Earth observation satellite captures spring tulips in the Netherlands

Images taken over two weeks show dozens of fields of the colourful flowers as they bloom .

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/earth-observation-satellite-captures-spring-tulips-in-the-netherlands-1.5543018?cmp=rss

Israel plans for occupied West Bank would violate international law: EU

The European Union on Thursday issued a warning against the incoming Israeli government's intention to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, saying that such a move "would constitute a serious violation of international law."

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/eu-israel-west-bank-1.5542655?cmp=rss

Congress debates relief bill, McConnell suggests some states may be better off declaring bankruptcy

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday blasted U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for his comments suggesting bankruptcy would be a better route for some states rather than federal aid, as money is doled out to help buffer an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mcconnell-bankruptcy-comments-1.5542290?cmp=rss

Some good news from around the world on Thursday

With much of the world struggling these days, there is still some good news to report. Here's a brief look.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/some-good-news-from-around-the-world-on-thursday-1.5542459?cmp=rss

Australia to pursue coronavirus investigation at World Health Assembly

Australia will push for an international investigation into the coronavirus pandemic at next month's annual meeting of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, its prime minister said on Thursday.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/australia-who-coronavirus-pandemic-investigation-1.5542172?cmp=rss

4.4M Americans filed for new jobless claims last week, bringing COVID-19 total above 26M

Another 4.4 million Americans filed for government jobless benefits for the first time last week, bringing the total number to more than 26 million people since the middle of March.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/us-jobless-claims-1.5542180?cmp=rss

Vaccine agency director says he was shuffled out by White House for political reasons

The head of a U.S. government agency combatting the coronavirus pandemic alleged Wednesday that he was ousted for opposing politically connected efforts to promote a malaria drug that President Donald Trump touted without proof as a remedy for COVID-19.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-bright-whistleblower-hydroxychloroquine-1.5542131?cmp=rss

Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Thursday

The federal government is expected to announce today new measures aimed at mobilizing the country's scientists and researchers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a look at what's happening in Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-1.5542113?cmp=rss

China announces additional $30M in funding for World Health Organization

China said on Thursday it would donate a further $30 million US to the World Health Organization (WHO), which is seeking more than $1 billion to fund its battle against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 people worldwide.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/who-china-funding-1.5542134?cmp=rss

First Syria torture trial opens in Germany today

The first trial of suspected members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's security services for crimes against humanity, including torture and sexual assault, starts in Germany today.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/germany-syria-trial-1.5542138?cmp=rss

Gun killings in U.S. cities: The scourge not even a pandemic lockdown can stop

Not even a deadly pandemic has halted the spread of another scourge: gun violence in American cities. Despite stay-at-home orders, some cities are seeing similar, or even higher, homicide figures. Meanwhile, some police forces are overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases in their ranks.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pandemic-shootings-usa-1.5541773?cmp=rss