Stories for December 4th 2017

Monday, December 4th 2017 - 16:32 UTC
Calved glacier on the loose in south Chile threatening local ship navigation

The recent calving of a large iceberg from a southern Chilean glacier threatens local ship navigation and could result in flooding for coastal communities, experts said. An iceberg measuring some 350 by 380 meters broke from the Grey glacier in far southern Chile in late November.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 14:29 UTC
Despite a poor November, Brazilian trade surplus is 43% higher year to year

Brazil's trade balance posted a US$ 3.546 billion surplus in November, 31.8% lower than the US$ 5.201 billion in October and 25.4% down from November 2016, according to government data.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 10:32 UTC
US regulator allows trading in Bitcoin related financial contracts

Bitcoin has taken another step toward the financial mainstream, after a US regulator said it would let two traditional exchanges begin trading in Bitcoin-related financial contracts. CME Group and CBOE Global Markets exchanges will offer investors Bitcoin futures from later this month.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 08:56 UTC
Hard Brexit puts at risk the Good Friday Agreement, Tony Blair tells BBC

The Good Friday Agreement is “at risk because of Brexit” after the UK leaves the EU, former prime minister Tony Blair has told the BBC. UK and Irish membership of the EU was “central” to the 1998 deal, he told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend. Free movement on the border had been key to reaching an agreement, he said.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 08:44 UTC
IAATO launches free iOS and Android for Antarctica guides

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators launched a free iOS and Android app for staff guiding visitors in Antarctica that makes it quick and easy for users in the field to access essential information, without the need for a phone signal.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 08:30 UTC
Curfew and disobedience in Honduras as vote recount begins

Honduran TV star turned opposition candidate called on Sunday on the country's military to rebel from enforcing a curfew that was imposed after deadly protests followed last week's disputed presidential vote.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 08:23 UTC
Green candidate Marina Silva will run for president in Brazil

Former Brazilian senator and environmental minister Marina Silva said on Sunday that she would seek her party’s nomination to run for president next year. Silva announced her plans at a meeting of her Sustainability Network Party, or REDE, which would officially nominate her at its national convention in April.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:55 UTC
Argentine navy reports three objects registered on sonar search for ARA San Juan

The Argentine navy is trying to make a visual inspection of another three objects that registered on a sonar search for remains of the ARA San Juan submarine that vanished 18 days ago with 44 crew members aboard in the South Atlantic.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:33 UTC
US Congress begins work on major tax reform compromise bill

United States House and Senate lawmakers return to Capitol Hill on Monday to begin working on a major tax cut compromise bill -- just two days after GOP senators narrowly approved their chamber’s plan on a 51-to-49 vote. The House, which has a larger Republican majority, approved its version last month.
Monday, December 4th 2017 - 07:27 UTC
Tusk warns UK on post-Brexit offer: “if unacceptable for Ireland, is also unacceptable for EU”

The EU will refuse Britain’s demand for talks on a post-Brexit transition and future trade pact if Ireland is not satisfied with London’s offer on border arrangements with Northern Ireland, European Council President Donald Tusk said this weekend.