(2020-03-15). Russian-Turkish patrol route in Idlib shortened abruptly to prevent terrorists attempt to use civilians as human shield. rt.com 
Russian and Turkish forces in Syria's province of Idlib have had to shorten their first joint patrol mission in order to prevent extremists from disrupt it, using civilians as human shields, the Russian military said. | On Sunday, Turkey and Russia set out on their first joint patrol along the security corridor in Idlib agreed as part of a ceasefire deal reached by presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Teyyip Erdogan in early March. The route of the patrol went along the strategic M4 highway linking Syria's city of Aleppo to the coastal western province of Latakia and passing through the territories held by vari…
(2020-03-15). Route of first Russian-Turkish patrol along key de-escalation line shortened to prevent terrorist provocation involving civilians. rt.com Russian and Turkish forces in Syria's province of Idlib have had to shorten their first joint patrol mission aimed at maintaining truce in the area to avoid harming civilians used as human shield by terrorists. | On Sunday, Turkey and Russia set out on their first joint patrol along the security corridor in Idlib, agreed as part of a ceasefire deal reached by presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in early March. The route of the patrol went along the strategic M4 highway, which links Syria's city of Aleppo to the coastal western province of Latakia and passes through the territories held by variou…
(2020-03-15). Ukrainian nationalists fire FLARE GUN at Russian embassy in Kiev, threaten to storm diplomatic mission (VIDEO). rt.com 
Ukrainian radicals have shot a round from a flare gun at the Russian embassy in Kiev, hitting the building's roof as they staged a rally outside the mission. Despite a heavy police presence, officers apparently stood idly by. | Russia's diplomatic mission in Kiev suffered the assault late on Saturday as a crowd of mostly far-right radicals gathered in front of the embassy and pelted its premises with flares and smoke pellets. At one point, someone also fired a flare gun round, which hit the building's roof to loud cheers from the crowd, which was chanting anti-Russian slogans, a video published on social media…
(2020-03-15). 'Don't be in a rush to die, you'll die anyway': Chechen leader Kadyrov urges public to stop panicking over coronavirus. rt.com 
With hysteria over the coronavirus on the rise, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has urged his countrymen to keep calm, not to shun traditional medicine, and care less about what is beyond one's control — as we are all mortal. | Kadyrov, the long-time leader of Russia's Chechen Republic, has offered his take on today's boiling issue — the coronavirus pandemic — injecting some wisdom of his own into the debate. | Arguing that the fears over the disease that manifests itself with flu-like symptoms have been blown out of proportion, Kadyrov called on the public to come to their senses and stop overth…
(2020-03-15). 'We are not going to be a hospital': Cristiano Ronaldo's Lisbon hotel denies reports it will become temporary coronavirus ward. rt.com 
A Portuguese hotel belonging to Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has denied reports suggesting it will become a temporary hospital for victims of the coronavirus outbreak. | A report in Spanish newspaper According to the report, the hotels would be adapted, with beds made available, free of charge, to people suffering from the coronavirus. | However, that story has since been r…
(2020-03-15). 'Just take it easy, just relax': Trump warns against HOARDING over coronavirus as VIDEOS of shoppers cleaning out stores go viral. rt.com 
The White House has warned citizens against hoarding daily supplies in the wake of videos showing people fighting for products like toilet paper and hand sanitizer and panic-buying daily essentials until shelves are empty. | President Donald Trump on Sunday spoke with "more than two dozen" grocery store and supply chain executives and thanked them for their work as people flock to stores to stockpile on supplies over fears surrounding the spread of coronavirus. | Delivering his daily update on the coronavirus situation, Trump suggested Americans "just take it easy, just relax," adding that the empty shelves al…
(2020-03-15). South Africa declares Covid-19 national emergency. rt.com 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national state of disaster due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. So far, 61 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the country. | The president warned that the epidemic might have a significant and "potentially lasting" effect on the country's economy, which is already in recession. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization classified the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic. Over 160,000 people have contracted the disease worldwide, while more than 6,400 died.
(2020-03-15). Latest travel guidance as number of countries affected by coronavirus rises. thecanary.co 
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected thousands of people across the world as the World Health Organisation has reported cases in 135 countries, territories or areas.As a result of Covid-19, or coronavirus, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued travel advice warning people against visiting certain countries or areas.Here is a look at the current guidance, which advises against all but essential travel to 23 countries: China: The FCO advises against all travel to Hubei province due to the outbreak, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. If you are in China…
(2020-03-15). Will Trump bail US shale out? rt.com 
The White House is considering a rescue package for the US shale industry, although the idea is getting pushback from so many sides that it faces challenging odds of passing into law. | According to the Washington Post, the White House warmed to the idea of aid for shale drillers after taking calls from oil executives "who have voiced concern and at times exasperation," following the sudden crash in oil prices. Of note, Continental Resources' Harold Hamm reached out to the Trump administration, though Hamm said he had not made "direct" contact. He has been a personal supporter of President Trump. | Hamm report…
(2020-03-15). Corporate Media Condone Destruction of Venezuela's Voting Machines. fair.org 
The vast majority of Venezuela's voting machines were incinerated on March 7 in a fire that engulfed the main warehouse of the National Electoral Council. Corporate outlets followed the familiar script of blaming the victim, repeating the US State Department talking point that the Venezuelan electoral system is "rigged" and floating outlandish conspiracy theories.
(2020-03-15). Saudi Aramco reveals whopping 21% profit-drop for 2019 — even before the latest oil crash & 'price war'. rt.com 
Saudi Arabia's state-run oil giant Saudi Aramco has announced a sharp drop in its 2019 profit, falling well below expectations and coming a week after a reported oil dispute between Moscow and Riyadh sent oil prices plunging. | The report, published by Aramco, showed that the company's full-year 2019 net profit amounted to $88.12 billion, down by almost 21 percent from $111.1 billion the year before. The figure appeared to be well below analysts' expectations; they'd projected the oil giant could earn around $92.6 billion. | The company itself explained the losses, citing "lower crude oil prices and production…
(2020-03-15). Long lines beset US airports with passengers reportedly waiting up to 10 HOURS to get through due to Covid-19 screening (PHOTOS). rt.com 
Thousands have lined up in long queues to get their bags and pass customs at airports across the US, with photos of the crowds going viral. The chaos has been blamed on enhanced coronavirus checks under the European travel ban. | Also on rt.com | | O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois, one of world's busiest airports by passenger traffic, has been overwhelmed with a sea of people, with photos and videos by stranded travelers showing long lines leading up to the baggage line and cu…
(2020-03-15). Italy's coronavirus deaths soar to over 1,800 with nearly 25k infected. rt.com 
Italian officials have revealed 368 additional Covid-19 related deaths with the new total standing at 1,809 people. This represents a record toll for one-day in the pandemic. | The number of infected patients within the locked-down country has also risen dramatically from 21,157 to 24,747, according to the country's civil protection authority. | Italy is currently believed to be the hardest struck nation from the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic outside China. The nation was put on lockdown less than a week ago in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, with PM Giuseppe Conte referring to the country as a…
(2020-03-15). Covid-19 air travel cull: Nordic flag carrier SAS to 'temporarily' lay off 90% of employees as it halts traffic. rt.com 
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has decided to halt "most of" its flights, stating that the demand for air travel has effectively fallen to zero. The move comes along with "temporary work reductions," affecting some 10,000 employees. | "As an effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and the measures that authorities have taken, the demand for international air travel is essentially non-existent," the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden said in a statement Sunday. | Starting on Monday, SAS will "halt most of its traffic" and resume its operations only when "conditions to conduct commercial aviation" ar…
(2020-03-15). Israel's Netanyahu tests negative for coronavirus… but his rival is entrusted with forming govt. rt.com 
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Sunday flaunted a negative result for his Covid-19 test, branded "manipulation" by his rival Benny Gantz. The stunt seemingly didn't help, as Gantz was then tapped to form the government. | The prime minister and those working close to him, had been tested for the deadly virus as a "precaution," while none of them displayed any symptoms of the disease. | The coronavirus test was harshly criticized by Netanyahu's political rival, the head of centrist Blue and White party Benny Gantz, who blamed the PM for staging a public stunt and "manipulating" the people. While the i…
(2020-03-15). 'Persuasion is OVER': Illinois ORDERS restaurants to turn away 'dine-in customers' as California urges bars to close over Covid-19. rt.com 
Illinois governor announced the partial closure of bars and restaurants to keep citizens "safe" from the coronavirus, while California put out new guidelines urging elder citizens to remain home and some businesses to close. | In Illinois, the closures will begin at the end of the business day on Monday and continue through March 30. The restaurants and bars will only be closed to "dine-in customers," meaning some businesses will remain open to fulfill pickup orders. | Governor J.B Pritzker said in his announcement that the measures will keep Illinois "safe," according to "experts." He revealed the reason for…
(2020-03-15). Saved by the virus: Netanyahu gets 2-month delay on corruption trial amid coronavirus emergency. rt.com 
The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, which was due to start on Tuesday, has been delayed until at least May 24 due to a state of emergency declared by the Justice Ministry. | As Israel battles the spread of Covid-19 by shutting down public venues and planning Big-Brother-style The corruption tria…
(2020-03-15). Mandates above all? Macron declares himself 'guarantor of HEALTH & democracy' as Paris pushes citizens to vote amid coronavirus. rt.com 
The pandemic has put France on lockdown, with public venues and shops shut down. Polling stations, however, were not only spared, but Paris eagerly pushed the people to vote in local polls, despite health concerns and criticism. | The unstoppable spread of the new coronavirus, known as Covid-19 has prompted the French government to shut down all "non-essential" public venues, be they shops, bars, restaurants, or even schools. Still, the polling stations appear to be just essential enough for Paris to be willing to risk the lives of the French electorate. | Despite the growing threat of the disease outbreak, wh…
(2020-03-15). Can the U.S. learn from China's determined response to Coronavirus? mronline.org 
Red Lines host Anya Parampil provides a global Coronavirus update, explaining how China suppressed the pandemic with a determined and centralized strategy that was heavily criticized in the West. |
(2020-03-15). Utah police departments ASK criminals to 'cease' crime until further notice… because coronavirus. rt.com 
Several Utah police departments have pleaded with criminals to stop their "nefarious" behavior in light of increasing amounts of coronavirus cases in the US. Is this all one big joke? | It's difficult to tell how seriously the US government is taking the coronavirus when politicians are urging people to quarantine themselves indoors, but state officials are using the virus as a punchline. | The Salt Lake City Police Department responded to the coronavirus by asking "all criminal activities/nefarious behavior to cease until further notice. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime & thank crim…
(2020-03-15). UK to put all citizens over 70 into isolation for MONTHS as coronavirus spreads across the country. rt.com 
UK's Health Secretary confirmed plans to isolate people aged over 70 for up to four months amid a coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to protect them, but critics say it may be a really bad idea. | Isolating the elderly is "clearly in the action plan" Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News, confirming earlier reports in the British media. "We will be setting it out with more detail when it's the right time to do," he added, which may come within weeks. | "We absolutely appreciate that it is a very big ask of the elderly and the vulnerable, and it's for their own self-protection," Hancock told Sky News'
(2020-03-15). France says border remains OPEN amid reports of Germany readying to isolate from neighbors. rt.com 
Franco-German frontier remains opened, yet border controls have been reinforced, French government has said. Earlier reports suggested that Berlin decided to shut it altogether in a bid to stop the coronavirus outbreak. | The tightened controls are set to limit "non-essential exchange" between the two countries, according to France's Interior Minister Christophe Castaner. | "These French and German controls do not constitute a closure of our common border," the minister said in a statement. "They are set to limit non-essential exchanges between our two countries in order to limit the spread of the virus." | Ea…
(2020-03-15). Netanyahu takes test for coronavirus despite lack of ANY symptoms amid trial delay uproar. rt.com 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and people close to him have been tested for coronavirus, the PM's office reported. None of those tested had symptoms of the disease. | The announcement comes as Israel is ramping up measures to battle the spread of the deadly virus with travel restrictions and surveillance of known patients. The epidemic also gave the prime minister a two-month reprieve before his corruption trial after his government imposed a ban on most court sessions in the country. | Later in the day, the PM's office confirmed that Netanyahu had tested negative for the dreaded virus. | The develo…
(2020-03-15). Chris Hedges: Americans face a one-choice Election—The Oligarchy. mronline.org 
Pulitzer-winning author and host of "On Contact" Chris Hedges joins Rick Sanchez to discuss the influence of lobbyists on establishment media in their coverage of politics and that donors, bankers and billionaires have on the U.S. political process. |
(2020-03-15). Trump 'strongly considering' Michael Flynn pardon, points at FBI 'conveniently losing' his records. rt.com 
President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he is "strongly considering" pardoning former adviser Michael Flynn after the FBI and Justice Department "destroyed" his life, seemingly confirming the long-standing rumors. | The Mueller investigation may be in the past for many, but Trump put the two-plus year probe back into the spotlight on Sunday by directly answering reports he would pardon Flynn, one of a handful of advisers to face criminal charges from Robert Mueller. | After saying the FBI and Justice Department were "destroying" the lives of Flynn and his "wonderful" family, the president claimed the depar…
(2020-03-15). Who Is Our Best Leader in a Time of Multiple Crises? zcomm.org How does this democratic socialist handle crises? We got an idea on Wednesday when both Bernie and Biden spoke to the country about the coronavirus crisis and what needed to be done.
(2020-03-15). Coronavirus, Epidemics and Capitalism: The Bugs Are in the System. indybay.org Radical Women supports and recommends this thoughtful analysis of the novel coronavirus by our sister organization, the Freedom Socialist Party. The statement raises excellent demands to protect workers, women, the poor, and people of color being scapegoated for the crisis.
(2020-03-15). Coronavirus, the Frozen Primary and a Reset to 2016: How Bernie's Political Revolution Can Still Get Back on Track. truthdig.com The coronavirus is a divine intervention that can yet help Bernie Sanders straighten his course. It's a total reset in a fast-moving era when a campaign needs to reinvent itself several times over within the same cycle.
(2020-03-15). House Passed Paid Sick Leave Only for 20% of US Workers. globalresearch.ca Monied interests and government officials serving them at the federal, state, and local levels comprise America's ruling class. | Time and again, their actions in cahoots with each other show indifference toward ordinary people — including at times of economic and …
(2020-03-15). It's Official, Coronavirus Emergency in America: House Passes COVID-19 "Families First" Response Act. globalresearch.ca On March 13, House members passed HR 6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act by a 363 — 40 majority vote hours after Trump declared a national COVID-19 emergency. | The measure moves to the Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said its …
(2020-03-15). The Fed's Latest Welfare Payout to the Crooked Wall Street Banks. globalresearch.ca On March 12, the Federal Reserve announced its biggest market intervention to date, a massive $1.5 trillion injection into the short-term funding markets ("repo") aimed at preventing grossly-inflated stock valuations from resetting at lower prices. | There should be no misunderstanding …
(2020-03-15). Gracias Chelsea & Julian for publishing Bush's War Crimes. indybay.org Fruitvale & Mac Arthur Oakland 94602…
(2020-03-15). More American Blunders in the Middle East: U.S. Envoys Embrace Terrorists Yet Again. globalresearch.ca The spread of
(2020-03-15). Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Falsifies Report of Syria "Chemical Weapon Attack" globalresearch.ca The authority of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and similar organizations requires that its credibility be impeccable, and like Caesar's Wife, "above suspicion." Thus, the tarnished reputation of the OPCW as a result of its "unacceptable practices …
(2020-03-15). Coronavirus Panic: Toilet Paper Is the "People's Vaccine" globalresearch.ca The coronavirus panic has resulted in hordes of people running after toilet paper. Such actions are the flip side of running with the bulls, except that I suspect those who run with the bulls have some sense of why they …
(2020-03-15). Santa Cruz Committee Unanimously Forwards 1st Predictive Policing Ban in US. indybay.org On March 11, the Public Safety committee of the Santa Cruz City Council unanimously recommended passage of a surveillance transparency ordinance for the City of Santa Cruz.
(2020-03-15). Venezuela Urges Colombia to Cooperate Over Coronavirus Outbreak. telesurenglish.net Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez warned that one of the eight Venezuelans who tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday entered from Colombia, so she reiterated the call to the President of the neighboring country, Iván Duque, to coordinate joint actions that prevent the spread of this pandemic. | RELATED: | "We want to alert the brother people of Norte de Santander that one of the eight Venezuelans who…
(2020-03-15). We are headed towards a one world government. indybay.org The following shows that domestically you can have a left-wing totalitariansim and a right-totalitarianism which are both compatible with the UN's one world government and its new and hidden globally dominant ideology neoliberal absolutism. I consider human rights truth is more important than any so-called national security.
(2020-03-15). Health Care Workers on Front Lines of COVID-19 Outbreak Lack Key Protections. truthout.org Across the country, health care and domestic workers lack key health and workplace protections as COVID-19 continues to spread. Advocates and nurse unions said this puts people working on the front lines of the effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in danger of contracting the novel strain of coronavirus, which could create shortages of caregivers and contribute to the spread of disease. | Based on recent surveys of nurses working in hospitals nationwide, National Nurses United has been war…
(2020-03-15). ILWU & Migrant Organizations Defend Grand Princess Crew & US Workers. indybay.org The Bay Area ILWU and migrant rights organizations joined together to support the Grand Princess crew health and safety as. well as the health and safety conditions of longshore workers and all port workers. They also discussed the fight of all working people to defend and protect their health and safety rights.
(2020-03-15). NHS helpline is 'absolutely inundated' says Scottish MP with suspected coronavirus. thecanary.co A self-isolating MP has said the health service's 111 helpline has been "absolutely inundated" due to the changing advice about the coronavirus outbreak. | The SNP's Dr Lisa Cameron revealed on Friday she had Covid-19 symptoms and had been told to self-isolate for seven days. | Although she has not been officially diagnosed with the virus following a change to guidance about who needs to be tested, Dr Cameron said she was feeling "very, very tired," adding: "Exhaustion has been the largest symptom for me." | Speaking via videolink on Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday show, Cameron said she thought the NHS 111 number wa…
(2020-03-15). Postponement of Signature Gathering for Voter Right to Decide on Downtown Parking Garage. indybay.org [March 13, 2020] To help reduce the serious risk of COVID-19 spreading in our community, the Campaign for Sustainable Transportation is postponing petition signature gathering to place on the ballot Santa Cruz city voters' right to decide on future construction of a parking garage downtown. CFST wants our community to thrive, and there is no more fundamental basis for the common good than public health. Each of us individually and all of us collectively must work to create a sustainable community and a sustainable planet. We will reevaluate how to proceed in light of developments as they unfold.
(2020-03-15). We Stand with LA Families Occupying Vacant Homes to Self-Quarantine During COVID-19 Pandemic. indybay.org Today, Reclaiming Our Homes, a group of housing insecure and homeless people and families in Los Angeles, CA, reclaimed six vacant homes owned by the state of California in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles. Moms for Housing issued the following statement in support of the families, who, like the Moms, are members of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment.
(2020-03-15). Big Pharma Prepares to Profit From the Coronavirus. zcomm.org "Pharmaceutical companies view Covid-19 as a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity"
(2020-03-15). Coronavirus Is Poised to Inflame Inequality in Schools. truthout.org The threat of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is forcing educators across the country to think about what they'll do if they have to close their schools for weeks or even months at a time. State and federal agencies have advised schools to create online learning plans to minimize the disruption to student learning. For some schools, that's a small leap. Their students have internet connections at home, laptops they can work from, teachers who know how to design online lessons and a strong foundation of in-school…
(2020-03-15). Think kids won't suffer from COVID-19? zcomm.org Wrong: It threatens them with more poverty, hunger, homelessness…
(2020-03-15). Branson is now literally milking coronavirus for all it's worth. thecanary.co Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic which could potentially affect nearly everyone on the planet. Yet, while most people are rightly concerned about the potentially life-threatening health complications, a select few, Coronavirus bail-outs: | It's been
(2020-03-15). The public lab that could have helped fight COVID-19 pandemic. zcomm.org Hated by its corporate competitors, Connaught was unique among pharmaceutical companies in that its focus was on human need, not profit…
(2020-03-15). COVID-19: Information Must Drive Global and National Responses to the Epidemic. zcomm.org The spread of COVID-19 is aided and abetted by misinformation that circumnavigates the planet in microseconds. The only defense against panic is agile, accurate, available counter-information that conveys a consistently science-driven narrative…
(2020-03-15). Johnson facing calls for transparency over handling of coronavirus outbreak. thecanary.co Boris Johnson has been criticised over how the government communicates plans to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak and faced calls for greater transparency. | The prime minister was under increased pressure to publish the data Downing Street was relying on to make decisions on how to counteract the spread of Covid-19. | There was criticism over how individual journalists and publications were learning government plans before they are announced to the wider public. | Johnson faced calls to increase press conferences to detail plans and face questioning as it emerged over-70s could be told "in the coming w…