(2020-04-19). 'Why risk so many lives?' asks French town councilor, as several mayors reported dead of coronavirus after non-banned election. rt.com 
Paris' decision to hold a municipal vote in France days before putting the nation gripped by the Covid-19 epidemic on total lockdown is "hard to understand," a town councilor has told RT as the poll turned out to be a disaster.
(2020-04-19). 'Don't run around like bunch of chickens': SECOND Covid-19 lockdown inevitable if Germany goes too lax on restrictions — minister. rt.com 
Germany's economy minister issued an unorthodox warning to federal states, telling them to keep calm while relaxing coronavirus restrictions — or face the return of another nationwide shutdown. | "If we keep our nerve now, we can avoid a second lockdown. That is why a joint action by the federal and state governments is so important," Peter Altmaier, Germany's economy minister, was
(2020-04-19). US coronavirus death toll rises to 40,000, almost double Italy's figures. rt.com 
The number of people who have died in the US due to Covid-19 climbed to over 40,000 on Sunday, according to calculations by Reuters and Johns Hopkins University. | The American death toll is the highest in the world and is almost two times larger than the figures from Italy, which is currently ranked second in terms of fatalities. | The death toll has jumped from 30,000 to 40,000 in just four days after the untested but probable coronavirus fatalities were added to the numbers. The first American succumbed to the coronavirus on February 29. | Italy, which remained the world's hardest hit country for weeks, has…
(2020-04-19). Malta flag carrier set to fire 80 PERCENT of pilots after talks fail amid coronavirus crisis. rt.com 
As the deadly coronavirus wreaks havoc on the aviation sector, Air Malta could leave 108 of its 134 pilots out of work after it failed to find common ground on salary compensations with the pilots' union. | The major Maltese airline had to ground its fleet in March just like most airlines in the world due to border closures amid the coronavirus outbreak. Struggling to keep up with the fallout of the crisis which could result in over €130 million (US$ 141 million) in damages for the company by the start of the summer season, Air Malta offered this month to grant pilots a minimum income of €1,200 ($1,3…
(2020-04-19). Stranded Russian speed skating pair finally evacuated home after going ahead with Bali holiday amid Covid-19 pandemic. rt.com 
Russian speed skating duo Anna Chernova and Elena Sokhryakova have become the last of the country's athletes to be evacuated to their homeland after being stranded on holiday island Bali amid the coronavirus pandemic. | The Russian Sports Ministry confirmed at the end of last week that 96 people – including athletes, coaches and various specialists – had been evacuated from around the world with the help of the Foreign Ministry and Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya). | That included speed skating pair Chernova and Sokhryakova, who were among the last to return having gone ahead with a trip to the Indo…
(2020-04-19). Russia has enough reserves to protect its people amid coronavirus pandemic — Putin. rt.com 
Russia has everything it needs to cope with the coronavirus crisis, including a "healthy economy" and vast reserves, the country's President Vladimir Putin has said. | "All the measures to protect people's lives and health and support the economy require additional and large resources and reserves. We have them," the president said as he congratulated Orthodox Christians and Russian citizens celebrating Easter on Sunday. He added that the funds will be used to help those who have faced difficulties amid the pandemic. | As of Sunday, over 42,000 people in Russia have tested positive for the virus, which has alr…
(2020-04-19). Russian Covid-19 cases spike by over 6,000 as Putin says situation is 'under control'. rt.com 
Russia has entered the world's top ten countries for coronavirus infections after 6,060 new cases were announced on Sunday, bringing the total to 42,853. It is the biggest one day rise recorded by the Russian response team. | The figure, partially ascribed to an improved testing regime, is a considerable jump on Saturday's tally of 4,785 fresh instances and suggests that Russia is still some way from flattering the curve in the spread of the killer disease. This is despite a strict semi-lockdown across most of the world's largest country. | Meanwhile, officials announced 48 new deaths, 28 of them in Moscow, br…
(2020-04-19). Russia reports whopping 6,000+ jump in Covid-19 cases in new record. rt.com As many as 6,060 new coronavirus cases have been recorded across Russia over the last 24 hours, the Covid-19 crisis center has confirmed. The death toll linked to the dreaded disease has surpassed 360 nationwide. | The figures demonstrate a significant increase in new cases in comparison to the previous day, when Russia recoded about 4,700 new cases. | Most cases were reported in Moscow, where 3,570 people have been diagnosed with the disease over the past 24 hours. The Russian capital leads the grim rating of regions most affected by the virus in Russia, with a total of 24,324 people diagnosed with Covid-19 s…
(2020-04-19). 'I'll kill you if you talk to me': Zlatan bragged about '300 MILLION in bank and owning an island' in post-match rant at teammates. rt.com 
Legendary Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic threatened his teammates and boasted about his vast wealth in an angry tirade after a frustrating defeat during his time spearheading LA Galaxy, former teammate Joao Pedro has revealed. | Ibrahimovic failed to score and saw a last-minute free-kick saved as Galaxy spurned a 2-0 half-time lead to conclude their 2018 season in painful fashion with a 3-2 defeat at home to Houston Dynamo, leaving their temperamental star forward seething in the dressing room afterwards. | The MLS Newcomer of the Year scored 22 goals in his debut season but regularly voiced his frustration…
(2020-04-19). Putin Assures Russians that COVID-19 Situation is Under Control. telesurenglish.net President Vladimir Putin assured on Sunday that the situation regarding the new COVID-19 virus in Russia is under control, and he was convinced that the European nation will successfully pass this test. | RELATED: | "All levels of power work at a good pace, in an organized and responsible manner. The situation is under total control. Our entire society is united in the face of a common threat," he said in a video message broad…
(2020-04-19). Transit ban on Iran-Azerbaijan border 'extended' amid COVID-19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The transit ban on Iran-Azerbaijan Republic border was extended by May 4 amid the outbreak of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
(2020-04-19). 2nd group of Iranian students arrive in Tehran from Italy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The second group of Iranian students, stranded in Italy due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning.
(2020-04-19). Russia reacts to US' call to extend arms embargo on Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A Russian envoy has reacted to a tweet by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who had called on the UN Security Council to illegally extend arms embargo on Iran.
(2020-04-19). 'Inhale' goes to Huesca Intl. Filmfest. in Spain. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian short film 'Inhale' by Nasser Zamiri, has been accepted into the competition program of the Huesca International Film Festival in Spain.
(2020-04-19). Coronavirus: Global recoveries exceed 600,000. yenisafak.com The global tally of recoveries from coronavirus exceeded 600,000 on Sunday.According to running data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University, a total of 602,793 recoveries were recorded across the globe, while over 161,330 people have died from the pandemic.In total, more than 2.34 million have contracted the disease.The highest number of virus recoveries was registered in Germany with 88,000.China followed Germany with 77,681 recovery cases, while Spain, one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, had 77,357 people regaining health.The U.S.
(2020-04-19). Irish unlikely to see packed pubs, big gatherings soon: minister. yenisafak.com Ireland is highly unlikely to allow large gatherings this year and the "cocooning" of people over 70 years old in their homes may persist for quite a while, Health Minister Simon Harris said on Sunday."What's not going to come back quickly are scenarios in which we can't safely socially distance," Harris told the Sunday Independent newspaper in an interview."I can't see how people can be in packed pubs again as long as this virus is still with us and we don't have a vaccine or an effective treatment."Ireland's chief medical officer declared on Thursday that the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak had been cont…
(2020-04-19). Spain's coronavirus toll slows, with 410 deaths overnight. yenisafak.com Spain's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 410 on Sunday, down from 565 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said, bringing the total to 20,453 deaths in one of the world's hardest hit countries.The number of overall coronavirus cases rose to 195,944 on Sunday from 191,726 on Saturday, it added.
(2020-04-19). PKK terrorist surrenders to Turkish security forces. yenisafak.com A PKK/KCK terrorist surrendered to security forces in southeastern Turkey, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.In a statement, the ministry said Abdurrahman Kayihan, codenamed as Andok, turned himself in in Kiziltepe district of Mardin, after being persuaded by security forces.Kayihan joined the terror organization five years ago, it added.Turkish security forces and the families of terrorists have so far been able to persuade at least 71 terrorists to drop weapons since the beginning of this year.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK
(2020-04-19). Spain's COVID-19 Cases Rise to 195,944 – Health Ministry. sputniknews.com According to health officials, the country's coronavirus death toll is up to 20,453 on Sunday from 20,043 the previous day.
(2020-04-19). Iraqi Govt Reportedly Urges Purchase of Russian S-400s Despite US Warnings of Fallout From the Deal. sputniknews.com In January 2020 members of the Iraqi parliament said the country was mulling the purchase of advanced Russian S-400 missile systems amid concerns that Washington might stop supporting Iraq and providing it with modern air defence armaments.
(2020-04-19). Acting Liberal Democrat Leader Calls For NHS Workers to Receive £29 Daily Pay Rise. sputniknews.com As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads across the United Kingdom and threatens key health service workers, the Liberal Democrat acting leader Ed Davey has issued a series of demands to the government including a daily pay rise.
(2020-04-19). WATCH one of the world's most active volcanos spew LAVA in Russia's Far East. rt.com 
The Klyuchevskoy volcano in Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula — a huge volcano among the most active in the world — has erupted, spewing tons of ash and lava in a powerful explosion caught on film. | Streams of lava emerged from the Klyuchevskoy volcano, which has been seen sending huge flames and clouds of black smoke high into the sky, a video recorded by the Kamchatka geophysical service shows. | The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has given the eruption one of the highest hazard levels for aviation. They also said that flows of lava have been moving along the southea…
(2020-04-18). WATCH Berlin police forcefully disperse unsanctioned protest against coronavirus lockdown. rt.com 
Hundreds of activists gathered in central Berlin, defying government Covid-19 lockdown measures and arguing the state is heading for "authoritarian rule." The gathering was met with a strong police response. | Some 300 protesters descended on the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz square in Germany's capital on Saturday for an unauthorized rally against the coronavirus lockdown. The participants did not bother to observe social distancing guidelines and only a handful of them donned protective face masks. | The gathering brought people together with very different political views, as banners at the rally ranged from quit…
(2020-04-18). 'Who believes these numbers?' Trump claims China MUST be hiding its true Covid-19 death toll, because 'everybody knows it'. rt.com 
President Donald Trump opened up his daily Covid-19 task force press conference by blasting the media for reporting official data that makes the US look bad, instead of pursuing allegations of a Chinese conspiracy. | "When the fake news gets out there and they start talking about the United States is number one… China's number one by a lot. It's not even close. They're way ahead of us in terms of death," Trump said just minutes into his daily briefing. | China could not have possibly done better than the "highly developed healthcare delivery systems of the United Kingdom, in France in Belgium, in Italy, in S…
(2020-04-18). This Easter is different: WATCH Holy Fire descend in Jerusalem amid coronavirus lockdown. rt.com 
As Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter this weekend, the descent of the Holy Fire — a crucial part of the rituals — occurred in Jerusalem without the usual crowds of pilgrims. | The ceremony in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre was performed by a handful of Orthodox clerics wearing face masks. The descent of the Holy Fire is a miracle believed by Orthodox Christians to occur every year on Great Saturday. The fire is then taken to Greece, Russia, and other countries where the church has a large presence. | The usual large, iconic crowds of the faithful — both local Christians and pil…
(2020-04-18). Bathtub ballet: Synchronized swimmer Svetlana Romashina shows off her skills in the bath during COVID-19 lockdown (VIDEO). rt.com 
The world of sport may be at a standstill, but Russian synchronized swimmer Svetland Romashina was able to show off her elite-level skills in a somewhat smaller pool than usual as she strutted her stuff in the bath. | The graceful starlet of the swimming pool hopped into her bathtub to perform a miniature version of the routine. | Also on rt.com | | The five-time Olympic champion has also earned 21 gold m…
(2020-04-18). Where the Skripals Are Today. dissidentvoice.org 
On 4 March 2018, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter who was visiting from their shared home country of Russia, Yulia Skripal, were poisoned in Salisbury England, and — though both survived — neither of them has been allowed to communicate to the public except under the watch of their British court-appointed 'guardians'. They also …
(2020-04-18). Russia sought China's APPROVAL for missile test, US diplomat claims. His proof? They didn't come to his Twitter to deny it. rt.com 
Ignoring one's tweet can apparently not only spell the end to a teenage romance, but it can also be proof for high-profile geopolitical assertions. That is, at least, according to a high-ranking US diplomat. | The recent secretive test of a Russian — presumably — anti-ballistic missile weapon has seemingly caused quite a stir in the US. Apart from prompting the Pentagon to play some solid 'Russians are coming' tunes straight from the 1950s, it caused Robert Wood, the US Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament (CD), to hit a new high — or rather, low — in producing baseless allegations a…
(2020-04-18). Worker resistance grows internationally as governments push premature return to work. wsws.org The reckless drive by the Trump administration and governments in Europe to resume production despite health warnings will produce a social explosion.
(2020-04-18). German automakers, unions and government collaborate to restart production. wsws.org Germany's automakers and the IG Metall trade union are demanding that production be restarted.
(2020-04-18). Big business representatives defend hospital closures in Germany. wsws.org Economist Boris Augurzky claims that there are too many hospitals, and has called for the crisis to be used to further reduce the number of facilities.
(2020-04-17). As US Shale Oil Plunges, Trump Admin Takes Aim at Venezuela. mintpressnews.com WASHINGTON DC ( Despite the president's rosy tone, most analysts have called the agreement — which presumably will freeze the Saudi-Russian oil price war that broke out…
(2020-04-17). Russia -China Relations: "Exchange of Criticisms" Regarding COVID-19 Crisis. globalresearch.ca The recent so-called "exchange of criticisms" between Russia and China over their respective border policies in response to World War C is more of a rare wrinkle in their relations caused by media reports than a growing rift that could …
(2020-04-17). UK could have the highest death rate in Europe because government was 'too slow', doctor warns. thecanary.co 
Britain will face "further waves" of coronavirus and will probably have the highest death rate in Europe because the government was "too slow" to act, a leading physician has warned.Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London's Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the "harsh reality" is that "we were too slow with a number of things"."If we're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far — but we're going to face further wave…
(2020-04-17). Women's sports a likely coronavirus casualty. peoplesworld.org 
(AP)—Linked to the rising call for gender equity worldwide, women's sports were enjoying unprecedented attention and support before the coronavirus pandemic. The World Cup in France put a spotlight on women's soccer, culminating with the United States lifting the trophy to chants of "Equal Pay!" — a nod to the team's gender discrimination lawsuit against …
(2020-04-17). Too Little Too Late for EU to Offer Apologies to Italy for Lack of Coronavirus Support. globalresearch.ca Italy has been affected by the coronavirus more than any other European country, with over 168,000 confirmed cases and 22,000 deaths. Europe is mobilizing to help Italy but this has not always been the case, and rather was a reaction …
(2020-04-17). India and the Coronavirus. counterpunch.org While the corona virus has focused much of the world on Europe and the United States, India promises to be the greatest victim of the disease. But other than a slick public relations campaign, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done little to confront the crisis. Indeed, a number of policy moves by
(2020-04-17). Book Review: Lenin's What is to be Done? fightbacknews.org Why a review a book that the Russian revolutionary V.I. Lenin began in 1901 and finished in 1902? The short answer is the book is just that good and it has endured the test of time, and that 150th anniversary of Lenin's birth is a good occasion for it. | A more complete answer is as follows — we are in a period where monopoly capitalism has shown itself to be a failed system. Not only has it failed to deal with the challenges of a pandemic, capitalism is a people-destroying economic system that is making the pandemic worse. Add on the facts that we are in the onset of a large-scale economic crisis and milli…
(2020-04-17). Surrendered US-backed Rebels Admit to Receiving Training to Destroy Syrian Oil Sites. globalresearch.ca The head of the Russian Reconciliation Center affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense, Oleg Goralev, announced on Wednesday that the 27 militants who surrendered to the Syrian authorities, reported that they had received training by the American military …
(2020-04-17). Consumer spending in Spain has halved during coronavirus lockdown says analysis. imperial.ac.uk Economic activity in Spain has fallen in the first three months of 2020 compared to the same period last year, says a new analysis.
(2020-04-16). 'Mao-style social controls' or benign citizen 'armies'? NYT flip-flops on Covid-19 contact tracers — because now it's not China. rt.com 
The same citizen virus-tracing corps the New York Times decried in China as Maoism incarnate is being tried in Massachusetts and San Francisco, and the outlet has decided that what's bad for Beijing is good for democracies. | Massachusetts and San Francisco — as well as the Republic of Ireland — are deputizing citizens to track down contacts of people infected with coronavirus, the Times
(2020-04-16). COVID-19 storm strengthens across Europe, controlling transmission everywhere, essential: Tedros. news.un.org The storm clouds of COVID-19 still hang heavily over Europe, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) expert said on Thursday, with reported cases in the last 10 days alone, doubling to nearly 1 million. The continent now accounts for 10 per cent of the global total.
(2020-04-16). What is Socialist Psychology: Child Development, History Shaping, Therapy and Revolutionary Situations: Part II. dissidentvoice.org 
Orientation In Part I of this article I discussed how when Vygotsky's work was exported to the United States it was narrowly defined as encompassing his work in child-development and cooperative learning. His interest in art history, European history and his commitment to Marxian political economy is barely mentioned. Secondly, I contrasted the differences between …
(2020-04-15). Relaxing lockdowns without boosting care could lead to new COVID spike: WHO. news.un.org As some European countries begin to relax lockdown measures following weeks of confinement introduced to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a potential "second wave" of COVID-19 infections.
(2020-04-15). First Person: The power of art in a time of coronavirus crisis. news.un.org In Italy, impromptu concerts, performed from apartment balconies, have become one of the features of life under lockdown. On UNESCO World Art Day, which falls on April 15, a professional violinist told UN News how he is using his talent to help others through the crisis.
(2020-04-14). "Terrified to Go to Work": Hundreds of Workers in Meat & Poultry Plants Test Positive for COVID-19. democracynow.org 
We look at the spike in coronavirus infections at meatpacking plants. In just one case, Smithfield Foods shut down a plant responsible for 5% of U.S. pork production after more than 350 workers at the facility tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, deaths of slaughterhouse workers have been reported in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Colorado. Many meat processing facilities employ large numbers of immigrants, including undocumented workers. We speak with Wenonah Hauter, executive director and founder of Food & Water Watch, and with Magaly Licolli, executive director of Venceremos, an advocacy group for poultry plant…
(2020-04-14). Skin Cancer Detection Apps Unreliable. jamanetwork.com Smartphone apps that use artificial intelligence to assess skin cancer risk based on images of suspicious moles aren't ready for prime time, a recent systematic review in the BMJ suggests. The 9 studies included in the review "showed variable and unreliable test accuracy" for 6 such apps, 2 of which are approved by European regulators as medical devices.
(2020-04-14). The Prevailing Pandemic of Influenza. jamanetwork.com During the past two weeks, August 28 to September 11, there has begun a severe and rapidly spreading epidemic of influenza in the First Naval District. More than 2,000 cases have been reported in these two weeks, and there are indications of a rapid spread of the infection. This is undoubtedly the same disease which, first heard of in Spain last spring, and hence called Spanish influenza, has in recent months spread over nearly all of Europe, including Germany, Italy, France, England and Ireland, attacking from 30 to 40 per cent. of the people. The outstanding feature of this epidemic is its high degree of commun…
(2020-04-09). Headlines for April 9, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Pandemic Could Push 600 Million More People into Poverty, New York Reports Record 779 Coronavirus Deaths in Just 24 Hours, General Motors to Deliver 30,000 Ventilators, with Most Arriving Long After Projected COVID-19 Peak, Kansas to Allow Crowded Church Services as L.A. Expands Order on Face Coverings, California Fast-Food Workers Strike, Demanding Hazard Pay and Protections Against COVID-19, Trump Touts Unproven Treatments of Hydroxychloroquine and Zinc for COVID-19, World Health Organization Head: "Please Don't Politicize This Virus", Researchers Find Coronavirus Arrived in New York from Europe in…
(2020-03-30). Infected or sick? Infected or ill? zcomm.org In Spain around 80.000 people are infected, or sick, and around 7000 have been cured. Deads are approximately 8000. There is a big gap between the number of ill people (80,000) and the rest. I don't understand why these 80.000 (infected/sick/ill) ) citizens have barely presence in the media. In my opinion, there should be