January 18, 2021 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

UK

When conspiracy theories come true: Sunday Times under fire for branding Covid vax passports as ‘freedom certificates’

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

The Sunday Times is facing a social media backlash for pushing Covid-19 vaccination passports as “freedom certificates” with many noting that the idea was considered a crazy conspiracy theory only a few months ago. … Read More >When conspiracy theories come true: Sunday Times under fire for branding Covid vax passports as ‘freedom certificates’

UK

‘Every 30 seconds’ new Covid-19 patient admitted to hospital in England – NHS chief

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Hospitals are filling up with new Covid-19 patients every day by “lunchtime” as people are infected with the virus at a staggering rate, the Chief Executive of NHS England Simon Stevens has said. … Read More >‘Every 30 seconds’ new Covid-19 patient admitted to hospital in England – NHS chief

USA

‘Hello world, IS THIS THING ON?’ Parler reappears online after finding new host, vows to restore free-speech platform ‘soon’

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Parler, the fledgling social media platform that was taken down this month as part of a wide-ranging crackdown by Big Tech, has reappeared online with a one-page message vowing to soon have its service back up and running. … Read More >‘Hello world, IS THIS THING ON?’ Parler reappears online after finding new host, vows to restore free-speech platform ‘soon’

USA

US-based nonprofit sues Apple to REMOVE Telegram over failure to censor ‘hate speech,’ cites Parler crackdown as example

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

The Coalition for a Safer Web, a nonprofit founded by an ex-US ambassador, has sued Apple, demanding it deletes Telegram from its store, arguing that the app is being used to “incite extreme violence” ahead of the inauguration. … Read More >US-based nonprofit sues Apple to REMOVE Telegram over failure to censor ‘hate speech,’ cites Parler crackdown as example

Argentina receives second batch of Russian Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 (VIDEO)

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

A plane carrying 300,000 more doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus has landed in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires to allow the country to complete immunization of its frontline medics. … Read More >Argentina receives second batch of Russian Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 (VIDEO)

EU

German FM says vaccinated people should be exempt from some Covid-19 restrictions

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has called for Covid-19 restrictions for those who have been vaccinated to be relaxed, saying they should get their rights back, as well as business owners who can reopen to serve them. … Read More >German FM says vaccinated people should be exempt from some Covid-19 restrictions

Gunmen kill 2 female Afghan judges in targeted attack in Kabul

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Two female judges have been gunned down by unidentified assailants in Kabul, the latest in a string of attacks that have rocked Afghanistan’s capital amid peace talks with the Taliban. … Read More >Gunmen kill 2 female Afghan judges in targeted attack in Kabul

EU

Water cannons & mounted officers: Unauthorized anti-lockdown rally in Amsterdam invokes strong police response (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets of Amsterdam, decrying restrictive measures against the coronavirus. The unauthorized gathering was met with a strong riot police force. … Read More >Water cannons & mounted officers: Unauthorized anti-lockdown rally in Amsterdam invokes strong police response (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)

Massive caravan of Honduran migrants fights Guatemalan troops on journey to US border (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Hundreds of migrants from Honduras have clashed with Guatemala’s stick-wielding soldiers after a large caravan breached the country’s border en route to the US. … Read More >Massive caravan of Honduran migrants fights Guatemalan troops on journey to US border (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

EU

Austrians must wear FFP2 respirators in malls & on public transport, govt says amid lockdown extension

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021By Editor

Austria has introduced tighter rules on social distancing and mask-wearing, with a nationwide lockdown extended until February 7. Life will hopefully return to normal in the summer, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has said. … Read More >Austrians must wear FFP2 respirators in malls & on public transport, govt says amid lockdown extension