Stories for November 8th 2012

Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:23 UTC
Former Uruguayan presidents disenchanted with Mercosur but divided on the path to follow

Four former elected Uruguayan presidents openly discussed Mercosur revealing an overall disenchantment with the regional political and trade group but with different emphasis as to what was the path to follow.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:17 UTC
Making marihuana legal voted in Colorado and Washington, defying federal law

Colorado and Washington became the first US states to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use in defiance of federal law, setting the stage for a possible showdown with the Obama administration.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:11 UTC
Heat causes massive blackout and the collapse of Buenos Aires city

A heat wave which reached 36 Celsius caused on Wednesday a massive blackout in Argentina’s capital with an estimated three million people suffering lack of power plus such emblematic sites as Government House (Casa Rosada), Congress and the posh district of Puerto Madero.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:08 UTC
Brazil says inflation in October peaked and should begin to ease

Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said on Wednesday that inflation has peaked and indicators are pointing to a retreat to a lower level. Consumer prices rose in October at their fastest pace since April due to higher food prices, government data showed, though a measure of wholesale costs suggested relief should arrive in coming months
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 07:02 UTC
Powerful 7.4-magnitude quake hits Guatemala kills dozens; tremors reach Mexico City

A powerful earthquake off the Pacific coast of Guatemala on Wednesday sent debris crashing down onto cars, collapsed roads and killed dozens in the Central American nation, officials said.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 06:58 UTC
Argentine Judge orders Chevron assets seizure related to court case in Ecuador

An Argentine judge has embargoed up to 19 billion dollars in Chevron assets in connection with an environmental lawsuit by Ecuadorean villagers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said on Wednesday.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 01:53 UTC
Brazil expands investmetns and builds closer economic ties in Africa

Brazilian companies are moving into Africa amid a government drive to build closer economic ties with the continent. A year ago Vale, the Brazilian mining giant, exported its first overseas coal shipment from Mozambique.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 01:49 UTC
Wall Street and rating agencies not pleased with the US elections results

No break for re-elected President Barack Obama. In the midst of what should be a honeymoon victory Fitch Ratings agency called on the newly appointed head of state to quickly “secure agreement on avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' and raising the debt ceiling,” to retain its “AAA” status.
Thursday, November 8th 2012 - 01:45 UTC
Majority of Puerto Rico voters, 54%, favour becoming a full US state

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state. The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote.