Stories for June 2017

Wednesday, June 7th 2017 - 06:26 UTC
Theresa May puts tackling suspected terrorists above human rights laws

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will change human rights laws if they “get in the way” of tackling suspected terrorists. The PM said she would make it easier to deport foreign terror suspects and “restrict the freedom and movements” of those that present a threat. Labour said it was “not the message that we should be sending”.
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 08:05 UTC
UN opens conference on the health of the world's oceans and seas

Opening a “game-changing” international conference on the health of the world’s oceans and seas, top United Nations officials urged on Monday coordinated global action to protect the planet. Speaking in the UN General Assembly Hall, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned Governments that unless they overcome short-term territorial and resource interests, the state of the oceans will continue to deteriorate.
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 07:33 UTC
“Pink slime” trial: beef plant demanding US$ 5.7bn from ABC for “fake news”

A trial has begun in South Dakota over a meat processer's claim that it was defamed by ABC News reporting that dubbed its product “pink slime”. Beef Products Inc (BPI) argues ABC and its journalist ruined its reputation in 2012 reports on “lean finely textured beef”, as the industry calls it.
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 07:12 UTC
“Cherish the planet that protect us” urges UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

On World Environment Day, which is observed on 5 June every year, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres urged everyone to ''cherish the planet that protect us''. In a video message, “Connecting people to Nature”, uploaded on YouTube, Guterres said, “Without a healthy environment we can't end poverty or build prosperity. We all have a role to play in protecting our only home.”
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 07:03 UTC
Temer receives 84 questions from the federal Police; he has 24 hours to reply

Brazilian media are reporting late Monday that the country's federal police have asked embattled President Michel Temer 84 questions related to an investigation of corruption allegations against him. Temer has faced growing calls to resign amid the scandal. He has 24 hours to reply to the questions delivered Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 06:54 UTC
British Airways says “human error” led to travel chaos for 75.000 passengers

The boss of British Airways' parent company says that human error caused an IT meltdown that led to travel chaos for 75,000 passengers. Willie Walsh. chief executive of IAG, said an engineer disconnected a power supply, with the major damage caused by a surge when it was reconnected. He said there would now be an independent investigation “to learn from the experience”.
Tuesday, June 6th 2017 - 06:35 UTC
Qatar planes banned from Saudi, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain air space

Qatari planes are to be banned from Egyptian and Saudi air space, as a growing diplomatic row in the Gulf threatens large-scale air disruption. Several countries have cut ties with the tiny Gulf state over accusations of supporting extremism in the region.
Monday, June 5th 2017 - 22:49 UTC
Beer sales falling worldwide; wine relatively flat and spirits up 0.3%

People are drinking fewer alcoholic drinks, according to a new industry report tracking consumption worldwide. Beer sales continued to slide last year and the trend towards cider sipping stalled.
Monday, June 5th 2017 - 10:26 UTC
Arab countries isolate Qatar; Emirate is accused of cozying to Iran and supporting terrorism

Arab countries began cutting off diplomatic relations with the Persian Gulf emirate of Qatar on Monday, accusing it in general terms of supporting terrorism. Egypt accused Qatar specifically of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's state news agency reported.
Monday, June 5th 2017 - 10:11 UTC
London attacks trigger controversy over tighter regulation for internet and “safe spaces”

Prime Minister Theresa May has been warned that her promise to tighten regulation on tech firms after the London attacks will not work. Mrs. May said areas of the internet must be closed because tech giants provided a “safe space” for terrorist ideology.