Stories for May 2009

Sunday, May 3rd 2009 - 08:27 UTC
Who are the culprits? Swine herd in Canada exposed to human H1N1 virus

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicated Saturday that it has found H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta. However the safety of the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat, said CFIA in an official release.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 10:19 UTC
Uruguay faces critical energy situation because of insufficient rainfall

Uruguay faces a serious energy situation in the coming months because of a record poor rainfall, revealed the National Energy Director Ramón Mendez. Most of Uruguay’s energy is hydroelectric, “which makes it cheaper, but also highly dependent on the climate”.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 10:13 UTC
US car sales down but “Fusion” helps Ford increase market share

United States car sales continued to struggle in April as cash-conscious consumers remained reluctant to buy new vehicles, and the industry faced turmoil. Chrysler saw a 48% drop in April sales from the same month a year ago, a day after seeking bankruptcy protection.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:57 UTC
Gurkha veterans fighting for better treatment from UK government

Jubilant former Gurkhas living in Swindon, some of them Falklands veterans have welcomed the surprise news that their former colleagues could be given equal right of residence to live in the United Kingdom. Mahendra Rai, from Liden, who saw action in the Falkland Islands with the 7th Gurkha Rifles including the bitter battle at Goose Green, was among the veterans at Westminster on Tuesday who witnessed the Government’s defeat on the issue in the House of Commons.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:55 UTC
Panama Canal announces four-month rates reduction period

Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a temporary plan that will provide short-term cost reduction and greater flexibility to its Reservation System. The temporary measures, designed to help mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on the Canal's clients, were approved by the ACP Board of Directors earlier in the week, said spokesmen.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:53 UTC
Bolivia announces agreed nationalization of BP aviation fuel division

Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the nationalization of the local unit of BP's aviation division on Friday, further tightening state control over the energy industry. At a May Day rally, Morales said he signed a decree to take over Air BP, a division of British oil major BP Plc.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:45 UTC
Brazil launches project to become leading oil super-power

Brazil government managed energy company Petrobras on Friday lifted the first sub-salt oil from the massive, ultra-deep, offshore Tupi field in the Santos basin, an action Brazil's government hopes will launch a new era for Latin America's largest economy.
Saturday, May 2nd 2009 - 09:39 UTC
“Itaipú proposal” waits President Lugo when he visits Brazil

Brazil could anticipate payments to Paraguay for the energy from the shared huge Itaipu dam, which should help the Treasury of the weakened President Fernando Lugo. However Brazil would also like to see an end to Paraguay’s intention of modifying the Itaipu dam accord, according to the Brazilian press quoting government sources.
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 13:31 UTC
Falklands’ customers disenchanted with telecoms provider

Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update. Headlines: Lack of trust between Cable and Wireless and the customer; Reckless driving: verdict today
Friday, May 1st 2009 - 13:05 UTC
New York City police incorporates 40 hybrid patrol cars

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly deployed on Thursday 40 marked and unmarked Nissan Altima hybrid patrol cars. The cars are part of the mayor's plan to slash city emissions by 30% by 2017.