Stories for May 18th 2020

Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:58 UTC
The failed operation to oust Maduro by a Canadian mercenary ex Green Beret

By Gwynne Dyer – It's hard being born Canadian if your ambition is to be a real-life version of movie tough guy Jean-Claude Van Damme (Blood Sport, Death Warrant, Universal Soldier, Last Action Hero). The same goes for being Belgian, of course, but Van Damme just wanted to be in the movies.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Argentine anti corruption office drops two cases against Cristina Kirchner and siblings

In the midst of the pandemic Argentine vice president, Cristina Fernandez managed one of the objectives that the opposition claims were part of the political agreement with current head of state Alberto Fernandez, who was elected with the landslide of votes from the former president.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:38 UTC
Google retracts itself, Cristina Fernandez is not the “thief of the Nation”

Googling has become for many the source of virtual knowledge, but it is also a source of many errors and misinformation, even when accepted as the undisputed revelation. Such is the case of what happened over the weekend with the name of the Argentine leader, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner on Google since the first search result returned a “thief of the Nation”.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:15 UTC
Fed chief forecasts US economy could easily contract 20 to 30% this quarter

The business shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic could “easily” cause the US economy to collapse by 20 to 30% this quarter, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Sunday. Data show more than 30 million jobs were destroyed in the world's top economy, as businesses were shuttered nationwide amid the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 07:22 UTC
Critical World Health Organization assembly: US-China clash anticipated

At the first meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO) governing body since Covid-19 stormed the globe, China is set to be challenged on two of its most sensitive issues: The Communist Party's initial handling of the virus and the status of Taiwan's participation.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 07:08 UTC
Two Chilean ministers and 23 lawmakers under quarantine

Two of Chile´s top Cabinet ministers said on Sunday they would quarantine after coming in close contact with Chilean lawmakers who tested positive for the coronavirus during negotiations in Congress.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 06:52 UTC
Virus makes UK super-rich US$ 65 billion poorer and alters Super Rich List 2020

Britain's wealthiest people have lost tens of billions of pounds in the coronavirus pandemic as their combined annual wealth fell for the first time in a decade, the Sunday Times reported in its Rich List 2020.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 06:40 UTC
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has brunch at a cafe but must comply with virus timing

Hailed for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner were turned away from a cafe on Saturday because it was too full under the physical distancing guidelines.