USOC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a statement Olympic chiefs had started formal proceedings to revoke USA Gymnastics’ status as the governing body for the sport in the United States. In an open letter addressed to US gymnasts, Hirshland said USA Gymnastics had failed to “change its culture, to rebuild its leadership, and to effectively serve its membership.” “You deserve… Read more »
Europe has launched a front-line weather satellite into orbit that has components that are over a decade old. The Metop-C spacecraft took off from French Guiana late on Tuesday local time, and will circle the globe, gathering data that will feed into daily forecasts. The satellite was procured at the same time as its two predecessors, but was then stored… Read more »
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed a decision by Brazil’s president-elect to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Mr Netanyahu praised it as “historic, [and] correct”. Palestinians called the move “provocative and illegal”. Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right politician, expressed strong support for Israel during his election campaign. Jerusalem’s status is one of the most contentious issues between Israel… Read more »
The European Central Bank has revoked the licence of Malta’s Pilatus Bank after its chairman was arrested in the US on money-laundering charges. Malta’s Financial Services Authority announced the move, saying it had called on the ECB to take action. Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car-bomb a year ago, accused the bank of processing corrupt payments…. Read more »
British overseas territories hit by natural disasters could get access to foreign aid under plans agreed by the richest nations, the BBC has learned. Some Caribbean islands damaged last year by hurricanes did not get official development assistance because their national incomes were too high. After UK pressure, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has agreed a new mechanism. It… Read more »
Over the past few weeks and months, American media has been covering the migrant caravan as it has advanced it’s way to the Mexican border. Honestly, I have not seen much of an issue with this caravan that has been making it’s way up towards The United States. The amount of money that Donald Trump wants to put into “stopping”… Read more »
Multi-million dollar project is set to span territory home to 424 native communities belonging to 14 native groups. Pucallpa, Peru – Sailing upriver in pitch dark, the Eduardo II reaches a dangerous impasse. The ship’s massive propellers thrust in reverse as it nearly runs aground. A hail of jungle brush and insects crash onto the ship’s deck as the crew anchors… Read more »
Bolsonaro’s rise has come amid a backdrop of economic and political turmoil, corruption scandals and rising violence. Sao Paulo, Brazil – Brazilians go to the polls on Sunday to elect their next president, with most signs suggesting that South America’s most populous nation will elect a far-right ex-army captain who many fear will catapult it into a new era of authoritarian rule. An… Read more »
Group departs from El Salvador as others across Mexico and Central America join thousands on US-bound caravan. Arriaga, Mexico – The pair have been inseparable since they met. Werner Guzman and Paulo Wilmer Martinez bubbled with energy, setting out hours before dawn on Saturday near the front of the group making its way from Central America to the US. “I am… Read more »
Far-right former army captain’s presidential win comes against a backdrop of political, economic and social crises. Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro will be given the keys to Brazil‘s presidential palace on January 1. The 63-year-old far-right former army captain, who vanquished rival Fernando Haddad of the leftist Workers’ Party (PT) in a runoff vote on Sunday, has pledged to radically reform Latin America’s largest country. An outspoken advocate… Read more »