Stories for July 15th 2020

Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 09:46 UTC
Venezuela's justice system “undermined”, fuelling impunity and human rights violations, US report

The independence of Venezuela's justice system has been “considerably undermined”, fuelling impunity and human rights violations, the UN rights chief charged on Tuesday in a report.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:57 UTC
US consumer prices rebounded 0,6% in June; gasoline climbed 12,3% after sliding the previous five months

US consumer prices rebounded by the most in nearly eight years in June, but a resurgence in new COVID-19 cases after the reopening of businesses suggests moderation in demand that could keep inflation muted and allow the Federal Reserve to keep injecting money into the ailing economy.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:56 UTC
Ecuador's US$ 17,4bn debt restructuring plan faces divided bondholders

Ecuador’s government will likely have to sweeten its offer to creditors in order to reach an agreement to restructure US$ 17.4 billion in bonds, say analysts. The government’s proposal already has the backing of one group of creditors, holding around half of the bonds and including AllianceBernstein, Ashmore and BlackRock.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:55 UTC
Exxon resumes drilling in Guyana; local politics battle over the future oil revenue

Exxon Mobil resumed drilling in Guyana last month, underscoring its dedication to the offshore hotspot despite the oil price crash and a messy turn in local politics.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:52 UTC
Canadian investors question Mexican government energy policy, which privileges the state's role

As Mexico celebrated a new trade deal with the United States and Canada on July 1, a group of Canadian energy investors warned their government that Mexico could already be violating the agreement for failing to respect contracts.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:49 UTC
Ushuaia mystery: 57 sailors from fishing vessel infected with the virus after spending 35 days at sea

Argentina is trying to solve a medical mystery after 57 sailors were infected with COVID-19 after 35 days at sea, despite the entire crew testing negative before leaving port. The Echizen Maru fishing trawler returned to port after some of its crew members began exhibiting symptoms typical of Covid-19, the health ministry from Tierra del Fuego province said on Monday.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:44 UTC
Most of US wore face coverings following recommendations from the CDC

Most Americans wore cloth face-coverings after the government recommended their use in April, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a publication released on Tuesday. CDC researchers analyzed data from more than 800 adults in two internet surveys in April and May who reported going outdoors in the past week.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:38 UTC
Trump not interested “right now” on Phase 2 of trade negotiations with China

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday shut the door on Phase 2 trade negotiations with China, saying he does not want to talk to Beijing about trade because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:32 UTC
Nestlé and Cargill face demands from slave descendants of Ivory Coast cocoa farms

The US Supreme Court will decide whether American corporations can be sued for alleged human rights abuses occurring abroad under a 1789 law, agreeing to hear appeals by two companies: Cargill Inc and a Nestle SA subsidiary: accused of knowingly helping perpetuate slavery at Ivory Coast cocoa farms.
Wednesday, July 15th 2020 - 08:28 UTC
Europe opens consultation sessions on how to combat fake news and ensure free and fair elections

The European Commission will this Wednesday seek input from the public and civic bodies on how to combat fake news and ensure free and fair elections, a move that could lead to new rules targeting social platforms such as Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google.