Stories for 2017

Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:45 UTC
Abortion under certain circumstances finally becomes legal in Chile

Chilean Constitutional court on Monday ruled that a law legalizing abortion in certain cases is constitutional, a win for President Michelle Bachelet’s ruling coalition and for groups that have campaigned for years against the country’s strict ban.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:23 UTC
Chinese automaker “deeply interested” in buying Jeep from Fiat Chrysler

A Chinese automaker is “deeply interested” in buying Jeep, an iconic American brand, from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in a move that likely would face political opposition in the U.S. and create angst among workers. Great Wall Motor told trade publication Automotive News it also has “indirectly expressed interest” in acquiring the brand known for its rugged, off-road vehicles.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:10 UTC
Trump announces greater involvement in Afghanistan; Taliban pledge to fight on

President Donald Trump announced on Monday night his administration’s plans to continue the engagement of the United States military in Afghanistan, a strategy meant to combat the influence of the Taliban and the ISIS affiliate in the country that will for go a formal timetable and instead rely upon “conditions on the ground” to guide U.S. activities.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 05:45 UTC
Big Ben falls silent after Monday's midday bongs until Remembrance Sunday and New Year

The Big Ben has fallen silent for major repair work expected to last until 2021. The Monday midday bongs were the last regular chimes from the famous bell until the repairs to its tower are complete. It will still be used for special occasions, including New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 21:02 UTC
Ten Falklands' students in great performance achieve required points for university

The Falkland Islands Education Department has congratulated all A Level students on their results, since they have achieved the required points to continue their studies if they wish to.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 10:42 UTC
Warnings about Northern Ireland peace funding and Brexit negotiations

Lord Peter Hain has called on the government to “soften” its approach to ”taking the UK out of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).” The former secretary of state claimed that such a move could result in Northern Ireland losing millions of pounds of peace funding. The ECJ oversees reconciliation grants to North Ireland in the region of £240 million.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 10:34 UTC
Intellectual property: Trump orders investigation into China's policies and practices

United States has formally launched an investigation into China's policies regarding intellectual property. The top US trade official, Robert Lighthizer, said his office had “determined that these critical issues merit a thorough investigation”.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 09:04 UTC
Australian millennials targeting Antarctica, according to Aussie travel industry

Millennials are known for their wanderlust — their desire to explore the world and experience the unknown. But that obsession with an authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel experience isn’t leaving many countries left on their bucket-list — which is why a surprising destination is having its moment.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 08:45 UTC
Hard Brexit proposal to remove all trade tariffs and barriers sparks strong controversy

Removing all trade tariffs and barriers would help generate an annual £135bn uplift to the UK economy, according to a group of pro-Brexit economists. A “hard” Brexit is “economically much superior to soft” argues Prof Patrick Minford, lead author of a report from Economists for Free Trade, which insists that eliminating tariffs, either within free trade deals or unilaterally, would deliver huge gains.
Monday, August 21st 2017 - 08:22 UTC
Terrorists in Barcelona were planning major attacks: they had 120 gas canisters ready to use in vehicles

The twelve strong terror cell that carried out two attacks in Spain this week had collected 120 gas canisters and was planning to use them in vehicle attacks, Spanish police say. Canisters were found at a house, said to be used by the cell, that blew up in the town of Alcanar on Wednesday night.