Global headlines - 3 June, 2020

News Links, June 4, 2020

## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
Global smartphone sales plunge 20% in pandemic-hit quarter

Rabobank: Stocks Are Trading As If The U.S. Is Now A Banana Republic

Hong Kong "collateral damage" in US-China trade war

## War on cash/cashless society/cryptocurrencies ##
Japan to look at building a common infrastructure for digital payments

## Airline death spiral ##
Lufthansa posts 2.1 billion euro loss after 'drastic decline' in air travel in the first quarter
As Asia's tropical storm season arrives, grounded airplanes at risk of damage

JAL to Halve Summer Bonuses amid Virus Crisis

Coronavirus impact to push Carnival and easyJet out of FTSE 100

Trump administration to bar Chinese passenger carriers from flying to U.S.

Delta will extend social distancing through Sept. 30

## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##

Here's the newest price tag for DoD's arsenal of equipment
Air Force deploys 388th, 419th Fighter Wings to Middle East

Duterte's new security law likely harsher than HK's
Philippine president is pushing new anti-terror legislation critics say will curb rights and entrench police state powers

Philippines suspends abrogation of defense pact with US

U.S. to impose restrictions on additional Chinese media outlets - sources
Israel's Netanyahu says the Quiet Part Out Loud: Palestinians to be "subjects," not Citizens in Apartheid Annexation

## Migrants/refugees ##
African, Haitian migrants in Honduras defy border closure in attempt to reach U.S.

## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Thousands gather in London as George Floyd-inspired protests sweep the world

## Energy/resources ##
Saudi Arabia And Russia Agree To Extend Production Cuts

Building a national super grid in America

U.S. senators to announce sanctions bill on Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

## Environment/health ##
Life before Cars: When Pedestrians Ruled the Streets
Data Find Rainforests Lost 14,000 Square Miles in 2019

• Coronavirus

Death toll from Covid-19 surpasses 30,000 in Brazil, Latin America's worst-hit country

Dr. Anthony Fauci says there's a chance coronavirus vaccine may not provide immunity for very long

Study finds hydroxychloroquine, the drug taken by Trump to ward off COVID-19, doesn't prevent coronavirus infection

WHO set to resume hydroxychloroquine trial in battle against COVID-19

Coronavirus: 'WHO masked concern' about China's slow release of information

Dutch coronavirus study: children are not big spreaders

Summer Heat Won't Kill the Coronavirus, New Study Says

Coronavirus tracked: Charting Sweden's disastrous no-lockdown strategy

Sweden has taken the ignominious title of the country with the world's highest death rate from Covid-19.

## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##

Snapchat to stop promoting President Trump's account in Discover tab

Google faces $5 billion lawsuit in U.S. for tracking 'private' internet use

Germany bans digital doppelganger passport photos

Morphing can trick artificial intelligence used at passport control into 'recognising' different individuals.

• War on journalists

Cops have made it clear -- and they've been backed by the Commander-in-Chief -- the press is the enemy.

'Shocking moment': Australian minister seeks probe of US police hitting reporter covering White House protest

## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##
The Post-Covid Economy Will Be Very Different From the Pre-Pandemic Bubble Economy
Is the "EROI" in peak oil studies the same as the R factor in epidemiology?

Increased Violence Reflects an Energy Problem

## Japan ##
Japan pushes homegrown vaccines for coronavirus to secure supply

Tokyo on alert as new infections spike

Osaka introduces QR contact tracing system as bars and restaurants reopen

Number of Welfare Applications in Japan Top 20,000 in March
Japan's contact-tracing method is old but gold

## China ##
More than half the U.S. firms in Hong Kong are 'very concerned' about the new security law, survey shows
New HK cluster extends social distancing rules
China Leads The Global Oil Demand Recovery

New U.S. restrictions on 33 Chinese firms and institutions take effect June 5

## UK ##
'I don't mind going hungry if my kids can eat': Families reveal struggle to afford food during lockdown

Food bank parcels for children 'at record high' (Scotland)

George Floyd: UK urged to 'take the knee' at doorsteps in solidarity with US anti-racism protests

George Floyd protest: halt UK riot gear sales to US police, says Labour

Britain's claims to being a functioning democracy are only skin deep
UK economy still shrinking but pace of decline eases - PMI

UK COVID-19 death toll surpasses 50,000: Reuters tally

## US ##
DC officials push back on aggressive response to protests

Pentagon moves about 1,600 Army troops into the Washington region

Mainstream U.S. religious leaders criticize Trump after church photo

Most Americans sympathize with protests, disapprove of Trump's response - Reuters/Ipsos

White House may be softening stance on sending troops to states to quell civil unrest

Trump says he went to White House bunker for 'inspection,' not because of protests 
The Police Are The Out-Of-Towners Provoking Violence

Negative interest rates could be needed for a 'V' recovery, Fed economist says

Cinema chain AMC warns it may not survive the pandemic

Bad Economic Reports? Yes, But They Were Supposed to Be Bad

Illinois Becomes First to Tap Fed Loans After Yields Surge

The Great Unequalizer: The Pandemic Is Compounding Disparities in Income, Wealth, and Opportunity

How American cities were Reduced to Esper's "Battlespace": From Fallujah to Minneapolis

• Coronavirus

Aggressive testing, social distancing limits COVID-19 at U.S. military base

Permanent Link posted by Rice Farmer @ 4:58 PM 

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

News Links, June 3, 2020

## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
Report: Pandemic's U.S. economic hit could last 11 years, cost $8 trillion

Argentina extends deadline of debt negotiations, may sweeten offer

Moody's cuts India's rating to lowest investment grade with negative outlook

India Lenders' Woes May Be Worse Than Thought, Moody's Says

International Tourist Arrivals & Spending in Tourism-Dependent Spain Collapsed to "Zero" in April. May Likely Similar

## War on cash/cashless society/cryptocurrencies ##
What is China's new digital currency all about?

## Airline death spiral ##
Ryanair must face U.S. shareholder lawsuit over unionization comments

Southwest offers buyout packages, temporary leaves to 'ensure survival'

Government watchdog: Airport fever screenings for coronavirus raise racial discrimination, privacy concerns

## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##

Pandemic Hits Navy's New Nuke Submarine Program

New Russian policy allows use of atomic weapons against non-nuclear strike

The new expanded wording reflects Russian concerns about the development of prospective weapons that could give Washington the capability to knock out key military assets and government facilities without resorting to atomic weapons.

Trump administration sanctions 4 companies for Venezuelan oil ties

Hope for prisoner swap fades as US deports Iranian scientist, but no Americans freed

## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Confederate monuments toppled, burned as protests over George Floyd's death continue
George Floyd protests rage for seventh night
2 New York officers struck by vehicle during George Floyd protests in Buffalo

'Like a civil war': how the world is reacting to the US protests

Protests defy curfews across U.S.; 700 rioters arrested in NYC

Protesters in Sydney call for change in race relations

## Energy/resources ##
Plunging cost of wind and solar marks turning point in energy transition: IRENA
Bill Gates And Big Oil Are Chasing The Nuclear Fusion Dream

Beware: As with nuclear fission, all we hear about during the promotion phase is how wonderful it is, and how we're going to have lots of cheap (or even free) energy. But everything comes with a cost. -- RF

## Environment/health ##
DRC declares 2nd Ebola outbreak

Lockdown yields first global sound map of spring dawn chorus
Scientists and artists take advantage of low noise levels to record birdsong around world
• Coronavirus

Pangolin, bat role in coronavirus path to humans remains unclear

At least 3 feet of social distancing likely reduces COVID-19 spread, study confirms

As protests sweep nation, research finds social distancing most effective at slowing coronavirus spread

## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##

Julian Assange 'too ill' to attend latest court hearing in US extradition case
Supporter says Wikileaks founder is suffering from an 'underlying lung condition'
Riot or Resistance: Media Framing Shapes Public View

'Hunt them down': Twitter adds warning label to Gaetz's tweet, saying it glorifies violence

Why Wasn't Netanyahu Ever Indicted in the US?

Civil rights leaders say they're 'disappointed and stunned' after call with Facebook's Zuckerberg and Sandberg

Advocacy group sues to block Trump social media executive order

## Propaganda/censorship/fake news/alternative facts ##
Truth Is What We Hide, Cover Stories Are What We Sell
The fact that self-serving cover stories are now the norm is making it difficult to love our servitude with the slavish devotion demanded of us.

Many US Journalists Arrested After New York Times Falsely Claims That Doesn't Happen In America

Trump Clears Out Peaceful Protest for Bible Photo-Op
Trump Calls Up Military For 'Law And Order' Campaign Stunt

## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##

The economics of America's civil unrest
High consumption and low savings helped set the stage for the explosion of violence across America
This Is Not a Revolution. It's a Blueprint for Locking Down the Nation

## Japan ##
Japan OKs saliva-based tests for coronavirus detection; 34 new cases reported in Tokyo
37 new coronavirus cases reported in Japan

After Reality Star's Death, Japan Vows to Rip the Mask Off Online Hate
April tax revenues see biggest monthly drop in over a decade

## China ##
China may be using weak soybean demand and adequate supply as an opportunity to halt U.S. imports

Hong Kong security law: China weighs risk US will go for 'nuclear option' and cut Beijing from the dollar payment system

Landmark year for China-Japan ties turns sour as Beijing and Washington clash
Chinese Government To Monitor Renewable Energy Targets

## UK ##
Thousands of London tenants refuse to pay rent amid coronavirus crisis

Iraq war: All but one war crimes claim against British soldiers dropped

House prices see largest monthly fall for 11 years, says Nationwide
UK records almost 62,000 excess deaths during pandemic: ONS official

UK households, locked down in April, cut debts by most on record

Britain puts forward its own emissions trading system to replace EU's

## US ##

Coronavirus will have long-lasting effects on US economy for next decade, CBO says
Police used tear gas, pushed back peaceful protesters for Trump church visit

'Some of his tweets have not been helpful': GOP senators criticize Trump's Floyd protest rhetoric

U.S. ups National Guard forces to quell D.C. unrest, readies active duty troops

Esper Calls on States to 'Dominate the Battlespace,' Trump Deploying 'Heavily Armed' Troops in DC

In a country which is supposed to be government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we see an ironic situation in which it's the people vs the government. -- RF

Pentagon Says It Doesn't Want Active Duty Troops Putting Down Protests
The HASC chair today said SecDef Esper's comments Monday are "deeply concerning in terms of how the US military is used for domestic law enforcement" and "drives home the message that this is a war, this is a battlespace, let's go fight."

Trump considering a move to invoke Insurrection Act

Presumably the idea is to quash the protests and riots but do nothing to eliminate the causes. -- RF

These 4 charts describe police violence in America

With Militarization of Cops on Full Display, Senator Plans Amendment to End Transfer of Military Equipment to Local Police

Presidents have leeway to use military for domestic purposes
Hidden in the New House Coronavirus Relief Bill: Billions for Defense Contractors
A section of the HEROES Act championed by Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly would cover executive compensation and other perks for defense and intel contractors. The legislation's wording mirrors what an industry group proposed.

Pandering Biden Stumbles Again; Says Cops Could Shoot 'Unarmed People With Knives' In Leg Instead Of Heart

• Coronavirus

27% unlikely to be vaccinated against the coronavirus; Republicans, conservatives especially: POLL

'A national disgrace': 40,600 deaths tied to US nursing homes

Permanent Link posted by Rice Farmer @ 4:57 PM 

Monday, June 01, 2020

News Links, June 2, 2020

## Global Ponzi meltdown/House of Cards/global cooling/deflationary collapse ##
Asia's factory pain worsens as China's recovery fails to lift demand

Coronavirus: Poor countries face debt crisis 'unlike anything we have seen'

## Airline death spiral ##
Airlines ramp up infection preventive measures (Japan)

Argentina flag carrier Aerolineas seeks to suspend workers' contracts

## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##
U.S.-Japan dueling China for influence in Indo-Pacific region

US May Deploy Forces to Tunisia to Counter Russia in Libya

Lawyers of George Floyd Family to Open UN Human Rights Case, Seek Sanctions Against US

## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##
Trump taken to underground bunker as protests grew outside White House: Reports

There comes a time when leaders fear their own people and hide from them. It's an old story. -- RF

Protests over death of George Floyd turn violent again despite curfews, National Guard

At least 50 Secret Service agents injured by rioters

Dozens protest at U.S. embassy in Paris in solidarity with George Floyd

## Energy/resources ##
The World Has Too Many Oil Refineries

Russia Is Quickly Becoming The Most Dominant Force In Energy

Iran Ready To Send More Fuel To Crisis-Stricken Venezuela

## Environment/health ##
EPA Likely to Approve Mine That Threatens Alaska's Largest Salmon Hatchery
• Coronavirus

Global report: Wuhan reports no asymptomatic cases for first time
Having high blood pressure may make coronavirus more dangerous

WHO says coronavirus isn't losing potency: 'This is still a killer virus'

Russia to roll out its first approved COVID-19 drug next week

"A W-Shaped Epidemic Is Now Emerging As Our Expected Case Forecast"

## Intelligence/security/internet/cyberwar ##
Racist Killing and Impunity (Craig Murray)

Mossad chief secretly visits Egypt to discuss West Bank annexation

Contact Tracing: Laying the Foundation for Real-Time Social Tracking

Italy launches COVID-19 contact-tracing app amid privacy concerns
Facebook's Zuckerberg faces employee backlash over Trump protest comments

Facebook employees accusing Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing U.S. President Donald Trump's posts took to Twitter to praise the rival social media platform for acting and rebuke their own employer.

UK puts forward its own 'Emissions Trading System' to replace EU's

## Propaganda/censorship/fake news/alternative facts ##
National Security "Experts" Blame Russia for the George Floyd Protests
The latest instance of American social disharmony being blamed on Moscow is part of a long tradition, where some see an invisible Russian hand whenever it is useful.

Susan Rice Goes Full Conspiracy Rant On CNN: 'Russians Behind Race Protest Mayhem!'

## Systemic breakdown/collapse/unsustainability ##

We're Living the Founding Fathers' Nightmare: America Is Corrupt to the Core
Our ruling elites, devoid of leadership, are little more than the scum of self-interested, greedy grifters who rose to the top of America's foul-smelling stew of corruption.
We're in the Thick of It Now – What Happens Next?

## Japan ##
Japan to further exclude Chinese telecom gear

Govt. asks public to stay alert after cases surge

Medical waste disposal workers brave infection, heatstroke

Coronavirus antibody tests begin in Tokyo

## China ##
In a post-coronavirus world, China looks set to grow while the rest of the world contracts

China finds manufacturing opportunities in low-wage Africa
Hong Kong police ban annual Tiananmen vigil for first time in 30 years, citing Covid-19 measures

China home-built aircraft carrier tests weapons at sea

World's Top Solar Panel Producer Opens New Mega Factory

China asks state firms to halt purchases of U.S. soybeans, pork, sources say

## UK ##
UK government must give direct support to manufacturing, says Make UK

Coronavirus: Test and trace initially scrapped because system could handle just five cases a week

George Floyd death: Thousands join UK protests

Climate activists stage protest at oilfield in southern England
UK COVID-19 confirmed death toll rises to 39,045

## US ##
Officials blame 'out-of-state' agitators but those at the heart of protests are homegrown

Minneapolis police rendered 44 people unconscious with neck restraints in five years

Open season on the free press: Journalists targeted in attacks as U.S. protests rage

Tanker truck drives into protesters as U.S. cities fear another night of violent protests

Nearly a third of states have activated the National Guard to assist local police response to unrest

'Most of you are weak': Trump rails at the nation's governors, urges crackdown on violence

Using blunt language, Trump said that "radicals" and "anarchists" are behind the unrest, and he urged governors to crack down on them.

Blaming the problem on "radicals" and "anarchists" is an attempt to deflect attention from the very real popular discontent with the racist, winner-take-all socioeconomic system and the Trump regime. Trump urges a hard crackdown because that is seen as the way to quash the threat to the status quo and to prop up a crumbling system. -- RF

Survey: US factories sink in May for third straight month
American factories contracted for the third straight month in May as they continued to sustain economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus will cost the economy nearly $8 trillion, Congressional Budget Office says

States, cities plead for virus aid as Congress faces crises

Retailers already hit by coronavirus board up as U.S. protests rage