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☆ Mexico's automotive production and exports rise in March
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

April 10 (Reuters) - Mexican automotive production and exports rose in March from the same month a year earlier, data from the national statistics agency (INEGI) showed on Monday. Production increased by 13.12% to 346,124 vehicles, while auto exports rose 3.88% to 272,687 vehicles, the data showed. Reporting by Ricardo Figuero; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 'Stranger Things' animated series coming to Netflix
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, April 10 (Reuters) - An animated series set in the sci-fi world of "Stranger Things" is in development at Netflix (NFLX.O), part of the streaming service's efforts to expand the hit series into a wide-ranging franchise. Netflix announced the series in a statement released on Monday but gave no title or release date and few details. "We’ve always dreamed of an animated 'Stranger Things' in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving," the Duffer brothers, creators of the original "Stranger Things" series, said in the statement. "Stranger Things" debuted on Netflix in 2016 and became the company's most-watched English language series. Netflix had previously announced that a "Stranger Things" spinoff show was in the works and a play that will debut at London's West End in November.

☆ 'It was heartbreaking': Ukraine children back home after alleged deportation
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Anna Dabrowska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

But once in Crimea, Russian officials said the children would be staying for longer. Dasha's mother Natalia said she had travelled from Ukraine to Crimea via Poland, Belarus and Moscow to get her daughters. "It was heartbreaking to look at children left behind who were crying behind the fence," she said. The children were taken to what Russians called stays in summer camps from occupied parts of Ukraine's Kharkiv and Kherson regions, Kuleba said. Save Ukraine said they came home on a previous mission last month that returned 18 children in total.

But based on Friday's figures, Russia posted a surplus in March of 181 billion roubles, improving on deficits of 821 billion roubles in February and 1.76 trillion roubles in January. Spending accelerated 34% in the quarter to 8.1 trillion roubles, the preliminary data showed. Overall government income was down 20.8% in the quarter compared with 2022 at 5.7 trillion roubles, led by a 45% dive in energy revenues to 1.64 trillion roubles, the data showed. "The large budget deficit...increases nervousness on the market in relation to the price that geopolitical tensions are costing, and requires efforts directed at improving budget revenues," she said. The central bank has repeatedly warned that the budget deficit poses inflationary risks and may compel it to raise interest rates from the current 7.5%.

☆ Chile enacts laws, allots $1.5 bln to fight crime amid police killings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SANTIAGO, April 6 (Reuters) - Chile on Thursday signed new laws and allocated $1.5 billion to fight crime amid skyrocketing perceptions of insecurity and a day after the third police officer in less than a month was killed on duty. Boric announced $1.5 billion in added security spending and signed off on four new laws that the government says will help fight organized crime, drug trafficking and crime. Chile's police force has faced human rights abuse accusations following a heavy-handed crackdown of the violent 2019 protests against inequality. Polls show voters largely disapprove of the government's handling of crime and Boric has since hardened his stance. Palma is the third police officer to be killed on duty in less than a month, sparking public backlash.

NEW DELHI/LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - Global fuel suppliers are turning to longer and costlier routes that produce more carbon emissions to move their diesel and other products as Western restrictions on Russian cargoes have reshuffled global energy shipping patterns. The ban comes on top of a halt late last year on Russian crude sales into the bloc as well as Western price caps. Also in March, Russian clean products shipped to Togo reached 973 million MT-NM, up from zero in November. Conversely, Russian exports to the Netherlands dropped to 238,200 tonnes in February from 1.15 million tonnes in September. Those longer distances are being done at higher costs for Russian products than for typical shipments from Europe.

☆ Rising consumer prices in Mexico eased to a 17-month low in March
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

February's inflation rate stood at 7.62%. Still, core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, slowed to 8.09% from 8.29% the previous month. Month-on-month, Mexico's headline consumer price index rose by 0.27% in March, just under the 0.31% forecast in a Reuters poll. The latest data came ahead of a virtual meeting Wednesday between Latin American leaders from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, to discuss measures aimed at combating rising prices in the region. Last week, Mexico's central bank hiked its key interest rate to 11.25%, but moderating the pace of its tightening cycle.

☆ Mexico inflation eases to 17-month low of 6.85% in March
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 5 (Reuters) - Mexico's annual inflation slowed in March by more than expected to 6.85%, the lowest rate in nearly 1-1/2 years, although core price pressures remained elevated, data from national statistics agency INEGI showed on Wednesday. The March reading was the lowest since October 2021, and came in below the consensus forecast of 6.90%, as determined by a Reuters poll. Still, a measure of core inflation, which strips out some volatile items, slowed less than anticipated to 8.09% from 8.29% the previous month. Month-on-month, Mexico's headline consumer price index rose by 0.27%, less than the 0.31% forecast in the Reuters poll. Banxico has raised rates by 725 basis points since its rate-hiking cycle started in June 2021 to combat inflation.

Last week's official data showed annual industrial output decline slowed in February, largely thanks to the defence sector, offsetting some of the damage wrought mainly by sanctions on Russia's key energy exports. Russian industrial output fell 1.7% year-on-year in February after a 2.4% drop in January, data from the federal statistics service Rosstat showed. Polevoy estimated that non-defence industrial production shrank about 8% year-on-year, while output of sectors with a high share of state defence orders jumped 36%. The decline in energy revenues has pushed Russia's budget deficit to $34 billion in January-February, compared with a surplus of $4 billion in 2022. LONG-TERM DECLINEAn independent study last month suggested Russia's middle class will shrink as social inequality grows, even if sanctions get relaxed.

☆ El Salvador condemns staff at Mexican migrant center after deadly fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 29 (Reuters) - El Salvador condemned on Tuesday the action of detention center staff in Mexico during a fire that killed at least 38 migrants, including "several" Salvadorans, and demanded a thorough investigation. Pope Francis prayed in Spanish for the migrants who died yesterday in a tragic fire in Ciudad Juarez. Let us pray for that" the Pope said during his weekly address to crowds in St Peter's Square on Wednesday. A video shared on social media appears to show three people at the center in what appear to be official uniforms failing to open a cell door as the fire began. By the end of the video the smoke is so thick the cell can no longer be seen.

☆ Germany is overhauling its immigration rules to bolster a rapidly shrinking workforce
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Currently, only people with EU passports, or those who have one parent from Germany, are eligible to hold German citizenship. Immigration reforms based on Canada's points system, meanwhile, will make it easier for skilled workers to enter the country without having professional qualifications recognized in Germany. A January survey showed that more than half of German companies are struggling to fill vacancies due to a lack of skilled workers. The number of people who can come and set up businesses will be huge and a huge benefit for the country. "The number of people who can come and set up businesses will be huge and a huge benefit for the country."

☆ How a Fictional Band Made It to No. 1 on the Charts
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Natalia Barr | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

On ‘Daisy Jones & the Six,’ musicians worked to establish a sound in keeping with the show’s 1970s setting that still felt fresh enough for today’s listeners. In the series “Daisy Jones & the Six” on Amazon’s Prime Video, a Los Angeles rock band writes and records their seminal 1976 album. The group, their rise to stardom and their mysterious breakup are all a work of fiction—but the 11-track “Aurora” is real. Since the album’s release in early March, its songs have been streamed more than 30 million times. “Aurora,” released by Atlantic Records, serves as a companion piece to the show, which is inspired in part by the lore around Fleetwood Mac.

☆ Fact Check-‘Adrenochrome’ keg is an art project, not a Heineken barrel transported by Shell
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A keg with “adrenochrome” embossed on its rim was created as part of an art project exhibited in London in 2018; images of the keg have recently been misrepresented online alongside false claims that it is among Heineken barrels filled with adrenochrome and transported worldwide by Shell. The keg image and claims circulated following Feb. 22 reports that Bill Gates bought a 3.76% stake in Heineken Holding NV (here). Reuters could not source the exact photograph in the posts, but it matches others depicting an art project exhibited at the University of the Arts London (UAL) in 2018. Reuters found no credible media reports to support the claim that Heineken barrels were used to transport the substance or that Shell conveyed them. This photograph shows an object created as part of an art project exhibited in London in 2018, not a Heineken barrel transported by Shell.

☆ How to factor your health into your financial planning, according to a doctor-turned-advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"A healthy person needs a totally different [financial] plan from someone who has health issues." This document outlines the health care you want and don't want if you become unable to communicate those desires yourself. You also should have powers of attorney assigned to trusted individuals for health care and, separately, your finances. "Everyone needs those documents, but especially if you have significant health issues," McClanahan said. Your use of health care should be considered

☆ Foiled multimillion dollar airport heist leaves two dead in Chile
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] A security personnel stands guard at an access of Santiago de Chile Airport slab after a valuables truck attempted robbery left two people dead in the midst of an intense firefight, police and local media reported, in Santiago, Chile, March 8, 2023. REUTERS/Ivan AlvaradoSANTIAGO, March 8 (Reuters) - A foiled multimillion-dollar heist at Chile's largest airport left two dead on Wednesday morning, highlighting concerns of rising crime in the Andean nation. Authorities said one robber and a DGAC airport security official died during the attempted robbery. Raul Jorquera, general director of the DGAC, told reporters that no passengers were at risk during the encounter, and that the robbers had "high capacity firepower" to steal the money. Organized crime in Chile has spiked in recent years, including elaborate train heists and multimillion dollar robberies at the country's main seaport.

☆ Chile starts second attempt to draft new constitution
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] A Constitution expert commission kicks off prior to the next constitution process of Chile, in Santiago, Chile, March 6, 2023. REUTERS/Ivan AlvaradoSANTIAGO, March 6 (Reuters) - Chile has begun its second attempt to write a new constitution as a group of experts that Congress appointed to start preparing a preliminary draft was installed on Monday. It will then work off the experts' draft in June, while the vote to approve or reject the proposed text will be held on Dec. 17. Assuming all goes to plan, Chile will have a new constitution by the end of this year," consultancy Teneo said. The current constitution dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, although it has undergone dozens of reforms over the years.

It was one of the last still providing Ukrainian citizenship for newborns in the southern city of Kherson which was then under Russian occupation. Early in the occupation, Ukrainian parents faced pressure to accept Russian citizenship for their newborns. "When we asked for diapers, the Russians told us, 'If you come without Russian birth certificates, we will not give you diapers'," said Natalia Lukina, 42. The ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the situation in Kherson during Russian occupation. It is unclear how many babies received Russian citizenship, because Russian officials recorded them and Ukrainian registration workers did not cooperate with them, Klimenko said.

☆ Vanessa Bryant reaches $28.85 million settlement with L.A. County over helicopter crash photos
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Phil Helsel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has reached an almost $30 million settlement with Los Angeles County over photos taken of the scene of the deadly 2020 helicopter crash, an attorney for the county said. The settlement is for $28.85 million and resolves all claims involving the county, Mira Hashmall, lead trial counsel for Los Angeles County in the case, said in a statement. Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, 41; his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant; and seven other people died in the crash in Calabasas, near the Southern California coast, northwest of Los Angeles. The almost $30 million settlement includes the $15 million awarded to Vanessa Bryant by a jury in August, Hashmall said. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the settlement, she said.

☆ Why it’s impossible to find an open squat rack at the gym
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

You’ll have much better luck finding an open elliptical machine than a bench press, squat rack or 30-pound dumbbells. The pandemic led more people to take up weight training, gym owners and industry experts say. Post-pandemic, the surge in the popularity of weight training has helped the gym industry recover. Paul/Fairfax Media/Getty ImagesThe arrival of Nautilus and Universal strength training equipment in the 1970s and 1980s made weightlifting more attractive to a broader range of people. Genesis clubs have added more squat and dumbbell racks to keep up with demand for strength training and downsized cardio areas.

☆ Mexican central bank poised for lower rate hike
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"And, thus, limiting the next decision by referring to a policy rate adjustment of lower magnitude implies a high and costly risk of correction if the assumptions do not materialize," she said. In the minutes, board members underscored their concern over core inflation, which strips out some volatile food and energy prices, even as headline inflation has eased. "Most members pointed out that core inflation, which reflects inflation's trend more accurately, still does not show a downward trend. All five board members expressed concern that core inflation was more persistent than expected. The latest inflation data, released on Thursday, showed a slight easing, with annual core inflation down to 8.38% in the first half of February from 8.46% in the second half of January.

☆ Amid sea of Ukrainian flags, Mariupol defender finally laid to rest
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Vitalii Hnidyi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

KHARKIV, Ukraine, Feb 22 (Reuters) - For months, Natalia Honcharenko had clung to the hope that her son, a Ukrainian soldier who helped defend the Mariupol steelworks against relentless Russian attack, might still be alive. But DNA tests proved that the remains of a body brought back to Ukraine in September as part of a POW exchange were his. And on a cold late January day, Natalia finally laid him to rest, among a sea of Ukrainian flags set on hundreds of other graves of fallen Kharkiv soldiers. [1/5] A view shows graves of killed Ukrainian defenders, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at a cemetery in Kharkiv, Ukraine January 31, 2023. "What I know is that they were moving across a bridge, and something happened there," his friend added.

☆ What is happening in Moldova, Ukraine's tiny European neighbor with a pro-Russian movement?
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

President Maia Sandu on Monday accused Russia of plotting a coup to overthrow her pro-European Union government using "foreign saboteurs." Until now, Ukraine's defense forces and Western allies have estimated that Russia's renewed offensive would be concentrated in the east of the country. "President Sandu has been warning about these risks for months now," said Orr. Moldova, a landlocked European country on Ukraine's western border, has been battling political and economic instability following Russia's invasion of its neighbor. The attack came days before Moldova temporarily closed its airspace on Tuesday over what authorities say was a suspected Russian drone.

☆ Moldova Gets New Pro-Western Premier Amid Growing Russian Pressure
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Margherita Stancati | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Dorin Recean outlined his plans for Moldova in Parliament before a clear majority voted to approve his appointment as prime minister. CHISINAU, Moldova—Moldova’s Parliament approved another pro-Western prime minister Thursday as the country grapples with the economic ruptures caused by Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine and growing concerns that Moscow was also aiming to overthrow the government here. Dorin Recean takes over from Natalia Gavrilita , who resigned last week after months of growing discontent over inflation and high energy prices stemming from Russia’s decision to choke gas exports. The change in leadership is also an effort to address heightened security threats linked to the war in Ukraine.

☆ Moldovan parliament approves new pro-Western government
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/6] Dorin Recean attends a session of a parliamentary commission in Chisinau, Moldova, February 16, 2023 before his confirmation as prime minister. REUTERS/Vladislav CuliomzaSummary President nominated Dorin Recean as prime ministerRecean says he will pursue EU membershipEconomy in turmoil, relations with Russia are tenseCHISINAU, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Moldova's parliament approved a pro-Western government led by new Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Thursday after he pledged to revive the economy and chart a course towards the European Union. Recean, a former interior minister and presidential aide, secured the approval of 62 lawmakers in the 101-seat parliament after outlining his policy plans in a programme entitled "Prosperous, Secure, European Moldova." Its economy is highly dependent on Russian gas flows and has been hit by the spillover effects of the war in Ukraine. Tensions have at times been exacerbated by missile debris landing on Moldovan territory after Russian attacks on Ukraine.

☆ At least 39 migrants die in bus crash off Panama cliff
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Rescue teams work at the site of the accident of a bus, which was carrying migrants who had traveled through the Darien gap, in Los Planes de Gualaca, Panama February 15, 2023. REUTERS/StringerPANAMA CITY, Feb 15 (Reuters) - At least 39 have died in Panama after a bus carrying more than 60 migrants fell off a cliff early on Wednesday, the country's migration authorities said, marking the worst migration accident in the Central American country's history. Migration authorities did not provide details on the nationalities of the victims, saying it would first communicate with the relatives and respective embassies of the passengers. Last year, a record 248,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap, most of them Venezuelans. Since the beginning of 2023, a further 32,800 have crossed the Darien Gap, Panama's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

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