Politics

Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 09:15 UTC
US trade deficit widens sharply in December: imports increase, exports drop

The US trade deficit widened sharply in December as slowing global demand and a strong dollar weighed on exports, another sign that economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter. Other data from the Commerce Department on Wednesday showed new orders for US-made goods barely rose in December and business spending on equipment was much weaker than previously thought, pointing to a softening in manufacturing activity.
Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 09:00 UTC
Cesarean surgery to an 11-year old raped girl reopens abortion debate in Argentina

The cesarean section carried out on an 11-year-old girl raped by her grandmother's husband has reopened the debate about abortion in Argentina, where rules on pregnancy terminations are strict.
Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 08:54 UTC
Bolsonaro pays tribute to Brazilian and Paraguayan military rulers

Jair Bolsonaro paid tribute to the former dictators of Brazil and Paraguay this week at a ceremony to celebrate the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The Brazilian president, who has spoken previously of his admiration for the military dictatorship that ruled his nation from 1964 to 1985, praised former Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner as a “man of vision.”
Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 08:32 UTC
Obvious: Brazilians split over pensions' reform, but support for Bolsonaro remains solid

Brazilians are split on a proposed overhaul of the country’s pension system, a poll showed on Tuesday, while most said they approve of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro’s performance.
Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 08:23 UTC
Investigation into Odebrecht corruption network in the Netherlands

Prosecutors raided locations across the Netherlands on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the alleged use of shell companies to distribute US$ 100 million in bribes on behalf of Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht SA.
Thursday, February 28th 2019 - 07:15 UTC
Jeremy Corbyn tells Parliament Labour will support another EU referendum

Jeremy Corbyn says Labour will back another EU referendum after his alternative Brexit plan was again defeated in the Commons. But the Labour leader said he will also continue to push for “other available options” including a general election.
Wednesday, February 27th 2019 - 09:27 UTC
Orthodox, US trained economist, Campos Neto confirmed as Brazilian central bank governor

Brazil's Senate-confirmed Roberto Campos Neto as central bank governor on Tuesday, after he stressed that controlling inflation and reining in public spending were critical to supporting economic growth.
Wednesday, February 27th 2019 - 09:20 UTC
Brexit deadline: Mrs May promises a vote on delaying UK's withdrawal

Theresa May has promised MPs a vote on delaying the UK's departure from the EU or ruling out a no-deal Brexit, if they reject her deal next month. Mrs. May made a statement to MPs about Brexit on Tuesday, amid the threat of a revolt by Remain-supporting ministers
Wednesday, February 27th 2019 - 09:17 UTC
Brazil says glyphosate is non-cancerous, but health risks remain for those exposed to the weed-killer

Analysts at Brazilian health agency Anvisa have determined that the weed-killer glyphosate does not cause cancer while recommending exposure limits as international pressure to reduce use of the chemical grows. Companies such as Bayer AG and its unit Monsanto, which produces glyphosate-based weed-killers, have faced legal challenges over allegations that glyphosate causes cancer. A new study published this month also links high exposure to cancer.
Wednesday, February 27th 2019 - 08:54 UTC
North Korea could thrive as Vietnam, “and very quickly, if it would denuclearize,” Trump said

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet this Wednesday for their second summit, betting their personal relationship can break a stalemate over the North's nuclear weapons and end more than 70 years of hostility.