Stories for August 2019

Tuesday, August 20th 2019 - 07:40 UTC
Francis involvement in Argentine politics, is “an idea belonging to science fiction”

A bishop had denied point-blank any involvement of Pope Francis in Argentine politics, following on August 11 presidential primaries, which have quashed President Mauricio Macri's reelection aspirations, increasing opposition candidate Alberto Fernandez chances of taking office next 10 December, while Latin America's third economy was driven into financial chaos as the word default creeps intensely as a possibility in the near future.
Tuesday, August 20th 2019 - 02:46 UTC
Amazon defeats IRS appeal on tax treatment of intangible assets

Amazon.com Inc on Friday defeated an appeal by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in what the online retailer has called a US$1.5 billion dispute over its tax treatment of transactions with a Luxembourg subsidiary.
Tuesday, August 20th 2019 - 02:42 UTC
Retrial ruling could become a milestone for Salvadoran women prosecuted for abortion

The verdict in a retrial of a Salvadoran woman convicted of aggravated homicide after a stillbirth is expected on Monday, the woman's lawyer said on Friday, in a closely watched case that could overturn a 30-year prison sentence.
Tuesday, August 20th 2019 - 02:40 UTC
Airbnb revenue up 31% in first quarter and reached US$ 9.4bn

Airbnb Inc recorded US$9.4 billion in total booking value in the first quarter, up 31% from the year-ago quarter, a key number that could help pull in investors as the home-sharing company plans its foray into the public market.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 22:13 UTC
Qatar painting roads in blue to combat effects of extreme heat

City administration of the capital of Qatar, Doha, began painting city roads in blue, as part of a pilot project to combat the effects of extreme heat. Qatar is scheduled to host the 2022 World Cup.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 22:07 UTC
Trump admits Apple's CEO “made a good case” on impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he has spoken with Apple's chief executive Tim Cook about the impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as competition from South Korean company Samsung.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 22:03 UTC
Women in Mexico take to the streets demanding protection from police abuses

Hundreds of women demanding protection from Mexico City's police force took to the streets after a number of high-profile sexual assault cases involving serving officers. To shouts of “I do believe you!” and “My friends protect me, you don't,” the initially peaceful rally ended with some participants lighting a fire on the second floor of a police building and vandalizing a bus station.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 10:46 UTC
China trusts Argentina and acquires 50% of lithium brine project in Jujuy

China's Ganfeng Lithium , said on Sunday it had completed a US$ 160 million deal to raise its stake in the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine project in the northern province of Jujuy, Argentina to 50%.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 10:43 UTC
Beijing wants the full integration of Hong Kong and Macau to Shenzhen industrial hub

China’s State Council has called for greater development of the southern city of Shenzhen and the integration of its culture and economy with neighboring Hong Kong and Macau. The directive comes as anti-government protests in Hong Kong threaten the status of the Asian financial hub.
Monday, August 19th 2019 - 10:35 UTC
Queen 'talked Lord Mountbatten out of 1968 plot to overthrow Labour government

In an advance of a book to be launched this week, “The Mountbattens”, Lives & Loves”, author Andrew Lownie reveals how the Queen, in 1968, talked Lord Mountbatten out of leading a plot to overthrow the Labor government, then headed by Harold Wilson.