Stories for December 2023

Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:53 UTC
Buenos Aires: Two arrested in first mass rally against the government

Two people were arrested Wednesday in Buenos Aires as leftwing groups staged a demonstration at Plaza de Mayo to commemorate another anniversary of the 2001 killings of protesters during the uprising against then-President Fernando de la Rúa who eventually resigned.
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:50 UTC
Alleged Maduro frontman benefits from prisoner swap with US

Colombian businessman Alex Saab, who is said to be a frontman for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was released from jail Wednesday by the United States in exchange for several Americans detained by Caracas together with other political prisoners.
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:43 UTC
Pot-banging protests surge after Milei's announcement

Many Argentines took to the streets or their balconies Wednesday evening banging pots and pans in rejection of President Javier Milei's emergency decree DNU providing for the deregulation of the country's economy.
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:38 UTC
First human case of equine encephalitis reported in Argentina

Argentine authorities confirmed Wednesday the first case of Equine Encephalitis in a human patient who was hospitalized in Reconquista, in the province of Santa Fe. The last records of humans affected by this disease in the country date back to 1983 and 1996. No vaccines are effective in humans.
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:34 UTC
Ex-leader of Surinam sentenced to twenty years in jail

An ex-elected president (and dictator?) of the former Dutch colony of Suriname, Desi Bouterse has been confirmed he must spend twenty years in prison for the execution of fifteen political opponents in December 1982, according to the ruling of a three-judge appeal panel.
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 10:29 UTC
Falklands festivity: Christmas lights switched on in Stanley

Christmas lights were switched on this week in the Falkland Islands capital, the City of Stanley. It was rather late, around 10pm because it's so near midsummer in the South Atlantic and in the Falklands that means light until late. Finally feeling festive!
Thursday, December 21st 2023 - 08:52 UTC
European Union agrees on new spending rules, but to be implemented in 2025

Following an agreement between heavyweights Germany and France, the European Union has anticipated lower budget deficits and falling debt ratios to boost investment. The decision was praised by the northern EU austerity members and also by the southern countries, normally more lenient on spending.
Wednesday, December 20th 2023 - 20:22 UTC
Falklands, new confirmed avian influenza case: black browed albatross

On Tuesday 28 November 2023 a black-browed albatross, that was found dead on Steeple Jason, was swabbed for highly pathogenic avian influenza. A positive result was returned.
Wednesday, December 20th 2023 - 20:03 UTC
US organizes deployment of multinational naval force in the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping

The United States has organized the deployment in the Red Sea of a multinational naval force to defend against attacks on international shipping in the region. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, currently visiting Bahrain made the announcement.
Wednesday, December 20th 2023 - 18:00 UTC
Ex-Royal Marine attempting a Guinness World Record by skiing to the South Pole

A Welsh ex-Royal Marine from Seven Sisters in Neath Port Talbot, Dave Thomas, is aiming to set a new Guinness World Record, becoming the oldest person to ski unsupported from Hercules Inlet, in West Antarctica, to the South Pole, reports BBC.