Stories for December 24th 2008

Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
British doctors warn of biggest flu outbreak in 8 years

The biggest flu outbreak for eight years could be on its way in the United Kingdom, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) warned after a 73% rise in people seeing their doctor with flu-like symptoms.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK economy shrank faster than expected during third quarter

The United Kingdom economy shrank faster between July and September than had previously been thought, official data showed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it had contracted by 0.6% in the quarter - its previous estimate had been a contraction of 0.5%.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Madonna's Sticky & Sweet nets a gross 280 million USD

Madonna's triumphant Sticky & Sweet has ended with 2,350,282 people attending and a gross of over 280 million US dollars in ticket sales for 58 concerts. Madonna performed in Europe, United States, Canada followed by Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil where her last show was on December 21.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Giant Wal-Mart could end up as Chile's main retailer

The world's largest department stores chain Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced it will launch a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares and American Depositary Shares of Chile's Distribución y Servicio D&S S.A.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina reports lowest growth in five years in October

Argentina reported the lowest economic growth in more than five years in October as factories cut output because of waning sales and exports. The country's economic activity index expanded 5.2% in October compared to the same month a year ago and 0.1% over September.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentine federal court will investigate ex President Kirchner

An Argentine court will investigate former President Nestor Kirchner, the husband and predecessor of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, over possible irregularities in government contracts, court officials confirmed on Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Lula da Silva asks Brazilian consumers to go out and spend

Brazilian President Lula da Silva called on consumers to step up spending to help the economy overcome the global credit crisis while assuring them that inflation will remain under control.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Drought in Argentina and Paraguay threatens soy crops

South America's 2008/09 soy harvest is forecasted to drop from previous estimates because of drought in Argentina and Paraguay according to reports in the Oil World magazine.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Era of cheap gas is coming to an end warns Russia's Putin

The era of cheap gas is coming to an end, Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has told ministers from the world's major gas-exporting countries. Putin said the cost of extracting gas was rising sharply therefore “the era of cheap energy resources, of cheap gas, is of course coming to an end”.
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: Carnival brings a touch of the Caribbean to the South Atlantic; High winds wreak havoc with roofs... and holiday plans; Running to Help the Heroes; A Christmas Message from His Excellency the Governor Mr Alan Huckle