As plastic treaty talks open, countries more divided than ever

Countries are under pressure to make progress on a first-ever global plastics treaty this week, but they face tense negotiations in the Canadian capital with parties deeply divided over what the treaty should include as talks begin on Tuesday. If governments can agree on a legally binding treaty that addresses not just how plastics are … Read more

Relieved by US progress on Ukraine aid, Europe grapples with its own support for Kyiv – POLITICO

‘Our own homework’ Some European leaders seized on the U.S. vote to call on Europe not to get complacent and lose momentum now that Washington’s new support is expected to be on the way to Kyiv soon. “Hope this vote encourages all allies to look through their warehouses and do more,” Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja … Read more

EU’s Michel tells Trump ‘get the facts straight’ on Ukraine funding – POLITICO

“Why isn’t Europe giving more money to help Ukraine? Why is it that the United States is over $100 Billion … into the Ukraine War more than Europe, and we have an Ocean between us as separation!” Trump wrote in post on social media. Michel did not let the comment slide. “The numbers speak for … Read more

Why Donald Trump ‘hates Ukraine’ – POLITICO

Zelenskyy has asked Trump to come to Ukraine to see what Russia did to the country with his own eyes. With a $60 billion military aid bill stalled in Congress, his office has been wooing Republicans, trying to persuade them that helping Ukraine is in America’s national interest. “I don’t believe anybody who represents the … Read more

Mexico produces tons of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use

MEXICO CITY —  A report released by the Mexican government Friday says the country is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use, even as Mexican cartels pump out tons of the illicit narcotic. The paradox was reported in a study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions. The study did not … Read more

Argentinian’s tiny invention changed pizza delivery forever

Sometimes it’s the little ideas that can make the biggest difference. And that definitely goes for delivery pizza. From Buenos Aires, Gonzalo Bañez Villar has the story of a little idea that had a big impact, in this report narrated by Veronica Villafañe. Read original article here Denial of responsibility! Pioneer Newz is an automatic … Read more

Mexico cuts diplomatic ties with Ecuador after raid on embassy in Quito – POLITICO

Glas took refuge in the embassy last December after Ecuador issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged corruption, according to media reports. His lawyer said he was innocent. Glas served as Ecuador’s vice president from 2013 to 2017, when he was relieved of his duties because of mounting corruption charges against him, according to … Read more

Mercury exposure widespread among Yanomami tribe in Amazon, report finds

BRASILIA, Brazil —  Many Yanomami, the Amazon’s largest Indigenous tribe in relative isolation, have been contaminated with mercury coming from widespread illegal gold mining, according to a report released on Thursday by Brazil’s top public health institute. The research was conducted in nine villages along the Mucajai River, a remote region where illegal mining is … Read more

23 storms predicted for ‘extremely active’ Atlantic hurricane season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be “extremely active,” weather forecasters at Colorado State University said Thursday. Out of 23 projected storms, five of 11 total hurricanes could become major, with winds above 178 kph. This estimate is above the yearly average hurricane season, which usually produces 14 named storms of varying degrees … Read more

How to ‘Trump proof’ the transatlantic relationship? – POLITICO

“It’s been very successful,” said Daniel Mullaney, the former top U.S. negotiator on trade issues with Europe, of the TTC. “We’ve had high-level attention, including at the presidential levels, on all of these issues. That’s kept the momentum going.” The question now is what happens if Trump wins back the White House in November. Even … Read more