Stories for April 1st 2019

Monday, April 1st 2019 - 09:58 UTC
A preview of Argentina's presidential campaign: “Macri, you son of a b...”

Contrasting and controversial political ads for the Argentine presidential election next October have emerged allegedly launched by Mauricio Macri's advisory team, and they have caused quite a surprise when not a stir. The idea is to promote public works and investments undertaken by the Macri administration despite the virulent criticism of current policies.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 09:00 UTC
Another Vale mining dam collapsed: no deaths reported and “no contamination”

Brazil has suffered another mining dam collapse, though this time there are no reports of dead or missing. The Rondonia state environment secretary says the dam in Oriente Novo gave way after a waterspout damaged its structure on Friday.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:55 UTC
Trump cuts aid to Central American countries to stop immigration to the US

United States opposition politicians and aid agencies have questioned a decision by President Donald Trump to cut off aid to three Central American states. Mr. Trump ordered the suspension of aid payments to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to push their governments to stop migration into the US.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:44 UTC
Petrobras interested in tendering to explore for oil and gas offshore Israel

Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras is considering bidding in a new tender to explore for oil and gas offshore Israel, a leading Israeli financial news website reported on Sunday. Calcalist reported that a final decision could be announced during a four-day visit to Israel by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro that began on Sunday.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:40 UTC
Brazil will open a “business office” in Jerusalem; signs several agreements with Israel

Brazil's Foreign Ministry formally announced on Sunday it will open a “business office” in Jerusalem, backtracking on President Jair Bolsonaro's promise to move his country's embassy to Jerusalem.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:27 UTC
The Revoke Article 50 petition (to halt Brexit) has passed six million signatures

The petition calling on the UK Government to halt the Brexit process has passed six million signatures. The Revoke Article 50 petition, due to be debated by MPs this Monday, is the best-supported proposal in the history of the House of Commons and Government’s e-petitions website.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:20 UTC
Venezuela collapses: no power, water or internet; Schools suspended, workday limited to 02:00 PM

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro announced 30 days of electricity rationing on Sunday, after his government said it was reducing the length of the workday and keeping schools closed due to devastating blackouts plaguing the country.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 08:14 UTC
UK and Chile honor a shared naval hero: Admiral Thomas Cochrane

The First Sea Lord and head of the Chilean Navy have renamed a building inside Portsmouth Naval Base in tribute to a shared naval hero. Admiral Sir Philip Jones and special guest Admiral Julio Leiva Molina unveiled on Sunday the HQ Portsmouth Flotilla as the Cochrane Building.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 06:39 UTC
Falkland Islands Tree Planting At RAF Mount Pleasant Fails To Branch Out

Personnel deployed in the Falkland Islands are met by the sight of trees, but they aren’t just any old trees, these trees grow …er, sideways. British Armed Forces personnel are pleasantly surprised upon arrival at their final destination when posted to RAF Mount Pleasant Complex on the windswept archipelago.
Monday, April 1st 2019 - 06:21 UTC
HMS Clyde to be transferred to the Brazilian navy at the end of 2019

Brazilian media are reporting that the country is to take over HMS Clyde when the Offshore Patrol Vessel leaves Royal Navy service in the Falkland Islands. The news was reportedly announced during a recent event, “Brazil-United Kingdom Defense Industry Dialogue”, held in the Brazilian Navy Cultural Center in São Paulo.