Stories for August 2020

Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:27 UTC
Protestors in several cities call for an end to the Spanish monarchy

Protesters on Sunday called for an end to the Spanish monarchy after the sudden departure of the former king Juan Carlos from the country this week amid a corruption scandal. Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014 in favor of his son Felipe, abruptly announced his decision to leave on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of where he went, setting off an international guessing game.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:06 UTC
Collective suit filed in Paris against Costa Cruises by 850 French passengers

Around 850 French passengers who were onboard a coronavirus-riddled cruise ship that was turned away from numerous ports in March have filed a collective suit in Paris with 180 complaints, including manslaughter, against Costa Cruises, their lawyer said on Sunday.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:06 UTC
Britain gets tougher on “boat people” crossing the Channel

Britain appointed a commander on Sunday to lead its response to illegal small boat crossings across the Channel and said it was exploring tougher action after a spate of migrant arrivals.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:06 UTC
US cabinet minister visits Taiwan; Beijing furious condemns the trip

A US cabinet member was due to meet Taiwan's leader this Monday during the highest-level visit from the United States since it switched diplomatic recognition from the island to China in 1979, a trip that Beijing has condemned.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:06 UTC
Beirut port explosion left a 43-meter deep crater; angry protests against the political class

The huge chemical explosion that hit Beirut's port, devastating large parts of the Lebanese capital and claiming over 150 lives, left a 43-metre (141 foot) deep crater, a security official said on Sunday.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:06 UTC
Covid-19 daily death count controversy in the UK

The UK's official COVID-19 daily death count could be scrapped following an investigation into Public Health England's method of counting the toll, The Telegraph newspaper reported.
Monday, August 10th 2020 - 06:02 UTC
A Spanish bishop fervent defender of Amazon indigenous peoples dies 92 in Brazil

The Spanish bishop Pedro Casaldaliga, a fervent defender of the indigenous people of the Amazon, died Saturday at the age of 92 in Brazil, where he had been living since 1968, his office said.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:30 UTC
Latin America becomes the region hardest-hit by coronavirus deaths

Latin America and the Caribbean surpassed Europe on Friday to become the region hardest-hit by coronavirus deaths, as India passed the somber step of recording over two million infections. The world's worst-hit region had reported 213,120 fatalities, 460 more than Europe, according to a tally based on official data.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:20 UTC
Credit rating agencies have their doubts about Argentina's economic outlook

Argentina’s US$ 65 billion debt restructuring agreement with bondholders will likely lead to credit upgrades but is far from ensuring the country’s longer-term economic future, rating agencies commented on Thursday.
Saturday, August 8th 2020 - 08:19 UTC
Covid-19 free South Georgia stands ready to welcome vsitors, but with extra precautions

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a range of obstacles to navigate in order for the 2020/21 tourism season to take place, however, the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, GSGSSI, is committed to meet the challenge and facilitate visits where possible, without compromising on our commitment to safe and environmentally sensitive tourism.