(2020-03-18). We're In A Recession, And It's Likely To Get Worse. dissidentvoice.org 
The coronavirus epidemic is creating an ongoing teachable moment that could be used to transform the US economy. COVID-19 and the oil war are triggers leading to a recession that has its roots in record corporate and personal debt, longterm low wages and an artificially-inflated stockmarket. The shortcomings of US economic policy, the healthcare system, and …
(2020-03-18). Stop Tightening the Thumb Screws: A Humanitarian Message. dissidentvoice.org 
Protester's sign decries sanctions, "a silent war" (Photo Credit: Campaign for Peace and Democracy, 2013) U.S. sanctions against Iran, cruelly strengthened in March of 2018, continue a collective punishment of extremely vulnerable people. Presently, the U.S. "maximum pressure" policy severely undermines Iranian efforts to cope with the ravages of COVID-19, causing hardship and tragedy while …
(2020-03-18). Escapism or China-bashing? US now left without harsh coronavirus options, but with broken healthcare & federal disarray. rt.com 
Washington's attempts to tackle Covid-19 appear to be bleak — underestimation of the threat and China-bashing make harsh measures unlikely, as state authorities do what they can to battle the virus, RT has been told. | As of Wednesday, the US has a total of 6,496 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 112 deaths. While the numbers drag behind the worst-affected nations, such as Iran or Italy, the dynamics of the spread appears to be quite alarming — the state of New York alone reported 432 new cases in a single day. | As the disease spreads, the states are rushing to crack down on social contact, or…
(2020-03-18). Rouhani vows Iran will take further action to avenge US assassination of Soleimani. rt.com 
Iran's armed forces have valiantly defended their country against the United States, which has not yet been fully held accountable for its killing of General Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani has said. | In a televised speech, Rouhani praised his country's military for having "stood firm" against the US, state media reported. He said that notable advances have been made in Iran's air defense capabilities, and that the Islamic Republic now boasts a strong military deterrence. | The Iranian leader also pledged to take further faction to avenge the US assassination of Soleimani, who was killed by a targe…
(2020-03-18). Russian senator calls for ALL unilateral SANCTIONS to be lifted to prevent coronavirus causing global economic crisis. rt.com 
The spread of Covid-19 may send the global economy into a lengthy recession, but lifting sanctions that aren't backed by the United Nations may help avoid a total catastrophe. That's according to a senior Russian senator. | The drop in energy demand, unstable currency exchange rates, and the threat to people's safety have put humanity at risk of a major economic crisis which "won't spare anybody," Konstantin Kosachev, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Russian Senate, warned. | Developing vaccines and working towards new agreements on oil prices are good measures to deal with the difficult situa…
(2020-03-18). Political leaders 'underestimated' virus threat, European Commission chief admits. rt.com 
Political leaders "underestimated" the magnitude of the danger posed by the coronavirus, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said. Her statement came as the EU shut its borders. | "I think that all of us who are not experts initially underestimated the coronavirus," she told Germany's Bild newspaper in an interview published Wednesday. "But now it is clear that this is a virus that will keep us busy for a long time yet." Von der Leyen added that "measures that seemed drastic two or three weeks ago, need to be taken now." | The commission chief, however, rejected the language of Fren…
(2020-03-18). Stock markets continue freefall into abyss despite governments' massive rescue plans. rt.com 
Asia-Pacific markets finished significantly lower on Wednesday again, shrugging off the stimulus pledges by world leaders. Investors fear the measures may still not be enough to protect economies though the crisis. | Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed down over four percent while China's Shanghai Composite was off almost two percent. Japan's Nikkei 225 was trading 1.68 percent lower. | Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was the worst performer in the region, dropping by almost seven percent. South Korea's Kospi ended the day down 4.9 percent. | European stock markets have also felt the jitters, with the Stoxx 600 index f…
(2020-03-18). 'Unbelievable how rapidly this crisis is growing': New York City mulls 'shelter in place' as US coronavirus death toll tops 100. rt.com 
Covid-19 has infected more than 900 people in New York City, killing 10 in one of the country's largest coronavirus hotspots, while city officials consider a 'shelter in place' order, and as fatalities in the US reach 108. | "The number's gone up literally over a hundred cases in the course of the day. We're at 923 cases at this hour tonight, 10 people who have passed away," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on MSNBC Tuesday evening, referring to the city alone. | It's unbelievable how rapidly this crisis is growing right now. | Asked about the possibility for an emergency 'shelter in place' order for th…
(2020-03-18). Recession is here! World economy facing great uncertainty ahead, S&P says. rt.com 
The novel coronavirus has severely disrupted global economic activity and the damage is about to get worse in the United States and Europe, according to international credit-rating agency S&P. | "The initial data from China suggests that its economy was hit far harder than projected, though a tentative stabilization has begun," S&P Global chief economist Paul Gruenwald said. | "Europe and the United States are following a similar path, as increasing restrictions on person-to-person contacts presage a demand collapse that will take activity sharply lower in the second quarter before a recovery begins later in t…
(2020-03-18). Newborn baby tests positive for coronavirus in Norfolk. thecanary.co 
Another newborn baby has tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK.Health officials at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk, said a baby is among three new cases identified.All patients are now being treated in isolation, the trust said on Wednesday.(PA Graphics)A hospital spokesperson said: "An extensive 'contact tracing' exercise is now under way by Public Health England to trace anyone who might have had close (face-to-face) contact."Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and what to do if they become unwell in the 14 days after they had contact with the confirmed case."Tha…
(2020-03-18). Some US embassies suspend routine visa services over coronavirus — statement. rt.com 
A number of US embassies around the world will suspend routine visa services due to coronavirus precautions, the US Embassy in South Korea said on Wednesday. The suspension will affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visa services at embassies in countries with a US State Department travel advisory level of 2, 3, or 4, the statement said. | As of Wednesday that includes around 100 countries for which warnings have been issued, according to the US State Department website. In South Korea, which has seen the largest number of infections in Asia outside of China, embassy appointments will be cancelled from Thurs…
(2020-03-18). US military 'did not give it to ANYBODY', coronavirus came from CHINA: Trump gets involved in bioweapon conspiracy spat. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump is refusing to stop using the name 'Chinese virus', despite or perhaps in spite of protests from Beijing and some US media outlets claiming that doing so is inappropriate or even racist. | Asked about his use of the term during a White House press conference on Tuesday, the US president said he will continue calling Covid-19 a "Chinese virus" because it came from China, and he did not appreciate attempts by Beijing to argue otherwise. | "China was putting out information, which was false, that our military gave this to them. That was false," Trump said. "And rather than having an argu…
(2020-03-18). We're saved! Marvel baffles fans as it unveils 'Snowflake' & 'Safespace'… non-binary bully-fighting superheroes. rt.com 
With coronavirus panic sparking worldwide toilet paper shortages, Marvel has rolled out new superheroes to restore faith in humanity: 'Snowflake' and 'Safespace'. Not really the heroes we need, but probably the ones we deserve. | Known for iconic characters such as Spider Man, the Hulk, and Captain America, Marvel has apparently decided that comic book fans need new, "post-ironic" (their words, not ours) heroes. The entertainment company unveiled in a new trailer that their 'New Warriors' line-up includes psychic twins named Snowflake and Safespace. | Snowflake is obviously non-binary and "goes by they/them,"
(2020-03-18). 'You see a lot of suffering, but can do very little': Italian nurse bursts into tears describing coronavirus struggle to RT. rt.com 
The battle against the coronavirus is tough on medical staffs, not only physically but emotionally as well, as they witness so much suffering, an Italian nurse told RT's Ruptly video agency. | The number of those infected keeps rising, which only increases pressure on the health workers, Francesca Rovati of Guglielmo Da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza, the city at the heart of Italy's Covid-19 outbreak, said. | Rovati said she almost went deaf from the sound made by the oxygen cylinders for patients suffering from respiratory failure due to the disease. And there's not enough of this equipment for everybody who…
(2020-03-18). How about help PEOPLE first? Boeing shredded for seeking 'tens of billions' in ANOTHER bailout amid coronavirus pandemic. rt.com 
As the Covid-19 pandemic cripples airlines worldwide, Boeing is seeking billions in government handouts to weather the storm, but netizens insisted it would only reward years of mismanagement and fatally defective aircraft. | Despite spending the last seven years shoveling tens of billions into a share repurchase initiative to beef up its stock price — driven in part by a
(2020-03-18). Tyson Fury shuns coronavirus warnings to head down pub for St. Patrick's Day pint. rt.com 
World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury was not about to let coronavirus warnings KO his St. Patrick's Day celebrations, defying government advice and heading down his local pub for a pint of Guinness. | British PM Boris Johnson declared at the start of the week that the population That meant eerily empty streets and deserted pubs in many places in the UK…
(2020-03-18). Biden crushes Sanders in Florida & Illinois, projected to win Arizona, as Covid-19 keeps Americans distracted. rt.com 
Joe Biden handily defeated Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in Florida's primary vote, walking away with at least 130 delegates and a supermajority in the popular vote. He will likely take Illinois as well, based on projections. | With nearly 100 percent of the results reported in Florida on Tuesday night, Biden's smash victory left him with twice as many delegates as the socialist stalwart, and more than 61 percent of the popular vote, further cementing his front-runner status. | In Illinois, with most of the votes tallied, Biden took a strong lead over Sanders, scoring 93 delegates to the senator's 46, along w…
(2020-03-18). Beijing was within its rights to bar US reporters from Hong Kong — spokesman. rt.com 
China defended its decision on Wednesday to expel American journalists from three US newspapers and bar them even from working in Hong Kong. Beijing says the measure falls within the central government's purview over diplomatic affairs, Reuters reports. | Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, speaking at a press briefing, declined to say how many journalists would be affected by the measure. | Beijing earlier said it is withdrawing the press credentials of US correspondents with the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post whose credentials expire by the end of 2020, and that t…
(2020-03-18). Cuba and the Concept of Community of Nations. dissidentvoice.org 
Cuban Medical Brigade (Photo by Bill Hackwell) Some years ago I was talking to a Cuban doctor about what a remarkable achievement it was that Cuba was able to eliminate Malaria in 1973. He took the discussion in stride and said that it didn't mean much until we eradicate Malaria in the entire world. Today …
(2020-03-18). California senior citizens are on lock-down due to coronavirus. indybay.org One can only wonder how long it will be before California becomes like the film called Wild In The Streets, where everyone 30 and older were locked up in prison camps, or like the film called Logan's Run, where people 30 and older are hunted down and executed to make room for younger people!
(2020-03-18). Sanctions against Iran and Venezuela during a pandemic are cruel. zcomm.org Source: Independent Media Institute Swiftly moves the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), dashing across continents, skipping over oceans, terrifying populations in every country. The numbers of those infected rises, as do the numbers of those who have died. Hands are being washed, tests are being done, social distancing has become a new phrase. It is unclear how
(2020-03-18). Why Sanctions During a Pandemic are Cruel. counterpunch.org Swiftly moves the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), dashing across continents, skipping over oceans, terrifying populations in every country. The numbers of those infected rises, as do the numbers of those who have died. Hands are being washed, tests are being done, and social distance has become a new phrase. It is unclear how devastating this pandemic will be.
(2020-03-18). Canada: Coronavirus threatens to ravage Toronto's swelling homeless population. wsws.org Activists have warned that shelters and encampments, which provide inadequate makeshift housing for over 9,000 people in Toronto, will act like a "petri dish" for the spread of the coronavirus.
(2020-03-18). The Taliban Scores a Coup. globalresearch.ca It threatened to disappear under the viral haze of COVID-19, but February 29 saw representatives from the US and Taliban, loftily acknowledged as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, sign the "Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan". After two decades of …
(2020-03-18). The Socialist Specter in Present-Day US Politics. counterpunch.org The US political scene is haunted by talk of socialism. The basis for this has been developing now for some years, especially since the financial meltdown of 2008, which many came to see as decisive proof that a capitalist economy does not serve the majority.
(2020-03-18). Biden sweeps three primaries amid coronavirus crisis. wsws.org The former vice president extended his lead over Bernie Sanders to more than 300 delegates, while voter turnout plunged.
(2020-03-18). When Available, COVID-19 Vaccines May be Hazardous to Human Health. globalresearch.ca In cahoots with government, Big Pharma is more concerned about profits than human health. | Drug companies see a potential bonanza by developing and marketing a COVID-19 vaccine once testing is completed — likely to be available later this year. | What …
(2020-03-18). The Supreme Court is Set to Strike a Major Blow Against Social and Environmental Protections. counterpunch.org In recent years, the Supreme Court has issued ruling after ruling awarding more power to large corporations. Most notably, the 2010 Citizens United ruling opened the floodgates to an unprecedented deluge of corporate cash in our elections. Now, however, the court's right-wing majority appears prepared to offer an even bigger boon: A virtual blanket ban
(2020-03-18). Stop Tightening the Screws: a Humanitarian Message on Sanctions. counterpunch.org U.S. sanctions against Iran, cruelly strengthened in March of 2018, continue a collective punishment of extremely vulnerable people. Presently, the U.S. "maximum pressure" policy severely undermines Iranian efforts to cope with the ravages of COVID-19, causing hardship and tragedy while contributing to the global spread of the pandemic. On March 12, 2020, Iran's Foreign Minister
(2020-03-18). Stop Tightening the Thumb Screws, A Humanitarian Message. zcomm.org U.S. sanctions against Iran, cruelly strengthened in March of 2018, continue a collective punishment of extremely vulnerable people…
(2020-03-18). Washington Attempts to Intimidate Indonesia Not to Buy Russian Weapons. globalresearch.ca Correspondents from Bloomberg reported that under pressure from Washington, Indonesia will likely refuse to buy Russian and Chinese weapons. A U.S. State Department spokesman informed Bloomberg that the United States had asked all its allies and partners to abandon new …
(2020-03-18). Biden's Health Care Plan Abandons Older Americans. counterpunch.org Joe Biden has surged since the South Carolina primary, and the received wisdom is that this was mainly because of the perception by his voters that he was the most electable candidate against President Donald Trump. But there are some potential pitfalls that have not yet surfaced, and some of them concern voters who are
(2020-03-18). How the OAS Revived the Cold War in the Americas. zcomm.org An in-depth analysis of the actions of the Organization of American States reveals a disturbing political bias, a willingness to manipulate events and data for political purposes, and a pattern of double standards under the leadership of Secretary General Luis Almagro…
(2020-03-18). Iran Temporarily Frees 85,000 Inmates As Pandemic Worsens. telesurenglish.net Iran has temporarily freed about 85,000 people from jail in response to the coronavirus epidemic, a judiciary spokesman said Tuesday. | RELATED: | "So far, some 85,000 prisoners have been released … Also in the prisons we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said. | Asked whether prisoners over so-called "political reasons" were among those free…
(2020-03-18). Curveball—Germany's role in the Iraq war—and the horrors of the concentration camp in Persian Lessons. wsws.org Johannes Naber's film is a political satire rooted firmly in evidence researched by the director and his team. Vadim Perelman's work follows a man who has to invent an entire language to survive.
(2020-03-18). Beijing Believes COVID-19 Is a Biological Weapon. globalresearch.ca From conspiracy theory to geopolitical realism, the possibility to treat COVID-19 as a biological weapon has been finally accepted in the public sphere. The recent statement by the Chinese spokesman Zhao Lijian, formally accusing the US of bringing coronavirus …
(2020-03-18). China Locked in Hybrid War with US. globalresearch.ca Among the myriad, earth-shattering geopolitical effects of coronavirus, one is already graphically evident. China has re-positioned itself. For the first time since the start of Deng Xiaoping's reforms in 1978, Beijing openly regards the US as a threat, as stated …
(2020-03-18). Over 450 US Planes Carrying Weapons Landed in Shannon Airport in 2019. globalresearch.ca Over 450 planes carrying weapons on board landed in Shannon Airport last year. | The Government approved 454 applications for "the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft" in Shannon Airport in 2019. | The practice has continued into 2020, with …
(2020-03-18). China Smothers Coronavirus as West Continues Hyperbole for Big Pharma Gain. globalresearch.ca There are firm indications that China has won its battle in suppressing the coronavirus, with daily cases in the country reduced to low double digit numbers. On 8 March 2020, a mere 40 new reports of coronavirus were recorded in …
(2020-03-18). COV-19 Crisis, Lockdown in America: "Where You Stop Is Where You Stay" — Domestic Travel Restrictions Are Being "Considered" globalresearch.ca Is the United States on the verge of a complete and total "lockdown" like we have already seen in China, Italy and elsewhere? As you will see below, the Trump administration has repeatedly brought up the possibility of "domestic travel …
(2020-03-18). Money for Something. Keep the Predatory Wall Street Firms Afloat. globalresearch.ca Isn't it funny how whenever Uncle Empire needs to find some of that green to solve a problem THEY deem vital, they find it. | When they DON'T deem it necessary they don't! | Go back 12 years or so when the …
(2020-03-18). 2.2 Million People in the U.S. Could Die If Coronavirus Goes Unchecked. zcomm.org The earlier viral outbreak known as SARS showed that patients living in areas with moderate air pollution were 84 percent more likely to die from that virus than patients in regions with low pollution, according to a 2003 study.
(2020-03-18). Utility cutoff's restricted for PG&E, AT&T, Comcast, San Jose Water Company, & others. indybay.org This means that if people get behind on their utility bills or water bills because of a lack of income due to the disastrous financial effects of the coronavirus in their communities, that utility cutoff's are restricted for such companies as PG&E, AT&T, Comcast, Metro PCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, San Jose Water Company, and other companies!
(2020-03-18). US service industry workers face unemployment as businesses close due to coronavirus. wsws.org Millions of predominantly low-wage workers across the US find themselves suddenly without a source of income and must figure out how to survive without any emergency savings.
(2020-03-18). Mounting anger as workers demand protection from unsafe conditions. wsws.org There is growing outrage among workers in the United States and internationally over the fact that they continue to be kept on the job in nonessential industries and workplaces amidst the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-03-18). An Economic Recovery Program—Theirs vs. Mine. zcomm.org The Coronavirus has been wrecking the US and global economies. While focus has been on addressing the biological devastation wrought by the virus, the economic devastation keeps growing. Failure to properly address the deepening economic impact of the coronavirus has been no less shocking to date than the obvious failure of politicians and policymakers to
(2020-03-18). Curbside Communities Need Our Support During the Coronavirus Crisis. indybay.org Most unhoused folks don't have the privledge of washing hands all day long or self-quarantining.
(2020-03-18). Oakland to become dumping ground for coronavirus infected trash from Grand Princess ship. indybay.org Statement of Rob Bonta: "I am very sensitive to the perception that the Grand Princess being docked and disembarked at the Port of Oakland- instead of in San Francisco – is wrong and unjust. Frankly, that was my first reaction. It is absolutely appropriate to view this through the historical context and lens of environmental racism and injustice in Oakland, specifically in West Oakland, including exposure to toxics, dirty air, and lead." Assemblymember Rob Bonta may want to rethink his above statement, now that the powers to be have double-crossed the people of Oakland and are dumping the toxic coronavirus infect…
(2020-03-18). San Fancisco's Downtown Emptied by Pandemic. indybay.org On a regular workday, San Francisco's Embarcadero, financial district, and Chinatown were almost deserted as the coronavirus attacks the US.
(2020-03-18). Going into lockdown, Europe overtakes China as coronavirus epicenter. wsws.org Europe is set to soon have more coronavirus cases than China and already has seen more deaths: 3,401 people have died in Europe, and 3,226 have died in China.