Presidential elections: Poverty, education levels draw battle lines in French election

PARIS, April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — As French President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen head into a presidential run-off on Apr 24 promising to tackle high inflation, an analysis of first-round voting data shows the challenger with an edge in low-income areas hardest hit by soaring costs. Sensing people’s frustration in…

Brazil’s Lula promises indigenous tribes he will reverse Bolsonaro measures

Brazil’s former President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva joins the indigenous people Free Land camp BRASILIA, April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised Brazil’s indigenous people that he would stop illegal mining on their reservations and recognise their land claims if he wins the presidential…

Covid-19: UK’s PM Johnson, Finance Minister Sunak to be fined over ‘partygate’ – govt

LONDON, April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will face fines for breaching Covid-19 lockdown laws in what has become known as the “partygate” scandal, a Downing Street spokeswoman said. “The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have today received notification that…

US violence: At least 29 injured in Brooklyn subway shooting, undetonated devices found

At least 29 people were injured, including 10 who were shot, in the gruesome incident. NEW YORK, April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A madman disguised as a construction worker turned a Brooklyn subway car into a bloodbath during the early-morning rush Tuesday, setting off smoke bombs before opening fire and wounding 29,…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukrainian schools reopens under Moscow control

VOLNOVAKHA (Ukraine), April  13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — In the playground of a school in the war-torn eastern Ukrainian town of Volnovakha, now under Moscow’s control, children listen to a recording of the Russian anthem, watched by armed soldiers. Several dozen pupils have lined up outside for a formal “back to school”…

South Africa rainstorms: At least 45 dead in floods and mudslides

DURBAN (South Africa), April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 45 people have died in floods and mudslides after rainstorms struck the South African port city of Durban and surrounding KwaZulu-Natal province, the authorities saidon Tuesday. “The latest reports indicate that over 45 people have lost their lives as a result…

Quarter of billion face extreme poverty in 2022: Oxfam

 LONDON, April 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Fallout from the Ukraine conflict, growing inequality and Covid could force more than a quarter of a billion people into extreme poverty this year, Oxfam forecast Tuesday. The British-based charity issued the warning in a report published before next week’s annual meetings of the World Bank and International…

Thousands of indigenous Brazilians protest against illegal mining in Amazon

BRASILIA, April 12 (NNN-EFE) — More than 6,000 indigenous people marched in Brasilia on Monday to protest against the policies of President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration and demand the end of illegal mining in the Amazonian reserves. The march progressed peacefully along the esplanade next to government ministries until they reached…

Aerolíneas Argentinas returns to Cuba as ties between countries improve

BUENOS AIRES, April 12 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Aerolineas Argentinas has announced the resumption of flights to Cuba in July. The route had been lifted in 2016 due to political differences between Havana’s regime and the administration of then-President Mauricio Macri. “It is a route that is highly requested by agencies and…

Covid-19: Chile to re-open borders as early as May 1

SANTIAGO, April 12 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The Government of Chile has announced it will be reopening the country’s borders with Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia on May 1 after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Ministry of Interior and Public Security, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the…