(2020-07-30). Headlines for July 30, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 150,000 as Public Health Experts Call for "Reset" in Response, GOP Rep. Louie Gohmert Tests Positive for Coronavirus After Refusing to Wear Mask in Capitol, Brazil Records Record Daily Coronavirus Toll as Deaths Top 90,000, Mexico's Health Ministry Recommends Masks But Won't Require Them, Vietnam Reports First Coronavirus Cases in Months; Just 1,000 Pilgrims Join Hajj in Mecca, Oregon Governor Says Federal Agents Will Withdraw From Portland Amid Protests, Lawmakers Grill Big Tech CEOs Over Anticompetitive Practices, Extended Jobless Benefits Expiring as Lawmakers Fail to Break Stalem…
(2020-07-30). Chomsky on Cuba's "Internationalist" Response to Pandemic & Need to Make Vaccine Globally Accessible. democracynow.org 
As the world races to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, Noam Chomsky says any successful treatment must be accessible to everyone, and he warns that President Trump's withdrawal from the World Health Organization will hamper the international body's efforts to distribute medicine in countries racked by poverty and war. "There's at least one country in the world that is showing genuine internationalism, providing medical aid and support for people that need it," Chomsky says, and that is Cuba.
(2020-07-30). Noam Chomsky: Decades of "the Neoliberal Plague" Left U.S. Unprepared for COVID-19 Outbreak. democracynow.org 
As the U.S. coronavirus death toll tops 150,000, we spend the hour with world-renowned political dissident, linguist and author Noam Chomsky, who says decades of neoliberal policies that shredded the social safety net and public institutions left the country ill-prepared for a major health crisis. "We should understand the roots of this pandemic," he says.
(2020-07-30). Ilhan Omar roasted for idea to replace police at schools with mental care workers; What if there's a shooting? people online ask. rt.com 
US Democratic Party Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was blasted on Twitter for proposing that police officers be swapped with mental health staff at schools. Many argued online that the idea would make the schools even less safe. | Omar tweeted that "over-policing doesn't make them safer — it criminalizes Black and brown students." Along with fellow Representative Ayanna Pressley, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy, she proposed a bill to replace police officers at schools with mental health professionals. | Over-policing our schools doesn't make them safer — it criminalizes Black and brown student…
(2020-07-30). NHS workers target 'coward' Johnson in march to Downing Street. thecanary.co 
A nurse has said she would invite Boris Johnson to join her on a shift if there was a second wave of coronavirus, as hundreds of NHS workers marched to Downing Street demanding an immediate pay rise.NHS staff made their way to Whitehall on 29 July, carrying banners that said "Clapping won't pay my bills" and "We helped you survive, now help us survive".Health workers are in the final year of a three-year deal and are due a pay rise next April, but unions want the government to show its appreciation for NHS staff by bringing it forward to this year.The government did not commit to an early pay rise for all NHS sta…
(2020-07-30). Trump's October Surprise: A Vaccine for Covid-19? thenation.com Trump's October Surprise: A Vaccine for Covid-19?
(2020-07-30). Moderna Shows All Those Lazy Unemployed Workers How to Really Rip Off the Government. counterpunch.org Moderna, a relatively new biotech company, has generally been seen as the leading U.S. contender to develop a coronavirus vaccine, although it trails several Chinese companies. Whether or not its vaccine pans out, it should certainly get an award for milking the government. It was the big winner in initial contracts, getting $483 million back
(2020-07-30). COVID-19: WHO Africa concerned over relaxing measures. yenisafak.com The regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa warned on Thursday that easing measures against the novel coronavirus in many countries risked a resurgence in infections.In a press briefing, WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti urged African countries to step up coronavirus testing."As we adjust together to this new normal, I ask that governments, partners and communities remember that none of us are safe until we are all safe," Moeti said.Cautioning that the pandemic was accelerating on a continental scale, she noted that five countries accounted for nearly 75% of all cases in Africa.Accor…
(2020-07-30). Who Profits From Trump Administration's $6 Billion Vaccine Program? truthout.org Image Credit: CDC / Robert Denty | As researchers around the world race to find a vaccine for COVID-19, we speak with Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen's Access to Medicines Program, about who is profiting from government efforts to fund vaccines, testing and treatment. The Trump administration has announced major contracts with pharmaceutical companies as part of its $6 billion program, Operation Warp Speed, including with firms that have never brought a vaccine to market. Meanwhile, a New York T…
(2020-07-29). Just Like With Healthcare, Democrats Offer Half-Hearted Measures to Impending Eviction Crisis. mintpressnews.com The federal moratorium on evictions expired this week, leaving 12 million renters at risk of losing their homes, and much as they did with healthcare, Democrats are offering little more than token non-solutions.
(2020-07-29). Democrats Offer Half-Hearted Measures to Impending Eviction Crisis. thealtworld.com The federal moratorium on evictions expired this week, leaving 12 million renters at risk of losing their homes, and much as they did with healthcare, Democrats are offering little more than token non-solutions. | MPN- The best defense against a raging pandemic that has already claimed over 152,000 American lives is simply to stay home. But even this could soon become impossible for millions, as the United States is facing an impending eviction crisis of "biblical proportions,"
(2020-07-29). Landmark Measure to Repeal 'Racist,' Anti-Choice Helms Amendment Hailed as Step to a 'More Equitable World'. commondreams.org "Abortion care is healthcare and healthcare is a fundamental human right." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-07-29). Headlines for July 29, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Records Highest One-Day Coronavirus Death Toll Since May, Trump Retweets Doctor Who Warned of Sex with Demons and "Alien DNA", Twitter Suspends Donald Trump Jr. for Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation, Progressives Say GOP Coronavirus Bill Would Bring "Mass Poverty and Mass Hunger", Teachers' Union Prepared to Strike If Schools Aren't Made Safe from Coronavirus, World Health Organization Warns Summer Weather Isn't Slowing Coronavirus, Argentina Reports Record COVID-19 Death Toll as Guatemala Reopens Economy, Attorney General Barr Grilled over Police Violence Against Peaceful Protesters, Portland Demonstrators…
(2020-07-29). Is Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton the next Trump? peoplesworld.org 
Amidst a public health catastrophe that's already taken 150,000 lives in this country and a national anti-racist uprising which has mobilized millions, the extreme right is methodically planning its next steps, ensuring its political survival no matter the outcome of the November 3rd elections. Whether or not Trump prevails and wins a second term, the …
(2020-07-29). The Heat: search for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. america.cgtn.com 
The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States is now over 148,000. There has been some good news in the last few days as scientists try to develop a vaccine to beat back the coronavirus. Thousands of people are taking part in late stage …
(2020-07-29). NHS leaders have 'very high' levels of concern over potential second spike. thecanary.co 
Health leaders have "very high" levels of concern about the possibility of a second spike in coronavirus cases, one expert has said.Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said that the combination of a spike of cases with "exhausted staff" while the NHS tries to rebuild services could prove "challenging".He told the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on coronavirus (Covid-19): "I would say in relation to the second spike issue or something coming, the levels of concern among our members — the people who are leading NHS trusts, who are leading in primary care and all levels in the systems…
(2020-07-29). GOP Functioning as 'Mouthpiece of Business' Amid US' Dangerous Push for Jobs, School Openings. sputniknews.com Professor Richard Wolff of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, tells Sputnik that despite the US being far from containing the spread of COVID-19, the struggles of the nation's economy and business sectors appear to be more of a concern for Republicans in Congress than the health and well-being of their actual constituents.
(2020-07-29). Six arrested at banned Australian protest against police violence. wsws.org COVID-19 public health orders were used to suppress the demonstration in a blatant attack on democratic rights.
(2020-07-29). Democratic Leaders Have Blocked Real Healthcare Reform for Decades. Time to Give 'Em Hell. zcomm.org Single payer doesn't just cut costs by eliminating the waste caused by a multiplicity of for-profit insurers — but also because the purchasing power of a federal plan can rein in pharmaceutical and other exploding costs.
(2020-07-29). Workers Need the Right to Sue. progressive.org Republicans want to give corporate CEOs a five-year "get out of jail free card" for jeopardizing the health and safety of their workers while threatening the overall economic recovery.
(2020-07-29). Coalition to New Mexico Oil Regulators: Put People, Health First. counterpunch.org Santa Fe, New Mexico A coalition of 42 government representatives, groups, and businesses representing Indigenous and minority voices across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona sent a letter today calling on New Mexico's Oil Conservation Division to put peoples' health first and put the brakes on plans to adopt new rules governing the use of toxic oil
(2020-07-29). Big Tech Giants are Forcing Their Way into America's Public Health System. mintpressnews.com A consortium of the most powerful tech players like IBM, Microsoft and Facebook are teaming up with hospital networks with links to the Vatican and tech lobbying groups to shape the conversation about the future role of technology in the public sphere.
(2020-07-29). Worries About Foreign 'Hacking' of Vaccine Research Place Corporate Profits Ahead of Public Health. commondreams.org One should expect corporate media outlets like the Times to equate corporate interests with the US national interest. (Photo: Screenshot) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-07-29). South African government to release funds following BidAir workers' protest. peoplesdispatch.org Following a picket outside the labor department, the commissioner of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has committed to release funds for the payment of workers' wages for the month of May by July 30…
(2020-07-29). Taxpayer-Funded Drug Research Should Require Open-Source Sharing by Big Pharma. cepr.net LA Progressive BuzzFlash See article on original site As Donald Trump has the United States rushing ahead at "warp speed" on developing a vaccine, we are doing just about everything wrong, if the goal is to quickly produce a safe and effective vaccine that will be widely available throughout the world. We have taken the …
(2020-07-29). Greece: Masks mandatory in more places as virus spreads. yenisafak.com Over 50 more coronavirus cases were recorded in Greece over the past 24 hours, health authorities said on Wednesday.A total of 52 more people tested positive for COVID-19, including seven who were checked while entering the country, according to the National Organization for Public Health (EODY).As infections continue to rise, the government has made masks mandatory in more public places starting Wednesday, including food and retail stores, hair salons, banks, and public service offices.People were already required to wear masks in markets, public transport, cafes, and restaurants since Greece started easing its…
(2020-07-29). DR Congo to vaccinate 1M people against cholera. yenisafak.com The oral vaccination campaign, which started on Wednesday in Uvira, is organized by the Health Ministry with the support of World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.It will run in 59 areas across five major health zones: Fizi, Idjwi, Minova, Nundu and Uvira. Most of them are surrounded by lakes Kivu and Tanganyika, considered endemic to cholera.They were severely affected by flooding last April. Heavy rains killed dozens of people besides extensive material damage."This oral cholera vaccination campaign in South Kivu reminds us that the DRC is not only facing Ebola in Equateur province and…
(2020-07-29). Turkey's AK Party deputy tests positive for coronavirus. yenisafak.com A lawmaker of Turkey's ruling party announced Tuesday that he tested positive for the new coronavirus.In a written statement, Huseyin Sanverdi, a deputy of Justice and Development (AK) Party from the southern Hatay province, said he is under care in the state hospital for COVID-19."Thank God, I do not feel the severe symptoms of the virus that will negatively affect my health," said Sanverdi.Sanverdi was among the people who attended the reopening of Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia as a mosque last week.He denied allegations that the rules to wear protective mask and social distancing were not followed."Everyone a…
(2020-07-29). Iran records 196 more deaths from COVID-19. yenisafak.com Iran on Wednesday confirmed 196 more fatalities from the novel coronavirus, bringing the nationwide death toll to 16,343, according to an official. | A further 2,636 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the overall count to 298,909, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said. | She said more than 259,116 people have so far recovered and been discharged from hospitals, adding that 4,027 patients remain in critical condition. | Over 2.4 million tests have been conducted in the country to date, Lari added. | The alarming surge in daily fatalities has sent shockwaves across Iran as…
(2020-07-29). Ethiopia, Rwanda, DRC leaders on eminent Africans list. yenisafak.com Ethiopia's prime minister and the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.Abiy Ahmed, Paul Kagame, and Felix Tshisekedi were joined by Kenyan minister Amina Mohamed on the list released by Reputation Poll International, a reputation management consultancy firm.The list features 47 women and 53 men from diverse sectors, including leadership, entertainment, advocacy, education, and business.They were selected on the criteria of integrity, visibility, and impact, according to a statement.Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization's director for…
(2020-07-29). Germany to introduce mandatory COVID tests for travellers next week. yenisafak.com New rules for mandatory coronavirus tests for travellers entering Germany from countries designated as risk areas are due to come into effect next week, a spokeswoman for the country's health ministry said on Wednesday at a regular news conference.Germany announced plans on Monday for free, mandatory coronavirus tests for holidaymakers returning from high-risk countries in order to slow the spread of infections as the holiday season kicks into high gear.
(2020-07-29). EU signs $74M contract for coronavirus drug. yenisafak.com The European Commission signed a ‚Ǩ63 million ($74 million) contract with US drug firm Gilead to secure COVID-19 treatment remdesivir, the EU institution announced on Wednesday. | The agreement will cover the treatment of approximately 30,000 patients with severe symptoms of the novel coronavirus. | The procurement is financed by the EU budget and the medicine will be distributed among EU members states and the UK from August. | "The [European] Commission is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to secure access to safe and efficient treatments, and is supporting the development of vaccines a…
(2020-07-29). Iran registers 2,636 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul. 29 (MNA) — The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected 2,636 people and claimed 196 lives in Iran in the past 24 hours, a senior health official said.
(2020-07-29). Iran delivers medical aid cargo to Afghan health ministry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul.30 (MNA) — Iran's medical and healthcare aid consignment was delivered to Afghanistan's ministry of health at Kabul airport on Wednesday.
(2020-07-29). LKCMedicine student doctors celebrate finishing studies and joining frontline. imperial.ac.uk Student doctors from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore are joining frontline healthcare services having completed their studies.
(2020-07-29). Congressman Who Refused to Wear Mask Tests Positive for COVID, Blames Masks. truthout.org Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Republican from Texas who frequently refuses to wear masks or facial coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, tested positive for the disease on Wednesday. | Gohmert was screened for COVID-19
(2020-07-29). Wednesday 7/29: Racism is a Public Health Crisis: Intersection of COVID19, Racism & Health Care in America. indybay.org Online…
(2020-07-28). VIDEO: Covid-19 and "The Spiderweb of Fear". American Medical Doctors and Health Experts are being Silenced… globalresearch.ca Author's Update. Censorship | Medical doctors at an event in front of the US Supreme Court are accused of making false statements. | The video was removed by Youtube and Facebook. They are accused by the corporate media of spreading "fake science": …
(2020-07-28). Headlines for July 28, 2020. democracynow.org Senate Republicans Unveil Plan to Slash Unemployment Benefits as Pandemic Rages, Moderna Late Stage Vaccine Trial Starts, as Trump's NSA Tests Positive for Coronavirus, WHO: COVID-19 "Most Severe Global Health Emergency" as Global Death Toll Tops 654,000, AG Barr and National Guardsman to Testify Before Congress with Battling Narratives, John Lewis Lies in State in Capitol Rotunda as He Is Honored by Fellow Lawmakers, 100s of DNC Delegates to Oppose a Party Platform Without Medicare for All, DNC Members Vote to Support Israel's Illegal Annexation of West Bank, "Free Them All!": Immigrant Rights Activists Chain Th…
(2020-07-28). A Vaccine by November? Science Journalist in Vaccine Trial Casts Doubt on Rosy U.S. Projections. democracynow.org 
With 30,000 people taking part in the first major COVID-19 vaccine study in the United States, hopes are high that the collaboration between drugmaker Moderna and the National Institutes of Health will yield positive results as early as November. Researchers around the world are working on more than 165 vaccine candidates, though only a handful are conducting large-scale human trials. We speak with BBC science journalist Richard Fisher, who took part in the vaccine trial run by Oxford University that is among the most promising. "It was both a personal decision and a journalistic one," Fisher says of his decision…
(2020-07-28). Who Profits & Where Is the Transparency in Trump Admin's $6 Billion Vaccine Program? democracynow.org 
As researchers around the world race to find a vaccine for COVID-19, we speak with Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen's Access to Medicines Program, about who is profiting from government efforts to fund vaccines, testing and treatment. The Trump administration has announced major contracts with pharmaceutical companies as part of its $6 billion program, Operation Warp Speed, including with firms that have never brought a vaccine to market. Meanwhile, a New York Times investigation shows corporate insiders from at least 11 companies working on coronavirus research have sold shares worth more than $1 bill…
(2020-07-28). Even If Biden Wins in a Blowout, the Economy Still Isn't Coming Back. counterpunch.org 
COVID-19 has not only presented the global economy with its greatest public health challenge in over a century, but also likely killed off the notion of America's "unipolar moment" for good. That doesn't mean full-on autarky or isolationism but, rather, enlightened selfishness, which allows for some limited cooperation. Donald Trump's ongoing threats to impose additional
(2020-07-28). Sinclair media group axes TV segment with 'Plandemic' conspiracy researcher for good, voices support for Fauci after backlash. rt.com 
The Sinclair Broadcast Group will not air a controversial interview with a Covid-19 conspiracy researcher, opting to toss the segment altogether after saying it would postpone the program to "provide additional context." | The conservative media giant said on Monday that it would throw out its interview with Judy Mikovits — a former research scientist who gained prominence after starring in the documentary film 'Plandemic,' where she pushed a number of conspiracy theories about the coronavirus, vaccines and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases head Dr Anthony Fauci. | "Upon further review…
(2020-07-28). Anyone for a 'CoronaBurger?' Crimean fast-food PR ploy falls flat as Covid fails to whet the appetite. rt.com 
Who says that a pandemic can't have a silver lining? In Sevastopol, on the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, a fast food restaurant called 'Covid-Burger' has popped up, hoping to cash in on the hype. | Local entrepreneurs developed a brand new burger concept inspired by the Coronavirus epidemic – but customers aren't so interested. | The burger joint's cashier, who spoke to a journalist from the local edition of national daily Komsomolskaya Pravda, explained the restaurant is the same as before – just rebranded. | "The name is just a trick, we are fighting the coronavirus, before that we just sold burgers," the c…
(2020-07-28). 'Demon sperm' and 'Alien DNA' trend, inducing eye-rolls following media dive into doctor touting HCQ as Covid-19 cure. rt.com 
Dr Stella Immanuel, one of the doctors filmed touting hydroxychloroquine as a "cure" for Covid-19, has a history of unorthodox statements about health — including that visits from demons in our dreams can cause fertility issues. | It was only a matter of time before a mainstream media outlet did a deep dive on the doctor involved in the much-shared video claiming masks are not needed to stop the spread of coronavirus because HCQ is the "cure." The drug has been promoted by the US president, but has yet to produce anything but varied results in research. | Left-wing media outlet The Daily Beast led the ch…
(2020-07-28). Fears over access to coronavirus guidance for non-English speakers. thecanary.co 
Concerns have been raised about a government "blind spot" on translating coronavirus guidance for many non-English speakers in the UK. | Charity Doctors of the World said public health messages had only been translated into a limited number of languages and had not been promptly updated when guidance changed. | It has co-ordinated a letter to health secretary Matt Hancock and communities secretary Robert Jenrick calling for a stronger focus on helping "excluded people", according to the BBC. | More than 4.2 million people — or 7.7% of the population in England and Wales — said that English or Welsh wa…
(2020-07-28). Swedish activist cycles for Gaza. yenisafak.com A Swedish activist is cycling 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) to raise funds for Palestinian children.Benjamin Ladraa, on the eighth day of her journey, told Anadolu Agency that the campaign aimed at raising funds for 3,000 children in Palestine who have lost their limbs due to Israel's attacks."We are helping them with prosthetic legs, rehabilitation and with mental health care through this fundraiser," he added.The bike ride started from the Swedish city of Gothenburg and will end in Abisko in Sweden, Ladraa said.Ladraa — along with 12 people– started the 33-day journey on July 20."Today is Day 8 and we have c…
(2020-07-28). The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. The GOP's Let 'Em Eat Cake Stimulus Plan'. globalresearch.ca On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced the so-called Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. | It's long on benefitting US business interests, woefully short on helping tens of millions of jobless, homeless, food insecure, and other …
(2020-07-28). Dramatic Increase in US Congenital Syphilis Cases. jamanetwork.com A nearly 4-fold increase in US congenital syphilis cases between 2013 and 2018 underscores many missed opportunities to prevent the disease, the CDC reported.
(2020-07-28). NIH Launches Platform to Serve as Depository for COVID-19 Medical Data. jamanetwork.com The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently launched the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) to store and study medical record data from people across the country who have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).