(2020-05-07). December 2019 COVID-19 Outbreaks in France, China Rips Pompeo. globalresearch.ca Evidence suggests that one or more COVID-19 outbreaks likely first occurred in Hawaii late last summer, what a previous article discussed. | Did outbreaks begin in France before Wuhan, China? | According to a French hospital, a COVID-19 patient was treated on …
(2020-05-07). Johnson compared to Chamberlain in protest video on White Cliffs of Dover. thecanary.co 
Boris Johnson's response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis has been compared to Neville Chamberlain's "peace for our time" moment, in a giant projection beamed on to the White Cliffs of Dover.The Kent landmark was lit up with a mock-up of the prime minister holding a scrap of paper saying "Highest death toll in Europe".The stunt was the brainchild of Led By Donkeys, a group of activists famed for their giant billboards of politicians' tweets.The group said the black and white creation is a comment on the government's "profound failure" and compares Johnson's conduct to Chamberlain's appeasement policy in the l…
(2020-05-07). Russian State TV in Media War Against No-Lockdown Belarus. anti-empire.com 
Editor's note: Recall how in 2014-15 the Russian opposition and western media was trying to prove Russians were fighting and dying en masse in Donbass by supposedly uncovering
(2020-05-07). US unemployment expected to pass 33 MILLION, marking worst economic downturn since Great Depression. rt.com 
Another three million Americans are expected to have filed for unemployment benefits during the week ending May 2, which brings the total claims over the seven weeks of the Covid-19 lockdown to 33 million. | Some 3.839 million initial jobless claims have been registered in the past week. Florida saw the highest number of initial filings, at an estimated 432,000 on an unadjusted basis, from 507,000 in the week prior. | California reported 328,000 claims — down from 528,000 in the previous week. Meanwhile, Georgia reported an estimated 265,000 and Texas 254,000. | "Initial jobless claims continued to modera…
(2020-05-07). Merkel's aide says pandemic 'to last at least for rest of year'. rt.com 
The coronavirus pandemic will last for at least the rest of this year, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff said on Thursday. | "We are not living after the pandemic now — rather we are living in the middle of a pandemic, one that will be with us for a while — at least for this year and that's being very optimistic," Helge Braun told Deutschlandfunk radio. | Merkel announced steps on Wednesday to ease the coronavirus lockdown in Germany. At the same time, she launched an "emergency brake" mechanism allowing for renewed restrictions in case infections pick up again. | A senior German healt…
(2020-05-07). Snubbing Merkel Pleas, German States Further Ease Virus Curbs. anti-empire.com 
Germany is accelerating its return to normality from a crippling lockdown, with regional leaders pushing back against Chancellor Angela Merkel's pleas for prudence [mindless totalitarianism] in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. | On the eve of a key meeting between Merkel and premiers of Germany's 16 states to debate a new round of easing of stay-at-home measures, the country's biggest state pre-empted talks by saying it would reopen its restaurants and hotels this month. | Under the plan to progressively restart the gastronomy and hospitality sectors, Bavaria said restaurants would first be allowed…
(2020-05-07). 'Worst case' scenario: Second coronavirus wave could come as early as July, top doctor in Germany warns. rt.com 
Another wave of coronavirus infections could hit Germany as early as this summer, the vice president of the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases has warned. Health officials say they are preparing for all possibilities. | Case numbers in Germany are falling but the situation could change if people do not adhere to social distancing guidelines, Lars Schaade said at a news conference. A worst-case scenario would be a surge in cases returning in late July or early August, he added. | Germany began easing its nationwide lockdown two weeks ago. Although the number of new cases continues to drop, Helge Brau…
(2020-05-07). Shots fired at doctor's office in Cologne, multiple injuries reported, suspect on the run. rt.com 
The shooting broke out on Thursday morning in Cologne's district of Neumarkt, according to media reports citing police. At least two people were injured by what appears to be a gas pistol. | Police have scrambled extra patrols to look for a female suspect who is still on the run. As it is usually done in high-risk situations, Neumarkt area has been sealed off, with residents told to keep away for their safety. | Some outlets suggested the runaway woman was undergoing a psychotherapy treatment at the building. Her treating doctor, an office assistant, and several other patients were inside when the shooting beg…
(2020-05-07). Shipment of 400,000 gowns from Turkey impounded over safety standards. thecanary.co 
A shipment of 400,000 medical gowns from Turkey has been impounded in a warehouse after falling short of UK standards.The personal protective equipment (PPE) was flown into the UK by the RAF last month but has not been released to NHS staff after inspectors deemed the gowns unsafe for guarding against coronavirus (Covid-19) when treating patients.Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the gowns turned out to "not be of the quality that we feel is good enough for our frontline staff".The ministerial confirmation of the decision to impound the imported goods is another blow in what has proved an embarrassing…
(2020-05-07). What Neil Ferguson's Booty Call Tells Us About Modern Politics. anti-empire.com 
The conspiratorial left, convinced the world is run by secret cabals of bankers and cigar-chomping media moguls, thinks the Neil Ferguson story is a 'dead cat'. In other words, they think the Daily Telegraph — Evil Tory Rag — revealed that Ferguson carried on bonking his mistress in defiance of a lockdown that he himself bears much responsibility for in order to distract attention from Britain overtaking Italy with the highest
(2020-05-07). Dutch to begin easing lockdown measures next week, watchdog to review govt performance. rt.com 
The Dutch Safety Board said on Thursday it would conduct an independent investigation and review of the country's preparedness and government performance during the coronavirus outbreak. | Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday announced a three-month roadmap toward relaxing lockdown measures imposed in mid-March, including opening schools and some businesses. The review will look at "the preparation for a pandemic, the crisis management and the measures taken, as well as the phasing out of those measures." | Easing restrictions in the Netherlands will be rolled out over the next four months. They could be cur…
(2020-05-07). Polish MPs approve law allowing presidential election to be held by postal ballot. rt.com 
The Polish lower house of parliament, the Sejm, approved on Thursday government-sponsored legislation that would allow the presidential election to go ahead by postal ballot, according to voting records. | The presidential election was scheduled to take place on Sunday. The ruling party wants to hold it by postal ballot, due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, opposition parties strongly oppose the plan, saying the election would be neither transparent nor fair. | Although lawmakers have in principle approved a postal ballot, the deputy prime minister said on Thursday that June was now the earliest date the…
(2020-05-07). 'When clowns purchase gowns': UK govt skewered after ALL 400,000 items of PPE bought from Turkey fail inspection. rt.com 
A highly-publicized shipment of urgently-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers fighting Covid-19 has backfired spectacularly for Downing Street, after the items were deemed unfit for use. | British ministers used the arrival of 400,000 protective gowns flown in from Turkey last month as evidence of the government's pro-active approach to overcoming the health crisis. Some two weeks later, the British public has learned that the PPE shipment has been impounded after being deemed unsuitable by UK standards. Unsurprisingly, people are fuming. | Speaking to Sky News about the scandal, Mayor…
(2020-05-07). Iran receives medical cargo purchased from France. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA) — About 10 tons of medical supplies, bought from France, entered Iran through Sarisu cross border market in the northwest of the country.
(2020-05-07). May 1945: Nazi Germany Surrenders, but… on May 7, 8, or 9? globalresearch.ca After the Casablanca Conference of January 1943, the Americans, British, and Soviets had agreed that there would be no separate negotiations with Nazi Germany with respect to its capitulation.
(2020-05-07). Mayo Clinic expert talks social distancing. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The need for?social distancing?will continue into the summer as an important public health tool to reduce the spread of?COVID-19. ?Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic acknowledges the hardships of public safety measures and says they are important. "The nature of social distancing, isolating ourselves, and shelter-in-place has been tremendous hardships from …
(2020-05-07). RT SPECIAL VICTORY DAY PROGRAMMING TO AIR AND STREAM WORLDWIDE IN SIX LANGUAGES. rt.com MOSCOW, MAY 7 — On May 9 RT will run special programming dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the allied victory in the Second World War and Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War in English, German, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian. Since the beginning of 2020, RT has launched multiple Victory Day projects, including a film recreating the circumstances surrounding the capture of the iconic May 1945 photograph "Raising a Flag over the Reichstag." | On May 9, RT will air the full version of the documentary series under the title #VictoryAlphabet: from Brest to Reichstag, which tracks the Red Army's…
(2020-05-07). "What the Hell Do You Have to Lose?" counterpunch.org The coronavirus does not care whether we are Republican or Democrat; mainline or evangelical Christian; Jew, Muslim or Hindu; white, black or brown; Chinese, Italian, Iranian, Russian, African or American, richer or poorer, older or younger. We are all human and subject to the same illnesses. Our nationality, faith, race, class, location or age does
(2020-05-07). Iran takes delivery of medical supplies bought from France. iranian.com Iran took delivery of about 10 tons medical supplies bought from France through Sarisu cross border market in northwestern country, IRNA reported on Thursday. Director of Bazargan Customs office Sadeq Namdar told IRNA on Thursday that it is the seventh medical cargo delivered to Iran through northwestern Iranian border market. The medical cargo includes antiserum, …
(2020-05-07). Final Judgement of Finland's Basic Income Trial: More Happiness, But Little Employment Boost. sputniknews.com During the controversial two-year trial, 2,000 randomly chosen unemployed participants received a no-strings-attached €560 benefit each month, and were free to search for work and even start businesses. On average, the basic income resulted in an employment boost of a mere six days.
(2020-05-07). Stoltenberg Vows NATO to 'Remain Nuclear Alliance as Long as Atomic Weapons Exist'. sputniknews.com Jens Stoltenberg has stressed the importance of NATO's deterrent accords which he claimed provide the alliance's European allies with a nuclear umbrella.
(2020-05-07). 75 Years of Victory: Capture of Berlin by Soviet Forces in 1945. sputniknews.com On 9 May, Russia is marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
(2020-05-07). Russia Discusses With Turkey Delivery of Extra S-400 Systems – Defence Cooperation Agency. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Moscow and Ankara discuss the composition and the time frame for the delivery of an additional batch of the Russian S-400 air defence systems, the head of the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, has said.
(2020-05-07). Levelling Up: US Soldiers Play Russian Simulator Videogame to Gain Skills Amid Lockdown. sputniknews.com The lockdown amid the pandemic has severely impacted various activities – including military drills, as troops can't fight against the invisible enemy. However, the US Army has found a way to help soldiers stay focused and polish their skills during the quarantine… by playing a Russian MMO videogame.
(2020-05-07). UK Government's Purchase of Substandard COVID-19 Protective Equipment Embarrassing, Mayor Says. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The United Kingdom's purchase of substandard personal protective equipment from Turkey amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is embarrassing for the government, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said on Thursday.
(2020-05-07). Pakistani Embassy Official in Ukraine Sacked After Being Found Guilty of Sexual Misconduct. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): Pakistani law provides immunity to diplomats under the law of the host country, but an inquiry is ordered if the government receives a complaint and often the diplomats in question are recalled to avoid foreign involvement.
(2020-05-07). European bank loans $27M to Turkish logistics firm. yenisafak.com The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Thursday announced it extended a ‚Ǩ25 ($27 million) loan to its longstanding partner Netlog Logistics, the largest provider of logistics services in Turkey."The EBRD is providing a financial boost to Turkey's logistics sector as the coronavirus pandemic makes the continued flow of essential goods more important than ever," the Bank said in a statement.The new financing will make supply chains more resilient and support domestic and international trade."Redoubled effort is needed to keep logistics and supply chains running," said Arvi…
(2020-05-07). Greece to reopen ancient monuments this month as it eases coronavirus ban. yenisafak.com The ancient monuments were closed along with museums in mid-March in Greece's lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Restrictions have gradually been eased this week.Museums will open again in mid-June while open-air performances will resume in mid-July, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. Distance and safety rules will apply.The many historical sites are one of the mainstays of Greece's vital tourism sector and efforts will now kick in to encourage visitors after travel restrictions and widespread closures caused a collapse in bookings.Hundreds of musicians, actors and art workers rallied outside parlia…
(2020-05-07). Putin warns global market rivarly rising amid coronavirus pandemic. yenisafak.com Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that international rivalry on global markets was rising because of a fall in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic."Against the backdrop of falling global demand, the struggle for international markets for deliveries of fuel and raw material goods, food, and other products has intensified," Putin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television.
(2020-05-07). Turkey brings back expats, Ukrainians from Argentina. yenisafak.com Turkey on Thursday brought back nine Ukrainian citizens from Argentina along with Turkish expatriates as part of its relief operations during the coronavirus pandemic.The Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey said six other countries had rejected their request to repatriate the citizens."We are grateful to Turkey for bringing Ukrainians along with Turkish citizens via a specially arranged Turkish Airlines flight," Andrii Sybiha told Anadolu Agency.The ambassador gave assurances that the Ukrainian citizens will follow the mandatory quarantine rules, and will then be sent back to Ukraine via Minsk.Sybiha said 3,000 Ukrain…
(2020-05-07). Security forces seize 70 Roman-era coins in SE Turkey. yenisafak.com Turkish security forces seized Roman-era bronze coins in the southeastern Sanliurfa province on Thursday, according to security sources.Some 70 Roman-era coins were found from a car stopped by gendarmerie forces in Akcakale district.As many as 1,500 packets of smuggled cigarettes were also seized from six trucks in the district. Nine suspects were arrested during the operation. Akcakale maintains a border crossing with Syria's Tell Abyad town.
(2020-05-07). Turkey sets price limit for face masks. yenisafak.com Turkey has set a price limit of maximum 1 Turkish lira ($0.14)
(2020-05-07). Turkish Airlines not to carry tameless animal to Turkey. yenisafak.com Turkish Airlines will not carry tameless animals to Turkey from any countries both on passenger and cargo planes to stem the spread of coronavirus, the national flag carrier announced Thursday.The move came after the General Directorate of Food and Control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry suspended entry into Turkey of exotic animals and invertebrates, amphibians, ferrets, reptiles, and rodents from all countries for any purpose, either accompanied by passengers or transported by cargo.Transporting pets such as dogs, cats, birds and ornamental fish on Turkish Airlines aircraft is permitted if accompani…
(2020-05-06). Experts warn of new nuclear arms race after Trump signals U.S. withdrawal from START Treaty. mronline.org 
While much of the corporate press has blamed Russia and China for the sudden failure of multiple longstanding nuclear treaties, experts put the blame on squarely on the Trump administration.
(2020-05-06). Cafes may reopen if they can provide outdoor facilities, says Hancock. thecanary.co 
Cafes may be able to reopen in the summer months if they can provide outdoor facilities, health secretary Matt Hancock has said.Hancock also said it would have been good if the UK had gone into the Covid-19 pandemic with the diagnostic capabilities of Germany, and added that experts are looking at how people who are shielding can be given more freedom before a vaccine is found.Hancock was answering questions from viewers on Sky News, including one from a man who asked how he could reopen his cafe safely once the lockdown is lifted.It comes as Boris Johnson is expected to publish a road map at the weekend on how r…
(2020-05-06). Imperial College Model Applied to Sweden Predicted 40,000 Deaths by May, 100,000 by June. anti-empire.com 
The pace of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has created an unusual situation for academic research. Epidemiology models, which were previously developed over several years and used to forecast hypothetical scenarios that seldom panned out, are now being deployed and tested in real-time. | Unfortunately the results are not pretty. | Last week
(2020-05-06). Headlines for May 6, 2020. democracynow.org White House to Wind Down Coronavirus Task Force Even as U.S. Cases Surge, Trump Meets Tribal Leaders, Promising to Distribute Long-Delayed Coronavirus Relief Funds, Ousted Scientist's Whistleblower Complaint Cites "Political Connections and Cronyism", Trump Lashes Out Against "Mourning in America" Advertisement, Researchers Say Coronavirus May Have Mutated in Europe to Become More Contagious, Amazon Worker Dies of COVID-19; Wisconsin Supreme Court May Revoke Remain-at-Home Order, Michigan Security Guard Shot After Enforcing Mask Policy, As Meatpackers Fall Ill from COVID-19, Wendy's Faces Hamburger Shortage, Sena…
(2020-05-06). After 'Encouraging' Results From Finnish UBI Experiment, Experts Say the Time for Such a Bold Idea Is Now. commondreams.org "If there isn't a minimum income floor to fall back on when this kind of massive shock hits, people literally have no options." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ubi-finland-covid.jpg …
(2020-05-06). Cash is Trash, Especially for the Post-COVID World. strategic-culture.org There's been a concerted effort recently among the oligarchs I like to call The Davos Crowd to demonize cash. From hedge fund manager Ray Dalio pronouncing 'Cash is trash' earlier this year to the fear-mongering surrounding COVID-19 making people fearful of dealing in cash because it might be tainted the anti-cash rhetoric has been amped up to eleven. | And it's been no secret that the elite of the world want us to stop transacting in cash because it is something they can't track. Sweden has flirted with the cashless society while the European Union did away with large denomination bills the same way the U.S. has…
(2020-05-06). Rouhani urges EU to pressure Israeli regime, not allow further attacks on Syria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 6 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran expects Europe to put pressure on the Zionist regime and not allow it to continue attacks on Syria.
(2020-05-06). Disease-carrying mosquitoes could be common in Europe by 2030. imperial.ac.uk Climate change could mean mosquitoes that can carry diseases like dengue, zika and yellow fever become established in southern Europe within 10 years.
(2020-05-06). Friendship between people of Iran, Azerbaijan 'deep-rooted': Vaezi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 06 (MNA) — Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi said that amicable ties and friendship between the two nations of Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan is 'deep-rooted'.
(2020-05-06). Corruption, political blockages, threaten international efforts to help Bosnia and Herzegovina weather coronavirus. news.un.org Bosnia and Herzegovina is weathering the COVID-19 outbreak better than some other nations, but there's a real danger that corruption will undermine global efforts to help it contain the pandemic, the international community's High Representative to the Western Balkan country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
(2020-05-06). Ahmaud Arbery Murder Finally Gets Georgia DA's Attention After Graphic Video. truthout.org Editor's Note: A number of links below lead to news articles or social media postings that show graphic content. If you wish to avoid viewing that content, please proceed cautiously. | Following the release of cell phone footage of the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, 25, who was shot and killed while jogging near Brunswick, Georgia, in February, state officials say they intend to convene a grand jury investigation to determine whether charges should be filed against his shooters. | Gregory McMichae…
(2020-05-06). 'There Will be Spring' wins at Berlin Flash filmfest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA) — Iranian short 'There Will Be Spring' directed by Saeed Bahman has won an award in the monthly competitions of Germany's Berlin Flash Film Festival.
(2020-05-06). Chinese Authoritarianism Versus White Racism. iranian.com For many Europeans racism is normal. Especially when it's directed at people who look different to them. Although Europeans have come a long way from their colonial past they still have a long way to go. Many Europeans led by the U.S. have been engaged in derogatory and racist language toward the Chinese government and …
(2020-05-06). 'Justice Demands That Arrests Be Made' After Video of Ahmaud Arbery's Killing Goes Viral. commondreams.org After graphic footage taken more than two months ago showing the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man, surfaced on social media late Tuesday, a Georgia prosecutor said he would present the case to a grand jury as soon as possible. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-05-06_at_11.17.59_am_1.jpg …
(2020-05-05). Is Germany Dealing With COVID-19 As Well As We Think? therealnews.com 
Despite the hype around Chancellor Angela Merkel's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing kits are still scarce, medical teams are overworked, and unemployed workers receive less compensation than in other European countries.
(2020-05-05). UK officially surpasses Italy death toll as experts warn comparing countries is difficult. thecanary.co 
The UK has passed Italy as the country with the most Covid-19 deaths in Europe, new figures show — but academics have warned that cross-country comparisons are "difficult".The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that 29,710 deaths involving Covid-19 in England and Wales had been registered up to 2 May.Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland (2,272 deaths registered up to 26 April) and Northern Ireland (393 deaths registered up to 29 April), it means a total of 32,375 deaths involving Covid-19 have now been registered across the UK.The official number of Covid-19 d…
(2020-05-05). An interview with Karl Marx. peoplesworld.org 
The following interview with Karl Marx, published in the New York Sun on Sept. 6, 1880, was written by John Swinton, printer, journalist, and editor, when he visited Europe. It first appeared in our pages as part of the May 5, 1940 edition of the Sunday Worker. Swinton's enthusiastic appreciation of Marx gives a vivid …