Stories for July 2023

Monday, July 24th 2023 - 10:20 UTC
Tories, after a rough week fight back laws to stop irregular migrant boats and prop the economy

Following a rough week with adverse electoral results and poor prospects for a general election next year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a strong comeback with new laws to help stop the irregular boats crossing the English Channel, grow the economy, support families and deliver on the priorities that matter most to the United Kingdom, have received Royal Assent.
Monday, July 24th 2023 - 10:19 UTC
Biden picks female Admiral to head US Navy

US President Joseph Biden has chosen Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the next Navy Chief of Staff in an unprecedented decision. If confirmed, Franchetti, 59, would be the first woman to become a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Franchetti, the current Navy's vice chief of operations, is said to have broad command and executive experience.
Monday, July 24th 2023 - 10:00 UTC
No majority achieved after Spain's snap elections

Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party (PP) won Sunday's general elections but is short of votes to make Alberto Núñez Feijoó, even though an alliance with the far-right VOX movement, it was reported in Madrid after over 98% of the polling stations were counted.
Monday, July 24th 2023 - 10:00 UTC
Lula needs hip surgery sometime this year

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Sunday underwent pain-killing treatment at Sao Paulo's Hospital Sirio Libanês before attending a metalworkers' union event, it was reported. Lula has publicly complained of hip pain in recent months.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 11:27 UTC
Brazil: Federal gov't instructs States to issue animal health alert over bird blu

In a move to prevent the spread of avian flu onto commercial poultry, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has directed State governments to declare an animal health emergency, Agencia Brasil reported Friday.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 11:25 UTC
Uruguay: Finnish pulp mills granted use of Fray Bentos free-trade zone until 2053

The Uruguayan Government this week extended the term of exploitation of the Fray Bentos duty-free zone to the company UPM until 2053, it was reported in Montevideo.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 10:59 UTC
Argentine President confident about ongoing negotiations with IMF

Argentine President Alberto Fernández Friday spoke with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss a new understanding ahead of this year's elections, it was reported in Buenos Aires.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 10:58 UTC
Chile: No house arrest for those convicted of human rights violations

The Chilean administration of President Gabriel Boric Font Friday spoke against granting house arrest to military personnel convicted of human rights violations during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990). Justice Minister Luis Cordero denounced a proposal submitted by the ultra-right Republican Party in this regard.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 10:49 UTC
Brazil: 18 illegal miners arrested in Yanomami land

Brazilian authorities this week arrested 18 illegal miners (garimpeiros) in Yanomami Indigenous Land during the joint operation Ágata Fronteira Norte, according to Defense Ministry sources, Agencia Brasil reported Friday.
Saturday, July 22nd 2023 - 10:41 UTC
Lula signs decree limiting access to guns

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Friday signed a decree limiting access to guns as part of the “Security Action Program” to curb violence in South America's largest country, it was reported.