Politics

Thursday, August 2nd 2018 - 08:04 UTC
Power outages in Venezuela turn once rich cities into ghost towns

The state of Zulia, the historic heart of Venezuela’s energy industry that was for decades known for opulent oil wealth, has been plunged into darkness for several hours a day since March, sometimes leaving its 3.7 million residents with no electricity for up to 24 hours.
Thursday, August 2nd 2018 - 07:35 UTC
Santos convinced that Maduro's days in Venezuela are numbered, “in the near future”

Nicolas Maduro's days as president of crisis-ravaged Venezuela are numbered, his outgoing Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos told the French government news agency.“I can see it happening in the near future,” said Santos, pointing to the International Monetary Fund's latest projection that Venezuela's inflation will hit one million percent this year.
Thursday, August 2nd 2018 - 07:24 UTC
Macri admits annual inflation will reach 30%, “product of this storm”

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri is acknowledging for the first time that the country's annual inflation rate will be 30%. Macri said Tuesday that the high consumer prices “unfortunately are a product of this storm.” He was referring to a sharp devaluation of Argentina's currency and a recent run on the Peso.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 13:50 UTC
Facebook in Brazil cracks down on misinformation networks ahead of election

Facebook Inc on Wednesday took down a network of pages and accounts used by a right-wing Brazilian activist group, cracking down on what it called a misinformation network ahead of elections in October.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:45 UTC
US Judge blocks release of software that allows 3D-print firearms

A US federal judge in Seattle has blocked the release of software that allows consumers to 3D-print firearms. Gun access advocacy group Defense Distributed was due to put downloadable gun blueprints online on Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:36 UTC
Theresa May will hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron on Friday

Prime Minister Theresa May is to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Downing Street says. Mrs. May has been invited to Mr. Macron's holiday retreat in the south of France. It comes as the UK government steps up its engagement with counterparts in the EU over Brexit.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:31 UTC
UK government engaged in “sensible precautions” in case of a no-deal Brexit

Downing Street has insisted the UK Government is engaged in “good planning” and taking “sensible precautions” in case there is a no-deal Brexit. Asked if Theresa May would continue to lead the country if her negotiations fail and the UK is plunged into a no-deal scenario, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said she is “fully committed to delivering on the will of the British people”.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:18 UTC
Brazil investigating collusion and price fixing at the fuel pump: largest distributors targeted

Brazil’s three largest fuel distribution companies are under investigation for fixing prices at the pump, police said on Tuesday, reigniting debate over potential collusion among gas station owners in Latin America’s largest oil producer.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 08:04 UTC
Ortega admits armed and masked paramilitaries were a “volunteer police”

Nicaragua's veteran leader Daniel Ortega defended brutal action by his forces against anti-government protesters, as the United States warned he and his wife were “ultimately responsible” for deaths and rights violations.
Wednesday, August 1st 2018 - 07:12 UTC
China and Argentina ties increasingly closer

China's offer of financial support to Argentina is the latest example of the Asian nation filling a vacuum in what has traditionally been the backyard of the U.S. While President Donald Trump has not paid a visit to Latin America since his inauguration in January 2017, China has stepped up its financial assistance to Argentina and worked to strengthen their trade ties.