Stories for January 2016

Saturday, January 30th 2016 - 11:11 UTC
WHO backs British campaign for a 'sugar tax' on sweet drinks

In a new report on rising childhood obesity, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the British campaign for a “sugar tax” on sweet drinks. There is “strong evidence” that a sugar tax will work alongside two other measures to tackle childhood obesity: a ban on the sale of unhealthy food by schools, and a crackdown on the marketing of junk food to children, the report states.
Saturday, January 30th 2016 - 11:05 UTC
OAS Special mission to Haiti to help reach an understanding following suspension of elections

The Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) to Haiti is scheduled to arrive in Port-au-Prince on Sunday, headed by the Chair of the OAS Permanent Council Representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Ronald Sanders.
Saturday, January 30th 2016 - 10:45 UTC
Argentina ends power subsidies; some bills could increase by as much as 500%

Argentina's energy minister on Friday announced new power rates on the back of subsidy cuts that could see the bills of some consumers jump five-fold, saying that a near total freeze on tariffs in parts of the country for years had left the power grid “on the brink of collapse.”
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 04:40 UTC
US economy in a bubble, says Trump, ”I hope they pop before I become president'

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said the United States economy is in a bubble he fears will burst and he does not want to deal with a financial collapse if he is elected to the White House.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 04:31 UTC
Brazil unveils US$ 20bn credit plan to revive economy; 'raid' on workers' pension funds

Brazil will release 83 billion reais (US$20.4 billion) in new credit from state-run banks for farmers, builders and other businesses suffering in a shrinking economy, resuming stimulus efforts it had largely eschewed in last year's austerity drive.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 04:25 UTC
CONMEBOL unanimous support for Infantino; crucial meeting of African football

Gianni Infantino the UEFA secretary general on Thursday picked up unanimous support for his FIFA presidency bid from the ten members of CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football. Also on Thursday, Trinidad & Tobago endorsed Infantino. On Monday, the seven federations of Central American football announced their support.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 04:11 UTC
Canadian company interested in Uruguay's main (broke) fish industry complex

A Canadian corporation, Cooke Aquaculture is apparently interested in taking over Uruguay's main fish industry company, FRIPUR, which is under administration and liquidation and ended all operations almost six months ago.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 03:58 UTC
Petrobras corruption uncovers beach-side apartments used as bribes and money laundering

Beach-side apartments in Brazil may have been used as bribes and to launder money for members of the ruling Workers’ Party (PT), police and prosecutors said as they carried out six arrests and executed 15 search warrants in four cities.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 03:54 UTC
Pope Francis receives Macri at the Vatican 27 February

Pope Francis will be receiving President Mauricio Macri on February 27, the first official meeting between both leaders since Macri took office in December. The meeting was confirmed by government sources.
Friday, January 29th 2016 - 03:45 UTC
WHO admits as possible four million cases of Zika; emergency meeting Monday

The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the Zika virus, which is spreading through the Americas, to affect between three million and four million people, a disease expert said on Thursday. WHO's director-general said the spread of the mosquito-borne disease had gone from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions.