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Showing posts from April, 2020

Nigerian drummer Tony Allen dies aged 79

Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, who created Afrobeat with Fela Kuti, dies in Paris aged 79, his manager says from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2SiTZAz

Leave.EU founder Arron Banks did not break electoral law

Arron Banks, the Brexit campaigner, has said he has been "completely vindicated" after reaching a settlement with the Electoral Commission. The watchdog referred the Leave.EU co-founder to the National Crime Agency (NCA) after his campaign was fined for breaking electoral law. But the agency found "no evidence" of criminal offences and Mr Banks threatened to sue the commission over £8 million in referendum campaign funding. The watchdog said all parties had "agreed amicable terms of settlement", but said the commission "considers it was right to refer this matter to the NCA for further investigation" in October 2018. A statement added that it "accepts" the NCA's conclusions. Mr Banks said: "The statement completely vindicates me and our position. "As the NCA concluded the money came from myself and my business and it's good to see the Electoral Commission concede this." He called for "an urgent inquiry by Par...

UN chief:16 armed groups have responded to cease-fire appeal

Sixteen armed groups have responded positively to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for a global cease-fire to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, but the U.N. chief said Thursday that mistrust remains high and turning intentions into an end to hostilities is difficult. According to an informal tally kept by the U.N. based on various sources, the 16 armed groups that responded positively are from Yemen, Myanmar, Ukraine, Philippines, Colombia, Angola, Libya, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Indonesia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Guterres said his special representatives and envoys are working, with his own involvement when necessary, “to turn expressed intentions into effective cease-fires.” from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2WfZj8N

Africa's week in pictures: 24 - 30 April 2020

A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent and beyond. from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2SqMFTz

Republicans to introduce bill to ban government employees from using Huawei, ZTE products | TheHill - The Hill

Republicans to introduce bill to ban government employees from using Huawei, ZTE products | TheHill    The Hill China's global growth in jeopardy as Beijing blasts allies amid coronavirus crisis    Fox News Nikki Haley: China’s coronavirus actions are just one of many threats it poses    The Washington Post The post-pandemic new order in US-China relations | TheHill    The Hill Newt Gingrich: China's coronavirus propaganda must be defeated – here's how US can fight back    Fox News View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/3f6TP99

Coronavirus live news: Trump claims to have evidence virus started in Wuhan lab as UK is 'past the peak'

US government experts say virus ‘not manmade or genetically modified’; Germany and Spain ease lockdowns; outbreak increasing in Africa. Follow the latest updates Coronavirus latest: at a glance Johnson promises plan next week for return to schools and work Australia coronavirus updates – live See all our coronavirus coverage 12.55am BST Here’s the full story on the armed protestors in Michigan: Related: Armed protesters demonstrate against Covid-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol 12.48am BST American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways, Reuters reports. The move comes as airlines big and small contemplate how to comply with social-distancing recommendations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2VPPgsf

Stealth plunder of Argentinian waters raises fears over marine monitoring

Green groups fear coronavirus lockdown has weakened environmental protections An “armada” of more than 100 fishing vessels are illegally plundering south Atlantic waters close to Argentina, environmental groups say, raising concerns that the coronavirus lockdown has weakened already fragile marine protections. The incursion of the ships, mostly from east Asia, appears to have been carried out by stealth. The vessels waited until nightfall, shut down satellite tracking systems in coordination and then moved into the squid-rich waters of Argentina’s exclusive economic zone, Greenpeace said. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2VQHEpc

Ms Du, door sensors and me: life with a Beijing Covid-19 quarantine handler

China’s coronavirus measures are often seen as tough and effective - but how well do they really work? Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Every day for the last two weeks I have spoken with Ms Du, a mild-mannered, middle-aged woman who is my quarantine handler. She calls me in the morning to remind me to send her my temperature. She calls again if I forget to send the afternoon reading. She texts rose emojis, reminding me to “please cooperate” with the rules. If I open my door, equipped with a sensor, to put the rubbish in the hall or pick up a delivery, she immediately calls and reminds me to let her know beforehand. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2yW6xXG

Maj Sjöwall: ‘Nordic noir’ pioneer, author of the Martin Beck series, dies aged 84

With her husband Per Wahloo, who died in 1975, Sjöwall’s books paved the way for the likes of Henning Mankell and Stieg Larsson Maj Sjöwall, one half of a Swedish crime-writing couple credited with inventing the “Nordic noir” genre, has died aged 84, her publisher said on Wednesday. Sjöwall, a pioneer of gritty realism and an inspiration to modern crime writers, “passed away today after an extended period of illness,” Ann-Marie Skarp, head of publisher Piratforlaget, told AFP. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3f04faJ

Covidsafe app: how to download Australia's coronavirus contact tracing app and how it works

The app will ask for your name (or pseudonym), age range, postcode and phone number. Scott Morrison says the Australian government’s covid safe tracking app won’t be mandatory to download and install, but could play a part in easing Covid-19 restrictions Covid safe: Australian government launches coronavirus tracing app Will Australians trust a government with a history of tech fails and data breaches? Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications The Australian government has launched Covidsafe , an app that traces every person running the app who has been in contact with someone else using the app who has tested positive for coronavirus in the previous few weeks, in a bid to automate coronavirus contact tracing, and allow the easing of restrictions. Here’s what we know about the app so far. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2KXAmtT

Russia Suspends All Grain Export Until July 1

© Sputnik / Sergey Averin RFE : Russia Cuts Off Wheat, Other Grain Exports The Russian Agriculture Ministry announced on April 26 that it was suspending its export of most grains until July 1, seemingly shrugging off warnings from international organizations who are asking countries not to disrupt global food supply chains during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry said the Russian cutoff affected shipments of wheat, corn, rye, barley, and meslin, which is a mixture of wheat and rye. It made no mention of the crisis from the coronavirus that has infected 185 countries or regions around the world and infected nearly 3 million people since emerging in central China in December 2019. Read more .... WNU Editor : This is evolving into one of my long time fears. Specifically .... we are leaving the ‘can I get food?’ demand side, and transitioning into the ‘we have the food but aren’t sure we want you to have it’ supply side. Vietnam has done it with its rice exports, an...

Amid Covid-19 Hunger Fear Mounts in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Apr 29 (IPS) - The world is at risk of widespread famines caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The devastating economic impact of Covid-19 is seeing a huge rise globally in the number of hungry people. Read the full story, “Amid Covid-19 Hunger Fear Mounts in Bangladesh”, on globalissues.org → from Global Issues News Headlines https://ift.tt/35gfAPi

Argentina’s Debt Restructuring “Groundhog Day”… or Maybe Not? Three Key Points

BUENOS AIRES, Apr 29 (IPS) - On April 17, the Alberto Ángel Fernández administration in Argentina officially unveiled its offer for debt restructuring on USD 66 billion foreign currency-denominated bonds. Starting on that date, the offer is valid for 20 days, a period during which difficult negotiations with bondholders are expected to take place. Based on the first reactions from some of creditor groups, one could well get the sense that the offer is "dead on arrival." Read the full story, “Argentina’s Debt Restructuring “Groundhog Day”… or Maybe Not? Three Key Points”, on globalissues.org → from Global Issues News Headlines https://ift.tt/2VPoUGK

Pandemic forces Academy to break with Oscars tradition for streaming films

For the first time, and only for this year, movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run will be eligible The Academy Awards will for the first time allow films that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run to be eligible for nominations, a break with tradition in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Academy announced the new criteria for the Oscars in a statement on Tuesday. The change is not permanent, however, and will only apply to films released this year. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2KLU2As

Mile-wide asteroid set to pass within 3.9m miles of Earth

The rock known as (52768) 1998 OR2 was first spotted in 1998 and will pass by the planet on Wednesday An asteroid more than a mile wide is set to make a pass by Earth, although scientists insist it poses no danger. Known as (52768) 1998 OR2, the asteroid will come to about 3.9 million miles away on Wednesday – 16 times further than the distance to the Moon – when it makes its closest approach. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3aLN6hx

Jobkeeper payment: check your eligibility. Here's everything you need to know to register

The Australian government has passed legislation for a $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy for eligible employers amid the coronavirus. Check your eligibility, how much you’ll get and how it works with the jobseeker payments Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications Coronavirus Australia maps and cases: live numbers and statistics The Morrison government has passed a $130bn support package with a new jobkeeper payment – a wage subsidy to keep Australians in work. So who exactly is eligible for this payment and how much will they receive? Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3aO0vFE

Video shows Chicago officer shooting subway rider in back

from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines https://ift.tt/2SjvDGN

Coalition offers independent schools early funding if they return to face-to-face teaching

Victorian independent schools say federal funding offer leaves them in ‘unfair’ position Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications Independent Schools Victoria has blasted an offer from the education minister, Dan Tehan to bring forward independent and Catholic schools’ federal funding if they meet benchmarks to return to face-to-face teaching, accusing him of wedging schools in a dispute with the Victorian government. After warning independent schools with the stick of withdrawing their funding if they didn’t open their doors, Tehan is now trying the carrot approach by offering them up to 25% of their total annual recurrent funding early, in late May and early June. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Sb3Jgb

Barcelona police catch 'SERIAL KILLER' suspect after 3 homeless people found viciously beaten to death

A suspected serial killer believed to have murdered at least three homeless men in Barcelona has been taken into custody, accused of stalking the city’s deserted streets amid Spain’s Covid-19 lockdown for defenseless victims. The suspect – a 35-year-old Brazilian man who has yet to be named, according to local media –  was arrested on Tuesday on the outskirts of Barcelona mere hours after another victim succumbed to injuries sustained in a grisly beating, police said. He was identified with the help of witnesses and footage from security cameras.  “The Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) of the Barcelona Metropolitan Police Region have arrested a man related to the death of a man last night in the Eixample district of Barcelona and are investigating their relationship with other homicides that have taken place in recent weeks in Barcelona,” the police said in a statement , adding elsewhere that each murder took place around the same area. They added elsewhere that e...

31 million more cases of domestic violence could result from coronavirus lockdowns, UN says - CBS News

31 million more cases of domestic violence could result from coronavirus lockdowns, UN says    CBS News UN warns 6 months of coronavirus lockdowns could lead to 31M cases of domestic violence | TheHill    The Hill View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2SgTjLP

Trump campaign lashes out over 'Don't defend Trump' memo - POLITICO

Trump campaign lashes out over 'Don't defend Trump' memo    POLITICO Trump Campaign Smacks Down Republicans Over Coronavirus Memo    Vanity Fair State Newspaper in China Attacks White House, Republicans Over Coronavirus    Newsweek Private Republican Coronavirus Memo: ‘Don’t Defend Trump’    New York Magazine Republicans See Attacking China As A Winning Strategy    Forbes View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/3aJB88f

Turkish president backs cleric who said homosexuality 'brings disease' - NBC News

Turkish president backs cleric who said homosexuality 'brings disease'    NBC News Turkey sends medical equipment to help US fight virus    ABC News Erdogan announces extended weekend lockdown from May 1    Al Jazeera English Turkish ruling party, lawyers clash over cleric comments on homosexuality    Reuters Turkey sending cargo plane full of PPE to help US in coronavirus fight | TheHill    The Hill View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2zxtoci

Trump offers rosy predictions for coronavirus testing as US passes 1m cases

President claims economy will rebound and suggests US, currently testing 200,000 a day, will be testing 5m ‘very soon’ Coronavirus – live US updates Live global updates See all our coronavirus coverage Donald Trump has predicted a “great” economic rebound in the fall and claimed the country would soon be performing 5m coronavirus diagnostic tests a day, as the number of confirmed cases in the US surpassed a million. Some health experts have suggested that the US would have to carry out 5m tests a day by June to reopen its economy safely. Others have suggested as many as 20m tests a day would ultimately be needed. The US daily rate is currently 200,000. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2YfCkxx

Covidsafe app: how to download Australia's coronavirus contact tracing app and how it works

The app will ask for your name (or pseudonym), age range, postcode and phone number. Scott Morrison says the Australian government’s covid safe tracking app won’t be mandatory to download and install, but could play a part in easing Covid-19 restrictions Covid safe: Australian government launches coronavirus tracing app Will Australians trust a government with a history of tech fails and data breaches? Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications The Australian government has launched Covidsafe , an app that traces every person running the app who has been in contact with someone else using the app who has tested positive for coronavirus in the previous few weeks, in a bid to automate coronavirus contact tracing, and allow the easing of restrictions. Here’s what we know about the app so far. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3aNH5Rx

Electricity Demand During Lockdown: Evidence from Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Apr 28 (IPS) - Andrés Chambouleyron is non-resident fellow at the Institute of the AmericasElectricity demand normally depends on such variables as retail electricity rates, daytime temperature, time and day of the week, economic activity and consumer type ( i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). Read the full story, “Electricity Demand During Lockdown: Evidence from Argentina”, on globalissues.org → from Global Issues News Headlines https://ift.tt/2zFitxq

Understanding the Hunger Surge Caused by the COVID-19 Recession to Mitigate It Before It Is Too Late

ROME, Apr 28 (IPS) - Marco V. Sánchez Cantillo Deputy-Director, Agricultural Development Economics Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsMany uncertainties haunt the world's campaign to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, but one thing is now sure: Global economic activity will suffer greatly, with large-scale consequences for the incomes and welfare of all, but especially for the most vulnerable food import-dependent countries. Read the full story, “Understanding the Hunger Surge Caused by the COVID-19 Recession to Mitigate It Before It Is Too Late”, on globalissues.org → from Global Issues News Headlines https://ift.tt/2VKp8Pg

New Zealand's top health official reacts with stunned silence to Trump's disinfectant idea

Dr Ashely Bloomfield says ‘under no circumstances’ should Kiwis inject themselves with bleach as country eases lockdown Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage New Zealand’s most senior public health official has refused to respond to questions on using bleach injections to fight Covid-19, deploying silence and slow blinks to communicate his feelings instead. Public health officials around the world have rejected Donald Trump’s musings last week on whether injecting disinfectant could help fight the virus, as highly dangerous. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2YabaYI

Banks smashed as protests turn violent in Lebanon's Tripoli

The facades of several banks were smashed with at least one set on fire as protests fuelled by Lebanon's economic crisis turned violent in the northern city of Tripoli overnight, a witness said. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2YbDfiv

Burgers, fries and coffee: New Zealanders rush for fast food as lockdown eases

New Zealanders queued for burgers, fries and coffee takeaway on Tuesday after they were freed from a month-long lockdown, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern credited with eliminating domestic transmission of the coronavirus. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2yTCC2b

Libya's Haftar ‘accepts people’s will’ to rule, declares UN-brokered unity government deal ‘thing of the past’

Military leader Khalifa Haftar declared that his forces will take control of Libya, arguing the UN-brokered unity deal which created a rival government in Tripoli is dead and that “people’s will” gave him a mandate to rule. “The General Command of the Armed Forces accepts the will of the people despite the burden of that trust, multiplicity of obligations, and the magnitude of responsibilities before God, our people, and conscience and history,” Haftar said in a televised address on Monday, announcing that his Libyan National Army (LNA) will take control of the country. Haftar’s forces already control most of Libya, and have spent much of the last year driving on Tripoli to topple the Government of National Accord (GNA), created in 2015 under UN-mediated talks in the aftermath of the US-led NATO operation that ousted Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi and threw the country into years of civil war. Also on rt.com Tripoli govt invites Pentagon to redeploy troops to NATO-ravaged Libya… to...

China is installing surveillance camera outside people's front doors ... and sometimes inside their homes

The morning after Ian Lahiffe returned to Beijing, he found a surveillance camera being mounted on the wall outside his apartment door. Its lens was pointing right at him. from CNN.com - RSS Channel - World https://ift.tt/2W2hoat

Netanyahu 'confident' U.S. will allow Israeli annexation of parts of West Bank - NBC News

Netanyahu 'confident' U.S. will allow Israeli annexation of parts of West Bank    NBC News Trump now has the power to forever alter Israel’s character    The Washington Post How Covid-19 and Benny Gantz saved Netanyahu    CNN How should Palestinians respond to Israeli threats of annexation?    Al Jazeera English Israel's once-mighty Labor party weighs unity with Netanyahu    ABC News View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2KAv1sa

Russia Coronavirus Cases Overtake China as Vladimir Putin Faces Sharp Rise in Infections - Newsweek

Russia Coronavirus Cases Overtake China as Vladimir Putin Faces Sharp Rise in Infections    Newsweek Putin must stop exploiting coronavirus for geopolitical gain | TheHill    The Hill Facing disaster, Russian businesses find Kremlin aid lacking    Washington Post Russia overtakes China with coronavirus cases at 87,000    Reuters Giant new Russian cathedral glorifies Putin and Stalin in mosaics    The Guardian View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2KIYe3X

Sweden is taking a very different approach to Covid-19 - Quartz

Sweden is taking a very different approach to Covid-19    Quartz Sweden ambassador: Stockholm could reach herd immunity by May    Al Jazeera English Don’t judge Sweden’s light touch on Covid-19 yet, says minister    The Guardian The man with the epidemiologist tattoo - a very Swedish tribute    Reuters Sweden's U.S. Ambassador Says Stockholm Is Close to COVID-19 Herd Immunity    Newsweek View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/3aKh7yi

On World Press Freedom Day, the EU Must Rescue Media Independence in Hungary Before It’s Too Late

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Apr 27 (IPS) - Censorship, smear campaigns and harassment. These are just some of the daily struggles that media professionals are facing in Hungary. And now the threat of jail time may be looming. In the context of World Press Freedom Day, there is little to celebrate in the Eastern Bloc region. Read the full story, “On World Press Freedom Day, the EU Must Rescue Media Independence in Hungary Before It’s Too Late”, on globalissues.org → from Global Issues News Headlines https://ift.tt/3bM8mF2

U.S. Space Force Commander Says Iran's Military Satellite Is Just A 'Tumbling Webcam In Space'

@US_SpaceCom continues to track 2 objects @PeteAFB ’s @18SPCS associated w/ #space launch from Iran, characterizing NOUR 01( #SATCAT 45529) as 3U Cubesat. Iran states it has imaging capabilities—actually, it’s a tumbling webcam in space; unlikely providing intel. #spaceishard — Gen. Jay Raymond (@SpaceForceCSO) April 25, 2020 FOX News: Iran's military satellite a 'tumbling webcam in space,' Space Force commander says The first satellite launched into space by Iran last week that revealed the country's secret military space program is nothing but “a tumbling webcam in space," the head of the U.S military's newest service said Saturday. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday it put up a “Noor," or "Light," satellite into a low orbit circling the Earth after using a mobile launcher at a new launch site. U.S. Space Force commander Gen. Jay Raymond gave his military assessment on Twitter late Saturday afternoon of the satellite. ...

In France, billionaires isolate in hideaways as residents in Paris suburbs face unrest

While billionaires isolate themselves at luxurious hideaways on the Mediterranean during the coronavirus outbreak, residents in deprived and crowded areas of France are now facing a surge in deaths, along with unrest on the streets. from CNN.com - RSS Channel - World https://ift.tt/3cR7mzR

Australians rush to download coronavirus tracing app, PM's popularity soars

More than a million Australians rushed to download an app designed to help medical workers and state governments trace close contacts of COVID-19 patients, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating soared on his pandemic response. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2zyqrbC

Chile chides Argentina´s Alberto Fernandez for meddling in its internal affairs

Chile´s foreign ministry said Sunday it was "astonished" by comments from Argentine President Alberto Fernandez who recently met with Chilean opposition leaders, lambasting its neighbor for "meddling in the internal affairs of Chile." from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2S9RHDz

El Salvador authorizes use of lethal force against gangs

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Sunday authorized the use of "lethal force" by police and military against gang members to crack down on heightened violence amid the coronavirus pandemic. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2zqY2nE

Mexico coronavirus infections rise to 14,677 cases and 1,351 deaths

Mexico's health ministry on Sunday reported 835 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 46 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 14,677 cases and 1,351 deaths. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2YeL0UV

This Is How Experts Track North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un

WNU Editor: His current state of health is still a mystery .... Amid mounting speculation, South Korea says Kim Jong Un is 'alive and well' (CNN). from War News Updates https://ift.tt/355Gd9F

Saudi Arabia ends death penalty for minors

Kingdom has one of the world’s highest rates of execution and rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of trials Saudi Arabia has ended the death penalty for crimes committed by minors after effectively abolishing floggings , as the kingdom seeks to blunt criticism over its human rights record. The death penalty was eliminated for those convicted of crimes committed while they were minors, Human Rights Commission president Awwad Alawwad said in a statement, citing a royal decree. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/358D7S8

Coronavirus numbers in Australia: how many new cases are there? Covid-19 map, statistics and graph

Is Australia flattening the curve? Look at the graph. We bring together all the Covid-19 confirmed cases, maps, stats and graphs from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA, Tasmania, ACT and NT to get a broad picture of the Australian outbreak and track the impact of government response. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s daily coronavirus email Download the free Guardian app to get the most important news notifications Due to the difference in reporting times between states, territories and the federal government, it can be difficult to get a current picture of how many confirmed cases of coronavirus there are in Australia. Here, we’ve brought together all the figures in one place, along with comparisons with other countries. Continue reading... from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2S4OuW3

Trump pulls punches and clings to his China trade deal as backlash against Beijing grows - CNBC

Trump pulls punches and clings to his China trade deal as backlash against Beijing grows    CNBC Trump’s Disinfectant Remark Raises a Question About the ‘Very Stable Genius’    The New York Times POLITICO Playbook: The Trump show hits pause    Politico President Trump faces a major hurdle with swing state voters | TheHill    The Hill Injections of Bleach? Trump’s Coronavirus Response Is Breaking Down    The New York Times View Full Coverage on Google News from World - Latest - Google News https://ift.tt/2KBzD10

Taliban Rejects Calls For A Ceasefire During Ramadan In Afghanistan

The Taliban has cited continuing disagreements over peace process and a delayed prisoner swap as reasons to keep fighting [File: Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] Al Jazeera: Taliban rejects call for ceasefire during Ramadan President Ashraf Ghani had appealed to the group to lay down arms for the Islamic holy month that began on Friday. The Taliban has rejected a government call for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for the holy month of Ramadan, saying a truce is "not rational" as they ramp up attacks on government forces. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had appealed to the armed group to lay down arms for Ramadan, which began on Friday, to allow the authorities to focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Read more .... WNU Editor: Peace talks are not the priority for the Taliban right now. Ramping up their military offensives is .... Taliban Ramp Up Attacks Even as Coronavirus Spreads in Afghanistan (New York Times). More here .... Over 2,800 attacks committed by Taliban...

Every Answer To This Geography Quiz Starts With The Final Letter Of The Previous Answer

How well do you know geography? View Entire Post › from BuzzFeed News https://ift.tt/2VDsRy4

Chief VA physician: 'I had 5 million masks incoming that disappeared'

Veterans Affairs hospitals have not been overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic to the expected extant. Indeed, the national health system has been able to lend a hand to assist veterans being treated for COVID-19 in troubled state facilities. But Richard Stone, the physician in charge of the Veterans Health Administration, confirmed to The Washington Post for the first time that the system is short on masks and other supplies."I had 5 million masks incoming that disappeared," Stone said, admitting he's been forced to move to "austerity levels" at some hospitals.The shortage, which had previously been denied by VA officials, is related to the fact that many supplies were diverted to the national stockpile at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Stone eventually received some shipments that have provided a buffer for medical personnel, but VA hospitals still have discretion to ration equipment, re-use or decontaminate masks, or allow staff to ...

Trump needs to 'run very close' for GOP to keep the Senate, Republican consultant warns

It's not shocking that some Republicans are concerned about President Trump's re-election chances next November — polling, while early, suggests he's in for a real fight against former Vice President Joe Biden, and the country's struggles caused by the coronavirus pandemic have cast even greater doubt. But some members of the GOP are also growing more wary of the party's ability to hang on to the Senate, The New York Times reports.Recent surveys showed Republican senators in Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, and Maine are vulnerable. If those seats are lost and the other 96 remain steady, Democrats would gain control of the upper chamber. Republicans could gain a seat back in Alabama, the Times notes, though if Biden wins the presidency, the pendulum would again swing back to the Democrats.Because those seats are likely tied to Trump's own performance, he'll need to "run very close for us to keep the Senate," Charles Black Jr., a veteran Republica...

Judge orders ICE, ORR to speed up release of migrant children during pandemic

Los Angeles-based U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee ruled Friday that the Trump administration is violating the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement, which generally requires children detained at the border to be released within 20 days. Gee has found the U.S. government to be in violation of some elements of the settlement over the years, though the latest order comes amid the coronavirus pandemic, prompting Gee to express concern about the safety of detention centers.Gee did not agree with every claim brought forth by the plaintiffs represented by the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, and she did acknowledge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had improved its response to the pandemic. But she said the agency's "picture of a sanitary, social-distance-compliant, and medically appropriate facilities" was "tarnished by declarations of detainees and their legal services providers."Gee concluded the Office of Refugee Resettlement and ICE "shal...