Daily Archives: May 13, 2020

2020-05-13: News Headlines

Francisco Dominguez (2020-05-13). Outsourcing 'regime change': US imperialism's decomposition accelerates. peoplesdispatch.org On May 3rd a bunch of mercenaries, led by Rambo-like US soldiers of fortune attempted to disembark on the coastal town of Macuto in the La Guaira state in Venezuela's Caribbean coast, in a so-called Operation Gedeon.

Don Fitz (2020-05-13). Can we simultaneously oppose Bayer/Monsanto's biotechnology and support Cuba's Interferon Alpha 2B? mronline.org Technology reflects social factors throughout its development and use. Genetically engineered crops allow mega-corporations to patent seeds, lure farmers into buying them with visions of high yields, and then destroy small farmers. Cuba's drugs are shared throughout the world. Making a distinction between the biotechnology of agro-industry and Cuba requires understanding the difference between bioimperialism …

RT (2020-05-13). Belgium to partially reopen schools, markets, museums & zoos from Monday. rt.com Belgian schools will partially reopen and markets, museums and zoos will also be allowed to operate again from next Monday, PM Sophie Wilmes said on Wednesday. | With a population of 11.5 million, Belgium is among the European nations worst hit by Covid-19, but it began a phased easing of the restrictions at the start of May. Belgium has so far reported 53,981 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 8,843 deaths, according to Reuters. | Wilmes said the reopening of non-food shops this week had proceeded smoothly even if there were now queues outside some stores. "Improvements are coming, but we must be patient. We can…

Kenneth Surin (2020-05-13). "Making It Up As They Go Along:" Boris Johnson and COVID-19. counterpunch.org As I write (the weekend of 9-10 May), the UK's death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has reached 31,855. The UK, unlike the US, has started counting deaths in care homes. This toll is the highest in Europe, and the second in the world after the US. The UK has a fifth of the US's population, so translating the UK figure into US terms would amount to 160,000 US deaths from the virus (the US's death toll as of this weekend is a little more than 80,000).

Joshua Cho (2020-05-13). Corporate Media don't think Americans paid to invade Venezuela Count as mercenaries. mronline.org When an attempted invasion of Venezuela launched from the shores of Colombia was foiled on May 3, after armed commandos were intercepted at Venezuela's coastline of La Guira, it seemed undeniable that the heavily armed men, possessing satellite phones and uniforms with the U.S. flag emblazoned on them, had been paid to take part in …

Matt Sedlar (2020-05-13). El ministerio de las Colonias estadounidenses. cepr.net Le Monde diplomatique en español, mayo de 2020 Ver artículo en sitio original Creada en 1948, en el marco del enfrentamiento entre Estados Unidos y la Unión Soviética (URSS), la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) constituye uno de los instrumentos de la proyección geopolítica de Washington en América Latina y los Estados del Caribe, …

imperial.ac.uk (2020-05-13). Coronavirus will have bigger impact on world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable. imperial.ac.uk The coronavirus pandemic will have a greater impact on the world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, according to an Imperial report.

WSWS (2020-05-13). German politicians and media laud right-wing demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions. wsws.org The ruling elite is now mobilising the right-wing dregs of society in the "corona" demonstrations to intimidate the population and enforce their back-to-work campaign.

commondreams (2020-05-13). Sanders, Vel√°zquez Introduce Nutrition Equity Bill for Puerto Rico, Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands. commondreams.org ______________________________…

John McEvoy (2020-05-13). Revealed: Secretive British unit planning for 'reconstruction' of Venezuela. thecanary.co Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act have exposed a secretive Foreign Office unit aimed at the 'reconstruction' of Venezuela. The files also reveal private discussions between Venezuelan opposition figures and UK officials, detailing proposals for the promotion of British business after a planned coup.UK support for coup attempt in Venezuela: Over the past 16 months, the UK government has consistently

Staff (2020-05-12). "Losing the Fabric of the City": COVID-19 Took Chicago Black Lives First & Exposed Structural Racism. democracynow.org We look at the coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate toll on African Americans through the story of Chicago's first 100 recorded deaths. A report by ProPublica found that 70 of the first 100 people to die were African American. Black people account for 30% of Chicago's population and 72% of COVID-19 deaths. We speak with ProPublica reporter Adriana Gallardo, who contributed to the report "COVID-19 Took Black Lives First. It Didn't Have To." She says the story paints a picture of "sophisticated structural racism" in Chicago.

teleSUR (2020-05-12). President Maduro Extends State of Alarm in Venezuela. telesurenglish.net The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, signed this Tuesday the renewal of the decree of the state of constitutional alarm for 30 more days "to continue protecting our people" from Covid-19. | RELATED: | The president stressed that the quarantine could not be relaxed in the country to avoid a Covid-19 outbreak, as has happened in other countries. In Venezuela, food production will be maintained as a priority of…

W. T. Whitney Jr. (2020-05-12). U.S. hand in recent assaults on Cuba, Venezuela. peoplesworld.org Secretary of State Pompeo loudly condemns Iranian border guards who abused Afghans crossing into Iran. He castigates China's supposed failings with the COVID-19 pandemic. He and President Trump rail against dictatorship they see in Venezuela. They protest Cuba's "slave doctors" — who actually "defend health care as a human right," according to Cuba's foreign minister. …

Betsey Piette (2020-05-12). Sanctions = Health terrorism. workers.org A timely international webinar, sponsored by SanctionsKill.org on May 9, featured representatives from Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, Syria and Venezuela, plus a statement from Zimbabwe addressing the deadly impact of U.S. sanctions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,000 people from nearly every continent, including multiple U.S. cities, viewed the event. The . . . |

Beau Peters (2020-05-12). Shelter-in-Place and Internet Inequality: What's the Connection? dissidentvoice.org Photo Source: Unsplash As most of the world is forced to stay home, internet and technology play essential roles in almost every aspect of the population's shelter-at-home lives. The internet keeps loved ones communicating and in touch, informs people of what's going on in the world, connects students to their teachers and professors, and provides …

Ramesh Thakur (2020-05-12). Wrecking Entire Economies: Lockdowns May Be Causing More Harm Than Good Worldwide, and Especially in India. anti-empire.com

Homeless people line up for free food distributed by Assam Police during lockdown to curb the spread of new coronavirus, in Gauhati, India, Monday, April 27, 2020. India last week eased the lockdown by allowing shops to reopen and manufacturing and farming activities to resume in rural areas to help millions of poor, daily-wage earners. But the economic costs of the nationwide lockdown continue to mount in a country of 1.3 billion people. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

| Locking up healthy people in their homes and putting wholesale populations under house arrest is perverse. Coronavirus panic merchan…

RT (2020-05-12). China to test ENTIRE POPULATION of Wuhan for Covid-19 after disease reemerges. rt.com Chinese authorities plan to test all of Wuhan's 11 million residents for Covid-19 in a little over a week. After more than a month without newly-recorded cases, the disease has suddenly reappeared in the city. | All districts in the city were ordered to submit a plan on how they will conduct testing of all residents in their areas within 10 days, local media reported, citing a document from the authorities. The officials were told to prioritize the testing of vulnerable groups and places like residential compounds. | The measure was announced as a response to the six new locally-transmitted cases that were rec…

RT (2020-05-12). New study says herd immunity is a myth and countries relying on it, including Sweden, chose the wrong strategy. rt.com Herd immunity may be an unrealistic tactic for dealing with Covid-19, new research has warned, calling into question the strategy of several countries — such as Sweden — who shied away from quarantine measures in its favor. | Europe is a long way from reaching the levels of exposure required for herd immunity, according to a new study published by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI). Belgium tops the list, with just 6.2 percent of its population exposed to Covid-19 so far, and Sweden — with no enforced lockdown measures — is even lower down the list at just 2.

RT (2020-05-12). Russia becomes world's second hardest-hit country with 230,000+ confirmed Covid-19 cases, surpassing Spain & UK. rt.com With 10,899 more coronavirus infections reported across the country on Tuesday morning, Russia now trails only the United States in terms of people known to have contracted Covid-19. | Nationwide, 232,243 confirmed cases have been discovered since the start of the outbreak, national disease response officials said. This figure is higher than those recorded by Spanish (227,436), British (224,332) and Italian (219,814) authorities. | However, it's worth noting that Russia has over twice the population of those countries and has carried out far more tests. | At the same time, Russia has had considerably fewer dea…

Fight Back (2020-05-12). Leaders from sanctioned countries condemn U.S. sanctions amid COVID-19 pandemic. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – Over 1000 people attended an online panel hosted by the United National AntiWar Coalition, May 9. In a panel entitled, "U.S. Sanctions During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Global Threat" leaders representing six countries facing harsh U.S. sanctions highlighted the leading role of the United States in undermining the healthcare infrastructure of sovereign states in order to foment regime change. | U.S. imposed economic sanctions currently impact 39 countries, representing one third of the global population. These sanctions result in chronic shortages of basic necessities and have inhibited the abilit…

Orinoco Tribune (2020-05-12). Cuba Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for Its Fight Against COVID-19. globalresearch.ca The French organization Cuba Linda has recommended awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Cuban medical brigades for their efforts to eradicate COVID-19. | "The international community is witnessing the solidarity of health professionals who leave their country to provide services and …

teleSUR (2020-05-12). Bolivia: Inmates Riot Due to COVID Outbreak in Prison. telesurenglish.net Bolivian police forces repressed May 11 an inmate riot in Palmasola prison, in Santa Cruz city. Convicts protested due to a Covid-19 outbreak among the prison population. | RELATED: | The authorities at the Palmasola penitentiary said two inmates who died last week after presenting respiratory distress. Local news media reported first deceased autopsy revealed he was COVID positive and was buried acco…

teleSUR (2020-05-12). Women, Migrants & Blacks Most Affected by COVID-19 in Latam. telesurenglish.net The COVID-19 pandemic will make a bad economic situation worse for women, Indigenous, black people and migrants in Latin America, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) warned Tuesday. | RELATED: | The agency of the United Nations said in a report that unequal access to potable water, sanitation, healthcare, and housing could also mean higher rates of infection and death among these…

teleSUR (2020-05-12). Universal Basic Income to Help Most Affected by COVID-19: ECLAC. telesurenglish.net The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Tuesday that to face the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, governments must guarantee immediate temporary monetary transfers to satisfy basic needs, sustain the consumption of households and achieve a solid and relatively rapid recovery in the region. | RELATED: | ECLAC's Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena presented at a vi…

teleSUR (2020-05-12). Nicaragua Requests OAS Lift Sanctions Due to COVID Crisis. telesurenglish.net Nicaragua's representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) demanded on May 11 that sanctions cease against Cuba, Venezuela, and his nation. | RELATED: | Nicaraguan diplomat Luis Alvarado participated in the first session of the Weekly Forum on the Challenges Facing Inter-American Law in the Time of the Coronavirus. He referred to COVID-19's social and economic worldwide impact. Alvarado stated solidarity and cooperation are paramount to cope with sequels…

Telesur (2020-05-12). Cuba to Begin Mass-Scale COVID-19 Testing. globalresearch.ca Dr. Francisco Durán, national director of Epidemiology of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, reported on Sunday that a considerable part of the population will be given tests to detect possible positive cases of COVID-19. | Durán explained that a …

teleSUR (2020-05-12). Cuba Asks the US for Answers on the Attack on Its Embassy. telesurenglish.net Cuba's RELATED: | "Twelve days after the attack, the State Department is complicit…

Adriaan Alsema (2020-05-12). Colombia considering guaranteed minimum income as famine looms. colombiareports.com Almost half of Colombia's senators signed off on a proposal to urgently implement a guaranteed minimum income for more than 70% of the population. The radical proposal would temporarily guarantee…

Kuehn BM. (2020-05-12). Discovering Why Some Infants Have Delayed Hearing Loss Detection. jamanetwork.com Several socioeconomic factors were linked in a recent study with delayed hearing loss diagnoses in Minnesota infants. Launching initiatives to pinpoint these populations and identify infants with hearing loss more quickly could help reduce their risk of delayed speech and language development, the study's authors noted.

The Canary (2020-05-12). Herd immunity for Covid-19 is a 'dangerous' concept says World Health Organisation. thecanary.co The World Health Organisation (WHO) has condemned the "dangerous" concept of herd immunity for Covid-19. | Herd immunity is an epidemiological term usually reserved to describe how the population as a whole is protected from a disease depending on the levels of people vaccinated. | For instance, when 90%-95% of the population is vaccinated against measles, this should be enough to protect others who are unable to get an inoculation — such as babies before they reach the age at which they can be immunised. | Asked about the concept being applied to the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO said "no-one is safe until ev…

Bauchner H, Sharfstein J. (2020-05-12). Medical Students and Public Health Service for the COVID-19 Pandemic. jamanetwork.com Over the next few months it is likely that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has surged in New York City, Seattle, New Orleans, and Detroit will move from city to city and state to state. After the initial peak, absent highly effective medical interventions, the US will likely experience outbreaks of lingering disease for months and potentially years to come. As the US enters the next phase of COVID-19, critical questions will involve the nation's capacity to respond to outbreaks, protect high-risk populations, and limit community spread.

Staff (2020-05-12). COVID-19 Took Chicago Black Lives First and Exposed Structural Racism. truthout.org We look at the coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate toll on African Americans through the story of Chicago's first 100 recorded deaths. A report by ProPublica found that 70 of the first 100 people to die were African American. Black people account for 30% of Chicago's population and 72% of COVID-19 deaths. We speak with ProPublica reporter Adriana Gallardo, who contributed to the report "COVID-19 Took Black Lives First. It Didn't Have To." She says the story paints a picture of "sophisticated struct…

Maria Paez Victor (2020-05-12). What If Armed Terrorists Threatened the Prime Minister of Canada? counterpunch.org Fortunately, Canada is not a country that has suffered continuous threats of coup d'etats as Venezuela has these last 21 years. The Motive Be that as it may, as a matter of clarification and discernment, let us imagine the following: suppose a powerful foreign power — let's call it Statesland — intent on taking over

sputniknews (2020-05-12). US Mercenaries Went Ahead With Venezuela Invasion Despite Being Outed on TV Weeks Earlier — Video. sputniknews.com The fallout continues from 'Operation Gideon', the brazen May 3-4 attempt by a US security contractor to invade Venezuela, kidnap its president and take him back to the United States. The White House remains in damage control mode, denying any responsibility for the plot while seeking to bring the captured US mercenaries involved back home.

sputniknews (2020-05-12). Russia to Consider Caracas' Request for Help in Probe of Invasion If Asked – Lavrov. sputniknews.com MOSCOW(Sputnik) – Russia will consider Venezuela's request for help in investigation of a naval incursion if it receives such request, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday .

Alan MacLeod (2020-05-11). Guaidó's mercenary hit contract on Venezuela's Maduro mirrors official US bounty, authorizes death squad killings. thegrayzone.com The leaked contract between Juan Guaidó and the Silvercorp USA mercenary firm closely resembles a DEA bounty placed on the…

Staff (2020-05-11). Headlines for May 11, 2020. democracynow.org COVID-19 Cases Mount as States Reopen Economies, NY Investigating Deaths of at Least 3 Children Linked to COVID-19, Bronx Hospital Investigating Nurse Who Shared Video of Medical Staff Speaking Out About Lack of PPE, Cheyenne River Sioux Defies South Dakota Order to Remove Coronavirus Checkpoints, Another COVID-19 Case Confirmed at White House as Barack Obama Blasts Trump's "Chaotic" Response, Hunger-Striking Immigrant Women Released from California Prison, U.S. Continues to Deport Haitian Immigrants, Including Those with COVID-19 Infections, WSJ: Trump Planning to Ban H-1B Visas, Three Prisoners Die at Chino Fac…

G. Dunkel (2020-05-11). In Haiti ICE is spreading COVID-19. workers.org Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency charged with deporting people from the United States, scheduled five deportations to Haiti on May 11 from the Pine Prairie Detention Center in Louisiana. The agency claims the five individuals have either tested positive for COVID-19 or show signs of having the disease. (Miami . . . |

Raul Diego (2020-05-11). The US Keeps Trying, and Failing, to Deport a Former CIA Operative Back to Haiti. mintpressnews.com Emmanuel "Toto" Constant was supposed to board an ICE deportation flight along with 100 other Haitian nationals in what is the third such flight the Trump administration has carried out to Haiti in the last several weeks.

Eds. (2020-05-11). U.S. ratchets up Hybrid Warfare in Venezuela. mronline.org Nino Pagliccia examines the recent mercenary incursion into the Venezuelan territory.

teleSUR (2020-05-11). US-Based Advisers From Guaido's Team Quit Over Foiled Coup Plot. telesurenglish.net United States-based advisers to lawmaker Juan Guaido quit Monday over the foiled May 3 coup attempt and their involvement in hiring mercenaries to carry out the plot aimed at assassinating Venezuela's government officials and president. | RELATED: | Right-wing strategist Juan Jose Rendon and Sergio Vergara confirmed their resignations in public letters after the Miami-based adviser to Guaido, admitted Tuesday of hiring U.S…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-11). US continues deportation of Haitians tested positive of COVID-19. peoplesdispatch.org A group of over 100 Haitian nationals are set to be deported from the United States by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on Monday, May 11. This is scheduled to happen despite requests from the Haitian government to wait until the spread of COVID-19 subsides. Among those being deported, at least five individuals are known to have tested positive for COVID-19 very recently. | The Haitian government panel assigned to direct the nation's pandemic response requested that the US government avoid deportations until the pandemic is contained. The presidential panel consisting of medical professionals and…

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-11). Bolsonaro Is Facilitating U.S. Intervention in Latin America. strategic-culture.org While most countries across the world implemented measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro dismissed concerns of the spread and refused to consider measures to safeguard the population. So far Brazil has In retaliation for suggesting health measures to avoid the pandemic spreading, Bo…

Leonardo Flores (2020-05-11). The Botched Infiltration of Venezuela Leaves Guaidó Tainted Beyond Repair. mintpressnews.com Given Guaidó's involvement, it is impossible for Washington to wash its hands of the plot. The Trump administration is responsible for giving him what little power he has, and therefore it is responsible for his actions.

Leonardo Flores (2020-05-11). Botched Infiltration of Venezuela Leaves Guaidó Tainted Beyond Repair. commondreams.org The townspeople of Chuao, Venezuela, being honored for their role in the capture of eight mercenaries. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/chuao_bolivar.jpg

teleSUR (2020-05-11). Venezuela Captures 14 Mercenaries in the Last 24 Hours. telesurenglish.net Venezuelan State Security Forces captured In the last 24 hours a total of 14 mercenaries involved in an armed maritime incursion. | RELATED: | "At the end of Sunday, three mercenaries were captured in the mountain town of San Miguel, in the parish of Carayaca, Vargas state," the Strategic Region of Integral Defense Capital of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) reported on Monday on…

Paul Dobson (2020-05-11). Western Venezuela Rocked by Rolling Blackouts. venezuelanalysis.com Low water levels at hydroelectric dams, "terrorist sabotage" and damaged infrastructure have been blamed for the power cuts.

Eoin Higgins, staff writer (2020-05-11). Despite Haitians Who Tested Positive for Covid-19 Given Last-Minute Reprieve, Dems Demand Total Moratorium on Deportations During Pandemic. commondreams.org "Deporting people to Haiti in the midst of a global pandemic is both inhumane and unsafe." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ice_7.jpeg

Howie Hawkins (2020-05-10). Fight COVID-19 Not Venezuela. dissidentvoice.org The Keystone Cops have nothing on the rag-tag group of soldiers of fortune who failed earlier this week in their implausible plot to kidnap Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, trigger a military coup, and install the US puppet, Juan Guaidó, in the presidency. We know all about the hair-brained scheme due to a falling out of …

teleSUR (2020-05-10). Iran Slams Failed US Incursion to Overthrow Venezuelan Leader. telesurenglish.net The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejected the U.S.-led armed incursion into Venezuela, which was intended to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. | RELATED: | Iran's Foreign Ministry called on Washington to stop meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign nations, now and forever, while also ending their inhuman blockade of these countries. | "The terrible report on the failed U.S.-led terrorist plo…

2020-05-13: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media! (Copy the text of the postee below, then paste it on social media and the story images will also appear.)

Outsourcing 'regime change': US imperialism's decomposition accelerates
Francisco Dominguez | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-05-13
On May 3rd a bunch of mercenaries, led by Rambo-like US soldiers of fortune attempted to disembark on the coastal town of Macuto in the La Guaira state in Venezuela's Caribbean coast, in a so-called Operation Gedeon.
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/05/13/outsourcing-regime-change-us-imperialisms-decomposition-accelerates/

From Lebanon to Syria, the Arab World is Failing Palestinian Refugees
Ramzy Baroud | mintpressnews.com | 2020-05-13
Heinous racism. That is how the Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor described a recent decision by Lebanese authorities to bar Palestinian refugee expats from returning to Lebanon. | Lebanon's restrictions on its ever-diminishing population of Palestinian refugees is nothing new. However, this event is particularly alarming as it may be linked to a long-term official policy regarding the residency status of Palestinian refugees in this Arab country. | Many were ta…
mintpressnews.com/lebanon-syria-arab-world-failing-palestinian-refugees/267521/

El ministerio de las Colonias estadounidenses
Matt Sedlar | cepr.net | 2020-05-13
Le Monde diplomatique en español, mayo de 2020 Ver artículo en sitio original Creada en 1948, en el marco del enfrentamiento entre Estados Unidos y la Unión Soviética (URSS), la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) constituye uno de los instrumentos de la proyección geopolítica de Washington en América Latina y los Estados del Caribe, …
cepr.net/el-ministerio-de-las-colonias-estadounidenses/

Can we simultaneously oppose Bayer/Monsanto's biotechnology and support Cuba's Interferon Alpha 2B?
Don Fitz | mronline.org | 2020-05-13
Technology reflects social factors throughout its development and use. Genetically engineered crops allow mega-corporations to patent seeds, lure farmers into buying them with visions of high yields, and then destroy small farmers. Cuba's drugs are shared throughout the world. Making a distinction between the biotechnology of agro-industry and Cuba requires understanding the difference between bioimperialism …
mronline.org/2020/05/13/can-we-simultaneously-oppose-bayer-monsantos-biotechnology-and-support-cubas-interferon-alpha-2b/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=can-we-simultaneously-oppose-bayer-monsantos-biotechnology-and-support-cubas-interferon-alpha-2b

Coronavirus will have bigger impact on world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable
imperial.ac.uk | 2020-05-13
The coronavirus pandemic will have a greater impact on the world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, according to an Imperial report.
imperial.ac.uk/news/197498/coronavirus-will-have-bigger-impact-worlds

Belgium to partially reopen schools, markets, museums & zoos from Monday
rt.com | 2020-05-13
Belgian schools will partially reopen and markets, museums and zoos will also be allowed to operate again from next Monday, PM Sophie Wilmes said on Wednesday. | With a population of 11.5 million, Belgium is among the European nations worst hit by Covid-19, but it began a phased easing of the restrictions at the start of May. Belgium has so far reported 53,981 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 8,843 deaths, according to Reuters. | Wilmes said the reopening of non-food shops this week had proceeded smoothly even if there were now queues outside some stores. "Improvements are coming, but we must be patient. We can…
rt.com/newsline/488561-belgium-reopen-schools-markets/

"Making It Up As They Go Along:" Boris Johnson and COVID-19
Kenneth Surin | counterpunch.org | 2020-05-13
As I write (the weekend of 9-10 May), the UK's death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has reached 31,855. The UK, unlike the US, has started counting deaths in care homes. This toll is the highest in Europe, and the second in the world after the US. The UK has a fifth of the US's population, so translating the UK figure into US terms would amount to 160,000 US deaths from the virus (the US's death toll as of this weekend is a little more than 80,000).
counterpunch.org/2020/05/13/making-it-up-as-they-go-along-boris-johnson-and-covid-19/

German politicians and media laud right-wing demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions
wsws.org | 2020-05-13
The ruling elite is now mobilising the right-wing dregs of society in the "corona" demonstrations to intimidate the population and enforce their back-to-work campaign.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/05/13/demo-m13.html

Sanders, Vel√°zquez Introduce Nutrition Equity Bill for Puerto Rico, Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands
commondreams.org | 2020-05-13
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2020/05/13/sanders-velazquez-introduce-nutrition-equity-bill-puerto-rico-samoa-and-northern?cd-origin=rss

Corporate Media don't think Americans paid to invade Venezuela Count as mercenaries
Joshua Cho | mronline.org | 2020-05-13
When an attempted invasion of Venezuela launched from the shores of Colombia was foiled on May 3, after armed commandos were intercepted at Venezuela's coastline of La Guira, it seemed undeniable that the heavily armed men, possessing satellite phones and uniforms with the U.S. flag emblazoned on them, had been paid to take part in …
mronline.org/2020/05/13/corporate-media-dont-think-americans-paid-to-invade-venezuela-count-as-mercenaries/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corporate-media-dont-think-americans-paid-to-invade-venezuela-count-as-mercenaries

Revealed: Secretive British unit planning for 'reconstruction' of Venezuela
John McEvoy | thecanary.co | 2020-05-13
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act have exposed a secretive Foreign Office unit aimed at the 'reconstruction' of Venezuela. The files also reveal private discussions between Venezuelan opposition figures and UK officials, detailing proposals for the promotion of British business after a planned coup.UK support for coup attempt in Venezuela: Over the past 16 months, the UK government has consistently supported Venezuelan opposition figure Juan…
thecanary.co/exclusive/2020/05/13/revealed-secretive-british-unit-planning-for-reconstruction-of-venezuela/

President Maduro Extends State of Alarm in Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, signed this Tuesday the renewal of the decree of the state of constitutional alarm for 30 more days "to continue protecting our people" from Covid-19. | RELATED: | Venezuela to Repatriate Citizens Stranded in Peru and Ecuador | The president stressed that the quarantine could not be relaxed in the country to avoid a Covid-19 outbreak, as has happened in other countries. In Venezuela, food production will be maintained as a priority of…
telesurenglish.net/news/President-Maduro-Extends-State-of-Alarm-in-Venezuela-20200512-0018.html

"Losing the Fabric of the City": COVID-19 Took Chicago Black Lives First & Exposed Structural Racism
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-05-12
We look at the coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate toll on African Americans through the story of Chicago's first 100 recorded deaths. A report by ProPublica found that 70 of the first 100 people to die were African American. Black people account for 30% of Chicago's population and 72% of COVID-19 deaths. We speak with ProPublica reporter Adriana Gallardo, who contributed to the report "COVID-19 Took Black Lives First. It Didn't Have To." She says the story paints a picture of "sophisticated structural racism" in Chicago.
www.democracynow.org/2020/5/12/chicago_70_black_people_dead_first

Leaders from sanctioned countries condemn U.S. sanctions amid COVID-19 pandemic
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-05-12
Minneapolis, MN – Over 1000 people attended an online panel hosted by the United National AntiWar Coalition, May 9. In a panel entitled, "U.S. Sanctions During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Global Threat" leaders representing six countries facing harsh U.S. sanctions highlighted the leading role of the United States in undermining the healthcare infrastructure of sovereign states in order to foment regime change. | U.S. imposed economic sanctions currently impact 39 countries, representing one third of the global population. These sanctions result in chronic shortages of basic necessities and have inhibited the abilit…
www.fightbacknews.org/2020/5/12/leaders-sanctioned-countries-condemn-us-sanctions-amid-covid-19-pandemic

Cuba Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for Its Fight Against COVID-19
Orinoco Tribune | globalresearch.ca | 2020-05-12
The French organization Cuba Linda has recommended awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Cuban medical brigades for their efforts to eradicate COVID-19. | "The international community is witnessing the solidarity of health professionals who leave their country to provide services and | …
globalresearch.ca/cuba-nominated-nobel-peace-prize-fight-against-covid-19/5712594

U.S. hand in recent assaults on Cuba, Venezuela
W. T. Whitney Jr. | peoplesworld.org | 2020-05-12
Secretary of State Pompeo loudly condemns Iranian border guards who abused Afghans crossing into Iran. He castigates China's supposed failings with the COVID 19 pandemic. He and President Trump rail against dictatorship they see in Venezuela. They protest Cuba's "slave doctors"

U.S. hand in recent assaults on Cuba, Venezuela
W. T. Whitney Jr. | peoplesworld.org | 2020-05-12
Secretary of State Pompeo loudly condemns Iranian border guards who abused Afghans crossing into Iran. He castigates China's supposed failings with the COVID-19 pandemic. He and President Trump rail against dictatorship they see in Venezuela. They protest Cuba's "slave doctors"

Bolivia: Inmates Riot Due to COVID Outbreak in Prison
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
Bolivian police forces repressed May 11 an inmate riot in Palmasola prison, in Santa Cruz city. Convicts protested due to a Covid-19 outbreak among the prison population. | RELATED: | Bolivia De-Facto Govt Repress Protesters That Can't Afford More Lockdown | The authorities at the Palmasola penitentiary said two inmates who died last week after presenting respiratory distress. Local news media reported first deceased autopsy revealed he was COVID positive and was buried acco…
telesurenglish.net/news/bolivia-inmates-riot-due-to-covid-prison-outbreak-20200512-0002.html

Universal Basic Income to Help Most Affected by COVID-19: ECLAC
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said Tuesday that to face the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, governments must guarantee immediate temporary monetary transfers to satisfy basic needs, sustain the consumption of households and achieve a solid and relatively rapid recovery in the region. | RELATED: | COVID-19 Will Lead to Biggest Economic Hit in Latam's History | ECLAC's Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena presented at a vi…
telesurenglish.net/news/ECLAC-Basic-Income-to-Help-Most-Vulnerable-by-COVID-19s-Effects-20200512-0017.html

Women, Migrants & Blacks Most Affected by COVID-19 in Latam
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
The COVID-19 pandemic will make a bad economic situation worse for women, Indigenous, black people and migrants in Latin America, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) warned Tuesday. | RELATED: | Universal Basic Income to Help Most Affected by COVID-19: ECLAC | The agency of the United Nations said in a report that unequal access to potable water, sanitation, healthcare, and housing could also mean higher rates of infection and death among these…
telesurenglish.net/news/Women-Migrants–Blacks-Most-Affected-by-COVID-19-in-Latam—20200512-0020.html

Cuba to Begin Mass-Scale COVID-19 Testing
Telesur | globalresearch.ca | 2020-05-12
Dr. Francisco Durán, national director of Epidemiology of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, reported on Sunday that a considerable part of the population will be given tests to detect possible positive cases of COVID-19. | Durán explained that a …
globalresearch.ca/cuba-begin-mass-scale-covid-19-testing/5712578

Sanctions = Health terrorism
Betsey Piette | workers.org | 2020-05-12
A timely international webinar, sponsored by SanctionsKill.org on May 9, featured representatives from Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, Syria and Venezuela, plus a statement from Zimbabwe addressing the deadly impact of U.S. sanctions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,000 people from nearly every continent, including multiple U.S. cities, viewed the event. The . . . | Continue reading Sanctions = Health terrorism at Workers.org
workers.org/2020/05/48562/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sanctions-health-terrorism

Nicaragua Requests OAS Lift Sanctions Due to COVID Crisis
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
Nicaragua's representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) demanded on May 11 that sanctions cease against Cuba, Venezuela, and his nation. | RELATED: | Nicaragua: VP Rosario Murillo Grateful for UNICEF Donation | Nicaraguan diplomat Luis Alvarado participated in the first session of the Weekly Forum on the Challenges Facing Inter-American Law in the Time of the Coronavirus. He referred to COVID-19's social and economic worldwide impact. Alvarado stated solidarity and cooperation are paramount to cope with sequels…
telesurenglish.net/news/nicaragua-requested-oas-to-lift-sanctions-due-to-covid-crisis-20200512-0006.html

Can We Simultaneously Oppose Bayer/Monsanto's Biotechnology and Support Cuba's Interferon Alpha 2B?
Don Fitz | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-05-12
Genetically engineered crops are a form of food imperialism. This technology allows mega-corporations like Bayer/Monsanto to patent seeds, lure farmers into buying them with visions of high yields, and then destroy the ability of small farmers to survive. Genetic engineering produces an artificial combination of plant traits which often results in foods with less nutritional …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/05/can-we-simultaneously-oppose-bayer-monsantos-biotechnology-and-support-cubas-interferon-alpha-2b/

Cuba Asks the US for Answers on the Attack on Its Embassy
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-12
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the U.S. government of criminal negligence because the attack on his country's embassy in Washington could have been avoided and asked that the attacker's links with anti-Cuban, Florida-based groups be investigated. | RELATED: | Cuba to Begin Mass-Scale COVID-19 Testing | "Twelve days after the attack, the State Department is complicit…
telesurenglish.net/news/Cuba-Asks-the-US-for-Answers-on-the-Attack-on-Its-Embassy-20200512-0010.html

China to test ENTIRE POPULATION of Wuhan for Covid-19 after disease reemerges
rt.com | 2020-05-12
Chinese authorities plan to test all of Wuhan's 11 million residents for Covid-19 in a little over a week. After more than a month without newly-recorded cases, the disease has suddenly reappeared in the city. | All districts in the city were ordered to submit a plan on how they will conduct testing of all residents in their areas within 10 days, local media reported, citing a document from the authorities. The officials were told to prioritize the testing of vulnerable groups and places like residential compounds. | The measure was announced as a response to the six new locally-transmitted cases that were rec…
rt.com/news/488416-wuhan-mass-testing-china/

Shelter-in-Place and Internet Inequality: What's the Connection?
Beau Peters | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-05-12
Photo Source: Unsplash As most of the world is forced to stay home, internet and technology play essential roles in almost every aspect of the population's shelter-at-home lives. The internet keeps loved ones communicating and in touch, informs people of what's going on in the world, connects students to their teachers and professors, and provides …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/05/shelter-in-place-and-internet-inequality-whats-the-connection/

Colombia considering guaranteed minimum income as famine looms
Adriaan Alsema | colombiareports.com | 2020-05-12
Almost half of Colombia's senators signed off on a proposal to urgently implement a guaranteed minimum income for more than 70% of the population. The radical proposal would temporarily guarantee…
colombiareports.com/?p=197522

Medical Students and Public Health Service for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Bauchner H, Sharfstein J. | jamanetwork.com | 2020-05-12
Over the next few months it is likely that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has surged in New York City, Seattle, New Orleans, and Detroit will move from city to city and state to state. After the initial peak, absent highly effective medical interventions, the US will likely experience outbreaks of lingering disease for months and potentially years to come. As the US enters the next phase of COVID-19, critical questions will involve the nation's capacity to respond to outbreaks, protect high-risk populations, and limit community spread.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2764427

America's Percentage of World's Coronavirus Cases Is Now Declining, but America's libertarian policies on coronavirus remain catastrophic
Andrey Areshev | strategic-culture.org | 2020-05-12
Eric ZUESSE | At the start of the day on May 2nd, the U.S. had 4.2% of the world's population and 33.3%, or one-third, of all coronavirus-19 cases. | At the start of the day on May 10th, the U.S. had 32.9% of cases. The decline from 33.3% to 32.9% is .4% down, or a decline of slightly over 1% of the 33.9%, in 8 days. It's virtually certain never to go down to the 4.2% of global coronavir…
strategic-culture.org/news/2020/05/12/americas-percentage-of-worlds-coronavirus-cases-is-now-declining/

Colombia considering guaranteed minimum income as famine looms
Adriaan Alsema | colombiareports.com | 2020-05-12
Almost half of Colombia's senators signed off on a proposal to urgently implement a guaranteed minimum income for more than 70% of the population. The radical proposal would temporarily guarantee…
colombiareports.com/colombia-considering-guaranteed-minimum-income-as-famine-looms/

Wrecking Entire Economies: Lockdowns May Be Causing More Harm Than Good Worldwide, and Especially in India
Ramesh Thakur | anti-empire.com | 2020-05-12

Homeless people line up for free food distributed by Assam Police during lockdown to curb the spread of new coronavirus, in Gauhati, India, Monday, April 27, 2020. India last week eased the lockdown by allowing shops to reopen and manufacturing and farming activities to resume in rural areas to help millions of poor, daily-wage earners. But the economic costs of the nationwide lockdown continue to mount in a country of 1.3 billion people. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

| Locking up healthy people in their homes and putting wholesale populations under house arrest is perverse. Coronavirus panic merchan…
anti-empire.com/wrecking-entire-economies-lockdowns-may-be-causing-more-harm-than-good-worldwide-and-especially-in-india/

Russia becomes world's second hardest-hit country with 230,000+ confirmed Covid-19 cases, surpassing Spain & UK
rt.com | 2020-05-12
With 10,899 more coronavirus infections reported across the country on Tuesday morning, Russia now trails only the United States in terms of people known to have contracted Covid-19. | Nationwide, 232,243 confirmed cases have been discovered since the start of the outbreak, national disease response officials said. This figure is higher than those recorded by Spanish (227,436), British (224,332) and Italian (219,814) authorities. | However, it's worth noting that Russia has over twice the population of those countries and has carried out far more tests. | At the same time, Russia has had considerably fewer dea…
rt.com/russia/488419-russia-second-world-cases-coronavirus/

New study says herd immunity is a myth and countries relying on it, including Sweden, chose the wrong strategy
rt.com | 2020-05-12
Herd immunity may be an unrealistic tactic for dealing with Covid-19, new research has warned, calling into question the strategy of several countries

Herd immunity for Covid-19 is a 'dangerous' concept says World Health Organisation
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-05-12
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has condemned the "dangerous" concept of herd immunity for Covid-19. | Herd immunity is an epidemiological term usually reserved to describe how the population as a whole is protected from a disease depending on the levels of people vaccinated. | For instance, when 90%-95% of the population is vaccinated against measles, this should be enough to protect others who are unable to get an inoculation

Discovering Why Some Infants Have Delayed Hearing Loss Detection
Kuehn BM. | jamanetwork.com | 2020-05-12
Several socioeconomic factors were linked in a recent study with delayed hearing loss diagnoses in Minnesota infants. Launching initiatives to pinpoint these populations and identify infants with hearing loss more quickly could help reduce their risk of delayed speech and language development, the study's authors noted.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2765743

COVID-19 Took Chicago Black Lives First and Exposed Structural Racism
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-05-12
We look at the coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate toll on African Americans through the story of Chicago's first 100 recorded deaths. A report by ProPublica found that 70 of the first 100 people to die were African American. Black people account for 30% of Chicago's population and 72% of COVID-19 deaths. We speak with ProPublica reporter Adriana Gallardo, who contributed to the report "COVID-19 Took Black Lives First. It Didn't Have To." She says the story paints a picture of "sophisticated struct…
truthout.org/video/covid-19-took-chicago-black-lives-first-and-exposed-structural-racism/

What If Armed Terrorists Threatened the Prime Minister of Canada?
Maria Paez Victor | counterpunch.org | 2020-05-12
Fortunately, Canada is not a country that has suffered continuous threats of coup d'etats as Venezuela has these last 21 years. The Motive Be that as it may, as a matter of clarification and discernment, let us imagine the following: suppose a powerful foreign power

Russia to Consider Caracas' Request for Help in Probe of Invasion If Asked – Lavrov
sputniknews.com | 2020-05-12
MOSCOW(Sputnik) – Russia will consider Venezuela's request for help in investigation of a naval incursion if it receives such request, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday .
sputniknews.com/world/202005121079281335-russia-to-consider-caracas-request-for-help-in-probe-of-invasion-if-asked—lavrov/

Guaidó's mercenary hit contract on Venezuela's Maduro mirrors official US bounty, authorizes death squad killings
Alan MacLeod | thegrayzone.com | 2020-05-11
The leaked contract between Juan Guaidó and the Silvercorp USA mercenary firm closely resembles a DEA bounty placed on the…
thegrayzone.com/2020/05/10/guaido-mercenary-contract-venezuelas-maduro-us-bounty-death-squad/

US-Based Advisers From Guaido's Team Quit Over Foiled Coup Plot
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-11
United States-based advisers to lawmaker Juan Guaido quit Monday over the foiled May 3 coup attempt and their involvement in hiring mercenaries to carry out the plot aimed at assassinating Venezuela's government officials and president. | RELATED: | Guaido Behind Failed Operation Against Venezuela: Maduro | Right-wing strategist Juan Jose Rendon and Sergio Vergara confirmed their resignations in public letters after the Miami-based adviser to Guaido, admitted Tuesday of hiring U.S…
telesurenglish.net/news/US-Based-Advisers-From-Guaidos-Team-Quit-Over-Foiled-Coup-Plot-20200511-0014.html

In Haiti ICE is spreading COVID-19
G. Dunkel | workers.org | 2020-05-11
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency charged with deporting people from the United States, scheduled five deportations to Haiti on May 11 from the Pine Prairie Detention Center in Louisiana. The agency claims the five individuals have either tested positive for COVID-19 or show signs of having the disease. (Miami . . . | Continue reading In Haiti ICE is spreading COVID-19 at Workers.org
workers.org/2020/05/48501/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-haiti-ice-is-spreading-covid-19

US continues deportation of Haitians tested positive of COVID-19
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-05-11
A group of over 100 Haitian nationals are set to be deported from the United States by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on Monday, May 11. This is scheduled to happen despite requests from the Haitian government to wait until the spread of COVID-19 subsides. Among those being deported, at least five individuals are known to have tested positive for COVID-19 very recently. | The Haitian government panel assigned to direct the nation's pandemic response requested that the US government avoid deportations until the pandemic is contained. The presidential panel consisting of medical professionals and…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/05/11/us-continues-deportation-of-haitians-tested-positive-of-covid-19/

The US Keeps Trying, and Failing, to Deport a Former CIA Operative Back to Haiti
Raul Diego | mintpressnews.com | 2020-05-11
Emmanuel "Toto" Constant was supposed to board an ICE deportation flight along with 100 other Haitian nationals in what is the third such flight the Trump administration has carried out to Haiti in the last several weeks.
mintpressnews.com/us-trying-failing-deport-cia-operative-emmanuel-constant-haiti/267417/

Bolsonaro Is Facilitating U.S. Intervention in Latin America
Andrey Areshev | strategic-culture.org | 2020-05-11
While most countries across the world implemented measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro dismissed concerns of the spread and refused to consider measures to safeguard the population. So far Brazil has registered 53,000 cases and over 3,600 people have died from the virus. Scientists believe the spread in Brazil has reached over 1 million people. | In retaliation for suggesting health measures to avoid the pandemic spreading, Bo…
strategic-culture.org/news/2020/05/11/bolsonaro-is-facilitating-us-intervention-in-latin-america/

Venezuela Captures 14 Mercenaries in the Last 24 Hours
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-11
Venezuelan State Security Forces captured In the last 24 hours a total of 14 mercenaries involved in an armed maritime incursion. | RELATED: | Three More Mercenaries Arrested in Venezuela With Ties to Foiled Coup Plot | "At the end of Sunday, three mercenaries were captured in the mountain town of San Miguel, in the parish of Carayaca, Vargas state," the Strategic Region of Integral Defense Capital of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) reported on Monday on…
telesurenglish.net/news/venezuela-captures-14-mercenaries-in-the-last-24-hours-20200511-0001.html

Western Venezuela Rocked by Rolling Blackouts
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-05-11
Low water levels at hydroelectric dams, "terrorist sabotage" and damaged infrastructure have been blamed for the power cuts.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14873

Colombia: Avianca Airlines Declares Bankruptcy Due to COVID-19
telesurenglish.net | 2020-05-11
Colombian airline Avianca announced Sunday that they are declaring bankruptcy after an 80% income drop due to the health crisis. | RELATED: | Venezuela Seizes Three Combat Boats With Colombian Navy Emblems | Avianca Holdings airline representatives published a communication announcing voluntary bankruptcy declaration to protect future operations. "Today our wings are closed so that tomorrow we can all continue to fly "tweeted Anko van der Werff, Avianca president. | The compa…
telesurenglish.net/news/colombia-avianca-airlines-declares-bankruptcy-due-to-covid-20200511-0005.html

The Botched Infiltration of Venezuela Leaves Guaidó Tainted Beyond Repair
Leonardo Flores | mintpressnews.com | 2020-05-11
Given Guaidó's involvement, it is impossible for Washington to wash its hands of the plot. The Trump administration is responsible for giving him what little power he has, and therefore it is responsible for his actions.
mintpressnews.com/botched-coup-venezuela-leaves-juan-guaido-tainted-beyond-repair/267383/

U.S. ratchets up Hybrid Warfare in Venezuela
Eds. | mronline.org | 2020-05-11
Nino Pagliccia examines the recent mercenary incursion into the Venezuelan territory.
mronline.org/2020/05/11/u-s-ratchets-up-hybrid-warfare-in-venezuela/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=u-s-ratchets-up-hybrid-warfare-in-venezuela