Stories for December 13th 2018

Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 21:19 UTC
Socialist Pablo Iglesias regrets about Venezuela: “The political and economic situation is disastrous”

The Spanish Socialist leader, Pablo Iglesias, appeared before the Spanish Senate on Thursday over the alleged illegal financing that his political coalition, Podemos, could have received from Venezuela and Iran. In a tense debate with a senator from the Popular Party (PP), Iglesias said that the situation in the South American country “is disastrous” and that he regrets things he has said in the past.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 13:04 UTC
President Vizcarra announces political reforms in Peru after Sunday's referendum

Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra Wednesday announced a set of political reforms after most of his proposals drew overwhelming support in last Sunday's referendum.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 12:32 UTC
Former carabineros Sgt admits he was ordered to lie in Catrillanca case probe

Former Carabineros Sergeant Carlos Alarcón told prosecutors that he and his fellow servicemen were coached to hide the truth from investigators in the death of Mapuche leader Camilo Catrillanca Marín on November 14 in La Araucania, it was reported Tuesday.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 10:22 UTC
Uber lands in Paraguay, starts taking applications from would-be drivers

The international carpool company Uber made its official arrival in Paraguay Wednesday and starts receiving applications from potential drivers as of Thursday, it was announced. The service will become available for now in the cities of Asunción and Encarnación.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 09:24 UTC
Arizona processor recalls beef infected with salmonella; company is subsidiary of Brazil's JBS

An Arizona meat processor in the United States is recalling 12 million pounds of raw beef that health officials say already has sickened 246 people in 25 states with salmonella. JBS Tolleson Inc. said it was voluntarily expanding an October recall by about 5 million pounds, making it one of the largest recalls of ground beef in history.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 09:15 UTC
Huawei dispute: China arrests second Canadian on suspicion of harming state security

Canadian businessman Michael Spavor, who worked with North Korea, is being investigated on suspicion of harming China’s state security, officials said, days after a former Canadian diplomat was detained in China in an escalating diplomatic row.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 09:10 UTC
Corruption investigation into Brazil's major meatpacker JBS SA

Brazilian police made public an investigation into corruption involving three senators and three lawmakers that stemmed from a related probe into major meatpacker JBS SA. The police carried out 24 search-and-seizure warrants in the early morning hours, they said in a written statement, as part of an investigation into money laundering and corruption, among other crimes.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 09:04 UTC
Bolivia, Germany agree to join efforts in extracting lithium from Uyuni

Germany and Bolivia will join forces for the extraction of lithium, as Europe's largest economy moves to secure supplies for battery-powered vehicles, which are believed to be looming over, the German government announced Wednesday.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 08:49 UTC
US consumer prices in November unchanged, with sharp decline for gasoline

The United States consumer prices were unchanged in November, held back by a sharp decline in the price of gasoline, but underlying inflation pressures remained firm amid rising rents and healthcare costs. The strength in underlying inflation reported by the Labor Department on Wednesday supports views that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at its Dec. 18-19 policy meeting. The U.S. central bank has hiked rates three times this year.
Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 08:20 UTC
Brazilian faith healer of international reputation accused of iterated sexual abuse

More than 200 people have come forward with complaints of sexual abuse by a Brazilian faith healer, authorities said on Wednesday. The accusations against Joao Teixeira de Faria, who uses the name Joao de Deus in his practice, began last week after several alleged victims spoke on a Globo News television program of sexual violence going back years.