(2021-02-23). Neither Washington Nor Beijing? popularresistance.org A newcomer to politics would likely assume that members of the global left support the People's Republic of China. It is after all led by a communist party, with Marxism as its guiding ideology. During the period since the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to power in 1949, the Chinese people have experienced an unprecedented improvement in their living standards and human development. Life expectancy has increased from 361 to 772 years. Literacy has increased from an estimated 20 percent3 to 97 percent.4 The social and economic position of women has improved beyond recognition (one example being that, before t…
(2021-02-23). The Fake Debate Over a Minimum Wage. counterpunch.org 
Capitalism's "conservative" defenders yet again oppose raising the minimum wage. They fought raising it in the past much as they tried to prevent the Fair Labor Standards Act (1938) that first mandated a U.S. minimum wage. The major argument opponents have used is this: setting or raising a minimum wage threatens small employers. They may collapse or else fire employees; either way, jobs are lost. What is conveniently assumed here is a necessary contradiction between minimum wages and small business jobs. That assumption enables opponents to claim that not setting a legal minimum wage, like not raising it, saves…
(2021-02-23). Snap Decisions: Victoria's Third Lockdown. counterpunch.org The Queen Victoria Market in Australia's second largest city, Melbourne, is usually a thriving affair. Like any ancient agora, people travel to meet there, purchase fresh produce, and natter. The fruit and vegetable vendors are all colour, a profusion of smells and noise. The meat market heaves with patrons keen to snap up deals; the
(2021-02-23). Morons, Vaccines and Tennis: Booing at the Australian Open. counterpunch.org It was a fittingly poor conclusion to a tournament that risked being cancelled, run to ground, or even rendered stillborn. The tennis world number one, Novak Djokovic, had captured his eighteenth grand slam against would be usurper Daniil Medvedev, whose winning streak of twenty matches was conclusively blotted. The victory was achieved before a crowd filled
(2021-02-23). Morons, Vaccines and Tennis: Booing at the Australian Open. dissidentvoice.org It was a fittingly poor conclusion to a tournament that risked being cancelled, run to ground, or even rendered stillborn. The tennis world number one, Novak Djokovic, had captured his eighteenth grand slam against would be usurper Daniil Medvedev, whose winning streak of twenty matches was conclusively blotted. The victory was achieved before a crowd …
(2021-02-23). Why Texas Needs the Green New Deal. zcomm.org "The Green New Deal is a plan that could solve so many of Texas's problems and the problems across the country, and Republicans have absolutely nothing to offer except for more deregulation, more privatization, more austerity."
(2021-02-23). Red Lines: Vijay Prashad Explains Myanmar Coup. popularresistance.org Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Vijay Prashad, historian and Chief Correspondent for Globetrotter, about the military's recent takeover in Myanmar. | "The first thing that people should know is that Aung San was the state councilor based on an agreement made between the military in Myanmar, the opposition movements that had been built after the Great Saffron Revolution, the protest movement of people who were young at that time – now 13, 14 years ago. It was an agreement also which included western capitals, including the United States of America, the Obama administration played a role in it later, but i…
(2021-02-23). adrienne maree brown: Octavia Butler's Visions of the Future Have Transformed Generation of Readers. democracynow.org 
The visionary Black science-fiction writer Octavia Butler died 15 years ago on February 24, 2006, but her influence and readership has only continued to grow since then. In September, Butler's novel "Parable of the Sower" became her first to reach the New York Times best-seller list. We speak with adrienne maree brown, a writer and Octavia Butler scholar, who says Butler had a remarkable talent for universalizing Black stories. "She wrote about Black women and about Black feminism, about Black futures, but she wrote in a way that appealed to all human beings," says brown.
(2021-02-23). Remembering Octavia Butler: Black Sci-Fi Writer Shares Cautionary Tales in Unearthed 2005 Interview. democracynow.org 
As Democracy Now! marks 25 years on the air, we are revisiting some of the best and most impactful moments from the program's history, including one of the last television interviews given by the visionary Black science-fiction writer Octavia Butler. She spoke to Democracy Now! in November 2005, just three months before she died on February 24, 2006, at age 58. Butler was the first Black woman to win Hugo and Nebula awards for science-fiction writing and the first science-fiction writer to receive a MacArthur "genius" fellowship. Her best-known books include the classics "Kindred," as well as "Parable of the Sowe…
(2021-02-23). Headlines for February 23, 2021. democracynow.org U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 500,000, AG Nominee Merrick Garland Pledges to Prosecute January 6 Insurrectionists, Confirmation Hearings Open for Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary, Xavier Becerra for HHS Secretary, President Biden to Meet Virtually with Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau, Supreme Court Won't Block Release of Trump Tax Returns to Manhattan Prosecutors, Boeing 777 Jets Grounded After Engine Explosion Scatters Debris Over Colorado, U.N. Calls for Rescue of Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea, Colombian Inquiry Reveals Army Carried Out 6,400 Extrajudicial Killings from 2002-08, Italian Ambassador to…
(2021-02-23). U.S. COVID Death Toll Hits 500,000 as Rich Nations Hoard Vaccines, Leaving Poorer Nations Without Any. democracynow.org 
The United States has passed 500,000 COVID-19 deaths, by far the highest toll in the world. The morbid milestone comes as new COVID-19 cases continue to fall across the country amid an accelerating vaccine rollout, but the head of the World Health Organization is calling on rich countries not to undermine efforts to get vaccines to poorer nations by buying up billions of doses — in some cases ordering enough to vaccinate their populations more than once. "The inequities that we've seen here are just absolutely stunning," says Dr. Craig Spencer, director of global health in emergency medicine at Columbia Uni…
(2021-02-23). President Biden Honors 500K Dead. He didn't say so, but they didn't have to Die. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — President Biden on Monday honored the deaths of 500,000 Americans from COVID-19. It is a very large number, and commentator Sanjay Gupta at CNN had tears in his eyes because, he said, "they didn't have to die." President Biden clearly cares about these deaths. He commemorated their lives and their …
(2021-02-23). Covid-19: Israel donates vaccines to countries that moved embassies to Jerusalem. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Israel donates vaccines to countries that moved embassies to Jerusalem | Czech Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, and Palestinian Authority will receive symbolic amount of vaccines, local media report | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 16: 57 | Israel is facing mounting criticism for not inoculating Palestinians in occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip (AFP) | The Czech Republic, Guatemala and Honduras, which have all move…
(2021-02-23). Demographic characteristics of people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States. mronline.org 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with states to provide more information on the demographic characteristics of vaccinated people.
(2021-02-23). Mourning Dr. Agha Saeed, Celebrating his Life. counterpunch.org 
Dr. Agha Saeed , a towering American-Muslim figure has passed away today in a nursing home at the age of 72, due to complications from Covid-19. He had also been silently suffering from Parkinson's for over eight years. The history of American Muslims will be incomplete and extremely inadequate without recognizing Dr. Saeed's life achievements
(2021-02-23). Drug-Resistant Yeast Infections Spread in COVID-19 Unit. jamanetwork.com Pandemic-related lapses in infection control practices may have caused an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Candida auris yeast infections in a Florida hospital's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) unit, investigators from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health reported.
(2021-02-23). Physician Videos Improve COVID-19 Knowledge Among Minorities. jamanetwork.com Informational videos starring physicians modestly improved coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) knowledge among US Black and Latino adults regardless of the clinician's race, according to a trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
(2021-02-23). COVID-19 Rates Increased Where In-Person College Classes Were Held. jamanetwork.com Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence increased by 56% in counties where colleges held in-person classes after the start of last fall's school year, the CDC reported.
(2021-02-23). A People's History of Struggle: Liberty or Lockdown. dissidentvoice.org UK health minister Matt Hancock has warned the government's timeline for unlocking coronavirus restrictions could be slowed as ministers remain "vigilant" against infection rates. What began in March 2020 as a three-week lockdown to 'save the NHS' has turned into a year-long clampdown on fundamental liberties with the spectre of freedom through vaccination ('COVID status …
(2021-02-23). Covid-19 Communication—The Need for Humanity, Empathy, and Grace. jamanetwork.com In this narrative medicine essay, a medical school professor expresses gratitude for the caring and empathy expressed by the team caring for her mother hospitalized with COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of humanity and compassion over facts and statistics for families physically separated from their critically ill loved ones.
(2021-02-23). COVID-19 infection in pregnancy not linked with still birth or baby death. imperial.ac.uk COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is not associated with stillbirth or early neonatal death, according to a new study.
(2021-02-23). EU Commission asks Germany again not to close borders. yenisafak.com The European Commission will again remind EU member states not to close borders between member states, an EU commissioner said on Tuesday. | "The Commission wants to recall to the European member states that it is a necessity to go back to a coordinated approach on all the measures taken in relation to the free movement of people and goods," Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders explained in a video message posted on social media ahead of a virtual meeting of EU ministers. | The ministers are expected to debate the bloc's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including border closures and the vaccination campaign…
(2021-02-23). Catholic Bishops and Jubilee USA Network Ask Biden for Global COVID Aid and Debt Relief. indybay.org The Biden Administration should support the release of $3 trillion in global reserve funds to support developing countries confront the COVID pandemic, say the US Catholic Bishops and Jubilee USA Network in a letter to President Biden.
(2021-02-23). Thursday 2/25: Let's Get It Done! The Economic COVID Relief Our Communities Need Now. indybay.org Online via livestream…
(2021-02-23). Thursday 2/25: Credit Reporting During the COVID-19 Pandemic. indybay.org Online / webinar…
(2021-02-23). Experts urge the UK to follow a zero-Covid strategy to prevent more mutations. thecanary.co 
Stamping out coronavirus (Covid-19) means that the virus which causes the disease will have less chance to mutate, MPs have heard. | Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that he could not understand why the government had decided not to follow the path of eliminating the virus — or a zero-Covid approach — and instead accepted that it will become endemic in society. | Prof McKee said having a situation where infection rates are "yo-yoing" up and down was just creating uncertainty for the public and for the economy. | It comes afte…
(2021-02-23). Japan prefectures want to lift emergency after Covid-19 infections decline. laprensalatina.com Tokyo, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Three Japanese prefectures on Tuesday asked the central government to lift the state of emergency after a decline in the rate of new Covid-19 infections and serious hospitalized patients. The state of emergency was declared in 10 of the country's 47 prefectures in early January as the country struggled with a …
(2021-02-23). The Dutch dance instructor behind the anti-curfew legal challenges. laprensalatina.com Rotterdam, Netherlands, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Dutch dance teacher Willem Engel has become the voice of the Covid denialism in the Netherlands and is the face of several legal challenges against government-mandated restrictions In an interview with Efe in his dance studio in Rotterdam, Engel celebrates his most recent victory against the current interim government — …
(2021-02-23). US exceeds 500K Covid-19 deaths. laprensalatina.com Washington, Feb 22 (EFE).- The United States on Monday surpassed half a million deaths from Covid-19, a somber record far in excess of any other country's pandemic fatalities and which comes at a time when the Joe Biden administration is accelerating the vaccination campaign. As of 5 pm US Eastern Time, according to the independent …
(2021-02-23). Part II — Western Capital's Long Chinese Mission: From Opium to COVID Vaccine Credentials. mintpressnews.com 
We examine the virtually unbroken history between American power-brokers and the highest echelons of power in China — a history that harkens back to the earliest days of capitalism, slavery, and the opium trade.
(2021-02-23). The Vaccine (Dis)Information War. dissidentvoice.org 
So, good news, folks! It appears that GloboCap's Genetic Modification Division has come up with a miracle vaccine for Covid! It's an absolutely safe, non-experimental, messenger-RNA vaccine that teaches your cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response, just like your body's immune-system response, only better, because it's made by corporations! OK, technically, …
(2021-02-23). Covid-19 in Lebanon: World Bank threatens to stop funding vaccinations after violations. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19 in Lebanon: World Bank threatens to stop funding vaccinations after violations | Lebanon's vaccine committee said on Tuesday that a number of lawmakers had received the jab without its approval | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 14: 02 | People receive Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines at the Lebanese American University Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon, on 16 February 2021 (Reuters) | The head…
(2021-02-23). Matt Hancock's audacity is off the scale as he refuses to apologise for breaking the law. thecanary.co 
It should no longer come as a surprise, watching Matt Hancock give himself a pat on the back for how he's handled the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. It should also come as no surprise that he accepts zero responsibility for almost But Hancock's audacity flew off the chart on 23 February when he insisted that his team should be thanked, and that there had been no national shortage of PPE. Does Hancock think that a successful roll-out of vaccines…
(2021-02-23). Nigeria confirms 23 new COVID-19 deaths. yenisafak.com A total of 152,616 cases have so far been registered in the country, including 129,300 recoveries and 1,862, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in its latest update on late Monday.It said the country is scaling up its sequencing capacity to understand the ongoing transmission of the virus and impact of vaccines.The NCDC said about 100 test samples will be sent to the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) for sequencing every week.This came amid reports indicating that an unknown variant — dubbed B.1.525 — of the COVID-19 that is different from the UK…
(2021-02-23). WHO warns rich nations against hoarding COVID-19 vaccines, calls for vaccine equity. peoplesdispatch.org "Vaccine nationalism" has made a handful of rich countries amass more doses than required while the majority of the poorer nations have not received a single dose of the different vaccines available…
(2021-02-23). South Korea to begin COVID-19 vaccination on Friday. yenisafak.com South Korea will launch its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on Friday, health authorities said on Tuesday.According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Department, the drive will be launched by administering the vaccines of the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca starting Friday and those of the US drugmaker Pfizer's on Saturday.South Korea has procured COVID-19 vaccines for 56 million people under the UN-led COVAX initiative and through separate contracts with foreign drug firms, according to Yonhap News Agency.The country planned to receive 2.59 million doses of vaccines by AstraZenec…
(2021-02-23). COVID-19 cases continue to drop despite variants in Spain. yenisafak.com With just under 21,000 new coronavirus cases reported on Monday, Spain saw the lowest number of weekend infections so far this year.The news comes despite the Health Ministry confirming an increasing number of variants of concern from around the world.The variant first found in the UK has been sequenced nearly 900 times in Spain. The ministry said it is more contagious and could be more lethal than other strains, but will not drastically affect vaccines."It's expanding slower than expected," said Fernando Simon, Spain's chief epidemiologist. "Probably because the measures we've taken have helped prevent its sprea…
(2021-02-23). Bolivia to receive 500,000 doses of vaccine from China. yenisafak.com A special plane of the Bolivian national airline is making its way to bring Sinopharm's coronavirus vaccines from China to its homeland, President Luis Arce has announced."We report that a [Boliviana de Aviacion] Boeing 767 plane is heading to Beijing to bring half a million Sinopharm vaccines to our country," Arce tweeted on Monday. "We appreciate President Xi Jinping's support in fighting the pandemic."The South American country has recorded more than 243,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 11,500 related deaths, according to the latest data by its Health Ministry.The country already began inoculation in late January…
(2021-02-23). Egypt receives 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from China. laprensalatina.com Cairo, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Egypt has received 300,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by Chinese firm Sinopharm as a "gift" from the Asian country, health minister Hala Zayed announced on Tuesday. The delivery arrived at dawn at Cairo International Airport and was received by the undersecretary and spokesperson for the health ministry, Khalid Mujahid, …
(2021-02-23). Saturday 2/27: End the Pandemic Everywhere: Global Equal Access to COVID Vaccines For All. indybay.org Online via livestream…
(2021-02-23). Israel's Anti-Palestine Campaign Includes Delaying Covid Vaccine and Bulldozing Olive Trees. strategic-culture.org Israel is always backed by successive administrations in Washington and can literally get away with murder in the occupied Palestinian territories. | The first weeks of this year have been lively and deadly for Palestinians, with Israeli troops and settlers continuing to burn down, bulldoze and otherwise
(2021-02-23). President Biden wants More Vaccine Doses Sooner: Why it is Physically Impossible before Summer. juancole.com By Isaac Arnsdorf and Ryan Gabrielson | — ( ProPublica ) — President Joe Biden has ordered enough vaccines to immunize every American against COVID-19, and his administration says it's using the full force of the federal government to get the doses by July. There's a reason he can't promise them sooner. Vaccine supply chains …
(2021-02-23). 'Held to ransom': Pfizer demands governments gamble with state assets to secure vaccine deal. nationofchange.org "Pfizer and BioNTech are firmly committed to working with governments and other relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable and affordable access to our Covid-19 vaccine for people around the world."
(2021-02-23). First wave of COVID-19 vaccine syringes start journey to Maldives. news.un.org The critical task of ensuring that all countries have enough medical equipment to vaccinate people safely against COVID-19 gathered pace on Tuesday, with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) announcing that 100,000 syringes have been sent to the Maldives, ahead of an inoculation drive there.
(2021-02-23). Afghanistan begins Covid-19 vaccination drive. laprensalatina.com Kabul, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Afghanistan began its Covid-19 vaccination drive Tuesday with the first phase immunization to inoculate frontline health workers and members of the security forces. "Today, I congratulate the whole nation of Afghanistan on the inauguration of the first phase of the corona vaccine," President Ashraf Ghani said in his speech to the …
(2021-02-23). As the Pandemic Raged, Abortion Access Nearly Flickered Out. thenation.com As the Pandemic Raged, Abortion Access Nearly Flickered Out…
(2021-02-23). Cambodia finds cases of UK variant as community Covid cluster spreads. laprensalatina.com Bangkok Desk, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Cambodia announced it has detected three cases of the more contagious United Kingdom Covid-19 variant among its new infections on Tuesday, which comes amid efforts to control a spreading community cluster that has risen to almost 100 cases in three days. The Ministry of Health announced 25 new cases Tuesday, …
(2021-02-23). Scotland's Sturgeon to Unveil 'Sustainable' Plan for COVID Lockdown Exit 'Driven by Data, Not Dates'. sputniknews.com First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the Scottish parliament last week to say that while the national lockdown would continue until the beginning of March "at least", children would start to gradually return to school amid a reduction in coronavirus cases and hospitalisations.
(2021-02-23). WHO Memo Shows China Did 'Little' to Search for Covid Origin in Pandemic's Early Months, Report Says. sputniknews.com Earlier this month, World Health Organization investigators wrapped up a month-long probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic at its suspected Wuhan 'ground zero', concluding that it was "extremely likely" that the first coronavirus case was transmitted from an animal to a human, although the exact animal source has yet to be identified.
(2021-02-23). What to Do About Israel? globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Critics of U.S. policy with and about Israel like myself have …
(2021-02-23). UK PM Was Warned Easter Scrapping of Lockdown Could 'Fuel Thousands of Deaths, Overwhelm NHS'. sputniknews.com Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the impending phased lifting of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK, as he addressed Parliament on Monday, with a reopening of the country hinging on the success of the vaccine roll-out, reduced COVID-19 hospitalisations, and whether risks are 'fundamentally changed' by new virus variants.
(2021-02-23). FAA Administrator Warns of New Safety Risks in Aviation System In Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic. sputniknews.com US Federal Aviation Administration Director Steve Dickson said on Tuesday that as society returns to normality, airline safety measures will have to be more proactive about the industry's ability to facilitate the spread of pathogens like COVID-19.
(2021-02-23). UN Secretary General Guterres: The World Faces a Pandemic of Human Rights Abuses in the Wake of COVID-19. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic almost one year …
(2021-02-23). Post-Pandemic Social Landscapes: Surveillance Capitalism, Behaviour Modification as the New Consensus Reality. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | The 'COVID Event' handed the unreal world its great coup over …
(2021-02-23). Over Half of Military Families Do Not Want COVID Vaccines — Employers Cannot Legally Mandate Experimental Shots. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** |
(2021-02-23). The ZeroCovid Movement: Cult Dressed as Science. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | This past year has given rise to some strange and novel …
(2021-02-23). Die Twilight Zone: Covid, das Weltwirtschaftsforum (WEF) und Eugenik. globalresearch.ca 
All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | àúbrsetzt aus dem Englischen von Global Research: | |
(2021-02-23). Boris Johnson unveils plan to end England COVID-19 restrictions. yenisafak.com The UK government on Monday said it will prioritize social contact with loved ones and the reopening of schools over the hospitality sector in its roadmap that will ease England out of its third coronavirus lockdown.Addressing MPs in parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a four-stage plan for the easing of restrictions across England to gradually reopen the nation following three months of closure.Stage one will involve the reopening of all schools on March 8 as well as the resumption of sports and outdoor activities where up to two people will be allowed to meet in an outdoor setting. From March 29, o…
(2021-02-23). The push to administer Covid vaccines to every Holocaust survivor in Israel. laprensalatina.com Jerusalem, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- The United Hatzalah association is trying to ensure that no Holocaust survivor in Israeli goes without a Covid-19 jab by offering transport to members of this aging population, many of whom struggle with mobility, to centers. One such person is Katrina Wolfensohn, an 80-year-old of Russian descent who was picked up …
(2021-02-23). 'Ankara ready to do its part to bring Turkmen gas to Europe'. yenisafak.com Highlighting close ties with Turkmenistan in various fields, including energy, Turkey's foreign minister said on Tuesday that Ankara is ready to do its part to bring Turkmenistan's natural gas through Turkish soil to Europe."Our economic relations [with Turkmenistan] are gradually increasing, our trade volume is expanding despite the [COVID-19] pandemic," Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov in the capital Ankara.Mentioning that the two countries have ties on regional issues as well as energy and transportation, he noted that the cooperation in the fields will…
(2021-02-23). Meghan McCain calls for firing of Fauci for 'inconsistent messaging' on Covid, gets roasted for calling vaccine rollout a disaster. rt.com 
Meghan McCain was taken to the woodshed online after demanding Anthony Fauci be fired for his "inconsistent messaging" on the Covid-19 pandemic, while complaining that she — a TV host — doesn't know when she'll be vaccinated. | The pundit took aim at Fauci during a Monday segment on 'The View' over a recent appearance on CNN, where the health expert suggested those who've received an immunization may still have to practice social distancing. | "I was very frustrated when I saw this clip," she said. "The fact that Dr. Fauci is going on CNN and he can't tell me that if I get the vaccine, if I'll be a…
(2021-02-23). 'The containers offer privacy!' Biden under fire for opening child detainment center, but some liberals jump to defend him. rt.com 
The first child immigration detainment facility under President Joe Biden opened this week, prompting Democrats who had attacked former President Donald Trump for maintaining similar facilities to go on the defensive. | A former oil field worker camp in Carrizo Springs, Texas, it was briefly used as a detainment facility by the Trump administration in 2019 before being closed down, but is now back in operation to hold "up to 700 children," with the Biden administration saying it was needed since capacity has been cut at other facilities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. | Immigration activists were saddened to hea…
(2021-02-23). #FireFauci trends as he tells vaccinated people to remain under lockdown, blames Trump's 'denial' for massive death count. rt.com 
Calls for White House adviser Anthony Fauci to be fired have intensified as he continues pushing lockdown restrictions and criticizing former President Donald Trump over Covid-19 deaths. | After cautioning vaccinated individuals from resuming normal activities like dining out or attending large group events, Fauci tried clarifying his stance in a Tuesday interview with CNN, saying more relaxed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be coming "soon." | The agency, Fauci said, needs to "sit down, talk about it, look at the data and then come out with a recommendation based on the…
(2021-02-23). Pfizer and Moderna pledge to Congress to ramp up Covid-19 vaccine production as US death toll tops 500,000. rt.com 
Pfizer and Moderna have prepared written testimonies to the US Congress, promising to boost vaccine production in the coming months, as the country's death toll from Covid-19 recently exceeded 500,000. | The companies' executives are scheduled to speak before the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on Tuesday. | According to Pfizer Chief Business Officer John Young's written testimony, the company will have 120 million doses of the vaccine available for shipment by the end of March and an additional 80 million doses by the end of May. Pfizer expects that all 300 million contracted dose…
(2021-02-23). 'End the War on Immigrants' protest at Minnesota ICE facility, 1 month after Biden's inauguration. fightbacknews.org St. Paul, MN – On February 20, one month after President Biden's inauguration, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) organized the first protest of their new campaign to end the war on immigrants. About 100 people gathered outside of the Bishop Henry Whipple Building, the federal building where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters are located in Minnesota. The campaign demands include, among others: "Legalization for all," "Close the camps," "No kids in cages," "No border militarization," "No wall on Native land," "End abuses in ICE jails," "No forced sterilizations," and "Imme…
(2021-02-23). Qatar: More than 6,500 south Asian migrant workers have died since 2011, says report. middleeasteye.net 
Qatar: More than 6,500 south Asian migrant workers have died since 2011, says report | Data compiled from government sources reveals thousands dead since Qatar awarded Fifa World Cup in December 2010 | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 08: 14 | Migrant workers are seen walking next to a construction site in the Qatari capital Doha on 6 December 2016 (AFP) | At least 6,500 migrant workers from south Asian countries have died i…
(2021-02-23). Self-defense patrol forms in Oakland's Chinatown amid crime wave. laprensalatina.com By Marc Arcas Oakland, California, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Thefts, armed robberies and inexplicable attacks on elderly people are a cause of growing concern in Chinese immigrant neighborhoods across the United States and have led some residents of this Northern California city to form foot patrols to protect local business owners. In the Oakland Chinatown, an …
(2021-02-23). How do you market sex work? therealnews.com 
We're back with Part II of our special mini-series on work and politics in the sex industry, guest-hosted by friend of the show Jessie Sage. Jessie is a writer, podcaster, phone sex operator, clip artist, and co-owner of Peepshow Media. In this rich and expansive two-part series, Jessie interviews sex worker, activist, writer, undocumented migrant, and DACA recipient from Honduras, Maya Morena. In Part II of their conversation, Maya and Jessie pick up where they left off last week and discuss the day-to-day labor that goes into being a sex worker, the images that sex workers have to maintain, and much more.
(2021-02-23). Neoliberals Seek to Establish Their Own Brand of Fascism. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | The US State "is using the so-called insurrection at the Capitol…to …
(2021-02-23). Video: Turkey's Eternal Crusade on the Kurdistan PKK Continues. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Turkey is unrelenting in its crusade against the Kurdistan Worker's Party …
(2021-02-23). In Memory of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the Immortal Beat. scheerpost.com Christopher Michel / CC BY 2.0] By Robert Scheer and Stephen French Editor's Note: Throughout the week, this page will be updated to include more tributes to City Lights founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti. You can also listen to this "Scheer Intelligence" episode featuring Ferlinghetti, which first aired on January 6, 2017. In the conversation above, ScheerPost Editor in Chief Robert Scheer talks with… |
(2021-02-23). EU imposes further sanctions on Venezuela as Maduro visits UN Human Rights Council. peoplesdispatch.org Venezuela has blasted the imposition of additional European Union (EU) sanctions against nineteen politicians, state officials and security chiefs. | According to an EU Similarly, the EU accused some of the targeted figures of "undermining the oppositions' electoral rights and the…
(2021-02-23). Naruhito thanks Japanese for 'perseverance and strength' during pandemic. laprensalatina.com Tokyo, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- In a message on his 61st birthday, Japan's emperor on Tuesday thanked the country for its "perseverance and strength" during the coronavirus pandemic. Emperor Naruhito also expressed appreciation for the work of healthcare professionals and offered his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones to the virus. His message …
(2021-02-23). Before Forcing the Vote on Medicare for All, We Must Build Power. thenation.com Before Forcing the Vote on Medicare for All, We Must Build Power…
(2021-02-23). The Spoils of War: Afghanistan's Multibillion Dollar Heroin Trade. globalresearch.ca Since the US led invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, the Golden Crescent opium trade has soared. According to the US media, this lucrative contraband is protected by Osama, the Taliban, not to mention, of course, the regional warlords, in defiance of the "international community".
(2021-02-23). Unintended Consequences and the Texas 'Big Freeze' Energy Disaster. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Last week Texas experienced a cold snap that resulted in serious …
(2021-02-23). Haiti: Danny Shaw Reports On The Serious Political And Social Crisis. popularresistance.org COHA's Senior Research Fellow, professor Danny Shaw, opens a window to the mass movement in Haiti which is demanding President Jovenel MoàØse step down and cease rule by decree. | Demonstrators are also calling for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of the Supreme Court justices, Police Inspector General and other opposition figures who have been fired, and an end to U.S., United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) intervention on behalf of foreign interests in their country. | A broad convergence of opposition parties and social movements maintain that MoàØse's te…
(2021-02-23). Top court reinstates Nepal's parliament dissolved two months ago. laprensalatina.com Kathmandu, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Nepal's Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's decision to dissolve the country's parliament two months ago. A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana ordered the government to call a meeting of the reinstated house within 13 days, court spokesperson Bhadrakali Pokhrel told EFE. "With …
(2021-02-23). 'I Don't Know': Biden's AG Pick Dodges Issue of Whether Illegal Immigration Should Remain a Crime. sputniknews.com President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Justice Department, Judge Merrick B. Garland, who was earmarked to serve on the US Supreme Court back in 2016, only to have his nomination blocked by the Senate, has been facing two days of questioning at his confirmation hearing before a Senate panel.
(2021-02-23). We Can't Miss the Next Chance to Force the Vote on Medicare for All. thenation.com We Can't Miss the Next Chance to Force the Vote on Medicare for All…
(2021-02-23). Amazon faces a day of reckoning for its treatment of workers. therealnews.com 
Amazon workers and their allies rallied last weekend to support the union drive at the Bessemer, Alabama, facility. Workers say the company has failed to protect worker safety or improve working conditions even while Amazon and Jeff Bezos profited from the pandemic.
(2021-02-23). Amazon tries to bribe workers to quit before union vote. fightbacknews.org Bessemer, AL – As workers at Amazon's Bessemer, Alabama warehouse have begun voting by mail on whether or not to join the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Amazon is pulling out all of the stops to try to coerce them out of voting for the union. They are trying many tactics straight out of the age-old union busting playbook and have forced workers to attend anti-union meetings, even in violation of Amazon's own social distancing policies. | Each day Amazon workers receive text messages from the company, often many times a day. Many of these texts have implied that if the union is voted in, then…
(2021-02-23). As Pandemic Profits Put Bezos on Track for Trillionaire Status, Tish James Asks: At What Cost? thenation.com As Pandemic Profits Put Bezos on Track for Trillionaire Status, Tish James Asks: At What Cost?
(2021-02-23). Amazon mysteriously pulls book critical of transgender movements, gets accused of 'digital book burning'. rt.com 
Author Ryan T. Anderson has blasted Amazon for removing his latest book on the rise of the transgender movement without explanation, a move that has many criticizing the company for playing politics and accusing it of censorship. | "I hope you've already bought your copy, cause Amazon just removed my book 'When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment' from their cyber shelves…. my other four books are still available (for now)," Anderson 'When Harry Became Sally' had p…
(2021-02-23). Video: The 2021 Worldwide Corona Crisis. "The Worst Crisis in Modern History" globalresearch.ca We bring to the attention of our readers this Global Research Video documentary produced by Ariel Noyola Rodriguez, featuring Prof. Michel Chossudovsky. | We are at the crossroads of one of the most serious crises in World history. | We are living …
(2021-02-23). Empire Files: Biden Sells Missiles To Fascists + US Base Destroys Ancient Coral Reef. popularresistance.org Abby Martin covers Biden's first arms deals to major human rights abusers Chile & Egypt; another US military base in Okinawa, opposed by majority of residents, threatens unique biodiversity; militia puts US at crossroads of a new Iraq war; Ecuador's presidential election defies US imperialism. | "This is Abby Martin with your Empire update wrapping up the last week of US imperialism. The Biden administration has approved its first arms sale to a foreign government, the right wing regime of Chile. On February 6th, the State Department gave the green light to the sale of 16 advanced missiles to the Chilean military…
(2021-02-23). Top Azerbaijan official hails Turkey's Bayraktar drones. yenisafak.com Speaking at a program organized by Turkey's Ankara University ahead of the 29th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre by Armenian forces against Azerbaijanis, Emin Amrullayev said the 44-day Karabakh war that began on Sept. 27 underlined the importance of Turkish weaponry."The war of the 21st century is a technology war. Turkey's Bayraktar UAVs played a great role in our victory," he said, referring to the liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh and other settlements from an Armenian occupation that lasted for nearly three decades.The two countries signed a Russian-brokered agreement on Nov. 10 to end the fighting and work…
(2021-02-23). Massacres doubled last year in Colombia, UN says. laprensalatina.com Bogota, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Colombia suffered 76 massacres resulting in 292 deaths last year, more than doubling the number in 2020 and the highest one-year total since 2014, according to a report from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) presented here Tuesday. Though the Andean nation's homicide rate declined …
(2021-02-23). Republicans oppose the American Rescue Plan at their peril. peoplesworld.org 
With Republicans scrambling to block emergency economic assistance to millions, the Democratic-led House of Representatives is moving quickly to approve the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) this week. The measure, which links the pandemic, economic crisis, and racial justice, then goes to the Senate. The Democratic majority is expected to pass it via the …
(2021-02-23). 'Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks for Me' at Pan African Film Festival. peoplesworld.org 
Undaunted, the pandemic can't stop the Pan African Film Festival. In that immortal show biz tradition, the show must go on! Albeit virtually, as this year, in order to stay cinematically safe, America's largest and best annual Black-themed filmfest since 1992 is moving online and starting later than usual, kicking off on the last day …
(2021-02-23). The Good, The Bad and the Profound. zcomm.org It turns out aligning your moral values with your lived values is good for mental health, especially in a pandemic…
(2021-02-23). Poverty, profits and the pandemic. greenleft.org.au The government is crowing about the economic recovery. But when the pandemic supplement is cut at the end of March, people will be trying to survive on $43 a day. Graham Mathews reports.
(2021-02-23). Poverty, profits and the pandemic. greenleft.org.au The government is crowing about the economic recovery, and has announced a tiny rise in the JobSeeker amount. But when the pandemic supplement is cut at the end of March, people will be trying to surive on $43 a day. Graham Mathews reports.
(2021-02-23). Private School Staff Rally Against 30% Tuition Fee Cut in India's Karnataka. sputniknews.com In January, the Karnataka government announced a compulsory 30 percent cut in tuition fees across all private schools in the state for the current academic year (2020-21). The decision came after several protests held by parents' associations claiming they could not afford school fees due to the pandemic.
(2021-02-23). Forget Roadmaps, Who's Driving the Car? sputniknews.com Boris Johnson's snail-paced roadmap out of the pandemic reminds me of my childhood trips to Cornwall.
(2021-02-23). Join the tweet storm now opposing Neera Tanden. indybay.org Roots Action and Norman Solomon are asking everyone with a tweeter account to tweet their Senators opposing Neera Tandens OMB nomination.
(2021-02-23). What coronavirus taught us about the ruling class. mronline.org 
If half a million people in the United States were murdered by an evil cult, the leaders of which said that they would keep killing thousands a day to satisfy their rapacious urge for power and money, what do you think the response would be?>
(2021-02-23). Bhima Koregaon: Varavara Rao gets bail on medical grounds for six months. mronline.org 
Just as the Bombay HC pronounced the verdict, the additional solicitor general sought a stay on the order for three weeks. However, the court rejected it.
(2021-02-23). Plutonium in Space: What Are the Odds of a Catastrophe? counterpunch.org 
With all the media hoopla last week about the Perseverance rover, going almost totally unreported was that its energy source is plutonium—considered the most lethal of all radioactive substances—and nowhere in media that NASA projected 1-in-960 odds of the plutonium being released in an accident on the mission. "A '1-in-960 chance' of a deadly plutonium release
(2021-02-23). Capitol Riots were a Dark Day for American Journalism. counterpunch.org 
What is reported matters and particularly so when it risks exaggerating violence or deepening fear and a sense of threat. If the US government really was the target of an armed insurrection, then this will be used to justify repression, as it was after 9/11, and not just against right wing conspiracy theorists. By becoming partisan instruments for spreading fake news, the media undermines its own credibility.
(2021-02-23). Crediting Xenophobia—rather than organizing—with raising workers' wages. mronline.org 
The Economist (2/15/20) ran a brief article last year with a startling headline: "Immigration to America Is Down. Wages Are Up. Are the Two Related?" Maybe, the article's anonymous author answered, at least for the short term.
(2021-02-23). Student activists in Weymouth, Mass. vs the cult of 'blue lives matter'. liberationnews.org 
The rhetoric surrounding "blue lives matter" isn't new. Similar dogwhistles have been used to defend hate symbols such as the confederate flag, the Gadsden flag, and even the swastika.
(2021-02-23). Notes on Black History Month, 2021: No More Black Messiahs, Please. counterpunch.org 
The sign in the window of my neighborhood food store reads, "Black Lives Matter." I have shopped there at least once a week over the past year. I have never seen a Black person in the store or a Black person working there. That is not strange or unusual. There aren't many Black people in all of northern California. Indeed, there are fewer Blacks in the Bay Area than there were in the 1940s and 1950s. They've been pushed out.
(2021-02-23). Biden and the Iran nuclear deal: what to expect from the negotiations. juancole.com 
By Ali Bilgic | — As Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, speculation was rife that one of the first things his administration would do would be to seek re-entry to the Iran nuclear deal that had been quit by his predecessor in the White House. The Joint …
(2021-02-23). FBI, NYPD exposed: Deathbed confession shines new light on assassination of Malcolm X. liberationnews.org 
Fifty-six years after the assasination of Malcolm X, new details from a former New York Police Department officer's deathbed confession has further implicated the NYPD and FBI in the killing. Raymond Wood, the former NYPD officer, requested the letter be publicized only after his death due to fears of retaliation. Wood's cousin, Reggie Wood, read …
(2021-02-23). Conservative Democrat Joe Manchin playing a dangerous game. peoplesworld.org 
The press is talking about how a conservative Democratic senator from West Virginia is now allegedly one of the most powerful movers and shakers in the nation's capital. Sen. Joe Manchin has been an enormous headache for President Joe Biden by threatening to sink the $15 minimum wage and by promising to vote down Biden's …
(2021-02-23). The Race to Save the Vaquita Porpoise From Extinction. counterpunch.org 
San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. The long-running global struggle to prevent extinction of the world's most endangered marine mammal claimed its first human life here on Jan. 2, in the conflict between illegal fishing and conservation of the vaquita porpoise. Fisherman Mario Garcia Toledo, 56, died after suffering massive injuries when his skiff collided with
(2021-02-23). Erdogan slammed, will open a fascist 'Grey Wolves' school in occupied Artsakh. peoplesworld.org 
Anti-fascist forces in Turkey blasted authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's links to right-wing paramilitary death squads today after reports that he will open a new Grey Wolves school in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. He will lay the foundation for the building alongside Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in the city of Shushi, which was taken by Azeri forces …
(2021-02-23). Killer cop still not on trial almost 3 years after killing Daniel Hambrick in Tennessee. liberationnews.org 
As made clear by the video footage, when Delke was unable to catch his victim on foot, he stopped running, assumed a firing position, and shot Hambrick three times, including once in the back of the head.
(2021-02-23). Corporations, lawmakers collude in new multi-state 'right to work' offensive. peoplesworld.org 
Dave Dell Isola, the son and grandson of union members, grew up grateful for the family-sustaining wages and benefits that organized labor won for working people. But he never fully grasped the might of solidarity until he and his wife, Barbara, and their two sons lost everything in an apartment fire. Dell Isola's brothers and …
(2021-02-23). India's Farm Crisis: "They Sell Our Wheat to Us at Thrice the Price" counterpunch.org 
Laxmibai Kale has been losing a portion of her harvest every year. That's not been due to excessive rainfall or drought or poor farming techniques. "Our crops are destroyed," said 60-year-old Laxmibai, "because thepanchayat allows animals to graze on the land. I've lost count of the losses we've suffered." The five-acre plot in Mohadi village
(2021-02-23). Rohingya: The Sufis of Arakan. counterpunch.org 
'It was absolutely shocking, how children aged five or six were hunted down and had their throats slit. I was thinking 'this is ISIS-type stuff'. I told Aung San Suu Kyi 'you have moral standing in this country. You have to stop this. Why are you hiding it?' She said [the United Nations] needed to
(2021-02-23). Welcoming a Return to Sanity. counterpunch.org 
In the old days, specifically during the presidency of another actor, Ronald Reagan, Republican falsehoods seemed so quaint that Americans dismissed them as such, relegating them to sloganeering. "Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem," the conservative president charged during his first inaugural address in 1981. Nonsense. Reagan's phrase was
(2021-02-23). Erbil attack a warning to Iraqi Kurds, not the US, say Shia commanders. middleeasteye.net 
Erbil attack a warning to Iraqi Kurds, not the US, say Shia commanders | With tensions over Sinjar sky high, Iran-backed groups say they are happy to see the Kurdish authorities under pressure but not sure who fired the rockets | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 09: 22 | A gun and bullets belonging to a Yazidi militia affiliated with the PKK in the border area near Sinjar in 2016 (Reuters) | The recent miss…
(2021-02-23). Saudi Arabia to allow women to join military for first time. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi Arabia to allow women to join military for first time | The move is the latest in a series of policy changes designed to change the image of the ultra-conservative kingdom | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 11: 15 | Saudi women watch golfers compete in the Saudi Ladies International golf tournament (AFP) | Saudi Arabia has announced it will allow women to apply for the military for the first time in its…
(2021-02-23). Arabic press review: Egyptian judge accused of running drug-trafficking network. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Egyptian judge accused of running drug-trafficking network | Meanwhile, Palestinians in contact with international community to pressure Israel to allow Jerusalemites to vote in elections, and Kuwait prohibits all trade in Bitcoin | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 14: 58 | An Egyptian judge, the son of a senior judge at the Court of Cassation, is accused of forming a narcotics ring (AFP)…
(2021-02-23). Greece-Turkey tensions: Ankara claims Greek jets harassed research vessel. middleeasteye.net 
Greece-Turkey tensions: Ankara claims Greek jets harassed research vessel | The dispute comes despite recent talks to resolve long-standing maritime hostilities between the two countries | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 12: 45 | A Turkish military ship passes a coastguard patrol boat near the island of Lesbos on 6 March 2020 (AFP) | Turkey said on Tuesday that four Greek F-16s harassed a Turkish research vessel near…
(2021-02-23). Outcry in Kuwait over suicide of stateless Bidoon child. middleeasteye.net 
Outcry in Kuwait over suicide of stateless Bidoon child | Thousands of people are highlighting the case online and demanding an end to the community's marginalisation | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 14: 07 | An illustration of the child has been shared online with the caption 'you have returned to God, the most merciful, Ali' (Screengrab/Twitter) | Reports of a 12-year-old child's suicide from Kuwait's stateless pop…
(2021-02-23). Syria: Russia digs up graves in refugee camp in search of dead Israeli spy Eli Cohen. middleeasteye.net 
Syria: Russia digs up graves in refugee camp in search of dead Israeli spy Eli Cohen | The three-week excavation of Yarmouk cemetery is part of a search for the former Mossad agent, according to report | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 16: 01 | Damaged graves in the Yarmouk refugee camp cemetery following a bomb attack by Syrian government forces in Damascus, 11 April 2015 (Rami al-Sayed/AFP) | Russian forces in Syria have…
(2021-02-23). UAE-backed STC forces accused of torturing Yemeni journalist. middleeasteye.net 
UAE-backed STC forces accused of torturing Yemeni journalist | Adel al-Hasani produced a CNN report critical of the UAE's activities in Yemen, which a source says is the reason behind his detention | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 12: 04 | Hasani is an investigative journalist, producer and fixer for international journalists, based in the southern Yemeni city of Aden (Social media) | Yemen's UAE-backed Southern Transition…
(2021-02-23). UAE-owned arms company wants to help produce F-35 fighter jets. middleeasteye.net 
UAE-owned arms company wants to help produce F-35 fighter jets | Biden suspended the sale of weapons to the United Arab Emirates approved by Trump in his final days of office | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 10: 32 | EDGE CEO Faisal al-Bannai said his company was ready to produce missiles and parts for the F-35 fighter if sales of the warplane to the UAE were approved (AFP) | The United Arab Emirate's…
(2021-02-23). Campaigners call for the strengthening of Welsh language rights as people globally stand up for oppressed mother languages. thecanary.co 
Sunday 21 February The International Mother Language Day Kurdistan: | Commentators on Twitter highlighted the continued o…
(2021-02-23). British royal family members have met with Gulf rulers over 200 times since 2011. middleeasteye.net 
British royal family members have met with Gulf rulers over 200 times since 2011 | UK royals have held the equivalent of one meeting a fortnight with Middle Eastern monarchies over the past 10 years | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 14: 09 | Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Buckingham Palace in central London on 7 March 2018 (AFP) | Members of Britain's royal family h…
(2021-02-23). British royals met with autocratic Arab monarchs 'over 200 times' since 2011. middleeasteye.net British royals met with autocratic Arab monarchs 'over 200 times' since 2011 | UK royal family members have reportedly held the equivalent of one meeting a fortnight with 'tyrannical' Arab rulers over the past 10 years | Tue, 02/23/2021 – 14: 09 | Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Buckingham Palace in central London on 7 March 2018 (AFP) | Members of Brit…
(2021-02-23). Selected Articles: Afghanistan's Multibillion Dollar Heroin Trade. globalresearch.ca 
By The Vaccine Reaction is reporting that a…
(2021-02-23). What Comes After Meritocracy? thenation.com 
The long-standing focus by liberals on meritocratic advancement has isolated the working class.
(2021-02-23). American Exceptionalism: Private Wealth and Public Squalor. dissidentvoice.org 
A December 2017 statement from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights notes that, while the US manages to spend "more [money] on national defence than China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, United Kingdom, India, France, and Japan combined", US infant mortality rates were, as of 2013, "the highest in the developed world". …
(2021-02-23). The Heat: China-U.S. relations. america.cgtn.com 
Putting relations back on the right track. China makes the case for cooperation, instead of confrontation, with the United States.
(2021-02-23). Outrage as Labour North West bans candidates from Liverpool mayoral elections. thecanary.co Labour North West has Shortlisted candidates acting mayor Wendy Simon, current lord mayor Anna Rothery, and former deputy mayor Ann O'Byrne were supposed to be competing for Joe Anderson's vacated position from last week. | Instead, an email sent to Labour party members announced the application process would be reopened. According to the Liverpool Echo, no previous candidates are…
(2021-02-23). Unions, Poor People's Campaign press wage hike ahead of Congress vote. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON (PAI)—With notable union backing, led by Service Employees President Mary Kay Henry, the New Poor People's Campaign turned up pressure on Congress to approve raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, ahead of key votes on Capitol Hill. The pressure came in nine live demonstrations from coast to coast, despite rain in …
(2021-02-23). Black Families Have a Vital Stake in the Future of the Postal Service. counterpunch.org 
The United States Postal Service is under strong pressure to make deep spending cuts that would be devastating for customers and employees across the country. Black families have a particularly large stake in the debate over the future of this vital public service. USPS has long been a major source of good middle-class jobs for
(2021-02-23). NJ governor finally signs law legalizing recreational marijuana after 3-year wait, but it could be MONTHS before it takes effect. rt.com 
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has finally followed through on a long-standing promise to legalize pot — or at least decriminalize it. Or did he? State residents have been promised a lot more than what they're getting. | Murphy announced on Monday he had signed legislation that would launch a recreational marijuana marketplace and finally legalize the drug's use by adults (and decriminalize its use by minors), fulfilling a promise he made three years ago. | New Jersey's broken & indefensible marijuana laws are no more. | Today, I signed historic legislation to: | ‚úÖLegalize adult-use…
(2021-02-23). Beauty queen wife of drug lord El Chapo ARRESTED in Virginia on drug trafficking charges, accused of planning TWO prison escapes. rt.com 
Emma Coronel Aispuro, a former US beauty pageant queen and wife of arguably the world's most notorious drug kingpin — Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman — has been arrested in the US on an array of drug trafficking charges. | Aispuro, 31, who is a dual US-Mexican citizen, was nabbed at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly "on charges related to her alleged involvement in international drug trafficking," the US Justice Department The woman, who marrie…
(2021-02-23). 'Publish your emails instead': Hillary Clinton's plans to pen 'political thriller' met with groans on social media. rt.com 
An announcement that former presidential candidate and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is planning to write a "political thriller" with author Louise Penny has been met with groans and eyerolls on social media. | Axios reported on Tuesday that the book, to be titled 'State of Terror', will be published in October by Simon & Schuster and St. Martin's Press. | The story will follow a "novice Secretary of State" who "joins the administration of her rival" a president who was inaugurated "after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage" — perhaps a not-so-thinly-veiled reference…
(2021-02-23). 'Jeep Grand Christopher sounds good': Twitter split after Cherokee Nation chief asks carmaker to stop 'honoring' his tribe. rt.com 
Naming a vehicle after a Native American tribe is wrong even if the intentions were good, the Cherokee Nation principal chief has said, and Twitter has some ideas for what to call Jeep SUVs instead. | Jeep Cherokee SUVs have been produced since 1974, and in the early 1990s, Chrysler (now part of the Netherlands-based company Stellantis) added the luxury Jeep Grand Cherokee model line to its range. Chuck Hoskin, who heads the largest of the three federally-recognized Cherokee tribes in the US, believes his people's name should not be "plastered on the side of a car," regardless of the motives for putting it the…
(2021-02-23). Ex-VP Pence snubs annual conservative conference where his former boss Trump is due to speak, prompting speculations. rt.com 
While ex-president Donald Trump will be speaking at the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), he will not be joined by Mike Pence, a fact that has both sides of the political aisle talking theories as to why. | Matt Schlapp, one of the main organizers for the event, has said Pence's refusal to speak at the conference is a "mistake." | "His conservative record is well respected, and conservatives want to hear his take on the current threats posed by socialism and this radicalized Democrat party," he said. | Trump's speech will, meanwhile, be his most public event since leaving office. While…
(2021-02-23). WATCH: Huge EXPLOSION in Texas after train collides with 18-wheeler truck. rt.com 
First responders in Cameron, Texas are battling a huge blaze caused by an explosion after a train and an 18-wheeler truck collided. Eyewitness footage captured the moment a huge fireball rose over the site. | Local reports indicate both the train conductor and truck driver escaped the crash, which occurred at a grade crossing. Footage from the scene shows train cars flipped and aflame. |
(2021-02-23). America Re-canceled? Black activist Young Pharaoh booted from anti-censorship themed CPAC event for 'reprehensible views'. rt.com 
The Conservative Political Action Conference has barred activist Young Pharaoh from speaking at its 'America Uncanceled' event, citing his "reprehensible" remarks on Judaism. The rapper denounced the move as "censorship." | CPAC organizers took to Twitter on Monday to declare that the
(2021-02-23). 'Haven't thought about that': Biden's AG nominee Garland dodges question whether illegal immigration should remain a crime. rt.com 
Former judge Merrick Garland, who was nominated by President Joe Biden to lead the Justice Department, seemed to say "I don't know" a lot at his Senate confirmation hearing, including when asked about illegal immigration. | Also on rt.com | | Senators questioned Garland on Monday ahead of the floor vote on his nomination, which appears to be a foregone conclusion. Time and again, however, he would not commit to things such as safeg…
(2021-02-23). Bill Gates admits his 'large carbon footprint' makes him a 'strange person' to pressure others — as he plugs climate-change book. rt.com 
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has admitted his private jet and billionaire lifestyle make him a "strange person" to advocate against climate change, but insists he's doing his part bankrolling obscure tech years away from adoption. | While Gates acknowledged his critics had good reason to question why a man with "the biggest carbon footprint west of the Mississippi" was "preaching" to them about climate change, the software magnate-turned climate crusader insisted he was sincere about trying to shrink even his own massive consumption levels. | In a chummy discussion with MSNBC's Joe Scarborough on Tuesday, Gate…
(2021-02-23). 'Stripped NAKED and left in cell with lights on': Trans woman charged in Capitol riot alleges mistreatment in jail. rt.com 
A transgender woman charged in the January 6 riot at the US Capitol says she was held naked in a constantly lit jail cell for four days, asking the court to be placed under house arrest instead. Jail officials denied mistreatment.
(2021-02-23). US-China Win-Win Cooperation? The Competitive Mindset is Destined to Fail. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | The simple solution to "winning the competition of the future" with …
(2021-02-23). At least 25 killed in Ebonyi communal clashes in Nigeria. yenisafak.com At least 25 people were killed and over 125 houses burned down in armed communal fighting in southeastern Nigeria, local media reported Monday.A lingering communal conflict in the Ebonyi State between the Effium and Ezza Effium peoples turned violent, resulting into the killings, local news website This Day reported Monday, citing Ebonyi Governor David Umahi."Officially, we have recorded about 25 deaths. Over 26 arms were recovered from the hoodlums. About 125 houses were burnt, and fuel and gas stations damaged," This Day quoted Umahi as saying."I have written to minister for humanitarian services to come to our…
(2021-02-23). FROM THE FIELD: Poor and vulnerable bear brunt of climate change. news.un.org People living in low-income countries are at least four times more likely to be displaced by extreme weather compared to people in rich countries, despite being the least responsible for climate change, that's according to the UN's humanitarian office, OCHA.
(2021-02-23). Capitol Riots Were a Dark Day for American Journalism. strategic-culture.org By Patrick COCKBURN | The invasion of the The three-hour takeover of the Capitol building by a pro-Trump mob is portrayed as a "coup" or an "insurrection"
(2021-02-23). Biden to Escalate War on Russia by Other Means? globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | In early February, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said US …
(2021-02-23). How the Israeli Occupation has devastated the Palestinian Economy. juancole.com ( Al-Shabakah) — The Israeli occupation has crippled Palestinian productive sectors, leading to the dominance of internal trade in the Palestinian economy. Al-Shabaka policy analyst, Ibrahim Shikaki, examines how these structural distortions developed as a result of Israel's oppressive economic policies since it occupied Palestine in 1967. He offers recommendations to the international community and …
(2021-02-23). US accusation of "genocide" by China based on claims by far-right ideologue. zcomm.org The Trump and Biden administrations have relied on the work of a right-wing religious extremist, Adrian Zenz, for their "genocide" accusation against China. A close review of Zenz's research reveals flagrant data abuse and outright falsehoods…
(2021-02-23). Lawrence Ferlinghetti: A Champion for the Beats. scheerpost.com voxtheory) Editor's Note: In honor of the legendary City Lights founder, who died Tuesday at the age of 101, we are republishing this "Scheer Intelligence" episode, which first aired on January 6, 2017. You can also find a more recent conversation between lifelong friends Ferlinghetti and Scheer here, along with other tributes which will be added throughout the week. Click to subscribe on: Apple / |
(2021-02-23). Andrés Arauz warns of plans to obstruct second round presidential elections in Ecuador. peoplesdispatch.org Progressive candidate Andrés Arauz denounced actions of the prosecutor's office and the comptroller's office to seize electronic electoral information as an attempt to prevent run-off elections from taking place.
(2021-02-23). Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. jamanetwork.com This narrative review discusses the epidemiology and pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis and summarizes current evidence on its diagnosis and treatment using disease-modifying therapies and nonpharmacological interventions.
(2021-02-23). Association of Rare CYP39A1 Variants With Exfoliation Syndrome Involving the Anterior Chamber of the Eye. jamanetwork.com This case-control study uses whole-exome sequencing to identify coding-sequence genetic variants associated with exfoliation syndrome, a form of glaucoma caused by abnormal fibrillar protein aggregates in the anterior eye.
(2021-02-23). From Digitization to Digital Transformation. jamanetwork.com This Viewpoint lays out policy priorities for advancing the digital transformation of US health information systems, including funding of infrastructure and enforcement of standards for EHR interoperability, data sharing, and usability.
(2021-02-23). Navigators Improve Autism Evaluations but Not Referrals to Care. jamanetwork.com Family navigators led to more toddlers being evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary care clinics but not to more referrals for autism services, a trial published in Autism found.
(2021-02-23). South Florida activists hold rally against sanctions, war on Iran. fightbacknews.org Fort Lauderdale, FL – A dozen activists from the South Florida area joined together outside of the Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon, February 20, to denounce U.S. sanctions and any U.S. aggression against Iran, and to urge President Biden to rejoin the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action without any added stipulations. | This event was part of the "No War on Iran National Days of Action" called for by Youth Against Empire (YAE), the newest formation within the United National Antiwar Coalition. YAE is part of a national initiative by leading anti-war organizations within UNAC to place yo…
(2021-02-23). Surprise Billing—A Flashpoint for Major Policy Issues in Health Care. jamanetwork.com This Viewpoint discusses the unexpected large billing that can occur when a patient receives care from an out-of-network physician or center (surprise billing)—its root causes and recent legislation that will provide some patients with protection, but not all.
(2021-02-23). Protest rallies held across Algeria on second anniversary of Hirak movement. peoplesdispatch.org According to Algerian prisoners' rights group, the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees, security forces arrested approximately 26 people in Algiers and 59 others across the country during the protests for unspecified reasons…
(2021-02-23). Fallout of snowstorm in US continues, death toll is estimated at 70. peoplesdispatch.org Initial estimates show 70 people died due to the storm while thousands were left without water and millions without electricity. Activists allege that the impact of the storm was exacerbated due to the mismanagement of power companies…
(2021-02-23). Cervical Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. jamanetwork.com To the Editor In their recent article, Ms Lemp and colleagues presented data about lifetime prevalence of cervical cancer screening in 55 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As leaders of Basic Health International, a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of cervical cancer, we believe these data can help guide initiatives to implement cervical cancer prevention in locations where women are at highest risk. However, we are concerned that the methods used in this study did not capture a full picture of current cervical cancer screening programs in LMICs because the study used only data from surveys. Surveys…
(2021-02-23). Beyond Trump and Biden: A Progressive Party Can Rise. counterpunch.org "Once new possibilities for change that are within reach of ordinary people become evident, or at least once people think they are evident and within reach, popular aspirations also expand." — Francis Fox Piven, Challenging Authority (2006, 141—2) Crisis can open the door to opportunities previously seen as desirable but impossible. As 2021 unfolds, more
(2021-02-23). Let the Sunshine In, for the Benefit of All. progressive.org Proven strategies can make solar power available to lower income people.
(2021-02-23). If the Biden Administration Is Serious About Protecting Voting Rights, Here's What It Should Do Immediately. aclu.org This op-ed was originally published by TIME Magazine and can be read in full On Jan. 6, 2021, millions watched, horrified, as agitators hellbent on overturning the election results and disenfranchising Black and Brown voters
(2021-02-23). Building Black Working Class Power In Maryland. popularresistance.org The state of Maryland and Baltimore City in particular have been dominated by Democratic Party politics for decades, yet many residents struggle under a repressive police force, a lack of affordable housing, gentrification, inadequate investment in schools and in majority black communities, environmental pollution, and more. Black workers in the state have spent the past ten years building their own political structure, the Ujima People's Progress Party, to challenge the Democrats and now having established a base of support, they are working to achieve ballot access. Clearing the FOG speaks with the state organi…
(2021-02-23). Coalition Pushes For 50% Carbon Cut By 2030. popularresistance.org The United States officially rejoined the Paris Agreement Friday, with climate envoy John Kerry warning that high-stakes negotiations at COP 26 in Glasgow this fall represent the "last, best hope" to avert catastrophic climate change. | "This is a significant day, a day that never had to happen," Kerry said. "It's so sad that our previous president, without any scientific basis or any legitimate economic rationale, decided to pull America out. It hurt us and it hurt the world." | Now, he added, the U.S. is re-entering the landmark 2015 accord "with a lot of humility, for the agony of the last four years". | The e…
(2021-02-23). Profiles in pusillanimity. nationofchange.org Getting honest uncorrupted replacements is a two-year priority if we hope to get some of the moral compass corrected in our national politics.
(2021-02-23). Facebook and Australian govt strike deal, to insert amendments to media code. peoplesdispatch.org The government has agreed to four amendments to the contentious News Media Bargaining Code, allowing platforms like Google and Facebook to bypass the code…
(2021-02-23). Cervical Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries—Reply. jamanetwork.com In Reply We agree with Dr Cremer and colleagues that in countries with older surveys, our estimates do not reflect the impact of more recent programs that have conducted cervical cancer screening. Our study used the most recent nationally representative surveys for which we were able to access microdata. Given the relatively low frequency with which such surveys are carried out and the time required to do so, our estimates for each country are inevitably somewhat outdated. We have therefore highlighted in our article that readers should interpret our findings as pertaining to the year(s) of data collection of the…
(2021-02-23). Risk of Spinal Hematoma After Lumbar Puncture—Reply. jamanetwork.com In Reply Dr Xu and colleagues raise several interesting questions about our study. First, they correctly point out that neuroimaging is the gold standard for the diagnosis of spinal hematoma and suggest that we may have missed some asymptomatic cases. However, neuroimaging data were unavailable for the registry-based part of the study, and we focused on clinically meaningful end points of neurological deficits requiring hospitalization. Reassuringly, in a medical record review of all lumbar punctures performed in patients with coagulopathy in the North Denmark Region during a 20-year period, we confirmed the very…
(2021-02-23). Common Weight Loss Surgeries' Benefits Sustained at Year 7. jamanetwork.com Years after bariatric surgery, patients had sustained weight loss and similar quality of life improvements regardless of whether they had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)—currently the favored procedure—or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), according to results from a randomized equivalence trial.
(2021-02-23). Trump campaign paid millions to Jan. 6 Capitol riot. nationofchange.org "It was his duty as commander-in-chief to stop the violence. And he alone had that power because they believed that they were following his orders. They said so."
(2021-02-23). Risk of Spinal Hematoma After Lumbar Puncture. jamanetwork.com To the Editor The recently published article by Dr Bodilsen and colleagues reported the association between lumbar puncture and spinal hematoma in patients with coagulopathy. When interpreting their results, some issues should be considered. First, this study defined spinal hematoma based on diagnosis codes regarding spinal hematoma—related symptoms or treatments. The diagnosis of spinal hematoma should be based on neuroimaging data, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scan results since diagnosis codes without regard to neuroimaging data may cause a misdiagnosis of spinal hematoma…
(2021-02-23). Wage Cap Allows Millionaires to Stop Contributing to Social Security on February 23, 2021. cepr.net Today is the first day of 2021 that millionaires make no contribution to Social Security. Social Security gives retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to almost one-in-five Americans every year, many of whom are children. However, contributions to the program are capped to the first $142,800 of wage income per year. This means that someone who …
(2021-02-23). Fossil Fuels Caused the Texas Freeze. progressive.org The state's fossil-fuel heavy electric power grid simply couldn't handle the peak load.
(2021-02-23). Haitians Continue To Resist Dictatorship And Imperialist Forces. popularresistance.org Protests continue in Haiti against the dictatorship of Jovenel MoàØse and the neo-colonialist, imperialist forces that back him. | Tens of thousands took to the streets in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, on February 21, two weeks after the official end of the presidential term of Jovenel MoàØse. However, MoàØse has refused to hand over power alleging discrepancies in the interpretation of the Constitution and with regard to the official start of his time in office. Protestors are demanding that MoàØse resign for illegally overstaying his mandate in office, redrafting the Constitution a…
(2021-02-23). 'This is unacceptable': Progressives reject Manchin plan to cut $15 minimum wage proposal to $11. nationofchange.org The $15 minimum wage is overwhelmingly popular with the American people. One person should not be allowed to hold relief hostage.
(2021-02-23). The Effect of Surgical Treatment on Obstructive Sleep Apnea—Reply. jamanetwork.com In Reply Drs Alderman and Agbetile raise several concerns about our SAMS trial findings, specifically that the 6-month surgical improvements may not persist over time, that long-term cardiovascular outcomes were not assessed, and that there should be a mortality benefit with OSA surgery.
(2021-02-23). Patient Information: Nystagmus. jamanetwork.com This JAMA Patient Page describes the types, causes, and treatment of nystagmus, a rhythmic involuntary movement of the eyes.
(2021-02-23). Finerenone for Patients With CKD and Type 2 Diabetes. jamanetwork.com Finerenone reduced the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular events among patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes in an international phase 3 trial.
(2021-02-23). Texas Jabberwockery — Cruz Roasted After Fleeing Blizzard. nationofchange.org Even worse than backing Trumpster — Glaring "dereliction of duty…"
(2021-02-23). Florida: Tally19 press conference demands 'Drop the felony charges against protester'. fightbacknews.org Tallahassee, FL – On February 11, several Tally19ers planned an 11 a.m. press conference downtown at the Clerk of Courts across from the Capitol, in support of Tally19er Ben Grant, who is the only one still facing felony charges. Grant was due in court that morning. | Trish Brown said, "We are here to demand that Jack Campbell, the state attorney, drop the charges against community member Ben Grant." | Brown continued, "We are coming together to show solidarity, love and support. We also have to remind the city that our fight is nowhere near over." | Recently, Tally19ers, fellow protesters, and loved ones took so…
(2021-02-23). Effect of Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone on Ventilator- and Vasopressor-Free Days in Patients With Sepsis. jamanetwork.com This randomized trial compares the effect of vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone vs matching placebo on 30-day ventilator- and vasopressor-free days among patients with sepsis-induced respiratory and/or cardiovascular dysfunction.
(2021-02-23). The Effect of Surgical Treatment on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. jamanetwork.com To the Editor The recent trial by Dr MacKay and colleagues, undertaken in a cohort of patients with sleep apnea, supported previous research that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, with or without other surgical procedures, produces some benefits to patients. However, we have concerns not addressed by this trial regarding whether these benefits persist over time. In particular, we are interested to learn why the authors chose not to follow up their study cohort beyond 6 months. Furthermore, this study did not address the question of whether uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tongue volume reduction has a greater benefit than…
(2021-02-23). Effect of Baclofen on Agitation Events in Patients With Unhealthy Alcohol Use Receiving Mechanical Ventilation. jamanetwork.com This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of high-dose baclofen vs placebo on agitation-related events among adults in the ICU with unhealthy alcohol use receiving mechanical ventilation.
(2021-02-23). Modelling England's route out of lockdown‚ÄØ. imperial.ac.uk Exit plans modelled by Imperial's MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis highlight the risks of easing restrictions too quickly.‚ÄØ…
(2021-02-23). Business School wins prestigious award for diversity and inclusion. imperial.ac.uk Imperial College Business School has won an award for Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards.
(2021-02-23).
. imperial.ac.uk KPMG has concluded an independent audit into the publication of an update to Imperial's bullying and harassment policy without due process.
(2021-02-23). Iran's Stubbornness on Enrichment Is Understandable, but Not Wise If It Wants to Return to the JCPOA. strategic-culture.org It's easy to understand why Iran wants to play hardball with Biden now after the suffering of years of Trump's sanctions. The problem is that Biden has to see a halt to enrichment as a crucial gesture. Is there a compromise? | The news that Joe Biden took steps recently to withdraw the specific actions by Donald Trump which led the U.S. to quit the JCPOA deal signed in 2015 is welcome by anyone who hopes for peace in the Middle East, but in many respects is nothing more than a diplomatic stunt with nothing really to glean from either side. | Most keen analysts knew that this was likely and Iranian officials were…
(2021-02-23). Robert Kagan Sticks to His Guns. strategic-culture.org Urging his countrymen to support the then-forthcoming U.S. invasion of Iraq, Robert Kagan insisted in 2002 that "No step would contribute more toward shaping a world order in which our people and our liberal civilization can survive and flourish." The latest issue of Foreign Affairs features a new rendering of what we have come to expect from Kagan.
(2021-02-23). Picnic Video Exposes Both Faces of Israeli Apartheid. dissidentvoice.org A short video taken by a family as they picnicked in the West Bank this month may be the best field guide yet to Israel's complex apartheid system of state-sponsored Jewish supremacy. In the clip posted to Facebook, armed Jewish settlers arrive unexpectedly to break up the picnic of a Palestinian family — including grandparents …
(2021-02-23). The GOP Intends to Entrench Its Shrinking Minority Over the Majority. commondreams.org Here's their playbook—and what the rest of us can do to stop them. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2021-02-23_at_11.19.07_am.png …
(2021-02-23). Turkey condoles death of Italian diplomat in attack. yenisafak.com The Turkish foreign minister on Monday offered his condolences on the death of an Italian diplomat in an attack on a UN convoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.In a tweet, Mevlut Cavusoglu tagged his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio and wrote: "Deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of Ambassador Luca Attanasio of #Italy and a Carabinieri officer in a horrific attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Heartfelt condolences to friendly Italy, bereaved families and the Italian nation."Attanasio, 43, was among three people killed in the attack on a UN convoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Italian polic…
(2021-02-23). 'Turkey's young population shows its strength'. yenisafak.com The healthy share of young people in Turkey's population shows the country's strength and potential in the decades to come, said a major Turkish party leader on Tuesday.Speaking to his Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) parliamentary group in the capital Ankara, Devlet Bahceli said Turkey has a population of some 13 million young people age 15-24.He explained: "15.6% of our population consists of the young people. Turkey's young population rate is much higher than the young population of EU countries. This picture is basically clear evidence of our potential and comparative and strategic strength."Dismissing the…
(2021-02-23). Snow-covered lake attracts photographers in NE Turkey. yenisafak.com Lake Aygir, a natural protected area in northeastern Turkey attracts visitors, especially photographers, as the surrounding mountains turn white offering scenic beauties.The lake in Kars province's Susuz district is located on volcanic rocks at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) and its surface is partially covered with ice through winter.Hakan Atalay, a photographer coming from the northwestern Edirne province, told Anadolu Agency that he was amazed by the scene there where he visited for the first time."I had visited many parts of Kars, but I'm coming here for the first time. I regret not coming here befo…
(2021-02-23). At least 12 dead as boat capsizes in northern Egypt. yenisafak.com At least 12 people died as a boat capsized in a lake in northern Egypt, local media reported on Tuesday.The boat carrying 19 people, including women and children, capsized in the Lake Mariut, located west of the city of Alexandria, al-Dustour daily quoted Ihab al-Mallahi, the head of a rescue team, as saying.He said 12 bodies had been recovered so far, with rescue workers searching for others missing on the lake.It was not immediately clear what caused the capsizing, but local media reports suggest most of the boats on the lake operate without licenses.The preliminary assessment indicates that people on board wer…
(2021-02-23). 'Turkey continues to increase its presence in Africa'. yenisafak.com Given the rise in the number of Ankara's diplomatic missions across Africa, Turkey's foreign minister said on Monday his country's presence in the continent continues to increase."The African continent with its 33 Least Developed Countries [LDCs] is in need of solid leadership and support from its developed partners for economic growth, social progress, woman and youth empowerment," said Mevlut Cavusoglu.Speaking at the Africa Regional Review Meeting for the 5th UN Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), the Turkish foreign minister said there is still much to be done for helping the least developed c…
(2021-02-23). Turkish film festival to honor 7 Muslim scientists. yenisafak.com An upcoming Turkish film festival will honor the lives of seven Muslim scientists who were pioneers in the field of medicine.They include: Ibn Sina, the father of modern medicine; Al Biruni, a renowned polymath; Ibn al Jazzar, who was the first to diagnose leprosy; Ibn al Nafis, who was the first to describe the pulmonary circulation of blood; Avempace, the Andalusian philosopher and scientist; Al Zahrawi, who is known as the father of surgery; and Al Razi, who was a pioneer in pediatrics and ophthalmology.The 8th International Yed-i Velayet 7 Provinces Short Film Festival will focus on the scientists who lived t…
(2021-02-23). How will Biden 'reassess' US-Saudi relationship? yenisafak.com Joe Biden's pledge to "reassess" the US-Saudi relationship was one of the president's boldest campaign promises on foreign policy. Now there seems to be an impetus in the Biden White House to make good on that promise, as US policy vis-à -vis the kingdom is rapidly shifting. Biden's first moves were to announce an end to support for the controversial Saudi campaign in Yemen and to review planned arms transfers to Riyadh. But Biden will likely not stop there and will seek to construct a novel, all-encompassing approach in dealing with one of America's most controversial allies in the Middle East.In a bid to redeem…
(2021-02-23). Greek jets harass Turkish research ship in Aegean Sea. yenisafak.com One of four Greek fighter jets approaching the TCG Cesme in the west of Lemnos Island launched a chaff cartridge from two nautical miles (2.3 miles) away, according to security sources.The TCG Cesme was engaged in hydrographic surveying activities during the incident and is slated to continue its scientific and technical research in the region until March 2 under its annual activity schedule.Sources from Turkey's National Defense Ministry said the ship had given the necessary response to harassing Greek warplanes flying at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).Chaff prevention systems are found in most militar…
(2021-02-23). Iconic French DJ duo Daft Punk breaks up after 28 years. yenisafak.com Daft Punk, the iconic Parisian electronica duo whose pop-infused funk and futurist aesthetics brought nearly three decades of hits to international audiences, have split, they announced Monday.Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo made the announcement in a highly stylized video titled "Epilogue" in which the musicians are seen walking through a desert landscape. Donning their iconic robotic helmets they come to a halt, and face each other as one removes his leather jacket to expose a detonation button on his back.The button is pressed, starting a one-minute timer that culminates in the "robot's" explo…
(2021-02-23). Non c'è crisi per l'Italia militare nella Nato. globalresearch.ca Mentre l'Italia è paralizzata dalla ´crisi economica che la pandemia ha scatenato ª (come la definisce Draghi nel discorso programmatico), c'è un settore che non ne risente ma anzi è in pieno sviluppo: quello militare nella Nato. | Il 17-18 febbraio, nel …
(2021-02-23). Student activists in Weymouth, Mass. vs the cult of 'blue lives matter'. zcomm.org It's refusal to take any concrete political stance "points out a flaw in the way schools are managed. One person or a few people at the top make decisions for all students [who] at the end of the day, hold no power."
(2021-02-23). Mexican feminists raise their voices against patriarchy. zcomm.org Faced with an epidemic of femicides and government inaction, Mexican feminists are turning to increasingly radical tactics in their collective quest for justice…
(2021-02-23). Review — Tracksuits, Traumas and Class Traitors. zcomm.org D Hunter's 'Tracksuits, Traumas and Class Traitors' is an exploration of working-class struggle and strength…
(2021-02-23). Build New Infrastructure for a Broader Movement. zcomm.org There is need to invest in different structures, organizing alongside or outside of the traditional unions, base-building and nonprofit organizations for multi-year struggles, especially worker organizing and scaled disruptive direct action…
(2021-02-23). Biden Betrays Promise to Fight for $15. zcomm.org In a conference call with governors last week, Biden assured them that a federal increase in the minimum wage will not pass congress and that he has no intention of fighting to make it happen…
(2021-02-23). 'Drug Use For Grown-Ups'. zcomm.org Dr. Carl Hart, a neuroscientist on the Columbia University faculty, is the most audaciously radical thinker in the drug-policy-reform field, and the bravest…
(2021-02-23). UN rights experts call for US to address ongoing violations at 'Kafkaesque' Guantánamo military prison. news.un.org In response to the Biden Administration's announced review into closing the infamous Guantánamo Bay detention centre in Cuba, independent UN human rights experts on Tuesday said it was vital to also address ongoing violations being committed against the 40 or so inmates still incarcerated there.
(2021-02-23). World risks 'collapse of everything' without strong climate action, Attenborough warns Security Council. news.un.org More collective action is needed to address the risks climate change poses to global peace and security, the UN Secretary-General told a high-level Security Council debate on Tuesday, as renowned natural historian David Attenborough warned countries that the planet faces total 'collapse'.
(2021-02-23). ILO urges better policies to protect workers, businesses, as digital platforms proliferate. news.un.org The UN International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday highlighted the need for enhanced international policy cooperation to provide decent work opportunities and foster sustainable business growth in the digital economy.
(2021-02-23). 'Disturbing spike' in Afghan civilian casualties after peace talks began: UN report. news.un.org Civilian casualties in Afghanistan witnessed a sharp rise since peace negotiations started in September last year, even though overall deaths and injuries dropped in 2020, compared to the previous year, according to a UN human rights report launched Tuesday.
(2021-02-23). Climate crisis and economic shocks leave millions food insecure across Central America. news.un.org Reporting that hunger has increased almost fourfold in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in the past two years, the World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday warned that 1.7 million people are in the 'emergency' category of food insecurity, calling for $47.3 million now, to provide urgent food assistance.
(2021-02-23). Never waste a good crisis. indybay.org The negotiation of society after Corona is now beginning, and it is now important to strengthen positive tendencies such as the expansion of the public health system, a more planned economy and social solidarity. But these appeals only cover up their own helplessness and lack of advice. No one can say who is even supposed to implement the demanded improvements.
(2021-02-23). Saturday 2/27: Land: The last thing supremacists will surrender, the last thing the oppressed will demand. indybay.org ZOOM link: zoom.us/j/92515704450?pwd=N05CejlZVlQxd1RoQnoxUXlja0Jvdz09…
(2021-02-23). Wednesday 2/24: Ana Maria Vidalon: Hidden Figures. indybay.org Creativity Explored and Online | 3245 Sixteenth Street | San Francisco, CA 94103…
(2021-02-23). Wednesday 2/24: Community Call on Biden's New Immigration Bill w/ United We Dream CA. indybay.org Online via Zoom…
(2021-02-23). New Deal means The Courage to Conflict. indybay.org What we can learn from Roosevelt's reform policies of the 1930s today | From 1929 onwards, as in many other capitalist countries, the US | economy plunged into disaster.2 Between 1929 and 1933, GDP | halved and unemployment rose eightfold to 12.8 million. This | equated to an unemployment rate of almost 25%.
(2021-02-23). Tuesday 2/23: The State of Black America: Jobs, Health Care, Climate, Education, Safety & More w/ M4BL. indybay.org Online via livestream…
(2021-02-23). Tuesday 3/2: The Agroecological City: Sovereignty, Resilience, and the Future of Food. indybay.org Virtual Event…
(2021-02-23). Thursday 3/11: Sacred People, Sacred Earth: Global Day of Action for Climate, Racial & Poverty Justice. indybay.org Global livestream event; and virtual actions & SF Bay Area actions by zip code…
(2021-02-23). Thursday 3/4: LUNAR: The Jewish-Asian Film Project. indybay.org This online program is free…
(2021-02-23). Saturday 2/27: #StandforAsians Rally. indybay.org San Mateo Central Park (Back of Bleachers) | 50 E 5th Ave | San Mateo, CA 94401…
(2021-02-23). Friday 2/26: The Intersection of Credit Reporting and Race. indybay.org Online / webinar…
(2021-02-23). Please sign the Color of Change petition for Mumia Abu-Jamal. indybay.org Our new petition at ColorOfChange.org calls on Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to stop defending Mumia Abu-Jamal's unjust conviction. We are printing a 40 page newspaper to support our central assertion that police, prosecutorial, and judicial misconduct has forever tainted the legitimacy of Mumia Abu-Jamal's 1982 conviction…
(2021-02-23). Wednesday 2/24: Submit your artwork to (415) Public Gallery, a crowdsourced art show. indybay.org Virtual…
(2021-02-23). California petition drive on track to force recall election this year. indybay.org The right-wing petition drive against California Governor Gavin Newsom, organized by the state Republican Party, is on track to reach the 1.5 million signature threshold required to force a recall election later this year.
(2021-02-23). The UC Berkeley Chancellor is Lying About People's Park. indybay.org UC Chancellor Carol Christ is lying to you about People's Park. | Share this article on social media with the hashtag: #SavePeoplesPark | Support People's Park by sending a message. | Email the UC Chancellor: chancellor@berkeley.edu | Call the Chancellor: (510) 642-7464…
(2021-02-23). Activists keep up the fight to free all refugees. greenleft.org.au Don Khan, a Rohingya refugee who was brought to Australia under the defunct Medevac law, told a rally that he had still not been given specialist treatment, reports Chris Slee.
(2021-02-23). International Women's Day 2021. greenleft.org.au International Women's Day will be marked across Australia with a variety of events in different cities, writes Kerry Smith.
(2021-02-23). Free all the refugees: Join the national day of action on March 5. greenleft.org.au March 5 marks three years since a Tamil family were snatched from their home in Biloela, Queensland, and imprisoned on Christmas Island. They, and all other refugees, must be released, writes Kerry Smith.
(2021-02-23). Gomeroi youth leader calls for climate justice. greenleft.org.au Jim McIlroy reports on a climate rally demanding justice for First Nations' peoples.
(2021-02-23). Are UN climate talks leading to a global dictatorship? greenleft.org.au Climate Leviathan warns that a worldwide imperial state is on the agenda, but provides no credible arguments or evidence, writes Simon Butler.
(2021-02-23). Friendly fire in the war on climate change. greenleft.org.au Hans Baer reviews a new book by Michael E Mann, a world-renowned climate scientist, the principal inventor of the hockey stick hypothesis and a central figure in the "Climategate" affair,…
(2021-02-23). Currency (and imperialism) matters. greenleft.org.au Currency battles are a symptom of the race towards global inter-imperialist war, write Graham Drew and Kelvin McQueen…
(2021-02-23). United States: Anti-Klan Act of 1871 takes on the enemy from within. greenleft.org.au Civil rights activists are engaging an 1871 law against Ku Klux Klan terrorism to try to bring former president Donald Trump and other white supremacists to account for the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, writes Malik Miah.
(2021-02-23). Councils have invested nearly £10bn through pension funds into climate-wrecking fossil fuels. thecanary.co Local governments have invested £9.7bn into fossil fuels through pension funds, according to new research. | A report by campaign groups Friends of the Earth and Platform found that despite 75% of councils in the UK declaring a 'climate emergency', many were still investing in fossil fuels during 2019/20. | West Yorkshire, Strathclyde, and Greater Manchester have made the largest local authority pension fund investments into fossil fuels. | 'Dirty pensions': | Fossil fuels account for 3% of the total value of the Local Government Pension Scheme. For the 6.8m people using the local government pension…
(2021-02-23). Arlene Foster making up school reopening policy 'on the hoof'. thecanary.co Sinn Féin has accused Arlene Foster of making up policy on the hoof after the first minister suggested revisiting Stormont's decision on schools reopening. | On Monday night, Mrs Foster indicated the DUP's desire for a more rapid return to classrooms than the phased approach agreed by her party only four days earlier. | Last Thursday, the Stormont executive announced that some primary school pupils would return to class on March 8, with some older post-primary school children returning on March 22. | Ministers did not commit to a date for the full return of the wider school population. | Sinn Fein's Pat Sheehan c…
(2021-02-23). The UK continues controversial arms sales as families in Yemen are on the brink of starvation. thecanary.co Nearly 40% of families in Yemen are living in debt to buy essentials, according to This comes as millions of Yemenis are
(2021-02-23). Troops eradicate coca fields on Mexico's southwest coast. laprensalatina.com Acapulco, Mexico, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Soldiers eradicated fields of coca — the raw material of cocaine — and a clandestine drug lab in the southern state of Guerrero, the Mexican army said. "Six coca plantations and a crude laboratory for the processing of opium paste and coca leaf were found," Lt. Col. Enrique Benitez Campoy …
(2021-02-23). Rescuers launch 2nd attempt to save stranded New Zealand pilot whales. laprensalatina.com Sydney, Australia, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Dozens of pilot whales were refloated by rescuers at Farewell Spit in the far northwest of the South Island of New Zealand for the second consecutive day Tuesday, the country's conservation agency told EFE. Forty-nine pilot whales were found on the beach on Monday morning, but 11 died during the …
(2021-02-23). US sanctions two more members of Myanmar's military junta. laprensalatina.com Washington/Yangon, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- The United States imposed sanctions on Monday (Tuesday, Naypyitaw time) against two members of Myanmar's military junta, as anti-coup protests continued in the Southeast Asian country. The US imposed sanctions on General Maung Maung Kyaw and Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun, members of the State Administration Council, according to a statement …
(2021-02-23). Bone Cancer Survivor to Join Billionaire on SpaceX Flight. laprensalatina.com CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — After beating bone cancer, Hayley Arceneaux figures rocketing into orbit on SpaceX's first private flight should be a piece of cosmic cake. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced on Monday, February 22, that the 29-year-old physician assistant — a former patient hired last spring — will launch later this year …
(2021-02-23). A year on, India communal riot survivors struggle to piece together lives. laprensalatina.com By Moncho Torres New Delhi, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- A year ago on Tuesday, hours before then American President Donald Trump landed in India, religious riots in New Delhi claimed 53 lives and displaced hundreds of families who struggle to rebuild their lives in an endless wait for justice. Among the dead in the worst in …
(2021-02-23). UN reports surge in civilian casualties after Afghanistan peace talks. laprensalatina.com Kabul, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- The number of civilians killed and injured in Afghanistan surged after the start of peace talks even as the overall figure declined last year compared to 2019, according to a report by the United Nations released on Tuesday. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office …
(2021-02-23). China says global 5G development impossible without collaboration. laprensalatina.com Shanghai, China, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- China said Tuesday that the development of fifth generation (5G) networks at a global level will not be possible without collaboration or consultation between the various players in the sector due to the "complex" international situation. In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in …
(2021-02-23). Iran limits nuclear checks but says IAEA cooperation will continue. laprensalatina.com Tehran, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Iran has limited international monitoring of its nuclear program but will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the foreign minister said Tuesday. "Obliged by law, we halted voluntary implementation of Additional Protocol," Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter, referring to regulation passed by Iran's parliament to stop voluntary …
(2021-02-23). The Kenyan school where mothers bring their babies to class. laprensalatina.com By Patricia Martínez Nyeri, Kenya, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- It is recess and a group of girls make their way from the classroom to the dormitories, where pregnant students grab some respite while others nurse babies. Since January, the Serene Haven school in central Kenya has served as an oasis for teenage mothers of the so-called …
(2021-02-23). NASA releases 1st video, audio of Perseverance landing on Mars. laprensalatina.com Miami, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- NASA on Monday released the first video of the landing of the Perseverance exploratory probe on Mars and also the first sounds recorded by the microphones installed in the space vehicle that made a fiery descent through the planet's thin atmosphere but landed safely on the surface last week. This is …
(2021-02-23). Caracas, a city without running water. laprensalatina.com Caracas, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Jeanette Celis yearns for the rain to fall on the impoverished Caracas neighborhood of La Vega by the end of February in the hope that it could fill half a dozen containers she has around her house. Like many in Venezuela, she has been without running water for months. A sheet …
(2021-02-23). HSBC's reported profit fell by 34.7 percent in 2020. laprensalatina.com Beijing, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- British bank HSBC announced Tuesday that its reported profit attributable to ordinary shareholders fell 34.7 percent in 2020 to $3.9 billion. "In 2020, HSBC had a very clear mandate — to provide stability in a highly unstable environment for our customers, communities and colleagues," Group Chief Executive Noel Quinn said in …
(2021-02-23). Aston Villa's players banned from using Fantasy Premier League. laprensalatina.com London, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Aston Villa has banned their players from participating in the Fantasy Premier League after Jack Grealish's injury was leaked as teammates removed him from their squads, British media reported. The virtual competition, with over 7 million participants in England, allows users to build a squad that earns them points in accordance …
(2021-02-23). Brazil approves definitive use of Pfizer virus vaccine. yenisafak.com Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa, approved a definitive use of the coronavirus vaccine Tuesday developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.The decision came more than two weeks after Pfizer applied to Anvisa for permission on Feb 6."The immunizer from the Pfizer/BioNTech Laboratory had its safety, quality and efficacy, assessed and certified by the technical team of Anvisa that continues its work to protect the health of the Brazilian citizens," Anvisa said in a statement.The Chinese CoronaVac and Oxford's AstraZeneca from the UK are among vaccines that have emergency use authorization in Brazil.The South American nation i…
(2021-02-23). Here's What Leaders Facing Global Crises Can Learn From Mikhail Gorbachev. thenation.com Here's What Leaders Facing Global Crises Can Learn From Mikhail Gorbachev…
(2021-02-23). Will Biden Really End Our Endless Wars? thenation.com Will Biden Really End Our Endless Wars?
(2021-02-23). It Was Garland's Hearing—but Women of Color Were on Trial. thenation.com It Was Garland's Hearing—but Women of Color Were on Trial…
(2021-02-23). President Biden, Who Controls Our Food System Matters. thenation.com Bonnie Haugen, Darvin Bentlage, Barb Kalbach President Biden, Who Controls Our Food System Matters…
(2021-02-23). Letters From the March 8/15, 2021, Issue. thenation.com Letters From the March 8/15, 2021, Issue…
(2021-02-23). A Defense of Neera Tanden's Tweets (but Not of Neera Tanden). thenation.com A Defense of Neera Tanden's Tweets (but Not of Neera Tanden)…
(2021-02-23). Nobody Deserves a Vacation More Than Ted Cruz. thenation.com Nobody Deserves a Vacation More Than Ted Cruz…
(2021-02-23). China slams Canada for calling treatment of Uighurs 'genocide'. laprensalatina.com Beijing, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- China on Tuesday slammed the Canadian parliament voted to call the treatment of the Uighur minority population a "genocide." Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Beijing had lodged a formal protest with Ottawa over the move. "Facts have proven that there was no genocide in Xinjiang. This is a lie concocted …
(2021-02-23). Tuesday 3/23: Michael Eric Dyson: Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America. indybay.org Online webinar…
(2021-02-23). 'Great Britain Used to Be a Free Nation. This Government Has Changed That', Analyst Says. sputniknews.com Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown may sound like the name of a travel show coming soon to Netflix. But it is also so much more than that. It is the route that has been carefully planned by the prime minister and his advisors as England looks to return to a life resembling normality by 21 June.
(2021-02-23). Senate Confirms Linda Thomas-Greenfield as US Envoy to United Nations. sputniknews.com Linda Thomas-Greenfield, former assistant secretary of state for African affairs in the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, previously drew criticism from Republican senators who accused her of "cheerleading" and "embracing the Chinese Communist Party" after she referred to Beijing as a "strategic adversary."
(2021-02-23). Biden's Trade Czar Reportedly Primed to Continue Trump's 'Tough on China' Approach. sputniknews.com During his presidency, Donald Trump broke with nearly fifty years of US policy and started a multi-trillion-dollar trade war against China. The Republican accused Beijing of economic transgressions ranging from artificially weakening its currency to stealing US technology. Chinese officials have vocally denied all claims of wrongdoing.
(2021-02-23). Biden's Lack of 'Decisive Action' Against Nord Stream 2 'Disappointed' Ukrainians, Report Says. sputniknews.com In a Monday article for the US news outlet Politico, the foreign ministers of Poland and Ukraine called upon US President Joe Biden to do his best "to put an end" to the Russian-Western European energy project Nord Stream 2, as they warned that Russia was strengthening "its grip on Europe's gas supply".
(2021-02-23). Playin' in the Rain: Golden Retriever Takes Enjoying a Puddle to Another Level. sputniknews.com Many dogs don't enjoy getting drenched. They just somehow tolerate taking a bath. But this golden retriever doggo appears to enjoy a session in the rain.
(2021-02-23). Reporter Asks State Department If Biden Cabinet 'Takes Credit' For Trump's Moves on Nord Stream 2. sputniknews.com Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline project that aims to deliver Russian gas to Europe, is subject to pressure from the United States, with Washington claiming that it will harm European energy security, while Moscow insists that the pipeline is a purely economic project.
(2021-02-23). Facebook Wins a Battle with Aussies But May Lose the War in Long-Term, Observers Say. sputniknews.com The Australian government has struck a deal with Facebook under which Canberra has agreed to make amendments to its landmark media bargaining legislation, while the tech firm will restore news to Australian pages in the next few days. But the question remains, who gains to gain the most from the pact?
(2021-02-23). Thaw in Bitterness! India Allows Imran Khan to Use Its Air Space For his Maiden Visit to Sri Lanka. sputniknews.com Imran Khan is travelling to Sri Lanka for two days on the invitation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He will be accompanied on the trip by some federal ministers and senior officials. Rajapaksa hopes that the visit will pave way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both nations.
(2021-02-23). Toast to the Future? French Grapes, Vintage Wine Whiz Back From Orbit After Zero Gravity Experiment. sputniknews.com Those behind the research hope to see how stresses produced by zero gravity affect plant growth, and whether spatial conditions could be used to tackle agricultural challenges on Earth.
(2021-02-23). UK Tax Break Made 'Few Lucky Sellers' Better Off, Others Have to Pay More for Housing, Analyst Says. sputniknews.com It is the most anticipated UK budget in a generation and, as it looms large, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing growing calls to extend the stamp duty holiday or risk plunging the housing market into crisis. There are others, though, who believe that such a decision could prove costly for the future of the economy.
(2021-02-23). Nearly One Third of Fresh Water Fish Face Extinction, Putting Millions of Lives at Risk, WWF Says. sputniknews.com A "devastating combination" of factors such as overfishing, intensive agriculture, global warming and toxic run-off from mining and industry is threatening thousands of species of fish with extension, the WWF says.
(2021-02-23). Does a Third Party Have a Shot at Success in the US Political System? sputniknews.com The GOP has realised that it cannot win back the US Congress without Donald Trump, while tens of millions of average American voters believe that the former president represents their values and their aims, say American observers, commenting on the recent poll showing Republican voters' loyalty to Trump.
(2021-02-23). Iran's Khamenei Issues Non-Binding Legal Opinion That Female Cartoon Characters Must Wear Hijab. sputniknews.com Wearing the Muslim headscarf — the hijab — and covering all parts of the body was made mandatory for women in Iran after the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, with those who fall foul of the rules targeted by the morality police, known as Gasht-e Ershad.
(2021-02-23). Subsidiary of German Reinsurance Giant Munich Re Terminates Contract With Nord Stream 2. sputniknews.com On Monday, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said Washington was continuing its review of potential "sanctionable activity" by companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. When finished, it will be able to pump an additional 55 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas to Germany each year.
(2021-02-23). Oral Rimegepant Safe, Effective for Migraine Prevention. jamanetwork.com Rimegepant is safe and effective for preventing migraines, a phase 2 and 3 trial published in The Lancet reported. The orally administered calcitonin gene—related peptide receptor antagonist is already approved for acute migraine treatment. No oral drugs are currently approved to both prevent and treat migraines.
(2021-02-23). [Commentary] From hesitancy to hope: One physician's experience with the Moderna trial. thelancet.com I opened the door to the sound of a gasp that the patient quickly stifled with both of her hands. Through her tears she declared, "I've never had a Black doctor before!" We hugged because in that moment, there were shared experiences that we had as Black women living in America which obviated the need to expend energy explaining those to each other. This became even more important as the mRNA vaccine candidates were approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) and physicians would have to start addressing vaccine hesitancy.
(2021-02-23). Chinese, US envoys discuss Iran, JCPOA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held a telephone conversation with Rob Malley US Special Envoy for Iran's Affairs on Tue. regarding Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
(2021-02-23). Europe fails to live up its obligations under JCPOA: Borrell. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on Tue. acknowledged that European side did not live up to its commitments under Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), stating that negotiations should be limited to JCPOA.
(2021-02-23). Iran, Tajikistan explore avenues to broaden security coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — Visiting Iranian Minister of Interior Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli met and held talks with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon in Tajik capital Dushanbe on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security field.
(2021-02-23). Neutralizing sanctions best way to aid Iranian nation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The Iranian lawmakers said in a statement that the best way to serve the Iranian nation is to neutralize sanctions and ignore empty threats of foreign countries.
(2021-02-23). Iran not having expansionist view of its military component. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — Iranian President maintained that the Islamic Republic does not have an expansionist view of its defensive and military power components.
(2021-02-23). Iranian Dep. FM discuss JCPOA with Chinese counterpart. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — In a telephone conversation, the Iranian and Chinese Deputy Foreign Ministers discussed the JCPOA and ways to resolve issues around the Iranian nuclear deal.
(2021-02-23). "Angels Do Not Die" wins two awards at BIMIFF. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The short film "Angels Do Not Die" directed by Alireza Biglari won two awards at Brazil International Monthly Film Festival (BIMIFF).
(2021-02-23). Closing ceremony of 36th Fajr Music Festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The closing ceremony of 36th edition of Fajr Music Festival was held at Tehran's Vahdat Hall on Monday. In addition to announcing winners of each sector of the Festival, three music veterans of the country were appreciated.
(2021-02-23). E3 reacts to Iran's suspension of Additional Protocol. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany issued a statement on the suspension of voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol by Iran.
(2021-02-23). Iran making 20% enriched uranium in line with plan: IAEA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The International Atomic Energy Agency announced that Iran has produced 17.6 kg of uranium enriched to up to 20 percent.
(2021-02-23). Tehran, Dushanbe stress coop. in fight against terrorism. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) —The interior ministers of Islamic Republic of Iran and Tajikistan stressed cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime.
(2021-02-23). Conference on Legal-Intl. Claims of Holy Defense in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — International Conference on the Legal-International Claims of the Holy Defense was held in the presence of the head of Iran's Judiciary Ebrahim Raisi, Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Major General Mohamad Bagheri.
(2021-02-23). Bolivian envoy submits credentials to Foreign Min. Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — Bolivia's new ambassador to Iran Romina Pérez Ramos submitted a copy of her credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a Sunday meeting in Tehran.
(2021-02-23). TELECOM Exhibition in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — The 21st International Exhibition of Telecommunications, Information Technology & Innovative CIT Solutions (TELECOM 99) was opened at Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds in the presence of the ICT Minister on Tuesday.
(2021-02-23). VIDEO: Meteorite spotted by sky watchers in Canada. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (MNA) — People in Canada caught the glimpse of a particularly bright meteorite on Monday.
(2021-02-23). Injury-laden Real Madrid poised for Atalanta tie. laprensalatina.com Sports Desk, Feb 23 (efe-epa).- Real Madrid seek to regain character in a historic first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Italian side Atalanta, who want to prolong their second stint in the Champions League. The Spanish powerhouse — which has won a record 13 titles at Europe's top-tier club competition …
(2021-02-23). A Big Victory at FERC. zcomm.org Electrification of power sources, transportation vehicles and heating and cooling systems is absolutely essential to make a clean energy revolution in enough time to prevent escalating and massive, worldwide climate catastrophe…
(2021-02-23). At least 11,000 doses of Ebola vaccine arrive in Guinea: WHO. yenisafak.com A supply of over 11,000 Ebola vaccines have reached Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the WHO said on Tuesday."The cargo was transported from Senegal by government plane after bad weather caused a stop-over in Dakar. Timely vaccination will be crucial in curbing the Ebola outbreak," WHO Africa Region tweeted.Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's Africa director, said a vaccination team has been deployed to N'Zerekore, the country's second-largest city, and is ready to rollout vaccinations soon.Last week, the WHO said more than 100 workers are expected to be part of the Ebola response team in Guinea by the end of February.A n…
(2021-02-23). US Transportation Board Looking Into 'Metal Fatigue' As Reason Behind Boeing 777 Incident. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) believes that metal fatigue could be one of the reasons behind the United Airlines Flight 328 engine failure, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said.
(2021-02-22). Ten Steps Biden Can Take Toward Peace. counterpunch.org When it comes to war, if personnel is policy, America is yet again in deep trouble. As retired Army Major Danny Sjursen recently pointed out, when it comes to foreign policy, President Joe Biden's new cabinet and advisers are well stocked with retired generals, reconstituted neocons, unapologetic hawks, and similar war enthusiasts. Biden himself has
(2021-02-22). Biden Launches Campaign to Silence Critics of Killer Vaccine. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Imagine if an ordinary working man went on a rampage and …
(2021-02-22). Sunday 2/21: The Western Campaign against Russian and Chinese Athletes. indybay.org Log-in info is posted on our website: ICSSMARX.ORG…
(2021-02-22). Red Books Day celebrated internationally to mark 173 years since the publication of 'The Communist Manifesto'. peoplesdispatch.org 
On February 21, 1948 the Manifesto of the Communist Party written by Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels was first published in the UK. The book is recognized as one of the most influential in the history of humankind and it has been translated in almost all languages in the world.
(2021-02-22). Facebook Unfriends Australia: The Triumph of Epistemic Chaos. counterpunch.org Creepy and ruthless Facebook has again impressed with its steely indifference to civic responsibility, as if a company established by a sociopath could ever be a model of human improvement. On February 18, Mark Zuckerberg's antisocial company took aim at Australia by blocking those in that country from sharing local and international content. As the
(2021-02-22). The Green New Deal Threatens Republicans' Bread and Butter, it's Not Just Competition in the Battle of Ideas. cepr.net Naomi Klein has an interesting piece in the New York Times on the implications of the Texas disaster. I would disagree with some parts, which attack the Texas approach to energy as "free market." To my view, this is far too generous. Even Texas' deregulated energy market is still highly regulated. It is possible to …
(2021-02-22). Republicans 'Fear' Green New Deal, Argues Naomi Klein, Because It's a Viable Alternative to Free-Market Failure. commondreams.org "Texans are living through the collapse of a 40-year experiment in free-market fundamentalism, one that has also stood in the way of effective climate action. Fortunately, there's a way out." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12312645031.jpg …
(2021-02-22). As Millions in Texas Lack Safe Water, Sunrise Movement Rallies at State Capitol Demanding Green New Deal. commondreams.org "Texas is the perfect example of what happens when our politicians cater to fossil fuel executives instead of the young people who have been… warning of an impending climate emergency like this." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-13033974171.jpg …
(2021-02-22). Fossil Fuel Shock Doctrine: Naomi Klein on Deadly Deregulation & Why Texas Needs the Green New Deal. democracynow.org 
Millions of Texans are still suffering after severe winter weather devastated the state's energy and water systems. About 8 million Texans remain under orders to boil water, and 30,000 homes still have no power. Around 70 deaths have now been linked to the winter storms, including at least 12 people who died inside their homes after losing heat. Republican lawmakers in Texas are facing increasing criticism for their handling of the crisis, their decades-long push to deregulate the state's energy system, and their unfounded attacks on renewable energy and the Green New Deal. Naomi Klein, senior correspondent at Th…
(2021-02-22). A Green New Deal Would Solve Texas Energy Deregulation, Says Naomi Klein. truthout.org 
Millions of Texans are still suffering after severe winter weather devastated the state's energy and water systems. About 8 million Texans remain under orders to boil water, and 30,000 homes still have no power. Around 70 deaths have now been linked to the winter storms, including at least 12 people who died inside their homes after losing heat. Republican lawmakers in Texas are facing increasing criticism for their handling of the crisis, their decades-long push to deregulate the state's energy syst…
(2021-02-22). Who Messed with Texas? counterpunch.org 
Texans like to brag endlessly about how great their state is, its "independence," and warn, "don't mess with Texas." But as millions of Texans now huddle freezing in the dark of this self-proclaimed "energy capital of the world," it might be worth thinking about how this tragedy happened, who and what caused it, and why Republican politicians are trying to blame renewable energy for a problem caused by poorly built and maintained fossil fuel generation facilities and the predatory capitalism of its deregulated energy system.
(2021-02-22). Global Solidarity Is Needed During The Pandemic To End Medical Apartheid. dissidentvoice.org 
Some of the truths the COVID-19 pandemic is exposing about the United States are its racial disparities in health and access to health care. Black and Indigenous people are more likely to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 than white people. They are two to three times more likely to be hospitalized and …
(2021-02-22). Lithium Mine Kicks Off A New Era Of Western Extraction. popularresistance.org In the Great Basin Desert of northern Nevada and southern Oregon, Thacker pass cuts a wide swath of sagebrush and bunch grasses between narrow ribbons of mountain ranges. The region is a caldera — a collapsed volcano — that formed an ancient lakebed. For millennia, Indigenous peoples used the verdant valley as a pathway between their winter and summer homes. Today, the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe's reservation is located nearby, along with the small agricultural community of Orovada, clusters of buildings surrounded by circular green fields of alfalfa. | The ancient lakebed clays are rich in…
(2021-02-22). Okinawa: US Military Seeks A Base Built On The Bones Of The War Dead. popularresistance.org One Sunday in October, Takamatsu Gushiken dug up a femur. It was one of several exciting finds that fall. By the month's end, he had uncovered the phalange of a foot, two fibulas, and a lower jaw, too. He rushed to tell the rest of his volunteer group, Gamafuya, which means "cave diggers" in the Okinawan Indigenous language of Uchinaaguchi. The bones confirmed what Gushiken had known all along: There, in a tract of forest in the southern city of Itoman, Okinawa, lay the remains of the victims of World War II. | As November began, Gushiken returned to the site to find the forest had been clear-cut. | "We only work…
(2021-02-22). Indigenous Youth Demand End To Trans Mountain Insurance. popularresistance.org A group of Indigenous youth took their fight against the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project to the Vancouver offices of insurance companies backing the controversial venture earlier this week. | On Thursday, approximately 20 youth from the x ∑m…ôŒ∏kw…ôyÃì…ôm, Skwxwú7mesh, S…ôlÃìílw…ôta…¨ (Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh) and other First Nations occupied the lobby — as well as south and west entrances — of 250 Howe St., a high-rise building housing Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada, one of 11 insurers backing…
(2021-02-22). Ecuador: Indigenous Caravan for Vote Recount Approaches Quito. telesurenglish.net Supporters of the U.S.-backed "eco-socialist" Presidential candidate Yaku Perez will arrive in Quito on Tuesday, seven days after leaving in a caravan from Loja Province in rejection of the Feb. 7 election results. | RELATED: | The Indigenous caravan headed for the capital following the insistent claims of widespread fraud by the Pachakutik Party nominee. Perez began claiming it after losing to his rival, banker Guillermo Lasso,…
(2021-02-22). A Conversation With Leaders Of The Mayangna Nation. popularresistance.org In November of 2020, between hurricanes Eta and Iota, Stephen Sefton interviewed Indigenous leaders and others in Nicaragua's North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region. The interviews mainly address long standing misapprehensions and outright falsehoods about Nicaragua's Sandinista government's defense of Indigenous people's rights, an issue inseparable from defense of the natural environment. More immediately, the interviews exposed several poorly researched, inaccurate reports of the Oakland Institute, published in 2020, clearly seeking to damage Nicaragua's economy by means of misleading, sensationalist and simp…
(2021-02-22). No Heat or Water, Overflowing Toilets, Disgusting Food: Texas Prisons Went "from Bad to Dire" in Storm. democracynow.org 
As winter storms overwhelmed Texas, many incarcerated people in the state went days without heat and water, making already grim conditions behind bars even more intolerable for thousands of people. Officials say 33 prisons across the state lost power and 20 had water shortages after the state's electrical grid failed. Staff shortages compounded the problems, and some incarcerated people report not being provided with blankets to keep warm in their freezing cells and being served inedible food. "Texas prison conditions have gone from bad to dire," says Marshall Project reporter Keri Blakinger. "Prisons didn't real…
(2021-02-22). This Is What Deregulation Looks Like: Some Texans Face $10K+ in Electric Bills, Others Still in Dark. democracynow.org 
When millions of Texans lost power during extreme winter weather, some who were fortunate enough to keep the lights on now face astronomically high energy bills, with people being charged thousands of dollars for just a few days of energy use. The skyrocketing bills are a result of the state's years-long push to deregulate its energy market, says Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen's Energy Program. "We are seeing in these deregulated environments unscrupulous companies preying on their assumption that households will not understand or read the fine print," says Slocum. We also speak with Texas resident Akil…
(2021-02-22). Headlines for February 22, 2021. democracynow.org Biden Declares Major Disaster in TX as Tragic Stories Emerge, Residents Hit with Soaring Power Bills, U.S. to Top 500,000 COVID Deaths as Democrats Advance $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package, U.K. Eases Lockdown; Iranian Vaccine Shows Promising Results; Bolivia Health Workers Launch Strike, Protests Intensify in Burma After 3 Demonstrators Die Amid Violent Crackdown, Thailand Anti-Government Protests Continue After PM Survives No-Confidence Vote, Conservative Guillermo Lasso Advances to 2nd Round of Ecuadorian Presidential Election, Uber Drivers in U.K. Win Legal Battle to Be Recognized as Company Employees, Pentagon…
(2021-02-22). Israeli Ministry of Health Study finds Pfizer Vaccine stops 89.4% of Virus transmission, Raising Hopes of Return to Normalcy: Der Spiegel. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — Israel's national health system, an artefact of its past as a country founded by socialists, has allowed the country of 9 million to vaccinate almost half of its citizens already, the most progress made by any country in the world. This accomplishment (which unfortunately excludes the five million stateless Palestinians …
(2021-02-22). Palestinians in Gaza protest UNRWA decision to remove poverty classifications on food aid. peoplesdispatch.org The move could end up affecting almost 770,000 Palestinian refugees currently living under the extreme poverty line, who are heavily dependent on international humanitarian assistance for their daily survival…
(2021-02-22). Palestine elections: Gaza voters sceptical about upcoming polls. middleeasteye.net 
Palestine elections: Gaza voters sceptical about upcoming polls | With the Israeli blockade still the prime preoccupation in Gaza, youth there hold little hope for Palestine's long-overdue vote | Mon, 02/22/2021 – 14: 27 | Palestinian members of Central Elections Commission register voters for the upcoming elections, on February 10, 2021 in Gaza City . (AFP) | The besieged Gaza Strip bears few signs o…
(2021-02-22). Covid-19: Former Israeli minister urges denial of vaccine to Palestinians in Gaza. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Former Israeli minister urges denial of vaccine to Palestinians in Gaza | Ayelet Shaked argued humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the besieged territory should be blocked over bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas | Mon, 02/22/2021 – 14: 57 | A Palestinian health worker holds swab samples collected to test for Covid-19 in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on 16 February 2021 (AFP) | Former Isr…
(2021-02-22). Crisis sin Precedentes en Ecuador: Desafío para Andrés Arauz. globalizacion.ca 
Independientemente de cualquiera sea el ganador a la presidencia en el Ecuador, Arauz o Lasso, se tendrá que enfrentar a una brutal crisis, herencia de Lenin Moreno, por ejemplo, la crisis de salud, ocasionada por la pandemia del Coronavirus, atendida…
(2021-02-22). Half a million COVID dead: Trump death cult meets shock doctrine. peoplesworld.org 
Remember just a few short months ago when President Donald Trump floated the number of 200,000 coronavirus deaths as an acceptable number before COVID-19 just vanished like a miracle? The inevitable outcome of Trump's death cult has arrived—as of this week, a staggering half a million Americans in their graves from a disease that could …
(2021-02-22). On the picket line. workers.org 
McDonald's workers win settlement In Los Angeles, between April and August 2020, workers at a McDonald's complained about inadequate protection from COVID, including lack of social distancing and forcible exposure to customers who refused to wear masks. Following strikes to protest these unsafe working conditions, McDonald's management retaliated by firing . . . |
(2021-02-22). The Global Cry for Change. dissidentvoice.org Change is in the air, it's been hovering for some time, but thanks to Covid-19 festering social issues and inequalities have been highlighted, intensifying the need for a new approach. Talk of environmental action and reimagining how we live and work fills the airwaves; catchphrases abound, spilling from the lips of duplicitous politicians who claim …
(2021-02-22). France Reports Another 22,046 COVID-19 Cases. telesurenglish.net France's Health Agency reported 22,046 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, slightly down from 22,371 a day before. | RELATED: | To date, France has recorded 3,605,181 infections, the sixth-highest tally in the world. The number of French people who have died from the virus rose by 160 to 84,306, compared to a single-day increase of 183 reported on Saturday. | In the Mediterranean city of Nice, the virus was c…
(2021-02-22). Cuomo's Nursing Home Scandal Vindicates His Critics In The Press. popularresistance.org New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's moment as the "hero" of the Covid-19 crisis is fading, with revelations (New York Times, 2/12/21) that his administration covered up the scope of the coronavirus death toll in the state's nursing homes, as one Cuomo aide "admitted that the state had withheld data because it feared an investigation by the Trump Justice Department." The anger at the governor is bipartisan; legislators on both sides of the aisle are discussing curtailing his powers, and even impeachment (City and State, 2/12/21). | It seems like yesterday when Cuomo, the son of legendary New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, was in…
(2021-02-22). Anti-Fake News Campaign Uses Image of a 'Naked' Bolsonaro. telesurenglish.net Reporters Without Borders (RSF) launched the "Naked Truth" campaign to denounce the fake news spread by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro. | RELATED: | To do so, journalists used a photomontage of a naked Bolsonaro covered by a poster with the numbers of COVID-19 cases and related deaths. | "It is a symbolic way of confronting President Bolsonaro with the stark and naked reality of the facts, while he blames the press for the chaos in the c…
(2021-02-22). Death on an unprecedented scale: One year since the first death from COVID-19 in the US. wsws.org It has been one year since the first death from COVID-19 in the US. The scale of death in that one year is unprecedented in US history.
(2021-02-22). Higher Education Workers Are Organizing For Their Own Safety. popularresistance.org President Biden included $35 billion in funding for higher education in his American Rescue Plan. If this aid makes it into the final Covid relief law, college and university employees across the country will no doubt applaud. | The pandemic has hit this sector hard. Around 260,100 university employees (14.6 percent of the total workforce) have lost their jobs since February 2020. Staff also make up most of the Covid-19 deaths on college campuses. | But while federal funding is welcome, it is no guarantee of equitable treatment for higher education workers. Economic disparities and unsafe working conditions are m…
(2021-02-22). How One Community Creatively Solved Keeping Its Residents Fed During A Pandemic. popularresistance.org Hunger and food insecurity have increased worldwide since COVID-19 took hold. In December 2020, the United Nations warned of the threat of "catastrophic global famine," urging worldwide governments to prioritize food security and humanitarian needs in their COVID-19 response plans. The global, industrialized food supply chain is strained and fraying. Production and shipping delays are increasingly commonplace. Given the lack of substantial response by many governments to food insecurity, it has often fallen to individuals to step in and feed their communities. Neighborhood-based volunteer groups across major U.S.
(2021-02-22). UK government's policies lead to horrific COVID-19 death rates among disabled people. wsws.org Disabled people have suffered a brutal disregard for life, left with woefully inadequate support throughout the pandemic by a ruling class which considers them a drain on profits.
(2021-02-22). Why Politicians and Doctors Keep Ignoring the Medical Research on Vitamin D and Covid. dissidentvoice.org It is probably not a good idea to write while in the grip of anger. But I am struggling to suppress my emotions about a wasted year, during which politicians and many doctors have ignored a growing body of evidence suggesting that Vitamin D can play a critically important role in the prevention and treatment of …
(2021-02-22). There is 'no credible route to a zero-Covid Britain,' Boris Johnson says, as he unveils 'irreversible' lockdown-lifting plan. rt.com 
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday conceded there is "no credible route" for Britain or the world to become completely free of Covid-19, as he announced a plan to gradually lift restrictions across England. | Noting that there will be more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths whenever the UK decides to lift its lockdown — whether that's immediately or in nine months — Johnson told Parliament there is "no credible route to a zero-Covid Britain or, indeed, a zero-Covid world." | We cannot persist indefinitely with restrictions that debilitate our economy, our physical and mental well-being, and t…
(2021-02-22). Covid-19 lockdown sees people across UK spend an extra 14 hours a week sitting down than before pandemic — survey. rt.com 
Nearly half of all Britons are sitting for 14 hours a week more than they did before the Covid-19 lockdown — and more than a third say they're bored of their limited exercise options, according to a new national survey. | The poll carried out for UKActive — a not-for-profit group that represents fitness and physical-activity bodies — found that 78 percent of the 2,170 adults surveyed said they spent more time sitting around during lockdown. Over a quarter said they found themselves off their feet for three hours more per day than before lockdown, while 15 percent said it was for four hours more…
(2021-02-22). Dutch restaurant group suing state over Covid closures, warns industry is on brink of bankruptcy with no end to lockdown in sight. rt.com 
The Netherlands' largest restaurant association has said it will sue the Dutch state in a bid to get the government to drop its ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, due to their devastating impact on the hospitality sector. | Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) said on Monday it was taking legal action based on the fact that the government has not provided epidemiological evidence for the restrictions that have forced the industry to close. | KHN has also criticized a lack of state financial support for restaurateurs and the government's failure to announce an exit plan for the current shutdown. The amount the associ…
(2021-02-22). 'Wear Your Damn Masks, Please,' Says Rep. Pocan After NIH Director Ties Politicization to 'Tens of Thousands' of US Deaths. commondreams.org Covid-19 has killed nearly half a million people in the United States. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/trump_balcony_0.jpg …
(2021-02-22). Turkey welcomes over half million tourists in January. yenisafak.com Turkey hosted 509,787 foreign visitors in the first month of 2021, the country's Culture and Tourism Ministry said on Monday.The figures decreased 71.48% year-on-year in January from 1.8 million due to the COVID19 pandemic measures, the official data showed.Istanbul continued to be Turkey's top tourist hub, attracting nearly 65.7% of foreign visitors — 334,825 persons.Edirne in northwestern Turkey, which borders both Bulgaria and Greece, saw the second-highest number of foreigners, with 52,698.The Mediterranean resort city of Antalya followed with 9.22% or 47,023 foreign visitors.Russians accounted for 17.54% of…
(2021-02-22). Pubs & shops in England to reopen in April, schools start back in two weeks, as PM Johnson unveils Covid lockdown exit. rt.com 
All pupils in England will return to the classroom on March 8 and some businesses will reopen next month, UK PM Boris Johnson said on Monday as he unveiled a four-stage plan to take the country out of its Covid-19 lockdown.
(2021-02-22). In opposition to PG&E's Time-Of-Use rate plans during the covid-19 pandemic. indybay.org Corporate Mobsters Attacking Us In The Age Of The Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic:…
(2021-02-22). Vienna State Opera offers museum tours as Covid keeps stage empty. laprensalatina.com Vienna, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- The Vienna State Opera has shifted its focus from overtures and arias to galleries and paintings to welcome visitors as a museum while Austrian theaters remain closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. With the health crisis keeping the curtain down on live shows for now, officials at the famed opera house have …
(2021-02-22). Paraguay kicks off Covid-19 vaccination drive. laprensalatina.com Asuncion, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Paraguay's Covid-19 vaccination campaign kicked off on Monday with the inoculation of a 40-year-old nurse, a recipient of one of the 4,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V shot that have arrived thus far in that South American country. Miriam Arrua was vaccinated by Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni at the National Hospital …
(2021-02-22). Singapore Open gets underway amid strict Covid rules. laprensalatina.com Bangkok, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Singapore Open kicked off Monday behind closed doors amid restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Tennis players, coaching teams and referees coming from outside Singapore will have to undergo daily PCR tests among other measures imposed by the organizers. At least 200 people have arrived in Singapore for the …
(2021-02-22). Govt's response sought over Indian guru's 'WHO-okayed' Covid-19 drug claim. laprensalatina.com New Delhi, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- A body of some 350,000 doctors in India on Monday sought a government response over a controversial yoga guru's "blatant lie" that the World Health Organization had certified a traditional medicine that he claims to be effective in treating Covid-19. Billionaire yogi Baba Ramdev, the co-founder of medicine-and-consumer-goods company Patanjali …
(2021-02-22). Hong Kong leader, top officials first to get Covid jabs. laprensalatina.com Hong Kong, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and her ministers became the first people in the city to receive the coronavirus vaccine Monday afternoon. Describing the vaccination as "a ray of light" shone on the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the top leader said she was "extremely pleased" to be getting …
(2021-02-22). WHO chief: Some high-income countries undermining fair distribution of jabs. laprensalatina.com Berlin, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- The director-general of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom on Monday that some developed nations were striking Covid-19 vaccine deals that undermined the interests of Covax, the initiative to secure an equitable global distribution of jabs. "Some high-income countries are approaching manufacturers to secure more vaccines, which is affecting the deals …
(2021-02-22). Cuba Starts Large-Scale Production of Soberana 02 Vaccine. telesurenglish.net BioCubaFarma business group's President Eduardo Martinez Sunday informed on the large-scale production of a new batch of Soberana 02, the most advanced COVID-19 vaccine developed by the country so far. | RELATED: | "The effort to have a vaccine that protects Cubans and helps other peoples is enormous. We are moving forward, but under incredible political hostility," Martinez said and informed that Soberana 02 is being…
(2021-02-22). Thursday 2/25: COVID-19 Vaccines & African American Communities Town Hall w/ NAACP. indybay.org Online via livestream…
(2021-02-22). It's Time to End This Relic of Slavery. scheerpost.com hans van den berg / CC BY 2.0] By Rebekah Entralgo / OtherWords If it's passed by Congress, President Joe Biden's COVID-19 relief proposal would do a lot more than fund relief payments and vaccine rollouts. It would also raise the wage floor for all U.S. workers — and give a particularly long overdue raise to restaurant servers, taxi drivers, manicurists, and other tipped workers. |
(2021-02-22). Australia begins vaccinating frontline workers amid controversy. laprensalatina.com Sydney, Australia, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Australia on Monday began the first phase of its Covid-19 vaccination program by administering the vaccine to essential workers amid a controversy after Tennis Australia's president was booed for praising the vaccines during the presentation ceremony at the Australian Open. Australian authorities plan to distribute about 60,000 doses of the …
(2021-02-22). WHO Agrees To Compensation Plan for COVAX Vaccines Side Effects. telesurenglish.net The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday the no-fault compensation plan for people in 92 low and middle-income countries that might report serious side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine to acquire via the COVAX facility. | RELATED: | "By providing a no-fault lump-sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims, the COVAX program aims to significantly reduce the need for recourse to the law…
(2021-02-22). WHO Blames Rich Countries for Hampering Access to Vaccines. telesurenglish.net The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, blamed on Monday, during a press conference at the international organization's headquarters, "some rich countries" for interfering in the equitable distribution of vaccines against Covid-19. | RELATED: | "Some rich countries interfere in the distribution system of anti-Covid-19 vaccines to obtain additional doses of the prod…
(2021-02-22). The Philippines Approves Use of China's Sinovac Vaccine. telesurenglish.net The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director Enrique Domingo on Monday announced that his country granted the emergency use authorization to China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines. | RELATED: | "After a thorough and rigorous review of the currently available published and unpublished data by our regulatory and medical experts, the FDA is granting an emergency use authorization to the COVID-19 vaccine of Sinovac," Doming…
(2021-02-22). Peruvian Lawmakers to Be Tested to Discard Illegal Vaccinations. telesurenglish.net Peru's Congress this weekend passed a motion calling on all 130 lawmakers to undergo a test to rule out that they received a COVID-19 vaccine. | RELATED: | Supported by 111 Congress members, the decision seeks to discard that lawmakers are linked to the "VaccineGate" scandal which involves over 400 high-ranking government officials. | "We demand transparency and public objectivity," the Congress plenary stated, adding…
(2021-02-22). Pressure Mounts for Biden to Remove Global Barriers to Vaccines. zcomm.org President Joe Biden is meeting with the G7 leaders of other wealthy nations Friday to discuss global plans to defeat COVID…
(2021-02-22). IP, vaccine imperialism cause death and suffering, delay recovery. mronline.org 
Vaccine developers' refusal to share publicly funded vaccine research findings is stalling broader, affordable vaccinations which would more rapidly contain COVID-19 contagion. The pandemic had infected at least 109 million people worldwide, causing over 2.4 million deaths as of mid-February.
(2021-02-22). The pandemics of racism and COVID-19 are a deadly mix. therealnews.com 
A century of racist public policy laid the foundation for deep racial inequities in employment and vaccination rates in the U.S. pandemic response.
(2021-02-22). Antonio Guterres criticizes unequal global access to COVID-19 vaccines, calls it 'wildly unfair'. mronline.org 
The UN secretary general pointed out that 75% of all vaccinations so far have been administered in just 10 rich countries, whereas 130 mostly poor countries have not received a single dose of vaccine.
(2021-02-22). Johnson aspires to normality without social restrictions by end of June. laprensalatina.com By Guillermo Ximenis London, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- The accelerated anti-Covid vaccination program in the United Kingdom could allow the government to cancel restrictions on social contact by the end of June, according to the plan set forth by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Parliament on Monday. Johnson said that the plan would guide "us …
(2021-02-22). There's Evidence Chinese Military Responsible for COVID-19 Pandemic, Ex-Deputy NSA Says. sputniknews.com The Donald Trump administration regularly traded barbs with Chinese officials over the origins of the deadly coronavirus flare-ups across the world, with the ex-POTUS insistently referring to the novel infectious disease as "the Chinese virus", much to Beijing's annoyance.
(2021-02-22). Facebook Reportedly Bans Ads Raising Vaccine Awareness for Being 'Political Messages'. sputniknews.com As part of what it calls its fight against disinformation and encouraging accountability, Facebook placed limits on political advertisements during last year's election. Since ads from elected officials are outright prohibited, it reportedly blocks routine notices from the authorities about the availability and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
(2021-02-22). Republicans' Politicization of Mask-Wearing May Have Killed Tens of Thousands. truthout.org 
As the U.S. reaches the grim milestone of 500,000 deaths from COVID-19, the National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins has said that the proliferation of the virus due to partisan resistance and politicization around wearing a face mask could be responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. | Collins said that misinformation around COVID was particularly harmful around mask-wearing. In the early months of the pandemic, evidence showed that wearing a mask helped to stop the spread o…
(2021-02-22). One-Third of Deaths Reported to CDC After COVID Vaccines Occurred within 48 Hours of Vaccination. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | According to new data released today, as of Feb. 12, 15,923 …
(2021-02-22). Large-Scale Mass-Jabbing for COVID Horror Stories. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Millions of Americans and others abroad who roll up their sleeves …
(2021-02-22). Mandatory glasses next? Spectacles-wearers TWO to THREE times less likely to get Covid-19, study suggests. rt.com 
Research from India has indicated that people wearing glasses are far less likely to become infected with Covid-19 than those without, which appears to support health advice to wear spectacles instead of contact lenses. | Covid-19 can spread in many different ways, and one of those is through germs being spread to the eyes due to touching or rubbing. According to the new study, published at medRxiv.com and not peer-reviewed, people who wear glasses touch their eyes far less and are therefore less likely to spread the virus in this way. | Researchers found that, on average, people touch their face 23 times an h…
(2021-02-22). What The Vaccine Debacle Tells Us About Predatory Capitalism. popularresistance.org Vaccines have been a beacon of hope amid a raging coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 2.4 million people and brought world economies to a halt. They have been presented as a remedy that would put an end to the immense suffering — physical, emotional, and economic — caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. | But as vaccine roll-out has faltered due to various foreseen and unforeseen circumstances, the light of this imaginary beacon seems to be getting dimmer. As a recent article published in the leading medical journal The Lancet concludes, "new vaccines will mean little to individuals around the wo…
(2021-02-22). Medical vulnerability of individuals with down syndrome to severe COVID-19 — data from the trisomy 21 research society and the UK ISARIC4C survey. thelancet.com Leading signs/symptoms of COVID-19 and risk factors for severe disease course are similar to the general population. However, individuals with DS present significantly higher rates of medical complications and mortality, especially from age 40.
(2021-02-22). US Closes In On Half a Million Deaths from COVID-19. telesurenglish.net On February 23, 2020, former President Donald Trump boasted that "we've got it under control" and "we've had no deaths," revealing his lack of preparation for the disaster that was about to unfold during his tenure. | The current death toll, according to CNN, of nearly 499 000, is equivalent to more than six average NFL stadiums full of victims – back in the days when crowds could still fill massive sporting events. Each is a grandparent, parent, son, daughter, or sibling who is part of a horrendous death toll – the world's worst in the pandemic – nearly equivalent to the United States' combined losses in two…
(2021-02-22). 'We didn't quite understand': Medvedev shared Djokovic confusion over Australian Open booing, says he does not want Covid vaccine. rt.com 
Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev has described the reaction to the tournament closing ceremony, when an organizer refenced politics and a Covid-19 vaccine, as "strange" — and said that he would not choose to have a jab. | ATP Tour Finals winner Medvedev missed out on his first Grand Slam before taking part in a ceremony that courted confusion as speaker Jayne Hrdlicka was greeted with occasional boos. | Jeers from the lively crowd were first audible when Tennis Australia boss Hrdlicka spoke of her optimism about the emergence of vaccines, and the boos grew louder when she praised politicians in t…
(2021-02-22). 'Why would anyone get the jab after this?': AP criticized for saying Covid vaccination WON'T bring life back to normal. rt.com 
Mainstream US media is under fire for publishing an article telling Americans that life won't go back to normal even after they've been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 — and critics argue the message discourages vaccination. | In an AP
(2021-02-22). US woman died after receiving coronavirus-infected lungs during organ transplant, study reveals. rt.com 
A Michigan woman died of Covid-19 last year after getting a double-lung transplant from a donor who turned out to be infected with the virus, according to a medical study describing the first such case in the US. | The unnamed organ recipient had chronic obstructive lung disease, while her donor was another woman, who succumbed to a severe brain injury after a car crash, a The surgery took place at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan in mid-2020…
(2021-02-22). German Special Forces soldiers training in Arizona mistaken for TERRORISTS after 'bizarre' visit to local hospital. rt.com 
Two members of Germany's Special Forces Command (KSK) were reported to the FBI as likely terrorists after they showed up acting "strange" at a hospital near where they had been conducting weeks of military exercises. | The pair of plainclothed Bundeswehr soldiers turned up at an Arizona medical clinic looking to find out whether Germans would be able to receive treatment there in case of injury or infection with Covid-19. But the mystery men's visit set off alarms among the hospital staff, German outlet Der Spiegel reported on Monday. | Hospital workers immediately alerted the FBI, suspecting the visitors coul…
(2021-02-22). Former US Ambassador Claims He Never Met Navalny but Unearthed Photo Shows Otherwise. mintpressnews.com As with so much in the world of spies and diplomacy, the public never has all the information. and the latest piece in the Navalny mystery underlines the point that few people are telling the truth all of the time.
(2021-02-22). Saturday Night Live Controversy Hides Greater Issues Around Israeli Apartheid. mintpressnews.com "The real joke here is how this extremely obvious reality is taboo and calling any attention to it is subject to a massive pressure campaign when the real pressure campaign should be against Apartheid, not those calling attention to it."
(2021-02-22). Assange's partner exposes ongoing denial of his legal and democratic rights. wsws.org Assange is still being denied proper access to his lawyers and to crucial legal documents, even after a Magistrates' Court verdict blocking his extradition to the US last month.
(2021-02-22). Assange's Lawyers Considering a Cross Appeal. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Julian Assange's lawyers are
(2021-02-22). EU Imposes Further Sanctions on Venezuela as Maduro Visits UN Human Rights Council. venezuelanalysis.com Caracas has also denounced violations of the Vienna Convention after its embassy in Peru was attacked.
(2021-02-22). Greece to install long-range cameras and radars along border with Turkey: Report. middleeasteye.net 
Greece to install long-range cameras and radars along border with Turkey: Report | Athens continues to tighten border security in a bid to discourage undocumented migration | Mon, 02/22/2021 – 10: 48 | Migrants near the fence of the Turkey-Greece border buffer zone in Edirne, Turkey, 7 March 2020 (AFP) | Greece will position radars and cameras with a range of up to 15km along its land border with Turkey…
(2021-02-22). Spanish police find migrants hiding in bottle container, sealed bag of ash. laprensalatina.com Melilla, Spain, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- Spanish police on Monday said they recently discovered 41 migrants attempting to smuggle themselves to mainland Europe, including one man who had enclosed himself in an airtight plastic bag full of toxic ash. Police initially detected 35 migrants trying to make it through the port in Melilla, the Spanish autonomous …
(2021-02-22). New European Union sanctions on democratic elections: 30 Venezuelan politicians to be sanctioned. mronline.org 
The European Union (EU) announced this Friday, February 19, that the body will sanction about thirty Venezuelan leaders for participating in the legislative elections last December, reported Europa Press, alluding to a "high ranked official" of the community bloc.
(2021-02-22). Venezuela Lost Over $30 Billion Due To the US Blockade. telesurenglish.net At the 46th session of the United Nations, Human Rights Council (HRC) held on Monday, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro repudiated the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union on his country and recalled that they have contributed to exhausting the epidemiological crisis. | RELATED: | "The U.S. has applied over 450 unilateral coercive measures, which have caused economic damage…
(2021-02-22). NY Democrat 'Better at Being a Texas Senator Than Ted Cruz': AOC Spends Weekend Raising Millions, Delivering Aid. commondreams.org "Charity can't replace policy," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged, "but solidarity is how we'll face climate change and build a better world." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/aoc_tx.jpg …
(2021-02-22). The U.S. Empire Is an Abusive Narcissist. strategic-culture.org By Caitlin JOHNSTONE | Americans: healthcare please | Government: Sorry did you say a new military base in northeastern Syria? | Americans: no, healthcare | Government: Alright you drive a hard bargain but here's a * | Sorry we're not going to be able to do the $2000 checks thing, or the cancelling student debt thing, or the $15 minimum wage thing. Would you accept payment in the form of social media "dunking" on Senate Republi…
(2021-02-22). Why Didn't Speaker Pelosi Want Witnesses? counterpunch.org 
Democratic leaders told the House managers to huddle privately with Trump's defense lawyers to strike a deal. They did. They would place a mere statement from Rep. Beutler into the trial record and call no witnesses. The Republicans couldn't have been more delighted, knowing that the Democratic leadership wanted the trial over that day before Congress went on a week-long vacation.
(2021-02-22). Venezuelan Troops Detect a Spy Working for Colombia. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino on Monday denounced a new attempt to violate the sovereignty of his country by the Colombian government which attempted to get sensitive information about the Bolivarian Military Aviation (AMB). | RELATED: | Colombian intelligence services recruited Captain Ronald Marrero to get information about the Su-30MK2 multirole fighter, a device that is designed to destroy air, ground, and surface…
(2021-02-22). US Supreme Court Denies Trump's 'Shameful' Effort to Block Release of His Tax Returns. commondreams.org "This decisive defeat once again shows that no one—including Donald Trump—is above the law." | www.flickr.com/photos/alecperkins/…
(2021-02-22). Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Last-Ditch Effort to Block Taxes From Manhattan DA. truthout.org 
The United States Supreme Court denied a request by former President Donald Trump's legal team to prevent the former president from having to provide his tax records to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. |
(2021-02-22). Trump lashes out after Supreme Court loss, calls probe into his tax returns a "fishing expedition" salon.com Supreme Court shuts down Trump's effort to conceal his taxes from a New York City prosecutor…
(2021-02-22). Supreme Court rejects Trump's attempt to keep tax returns hidden. laprensalatina.com Washington, Feb 22 (efe-epa).- The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected former President Donald Trump's refusal to turn over some of his tax returns to the New York grand jury examining whether he broke the law by having his 2016 presidential campaign make secret payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels. The high court thus cleared …
(2021-02-22). 'Inviting erosion of voter confidence': Justice Thomas calls out SCOTUS for 'baffling' refusal to hear Pennsylvania election case. rt.com 
The US Supreme Court has refused to hear two lawsuits over Pennsylvania rules in the 2020 election, saying they were now moot. Justices Alito, Gorsuch and Thomas argued that, if left unaddressed, this risks damaging democracy. | Among the BREAKING: <...
(2021-02-22). Trump cries it's 'fascism, not justice' as SCOTUS allows release of tax returns to NY prosecutor, adds he 'won' 2020 election. rt.com 
Former US President Donald Trump has lashed out at the Supreme Court after his lawyers failed to block his tax returns and financial records from being released to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. | The court's ruling was in response to Trump's team filing an emergency order in October 2020, seeking to shield his financial records from prosecutors. | The
(2021-02-22). Is Trumpism Fascism? — Paul Street. theanalysis.news Paul Street argues that it's wrong to call January 6th an "insurrection"; this wasn't a grassroots rank and file populist uprising by the people, it was instigated from the top down and part of a larger organized fascist effort.
(2021-02-22). Bessemer, Alabama: The whole world is watching. workers.org 
An injury to one is an injury to all. This famous labor slogan, popularized by the Industrial Workers of the World over a century ago, is more meaningful today than ever. But it has a double meaning for workers at Amazon, where the workplace injury rate is exceptionally high due . . . |
(2021-02-22). New York rallies for Amazon workers. fightbacknews.org New York, NY – Between February 8 and March 29, over 6000 Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama, are voting on joining the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Workers Union (RWDSU). On Saturday, February 20, there was a national day of action called by the Southern Workers Assembly, with actions taking place in over 50 cities across the country. | This struggle is in response to the exploitative conditions faced by Amazon workers. | While CEO Jeff Bezos' net worth is $194.2 billion, Amazon workers do not have a union and do not make living wages. Amazon has faced lawsuits for failing to provide proper PPE…
(2021-02-22). On Contact: The Power Of Classics. popularresistance.org On the show this week, Chris Hedges discusses with Emily Allen-Hornblower and Marquis McCray the power of the classics, such as Sophocles' play Philoctetes, to elucidate mass incarceration. | Emily Allen-Hornblower is a professor of Classics at Rutgers University and is the recipient of a Whiting Foundation grant to foster dialogues about the classics with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women. | Marquis McCray is a social justice advocate. He spent 28 years in prison, during which time he studied the classics through the prison college program offered by Rutgers University.
(2021-02-22). Biden's Doublespeak About Ending Yemen War -Abby Martin. theanalysis.news Abby Martin explains what President Biden really means by the duplicitous language in his major Feb. 4 foreign policy speech on ending the Yemen war.
(2021-02-22). Ten highlights from "Sylvia Ageloff and the Assassination of Leon Trotsky" wsws.org This article presents 10 key moments from the World Socialist Web Site's live discussion with David North and Eric London, co-moderated by Joseph Kishore and Tom Mackaman, on the latest series in the International Committee of the Fourth International's Security and the Fourth International investigation.
(2021-02-22). Witness to Pau D'Arco Massacre Murdered in Brazil. telesurenglish.net United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor on Monday called for the murder of Fernando dos Santos Araujo not to go unpunished. | RELATED: | On Jan. 26, Dos Santos Araujo was found shot in the head at his home in the state of Para. Previously, on May 24, 2017, he survived an assault by security forces on the Santa Lucia farm in the Pau D'Arco Municipality, where ten farmers occupyi…
(2021-02-22). WHO Busts Wuhan Myths: Pandemic started with wild Animal, not Lab, and Wet Market wasn't Ground Zero. juancole.com 
By Dominic Dwyer | — As I write, I am in hotel quarantine in Sydney, after returning from Wuhan, China. There, I was the Australian representative on the international World Health Organization's (WHO) investigation into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Much has been said of the politics surrounding the mission to investigate the viral …
(2021-02-22). The Failure of Trump's "Coup": A Victory for the US Empire. dissidentvoice.org The Democrats' second trial of Trump ends like the first: the outcome known in advance, the entire process designed to sell to the anti-Trump masses that the Democrats were leading some progressive counter-attack. Both impeachments enabled these politicians to present a national diversion to avoid addressing real issues the US people suffer from: the pandemic, …
(2021-02-22). Kroger to close at least two grocery stores in Seattle after hazard pay increase. wsws.org Following a similar series of events in California cities, Kroger has announced the closure of two QFC grocery stores in Seattle, Washington in retaliation against the City Council imposing a $4 hourly wage increase for the remainder of the pandemic.
(2021-02-22). How the Revolutionary Internationalist Organisation (RIO) is sabotaging the fight against the pandemic in Germany. wsws.org The German pseudo-left group seeks to subordinate workers to the deadly policies of the trade unions and the bourgeois parties.