nerds arguing in the exact same nerdy ways as people who are really into Star Wars or video games. And accomplishing just as much. | The mind can turn anything into a toy for the ego, and this is never more clear than in online discussion forums. Even forums that are ex…

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-05-19). Poor New York City Neighborhoods Seeing Deaths From Covid at More Than Twice the Rate of Affluent Areas. commondreams.org New data from the New York City Health Department reveals the stark gap between the number of Covid-19 deaths in the city's poor neighborhoods and those in wealthier areas. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1210622667_1.jpg …

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Most Democrats Don\'t Believe Sexual Assault Accusations Against Biden, New Poll Shows. sputniknews.com Analysts now warn that a sex scandal surrounding presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden may have a deteriorating impact on his participation in the presidential race, as a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult revealed that over a quarter of surveyed Democratic voters said the party should pick another candidate for the November election.

Manlio Dinucci (2020-05-19). Piano Usa: controllo militarizzato della popolazione. globalresearch.ca La Fondazione Rockefeller ha presentato il ´

Sputnik News (2020-05-19). Israeli Operatives Behind \'Highly Accurate\' Cyberattack on Iranian Port Facility — Report. iranian.com On 10 May, the managing director of Iran\'s Ports and Maritime Organization, Mohammad Rastad, confirmed in a televised statement that the county\'s port of Shahid Rajaee, in the coastal city of Bandar Abbas, was the victim of a cyberattack by an unknown foreign hacker on 9 May, bringing to a halt all shipping traffic in …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-19). Turn Out the Lights, Russiagate Is Over. strategic-culture.org The possibility that Trump will not chicken out this time, and rather will challenge the Security State looms large since he felt personally under attack. | Ray McGOVERN | Seldom mentioned among the motives behind the persistent drumming on alleged Russian interference was an over-arching need to help the Security State hide their tracks. | The need for a scapegoat to blame for Hillary Clinton\'s snatching defeat out of the jaws victory also played a role; as did the need for the Military-Industrial-Congressional-Intelligence-Media-Academia-Think-Tank complex (MICIMATT) to keep front and center in the minds of Ame…

Lynda Carson (2020-05-19). New Covid-19 testing site opens May 18, at Allen Temple Baptist Church. indybay.org Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic…

Kate Zeller (2020-05-19). World Health Assembly Wrestles with Coronavirus. indybay.org As the global coronavirus death toll tops 300,000 people, the leaders of the World Health Organization (WHO) prepare to hold their leadership meetings virtually from May 18th – 19th.

Lynda Carson (2020-05-19). Music-Mix Parade In The Era Of Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic. indybay.org The Era Of The Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic…

United We Dream (2020-05-19). United We Dream: Immigrants, COVID-19, Jobs & Healthcare Virtual Town Hall. indybay.org Online…

Joachim Bischoff and Frank Adloff (2020-05-19). Wave of layoffs in the US election campaign. indybay.org The corona pandemic triggered the most massive job losses in the USA since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Unemployment rose to its highest level in more than 70 years. | In April alone, 20.5 million jobs outside agriculture were cut, according to the government administration.

Labor Video Project (2020-05-19). Jail Tesla Billionaire Elon Musk & Defend Health & Safety: Workers Speak Out At Tesla. indybay.org Workers spoke out against the bullying and intimidation of billionaire Elon Musk who has started his Tesla factory violating a shelter in place law. He challenged the Fremont police and Governor Newsom to arrest him but they are allowing him to open without any CA-OSHA inspections. Newsom has continued the destruction of CA-OSHA and there are less than 200 inspectors for the 18 million workers in California and only 1 doctor and 1 nurse at CA. OSHA.

INCLO (2020-05-19). Worldwide Webinar: Civil Society Response to COVID-19 in Prisons & Jails Globally. indybay.org Online via zoom…

Tracy Rosenberg (2020-05-19). Santa Cruz Needs Community Control of Surveillance. indybay.org Santa Cruz has a community control of surveillance law in front of the City Council. We need transparency, advanced notice and joint decisionmaking about pervasive surveillance everywhere. Sign the petition (from ACLU) action.aclu.org/petition/cn-santa-cruz-surveillance-petition…

Johannes Haver (2020-05-19). The war metaphor in the Corona crisis. indybay.org Instead of a positive elimination of conditions, a social regression could also occur: intensified competition in the fight for market share, \"exclusive solidarity\" (Klaus Dà∂rre) in the fight for jobs and welfare benefits. Will governments master the crisis? Will world society cannibalize itself?>

Staff (2020-05-19). Trump Lashes Out at Fox News After Host Criticizes Hydroxychloroquine Use. truthout.org President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he was taking hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication that some have suggested, anecdotally but without scientific evidence, can help in treating those diagnosed with coronavirus. | Trump told reporters at the White House \"I\'m taking…

Staff (2020-05-19). Trump\'s \"VERY Promising\" Vaccine Is at Least a Year Away, Leaked Memo Suggests. truthout.org A leaked memo from the Pentagon suggests the Department of Defense does not hold the same optimistic tone that President Donald Trump does when it comes to how fast a vaccine for coronavirus could be developed. | The document, which is not the official view of the Pentagon, warns of a \"globally-persistent\" coronavirus environment in the U.S. for some time to come, and states that a vaccine likely won\'t be available to the public until \"at least the summer of 2021.\" | \"We have a long path ahead,…

Staff (2020-05-19). As Pandemic Cuts Ravage Newsrooms, Diversity Is \"First Thing That Goes\" truthout.org Image Credit: Markus Spiske on Unsplash | At a time when many journalists are risking their lives to cover the coronavirus, media companies are slashing jobs and salaries. Over the past week, hundreds of journalists at Vice, Quartz, The Economist, BuzzFeed and Condé Nast have been laid off. In April, The New York Times estimated 36,000 employees of news media companies had been laid off, furloughed or had their pay reduced since the arrival of the pandemic. We speak with award-winning journalist and for…

Staff (2020-05-19). US Is Using Pandemic as an Excuse to Send Asylum Seekers Back Into Harm\'s Way. truthout.org Fernanda* doesn\'t know what to do. She fled Honduras with her husband and their toddler last year after death threats from gang members she says work with police officers in the family\'s neighborhood to extort local businesses and workers. They made it more than 1,500 miles north, hoping to seek asylum in the United States, where Fernanda\'s husband has an uncle who could provide them housing and support. | \"We just want to be safe and work and contribute,\" Fernanda told Truthout. | The family…

Staff (2020-05-19). As States Rush to Reopen, Lack of COVID-19 Testing Is \"Achilles Heel\" for US. truthout.org President Trump claimed Monday he\'s been taking the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine, even though multiple studies show the drug can be dangerous and is not an effective treatment for COVID-19. This comes as the U.S. COVID-19 death count tops 90,000 and all 50 U.S. states prepare to partially reopen by Memorial Day. We speak with Dr. Ashish Jha, the director of Harvard University\'s Global Health Institute, who says that testing needs to vastly improve in order for widespread reopenings. He call…

Staff (2020-05-19). Trump\'s HHS Secretary Accidentally Admits Racism Is Driving COVID Policy. truthout.org Donald Trump\'s administration is truly a one-trick pony. Whatever narratives Trump\'s minions roll out, white supremacy and racism are always the baseline.. | During an appearance last Sunday on

Staff (2020-05-19). Trump\'s Attacks on Obama Signal an Even Dirtier Stretch of Campaigning. truthout.org Dirty campaigns are nothing new in U.S. politics, but there have been a few that stand out from the pack. | Before the Republican presidential primaries began in 2000, George W. Bush held a commanding 50-point lead over the field. He was not only the clear choice of the GOP establishment, but was also the favorite son of evangelical Christians, a voting bloc that had grown muscular within Republican circles during the Clinton years. | Quite completely out of a clear blue sky, however, came John McCa…

The Canary (2020-05-19). Trump talks from the top of his head, says ex-UK scientific adviser. thecanary.co Donald Trump\'s widely-criticised admission that he is taking a malaria drug to try to protect against coronavirus \"should be ignored\", a former chief scientific adviser has urged. | David King said the US president is \"making it up as he goes along\" after Mr Trump said he is using hydroxychloroquine, despite there being no evidence it combats Covid-19. | Trump\'s own government warns that the drug should only be administered for coronavirus in a hospital or research environment because it has potentially fatal side effects. | Work and pensions secretary Thérèse Coffey said on Tuesday that the admission was surpris…

John McEvoy (2020-05-19). \"I was outraged\": Venezuelan foreign minister responds to secretive British \'reconstruction\' plans. thecanary.co On 13 May, The Canary

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran achieves considerable success in fight against COVID-19 thru. unity, amity: Pres. Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Islamic Republic of Iran achieved significant success in battling the coronavirus global pandemic, also known as COVID-19, in cooperation and collaboration of people with the governmental officials.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran COVID-19 update: 2,111 new cases; 62 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Some 2,111 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been diagnosed in Iran in the past 24 hours, increasing the country\'s total infections to 124,603.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Tehran, Ansarullah call for speedy delivery of medical supplies to Yemen. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — An Iranian diplomat and the spokesperson for Yemen\'s Ansarullah Movement have called for efforts to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies to Yemen amid the outbreak of coronavirus.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). 2nd group of Iranians stranded in Ukraine return home amid pandemic. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The second group of Iranian students and nationals stranded in Ukraine due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, arrived in Tehran on Tuesday.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Global COVID-19 death toll tops 320k with over 4.8mn infections. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — According to the latest reports, globally, over 4.8 million people have been diagnosed with the virus while more than 320,000 have died.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran sends humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan to fight pandemic. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iran delivered a cargo of humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan on Monday to help the country fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran, Russia step up telephone diplomacy amid pandemic: envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The coronavirus spread has not brought about any noticeable changes in bilateral cooperation in the sphere of civil nuclear power engineering, the Russian ambassador to Tehran said.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Ian\'s non-oil exports booming as corona fading away: CBI governor. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Governor of Central Bank of Iran [CBI] Abdolnaser Hemmati said that Iran\'s non-oil export is booming as the coronavirus global pandemic is fading away.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran receives approval from 8 countries for exports of coronavirus test kits. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari announced on Tuesday that Iranian knowledge-based firms have started manufacturing coronavirus test kits and they have received approval from eight countries to export their products.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran tourism industry to rebound sooner than expected: deputy minister. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The tourism industry of Iran will get back on the right track sooner than expected thanks to measures taken to tackle the spread of coronavirus, deputy tourism minister Vali Teymouri has said.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iran urges US to end occupation of Syria under disguise of fighting terrorism. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iran\'s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that the United States should end its occupation of Syria under the excuse of fighting against terrorism.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). World Health Organization must intervene in sanctions against Iran: Namaki. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Health and Medical Education Saeed Namaki said that The Islamic Republic has requested the World Health Organization to intervene in the sanctions against Iran.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iranian company, executives charged with US sanctions violation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — American prosecutors said that the US has charged an Iranian online financial services company and two of its senior executives with violating US sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). 88 rail fleets become operational in current year. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA) — The ceremony of second stage of operation of new rail fleets in the current year named after \'Surge in Production\' was held at the venue of Central Building of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways on Tue. in the presence of Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Leaders of Islamic Resistance Movement to deliver speech on Intl. Quds Day. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Leaders of the Islamic Resistance Movement will deliver separate speeches on the occasion of International Quds Day according to the following scheduled dates.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Intl. Quds Day, manifestation of unity, amity of Islamic world: Brig. Gen. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Artistic-Cultural Deputy Commander of Basij [Volunteer Forces] Organization said that International Quds Day is the manifestation of unity and amity of the Islamic world against the Global Arrogance.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Al-Nakhalah deplores Zionists\' plan for West Bank annexation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement said the plan for the annexation of West Bank is at the center of the Zionists\' project for occupying the Palestinian lands.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Prospects of normalization grim in Libya. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Analysts say that Libya is one of the most important crisis to watch for in 2020 because of the involvement of Russia and Turkey. More importantly, the plight of the Libyans after almost 10 years of civil war cannot be ignored.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). MBC\'s insolence toward \'Martyr of Resistance\', a reprisal in Saudi leaders\' style. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Saudi-owned MBC channel has insulted the symbol of Resistance in Iraq, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, with the aim of inciting sedition in that country and provoking the public opinion against the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMU), commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha\'abi.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Hashd al-Sha\'abi kills number of ISIL members in E Iraq. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iraq\'s Popular Mobilization Units, also known as Hashd al-Sha\'abi forces killed a number of ISIL terrorist members in the north of Diyala Governorate, eastern of Iraq.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Police dismantle drug trafficking band in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com ZAHEDAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iranian anti-narcotics forces have dismantled a drug trafficking ring and confiscated over one tone of drugs in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). VIDEO: OPEC holds special ceremony to condole Kazempour\'s passing. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA) — OPEC officials gathered in its headquarters to express condolence over the passing of Iran\'s OPEC Governor Hossein Kazempour Ardebili.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Tehran, Moscow, Damascus to continue their strategic coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iranian Parliament Speaker\'s Special Aide for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that Tehran, Moscow and Damascus will continue their strategic cooperation.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Headlines of Iranian dailies on May 19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Mehr News takes a look at the headlines of Iranian dailies on Tuesday, May 19.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). US is not allowed to disrupt legal trade: Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that legal trade continues around the world, and the United States is not allowed to disrupt any legal trade.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Two MPs sentenced to 61 months in prison on corruption charges. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Two members of the Iranian Parliament have been sentenced each to 61 months in prison for disrupting the private cars market.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Hamedan province\'s handicraft exports reach $35mn per annum. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The exports of handicrafts from the western Iranian province of Hamedan amounted to 3.7 million tons worth $35 million during the last Iranian fiscal (ended March 19), a senior official said.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Front pages of Iranian intl. dailies on May 19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran-based international newspapers on Tuesday, May 19.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). World doesn\'t tolerate bullying: Shamkhani to US. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Referring to US officials\' remarks to extend Iran\'s arms embargo, the Secretary of Iran\'s Supreme National Security Council Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said that the world does not tolerate bullying, based on free and resilient nations.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Iranian border guards not having a role in killing Afghan nationals: Shamkhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Secretary of Iran\'s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said that Iranian border guards have not played a role in killing of Afghan citizens in a joint border.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Unilateralism a \'lethal poison\' for international community. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Head of Iran\'s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations deplored the US government\'s unilateral policies, saying such approaches have dragged the international community to multiple crises and challenges.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). Pres. Rouhani issues regulations of \'General Soleimani World Award\'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — President Hassan Rouhani has issued the regulations for the implementation of \"General Soleimani World Award\" in commemoration of the Iranian anti-terror commander, who was martyred by the US terrorists in January.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-19). US cannot extend Iran\'s arms embargo: MP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — A member of Iranian Parliament\'s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission in a verbal notice said that the United States cannot extend Iran\'s arms embargo under the UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Pence Says Not Taking Hydroxychloroquine After Trump Announced Using Drug as Prophylactic. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that unlike his boss, President Donald Trump, he is not taking hydroxychloroquine with zinc as a prophylactic amid the novel coronavirus, but also said will not \"begrudge\" any American who chooses to take the drug if advised so by their physicians.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). NYT Publishes Reply of Moscow Gov\'t to Article About Alleged Downplay of COVID-19 Deaths. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Head of Moscow Heathcare Department Alexey Khripun has approached The New York Times to challenge the accuracy of an article published earlier which claimed that the Russian capital had omitted some 1,700 coronavirus-related deaths from the official statistics, and the newspaper published his letter as an opinion on Tuesday.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Larry Birds: Colourful Parakeets Amuse Audience by Shooting Hoops. sputniknews.com The NBA season is suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus but this is not the reason to get into despair – just watch these little birdies dunk the basketball.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). 73rd Session of Virtually-Held World Health Assembly Enters Final Day in Geneva – Video. sputniknews.com The international forum, which is the key policy-setting authority of the World Health Organisation, was held via videoconference this year for the first-time ever, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Videos of Thousands Flooding Bandra Station in Worst COVID-Hit Indian State Cause Dissent Online. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): The migration of millions of people across India\'s states has emerged as a crisis for the Indian government, which not only has to deal with over 100,000 coronavirus cases but also the people who are currently on the roads, desperate to reach their home towns during the pandemic.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Global Carbon Dioxide Output Drops 17% Due to Coronavirus Measures, Study Reveals. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Lockdown measures implemented around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in an unprecedented drop of 17 percent in global carbon dioxide emissions globally from the beginning of the year to early April as compared to the same period last year, a new study has shown.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Rishi Sunak Warns of Recession \'The Likes of Which We Have Never Seen\' as UK GDP Contracts. sputniknews.com As the United Kingdom plunges into a recession amid a national lockdown introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, some lawmakers are beginning to wonder if the impact on the economy is a worthwhile sacrifice to combat the deadly virus.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). More Than 4 Million US Homeowners Skipping Mortgage Payments. sputniknews.com New data from the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) reveals that while some 4.1 million American homeowners remain enrolled in forbearance plans, the housing industry has observed some relief as parts of the nation begin to lift restrictions and stay-at-home orders related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). \'I Don\'t Talk About Retaliation\': Trump Reiterates Stance China Failed to Contain COVID-19. sputniknews.com US President Donald Trump on Tuesday restated that Washington plans to retaliate against Beijing over its purported inaction to contain the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). China Slaps Australia with Huge Barley Tariff Amid Canberra\'s Push for COVID-19 Origins Probe. sputniknews.com Beijing\'s recent decisions come against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tension between China and Australia, following a push by Prime Minister Scott Morrison for an independent COVID-19 investigation amid allegations the Asian country had downplayed the seriousness of the virus.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). TV Shows, Cars and Make-up: Top Brands Killing It on Instagram Revealed. sputniknews.com The coronavirus pandemic has marked a big spike in digital activity, including on social media, and brands are revamping their Instagram strategies to stand out and reach a wider audience. A new study shows who has been the most successful thus far.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Researchers Use SARS Antibodies to Block COVID-19 Infection – Study. sputniknews.com New research published Monday in the journal Nature has identified eight antibodies that can bind to the COVID-19 coronavirus and prevent its spread.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Alleged Recordings of Biden, Kerry Pressuring Ukraine\'s Poroshenko to Fire Prosecutor Emerge Online. sputniknews.com President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were caught in the center of a major political scandal regarding the Biden family\'s alleged corruption in Ukraine following the 2014 coup, as well as Trump\'s alleged illegal efforts to have Biden investigated. Trump was acquitted of any wrongdoing following an impeachment trial in February.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). China Scientists Tout New Drug as Able to Potentially Stop COVID-19 Pandemic \'Without Vaccine\'. sputniknews.com The COVID-19 outbreak first emerged in China\'s Hubei province in late 2019, before spreading across the world to become a pandemic and triggering an international race against time to develop treatments and vaccines.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Pentagon Preparing for \'Real Possibility\' of Pandemic Worsening This Winter – Leaked Memo. sputniknews.com A leaked, internal Pentagon memo has revealed the US military is preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic to worsen this coming winter and for a vaccine not to be available until the summer of 2021. Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is publicly promising a vaccine by the end of the year.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Syria Seizes Stock of Terrorist Weapons, Including US-Made TOW and LAW Missiles – Photos. sputniknews.com Over the past three years, authorities in Syria have seized enough terrorist weapons, ammunition, communications equipment and medical supplies to field a small army. Many of the arms were covertly delivered to the country from abroad, and paid for by powers seeking the illegal armed overthrow of Syria\'s government.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Kiev\'s Sanctions Against Crimean Cultural Sites Pointless – Russian Envoy to UNESCO. sputniknews.com PARIS (Sputnik) – Ukraine\'s recent sanctions against museums, cultural sites and scientific organisations in Crimea have no practical effect, Russian Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Alexander Kuznetsov said in a statement.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Talks to Join Biden Ticket as US Vice President. sputniknews.com The former US vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee previously revealed his commitment to pick a female running mate for the position of vice president in the 2020 presidential election against US President Donald Trump, but has not yet made his choice.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). \'Fan of True Crime\': Relative of Alleged Ahmaud Arbery Killers Shared Murder Scene Photo on Snapchat. sputniknews.com Lindsay McMichael, a 30-year-old relative of the father-son duo charged with the February murder of Ahmaud Arbery, recently admitted that she shared an unedited photo of the jogger\'s lifeless body on social media moments after police arrived on the scene of the shooting.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Russian Prime Minister Mishustin Discharged From Hospital After COVID-19 Treatment, Resumes Work. sputniknews.com Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree annulling Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov\'s appointment as the acting prime minister.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Trump Says He Will Continue Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Now. sputniknews.com US President Donald Trump on Tuesday revealed that he will continue taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent a COVID-19 infection despite the fact that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concern over the drug\'s side effects.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). \'Not the Same Anymore\': Trump Bashes Fox News Over COVID-19 Treatment, Riles Up Online Crowd. sputniknews.com While some social media users proceeded to savage Trump online, at least one person argued that perhaps looking for a \"new outlet\" is not something a POTUS should be doing.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Moment Meteor Lights Up Sky in Russia\'s East Caught on Camera. sputniknews.com The celestial phenomenon was spotted on Monday night at approximately 10: 40 pm Krasnoyarsk Standard Time from several locations in the Krasonyarsk Krai in Russia\'s Siberia.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Russian Engineers Create Cloak to Conceal Military Equipment in Snow Cover — Photo. sputniknews.com The technology could prove useful in expanding the capabilities of maskirovka, the highly successful camouflage, concealment and deception doctrine used by the Russian military going back to the Second World War.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Six Pakistani Soldiers, One Civilian Killed in Two Separate Terror Incidents in Balochistan. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): On May 8, six Pakistani security forces personnel, including one officer, were killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) hit their reconnaissance vehicle while carrying out routine patrolling in Kech district\'s Buleda area in Balochistan, which is about 14 kilometres from the Iran border.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Two Terrorists Killed, 3 Soldiers Injured In Gunfight Underway in Kashmir Capital Srinagar – Video. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): Jammu and Kashmir has been grappling with spike in terror activities since April and the security forces and the state police department have undertaken several counter-terror operations.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). \'May Be Interpreted As a Threat\': Pentagon Warns Vessels to Not Approach US Ships in Int\'l Water. sputniknews.com The US military has issued a general warning to other nations for vessels to stay at least 100 meters away from US warships, lest they be potentially interpreted as posing a danger to the ship.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). UK Unemployment Figures Soar to 2.1 Million in April. sputniknews.com UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak – whose furlough scheme is currently protecting millions of jobs – warned that the country faces a severe downturn with no guarantee of a quick recovery. Economists have predicted that the jobless total will rise and pay will decline in the coming months.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Map That Changed Middle East: Sykes-Picot Deal and Century of Resentment. sputniknews.com It has been 104 years since the ratification of the Sykes-Picot agreement, a pact that divided the Middle East between the victorious allies of the First World War after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). New US Destroyer Arrives at Spanish Rota Base as Navy Pushes for Aegis Ashore System. sputniknews.com The US Navy destroyer USS Roosevelt arrived at the Naval Station Rota in southwestern Spain on Saturday, part of a plan to rotate out four warships that have worked the missile defense beat since 2013. However, as European Command has pushed for an even larger deployment to Rota, the Navy is being stretched increasingly thin.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Snowden Lauds Court\'s Ruling Curbing German Intelligence\'s Spying on Foreigners Abroad. sputniknews.com BERLIN (Sputnik) – Edward Snowden, former Central Intelligence Agency employee who exposed illegal spying by US intelligence agencies, welcomed on Tuesday the ruling of the German Federal Constitutional Court declaring the country\'s BND foreign intelligence service\'s surveillance of foreign citizens outside Germany unconstitutional.

sputniknews (2020-05-19). Palestinians Withdraw From All Agreements With Israel, US – Mahmoud Abbas. sputniknews.com The head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has repeatedly warned Israel that he will tear up any bilateral agreements with the Jewish state if Tel Aviv attempts to further extend its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, a possibility left open by Israel\'s new unity government.

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Some 1.8M people recover from COVID-19 globally. yenisafak.com The global coronavirus recoveries surpassed the 1.8 million mark on Tuesday, according to a running tally by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.The university\'s data showed a total of 1,801,461 people won the battle against COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.The number of cases crossed 4.82 million, while 319,031 deaths were recorded.The US has the highest number of recoveries with 283,178, followed by Germany with 155,681 and Spain with 150,376.But the US continues to be the worst-hit country, with the highest numbers of infections and deaths

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Iran\'s death toll from coronavirus hits 7,100. yenisafak.com Iran on Tuesday confirmed 62 more fatalities from coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 7,119. | A further 2,111 people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 124,603, Iran\'s state broadcaster reported, citing a Health Ministry statement. | The statement added that 97,173 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far. | In Iran, one of the countries in the Middle East hardest hit by the virus, COVID-19 was first detected in the city of Qom on Feb. 19 and then spread throughout the country.More than 4.82 million cases have been reported in…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Tunisia, Oman, Yemen report new COVID-19 infections. yenisafak.com Coronavirus case tally rose Tuesday in Tunisia, Oman and Yemen, according to health authorities in the three Arab states. | Tunisia\'s Health Ministry said one fatality and 6 infections were recorded in the country over the past 24 hours. | Tunisia\'s toll now stands at 46 deaths, 1,043 infections and 816 recoveries. | In Oman, the Health Ministry confirmed one death and 292 new virus cases. | A ministry statement said the Gulf state\'s virus tally rose to 5,671 cases, including 26 deaths and 1,574 recoveries.In Yemen, the government\'s anti-coronavirus committee said two people had died from the COVID-19 virus and 1…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Turkish, German foreign ministers discuss tourism. yenisafak.com Turkish and German foreign ministers over the phone on Tuesday discussed tourism as the world is hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.Mevlut Cavusoglu and Heiko Maas also exchanged views on the normalization process amid coronavirus as well as the EU and regional issues, according to diplomatic sources.On Sunday, Turkey started to carry out telephone diplomacy with 70 countries to inform them about the country\'s health infrastructure over the pandemic, the culture and tourism minister said.Turkey in a certification system detailed that the country is a safe place for tourism, regarding measures against COVID-19,…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Brazil overtakes UK in virus cases, behind US, Russia. yenisafak.com South America\'s COVID-19 epicenter Brazil on Tuesday became the country with the third-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world, overtaking former hotspots the UK, Spain, and Italy.According to a running tally by the Johns Hopkins University, the country has registered 255,368 cases and nearly 17,000 deaths.Health experts say the real number of cases could be even higher because of insufficient testing in the country of around 210 million people.Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon, has recently had to resort to mass graves to accommodate COVID-19 victims, while Sao Paulo\'s hospitals have reached 90% capacity.

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Jerusalem\'s Al-Aqsa Mosque to reopen after Eid holiday. yenisafak.com Jerusalem\'s Al-Aqsa Mosque will reopen to worshippers after Eid al-Fitr holiday, the authority responsible for overseeing the city\'s holy sites said on Tuesday. | In a statement, the Jordan-run Islamic Waqf Department said steps to reopen the site will be announced soon. | Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, will start on Sunday. | The mosque was shut to worshippers late March amid the spread of the novel coronavirus in Palestinian territories. | Palestinian authorities confirmed 576 coronavirus infections, including 67 cases in East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located. | Al-A…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Europe loosens lockdown as virus cases drop. yenisafak.com Dropping number of COVID-19 cases and daily deaths prompt Europe to reopen businesses and revive social life after battling the virus for more than two months.The UK started easing lockdown restrictions as of Monday, those who cannot work from home start commuting with measures such as social distancing and wearing masks in the trains.After two months of strict lockdown, citizens and businesses restarted a more regular life, as restaurants, bars and shops reopened their doors in Italy too.As of Monday, several Spanish regions, including Valencia and Malaga, can now open small shops and outdoor bar and restaurant…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Coronavirus infections rise in Qatar, Bahrain. yenisafak.com Health authorities in Qatar and Bahrain confirmed new infections from the novel coronavirus on Tuesday. | In a statement, the Qatari Health Ministry said 1,637 new cases were detected over the past 24 hours, taking the figure to 35,606. | The ministry said 735 people have recovered from the disease, pushing the recoveries to 5,634. | The country\'s death toll now stands at 15. | In Bahrain, the Health Ministry said the total infections rose to 7,374 after 190 new cases were registered. | The ministry said 21 more people have recovered from the COVID-19 virus, bringing the recoveries to 952. | Bahrain has recorded…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Coronavirus continues march across Eurasia. yenisafak.com Coronavirus cases and fatalities continued to rise across Eurasia on Tuesday.In Ukraine, 260 new cases pushed the overall count to 18,876, including 548 deaths and 5,632 recoveries.However, the country is set to start easing lockdown measures, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announcing that public transportation will resume from May 22.In Moldova, two more people died of COVID-19, raising the death toll to 219. A total of 6,138 cases have been reported in the country to date, including 2,508 recoveries, according to health officials.Eight more people also tested positive in Moldova\'s autonomous region of Gagauz…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Cook and deliver: Dubai restaurants turn creative in cut-throat market. yenisafak.com Running a restaurant in Dubai, where a discerning international clientele has more than twice as many dining options per head as in New York, was a cut-throat business even before the coronavirus struck.Now restaurateurs are having to adapt fast by learning how to make money delivering their food, a service new for some and for others more familiar as a marketing tool than a profitable sideline.\"What this epidemic has done is leap forward the digital age of ordering by five years,\" said Mohamad Ballout, CEO of Dubai-based Kitopi, which runs shared kitchens specifically for online deliveries.For fine dining Peruvi…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Russian prime minister recovers from coronavirus. yenisafak.com Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin returned to work on Tuesday after recovery from coronavirus, according to the government\'s press service.Mishustin, 54, tested positive for COVID-19 on April 30 and hospitalized afterwards in a condition of moderate severity.Last week, Mishustin started to take part in the government\'s meetings via videoconferencing.Mishustin became the third member of the Cabinet recovering from the disease as earlier Culture Minister Olga Lybimova and Education Minister Valery Falkov had also announced themselves recovered from a mild form of the virus.Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitr…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Indonesia seeks clarity as pandemic threatens Hajj. yenisafak.com Indonesia on Tuesday urged Saudi Arabia to announce a final decision and end speculation on whether the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage will be canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.Oman Fathurahman, spokesperson of Ministry of Religion, said Indonesia expected the kingdom to decide before the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting that is now in its last week.\"We hope that the exact information on whether this year\'s Hajj will be held or canceled can be announced soon by Saudi government. Hopefully before the end of Ramadan,\" he said in a statement.As the country with the world\'s largest Muslim…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Turkey extends 15-day travel ban in 15 major cities. yenisafak.com Turkey officially extended a travel ban in 15 major cities for 15 more days due to the pandemic, according to Interior Ministry on Tuesday.In a statement, the ministry said the travel ban will continue between May 20 and June 3 and those who do not comply with the travel restrictions will be imposed administrative fines.The ministry added that air, land, and sea travel to and from these provinces will be restricted.The cities with the travel ban include Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Balikesir, Bursa, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Manisa, Sakarya, Samsun, Van, and Zonguldak.Earlier in April, Turkey imp…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Bulgaria agrees to ease travel with Greece, Serbia as of June 1. yenisafak.com Bulgaria has closed its borders to most travellers since mid-March as part of its lockdown measures. Diplomats, seasonal workers and returning Bulgarian nationals are still admitted but currently have to spend 14 days in quarantine.The European Union member state has started to ease its lockdown as the number of new infections has decreased. It reported 24 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the total to 2,259 cases, including 112 deaths, a relatively low number in Europe.\"We have agreed with Greece as of June 1 to allow travel without the obligatory 14-day quarantine for people who travel for business, family or huma…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Syrian regime seizes assets of Assad\'s tycoon cousin Makhlouf. yenisafak.com The Syrian regime decided on Tuesday to seize assets belonging to Rami Makhlouf, a tycoon cousin of President Bashar al-Assad and one of Syria\'s richest men, and his wife and children, according to a regime document seen by Reuters.The document, stamped May 19 and signed by the Syrian finance minister, said the \"precautionary seizure\" aimed to guarantee payment of sums owned to the Syrian telecom regulatory authority.Makhlouf said in a video statement issued on Sunday that officials had told him to quit as head of mobile operator Syriatel. The unprecedented public tussle has uncovered a rift at the heart of the…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). China says US trying to shift blame and smear Beijing over WHO. yenisafak.com China said the United States was trying to shift the blame for Washington\'s own mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, responding to President Donald Trump\'s letter threatening to halt funding to the World Health Organization.Trump threatened on Monday to reconsider the United States\' membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) if the organisation did not commit to improvements within 30 days, and said the body had shown an \"alarming lack of independence\" from China.Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters on Tuesday that the United States was trying to smear China and had miscalculated by…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). China | forces Uyghurs to eat pork, abandon Islamic practices during Ramadan. yenisafak.com China is continuing its constant oppression of the Uyghur minority at full-speed as many Muslims are forbidden from performing their religious duties even during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. Since the beginning of Ramadan, law enforcement have been ordered by local Chinese governments to step up the surveillance and report the locations of Muslims at real-time, especially during Friday prayers, and to screen Uyghur tourists coming from Xinjiang, even searching their baggage, according to the China-based online news agency Bitter Winter.Eyebrows were especially raised after a Muslim living in Qinghai said th…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Iran\'s fuel shipments to Venezuela face US threat. yenisafak.com In a symbolic defiance to US sanctions, Iran has sent fuel shipments to Venezuela in a move that seems to be fraught with danger. | Five Iranian super-tankers carrying gasoline and other similar products, estimated to be worth $45.5 million, have sailed towards Venezuela, an ally of Tehran and adversary of Washington. | The tankers embarked on the long journey to Venezuela from Iran\'s coastal city of Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf region and traveled around the Arabian Peninsula through the Suez Canal before entering the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, according to data gathered from the ship\'s Automatic Iden…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Pakistan rejects new Kashmir residency law. yenisafak.com Pakistan on Tuesday said a new residency law introduced in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir is \"illegal and contravenes\" international law.Islamabad termed New Delhi\'s move an attempt to the change the demography of the disputed Himalayan region, and called for Indian to be held accountable for violating global laws and agreements.\"Pakistan strongly condemns and completely rejects the Indian Government\'s attempts to further deprive the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir through Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure), 2020,\" the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.It said the ne…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). \'Post-traumatic stress rampant in Spain\'s health staff\'. yenisafak.com In the aftermath of the devastating first wave of COVID-19 in Spain, over half of the country\'s healthcare workers are showing signs of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, a new study suggests.The first results of a survey conducted by a psychology group from the Complutense University of Madrid found that 53% of healthcare workers surveyed showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress.Nearly 80% of healthcare staff also presented signs of anxiety, with 21.2% manifesting signs compatible with severe anxiety disorder.On top of that, 51% of those surveyed manifested signs of depression

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Russia disputes with Armenia, Belarus on gas prices. yenisafak.com Russia disagreed Tuesday with Armenia and Belarus about gas transportation prices at a videoconference meeting of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) presidents.The meeting was called by Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko to approve a draft strategy of the development of the Eurasian economic integration until 2025 but the document was not adopted, because Armenia and Belarus demanded a unit price for gas transit for all EAEU members.Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the possibility of imposing a unit price because he said it \"can only be implemented in a single market with a single budget and a single t…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Swap talks continue with many countries: Turkey. yenisafak.com Turkey\'s swap negotiations with many countries continue, including trade in local currencies, according to the Treasury and Finance Ministry officials on Tuesday.Reports saying Turkey is in talks with a total of four nations as well as reaching deals with two countries for swap lines should not be respected, said the officials.Authorities noted that as soon as concrete results emerge during the talks, the necessary information will be provided.Turkey has been in talks to establish swap lines with members of G20, with more than one swap line possible, the country\'s Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak said…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Iraq\'s treasury almost empty: Prime Minister. yenisafak.com Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said Tuesday he has assumed power as the country\'s treasury was almost empty. | \"When I assumed responsibility I found only an almost empty treasury and an unenviable situation after 17 years of change,\" al-Kadhimi said in an article published by Baghdad Today newspaper. | \"Our sovereignty continued to be deficient, violated and doubted,\" he said. | The Iraqi premier said the crisis engulfs all state institutions and impedes the country\'s economic revival. | \"The past period did not see any [effort to] upgrade vital sectors as the industry, investment, food self-sufficiency…

yenisafak (2020-05-19). Libya army defeats Haftar militias near Tunisian border. yenisafak.com The Libyan army has captured two towns near Tunisian border from eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar\'s militias. | The capture of the two towns was announced by the media office of the government-led Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation. | \"Our heroic forces have entered the towns of Badr and Tij amid welcome from their residents,\" the media office said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday. | No further details were available. | Libya-based February TV aired a video showing the deployment of Libyan military vehicles in the town of Badr after taking it from Haftar\'s militias. | On Monday, the Libyan army reto…

Lucas Koerner (2020-05-18). Iran Sends Fuel Tankers to Venezuela, Vows \'Decisive Response\' to US Threats. venezuelanalysis.com Crippling US sanctions have caused severe fuel shortages in the Caribbean nation.

Alan MacLeod (2020-05-18). Latin America Braces for Major Spike in COVID-19 Cases. thealtworld.com Many Latin American countries have been hollowed out after decades of neoliberal \"reforms,\" leaving them weaker than ever. | MPN— Latin America appears to be on a precipice, about to lose what little control over the COVID-19 pandemic it had. Across the region, daily positive tests are

Alan Macleod (2020-05-18). US Military Planners Advise Expanded Online Psychological Warfare against China. mintpressnews.com Just three years ago, Americans had a neutral view of China (and nine years ago it was strongly favorable). Today, the same polls show that 66 percent of Americans dislike the country.

Staff (2020-05-18). How Democracy Falls In East Europe And The Balkans. therealnews.com Freedom House says Eastern European and Balkans democracies are in danger. COVID-19 has opened the door to surveillance, and threatens democracies from Hungary to India to Israel.

Staff (2020-05-18). Stir Crazy! Episode #36: Slaves To The Economy. therealnews.com On today\'s show: Incoming TRNN Executive Director John Duda, PERI Gender and Care Work Program economist Katherine Moos, and Economic Update host and founder of Democracy at Work Richard Wolff. Hosted by Kim Brown.

Peter Marcus (2020-05-18). \'Crowns of Thorns\': A poetic response to the coronavirus crisis. peoplesworld.org The air is fresh but we can\'t breathe easier with these crowns of thorns we\'re unable to mask, a sick response to a disease gone viral. Gloves should come in handy, if not for hand-wringing in a soap opera, which whitewashes the rich antibody politic with bail-outs in an economic income tsunami drowning us with …

Rev. William Alberts (2020-05-18). Unmasking the \"Wartime President\" counterpunch.org There is an insidious attempt by President Trump to manipulate workers and consumers into believing they are \"warriors,\" fighting to save the American economy from the coronavirus. His aim is to motivate citizens to return to work and to shop prematurely, in the belief that they are saving the country, when, in fact, their unnecessary

Ronald Blum (2020-05-18). Baseball\'s proposed COVID-19 rules: No spitting, no showers, no mascots. peoplesworld.org NEW YORK (AP)—Major League Baseball will look somewhat like high school ball this year under protocols to deal with the new coronavirus, with showers at ballparks discouraged and players possibly arriving in uniform, like they did when they were teenagers. Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips. Even the Phillie …

Maxximilian Seijo (2020-05-18). Coordination Beyond the Corporation with Sanjukta Paul. mronline.org In this episode, Maxx and Scott speak with legal scholar Sanjukta Paul about imagining alternative and more just forms of economic association in ways that denaturalize the 20th-century monopolistic firm. The key, Paul argues, is to reveal and contest the public \"coordination rights\" that legally structure all economic activity. Sanjukta Paul is Assistant Professor of …

Michael Otto (2020-05-18). Ecuador regime wages \'war against workers\' — Part 2. workers.org Ibarra, Ecuador Part 1, \"Ecuador\'s pandemic: Rightist regime fails to confront crisis,\" is available at workers.org. In a \"war against workers,\" President Lenín Moreno\'s regime is exploiting the pandemic crisis to advance the same International Monetary Fund austerity package that provoked the great uprising in Ecuador the first week of . . . |

David Fields (2020-05-18). Wisconsin court decision has some singing pandemic blues. peoplesworld.org Too much of what is happening in Wisconsin reminds me of the folk song \"1919 Influenza Blues\": It was nineteen hundred and nineteen; Men and women were dying, With the stuff that the doctor called the flu. People were dying everywhere, Death was creepin\' all through the air, And the groans of the rich sure …

Michael Otto (2020-05-18). Ecuador regime wages \'war against workers\'. workers.org Ibarra, Ecuador Part 1, \"Ecuador\'s pandemic: Rightist regime fails to confront crisis,\" is available at workers.org. In a \"war against workers,\" President Lenín Moreno\'s regime is exploiting the pandemic crisis to advance the same International Monetary Fund austerity package that provoked the great uprising in Ecuador the first week of . . . |

Eds. (2020-05-18). UK COVID-19 Death-toll now exceeds 61,000. mronline.org The public, according to incessant government polling and monitoring of the public mood through focus groups and mass data has confirmed that the nation is quickly being \'traumatised\' by the UK\'s experience of the pandemic.

Stephanie Kenific (2020-05-18). Chicago nursing home workers achieve historic contract. liberationnews.org Nursing homes are among the places hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bruce Bostick (2020-05-18). \'Anti-lockdown protesters\' are nothing but strikebreakers. peoplesworld.org In the middle of this deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has already cost our nation over 90,000 lives, we\'ve seen the spectacle of crowds of heavily armed racist white men demanding the economy be reopened. They project an image of regular working folks pressed to speak out against government \"tyranny\" that has unreasonably forced them to …

Patrick Cockburn (2020-05-18). Trump\'s Megalomania and Boris Johnson\'s Incompetence Have Only Increased in COVID Pandemic. counterpunch.org It was the pandemic that turned Trump\'s and Johnson\'s character and behavioural flaws into lethal failings that have since killed many people. Both had risen to power by skilfully exploiting nativist fears and ambitions and scapegoating foreigners at home and abroad. They had become like a pair of conmen who have been successfully peddling lies and fantasies, but who must suddenly grapple with a highly-dangerous reality.

Eds. (2020-05-18). Trump unveils plan that would see Big Pharma reap massive profits from COVID-19 vaccine. mronline.org President Trump has revealed a plan to mobilize the US military to deliver mass vaccinations across the country, coupled with Operation Warp Speed, a \"Manhattan project-style\" race to produce a COVID-19 vaccine.

Karl Grossman (2020-05-18). The Coming Nuclear Menace: Hypersonic Missiles. counterpunch.org The United States is seeking to acquire \"volumes of hundreds or even thousands\" of nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles that are \"stealthy\" and can fly undetected at 3,600 miles per hour, five times faster than the speed of sound. Why so many? A Pentagon official is quoted in the current issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology as saying \"we have to be careful we\'re not building boutique weapons. If we build boutique weapons, we won\'t—we\'ll be very reluctant to—use them.\" |

Eds. (2020-05-18). Freedom Rider: New attacks on Venezuela. mronline.org The Democratic Party\'s \"left\" wing is mute on the latest US aggression against the people and government of Venezuela, thus giving assent to Trump by their silence.

Mark Gruenberg (2020-05-18). Union leaders back vote by mail. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Top union leaders, marshaled by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, are backing the $3.6 billion in the House Democrats\' stimulus bill to pay states to establish vote-by-mail systems—and the measure\'s mandate requiring states to do so. But whether the unionists\' statements, plus wide public support for the idea, will be enough to sway either President Donald …

Rashid Nuri (2020-05-18). Covid-19, Big Ag and the Failing Food System. counterpunch.org Big Ag has separated humankind from the process of creating food that sustains existence. This separation has been done for material gain. Big Ag has interrupted the most natural relationship, a spiritual relationship, between humanity and the land. This human/land connection supersedes all religions. It is humankind\'s association with land that feeds us and fortifies

Staff (2020-05-18). COVID-19 Exposes The Generational Injustices That Demand Reparations. therealnews.com Generations of racism created the conditions that made African Americans more susceptible to COVID-19, and reparations are the way to address that injustice.

Staff (2020-05-18). Climate Music To Soothe And Terrify You. therealnews.com Imagine if the climate crisis was a musical composition oscillating between musical highs and lows, between hope and despair. The ClimateMusic Project, in collaboration with Richard Festinger, a music composer and educator, has written the \"science-guided\" musical composition The composition was recently performed by San Francisco\'s Telegraph Quartet to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). | \"Icarus in Flight\" premiered in 2018…

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-18). North Colombia paramilitaries had access to classified US counternarcotics documents: report. colombiareports.com A paramilitary group from northern Colombia had access to classified information from Colombian and international counternarcotics agencies allowing it to avoid drug seizures, according to Noticias Uno. According to the…

Douglas Bevington (2020-05-18). Taking the Air out of Balloon Pollution: Grassroots Environmental Activist of the Year Danielle Vosburgh. counterpunch.org Danielle Vosburgh has been selected as the Fund for Wild Nature\'s Grassroots Activist of the Year for 2020. Danielle is co-founder of the Florida-based grassroots group Balloons Blow, which opposes helium balloon releases and their harmful impact on wildlife. Discarded balloons are particularly dangerous for animals living in the ocean. When balloons deflate and fall

Evaggelos Vallianatos (2020-05-18). War and Power in Classical Greece: Lessons for Superpowers and the World. counterpunch.org Prologue Humans have had almost ceaseless difficulties in working and living together. Superstition, religious ideas, race, geography, ownership of land, and language engulf them so much, they often fail to extend a friendly hand to people who don\'t fit their schizophrenia of who among humans is like them. This culture has been generating a deadly

Benjamin Willis (2020-05-18). Unsettling Noises: Locked Down in Queens. counterpunch.org For the past nine weeks an eerie silence has descended upon my neighborhood, as it has for much of the rest of New York City. Being a musician, I am extremely aware of my sonic environment at all times and the soundscape of the city has abruptly changed since even a week before the Stay-at-Home order was given on March 22nd. Gone are the honking horns and idling engines in snarled traffic. I don\'t hear the traffic helicopter hovering overhead daily anymore. The incessant roar of the turbines from the high volume of commercial airliners coming in and out of nearby LaGuardia and JFK airports has been replaced by bi…

Joe Piette (2020-05-18). Philadelphia: #FreeBlackMamas demand prisoner release. workers.org Philadelphia Protesters, led by currently and formerly incarcerated women, trans and non gender-binary people, held a rally on May 15 in a city park next to Riverside Correctional Facility to demand the release of people held in Philadelphia jails and an end to unjust cash bail. The action featured speeches . . . |

Ted Kelly (2020-05-18). The Nakba: 72 years of ongoing catastrophe. workers.org May 15 is the day commemorating Youm al-Nakba, the Day of Catastrophe, when white European settlers declared war on the people of Palestine in 1948. In the violence that immediately followed the settlers\' so-called \"independence\" declaration, at least 700,000 Palestinians were forced out of their homes, and hundreds of towns . . . |

Betsey Piette (2020-05-18). On anniversary of historic bombing: MOVE\'s message is \'Free Mumia!\'. workers.org Philadelphia May 13 was an historic and emotionally charged day as the city of Philadelphia took time to commemorate the horrific bombing of the MOVE family 35 years ago. Police dropped a C4 military-grade bomb on their west Philadelphia home, killing six adults and five children. City officials, including then . . . |

Editor (2020-05-18). An all-too-familiar occurrence. workers.org Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician in Louisville, Ky., was killed by eight police bullets as she lay in her bed at 1 a.m. on March 13. Breonna Taylor This tragic incident is an all-too-familiar event. Another young Black person has died at the hands of the shoot-first, ask-questions-later . . . |

Staff (2020-05-18). How Will COVID-19 Change the World? Historian Frank Snowden on Epidemics From the Black Death to Now. democracynow.org Pandemics, like revolution, war and economic crises, are key determinants of historic change. We look at the history of epidemics, from Black Death to smallpox to COVID-19, and discuss how the coronavirus will reshape the world with leading medical historian Frank Snowden, author of \"Epidemics and Society: From the Black Death to the Present.\" He is a professor emeritus at Yale University who has been in Italy since the pandemic began, and himself survived a COVID-19 infection.

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-18). Profiting From Coronavirus. strategic-culture.org Much has been written about the possibility for a new and better kind of world to emerge after coronavirus. Yet our governments cannot conceive of any model for fighting this threat to the whole world, other than the capitalist, money-making model. The much-touted \"race to develop a vaccine\" is not a race to save lives. It is a race to make billions.

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-18). The \'Clean Break\' Doctrine: A Modern-Day Sykes-Picot Waging War and Havoc in the Middle East. strategic-culture.org In 1996 a task force, led by Richard Perle, produced a policy document titled \"A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm\" for Benjamin Netanyahu, who was then in his first term as Prime Minister of Israel, as a how-to manual on approaching regime change in the Middle East and for the destruction of the Oslo Accords. | The \"Clean Break\" policy document outlined these goals: 1) Ending Yasser Arafat\'s and the Palestinian Authority\'s political influence, by blaming them for acts of Palestinian terrorism 2) Inducing the United States to overthrow Saddam Hussein\'s regime in Iraq. 3) Launching war against Syr…

The Canary (2020-05-18). Loss of smell or taste added to NHS Covid-19 symptoms list. thecanary.co A loss or changed sense of taste or smell are to be added to the NHS coronavirus symptoms list, weeks after experts first raised concerns that Covid-19 cases are being missed.Anyone suffering loss of taste or smell, or a noticeable change, should now self-isolate for seven days to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, England\'s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said.If the symptomatic person lives with others, they should stay at home for seven days, while all other household members should stay home for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms.The move means loss of smell or taste w…

The Canary (2020-05-18). Liz Truss trumpets benefits of UK-US trade deal for \'workers, consumers and farmers\'. thecanary.co The UK and US hope trade talks can proceed at an \"accelerated pace\" to deliver a \"comprehensive\" deal, Liz Truss said after the first round of transatlantic negotiations. | The International Trade Secretary said both sides wanted a deal to deliver benefits for workers, consumers and farmers. | Critics have warned that striking a deal will require Britain to accept looser US food and environmental standards, as well as opening up the NHS to American firms — something the government denies. | Truss said that during the talks, conducted remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic, \"a number of areas showed partic…

The Canary (2020-05-18). Labour brands new immigration legislation a \'threat to national interest\'. thecanary.co Ministers have been accused of \"rank hypocrisy\" over their attitude to key workers as Labour claimed new immigration legislation would make it harder to fill NHS roles.The government\'s measures to replace European Union freedom of movement rules in the UK face their first Commons hurdle on Monday.The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) bill is part of the move towards the government\'s new points-based immigration system, to be introduced from 2021, although it does not set out the details on this. | These will be fleshed out in the immigration rules, which will explain the future system…

RT (2020-05-18). \'Have a good day & be safe\': New Jersey cops are latest police force to REFUSE enforcing Covid-19 restrictions. rt.com Footage of police in New Jersey informing anti-lockdown protesters they\'re in violation of Covid-19 executive orders, but will not face consequences, is the latest example of officers taking a more hands-off approach to the rules. | People began gathering outside Atilis Gym in southern New Jersey hours before it opened on Monday to show support for the business defying executive orders from the governor, and to protest the continuing lockdown measures in place across the state. | While almost no protesters wore face coverings and were clearly breaking social distancing guidelines by gathering in a big crowd, p…

RT (2020-05-18). Beijing says it\'s premature \'to immediately begin investigation\' into coronavirus origins. rt.com China\'s Foreign Ministry said on Monday it was premature to immediately launch an investigation into the origins and spread of the coronavirus. Spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing that the vast majority of countries in the world believe the pandemic is not yet over. | The ministry also said separately that President Xi Jinping will give a video speech for the opening ceremony of the World Health Assembly later on Monday. | Health ministers from around the world are expected to call for an independent evaluation of the World Health Organization\'s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic during a WHO meetin…

RT (2020-05-18). Italian lawmaker demands Bill Gates be ARRESTED for \'crimes against humanity\'… But WHY? rt.com An Italian lawmaker has managed to bring the conspiracy blame-game to an entirely new level, exercising her parliamentary privilege to blast Bill Gates as a \"vaccine criminal\" and globalist tool. | Bill Gates and his latest anti-coronavirus efforts have been at the center of the wildest theories that explore possible sinister motives behind the billionaire\'s activities. In arguably the most high-profile outcry last week, an Italian MP for Rome Sara Cunial delivered a speech rarely (if ever at all) heard in any parliament. | In her passionate address, Cunial called upon fellow lawmakers to defy any plans for…

RT (2020-05-18). Erdogan LOCKS DOWN Turkey for Eid holidays over fears Muslim celebrations may turn into Covid-19 disaster. rt.com Turkey\'s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a strict four-day nationwide lockdown during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The move comes in an effort to prevent a possible spike in coronavirus cases. | The decision was announced by Turkey\'s leader on Monday. The lockdown will come into effect on May 23, when Muslims worldwide will start celebrating the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. | \"I hope that after the holiday we\'ll be in a situation when such restrictions are not needed,\" Erdogan stated. | The Eid al-Fitr is a major holiday in Turkey, where Sunni Muslims are a majority, and peo…

RT (2020-05-18). \'Masks are Sharia-lite!\' Explosive conservative host compares Covid-19 orders to \'ISIS & TALIBAN policies\' on Rush Limbaugh Show. rt.com Conservative author Mark Steyn has taken criticism of Covid-19 lockdown orders to a new level by comparing the measures to terrorist policies and mask-wearing rules to the Sharia law. | Filling in for conservative Rush Limbaugh on his radio show on Monday, Steyn began his lockdown critique by comparing the canceling of live musical performances to performers being killed and banned in the Middle East by none other than Islamic State (IS, ISIS/ISIL) terrorists. | \"You know the last time I was writing about societies banning music it was ISIS and the Taliban,\" Steyn said. \"I\'m creeped out by the fact that we\'re…

RT (2020-05-18). Iraqi govt considers imposing full lockdown in Baghdad areas amid uptick in coronavirus cases. rt.com Iraq will impose a complete lockdown on some areas of the capital, the new health minister said on Monday, as in coronavirus cases have jumped in recent weeks since curfew hours were relaxed. | The new government under PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi was sworn into power just two weeks ago following a five-month leadership vacuum. Ministers have to respond to the pandemic and a severe economic crisis brought on by falling oil prices. | Areas of Baghdad believed to play a role in spreading the virus will face a full lockdown as of Wednesday for a period of two weeks, Health Minister Hassan al-Tamimi said in a statement.

RT (2020-05-18). Pompeo throws yet another accusation at WHO for being pro-China, after delays to Taiwan getting observer status. rt.com By delaying the decision to grant Taiwan observer status, the World Health Organization (WHO) is further undermining its credibility and exposing its pro-China bias, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed. | WHO member nations unanimously voted to postpone the decision to grant Taiwan observer status until later in the year, in order to avoid shifting the focus away from the Covid-19 pandemic. This was in spite of the country having previously participated in a non-voting observer capacity between 2009 and 2016. | According to Pompeo, by delaying this decision, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebre…

RT (2020-05-18). Saudi-backed Yemen\'s govt accuses Houthis of covering up coronavirus outbreak, calls for global assistance. rt.com Yemen\'s Saudi-backed government accused the Houthi movement of covering up a big outbreak of coronavirus in areas it holds. The Aden-based government also called for urgent global assistance to help Yemen\'s war-ravaged health sector deal with Covid-19, Reuters said. | The United Nations warned that the country could suffer a \"catastrophic\" food security situation due to the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus is spreading undetected among the population in the country, control of which is divided between the government in the south and the Houthi group in the north. | The government ha…

RT (2020-05-18). France & Germany suggest ‚Ǩ500 BILLION fund to help Europe recover from Covid-19 epidemic. rt.com France and Germany have agreed on establishing a joint European recovery fund amounting to ‚Ǩ500 billion (US$543 billion) that will be given out as grants to the economic sectors and regions most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a joint initiative aimed at helping the European Union recover from the devastation the novel coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on its economy. The plan involves allocating a vast sum for the specialized recovery fund within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) — a…

RT (2020-05-18). Spain may reopen borders to tourists in late June, transport minister says. rt.com Spain aims to reopen borders to visitors around the end of June as its coronavirus lockdown fully winds down, Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos said on Monday. Madrid last week surprised its EU partners by imposing a two-week quarantine on all overseas travelers and effectively keeping borders closed, Reuters said. | Spain then explained that the measures were needed to avoid importing a second wave of the Covid-19 disease. However, the move was meant to be temporary and the transport minister said it would be phased out in parallel with travel being allowed within Spain, whose regions are easing restriction…

RT (2020-05-18). 'S**t show of dynamic proportions': UK govt admits NHS Covid-19 tracing app still 'weeks' away from launch despite mid-May pledge. rt.com Downing Street has admitted that the NHS Covid-19 tracing app is still \"weeks\" away from being rolled out nationwide — despite previously saying that it would be launched in mid-May — prompting a scathing response from critics. | The delay in the rollout of the NHS app, currently being trialed on the Isle of Wight, is the latest setback for the UK government, which has been widely criticized for failing to hit a number of targets and causing unnecessary confusion throughout the coronavirus pandemic. | During a Downing Street media briefing on Monday, a spokesman for PM Boris Johnson appeared to pla…

RT (2020-05-18). Hungarian govt to table motion on May 26 to end its emergency powers — Orban aide. rt.com Hungary\'s government will submit a proposal to parliament on May 26 to end its special coronavirus emergency powers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban\'s chief of staff was quoted by media as saying. Gergely Gulyas put a date on a similar statement by Orban on Friday, Reuters reports. | Parliament would take a few days to pass the bill, which will end the emergency powers by early June, according to Gulyas. | No end date was set when parliament gave the government permission to rule by decree in matters related to the coronavirus.

RT (2020-05-18). China supports WHO-led review of global response to pandemic after virus is under control — Xi Jinping. rt.com China supports a comprehensive review of the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic led by the World Health Organization (WHO) after the virus is brought under control, President Xi Jinping said on Monday. | In a video speech to the World Health Assembly, Xi said China has been open and transparent about the outbreak that first emerged in the country in late 2019, and will support an investigation conducted in an objective and impartial manner, Reuters reports. | The Chinese leader also pledged US$2 billion over two years to help with the Covid-19 response, adding that any vaccines developed against the dise…

RT (2020-05-18). \'Equipment on its way\': US to send 200 ventilators to Russia after Moscow dispatches a planeload of aid to New York. rt.com The US has sent 200 ventilators to Russia, where the number of new coronavirus cases continues to ebb. The assistance comes more than a month after Moscow sent medical supplies to America in a similar move. | The California-manufactured equipment was donated on orders from President Donald Trump, who was responding to the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a US administration official told TASS. The life-saving equipment is being delivered free of charge, the official added. | Although Russia has recently seen a decrease in the number of daily infections – that have dropped below 10,000 for two days…

RT (2020-05-18). Group that TRACKED protesters' cell phones accuses them of spreading Covid-19 across US… even if they DIDN'T leave their cars. rt.com A Democrat-linked advocacy group is blaming the spread of Covid-19 on anti-lockdown protesters in the US after tracking their cell phones cross-country. Despite the tempting partisan narrative, though, many never left their cars. | Anti-lockdown demonstrators traveled hundreds of miles to attend protests, almost certainly spreading the coronavirus to places where infections were rare, according to the Committee to Protect Medicare, a supposedly non-partisan group run by a former Democratic congressional candidate. The group provided a comprehensive analysis of smartphone location data from rallies in Michigan,…

RT (2020-05-18). \'I\'m still here\': Trump reveals he\'s been taking Hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19. rt.com US President Donald Trump shocked reporters by revealing that he has been taking the anti-malaria drug Hydroxychloroquine as a preventative against the coronavirus, following the advice of the White House physician. | \"I\'ve been taking it for about a week and a half now and I\'m still here,\" he said on Monday, following a meeting with governors at the White House. \"I was just waiting to see your eyes light up when I said this,\" he told the reporter asking the question. | Asked what evidence he had that the drug was helpful, Trump said \"I get a lot of positive calls about it,\" before adding, \"What do you have to…

RT (2020-05-18). \'THIS WILL KILL YOU\': Media goes into anti-HCQ panic mode after Trump says he\'s taking the drug to fend off Covid-19. rt.com Media outlets rushed to denounce hydroxychloroquine after President Donald Trump revealed he was taking it as a prophylactic against the coronavirus. Pundits called the drug dangerous and ineffective based on selected studies. | \"I\'ve been taking it for about a week and a half now and I\'m still here,\" Trump said Monday during an event at the White House, adding he had heard good things about the drug from medical professionals. | Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto immediately reacted by bringing up one long-documented side effect of the drug, used for decades to treat malaria and lupus. | \'I cannot stress this enough…

RT (2020-05-18). Is that Big Brother behind the medical mask? Bill Gates to co-fund South Korean research of next-gen quarantine methods. rt.com South Korea\'s biggest telecom firm is banding with Bill Gates to develop next-generation quarantine methods. The $10-million project may stir uncomfortable thoughts in those who suspect the billionaire of having a sinister agenda. | KT, the Seongnam-based multinational giant,

RT (2020-05-18). Covid-19 pandemic fuels knee-jerk anti-China sentiment just in time for Trump\'s reheated trade war. rt.com Two in five Americans won\'t buy products made in China, according to a recent survey, and nearly three-quarters blame Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic — just in time for the relaunch of President Donald Trump\'s trade war! | On top of the 40 percent of Americans who said they wouldn\'t purchase made-in-China goods under any circumstances, in an FTI Consulting poll

RT (2020-05-18). A huge fleet of 117 tankers is bringing super cheap crude to China. rt.com While the rest of the world is tentatively coming out of lockdowns, China is taking advantage of the cheapest crude oil in years to stock up as demand is starting to return in the world\'s largest oil importer. | At present, a total of 117 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) — each capable of shipping 2 million barrels of oil — are traveling to China for unloading at its ports between the middle of May and the middle of August. If those supertankers transport standard-size crude oil cargoes, it could mean that China expects at least 230 million barrels of oil over the next three months, according to Blo…

RT (2020-05-18). Personal pods, \'bumper tables\' & pool noodle hats? Inventive \'social distancing\' enforcers ensure New Normal is anything but. rt.com As populations emerge from Covid-19 lockdown, businesses are scrambling to comply with the onerous social-distancing regulations still in place, deploying everything from repurposed pool noodles to hula hoops to keep people apart. | Schools and \'non-essential\' businesses like restaurants and bars are preparing to reopen after lengthy lockdowns, but many governments are insisting on the need for continued \"social distancing\" – keeping people six feet apart at all times to prevent the spread of Covid-19. After months all but trapped in their homes, many people want nothing more than human contact. How to prevent…

RT (2020-05-18). \'Take the red pill\': Elon Musk sends Twitter into Matrix meltdown, gets Ivanka Trump\'s praise… & \'f*** you both\' from Wachowski. rt.com Elon Musk has yet again triggered an online storm, urging the public to \"take the red pill.\" The Matrix reference got him showered in praise from conservatives, but the creators of the iconic movie were not amused. | The new cryptic message from the billionaire, who has been repeatedly tweeting out bizarre things lately, arrived on Sunday afternoon. Unlike the lengthy and even less coherent threads Musk produced in the past, this time he stuck to a short form worthy of a true masterpiece. | \"Take the red pill,\" he stated, posting a red rose emoji. | Take the red pill üåπ— Elon Musk…

RT (2020-05-18). Dump the dollar: Russia has now gotten rid of over 96% of its US debt holdings. rt.com Moscow has continued to sell off US Treasury securities, cutting its stockpile by US$8.73 billion in March, according to the latest data from the US Department of the Treasury. | Russia\'s holdings of US state debt amounted to $3.8 billion in March, compared with $12.5 billion a month earlier. Three years ago, the amount stood at $105 billion. Moscow has liquidated over 96 percent of its holdings in that period. The country\'s long-term US Treasury securities decreased by $928 million, while short-term securities plunged by $7.8 billion to just $473 million. | Japan remains the biggest holder of US state debt si…

RT (2020-05-18). US may deploy intermediate & shorter-range missiles in Europe — Russian deputy FM. rt.com The United States may start deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe after their deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday. | After the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty ceased to exist, Russia proposed that Moscow and the US, with its allies, exercise restraint to avoid an escalation in tension, he said during an online lecture covering key topics on US foreign policy for students at MGIMO University. | Washington has stated its intention to start deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in th…

RT (2020-05-18). \'Idiotic & unimplementable\': Chief of Europe's largest lowcoster Ryanair slams UK response to Covid-19. rt.com Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O\'Leary has blasted the British government for mismanaging the Covid-19 crisis, and hit out at fresh measures for quarantining travelers coming from abroad. | \"It\'s idiotic and it\'s unimplementable. You don\'t have enough police in the UK,\" O\'Leary told BBC radio. | \"This [is] the same government that has… mismanaged the crisis for many weeks. | Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that all travellers arriving in Britain will be quarantined for 14 days. The measure is expected to take effect in the end of the month. | O\'Leary had previously criticized the idea of q…

RT (2020-05-18). Russia at its finest? BEAR ATTACKS man & chases cars in city streets (VIDEOS). rt.com If you still believe Russian cities are full of bears roaming the streets freely and attacking people, well, you\'re probably not wrong. At least that\'s exactly what some rare footage from one of Russia\'s cities would suggest. | The bizarre incident occurred overnight in the central Russian city of Yaroslavl, located some 260km (162 miles) from Moscow. An adolescent bear took to the streets and had a close encounter with an (un)lucky local, CCTV footage shows. | Spotting the bear, the man whipped out his smartphone, trying to film the animal. The ferocious beast, however, was apparently not in the mood for snap…

RT (2020-05-18). Saudi pilot who went on gun rampage at Florida naval base linked to \'Al-Qaeda operative\'. rt.com The FBI has found evidence linking the perpetrator of the December 2019 Pensacola naval airbase shooting, a trainee pilot of the Royal Saudi Air Force, to a suspected operative of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. | The gun attack at the Naval Air Station Pensacola left three victims dead and eight others injured. The gunman, Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, was killed by responding police forces. The incident was a major embarrassment for both nations involved. | Attorney General William Barr announced on Monday that FBI investigators discovered evidence of \"significant ties\" to Al-Qaeda in the Arabia…

RT (2020-05-18). Two asteroids to approach Earth on Monday, one of them BIGGER than STATUE OF LIBERTY. rt.com Just in case anyone was getting too comfy, NASA\'s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies is warning that two asteroids are heading towards Earth this Monday. Another one is expected to come close to us early on Tuesday. | All three of the near-Earth asteroids are expected to make close approaches at some point between Monday May 18 and Tuesday May 19, at speeds of between 13,000 and 31,000 miles per hour. | The first of the week\'s incoming asteroids, 2020 JE2, boasts a diameter of 56 feet, or the equivalent of two London buses one in front of the other, and will fly past us at roughly 2: 19 pm EDT, at a mercifull…

Anand Naidoo (2020-05-18). The Heat: China\'s War on Poverty. america.cgtn.com China\'s war on poverty. Personal stories, extraordinary access and how China is eradicating poverty.

Paul Haeder (2020-05-18). Down and Out in Portland: Retired in Style in Waldport, OR. dissidentvoice.org The irony of this quote from the Dustin Hoffman movie, The Graduate, is not wasted on Duane Snider: — One word: plastics. That was Benjamin Braddock, just graduated from college, sitting in a swimming pool. Giving him advice on gaining the American dream, the neighbor\'s statement says it all. Today? Hedge funds? Flipping houses? Coronavirus …

John Wojcik (2020-05-18). Biden, Sanders form task force to unite party on progressive agenda. peoplesworld.org Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders have established a task force to unite the Democratic Party on a progressive agenda. The action reflects the urgency that not only most in the Democratic Party but labor and all its allies place on the task of ousting Trump from the White House in November. …

Aaron Maté (2020-05-18). Exposed: CIA used Sheldon Adelson\'s firm to spy on Julian Assange. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone\'s Max Blumenthal reveals explosive new details on the CIA spying and sabotage operation against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange….

Yves Engler (2020-05-18). Ottawa\'s Ties with Far Right Colombian President Undermines Human Rights Rhetoric Regarding Venezuela. globalresearch.ca A week ago a former Canadian soldier instigated a harebrained bid to kidnap or kill Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Launched from Colombia, the plot failed spectacularly with most of the men captured or killed. | Still, the leader of the …

Phyllis Bennis (2020-05-18). Sanctions in the Era of Pandemic. zcomm.org From Venezuela to Iran, Washington\'s illegal and inhumane economic sanctions are putting millions of lives at risk…

Stephen Lendman (2020-05-18). Trump Tightens Restrictions on Huawei, China Threatens Retaliation. globalresearch.ca Even during a major public health crisis compounded by economic collapse — a domestic perfect storm — the Trump regime continues waging war on China by other means, including its blame game, wanting Beijing held responsible for its own failures….

Stephen Lendman (2020-05-18). Federal Reserve Financial Mismanagement. globalresearch.ca The misnamed Federal Reserve isn\'t federal. It\'s owned and controlled by major Wall Street banks. | It serves their interests at the expense of sound economic policy, ignoring its congressional mandate to \"promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, …

Paul Antonopoulos (2020-05-18). Germany\'s Kosovo Policy Shift. Implications for Serbia and the EU. globalresearch.ca The debate in the German Bundestag on the extension of the mandate of German Kosovo Force (KFOR) soldiers turned into a criticism of long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel and raised speculation that Berlin might adopt a different position on Kosovo. The …

Joe Emersberger (2020-05-18). Disgraceful yet illuminating reactions to the 2002 coup that briefly ousted Hugo Chavez: IACHR, CPJ and RSF. zcomm.org The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) The IACHR claimed in 2009 report on Venezuela that its reaction to the \"the attempted coup d\'état [of 2002] was immediate and decisive\" and that it \"warned that these acts constituted an interruption of the constitutional order as defined in the Democratic Charter.\" The evidence it offered

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2020-05-18). Ousted Inspector General Was Also Probing Possible Illegal Pompeo-Trump Effort to Force Through Saudi Arms Deal. commondreams.org \"Since day one, this president has thought he's above the law, above criticism, and can get away with anything—including a fake 'emergency' to sell bombs to Saudi Arabia,\" says Sen. Bernie Sanders. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/state-dept-ig-probe-emergency.jpg …

Zero Hedge (2020-05-18). US Headed For Another \'Tanker War\' With Iran — This Time Off Venezuela\'s Coast. iranian.com Iranian state TV has announced at least five least five Iranian-flagged tankers are transporting fuel to Venezuela through the Atlantic Ocean and plan to break the American blockade on the Latin American country. Iran has warned that any US attempt at intercepting its fuel tankers \"would have serious repercussions for the Trump administration ahead of the November elections.\" State-funded PressTV underscores that \"Iran is shipping …

Abdallah El Harif — Vijay Prashad (2020-05-18). The Bouficha Appeal: Universal Call for Humanity to End Militarism and Stop War. counterpunch.org On March 15, 1950, the World Peace Council sent out the Stockholm Appeal, a short text that called for a ban on nuclear weapons and that would eventually be signed by almost 2 million people. The appeal was made up of three elegant sentences: + We demand the outlawing of atomic weapons as instruments of

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-18). Iran — Powerful and Determined. globalresearch.ca I refuse to describe Iran as a victim. It is not. It is one of the most influential and strong-minded nations on Earth. | When facing mortal danger, its people unite, harden themselves and get ready to face invaders, no matter …

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-18). Iran Is Not A Victim, It Is One of The Most Influential and Strong-Minded Nations on Earth. iranian.com When facing mortal danger, its people unite, harden themselves and get ready to face invaders, no matter how threatening they might be. Iran is home to one of the oldest and deepest cultures in the world, and it\'s precisely this culture that helps Iranian people to survive the most frightening moments. And one such moment …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-18). Wisconsin Defeats COVID-19 Tyranny as the State Supreme Court Tosses Out Lockdown Order. strategic-culture.org On May 13th the Wisconsin

Ted Glick (2020-05-18). Opening Up for Demonstrations? zcomm.org Stop racist killings! Act together to end the pandemic! Living wages or income now! A Green New Deal and Medicare for All! Trump must go!

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-18). Ghani-Abdullah power sharing deal marks an end to stalemate in Afghanistan. peoplesdispatch.org According to the agreement, president Ashraf Ghani will continue as the Afghan president while rival Abdullah Abdullah will lead the peace talks with the Taliban. Abdullah will also choose an equal number of ministers in the government…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Taliban blamed for over 3,800 attacks after peace deal. yenisafak.com Afghan government on Monday blamed the Taliban for \"blatantly violating\" terms of their peace deal with the US signed in February.Flanked by the country\'s army chief and interior minister, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Zia Siraj, the head of the secret service NDS, told a news conference the Taliban continued their assaults across the country.Siraj also accused the Taliban of having close ties with foreign terrorist groups such as al-Qaida, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Islamic Movement of Eastern Turkistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba and others.\"The Taliban, after the peace deal with the US orchestrated over 3,800 attacks in differen…

Staff (2020-05-18). Headlines for May 18, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Coronavirus Deaths on Track to Surpass 100,000 by June with Most States Partially Reopened , House Dems Probe Firing of State Dept. Watchdog, Pass $3 Trillion Stimulus Bill, Trump Names Ex-Pharma Exec and Army General to Lead Coronavirus Vaccine Effort, CDC Hits Back After WH Trade Adviser Criticism: CDC Director Is \"Appointed by President Trump\", Obama Slams Trump Admin Response to Crisis: \"A Lot of Them Aren\'t Even Pretending to Be in Charge.\", Belgian Medical Workers Stage Protests Against Gov\'t Response to Pandemic, Italy Opens Up Businesses, Starts Holding Public Masses as Part of \"Calculated Risk\", Ind…

Andrew Korybko (2020-05-18). The Prospects of Russia and India Jointly Leading a New Non-Aligned Movement. globalresearch.ca The ongoing global systemic transition is transforming international relations from its erstwhile unipolarity to what experts agree is either multipolarity or, less popularly, bipolarity. However one chooses to describe the present world order, it\'s clear that the US and China …

Andrew Korybko (2020-05-18). Improved Russia-Pakistan Relations. Moscow\'s \"New Bipolarity\" globalresearch.ca There\'s a growing consensus among Russia\'s leading experts that International Relations are increasingly characterized by what they\'ve termed the \"new bipolarity\" that\'s emerging out of World War C, and it\'s within this global context that the continued improvement of Russian-Pakistani …

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2020-05-18). Rights Groups Demand House Democrats Fix Bill That Gives FBI Power to Search Browser Histories Without Warrant. commondreams.org \"Collecting this information is as close to reading minds as surveillance can get. It is digital mining of the personal lives of Americans.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/wyden-amendment.jpg …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Israeli Soldiers Abduct Eight Palestinians, Injure Several Others, In West Bank. imemc.org Israeli soldiers abducted, Monday, eight Palestinians, and injured many others, in several parts of the occupied West Bank, after the soldiers invaded many communities, stormed and ransacked homes, and attack protesters. In Jenin, in northern West Bank, the soldiers invaded the home of Ahmad Nabeeh Abu ar-Rob, and violently searched …

Dr. Katrin Korb (2020-05-18). Video: German Medical Doctor Katrin Korb\'s Analysis of Big Pharma\'s \"Dubious Vaccine\" globalresearch.ca German Medical Doctor Katrin Korb discusses COVID-19, the lockdown and the vaccine during a protest held in Oldeburg. | Below is the transcript of her speech. | *** | Dear fellow citizens, | I\'m thankful for being able to stand here today. My name …

WSWS (2020-05-18). COVID-19: Podemos, social-democrats prepare to send Spanish police against workers\' protests. wsws.org The \"left populist\" Podemos party is backing plans for Civil Guards to attack working class protests and monitor social media for signs of online dissent.

Project Censored (2020-05-18). Part II of the Kent-State Series. projectcensored.org 50 years have passed since Ohio National Guard troops opened fire on Kent State University students protesting the Vietnam War. Four students were killed and nine wounded. On this Part…

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Protesters storm MBC Iraq office, destroy its contents: report. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Protesters stormed on Monday, the office of MBC Iraq/ Saudi Arabia, refusing to describe Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis as a terrorist in a report.

yenisafak (2020-05-18). UN sends 89 trucks carrying aid to Syria\'s Idlib. yenisafak.com The United Nations sent Monday 89 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Idlib, a northwestern Syrian province where millions are in urgent need of assistance.The trucks loaded with the supplies entered Syria through the Cilvegozu border gate in Turkey\'s southern Hatay province bordering Idlib.The aid will be distributed to vulnerable people in Idlib and nearby rural areas.Syria has been ravaged by a civil war since early 2011, when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN estimates.Idlib falls within…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Iraqi protesters storm Saudi channel HQ in Baghdad. yenisafak.com Iraqi demonstrators on Monday stormed the premises of the Saudi-owned MBC channel in Baghdad to protest what they describe as an insult to late Shia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. | Scores of angry protesters gathered outside the MBC office in central Baghdad before forcing their way into the building and destroying everything inside, according to an Anadolu Agency reporter at the scene. | Waving photos of al-Muhandis and Iraqi flags, protesters chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia during their rally. | \"We don\'t accept any insult to al-Muhandis, who is one of Iraq\'s symbols,\" Hussein al-Jumaili, a protester, told…

news.un (2020-05-18). Renewed trust and cooperation could finally \'unlock progress\' toward peace in Syria — UN envoy. news.un.org Renewed trust, confidence, and cooperation between international players and Syrians could finally \"unlock progress\", putting the country on a political path towards lasting peace, the UN Special Envoy for Syria told the Security Council on Monday.

graham (2020-05-18). Outspoken Palestinians — transformed into antisemites simply because they call for peace. truepublica.org.uk By Jonathan Cook: An attack on a prominent British-Palestinian doctor and academic, Ghada Karmi, by a self-styled \"antisemitism watchdog\" looks suspiciously like a new trend in anti-Palestinian bigotry and bullying dressed up as victimhood. Late last month, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), which claims to represent the interests of the UK\'s Jewish community, said it …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Soldiers Abduct Four Palestinians, Injure Many, In Hebron. imemc.org Israeli soldiers invaded, earlier Monday, Hebron city, and nearby towns of Beit Ummar and Yatta, in addition to the al-\'Arroub refugee camp, in southern West Bank, searched and ransacked many homes and abducted four Palestinians, in addition to wounding several others. Mohammad Awad, a local nonviolent media activist in Beit …

Ben Eder (2020-05-18). World Health Assembly 2020: Is our response to COVID-19 adequate? peoplesdispatch.org Activists of the People\'s Health Movement talk about the World Health Assembly that begins today, the key issues that will come up for discussion, and the collapse of the global governance system in the realm of public health…

Ashley Shelton (2020-05-18). The Coronavirus Is Devastating Already Devastated Communities. commondreams.org In Louisiana, and across the U.S., we are seeing a disproportionate number of Black people die from this virus. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/louis.jpg …

Esha Bhandari (2020-05-18). Coronavirus \'Immunity Passports\' are not the Answer. aclu.org As governments the world over seek ways to jumpstart economic activity, one proposal is a so-called \"immunity passport\" that would allow certain people who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies to return to work before others. We at the ACLU have serious concerns about the adoption of any such proposal, because of its potential to harm public health, incentivize economically-vulnerable people to risk their health by contracting COVID-19, exacerbate racial and economic disparities, and lead to a new health surveillance infrastructure that endangers privacy rights. , , An immunity passport system is fundamentall…

The Levant (2020-05-18). Over 250 Artists, Writers Urge Israel to Stop Siege of Gaza. globalresearch.ca More than 250 global artists and writers including rocker Peter Gabriel, director Ken Loach and actor Viggo Mortensen have appealed to Israel to stop the \"siege\" of Gaza. | The coronavirus epidemic could have a devastating effect in \"the world\'s largest …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Spike in Kawasaki-like disease linked to coronavirus in France and Italy, one child dies. wsws.org This is a damning indictment of capitalist governments internationally which are reopening schools and asserting that the virus does not harm children.

Karen Greenberg (2020-05-18). So Long to American Exceptionalism. commondreams.org The virus has put the realities of wealth inequality, health insecurity, and poor work conditions under a high-powered microscope. (Photo: Shutterstock) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/whitehouse_2_1_0.jpeg …

news.un (2020-05-18). Coronavirus impact on world\'s indigenous, goes well beyond health threat. news.un.org The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the world\'s indigenous peoples that stretches well beyond the immediate threat to their health, the new UN independent expert on the rights of indigenous peoples said on Monday.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-18). Why you need to keep your child\'s vaccine schedule during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Millions of children may be at risk of missing or delaying their routine childhood vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine specialist, says she understands being thoughtful about taking your children outside the home for doctor\'s visits during this time. \"The current situation with the novel coronavirus shows us how scary …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Back-to-work drive places countless thousands at risk. wsws.org Major American factories are reopening today, each one the potential center for a major new outbreak of the coronavirus.

Marshall Sahlins (2020-05-18). Reopen the Economy; or Charge of the Right Brigade. counterpunch.org Half a shop, half a bar, Half a school onward. Into the Virus of Death Goad the Sick Hundreds. \"Forward the Right Brigade, Charge on your cards,\" he said. Into the Virus of Death Goad the sick hundreds. \"Forward the Right Brigade!\" Was there a MAGA dismayed? Not that the shoppers knew POTUS had blundered.

Mel Gurtov (2020-05-18). For Trump, It\'s Mission Accomplished. counterpunch.org \"We have met the moment and we have prevailed,\" Donald Trump said at a news briefing May 11. \"The moment\" is quite a departure from Dr. Anthony Fauci\'s idea that \"the virus determines the timeline,\" and from his caution that \"we\'re not out of the woods yet.\" Fauci\'s points seem incontrovertible, but not in Trump

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-18). How the international community is helping Colombia confront the coronavirus. colombiareports.com The governments of the United States and Canada have announced financial aid to help Colombia\'s authorities combat the coronavirus pandemic while European nations plan to do the same. The US…

John R. Lott, Jr. (2020-05-18). The US Is Dramatically Overcounting Coronavirus Deaths. Deliberate Manipulation, Flawed Data. globalresearch.ca Over 86,500 people have reportedly died in the United States from the Coronavirus, and the fear generated by those deaths is driving the public policy debate. But that number is a dramatic overcount. Our metrics include deaths that have nothing …

Dr. Binoy Kampmark (2020-05-18). Hacking for Vaccines. Intellectual Property and Espionage. globalresearch.ca If you cannot discover or create something, best steal it. It has been the operating principle for everything from wealth to technology. With the efforts to discover a vaccine to the novel coronavirus being all but bound by solidarity, the …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Maryland and Virginia begin \"phase one\" reopenings despite record increase in COVID-19 cases. wsws.org The two jurisdictions began reopening their economies amid a consistent uptick in the amount of infections produced by the coronavirus.

Kester Kenn Klomegah (2020-05-18). Despite Criticisms, Madagascar Moves Ahead with COVID-Organics. globalresearch.ca While Western and Europeans and Asians race to find vaccines for coronavirus, Africa can no longer wait for that scientific discovery that experts have said it would, most probably, be ready in a year or two. Some experts have argued …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Growing resistance in Germany to returning to schools as coronavirus pandemic continues. wsws.org Resistance is growing among German teachers and pupils against this irresponsible policy, which threatens to turn schools into new hotspots of COVID-19.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-18). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Possible neurological effects of COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Originally identified as a respiratory disease, some COVID-19 patients exhibit neurologic symptoms including stroke, loss of consciousness, headache, and even the loss of taste and smell. What\'s unknown is whether these are direct effects of the virus entering the nervous system, or consequences of the disease\'s effect on the body. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, …

Greg G. Wolff (2020-05-18). Influenza Vaccination and Respiratory Virus Interference Among Department of Defense Personnel During the 2017—2018 Influenza Season. globalresearch.ca Receiving influenza vaccination may increase the risk of other respiratory viruses, a phenomenon known as virus interference. Test-negative study designs are often utilized to calculate influenza vaccine effectiveness. The virus interference phenomenon goes against the basic assumption of the test-negative …

Helen Buyniski (2020-05-18). Fear and Uncertainty: The Modern-Day Cult of Corona. \"Gotta to Have Faith\" globalresearch.ca Fear and uncertainty have dominated the media coverage of the Covid-19 epidemic. | The novel coronavirus is depicted not as a pedestrian pathogen certain to be beaten into submission by the miracles of modern science any day now, but as …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Even as death toll climbs, Indonesian government urges workers under 45 to resume work. wsws.org Indonesian epidemiologists have warned that a return to work will dramatically increase transmission of the virus and put the entire population, regardless of age, at extreme risk.

Gregory Shupak (2020-05-18). Corporate Media Setting Stage for \"New Cold War\" with China. globalresearch.ca Corporate media are laying the ideological groundwork for a new cold war with China, presenting the nation as a hostile power that needs to be kept in check. | The Washington Post (

Patricio Zamorano (2020-05-18). Guaido Was the \'Commander in Chief\' of the Failed Mercenary Operation Against Venezuela. globalresearch.ca New information divulged this week reveals that Juan Guaidó was designated as \"commander and chief\" of the mercenary operation that completely unraveled on the shores of Venezuela. The 41 page contract that formed the basis of the already known eight …

John Washington (2020-05-18). \'An Experience I Wouldn\'t Wish My Worst Enemy to Undergo\'. thenation.com \'An Experience I Wouldn\'t Wish My Worst Enemy to Undergo\'

Paul Dobson (2020-05-18). Venezuela Sees COVID-19 Surge as Returning Migrants Surpass 40,000. venezuelanalysis.com Authorities say that 75 percent of recent cases have been \"imported.\"

Hilary Allison (2020-05-18). Opening During a Pandemic. thenation.com Opening During a Pandemic…

Dr. Jack Rasmus (2020-05-18). The Deepening US Health Care Affordability and Coverage Crisis. globalresearch.ca The current pandemic is wreaking havoc with the US and global economy, accelerating and deepening the general economic crisis—and threatening to provoke a global financial crisis that will exacerbate the decline and usher in a great depression no doubt even …

news.un (2020-05-18). Covid-19 crisis closes 90 percent of museums globally, UNESCO plans for reopenings. news.un.org As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc globally, museums have not been spared, the UN cultural agency said on Monday, International Museum Day, revealing that nearly 90 per cent of the treasured cultural institutions have had to close their doors, while almost 13 per cent are under serious threat of never reopening.

Thomas Magstadt (2020-05-18). First came interesting times—then came the mother of all curses. nationofchange.org Taking a look at the pandemic through a different kind of lens—here\'s a serious point the mainstream media has overlooked for the most part.

WSWS (2020-05-18). As death toll mounts, White House steps up efforts to scapegoat China for pandemic. wsws.org Blaming China not only deflects attention from the Trump administration\'s responsibility for the horrific US death toll but feeds into its anti-China trade war measures.

Kumar Venkat, Susan Cholette (2020-05-18). Emerging From the Pandemic With a Climate Plan. commondreams.org Greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and air travel add up to more than 15% of net US national emissions. We could put a significant dent in passenger transport emissions if many white collar employees continue to work from home all or part of the time and if businesses replace a large part of air travel with video conferences. (Photo: Danielle Scott/Flickr/cc) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/cars-traffic.jpg …

Dispatches from the Edge (2020-05-18). Military Spending and the Pandemic. globalresearch.ca \"There have been as many plagues as wars in history, yet plagues and wars take people equally by surprise\" —Albert Camus | \"The Plague\" | Camus\' novel of a lethal contagion in the North African city of Oran is filled with characters …

Howard Lisnoff (2020-05-18). Staying Above Water During the Pandemic. counterpunch.org Depression is a serious disease. In its most serious manifestation, clinical depression, a person can hardly function or not function at all. A best guess is that there are untold millions of people in the US and around the world who are now suffering from either mild depression, or its more serious form as Covid-19

Karen J. Greenberg (2020-05-18). Over There Is Now Over Here: America\'s Pandemic Role Reversal. zcomm.org The world watches us as we lose Americans by the thousands on an almost daily basis…

David Bacon (2020-05-18). COVID-Related Strikes Hit Washington\'s Apple Sheds. zcomm.org Demands for safer working conditions and extra hourly hazard pay during the pandemic are powering a strike wave in the Yakima Valley…

Slava Zilber (2020-05-18). Left-winger smashes the idea that establishment centrists offer a \'safe electoral choice\'. thecanary.co Anti-war left-winger Shahid Buttar is \"More of the same\" is not a reasonable option: | Buttar stressed that: | Sometimes, what we perceive as safe choices are, unfortunately, simply choices for more of the same. And I think if there\'s anything that the pandemic,…

WSWS (2020-05-18). German Defence Ministry plans to wage international drone warfare. wsws.org Germany\'s ruling elite is responding to the mounting tensions between the major powers triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic by intensifying its drive to war.

Steve Sweeney (2020-05-18). Britain Warned Against \'Coup-mongering\' in Venezuela After Embassy Discovery. globalresearch.ca Venezuela has warned Britain against \"coup-mongering\" after the discovery of a \"Venezuelan reconstruction unit\" in the Foreign Office. | Demanding an urgent explanation, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreeaza lodged a formal complaint with ambassador Duncan Hill, who the minister said confirmed …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Israeli Colonist Stabs A Palestinian Teen In The Neck, In Jerusalem. imemc.org An Israeli colonialist settler stabbed, on Sunday evening, a Palestinian teenage boy in the neck, in occupied East Jerusalem, causing a mild-to-moderate injury. Eyewitnesses said the colonist assaulted the teen, Mohammad Natsha, 17, and stabbed him with a sharp object in his neck. They added that the Israeli assailant is …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Israeli Colonists Chop Down 80 Olive Trees In Nablus, Bethlehem. imemc.org Several fanatic illegal Israeli colonists invaded, Sunday, a Palestinian olive orchard, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and cut more than 40 olive trees. Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian Authority official who monitors Israel\'s illegal colonialist activities in northern West Bank, said the colonists stormed an olive orchard …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Soldiers Assault A Palestinian Before Abducting Him In Jenin. imemc.org Israeli soldiers assaulted, on Monday at dawn, a young Palestinian man in Misilyah town, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and abducted him after searching and ransacking his home. Media sources said several army jeeps invaded the town, before the soldiers stormed and ransacked the home of …

Ali Salam (2020-05-18). Jerusalem Charity Closed for \"Violating Israeli Sovereignty\" imemc.org Israeli police invaded the \"Volunteer for Hope\" charitable organization in Jerusalem, on Sunday, ordering it\'s closure for a total of six months, Quds News Network reported. The charity, located in Beit Hanina village, in occupied East Jerusalem is said to be associated with the Palestinian Authority (PA). The order included …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-18). Israeli Army Bulldozers Raze Palestinian Farm Land in Tulkarem. imemc.org In the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Israeli troops reportedly attacked Palestinian farm land, earlier on Monday, and army bulldozers began razing olive trees in an area estimated at four acres in size. Local Palestinian sources said that the farm land razed is located between the Kafa and Shoufa villages, …

IMEMC News (2020-05-18). Israeli Colonists Hurl Stones At Teqoua\' Town Council. imemc.org Several Israeli colonists hurled stones, Sunday, at the building of the Local Municipal Council of Teqoua\' town, east of Bethlehem, south of occupied Jerusalem in the West Bank. Salem Abu Mfarreh, the mayor of Teqoua\', said the colonists stopped their car in front of the Local Council\'s building, before jumping …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-18). Israeli Military Court Extends Detention of a Palestinian Teen Boy. imemc.org The Israeli military court of Salem, near Jenin city in the West Bank, ordered on Monday, the extension of the detention of Palestinian teenager, Qasem Abu Baker, 17, from the Palestinian village of Y\'abad, south of Jenin city. The mother of Qasem, told media outlets that Monday\'s extension is the …

Raul Diego (2020-05-18). The Dem\'s $3 Trillion Dollar HEROES Act Can Not Brace Us for the Coming Shock. mintpressnews.com As the Trump show continues and each side of the political aisle takes aim at each other, the economy\'s freefall is quickly reaching catastrophic levels.

Miri Wood (2020-05-18). Trump Bombs Syrian Wheat Fields While Fighting COVID \'Enemy\' at Home. globalresearch.ca US President Donald J. Trump took time from his domestic fight of battling COVID-19 single-handedly and with one arm tied behind his back to set fire to Syrian wheat fields in Hasakah governate. He performed the ritual of the double-war …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Britain\'s covert operations to overthrow Syrian government exposed. wsws.org Sarkha is one of many programmes in a vast network of fake news activities carried out by the intelligence arms of the US and European powers.

WSWS (2020-05-18). Australian government heightens trade conflict with China. wsws.org Successive Australian governments have been in the forefront of imposing tariffs and other restrictions on imports from China.

David Hearst (2020-05-18). Revealed: The Secret US-Iran Deal that Installed Kadhimi in Baghdad. globalresearch.ca Tehran ordered Shia factions to back prime minister in return for Washington \'looking the other way\' over release of assets targeted by sanctions, Iraqi officials tell MEE | *** | The nomination of Mustafa al-Kadhimi as Iraqi prime minister was the result …

Raúl Capote (2020-05-18). Attack on Cuban Embassy in Washington Brings Complicit Silence From U.S. Government. globalresearch.ca Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discussed the April 30 attack on the country\'s embassy in Washington with the press yesterday, stating: \"Here is the attacker, an AK-47 rifle, 32 shell casings, 32 bullet holes and a statement — by …

Will Kesler (2020-05-18). Beware of The Globalists\' \"New World Order\" globalresearch.ca This article was originally published by The Aspen Times in 2011. | Eisenhower\'s legendary warning that the industrial-military complex could engender a \"disastrous rise of misplaced power\" has obviously come true. Notably, in the same speech, Eisenhower also advised of \"equal …

Julian Rose (2020-05-18). COVID Mask of the Beast and \"Deadly Distancing\" globalresearch.ca Have you experienced a sense of unease when witnessing a group of individuals wearing masks and/or keeping strictly two meters apart? If so, that\'s good news, because it means you\'re still sufficiently human to be able to respond to life\'s …

Elijah J. Magnier (2020-05-18). Twenty Years After the Unconditional Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon, What Has Been Achieved? globalresearch.ca \"We were Hezbollah trainers. It is an organisation that learns quickly. The Hezbollah we met at the beginning (1982) is different from the one we left behind in 2000\". This is what the former Chief of Staff and former Minister …

WSWS (2020-05-18). US Fed report reveals depth of financial crisis it helped create. wsws.org A Foreign Policy article noted that with its asset holdings predicted to reach $9 trillion by the year\'s end, the Fed is pumping money into the financial system at the rate of $1 million every second.

commondreams (2020-05-18). 350 Action on Biden\'s Commitment to Revoke Keystone XL Pipeline Permit. commondreams.org ______________________________…

WSWS (2020-05-18). On \"This Week\" news show, Sanders urges supporters to vote for Biden. wsws.org Sanders used the national platform afforded him to once again urge his supporters to vote for the right-wing Democratic candidate.

WSWS (2020-05-18). Amazon eliminates pay raises for workers as COVID-19 toll mounts. wsws.org As the number of infections and deaths continues to rise at Amazon, the world\'s richest man joins Trump\'s murderous campaign to \"reopen\" the economy.

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-18). Israeli youth convicted for murdering 3 members of a Palestinian family in 2015 terrorist attack. peoplesdispatch.org The convicted Israeli is part of an extremist settler terror group called hilltop youth. Members of this group are followers of Meir Kahane, who called for the expulsion of all non-Jewish people from Israel…

Wim Laven (2020-05-18). Caring about the Murder of Ahmaud Arbery. zcomm.org We must socialize ourselves to understand the conditions and structures of violence, especially as it intersects with racism, in our country…

WSWS (2020-05-18). New York Democratic governor enlists tech billionaires to push distance learning. wsws.org New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced \"Reimagine Education,\" a partnership with Microsoft\'s Bill Gates and Google\'s Eric Schmidt.

WSWS (2020-05-18). Modi promotes \"herd immunity,\" vows \"quantum jump\" in pro-investor reforms. wsws.org As the Modi government expands its reckless back-to-work drive, India reported yesterday its biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases to date.

WSWS (2020-05-18). Growing number of Bangladeshi garment workers infected with COVID-19. wsws.org The government is implementing \"herd immunity\" policies that could lead to the deaths of tens of thousands.

WSWS (2020-05-18). Ontario government ignored workers\' complaints at poultry plant hit by fatal COVID-19 outbreak. wsws.org Maple Lodge Farms workers complained about unsafe conditions two weeks before a COVID-19 outbreak that killed one worker and sickened more than 25 others.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-18). Mayo Clinic receives $26 million from BARDA for COVID-19 convalescent plasma expanded access program. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic was awarded a $26 million contract today from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The financial support is for the Expanded Access Program (EAP) for convalescent plasma to fight COVID-19. …

WSWS (2020-05-18). The last resort of the EU fighting refugees in Greece—armed force and COVID-19. wsws.org Greek soldiers used tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets and live ammunition against refugees stranded in the no-man\'s-land between Greece and Turkey.

newsnetwork.mayoclinic (2020-05-18). National Nurses Day: Not all heroes wear capes. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Photo and article are courtesy of Mayo Clinic News Center andMayo Clinic Employee Facebook. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear scrubs, protective equipment and step out in difficult times to be there for others. As COVID-19 continues to spread and people heed notices to socially distance themselves and hunker down in their homes, there …

WSWS (2020-05-18). Nicaraguan government lets COVID-19 spread freely, covers up toll. wsws.org The Ortega regime\'s response demonstrates the inevitable outcome of Sandinismo and all petty-bourgeois nationalist movements that have historically defended capitalism.

Paul J. Baicich (2020-05-18). The Covid-19 Crisis Shows Why Food Should Be a Human Right. zcomm.org With lines at food banks stretching for miles, the need has never been clearer to guarantee food to all U.S. residents…

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-18). Colombia\'s most infamous far-right group \'founded by important personalities\'. colombiareports.com Presumed members of Colombia\'s far-right group \"Aguilas Negras\" said Saturday they were founded by \"important national personalities\" in a death threat sent to politicians, a unionist and a journalist. In…

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-18). Colombia protecting general who worked for guerrillas for 18 years. colombiareports.com Colombia\'s military has been so busy covering up corruption, it never filed criminal charges against an army general who worked for guerrillas and FARC dissidents for more than a decade….

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-05-18). \'Save the News\' Campaign Urges Immediate Covid-19 Relief Funds to Sustain Local Journalism in Time of Crisis. commondreams.org In response to the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the news industry—forcing tens of thousands of layoffs, furloughs, and pay cuts in recent months—the nation's largest labor union for media workers launched a new \"Save the News\" campaign on Monday and urged Congress to provide relief to an industry that should be considered an essential service in a democracy. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/save-the-news-2.jpg …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-05-18). Bolstering Case for Nationwide Vote-by-Mail, New Study Shows Wisconsin In-Person Election Exploded New Covid-19 Infections . commondreams.org A new study published Monday showed a strong correlation between last month's in-person primary election in Wisconsin and increase in coronavirus infections in the state, prompting new calls for a national vote-by-mail system. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1209376615_1_0.jpg …

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-05-18). As Invasive Covid-19 Tracing Technologies Loom, ACLU Unveils Guidelines to Guard Against Overreach. commondreams.org As workers, employers, and elected officials continued to grapple with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and related lockdowns nationwide, the ACLU on Monday released a set of principles to help guide federal, state, and local policies governing the use of digital contact tracing technologies that could help curb the spread of Covid-19 but have generated serious privacy concerns. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12121888761.jpg …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-05-18). \'Not Just Bad, It\'s Pathological\': While Pushing Big Oil Bailouts, Trump Slaps Wind and Solar Industry With $50 Million in Old Rent Bills. commondreams.org While giving fossil fuel companies access to relief funds ostensibly meant for small businesses struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration on Monday slapped solar and wind power firms with retroactive rent bills dating back two years. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/grrr_0.jpeg …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-05-18). Global Health Experts Caution Against \'Vaccine Nationalism\' as Scientists Search for Solution to Pandemic. commondreams.org Public health experts from around the world called on the WHO global assembly to take a firm stand against \"vaccine nationalism\" which would keep countries from immunizing people once an effective vaccine is discovered, putting the entire world at risk for continuing outbreaks. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1211365747_1.jpg …

Jon Queally, staff writer (2020-05-18). Climate Campaigners Applaud Biden on Vow to Pull Plug on Keystone XL Permit. commondreams.org \"We'll need just this kind of climate ambition to make way for a livable planet in the next four years.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_climate_0.jpg …

Jon Queally, staff writer (2020-05-18). Arundhati Roy and Bill McKibben Argue Covid-19 an Opportunity for Humanity to Get Off Dangerous Path. commondreams.org If the world is able to \"flatten the carbon curve\" in the same way it is now desperately trying to flatten the infection rate curve \"then people might look back in 50 years at this time and thank us, you know, instead of curse us.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/roy_mckibben.jpg …

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Indian Equities Give Thumbs Down to PM Modi\'s $266 Bln COVID Stimulus, Sensex Crashes 800 Points. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): India\'s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $266 billion stimulus package on 12 May. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the proposals in a series of press conferences until 17 May.

Global Research News (2020-05-18). Selected Articles: Who Is Behind the Failed Invasion of Venezuela? globalresearch.ca Lying is a money making activity and lies are commodities. There is a profitable global market for media and public figures committed to spreading disinformation. | Needless to say, \"Telling the Truth\", on the other hand, Is Not a Money-Making Proposition. …

Press TV (2020-05-18). US unable to block Iran gasoline shipments to Venezuela: Source. iranian.com A senior source within the Iranian petroleum industry says the United States would be practically unable to block shipments of gasoline from Iran to Venezuela at a time the two countries need to cooperate to mitigate the impacts of American sanctions on their energy sectors. Hamid Hosseini, who serves as the spokesman of the Iranian …

graham (2020-05-18). Brexit — Tory treachery against UK farmers favours US agribusiness. truepublica.org.uk By Rob Woodward — TruePublica: At TruePublica we said this was going to happen all along — and this is just a taster for what is coming down the road. Brexit will not defend anything at all in Britain except deregulation. Brexit is not about the EU, it\'s about corporate power, profits and about America. …

Rob Woodward (2020-05-18). Covid Chaos: From Lockdown to Body Bags. globalresearch.ca The national Covid strategy managed by the government is now in disarray. The mood in Tory HQ is migrating away from its beloved Brexit leader. The mainstream media are now causing confusion, the country is heading towards chaos. | What is …

Megan Sherman (2020-05-18). Brexit and the Sovereignty Delusion. globalresearch.ca Brexit is nothing if not exclusive and elitist. The government and Conservative party are united in contempt for the sovereignty of parliament, and the sovereignty of the people. The Remain campaign may have been one of the most vibrant and …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-18). Our Civilisational Quagmire — Looking Truth in the Eye. strategic-culture.org First, the bottom line: If you don\'t solve the biology, the economy won\'t recover. That is where we are now. A sealed-off, \'exceptionalist\' mindset has brought about — surprise; surprise — an exceptionalist outcome. We have both a deluge of avoidable deaths, and clearly, a staggering amount of possibly avoidable economic damage (albeit some of which was It is the worst of both worlds. Initially, dilatory in mitigating the pandemic for fear of damaging the e…

Billie Pierre (2020-05-18). Tribal Leader Red-Tagged in Philippines During COVID-19 Crisis. indybay.org 00: 21.42 Length. Hi, this is Billie Pierre with Media Coop, in so-called Canada. Today is May 17, 2020, and we\'ll be hearing from a tribal indigenous land defender Windel Bolinget from the Cordillera People\'s Alliance in the Northern Philippines. Himself and his children are currently being smeared in a dangerous disinformation campaign through social media.

Citizens\' Climate Lobby (2020-05-18). Citizens\' Climate Lobby: Virtual Climate Conference 2020 (Day 1). indybay.org Online/virtual conference…

Citizens\' Climate Lobby (2020-05-18). Citizens\' Climate Lobby: Virtual Climate Conference 2020 (Day 2). indybay.org Online/virtual conference…

Staff (2020-05-18). How Will COVID-19 Change the World? truthout.org Pandemics, like revolution, war and economic crises, are key determinants of historic change. We look at the history of epidemics, from Black Death to smallpox to COVID-19, and discuss how the coronavirus will reshape the world with leading medical historian Frank Snowden, author of Epidemics and Society: From the Black Death to the Present. He is a professor emeritus at Yale University who has been in Italy since the pandemic began, and himself survived a COVID-19 infection. | TRANSCRIPT: | This is a rush transcript. Copy may n…

Staff (2020-05-18). Imagine a World Where All Workers Are \"Essential,\" But Not All Leaders Are. truthout.org Among the myriad contradictions revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most suggestive is the difference between \"essential\" and \"nonessential\" workers and the work they do. While there seem to be significant differences about who falls into which group, what\'s interesting is the apparent ease with which most people take the categories themselves for granted. What makes it possible — at least under the admittedly exigent circumstances of the pandemic — for millions (or billions…

Staff (2020-05-18). The Stay-at-Home Orders Trump Mocked Likely Saved Nearly a Quarter Million Lives. truthout.org Social distancing and stay-at-home measures instituted across the country may have saved hundreds of thousands of lives, according to the findings of one study. | Researchers at the Urban Health Collaborative at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University sought to find out how many lives were affected in a positive way due to social distancing rules that were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the nation\'s 30 highest populated cities. According to their findin…

Staff (2020-05-18). New Postmaster General\'s Focus on Modernization Likely Means Job Losses at USPS. truthout.org Much of the criticism of new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has centered on his $2 million in contributions to the Trump campaign and other Republican causes since 2016. DeJoy is in charge of fundraising for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte. | These facts are cause for worry, but postal workers should be even more alarmed at his 35 years\' experience in labor analytics — the art of eliminating as many jobs as possible. | His company has a terrible labor record, rife with…

The Canary (2020-05-18). EU calls for independent probe of the WHO\'s pandemic response. thecanary.co The European Union and other countries have called for an independent evaluation of the World Health Organisation\'s (WHO) response to the coronavirus pandemic \"to review experience gained and lessons learned\". | The resolution has the support of more than half of the WHO\'s member countries and will be discussed this week at the decision-making body of the UN health agency, being held virtually this year. | The proposal is intended to initiate \"a stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation\" of the WHO\'s efforts to coordinate the international response to Covid-19, including the function…

The Canary (2020-05-18). Hiscox faces legal action from companies pursuing coronavirus payouts. thecanary.co A group of angry Hiscox policyholders have been given the go-ahead to launch legal action against the insurance giant. | The Hiscox Action Group — which was set up by policyholders frustrated by Hiscox\'s decision to exclude coronavirus disruption from its business interruption policies — said it intends to launch a claim in the coming days. | Mishcon de Reya, the city law firm leading the case, says that over 400 policyholders have signed up with almost £40 million in claims against the insurer. | The law firm is expected to file an \"expedited arbitration claim\" and has advised members of the gr…

imperial.ac.uk (2020-05-18). MSc virologists explore infections and cell biology in new virtual laboratory. imperial.ac.uk As the College continues remote learning, MSc Molecular Biology & Pathology of Viruses students are trialling remote research in a \'virtual lab\'.

imperial.ac.uk (2020-05-18). Imperial donate excess food to local food banks and community projects. imperial.ac.uk Imperial\'s Catering team have donated excess food and drink to support those in need during COVID-19.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Confirmed worldwide Covid-19 death toll passes 316,000. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Globally, more than 316,000 have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, while the number of confirmed infections has surpassed 4.8 million and more than 1.8 million people have recovered.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). West to pay high price for sanctions during pandemic: Russian FM. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov lashed out at western officials for the sanctions they impose during the coronavirus pandemic noting that they will also pay high price for the sanctions.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran records 2,294 new cases, 69 deaths on Monday. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — As of Monday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Iran has passed 122,400, of whom 7,057 have lost their lives to the deadly virus.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran enters \'containing phase\' of coronavirus pandemic: govt. spox. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei announced in a press conference on Monday that Iran has stepped out of the \'curbing phase\' of the lethal respiratory coronavirus and entered the \'containing phase\'.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). \"We owe our success in fight against COVID-19 to Leader\'s support.\": Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the country owes its success in the fight against the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, to the unsparing support of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution from the government and the National Headquarters to Combat Coronavirus.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). VIDEO: Canadian acrobatic jet crashes during flyover. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 17 (MNA) — A Canadian acrobatic jet crashed into the British Columbia neighborhood Sunday during a flyover intended to boost morale during the pandemic, killing at least one crew member, seriously injuring another and setting a house on fire.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). VIDEO: Russian envoy talks of Iran, Russia bilateral relation, regional issues. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency, Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan talked of Tehran-Moscow bilateral relations, as well as the recent developments in Syria and region.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia emphasize on holding comprehensive inter-Afghan talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In a joint statement issued by Iran, Pakistan, China, and Russia, they said that holding comprehensive inter-Afghan talks is the only way to achieve national reconciliation and a speedy end to the country\'s long-running conflict.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran\'s electricity export to neighboring states up 27% last year. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — The volume of electricity exported from the Islamic Republic of Iran to neighboring countries in the last Iranian calendar year [ended March 20, 2020] registered a 27.6 percent growth as compared to a year earlier.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Al-Kazemi govt. in charge of ousting occupiers: Al-Nujaba official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — The deputy secretary-general of the Iraqi al-Nujaba Islamic Resistance Movement called the new Iraqi government formed by Mustafa al-Kazemi responsible for the execution of the parliament\'s enactment on ousting occupiers, otherwise, he warned, for the enforcement of this law, the Resistance will take an action before the Iraqi nation.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran to give crushing response to protect its security: Hatami. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iran\'s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will give a quick, decisive, and crushing response to enemies in order to defend its national interests and security.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Russia terms US struggles to retain JCPOA rights \'groundless\'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Russia\'s Permanent Representative to the United Nations says the US efforts to retain rights of partnership in the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are groundless since Washington has already withdrawn from the pact.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). US policy on Iran not well-calculated: Ulyanov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In his latest tweet on Monday, Russia\'s Permanent Representative to the United Nations named US anti-Iranian policies as \'not well-calculated\'.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Russia sends three batches of fabric for face masks to Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) —Russia has delivered to Iran three batches of fabric for manufacturing face masks, a press attache of the Russian diplomatic mission Andrei Ganenko said.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Political stability in Iraq important for region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Iraqi President Barham Salih held a phone talk on Monday on the development and strengthening of Tehran-Baghdad relations.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Details of anti-Zionism motion adopted by Iranian Parliament. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 17 (MNA) — Iranian lawmakers have approved a motion unanimously to counter the hostile measures of the Israeli regime.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran\'s preparedness should be one step ahead of enemy\'s threats: MP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Chairman of the Iranian Parliament\'s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Mojtaba Zonnour said that preparedness of the country should be one step ahead of threats of enemy.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iranian mills produce 2.3mn tons of steel ingot in one month. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian mills produced over 2.3 million tons of steel ingot in the first month of the current fiscal (March 20-April 19), according to statistics.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Abdullah thanks FM Zarif\'s support for political accord in Afghanistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Afghanistan\'s Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah in a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday thanked him for his support of a political agreement with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran vows \'retaliation\' in case its oil tankers seized by US. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi condemned the US\' threats against free trade, warning that any seizure of Iranian tankers will be retaliated.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Iran chides EU\'s impracticality towards US hostile anti-Iranian actions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi criticized Europeans for their impracticality against US anti-Iranian policies including the debate over the extension of Iran\'s arms embargo.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Zionist regime disturbing region by its hostile activities: Larijani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — The Speaker of Iran\'s Parliament Ali Larijani said on Monday that the Zionist regime is disturbing the region by its hostile activities and Majlis has accordingly approved a motion which obliges the government to take certain measures against hostile moves of the Israeli regime.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Parl. ratifies outlines of a motion to counter Zionist regime\'s hostile moves. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Lawmakers at the Iranian Parliament approved the generalities of a motion which obliges the government to take certain measures against hostile moves of the Israeli regime.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). India\'s FILMSAAZ to host two Iranian titles. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Two Iranian short films directed by Zivar Hojjati, namely \'Feng Shui Upside Down\' and \'Bullets of Baptism\' will take part in the 13th edition of FILMSAAZ Film Festival in India.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). \'The Unseen\' to go on screen at Krakow Film Festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian Animation Documentary \'The Unseen\' by Behzad Nalbandi will take part in the 60th edition of Krakow Film Festival (KFF) in Poland.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Headlines of Iranian dailies on May 18. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Mehr News takes a look at the headlines of Iranian dailies on Monday, May 18.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). Saudi-led coalition violates Yemen truce 66 times in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — The Liaison and Coordination Officers\' Operations Room, which monitors violations of the Stockholm Agreement and Ceasefire, reported that the US-Saudi aggression in Hodeidah recorded 66 violations during the past 24 hours.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). At least 7 killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan\'s Ghazni. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — A suicide bomber in a humvee vehicle detonated his explosives close to a building of the National Directorate of Security\'s (NDS) special unit in Ghazni province on Monday morning, local officials said.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-18). How did Afghan government reach an agreement? External pressure or internal consensus? en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — It seems that the signing of the political agreement in Afghanistan has been able to greatly prevent the escalation of a political crisis in the country and at the very least, determine the status of the Kabul-based government.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Brazil\'s Bolsonaro Flouts Social Distancing Rule Posing for Rally Pics With Children. sputniknews.com Although keeping a face mask on, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has continued to defy the key WHO rule to curb the spread of the novel virus – social distancing, as he mingled with the crowd during a recent rally near the presidential palace in the country\'s capital.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Italian MP Claims Bill Gates Should Be Tried for \'Crimes Against Humanity\' in Jab at COVID Vaccine. sputniknews.com Bill Gates has already injected hundreds of millions of dollars, including $100 million via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, into the development of COVID-19 vaccines and testing, part of an international effort to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). NYC-Based Private Equity Firm Invests $868 Mln in Asian \'Richie Rich\' Mukesh Ambani\'s Reliance Jio. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): Indian telco Reliance Jio, headed by business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, has managed to attract foreign investments worth billions from US-based companies despite the coronavirus-caused global economic slowdown.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says Downturn Will Last Until Late 2021, Warns of Second Coronavirus Wave. sputniknews.com As a number of states have moved to partially lift the COVID-induced protection measures, the US Federal Reserve chief insists there will be no economic rebound unless medical data improves.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). UK, US \'Hope for Accelerated Trade Talks\' Amid Reports of Discord Over London\'s Projects With China. sputniknews.com A trade deal with the US is regarded by many British politicians as the Holy Grail that will boost the country\'s economy. This is particularly important now when the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the global economy, with UK heading towards its worst recession in 300 years. Opponents say by striking it, the UK will accept lower food standards.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Coronavirus; US Election; Venezuela. sputniknews.com Join George Galloway on the new home for the Mother of All Talk Shows – this week we talk all about coronavirus and US election…

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Traditional Beer Gardens in Munich Welcome First Visitors After Lockdown Restrictions Eased – Video. sputniknews.com Since late April, Germany has started scaling back some of the coronavirus-related restrictions imposed on public life amid a declining COVID-19 infection rate.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Keeping Virus at Bay: How People Across the Globe Respect Social Distancing Rules. sputniknews.com In less than half a year, the whole of humanity has been upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and the world outside of our dwellings has become an entirely new place with new rules. However, respecting these rules is a key to get our lives back to normal, including by respecting social distancing.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Putin, Erdogan Discuss Coronavirus Response, Situation in Syria and Libya. sputniknews.com ANKARA (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed cooperation on the coronavirus fight and the situation in Syria, both the Kremlin and the office of the Turkish president said Monday.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Controversy as Identities of 4 K-Pop Idols Who Visited Itaewon Week Before COVID Breakout Revealed. sputniknews.com At the beginning of May, South Korea, which effectively contained the spread of COVID-19, reported dozens of news cases after an infected person visited a party district in Seoul.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). China\'s Oppo Inks Pact With UK\'s Vodafone to Push 5G Adoption Worldwide Starting With Spain, Germany. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): In a bid to compete globally, countries around the world are making plans and taking actions to boost their high speed 5G capabilities. South Korea, Turkey, Sweden, Japan, and China are just a few of the countries already deploying and testing the fifth generation of super fast connectivity.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Huawei Slams \'Unjustified\' US Tech Rules, Vows To \'Survive, Move Forward\' Amid Renewed US Trade War. sputniknews.com A major keynote speech from a high-ranking official in the world\'s largest telecoms equipment addressed concerns on tensions in the US trade war on China, which skyrocketed in following the Trump Administration\'s renewed ban on US firms doing business with the Chinese firm.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). WHO\'s Hesitation to Granting Taiwan Observer Status \'Further Damages\' Its Credibility, Pompeo Says. sputniknews.com The World Health Organisation\'s member states agreed during the virtual World Health Assembly to postpone the discussion on granting Taiwan observer status in the agency, despite mounting pressure from the United States.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Six of Russian State Duma Members Diagnosed With COVID-19 – Speaker\'s Aide. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Six of 450 members of the State Duma, the Russian parliament\'s lower house, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Anastasia Kashevarova, an aide to the State Duma Chairman, said on Monday.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Old Faces, New Positions: Who\'s Who in Israel\'s 35th Government. sputniknews.com After a year and a half of political turmoil, Israel\'s 35th government was finally sworn in on Monday. Featuring 34 ministers and half a dozen deputies, amid an economic crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19, the coalition has become the most expensive in the history of the country, stirring criticism from left, right, and centre.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). US Attorney General Barr Accuses Apple of Cooperating With Chinese, Russian Governments. sputniknews.com Earlier, Apple refused to help American law enforcement unlock data on its smartphones, namely the one possessed by a Saudi cadet responsible for a mass shooting at a Pensacola military base in 2019. However, there is no evidence that the tech giant ever provided such services to either Moscow or Beijing.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Easy as Pie: Russian MoD Releases Video Showing Air-to-Air Refuelling of Sukhoi Fighter Jets. sputniknews.com The process itself was carried out by an Ilyushin-78 four-engine tanker, which is capable of refuelling up to ten jets during a single flight. Additionally, more than 20 Su-24M, Su-34, and Su-30 jets practiced air combat manoeuvring.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). Tehran Pledges \'Decisive Response\' to Possible US Attempts to Intercept Iranian Tankers. sputniknews.com On Saturday, Iran\'s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif slammed alleged plans by the US Navy to intercept Iranian tankers as \"illegal, dangerous, and provocative\" acts, which he said look like \"an act of piracy\".

sputniknews (2020-05-18). US Official Claims IG\'s Firing May Be Linked to Trump\'s $8 Bln Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia. sputniknews.com US President Donald Trump reportedly fired the State Department inspector general in a letter sent to Congress late on Friday, saying that he no longer had the \"fullest confidence\" in Steve Linick, who had been in charge of the oversight office of Washington\'s diplomatic arm since his appointment in 2013 by President Barack Obama.

sputniknews (2020-05-18). FBI Found Evidence Linking Al Qaeda to 2019 Shooting at US Military Base in Florida. sputniknews.com On 6 December 2019, a Saudi trainee pilot opened fire at US Naval Air Station Pensacola, killing three American sailors and wounding eight others before being shot dead.

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Coronavirus pushes Swedish deaths to highest since 1993 in April. yenisafak.com More Swedes died in April than in any one month since 1993, figures from the Statistics Office showed on Monday, as the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pushed the death toll higher.Sweden, which has stopped short of the strict lockdown measures enforced by many countries, has suffered a higher death rate during the coronavirus pandemic than its Scandinavian neighbours.In Sweden, the pandemic has caused around 3,700 deaths since the first reported fatality in March, but has not been as deadly as some seasonal flu over the last three decades, when the toll in December 1993 and January 2000 was higher, the Statist…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Qatar reports new 1365 coronavirus infections. yenisafak.com The ministry said the number of recoveries rose by 529 to reach 4,899, the official QNA news agency reported.Qatar\'s virus-linked death toll now stands at 15.The ministry said 19 patients were admitted to intensive care due to complications resulting from the infection, bringing the total number of cases receiving care in the ICU to 172.Qatar reported its first coronavirus cases on Feb. 29.Since the virus emerged in China last December, it has spread to 188 countries and regions.The global death toll from the novel coronavirus has exceeded 315,600, with more than 4.73 million confirmed cases, and recoveries toppi…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Voluntary groups in Kashmir battle invisible enemy. yenisafak.com As the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 has spread rapidly across Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, many volunteer groups have joined to combat the pandemic which has so far killed 15 people and infected more than 1,200.Since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the region on March 18, hundreds of volunteers have been working tirelessly to help stem the spread of the infection.Hakim Mohammad Ilyas, general secretary of Ehsaas International, a non-government organization that mainly works to impart education to downtrodden, was moved with the news of deaths taking place across the globe due to the pandemic…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Fast in, first out: Denmark leads lockdown exit. yenisafak.com Four weeks after Denmark began easing its lockdown, Danes on Monday returned to cafes and restaurants, confident that the coronavirus outbreak is under control.Denmark last month became the first country in Europe to reopen schools, day-care centres and smaller businesses. It did not see a subsequent rise in COVID-19 cases.\"The quick shutdown and the fact that Danes actually listened to messages from authorities about good hygiene and social distancing are the main reasons we\'ve come this far,\" said Hans Jorn Kolmos, a professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Southern Denmark.Contrary to the French…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). WHO chief to review its pandemic handling, vows transparency. yenisafak.com The head of the World Health Organization said on Monday an independent evaluation of the global coronavirus response would be launched as soon as possible, and China backed such a review.Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made his promise during a virtual meeting of the WHO\'s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, at which Chinese President Xi Jinping defended his country\'s own handling of the crisis.U.S. President Donald Trump has fiercely questioned the WHO\'s performance during the pandemic and led international criticism of China\'s handling of the early stages of the crisis.Tedros, who has…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Loss of smell, taste added to UK COVID-19 symptoms list. yenisafak.com The UK government updated its COVID-19 advice on Monday, adding the loss of smell and taste to the list of symptoms induced by coronavirus.\"From today, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia,\" the government statement said.\"Anosmia is the loss or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.\"We have been closely monitoring the emerging data and evidence on Covid-19 and after thorough consideration, we are now confident enough to recommend this new measure.\"The individual\'s household should also…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Bangladesh may see coronavirus peak next week: Experts. yenisafak.com As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus continues to rise in Bangladesh, experts say the South Asian nation may see a peak in infections in the next two weeks. The country on Monday registered 1,602 new infections of COVID-19, with 21 deaths, marking the single day record in the country of around 165 million population.\"Bangladesh may see a peak in COVID-19 cases in next two weeks or so,\" said Dr. Bijon Kumar Sil, leader of a Bangladeshi research team at Gonoshasthaya Kendra Hospital that invented a $3 test kit that can detect the coronavirus in less than 15 minutes.Since the first positive case…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Kuwait\'s coronavirus death toll rises to 118. yenisafak.com Kuwait confirmed six fatalities due to the novel coronavirus on Monday, according to the country\'s Health Ministry. | A ministry spokesman said 841 people have tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours, the official KUNA news agency reported. | The Gulf state\'s death toll now stands at 118 and 15,691 infections, the spokesman said. | He said 161 patients are still in intensive care, while a total of 4,339 have recovered. | Since the virus emerged in Wuhan, China last December, it has spread to 188 countries and regions. | The global death toll from the novel coronavirus has exceeded 315,000, with more…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). \'Some solidarity, little unity against COVID-19\'. yenisafak.com The secretary-general of the UN said on Monday that the world had shown limited solidarity, yet very little unity in facing the novel coronavirus.Antonio Guterres was speaking at the opening of the first virtual World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) held over two days with a focus on the coronavirus.\"Despite the enormous scientific and technological advances of recent decades, a microscopic virus has brought us to our knees,\" said Guterres via video-link from New York to the WHO.\"We do not yet know how to eradicate, treat or vaccinate against COVID-19. We have no i…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Turkey condemns pig\'s-head vandalism of German mosque. yenisafak.com An Islamophobic incident in which a pig\'s head was mounted onto the door of mosque in southern Germany drew condemnation from Turkey on Monday.\"Even during the holy month of Ramadan and the epidemic, racism and hostility against Islam continues in Europe. The ugly attack on our mosque in Germany is the latest example of this,\" Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted on Monday.Denouncing the perpetrators\' \"sick mentality,\" he urged that they be caught immediately.The incident took place Saturday at the Fatih Mosque in the city of Vaihingen, run by the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs. The incident too…

yenisafak (2020-05-18). Germany hopes to end global travel warning in June, but no return to normal. yenisafak.com Germany is hoping to replace a travel warning that is in place for all touristic trips abroad until June 15 with softer guidelines, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Monday, but warned there would be no quick return to holidays as usual.\"June 15 is not the starting date for taking holidays – June 15 is the date when we need to make a decision on whether we will lift the global travel warning and we\'re working on replacing this travel warning with travel guidelines,\" Maas said.He said he wanted summer holidays to be possible but stressed that this needed to be done in a responsible way and added that it was too…

WSWS (2020-05-18). Little Rock, Arkansas transit workers laid off amidst COVID fears. wsws.org Due to heavy absenteeism over concerns of coronavirus infection, Rock Region Metro has announced service cuts and the layoff of 23 drivers.

WSWS (2020-05-18). SEIU pushes through sellout contract after blocking strike by Illinois nursing home workers. wsws.org The Service Employees International Union pushed through a deal with poverty wages and no guarantee of health and safety measures as the deadly coronavirus continues its rampage.

Mike Robinson (2020-05-18). COVID Coercion: Boris Johnson\'s Psychological Attack on the UK Public. globalresearch.ca Coercion: the practice of forcing another party to act in an involuntary manner by use of threats or force. | Over the course of the Covid-19 \'crisis\', scientific advice to the UK Government has been co-ordinated by the Scientific Advisory Group …

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2020-05-17). Venezuela: Guaido\'s Leadership in Question Following Failed Coup Attempt. venezuelanalysis.com A letter from Silvercorp\'s lawyers demanding payment has cast doubt on Guaido\'s denials of involvement in a recent paramilitary operation.

Jim Naureckas (2020-05-17). Grading the States\' Coronavirus Control. fair.org I recently wrote a Twitter thread ( The good idea, which appears on the Times\' \"Coronavirus in the US\"

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-17). The sad story of Colombia\'s Supreme Court judge who only accidentally gets people in legal trouble. colombiareports.com Colombia\'s Supreme Court magistrate Cristina Lombana seems to have a special gift to accidentally get her allegedly criminal former army buddies in legal trouble. Since President Ivan Duque swore in…

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-17). Operation Baton: Colombia\'s most epic military corruption probe in history? colombiareports.com Colombia\'s army is so corrupt, one general was even selling classified information to guerrillas, a counterintelligence operation discovered before its findings mysteriously disappeared. Operation Baton was meant to purge the…

CP Editor (2020-05-17). Laura Veirs: I Was a Fool. counterpunch.org …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-17). Why East Beat West on COVID-19. strategic-culture.org East Asia has handled and contained the pandemic far better than the West on nearly all metrics | Andrew SALMON | Perhaps the most startling trend visible in the global Covid-19 pandemic is the vast differential separating East Asia from the West when it comes to the disease\'s impact. | The chasm is visible — indeed, is impossible not to notice — when examining infection and death rates in either gross or percentage terms. | Very clearly East Asia, defined as the Sinic or Sinic-influenced nations of China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam, has done better than the West on virus management. | Why…

The Canary (2020-05-17). A hospital pharmacist says lockdown has been eased too soon. thecanary.co As a pharmacist working in a busy London hospital, Arvinder Sarai is concerned that the public needs to be \"vigilant\" about the spread of the coronavirus.As well as maintaining her usual post as a pharmacist at St Mary\'s Hospital in Paddington, Sarai has been campaigning for free transport for NHS staff continuing to work throughout the pandemic.In a series of profiles looking at workers on the front line of the battle against coronavirus (Covid-19), Sarai told the PA news agency about her experiences.How has it been, personally and emotionally, working on the front line?: You can read a patient\'s notes, t…

The Canary (2020-05-17). Johnson\'s ratings plummet and he\'s warned early lockdown will \'fracture\' UK. thecanary.co Boris Johnson has been warned he may cause a fracturing of national unity if he fails to listen to regional concerns about the easing of lockdown restrictions.Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham spoke out as a poll reported public support for the UK government\'s handling of the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis had slipped.Meanwhile, only 39% of Britons approve of the Government\'s response — down from 48% a week ago — according to an Opinium survey of 2,005 adults on Wednesday and Thursday.Those saying they disapproved rose from 36% to 42%.Burnham said Johnson did not inform civic leaders of his easing of…

RT (2020-05-17). \'Guard of dishonor\': VIDEO shows nurses & doctors giving ICY welcome to Belgian PM over govt\'s Covid-19 response. rt.com Belgium\'s PM Sophie Wilmes has visited one of the nation\'s hospitals battling the pandemic — but the medical staff literally turned their backs on her to show that her \"display of support\" for frontline workers was not enough. | Prime Minister Wilmes faced a cold welcome at the Saint-Pierre hospital in the Belgian capital Brussels, where the doctors and nurses found a novel way to show their dissatisfaction with the government\'s policies amid the novel coronavirus epidemic. The nation has had one of the highest Covid-19 mortality rates in Europe. | Footage obtained by RT\'s video agency Ruptly shows do…

RT (2020-05-17). Boozing by letter: Alcohol sales rationing based on SURNAMES could soon be a thing in South Africa as it eases its \'dry\' law. rt.com South Africa, which has some of the toughest Covid-19 restrictions, is set to relax them, including a ban on alcohol sales. To avert a feared onslaught of booze buyers, retailers are proposing what seems an outlandish scheme. | Alcohol is expected to rain on the arid market of South Africa from June 1, when the government is set to partially lift its coronavirus-related restrictions. The blanket ban on alcohol and tobacco sales was implemented late in March. | The government draft plan would allow liquor stores to operate from Monday to Wednesday between 8am and 12pm. Retailers, however, fear that the stores m…

RT (2020-05-17). DHS & FBI fear more attacks on 5G infrastructure fueled by Covid-19 conspiracies. rt.com The Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies are worried that conspiracy theories, bizarrely linking the Covid-19 pandemic to the 5G technology rollout, could inspire more vandalism and violence in the US. | The DHS, FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center issued a joint warning to US law enforcement officials about the growing threat this week, while a separate DHS intelligence report,

RT (2020-05-17). Putin calls Russia a \'distinct civilization\' that needs to be SAVED with homegrown high-tech. rt.com President Vladimir Putin has compared his multi-ethnic and multi-faith nation to an entire civilization, saying that if Russia is to maintain its independent status, it has to develop its own cutting-edge technologies. | In an I…

Joe Emersberger (2020-05-17). Attempts to whitewash the military coup of April 2002 in Venezuela. zcomm.org Given the overwhelming support opposition voices have been given in western media since Hugo Chavez was first elected in 1998, it is unsurprising that some would have had the audacity to attempt at least a partial whitewash of what the opposition and its foreign allies did in April of 2002. I\'ll address some of those

Staff (2020-05-17). Big Oil Takes $1.9 Billion in CARES Act Tax Breaks Intended for Small Businesses. truthout.org Sen. Bernie Sanders was among critics outraged that the fossil fuel industry is using tax breaks in the CARES Act meant to help businesses keep workers employed to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes — and then delivering that money to executives. | \"Good thing President Trump is looking out for the real victims of the coronavirus: fossil fuel executives,\" Sanders tweeted sarcastically Friday. | t.co/4sj6gT53f9 | — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders)

Peter Koenig (2020-05-17). China\'s New Crypto-Currency — First Step to Full Dedollarization? globalresearch.ca \'We\'ll cut off the whole relationship\' — Trump threatened China in a recent Fox-Business interview, suggesting he may cut diplomatic relations with China and thereby saving US$ 500 billion. He didn\'t say how, though. | Mr. Trump\'s anger referred to what …

Zero Hedge (2020-05-17). Chinese Ambassador To Israel Found Dead, Sparking Avalanche Of Rumors Amid Tensions. iranian.com China\'s Ambassador to Israel has been found dead inside his home near Tel Aviv Sunday morning, Israel\'s Foreign Ministry has confirmed. 57-year old ambassador Du Wei had only assumed his post in February 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, due to which he entered a two week mandatory self-quarantine upon his arrival. He\'d previously been China\'s envoy to …

South Front (2020-05-17). Video: Syrian Army Suffers Casualties in Daraa. Militants Attack Russian-Turkish Patrol. globalresearch.ca The security situation has been escalating in southern Syria. Over the past 24 hours, at least 3 pro-government fighters and a civilian have been killed in attacks by gunmen in al-Musayfrah and Saida-al-Taebah. The attacks followed the March 14 and …

Eric Zuesse (2020-05-17). Why U.S. Must Be Prosecuted for Its War Crimes Against Iraq. globalresearch.ca The reason why the U.S. Government must be prosecuted for its war-crimes against Iraq is that they are so horrific and there are so many of them, and international law crumbles until they become prosecuted and severely punished for what …

Fight Back (2020-05-17). Boisterous Nakba Day car rally rolls through Minneapolis suburb. fightbacknews.org Columbia Heights, MN – Just outside city limits from Northeast Minneapolis, Central Avenue was awash with Palestine flags during Friday rush hour as Palestinian-Americans and solidarity activists commemorated Al-Nakba. Nakba Day, held each year on May 15, remembers the 1948 ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of indigenous Palestinians from their national homeland by Zionist settlers. Around 60 cars and dozens of families drove in a long caravan through the heavily Arab-American neighborhood, with chants of \"From the river to the sea…\" echoing for blocks. The protest was one of many actions that happened…

Philip Giraldi (2020-05-17). Remembering Palestine on Nakba Day: Use the Hashtag COVID1948. globalresearch.ca Palestinians worldwide have an annual day of remembrance called

Amine Souadka, Hajar Essangri, Amine Benkabbou, Laila Amrani, Mohammed Anass Majbar (2020-05-17). [Letter] COVID-19 and Healthcare worker\'s families: behind the scenes of frontline response. thelancet.com During the COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare professionals are exposed to a high-risk of infection and mental health problems [1], but also fear of contagion and spreading the virus to their families [2]. In fact, considering them as individuals implies looking beyond their function as frontline responders and taking into account their societal role as parents, spouses and offspring.

Cristina Pérez-Cameo, Juan Marín-Lahoz (2020-05-17). [Commentary] Serosurveys and convalescent plasma in COVID-19. thelancet.com The current pandemic is not only overwhelming the health systems of the affected countries but also is killing thousands of other ways healthy adults. Convalescent plasma has been proposed [1] and approved to treat COVID-19 based on the experience acquired treating other viral diseases such as influenza, Ebola, and SARS [2]. It is considered a safe treatment (at least its side effects and contraindications are well known) and it has proven to be efficacious in several viral infections for more than a century.

Gary L Ross (2020-05-17). [Letter] Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing surgeries during the incubation period of COVID-19 infection. What are the implications for the commencement of elective surgery? thelancet.com …

Paulina Cecula, Sir David Behan, Mahiben Maruthappu (2020-05-17). [Commentary] COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities in the care sector. thelancet.com Covid-19 has spread around the world at a tremendous pace. On April the 12th, the total number of cases in the UK reached 84,279 including 10,612 deaths [1]. The UK Government introduced measures to reduce the spread of disease and the NHS is operating at full capacity to manage the demand. Meanwhile, more than 2000 care homes in England reported Covid-19 cases, which are underrepresented in national statistics [2]. Charities are calling for urgent action to support older people and the care sector.

Jean-Jacques Tuech, Lilian Schwarz (2020-05-17). [Letter] Can we operate our patients without fear during the period of COVID-19 infection? thelancet.com We read the paper by Shaoquin LEI and colleagues [1] with great interest. The authors reported 34 patients in whom the infection was revealed after surgery was performed. In this group of patients 15 (44.1%) needed ICU care and 7 (20.5%) died. This retrospective cohort study is the first one to describe the outcome of operative patients with SARS-Cov-2 infection.

Alison P. Galvani, Alyssa S. Parpia, Abhishek Pandey, Charlotte Zimmer, James G. Kahn, Meagan C. Fitzpatrick (2020-05-17). [Commentary] The imperative for universal healthcare to curtail the COVID-19 outbreak in the USA. thelancet.com The COVID-19 outbreak in the United States is growing steeply and spreading widely. As of March 26, national incidence surpassed every other country, and as of April 28 has reported over a million cases. The COVID-19 crisis is exposing the systemic frailties in our healthcare system. More than 78 million people in America do not have access to adequate health insurance [1]. Given that health insurance in the US is typically provided by employers, millions more are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage as unemployment surges.

Alex Kotch (2020-05-17). Secretive Right-Wing Nonprofit Plays Role in COVID-19 Organizing. commondreams.org A right-wing protester holds a sign which reads \"Be like Sweden\" while another called the coronavirus pandemic a \"fake crisis\" during an April anti-lockdown demonstration in Minnesota. (Photo: AP) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/be_like_sweden_0.jpg …

Fight Back (2020-05-17). 1000 rally in Brunswick, Georgia demanding justice for Ahmaud Arbery. fightbacknews.org Brunswick, GA — Around 1000 people took to the streets of Brunswick, Georgia, May 16, to demand justice for Ahmaud Arbery, the young African American man murdered in late February by the racist vigilantes Gregory and Travis McMichael. Organized by a coalition of many organizations, protesters also demanded the resignation of State Attorneys Jackie Johnson and George Barnhill, both prosecutors who originally declined to press charges against the McMichaels for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-17). America\'s Newest Wedge Issue and the Tale of the Bizarre 2020 Presidential Elections. strategic-culture.org The answer to 1776 is not 1984 and if anything needs to be protested it would be any efforts by the government to make elections \"go digital\". Ironically such a move would actually be the way that the Chinese and Russians could actually get the guy they want in the Oval Office.

news.un (2020-05-17). AU and UN appeal for \'stable and peaceful environment\' for Burundi elections. news.un.org Ahead of presidential and local elections in Burundi on Wednesday, the African Union (AU) Commission and the United Nations (UN) urged the authorities to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens to cast their votes.

Lucas Leiroz de Almeida (2020-05-17). Pandemic Scales Up Cases of Mental Illnesses. globalresearch.ca The global pandemic of the new coronavirus worsens day after day worldwide, bringing with it a series of harms for humanity. As it is known, in addition to the simple infection by the virus, the pandemic causes problems in society …

Ted Morgan (2020-05-17). Are the Democrats Dead (Again)? commondreams.org House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks during a news conference with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the U.S. Capitol January 25, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/pelosi_schumer_coronavirus.jpg …

Cynthia Kaufman (2020-05-17). Alternatives to Killing People for the Economy. commondreams.org A sign warns residents to take steps to contol the coronavirus outbreak at the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn on March 19, 2020 in New York City. (Photo: Victor J. Blue/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/nyc_corona.jpg …

Renee Parsons (2020-05-17). Section 230: Protecting Internet Speech, The Censors and Censorship. globalresearch.ca With a better world on the horizon, the old order is desperately asserting its last vestige of power. What the perpetrators of the coronavirus event were not counting on was that the pandemic would usher in a new era of …

Gregory Shupak (2020-05-17). Corporate Media Setting Stage for New Cold War With China. commondreams.org Corporate media distortions and bombast are priming the American public to see China as a treacherous villain that has to be forcefully confronted, perhaps with violence. (Photo: Thomas Peter-Pool/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/china_0.png …

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-17). Indian migrant workers killed in road accident while returning home. peoplesdispatch.org 24 laborers who were on their way home from India\'s capital city of New Delhi were killed when a truck carrying migrant workers rammed the vehicle they were on…

Ra√∫l Carrillo (2020-05-17). The Pandemic Has Shown That We Need a Public Option for Banking Services. commondreams.org The Federal Reserve Board Building located at 20th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW in Washington, D.C. (cc/AgnosticPreachersKid) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/955px-marriner_s._eccles_federal_reserve_board_building_0.jpg …

Pepe Escobar (2020-05-17). How Biosecurity Is Enabling Digital Neo-Feudalism. globalresearch.ca Italian master thinker Giorgio Agamben has been on the — controversial — forefront examining what new paradigm may be emerging out of our current pandemic distress. | He recently called

Ali Salam (2020-05-17). Israeli Forces Abduct Child, Two Young Men in West Bank Raids Sunday. imemc.org Israeli forces invaded the West Bank, early Sunday morning, before dawn, and attacked Palestinians in their homes, including a child. The troops then abducted the Palestinians and took them to unknown locations for interrogation. According to local sources, Israeli troops abducted 14-year-old Ammar Thawabteh while he was asleep in his …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-17). Tunisian President Reiterates Support for Palestinian Cause. imemc.org Tunisian President, Qais Said, reportedly said, on Saturday, that his country continues to support the Palestinian people and their cause of justice. The president\'s remarks came on the sidelines of a Ramadan breakfast banquet, he held for various Arab and Islamic ambassadors to Tunisia. \"We in Tunisa are still dedicated …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-17). Armed Israeli Settlers Uproot 40 Olive Trees, South of Nablus. imemc.org Armed Israeli colonists reportedly uprooted, early on Sunday morning, forty olive trees, owned by local Palestinian farmers, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank. Ghassan Daghlas, Palestinian chief for the Israeli settlements\' file in the northern West Bank, told media outlets that dozens of armed Israeli settlers invaded …

Basma Qaddour (2020-05-17). ISIS Terrorists Confess that They Have Carried Out Many Operations in Coordination with US Occupation Forces in Al-Tanf Base. globalresearch.ca During a security operation carried out with the help of the Syrian Badia\'s residents, an ambush was set up against an ISIS terrorist group composed of 6 members where 3 of them were killed and the remaining ones were arrested….

Eric Sommer (2020-05-17). China Declares the U.S. an Enemy: Sea-Change in World Affairs. globalresearch.ca For a long period the Chinese regime has vacillated between seeking accommodation with the U.S.-led imperialist forces to \'do business\' with the western world, and defending itself against the attempted economic, political, and military encirclement and strangulation of China by …

Global Times (2020-05-17). Chinese Ridicule Trump\'s China \'Cut-Off\' Threat. globalresearch.ca \"Is Trump totally insane?\" Experts and the international community couldn\'t help but ask this question after US President Donald Trump threatened to \"cut off the whole relationship\" with China on Thursday in an interview with FOX Business. Observers said that …

SANA (2020-05-17). Video: Three ISIS-Daesh Terrorists Confess to Perpetrating a Number of Operations in Cooperation with US. globalresearch.ca Three Daesh terrorists confess to perpetrating a number of operations in cooperation with US occupation forces in al-Tanf. …

Edward Curtin (2020-05-17). The Online Double-bind. \"Digital Revolution, …. Many More People are Crazy\" globalresearch.ca The trap was set at least twenty-five years ago and the mice jumped at the smell of the cheese. I am referring to the introduction of the computer as a mass necessity and the Internet that followed. I was slow …

Najwan Simri (2020-05-17). Jews to Palestinian Whose Home They Occupy: What Do You Want? globalresearch.ca \"On the anniversary of the

Derrick Broze (2020-05-17). How Big Wireless Lobbied Governments to Build 5G for Citizen Data Collection and Surveillance. globalresearch.ca While selling 5G technology to the public as a means for faster downloads, Big Wireless — comprising a web of telecom companies, lobbyists and law firms— is spending millions to lobby governments the world over to implement the next generation …

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-17). Stuck in Colombia? Our home is your home until you\'re repatriated. colombiareports.com Colombia may maintain its ban on international travel. Your embassy will inform you about repatriation. Meanwhile, our home is your home. President Ivan Duque\'s consideration is not unique. Because Latin…

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-17). Eric Trump Goes on Fox News to Claim That Coronavirus Lockdowns Being Used to Hurt His Father\'s Re-Election Bid. commondreams.org MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle wondered why, in that case, the interview was not being held face-to-face. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/eric.png …

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-17). \'Reality is Radicalizing\': As Pandemic Pushes Biden to Embrace Progressive Ideas He Once Spurned, Left Says We Told You So. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_3.jpg …

Tasnim News (2020-05-17). Google Play Removes Iranian App Used against Coronavirus. iranian.com The anti-Iran sanctions imposed by the \"Wild West\" have forced Google to remove Iranian mobile application \'Mask\', developed to tackle the novel coronavirus and warn people to avoid high-risk areas, from its Play Store, a health official said. Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson Kianoosh Jahanpoor said in a post on his Twitter account that the homegrown …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-17). A New Pandemic? Two Trailblazing COVID-19 Researchers Dead in a Month. strategic-culture.org Academia does not really have a reputation for being riddled with violence and sudden unexplained deaths. Yet at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, two young pioneering researchers from the same obscure field of study met with mysterious ends. | Outside of academic circles, Dr. James Taylor and Dr. Bing Liu were relative unknowns. Inside of the scientific community, however, the two had achieved something like rock-star status. And now, within a period of 30 days, both young men are dead at a time when their talents are needed most. | James Taylor, 1979-2020 | Let\'s first consider the life and work of James Taylo…

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-17). Trump Goes on Offense Against Obama. strategic-culture.org If Donald Trump wants to get re-elected as President of the U.S. he\'s going to have to take out former President Barack Obama. At this point Obama is the person who most stands in his path for a second term. | Former Vice President Joe Biden may well wind up being the nominee but that\'s only because he is Obama\'s stand in since Obama can\'t run for a third term thanks to the only part of the U.S. Constitution anyone seems to give a damn about anymore. | But, make no mistake, the current flap about the unmasking of Trump\'s first (and short-lived) National Security Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn is all about Trump final…

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-17). The Soviet Union Defeated Germany in World War II — Not the Western Forces. strategic-culture.org Eric MARGOLIS | President Donald Trump claimed last week that the US and Britain had won World War II. This was a shameless lie and distortion of the facts. | Many Americans and Canadians like to believe their nations won the war in Europe and give insufficient recognition to the decisive Soviet role. Most Europeans would rather not think about the matter. By contrast, Russians know that it was their soldiers who really won the war. They remain angry that their military achievements are ignored by American triumphalists and myth-makers. | Not only did Stalin\'s Soviet Union play the key role in crushing Nazi Germa…

Staff (2020-05-17). Missouri GOP Votes to Gut Anti-Gerrymandering Reform Approved by Voters. truthout.org This article was produced by While most people are focused on their health and livelihoods amid the pandemic, Republican legislators in Missouri are working to overturn a voter-approved measure meant to make legislativ…

Staff (2020-05-17). Ahmaud Arbery\'s Murder Shows Lynching Remains a Reality for Black America. truthout.org On May 4, Ida B. Wells received a posthumous Pulitzer award.

Staff (2020-05-17). COVID-19 Exposes Systemic Devaluation of Elderly and Dementia Patients. truthout.org I hold my breath when I see I left the nursing home nearly six years ago, but I worry about my friends who still w…

Staff (2020-05-17). Formerly Incarcerated People Should Be Compensated for Telling Their Stories. truthout.org During the 19th-century emancipation movement, some of the most important voices were those of Black abolitionists. \"This was especially true of those who had experienced slavery,\" When they told their stories it \"disabused listeners and readers of the notion that slaves were contented or well-treated,\" Finkenbine said, and even \"unlettered fu…

Staff (2020-05-17). How a Lobbying Campaign Pushed the CDC to Relax Protective Gear Guidelines. truthout.org This story was originally published by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting, a nonprofit news organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more at Rick Lucas\' cellphone chimed, alerting him to an emergency in the acute care unit. He wondered whether it would be another case of COVID…

Tom Coburg (2020-05-17). BMJ damns UK government for mishandling coronavirus outbreak and ignoring science. thecanary.co An editorial in the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) condemns the Johnson-led government for the way it has handled the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and for ignoring the science. It amounts to possibly the most damning criticism of the government\'s management of the pandemic so far. | Moreover, a set of slides seen by The Canary reveals that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) referenced a document, issued in 2019, that provided detailed projections for a major UK epidemic. Yet, this doesn\'t seem to have informed the government\'s response to the crisis. | Early failings: | The…

imperial.ac.uk (2020-05-17). COVID-19 vaccine secures new government investment. imperial.ac.uk Imperial researchers have received a further £18.5 million in government support as they develop a coronavirus vaccine.

Glen Ford (2020-05-16). Leftists jump the Corporate Democratic ship, leaving Sanders behind. mronline.org History may record that the corporate duopoly dike was finally broken in the Time of Plague, with the defection of Bernie\'s former sheep from the Democratic Party.

teleSUR Desk (2020-05-16). U.S. blocks vote on UN\'s bid for global ceasefire amid COVID-19. mronline.org The U.S. veto trashes the UN\'s efforts to convince armed factions in more than a dozen countries to call for temporary truces as the world battles the pandemic.

Matthew J. L. Ehret (2020-05-16). How Huxley\'s X-Club Created Nature Magazine and Sabotaged Science for 150 Years. dissidentvoice.org Amidst the storm of controversy raised by the lab-origin theory of COVID-19 extolled by such figures as Nobel prize winning virologist Luc Montagnier, bioweapons expert Francis Boyle, Sri Lankan Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the head of Iran\'s Revolutionary Guard, an elaborate project was undertaken under the nominal helm of Nature magazine in order to refute …

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-16). Iran: Socialist, Internationalist, Powerful and Determined. dissidentvoice.org I refuse to describe Iran as a victim. It is not. It is one of the most influential and strong-minded nations on Earth. When facing mortal danger, its people unite, harden themselves and get ready to face invaders, no matter how threatening they might be. Iran determined despite attacks Iran is home to one of …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-16). Techno-Tyranny: How the U.S. National Security State is Using Coronavirus to Fulfill an Orwellian Vision. strategic-culture.org Whitney WEBB | LAST YEAR, A GOVERNMENT COMMISSION CALLED FOR THE US TO ADOPT AN AI-DRIVEN MASS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FAR BEYOND THAT USED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN ORDER TO ENSURE AMERICAN HEGEMONY IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. NOW, MANY OF THE \"OBSTACLES\" THEY HAD CITED AS PREVENTING ITS IMPLEMENTATION ARE RAPIDLY BEING REMOVED UNDER THE GUISE OF COMBATING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. | Last year, a U.S. government body dedicated to examining how artificial intelligence can \"address the national security and defense needs of the United States\" discussed in detail the \"structural\" changes that the American economy and socie…

The Canary (2020-05-16). Senior police officer accused of \'one rule for him, and one rule for the rest of us\' after travelling to family home. thecanary.co A senior British Transport Police (BTP) officer has come under fire after he travelled from Glasgow to his family home in Yorkshire during lockdown.BTP confirmed chief superintendent Eddie Wylie returned to Yorkshire from his rented flat in Glasgow on two occasions between 21 March and 13 May, but said he did not breach Covid-19 regulations.It said that on both occasions he travelled home alone and by car to minimise any possible exposure to others.But Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said the journeys suggest Wylie \"believes there is one rule for him, and one rule for the rest of us\", and the officers has…

RT (2020-05-16). Biggest change in 231 years: Citing Covid-19, US House of Representatives adopts proxy votes & remote meetings in party-line vote. rt.com The US House of Representatives will allow members to cast votes for up to 10 others and hold hearings remotely. Billed as temporary due to the coronavirus outbreak, the rule change is the most radical in over two centuries. | The new rules passed on Friday evening in a 217-189 vote, with three Democrats and one Independent joining the Republicans in bipartisan opposition. | Democrats, who currently control the chamber, pushed for the change this week, calling it \"a common-sense solution to an unprecedented crisis that demands our ingenuity and adaptability as an institution,\" in the words of House Majority Le…

RT (2020-05-16). House Democrats push through $3 TRILLION Covid-19 relief bill as GOP puts up resistance to \'progressive wishlist\'. rt.com Democratic lawmakers have passed a massive $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, the largest bill to ever move through Congress, but the Senate is likely to block the law, with Republicans deeming it a progressive \"wishlist.\" | The 1,800-page bill passed 208-199 on Friday in a vote largely along party lines, with all but 14 Democrats voting in its favor, joined by a single GOP rep — Peter King of New York. | Introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) without consultation from lawmakers across the aisle, the expansive law will provide financial relief for state and local governments, hazard pay…

RT (2020-05-16). Dems launch ANOTHER Trump probe — after he fires State Dept official who was investigating Pompeo & pushed a new \'dossier\'. rt.com Two Democrat-led committees on Capitol Hill have launched a fresh investigation into President Trump. This probe focuses on allegations that Trump fired a State Department employee for political reasons. | Trump informed Congress on Friday that he intends to fire State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, claiming he \"no longer\" had confidence in him. | By Saturday, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-New York) and Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) sent a letter to the White House, alleging the firing was \"politically-motivated,\" and announcin…

RT (2020-05-16). \'Camera off, mask off?\' CNN reporter blasted for removing mask seconds after end of WH press briefing. rt.com CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins has been accused of Covid-19 theatrics, as she was caught hastily removing her face mask after a White House briefing. Collins has criticized Donald Trump for not wearing masks in public. | Despite the president\'s \'masks are optional\' policy at White House briefings, the CNN journalist, like most of her colleagues, wore one during the press event on Friday. | However, when Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany walked off the podium, Collins wasted no time in taking off the protective item as she brushed past other people in the room — a social distancing faux pas in the age of…

RT (2020-05-16). Trump vows to strip \'radical left\' of \'TOTAL COMMAND\' over FB, IG, Twitter & Google. rt.com President Donald Trump has vowed to break the \"radical left\'s\" apparent control of social media platforms. Earlier, the president thanked his \"keyboard warriors\" for their support, as they accused the tech firms of censorship. | \"The Radical Left is in total command & control of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google,\" Trump tweeted on Saturday. \"The Administration is working to remedy this illegal situation. Stay tuned, and send names & events.\" | The Radical Left is in total command & control of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google. The Administration is working to remedy this illegal situation. Stay tun…

Eva Bartlett (2020-05-16). Daesh terrorists Confess Terrorism Done In Coordination With US Occupation Forces. thealtworld.com SANA, \"Through a security operation, that was launched in cooperation with Syrian citizens in al-Badyah (Syrian semi-desert), an ambush has targeted a group from Daesh terrorist organization, including 6 persons. | The security operation ended up with killing three of the groups and arresting the three others. …The three terrorists, in a program broadcast on the Syrian TV on Thursday, confessed to perpetrating different terrorist operations, inducing acts of killing, execution, abduction, acts of sabotage and destruction of public and private properties…

Rania Khalek (2020-05-16). Rania & Anya Show: Venezuela invasion, Bolivia coup, China conspiracies w/ Wyatt Reed. thealtworld.com Rania Khalek and Anya Parampil discuss the attempted mercenary invasion of Venezuela, conspiracies about China and Covid-19, and the aftermath of the US-backed military coup against Bolivia\'s democratically elected government, with journalist Wyatt Reed, who was on the ground in Bolivia reporting on the violent repression.

Caitlin Johnstone (2020-05-16). Revolutionary Boiling Point, And Other Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix. thealtworld.com Still mad at China\'s brutal authoritarian government for imprisoning Julian Assange after his journalism exposed Chinese war crimes. | ~ | Arresting people for future crimes is called \"pre-crime\", and it\'s the stuff of dystopian horror fiction. | Violently dominating an entire planet because another country might hurt yours in the future is called \"US foreign policy\", and it\'s the stuff of mainstream news punditry. | ~ | Saying a US politician is bad on foreign policy but good on domestic policy is a bit like saying \"Yeah my boyfriend murders hitchhikers, but he cooks.\" | ~ | Dominant revolutionary thought…

Staff (2020-05-16). The ŸêAnnexation After Seventy-Two Years Of Continuous Nakba. imemc.org By: Marwan E. Toubassi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Greece:…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-16). On Nakba Day, Palestinians vow to continue resistance. peoplesdispatch.org May 15 is the anniversary of the Nakba, which means catastrophe or disaster. The day marks the forced exodus of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during the formation of Israel in 1948. This year, despite the COVID-19 quarantine, Palestinians across the world will mark the Nakba. Despite Netanyahu\'s apartheid policies and Trump\'s fradulent deal of the century, the resistance of the people of Palestine continues.

Ralph Nader (2020-05-16). Trump: Letting Big Corporations Get Away with Whatever They Want. commondreams.org President Donald Trump walks to the Oval Office after attending a ceremony at the South Portico of the White House on Thursday, September 26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/donald_trump_0_2.png …

The Lancet (2020-05-16). [Editorial] Reviving the US CDC. thelancet.com The COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen in the USA with 1 ∑3 million cases and an estimated death toll of 80‚Äà684 as of May 12. States that were initially the hardest hit, such as New York and New Jersey, have decelerated the rate of infections and deaths after the implementation of 2 months of lockdown. However, the emergence of new outbreaks in Minnesota, where the stay-at-home order is set to lift in mid-May, and Iowa, which did not enact any restrictions on movement or commerce, has prompted pointed new questions about the inconsistent and incoherent national response to the COVID-19…

Richard Horton (2020-05-16). [Comment] Offline: Don\'t let COVID-19 divert us completely. thelancet.com Dr Robert Spencer, a trustee of Dr Edward Jenner\'s House, Garden and Museum in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, UK, wrote to me last week on the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox (May 8). He was polite but disappointed: \"On this day in 1980 the WHO announced the eradication of smallpox from the world. This infection, which probably caused more deaths than any other disease, was finally condemned to the history books. Sorry to see you had no space in this week\'s edition of The Lancet to commemorate this milestone, especially at a time of COVID-19 pandemic.\" Dr Spencer was right to admonish me.

Ali Salam (2020-05-16). Israeli Forces Shoot, Assault and Injure 5 Palestinian Protestors near Nablus. imemc.org Israeli forces attacked a peaceful protest, on Friday, and wounded five Palestinians in the village of As-Sawiya, south of Nablus, in the northern occupied West Bank. Quds News Network correspondent stated that dozens of Palestinians held a peaceful protest, waving Palestinian flags, to express their opposition to Israel\'s illegal settlement …

Staff (2020-05-16). Exploiting Pandemic, Trump Admin Weighs Banning Immigration Indefinitely. truthout.org Earlier this week, the Trump administration started hinting that With the country entirely preoccupied by the public health and economic catastrophes, and with protest all but impossible given the dangers of congregating in large crowds, Tr…

Gary Younge (2020-05-16). Can Britain Survive Boris Johnson? thenation.com Can Britain Survive Boris Johnson?

news.un (2020-05-16). Cultivating a taste for traditional crops in Hawaii. news.un.org Hundreds of millions of people go hungry around the world, and there are fears the COVID-19 pandemic could make matters worse. In Hawaii, researchers think that bringing back overlooked, traditional crops, could help feed many vulnerable people. As part of an ongoing series focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals and ahead of International Day of Biodiversity marked annually on 22 May, UN News travelled to Hawaii with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to see how researchers are trying to cultivate a taste for indigenous crops.

Wayne Madsen (2020-05-16). Lack of Empathy Equates to a Lack of Leadership Skills. thealtworld.com Trump never has and never will experience empathy and thousands of Americans and others have died and are dying because of it, Wayne Madsen writes. | U.S. Army Field Manual 6-22, titled \"Leadership Development,\" states that the ability to show empathy toward others is a key factor in exhibiting Army leadership qualities. Donald Trump, who is ordering all 1000 graduating U.S. Army cadets at West Point back to campus on June 13 from sheltering at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, does not possess the leadership skills that have been drilled into each of the new Army Second Lieutenants who will be present for Tr…

Michael Otto (2020-05-16). Ecuador\'s pandemic: Rightist regime fails to confront crisis. workers.org Ibarra, Ecuador May 9 — During March and April, U.S. and European media spewed out shocking images from Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador and capital of the province of Guayas on the Pacific Coast. No one in the port city of 2.9 million is untouched by the death of . . . |

Finian Cunningham (2020-05-16). Trump Wants to Cut Off China in Guilt-Projection Meltdown. thealtworld.com China involved in pandemic cover-up? That\'s the most audacious American guilt-projection since the \"War on Terror\". | So President Trump, the self-declared business genius, wants to cut off the whole relationship with China and \"save America $500 billion a year\". That\'s what he told Fox News this week in an

Stewart Lansley (2020-05-16). It\'s time for a basic, guaranteed income for all. thecanary.co The pandemic crisis has laid bare the multiple flaws in the British system of social support. With the economy shrinking and unemployment soaring, the government has been forced to support falling incomes through wage subsidies and the easing of

Tiffany Duong (2020-05-16). States sue Trump EPA for suspending environmental regulations during pandemic. nationofchange.org Polluters are allowed, at their sole discretion, to stop monitoring and reporting air emissions and water pollution levels during the outbreak.

Ali Salam (2020-05-16). Israeli Forces Isolate Ya\'bad Town, Assault Disabled Palestinian Man. imemc.org Israeli forces blocked all entrances to Ya\'bad town, west of Jenin city, on Friday morning, after several days of military invasions into the northern West Bank town. On Tuesday, a 21-year old Israeli soldier was killed during a pre-dawn invasion of the town, the military has since invaded the town …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-16). Israeli Troops Throw Fire Bombs, Burn Palestinian Homes, Farm Land in Hebron. imemc.org Israeli troops reportedly fired, on Friday evening, fire bombs in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron, causing Palestinian-owned farm lands to be set ablaze. Palestinian sources in Yatta village, south of Hebron, said that Israeli troops fired some torch bombs in the sky over Hebron, which burned half …

Staff (2020-05-16). Israeli Hospital Guards Kill Epileptic Palestinian Man. imemc.org Security guards at a Tel Aviv hospital on Wednesday killed an epileptic Palestinian man in front of his mother. He was killed at the entrance to the hospital where he frequently received treatment for his epilepsy. Mustafa Younis, from Aara town, was killed by the guards after an argument at …

IMEMC & Agencies (2020-05-16). Israeli Courts Extend Detention of 47 Palestinian Prisoners. imemc.org Two Israeli military courts reportedly extended, on Saturday, the detention of 47 Palestinian prisoners. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Prisoners\' Society (PPS) said, early this morning, that the Israeli military courts of Ofer and Salem, extended the detention of 47 Palestinian prisoners, under some pretexts. The PPS noted that the courts\' decisions …

graham (2020-05-16). Johnson lies to parliament about care homes lockdown. truepublica.org.uk Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Britain\'s parliament on Wednesday that his government moved swiftly to protect the country\'s vulnerable care homes. Under increasing pressure to defend his record on fighting Covid-19, he said: \"We brought in the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown.\" An examination by Reuters of the guidance issued to …

Derrick Broze (2020-05-16). Trump Appoints Big Pharma Exec Connected to Bill Gates to Head Vaccine Developments. thelastamericanvagabond.com On Friday, Donald Trump announced his appointment of Moncef Slaoui, a former executive with vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, to lead \"Operation Warp Speed\", Trump\'s plan to fast track the development of vaccines for COVID-19. Slaoui will serve in a volunteer position, assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. According …

Andrea Mazzarino (2020-05-16). How Covid-19 Is Affecting Military Families. thenation.com How Covid-19 Is Affecting Military Families…

Derrick Broze (2020-05-16). This U.S. State Has Already Established Legal Means for Mandatory Vaccinations. thelastamericanvagabond.com While the U.S. government and global health \"authorities\" debate how quickly they can roll out Contact Tracing surveillance programs and fast track vaccines, Americans are left wondering and debating over whether the vaccinations programs for COVID-19 might end up being mandatory. It is true that Donald Trump has acknowledged that, \"We are looking for a …

Larry Holmes (2020-05-16). Pandemia ha acelerado etapa final del capitalismo — °El resto depende de nosotros! — un análisis. workers.org La semana pasada, los trabajadores celebraron el Día Internacional de los Trabajadores 2020. No ha habido otro momento en nuestras vidas en que el mensaje del Primero de Mayo, —la solidaridad global de los trabajadores en la lucha contra el capitalismo— haya sido más urgente. Hemos entrado en un período . . . |

(2020-05-16). Sekou Odinga: \'The right to struggle by any and all means\'. workers.org These slightly edited remarks were given April 24 at the \"U.S. Empire vs. Political Prisoners\" webinar teach-in sponsored by Mobilization4Mumia and held in honor of the 66th birthday of political prisoner and revolutionary Mumia Abu-Jamal, incarcerated for 39 years by the U.S. state. By Sekou Odinga I\'m a representative of . . . |

(2020-05-16). Marc Lamont Hill: \'Outside the logic of the prison\' on Mumia\'s birthday. workers.org By Marc Lamont Hill These slightly edited remarks were given April 24 at the \"U.S. Empire vs. Political Prisoners\" webinar teach-in sponsored by Mobilization4Mumia and held in honor of the 66th birthday of political prisoner and revolutionary Mumia Abu-Jamal, incarcerated for 39 years by the U.S. state. Marc Lamont Hill . . . |

a guest author (2020-05-16). Rashid Johnson: \'Prison has always served a particular political function\'. workers.org Remarks were given April 24 at the \"U.S. Empire vs. Political Prisoners\" webinar teach-in sponsored by Mobilization4Mumia and held in honor of the 66th birthday of political prisoner and revolutionary Mumia Abu-Jamal, incarcerated for 39 years by the U.S. state. Kevin Rashid Johnson, currently incarcerated in the Pendleton Correctional Facility . . . |

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-16). Big Oil Taking $1.9 Billion in CARES Act Tax Breaks Aimed at Helping Small Businesses in \'Stealth Bailout\': Report. commondreams.org \"In the name of 'small business,' we're shoveling out billions of dollars to big corporations and rich guys.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/cash-in-covid-big-oil_0.jpg …

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-16). \'Slow Moving Coup\': Outrage After Trump Quietly Fires State Department Inspector General Friday Night. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/linick.jpg …

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-16). \'We Can and Must Do Better\': House Passes Massive $3 Trillion Relief Package, But Progressives Say More Must Be Done. commondreams.org \"We must give people real relief and certainty before this crisis gets worse—because if we fail to do so, it will.\" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/pelosi_7.jpg …

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-16). Architects Of American Carnage. strategic-culture.org Who cares what the Neocons think? They have no moral authority to police the bounds of allowable opinion | John A. BURTKA IV | The banner of principled conservatism is now being carried by the architects of American carnage. By \"principled conservatives\" all they mean is that they are conservatives who oppose the Republican president. If they have principles—foreign policy interventionism and neoliberal economics—they are bad ones. After The Weekly Standard closed its doors, Bill Kristol and his gang moved on to start new web publications like The Bulwark and The Dispatch. From their new perches, they…

Staff (2020-05-16). House Passes $3 Trillion Relief Package, But Progressives Say More Must Be Done. truthout.org The Democrat majority House of Representatives passed a massive, $3 trillion coronavirus relief stimulus package known as the HEROES Act roughly along party lines on Friday night despite progressive concerns over the bill\'s provisions. | \"The truth is that while a significant step in the right direction, the bill does not go far enough to provide urgently needed economic relief to the millions of people who lost their income and whose families are now standing in food lines,\" Ana Maria Archi…

Staff (2020-05-16). Whistleblower Says Systemic Mortgage Fraud Has Returned to Wall Street. truthout.org Among the toxic contributors to the financial crisis of 2008, few caused as much havoc as Twelve yea…

John McEvoy (2020-05-16). Venezuela calls on UK government to \'abandon coup-mongering plans\' after The Canary\'s investigation. thecanary.co Following an investigation by The Canary, the Venezuelan government has Venezuela Reconstruction Unit: | On 13 May, The Canary

Project Censored (2020-05-16). Episode 84 — The History of 420 and Teaching in Quarantine with Ben Boyington (Vice President of ACME). projectcensored.org Along the Line, is a member of the Demcast network, brought to you by the Media Freedom Foundation. On today\'s episode hosts Nicholas Baham III (Dr. Dreadlocks), Janice Domingo, and Nolan…

M. K. Bhadrakumar (2020-05-15). Russia makes a botch of its Syrian alliance. iranian.com Russia\'s relationships with its client states have never been easy. Of course, managing client states is always a complicated exercise. The Kremlin\'s cupboard is full of skeletons — Hungary (1956), Czechoslovakia (1968), Cuba (1962), Afghanistan (1980), Ukraine (2014) and so on. What complicates Russia\'s relationship with Syria is that two strong-willed, highly self-opinionated leaders are also …

Alan Macleod (2020-05-15). Study: Coronavirus Has a Been a Massive Boon for America\'s Billionaires. mintpressnews.com A new study found that in the past eight weeks alone, the country\'s super wealthy have added a further $368.8 billion to their already enormous fortunes.

Alan Macleod (2020-05-15). Study: Coronavirus Has Been a Massive Boon for America\'s Billionaires. mintpressnews.com A new study found that in the past eight weeks alone, the country\'s super wealthy have added a further $368.8 billion to their already enormous fortunes.

Alan Macleod (2020-05-15). As US Reels From COVID-19, Trump Turns to Sanctions, War Making and Threats. mintpressnews.com The Trump admin has decisively chosen war over peace and conflict over cooperation. Yet it appears less able than ever to coerce the world into following its lead.

Mirinda Crissman (2020-05-15). Andrea Circle Bear and six centuries of genocide. workers.org Andrea Circle Bear, of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation near Eagle Butte, S.D., was the 29th federal inmate to die due to the coronavirus in Bureau of Prisons custody. She was sentenced to serve 26 months. Circle Bear was being held at Tripp County Jail in South Dakota up until . . . |

Mark Gruenberg (2020-05-15). Back to work, or else: Trump administration tells states to pull unemployment benefits. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—GOP President Donald Trump\'s Labor Secretary, Eugene Scalia, and his #2 who runs the agency that oversees jobless benefits want employers to report—and states to bar benefits from—workers who fear returning to their old jobs because their employers won\'t protect them against the coronavirus. The memo, from John Pallasch, a GOP operative, an advocate for …

Eve Ottenberg (2020-05-15). The Covid-19 Testing Fiasco. counterpunch.org From the start, testing for Covid-19 in the U.S. has been abysmal. Experts agree that without adequate testing, the disease cannot be stopped. Poor testing means no idea how many are infected or how to trace and quarantine their contacts or how to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. There has been speculation that the Trump

IndustriALL (2020-05-15). India: Right wing uses COVID-19 to implement 12-hour workday, 72-hour week. peoplesworld.org Some Indian states are using coronavirus as a pretext to attack working conditions. Many have increased the working day to 12 hours, while others have suspended or provided exemptions to labor law. State governments, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, have increased the workday to 12 hours and the standard workweek to …

John Wojcik (2020-05-15). Whistleblower Dr. Rick Bright testifies winter could be \'darkest in modern history\'. peoplesworld.org Dr. Rick Bright, the top Health and Human Services official dumped by Trump for blowing the whistle on the administration\'s disastrous response to the coronavirus pandemic, testified to Congress Thursday that essentially everything the president is saying about his administration\'s response to the pandemic is a lie. One of the most damaging of those lies, …

Janine Jackson (2020-05-15). Foreign Policy Sees \'Repression\' in Vietnam\'s Fight Against Coronavirus – In the US, government may surveill you, but at least it doesn't protect your health. fair.org Foreign Policy ( A recent piece in Foreign Policy (

CounterSpin (2020-05-15). Ari Berman on Voter Suppression and Coronavirus. fair.org Media…

Winslow Wheeler (2020-05-15). Do the Most Severe Lockdowns Coincide to the Highest COVID-19 Death Rates? counterpunch.org The organization Our World in Data is running an article on the severity of government lockdown policies used to deal with the Covid-19 disease, \"How Are Governments Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic?\". It is shows rankings of the severity (\"stringency\") on nine measures of lockdown policies throughout the world; it also addresses testing and tracking.

Pam Martens, Russ Martens (2020-05-15). The Fed Hasn\'t Spent a Dime Yet for Main Street Versus $735 Billion for Wall Street. counterpunch.org The stimulus bill known as the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) was signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27. Among its many features (such as direct checks to struggling Americans and enhancing unemployment compensation by $600 per week for four months to unemployed workers so they could pay

Patricio Zamorano (2020-05-15). Guaidó and the Failed Military Operation Against Venezuela: a Story of Betrayal and Financial Corruption. counterpunch.org Now that we have had a few days to study the failed, illegal paramilitary incursion by a group of American and Venezuelan mercenaries into Venezuela, some key details have emerged in this incredible story. They reveal the internal dynamics of the fractured, demoralized, and financially corrupt nature of the hardline sectors of the opposition. Much

A. Majumdar (2020-05-15). PDF download of May 14 issue. workers.org Download entire 12-page PDF here. Justice for Ahmaud Arbery. Kent State and Jackson State. Also: COVID‚Äë19: capitalism\'s end stage; workers resist. Editorial: Changing narrative in Michigan. World: China, Vietnam, Haiti, Ecuador. Tear down prisons: victory in PA; San Quentin caravan; No cages for migrants; Global prisons & white supremacy; Solidarity . . . |

Kimball Cariou (2020-05-15). Fake pandemic science and conspiracy theories a key part of far-right agenda. peoplesworld.org When is science not actually scientific? One answer is that research which cherry-picks and manipulates facts to support a preconceived hypothesis is not truly scientific. Long after Galileo and Copernicus demolished the Ptolemaic theory, some highly educated scientists kept creating astronomical models showing that the sun, planets, and stars revolve around Earth. The sheer weight …

Vijay Prashad (2020-05-15). Hunger gnaws at the edges of the World. mronline.org On 21 April, the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) David Beasley said that the world was experiencing a \'hunger pandemic\'. That day, the Global Network Against Food Crises and the Food Security Information Network released the 2020 Global Report on Food Crises.

Dean Baker (2020-05-15). Corruption and the Pandemic Bailout. counterpunch.org Neil Irwin had an interesting New York Times piece on how concerns about moral hazard in the bailout may damage the recovery. The gist of the article is that the fear that bad actors will be wrongly rewarded will prevent us from spending enough money to get the economy back on its feet. Irwin\'s point

Conn Hallinan (2020-05-15). War and Plagues: Military Spending During a Pandemic. counterpunch.org Welcome to the world of the hypersonic weapons, devices that are not only superfluous, but which will almost certainly not work, They will, however, cost enormous amounts of money. At a time when countries across the globe are facing economic chaos, financial deficits and unemployment at Great Depression levels, arms manufacturers are set to cash in big.

Staff (2020-05-15). The Secretive Police Commission The Justice Department Doesn\'t Want You To Notice. therealnews.com PAR learns about life under lockdown with COVID-19 from a guest just released from 10 months of incarceration, and examines the secretive police commission created by Attorney General Barr.

Raul Diego (2020-05-15). Massachusetts Contact Tracing Program Handed to Clinton-Linked NGO with Questionable Past. mintpressnews.com A new contact tracing program was recently unveiled in Massachusetts in partnership with Partners in Health, an NGO with links to US regime change operations, big pharma and the Clinton Foundation.

Staff (2020-05-15). Climate Crisis: KXL Ruling, Unity Task Force, California Pollution, and TRNN\'s New Climate Reporter. therealnews.com Climate activists get a big court win on Keystone XL as the Biden and Sanders camps unite. California has delayed air pollution rules at the behest of industry during COVID-19 as polluting oil tankers line its coast.

Staff (2020-05-15). HEROES Act Includes Utility Shutoff Ban, $4 Billion For Broadband Access. therealnews.com Republicans oppose the HEROES Act provision to expand broadband, but students and educators say lack of internet access is a major roadblock to learning in low income and rural communities.

Maxximilian Seijo (2020-05-15). #Unis4all: An Open Letter to the U.S. Higher Education Community. mronline.org Universities can immediately bypass feckless state & federal legislatures & finance themselves directly with \"Unis\" supported by the Federal Reserve For a growing majority of outspoken administrators and faculty, the economic fallout associated with the Covid-19 crisis threatens to catapult U. S. higher education into a draconian age of austerity, layoffs, and closures. The question, …

Tony McKenna (2020-05-15). El Diego: the Two Lives of Maradona. counterpunch.org 22 June 1986. A world cup quarter-final is about to play out in the Estadio Azteca stadium at the heart of Mexico City. Under the billowing blue skies and the streaming sunlight the pitch is shadowless and pastel green. The teams line up. The English in white. The Argentinians in blue. As the Argentine anthem plays, the camera moves across the team, before lingering momentarily on the solemn, stormy features of the captain — a small, squat man, a head shorter than his teammates, his dark, handsome features shadowed with determination. Diego. Armando. Maradona. Despite the blue, open vistas of the sky and th…

Ariel Gold (2020-05-15). My Israeli Nemesis is Moving to America. counterpunch.org My first run-in with Israeli politician Gilad Erdan took place on July 1, 2018, when I arrived at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, passport and visa in hand. After seven hours of interrogation, I was told that Erdan had had my visa revoked and was sending me directly back to the U.S. \"We prevented

Paul Street (2020-05-15). Dark Winter? Honey Badger Trump Don\'t Care. counterpunch.org \"This coalition of the business elite, right-wing Christian evangelicals, and white nationalists and other white supremacists is very dangerous. Fascism is ultimately a death cult.\" — Jason Stanley , May 11, 2020 From the Annals of \"The Most Dangerous Criminal in Human History\" Despite timely alerts given by senior public health experts and warnings from

Sue Harris (2020-05-15). The struggle and personal growth. workers.org What motivates some people to dominate and/or destroy, based on their illusory sense of superiority, even when it is against their own interests? Who are these people who profess to be acting in the name of \"freedom and individual liberty,\" while gathering together and refusing to wear protective masks in . . . |

a guest author (2020-05-15). Political Prisoners Teach-In: \'We got out because of the people\'. workers.org These slightly edited remarks were given April 24 at the \"U.S. Empire vs. Political Prisoners\" webinar teach-in sponsored by Mobilization4Mumia and held in honor of the 66th birthday of political prisoner and revolutionary Mumia Abu-Jamal, incarcerated for 39 years by the U.S. state. By Janet Africa On the Move! Happy . . . |

Staff (2020-05-15). \"Can Democracy Survive the Pandemic?\": Election Hangs in the Balance as Trump Attacks Mail-In Voting. democracynow.org The coronavirus pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to the November presidential election, as President Trump and the GOP capitalize on the moment to attack voting rights. We speak with Emily Bazelon, staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, whose new cover story examines the bureaucratic and political challenges of mobilizing widespread vote-by-mail by November. We also speak with Jena Griswold, secretary of state of Colorado, which already has universal vote-by-mail and the second-highest voter turnout in the country.

Jeffrey St. Clair (2020-05-15). Roaming Charges: Unmasked and Anonymous. counterpunch.org I\'m hyped for some ObamaGate action, as long as its about things that matter: health care plan designed by Heritage Foundation, bailing out Wall Street, failing to close Gitmo, droning US citizens, Afghan surge, the jailing of whistleblowers and legal harassment of journalists, the Libyan and Honduran coups, mass surveillance, the funding and arming of proxy wars in Yemen and Syria, record deportations, Deepwater Horizon, new nukes (both power plants and weapons), etc…

RT (2020-05-15). Jailing people who use Covid-19 as bioweapon would be \'discrimination.\' So better lock up everyone instead? rt.com Accidentally spreading Covid-19 is wanting grandma dead, say opponents of ending lockdowns. Yet activists now worry that proposed laws to punish those who threaten to spread it deliberately would discriminate against minorities. | A Florida man spat and coughed on a police officer responding to a domestic violence call, and faces up to five years in prison on a federal charge of biological weapons hoax (he was negative for Covid-19). Another man in Texas, who falsely claimed on Facebook that he paid someone to spread the virus at local grocery stores, was charged with the same thing. A Michigan man who wiped h…

Staff (2020-05-15). \"The Wuhan of the Americas\": U.S. Deports COVID-19-Positive Immigrants to Haiti & Guatemala. democracynow.org The United States continues to deport thousands during the coronavirus pandemic, causing a dangerous spread of COVID-19 to Central America and the Caribbean. We speak with Haitian American novelist Edwidge Danticat, who says \"U.S. deportations to Haiti during coronavirus pandemic are \'unconscionable,\'\" and go to Guatemala City for an update from reporter José Alejandro García Escobar.

Staff (2020-05-15). Democracy At Stake: \"Faithless Electors\" SCOTUS Case Tests If Electoral College Members Can Go Rogue. democracynow.org The Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday in a case that could shape the outcome of future presidential elections. The question at hand was whether Electoral College members can \"go rogue\" and support candidates who did not win the state\'s popular vote. In 2016, one of Colorado\'s nine electors, Michael Baca, attempted to cast his Electoral College ballot for Republican John Kasich instead of Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Colorado secretary of state at the time — a Republican — removed Baca as an elector. Colorado is one of 31 other states that has a law requiring presidential electors to vote for…

The Canary (2020-05-15). Vast majority support Scottish government\'s lockdown strategy. thecanary.co The majority of the public back the Scottish government\'s lockdown approach, according to polling announced by Nicola Sturgeon.At her daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, the first minister said government polling shows 84% support a \"slow and gradual\" lifting of restrictions, while 82% agree that before further significant changes to lockdown are made the impact of those already introduced should be assessed.The survey also found 86% said \"decisions on when and how to lift restrictions must be based on saving lives and protecting the NHS\".Nicola Sturgeon said she will outline her thoughts on easing lockdown nex…

The Canary (2020-05-15). \'Worrying data\' reveals more than 12,500 people in care homes have now died with Covid-19. thecanary.co More than 12,500 people living in care homes have now died with Covid-19, with the majority dying in their care home, new figures show.Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that just over one in four of all deaths of care home residents in England and Wales between March 2 and May 1 involved Covid-19.Of 45,899 care home residents who died during this period, 27% (12,526) had Covid-19 mentioned on their death certificate.Some 9,039 (72%) of the deaths occurred within a care home and 27% were in hospital.(PA Graphics)The latest data includes all care home residents who died with coronavirus eit…

RT (2020-05-15). MILLIONS of Americans dead from Covid-19? 85k jobs lost? What? Joe Biden commits gaffe after gaffe in confusing broadcast. rt.com Joe Biden has once again caught flak for his creative and often confusing oratory, this time after the former VP and presumptive Democratic nominee struggled to relay how many Americans have died from coronavirus. | Speaking during a \"virtual round table,\" Biden argued that playing the \"blame game\" during the ongoing health crisis would be counterproductive. But when it came time to relaying exactly what politicians might blame each other for, the presidential candidate faltered. | \"We\'re in the middle of a pandemic that has cost us more than 85,000 jobs as of today. Lives of millions of people, millions of pe…

RT (2020-05-15). Define \'distribute\'! Trump mobilizing MILITARY to deliver Covid-19 vaccine \'assuming we get it,\' sparks conspiracy frenzy. rt.com US President Donald Trump said the military is gearing up to distribute a coronavirus vaccine when one is ready, unleashing a torrent of takes from conspiracy-minded netizens, many sounding alarms over mandatory inoculations. | American GIs are already being mobilized to parcel out a future vaccine to \"most of the population,\" Trump told Fox Business\' Maria Bartiromo in an interview on Thursday, giving a highly optimistic end-of-the-year time frame even as many experts suggest a remedy won\'t be ready for mass distribution for another 12 to 18 months. | \"We\'re mobilizing our military on the basis that we do hav…

RT (2020-05-15). Trump says govt will work at \'WARP SPEED\' to deliver vaccine BEFORE year\'s end. rt.com President Donald Trump has promised to deliver a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year or earlier, saying that the government will invest in potential candidates. He added that, vaccine or no vaccine, America will reopen. | Speaking to reporters in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, Trump unveiled \"Operation Warp Speed,\" a public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the development of a vaccine for Covid-19, the deadly virus that has infected more than 4.5 million people worldwide and killed more than 300,000. | \"This is an endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project…

RT (2020-05-15). Trump salutes his \'keyboard warriors,\' but has he actually curtailed corporate online censorship? rt.com President Donald Trump has paid his respects to the legions of online meme-makers and \"keyboard warriors\" who helped him get elected. But among these netizens, many feel the president hasn\'t done enough to fight online censorship. | \"Thank you to all of my great Keyboard Warriors,\" Trump tweeted on Friday. \"You are better, and far more brilliant, than anyone on Madison Avenue (Ad Agencies). There is nobody like you!\" | Thank you to all of my great Keyboard Warriors. You are better, and far more brilliant, than anyone on Madison Avenue (Ad Agencies). There is nobody like you!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonald…

RT (2020-05-15). New Yorkers confused as Gov. Cuomo extends NY Pause and stay-at-home orders to seemingly contradictory dates. rt.com New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has extended the state\'s \"NY Pause\" economic shutdown until the end of May while stretching the stay-at-home order halfway into June, confusing residents already chafing under extended lockdown. | With both measures set to expire at midnight and five of the state\'s 10 economic regions entering the first phase of reopening, Cuomo poured cold water on any premature celebration by downstate residents on Friday, extending both Covid-19 executive orders by several weeks. | For those regions that haven\'t met the governor\'s stated criteria involving a decrease in hospital admissions, te…

RT (2020-05-15). \'But will it fly at ludicrous speed?\' Trump teases mysterious \'SUPER DUPER MISSILE\' at Space Force flag unveiling ceremony. rt.com US President Donald Trump has offered a sneak peak into the future of American military tech, talking up what he called a \"super duper missile,\" but his scientific terminology was simply too much for some netizens to take. | The comment came during an Oval Office ceremony to unveil the official flag of the Space Force on Friday, with Trump taking a brief detour into state-of-the-art hardware under development at the Pentagon. | \"We have, I call it the Super Duper Missile. And I heard the other night [it\'s] 17 times faster than what they have right now,\" Trump said. | TRUMP: \"We have, I call it the \'Super Duper…