Stories for May 16th 2019

Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 09:24 UTC
Fantastic moments captured as humpback whale breaches

A majestic humpback whale rose above the waves before narrowly missing a fishing boat as it crashed back into the water at Monterey Bay, California, in the United States. The moment was captured in time by photographer Douglas Croft, 60, and whale watcher Kate Cummings, according to Caters News.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 09:08 UTC
Merkel admits “intense debates” with Macron, but compromises are reached

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she and French President Emmanuel Macron have “intense debates” and think differently but can still find compromises, insisting that they are able to drive the European Union forward.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 09:02 UTC
Alabama abortion bill triggers a national debate in US ahead of 2020 elections

Alabama's governor signed a bill on Wednesday to ban nearly all abortions in the state, even in cases of rape and incest, in the latest challenge by conservatives to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 08:58 UTC
UK scientists launch the “Darwinian” project, a new approach to combat cancer resistance to treatments

Cancer scientists in Britain are launching what they call the world's first “Darwinian” drug development program in a bid to get ahead of cancer's ability to become resistant to even the newest treatments and recur in many patients.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 08:45 UTC
Bolsonaro's presence in Dallas triggers controversy with calls to “disinvite” the Brazilian leader

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has not been deterred by activists’ and local leaders’ calls to disinvite Brazil’s controversial president, Jair Bolsonaro, from a speaking event on Thursday. Bolsonaro will be accompanied by a cadre of Brazilian politicians and will meet with business executives from across Texas, the U.S. and Brazil, said Jim Falk, the council branch’s president and CEO.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 08:32 UTC
Austria votes to bans the headscarf in primary schools

Austrian MPs on Wednesday approved a law aimed at banning the headscarf in primary schools, a measure proposed by the ruling right-wing government. So as to avoid charges that the law discriminates against Muslims, the text refers to any “ideologically or religiously influenced clothing which is associated with the covering of the head”.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 08:28 UTC
Trump declares a national emergency and bars foreign telecoms equipment considered a security risk

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on Wednesday barring US companies from using foreign telecoms equipment deemed a security risk - a move that appeared aimed at Chinese giant Huawei.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 08:24 UTC
Oil prices edge up on the Iran situation, but inventories are still very high

Oil prices edged up on Thursday to extend gains into a third straight session, as tensions in the Middle East stoked fears of potential disruptions to supply. Brent crude futures were at US$72.04 a barrel at 0110 GMT, up 27 cents, or 0.4per cent, from their last close. Brent closed up 0.7per cent on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 07:22 UTC
New York mayor de Blasio expected to run for president in 2020

US media have panned him as a potential presidential hopeful and polls suggest an uphill battle, but New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was nonetheless expected Thursday to jump into the crowded 2020 race.
Thursday, May 16th 2019 - 06:48 UTC
US suspends all commercial passenger and cargo flights with Venezuela

The US Department of Transportation on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela, citing reports of unrest and violence around airports in the South American country.