(2021-11-08). From Nicaraguan Revolutionaries to US Embassy Informants: How Washington Recruited Ex-Sandinistas Like Dora María Téllez and her MRS Party. orinocotribune.com 
By Ben Norton — Nov 5, 2021 | The story of how Nicaragua's former guerrilla Dora María Téllez and her anti-Sandinista MRS party allied with the right wing and became coup-supporting informants for the US embassy. | One of the most high-profile opponents of Nicaragua's Sandinista government points to her revolutionary youth to justify her position. And while the international media constantly
(2021-11-08). Biden labels Nicaragua's election a 'pantomime,' vows to hold Ortega's govt accountable. rt.com 
Nicaragua's "sham elections," in which longtime President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, are expected to claim victory, were "neither free nor fair," US President Joe Biden has said. | The people in the Central American country of some 6.5 million went to the polls on Sunday, with the 75-year-old socialist leader Ortega looking to secure his fourth consecutive and fifth overall five-year term in office. | The Nicaraguan leadership "orchestrated… a pantomime election that was neither free nor fair, and most certainly not democratic," Biden said in a statement late on Sunday.
(2021-11-08). Online platforms change how universities work. ecns.cn Challenges created by the global COVID-19 pandemic are shaping the contours of a new internationalization of higher education and encouraging universities to look for ways to deepen collaboration, such as by working digitally, presidents of universities said at a recent forum held in Jinan in Shandong province.
(2021-11-08). Central Indiana teachers conduct sickout for higher pay, lower insurance premiums. wsws.org A sickout by Indiana teachers ended last week over low pay and insurance premiums, conditions long imposed on teachers with the help of the teachers unions.
(2021-11-08). India's Hindu-nationalist policy destabilizing South Asia. asiatimes.com 
India's headlong rush to become a Hindu majoritarian state threatens to destabilize South Asia. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in power since 2014, the Indian government has pursued a series of divisive Hindu-nationalist domestic policies. Not only are these at odds with India's secular constitution, but they increasingly rub up against the country's long-standing …
(2021-11-08). Hackers stole passwords, targeted US Defense Department entities in sweeping raid — security firm. rt.com 
Hackers have breached at least nine organizations globally in sensitive sectors and targeted US Department of Defense entities, a cybersecurity company has said. | According to a report by security firm Palo Alto Networks, a group of unidentified criminals scanned at least 370 servers across the US in September and October. The scans were "largely indiscriminate in nature," the firm said, with targets ranging from educational institutions to servers linked to the Department of Defense. | Using publicly available Chinese-language tools, hackers breached at least nine organizations globally, the firm said. Palo…
(2021-11-08). President Biden's approval rating tumbles, VP Harris does even worse. rt.com 
US President Joe Biden's approval rating has fallen to under 38% according to a new USA Today poll, which also reveals the majority of Americans polled don't want him to run for president again. | A USA Today and Suffolk University poll of 1,000 registered US voters last week found that just 37.8% of voters approve of "the job Biden has done as president," with 59% disagreeing that the president has done a good job. | Even fewer Americans approve of Vice President Kamala Harris. Only 27.8% of those polled believe Harris has done a good job, with a sizeable 21% undecided, according to the poll which was release…
(2021-11-08). 'Profits over people': Travis Scott & Drake accused of incitement in Astroworld Festival tragedy lawsuit. rt.com 
The first lawsuits have been filed following the Astroworld Festival performance by rapper Travis Scott, in which eight people died. Scott and fellow rapper Drake have been accused of negligence and helping cause the stampede. | Astroworld Festival attendee Kristian Paredes (23) filed a lawsuit this weekend accusing Scott and guest star Drake of stirring up the crowd and sparking the deadly chaos. Parades is seeking over $1 million in damages. | Drake "came on stage alongside Travis Scott and helped incite the crowd," the lawsuit claims, and the two rappers continued to perform even "as the crowd became out of…
(2021-11-08). Unable to breach Belarus-Poland border, migrants set up camp (VIDEO). rt.com 
Hundreds of migrants attempting to seek asylum in the EU have set up tents and campfires in the no-man's-land along the border between Belarus and Poland, with Warsaw deploying guards to stop them from crossing. | Aerial footage from the frontier showed smoke rising from dozens of campfires and tents popping up in the forest, as lines of Polish police and what looked like the military gathered on the other side. | Polish Defense Minister Mariusz B≈Çaszczak said more than 12,000 soldiers had been deployed to the border. | After Brussels imposed sanctions on Belarus in June, citing "human rights" vi…
(2021-11-08). Pakistan reaches 'complete ceasefire' with local Taliban faction. rt.com 
Pakistan's government has agreed a total ceasefire with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, Information Fawad Chaudhry has announced, noting that talks leading to the move were facilitated by authorities in Kabul. | Speaking on Monday, Chaudhry told reporters that "a complete ceasefire" agreement has been reached and further talks were taking place to ensure a lasting peace. "The talks will focus on state sovereignty, national security, peace, social and economic stability in the areas concerned," he said, according to local media. | The minister described the move as a "positive development" an…
(2021-11-08). Pegasus spyware linked to Israel branding Palestinian rights NGOs as terrorists — report. rt.com 
Phones of six members of Palestinian human rights organizations were hacked with the notorious spyware Pegasus, a new report said. The Israeli government designated the organizations as terrorists. | The designation was likely meant to give a post-factum justification for the use of the spyware, which the producer says is restricted to law enforcement operations against terrorism and crime, the Ireland-based NGO that identified the intrusions said. | The
(2021-11-08). "Dealin with the Devil": musicians confront Joe Manchin at Kennedy Center concert. mronline.org 
Senator Joe Manchin has emerged in recent weeks as the leading opponent of vital social programs to provide relief to working people in the areas of education, healthcare, the environment and much more.
(2021-11-08). Miami's ultra-right and its coercion against Cuban artists. mronline.org 
Havana, Nov. 4 (Prensa Latina) The Communist Party of Cuba highlighted today the methods of pressure that the extreme right of Miami, U.S., exerts on Cuban artists to take sides against the government of the island.
(2021-11-08). Tripura Police books 102 people under UAPA for social media posts against communal violence. mronline.org 
Opposition leaders have lashed out at the police's 'highhanded' behaviour.
(2021-11-08). Mafia 'mega-trial' convicts 70 members of Italy's most powerful clan. rt.com 
An Italian judge has convicted 70 people connected to the country's most powerful mafia clan — the 'Ndrangheta, with some receiving maximum-length sentences. | The marathon Mafia trial was held over the weekend and saw 91 defendants tried in a specially converted court room in the Calabrian city of Lamezia Terme. | A total of 70 mobsters were convicted in the trial, one of the country's largest ever. The charges against those on trial included drugs trafficking, murder, extortion, theft and abuse of office. | Anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri — who has lived under police protection for more than…
(2021-11-08). Europe is offered backup plan to curb gas shortage. rt.com 
Europe could have a way out of a natural gas shortage if the winter is colder than usual. | The very tight European gas market may find relief from the supply crunch if it taps part of the so-called cushion gas, which keeps supply pressure at storage facilities, energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac) Tapping this cushion gas, however, may not be easy because of technical issues and regulations. Under normal circumstances, cushion gas canno…
(2021-11-08). NHS accused of 'lying' about Covid stats to promote vaccination. rt.com 
NHS chief Amanda Pritchard claimed that 14 times as many Covid-19 patients are in Britain's hospitals as this time last year. However, even the NHS itself has admitted that Pritchard's claim uses misleading figures. | Multiple news reports on Monday told the same story: Britain's hospitals are seeing "14 times more coronavirus patients than this time last year," and the country faces a "difficult winter," as people gather indoors, where the virus is more likely to spread. | Bizarre situation where Sky and ITV are leading with Fake News
(2021-11-08). Railway museum to research steam trains for racism & slavery links. rt.com 
The National Railway Museum has teamed up with a consortium of universities to answer a burning historical question: were steam trains, used during Britain's colonial age, linked with racism and slavery? | The Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York, together with the National Railway Museum, Network Rail, and three other museums in the North of England will spend £9,000 researching how steam power aided imperial expansion and profiteering during the Industrial Revolution. | The research project "will develop a greater understanding of how the advent of steam-power and railways was embedded in both col…
(2021-11-08). Russian volleyball team denies Covid claimed life of budding 21-year-old women's star. rt.com 
Russian sport has been mourning the loss of 21-year-old volleyball player Aliya Khambikova, whose death was confirmed by her team on Monday. Officials rejected suggestions that coronavirus may have been the cause. | Khambikova was a middle blocker for Russian second-division team Ufimochka-UGNTU from the city of Ufa, which lies around 1,165km east of Moscow. | Her team confirmed the tragic news on Monday that she had died, sharing an image on social media of Khambikova and writing: "It great tragedy has occurred. | "Aliya Khambikova has passed away. We express our condolences to family and friends. | "She was…
(2021-11-08). Russia claims West using energy to influence geopolitics, but wrongly blaming Moscow. rt.com 
Contrary to Western claims, Russia isn't looking to pressure foreign nations into doing its bidding as part of new energy deals struck to meet a growing shortfall in supplies across Central and Western Europe, Moscow has insisted. | In a fiery interview on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that her country wasn't looking to trade gas in exchange for political influence. "Look at what our Western partners are doing," she said. "They are reshaping the global energy landscape by force to satisfy their interests if they're unable to stand up to competition." | "But," she went on, "look a…
(2021-11-08). Israeli soldiers given 'prizes' for helping compile database of Palestinians' pictures — reports. rt.com 
The Israeli military has reportedly compiled a digital surveillance database to monitor Palestinians in Hebron in the West Bank using invasive facial recognition tech integrated into a network of cameras and soldiers' phones. | The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) even incentivized soldiers to compete against each other to take photos of residents "with prizes for the most pictures collected by each unit," according to the Washington Post. Soldiers were reportedly offered rewards such as a night off if they managed to take the most pictures. | The surveillance dragnet is apparently based in part on smartphone techn…
(2021-11-08). Diamonds, gold & drugs: UN peacekeepers investigated for contraband from missions. rt.com 
Portugal's Judiciary Police have arrested ten suspects, including military personnel, suspected of secretly airlifting and then selling diamonds, gold and drugs while on UN peacekeeping missions. | On Monday, Portuguese authorities conducted massive searches at a hundred locations, which reportedly included a military compound and banks, all across the country as part of a probe into a gemstone and drug-smuggling ring within the country's military. | Among the suspects are personnel from the Republican National Guard and the Public Security Police who are suspected of having used military airplanes to airlift…
(2021-11-08). 'F*ck Joe Biden' chant heard 'in a BIG way' at UFC event (VIDEO). rt.com 
The 'F*ck Joe Biden' chant which gained traction at college football stadiums appears to be spreading after being heard at UFC 268 at New York City's iconic Madison Square Garden this past weekend. | The chant against the current US president has been reported It was also heard at the Ryder Cup in Wisconsin at the end of September, while an alternative chant of "Let's Go, Brandon!" has also been jokingly adopted after an NBC Sports reporte…
(2021-11-08). Elon Musk speaks out after internet votes YES to him selling 10% of Tesla stock. rt.com 
Elon Musk's followers voted yes to the billionaire selling 10% of his stocks in Tesla this weekend, and he has promised to stick with the outcome of his controversial Twitter poll. | Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the world's richest man, put the decision of whether to sell his stocks to a Twitter poll on Saturday, and pledged to "abide by the results of this poll, whichever way it goes." | Over 3.5 million people voted in the poll, which concluded with the 'Yes' faction winning by a comfortable margin (57.9%). When asked if the poll went the way he wanted, Musk signaled that he won't go back on his promise to fol…
(2021-11-08). China's going to take over Bagram — Trump. rt.com 
Former US President Donald Trump has warned that China will start using the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. American troops left the base this year as part of their complete withdrawal from the country. | "We would have kept Bagram because it is next to China," Trump told Fox News. "And it is one hour away from their nuclear facility, and we gave that up too." | And now China's going to take over Bagram, in my opinion. | The former president once again criticized the "embarrassing" withdrawal of US forces, which he said was "really a surrender." | Trump has argued in the past that it was a mistake to remove US…
(2021-11-08). New emergency strikes Baldwin's 'Rust' movie set. rt.com 
A crew member working to wind down production of Alec Baldwin's movie 'Rust' — after the cinematographer was accidentally shot dead on set — was bitten by a venomous spider and may end up losing his arm. | The incident involving lamp operator and pipe rigger Jason Miller occurred some time ago, with Sky News learning about it through a 'Just Giving' page set up raise money for the man's treatment. | Miller was working at the production site in New Mexico when he was bitten in the arm by a brown recluse spider, which injects necrotic venom into its prey. | The crew member was hospitalized several da…
(2021-11-08). 'Where have you seen her? On the front cover of Vogue': England coach roasted for 'sexist' Raducanu remarks. rt.com 
The head coach of the England national rugby team has been blasted after accusing tennis star Emma Raducanu of losing her focus since winning the US Open and prioritizing appearances at galas and fashion shoots over performance. | Eddie Jones was primarily discussing England player Marcus Smith, warning the fly-half to take caution as a "flood of distractions" could be heading his way as UK sport's "next big thing". | Jones used the example of Raducanu, with the 18-year-old failing to make an impact on court since her stunning breakthrough win at Flushing Meadows. | Since succeeding Naomi Osaka as US Open c…
(2021-11-08). UFC fighter Moroz issues withering response to fan who called her 'stripper' after racy Instagram VIDEO. rt.com 
UFC fighter Maryna 'Iron Lady' Moroz has sarcastically responded to social media trolls who took issue with some of her racy Instagram output. | Flyweight fighter Moroz, 30, hasn't been in Octagon action since outpointing Brazil's Mayra Bueno Silva in March of 2020. | Repeated efforts to set up a next outing for the Ukrainian — who owns a 10-3 record — have fallen by the wayside, most recently when a bout with Luana Carolina fell through in October. | But to supplement her scarce fighting income, Moroz maintains an OnlyFans-style personal website where she shares revealing photos with fans — als…
(2021-11-08). Wolves 'invade' remote Russian village. rt.com 
Worried families in a remote part of Russia have written to teachers requesting their children be allowed to dial into classes from the safety of their homes, after warnings wild wolf attacks had turned the area into a bloodbath. | Footage from a CCTV camera in the village of Zelenoborsk, in the Khanty-Mansi region of Central Russia, shared by a local residents group on Monday, shows several of the large canines stalking its snow-covered roads. | According to Moscow's Lenta news site, the "wolf invasion" has sparked fears for schoolchildren, with parents asking teachers to let their kids move to distance learn…
(2021-11-08). Cristiano Ronaldo 'shocked' by Man Utd decline… as Moscow-linked coach waits in wings — reports. rt.com 
Cristiano Ronaldo is 'shocked' by what he has seen at Old Trafford since his return to Manchester United, according to reports, amid poor form under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. | A 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday was less harsh than the 5-0 thrashing administered by their other bitter rivals Liverpool last month. | But United are still struggling in sixth place in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Chelsea, while still far from assured of safe passage in the Champions League despite topping their group. | Including Saturday, United have suffered six defeats in their last 12 outings in a…
(2021-11-08). House of Lords for sale? Met Police urged to probe bombshell claims. rt.com 
Scotland Yard has been urged to open an investigation into an alleged Tory 'cash for honours' scheme after it was revealed that more than a dozen party backers were given peerages following million-pound donations. | According to a "Once you pay yo…
(2021-11-08). Nord Stream 2 ready for launch, Gazprom top manager tells investors. rt.com 
The natural gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany "is complete and ready for launch," a senior manager of Russian gas giant Gazprom told investors. | The status report was given by Alexey Finikov, one of Gazprom's officials authorized to speak on its behalf with third parties, in a closed phone conference with investors, TASS reported on Monday. | The construction of the underwater pipeline, which is set to expand Russia's capacity to deliver the fuel directly to Germany, was completed in September. In mid-October, Gazprom said the pipeline was filled with gas. | The company said deliveries may start as s…
(2021-11-08). Pronoun badges for staff at major UK retail chain trigger calls for boycott. rt.com 
Marks & Spencer, a British high street favourite, has started offering staff the opportunity to wear a badge featuring their preferred pronoun, alongside their first name and the firm's logo. | While the badges had been launched a few months ago, they have only recently come to the attention of the British media. | David Parke, UK food public relations manager at Marks & Spencer, shared a photo on his new badge on LinkedIn in October, marking International Pronouns Day. | "I'm so grateful that Marks & Spencer actively encourages us to share our pronouns at work, whether on our name badges or in our email signa…
(2021-11-08). Russian model apologizes after lesbian kiss in front of Moscow's sacred Eternal Flame. rt.com 
A Russian model has publicly apologized for filming a kiss in front of Moscow's Eternal Flame, a sacred war memorial to the Soviet Union's casualties in World War II, located near the Kremlin in the center of the capital. | Writing on Instagram, model Alyona Efremova claimed that the video was old and was not made with the intent of insulting anyone. She is currently under investigation for breaking the law around "desecrating symbols of Russian military glory," which carries a potential punishment of five years behind bars. | "Please accept my sincere apologies for the video filmed three years ago. It was not…
(2021-11-08). China's central bank rolls out new lending tool for carbon reduction. ecns.cn The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the nation's central bank, said on Monday that it has rolled out a supporting tool for carbon reduction as part of efforts to facilitate the country's goal of carbon neutrality.
(2021-11-08). Failure of the Messiah and Another Coup in Georgia? journal-neo.org 
As you know, Georgia is in a major political crisis, and its acute phase has lasted for more than a year now. The government accuses its opponents of preparing a political coup, while the United National Movement (UNM), the pro-Western coalition of former president Mikheil Saakashvili's opposition to the current government, orchestrated by Washington, works …
(2021-11-08). Women Against Military Madness: Stand with the Six. fightbacknews.org Fight News Service is circulating the following statement from Women Against Military Madness (WAMM). | Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) denounces Israel's harassment and criminalization of six Palestinian human rights and grassroots organizations, labeling them "terrorist" organizations. The designation is provocative and dangerous and could result in devastating cuts in funding from international sources as well as grave legal issues for their workers. | Along with a growing number of important international organizations, WAMM stands with the six targeted organizations: Addameer Prisoner Support and…
(2021-11-08). Bi-Co SDS acts in solidarity with Kellogg strikers. fightbacknews.org Lancaster, PA – On Friday, October 29, the Haverford/Bryn Mawr, or Bi-Co, Chapter of Students for a Democratic Society drove to Lancaster in solidarity with striking Kellogg's workers. SDS had coordinated a canned food drive in the week leading up to the event and dropped these goods off at the local BCTGM 374-G (Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union) Union Hall. | Students spoke with the local president and vice president of the union, who, despite being in the fourth week of the strike, were filled with vitality and prepared to negotiate with Kellogg's on the upcoming Tue…
(2021-11-08). Whooper swans thrive in North China wetland park. ecns.cn Whooper swans forage and play in Jingwei Lake National Wetland Park in Shanxi Province in late autumn.
(2021-11-08). Not looking to change China, U.S. official says. ecns.cn The Biden administration is not seeking to change or contain China, but rather its policy is for the two major powers to coexist in the international system, the White House's top security adviser said, as leaders of the two countries plan to meet virtually this month or next.
(2021-11-08). Why is 'Snow Ruyi' built in a valley? ecns.cn As China's first international-standard ski jumping center, the National Ski Jumping Center, known as "Snow Ruyi", is special in its location and material transportation methods during the construction.
(2021-11-08). Visitors enjoy sleep machine at 4th CIIE. ecns.cn A slow wave sleep machine from Canada designed for better sleep attracted many visitors at the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai.
(2021-11-08). How the FBI Spied on Orange County Muslims — And Attempted to Get Away With It | American Civil Liberties Union. aclu.org In 2006, the FBI ordered an informant to pose as a Muslim convert and spy on the congregants of several large, diverse mosques in Orange County, California. The agent, Craig Monteilh, professed his conversion before hundreds of congregants during the month of Ramadan. Renaming himself "Farouk," the informant quickly made friends and impressed members of the community with his seeming devotion. The whole time, he was secretly recording conversations and filming inside people's homes, mosques, and businesses using devices hidden in everyday objects, like the keychain fob of his car keys. | Among those subjected…
(2021-11-08). China to step up COVID-19 control in nurseries for children under 3. ecns.cn China's National Health Commission on Monday called on nurseries that care for children below the age of three to step up their COVID-19 response measures over the winter.
(2021-11-08). Chinese mainland reports 65 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases. ecns.cn The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 65 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said in its daily report on Monday.
(2021-11-08). People visit Intelligent Industry and Information Technology Exhibition Area of 4th CIIE. ecns.cn People visit the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology Exhibition Area of the 4th CIIE, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Shanghai Municipality, Nov. 5, 2021.
(2021-11-08). President meets with role models, loyal guards. ecns.cn President Xi Jinping met on Friday with national role models in the field of emergency management and loyal guards in the firefighting sector who were honored at a recent commendation conference.
(2021-11-08). Belarusian Red Cross is ready to help migrants on Belarusian-Polish border. tass.com The organization added that the representatives of the Belarusian Red Cross were in constant contact with state bodies, public organizations, as well as international partners…
(2021-11-08). USW invites economic chauvinist politician, Sherrod Brown, to ArcelorMittal Tubular Products picket line. wsws.org USW officials respond to the second week of the ArcelorMittal strike by inviting Senator Brown, a nationalist with close ties to the steel companies, to speak with strikers.
(2021-11-08). European leaders display eco-cynicism at COP26. asiatimes.com 
It looks as though polarization has become the new normal. From simple encounters in a shopping mall to (international) politics, we no longer have the time or patience for other human beings, as we are so self-centered that the "me syndrome" appears to be the only pattern that our egos are willing to follow. Gains …