All Americas
- Organized crime in the Americas: bad for the environment, too?
A new report exposes the environmental consequences of criminal activity, such as gangs clearing land in a Guatemalan reserve to launder money through cattle ranches.
- Soap operas put the spotlight on Brazil's new middle class
Traditionally soap operas in Brazil were aspirational, often starring wealthy characters. But now they are intended to reflect the lifestyle of the new middle class that rose up over the past decade.
- Is Mexico's drug violence scaring off the next generation of journalists?
Drug violence has made Mexico a dangerous place to be a reporter, and it is affecting journalism schools that now struggle to keep their doors open and train aspiring journalists.
- Key Lula aides convicted in Brazil's 'mensalão' corruption trial
The trial is a victory for Brazil's judicial system in fighting impunity for corruption, but in the midst of municipal elections the convictions could serve as a setback for Workers Party candidates.
Rio de Janeiro on building spree for Olympics, World Cup – but at what cost?Brazil has lifted millions out of poverty in the past decade. But Rio's transformation in the lead-up to the Olympics and World Cup may be hurting those left behind.
- How well do you know Brazil? Take our quiz and find out!
From the sandy beach of Ipanema to the Amazon rain forest, test your knowledge on Brazil's history, geography, and culture.
Will Chávez victory fulfill Nicaragua's megaproject dream?Venezuela's long-stalled plan to build an oil refinery in Nicaragua is revitalized with Chávez's reelection. The refinery would give Venezuelan oil a Pacific gateway to China.
Heriberto Lazcano, a Zetas leader, was killed in Mexico - but is the cartel done?Heriberto Lazcano, a Zetas drug cartel leader, was killed in a northern Mexico gunfight on Sunday, according to the Mexican Navy. If true, it could be a major drug war victory for Mexico.
Haitians, Dominicans try to move beyond Parsley Massacre's long shadowThe Parsley Massacre, which killed thousands 75 years ago, profoundly altered relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Recently, hundreds of people gathered on the border to address its legacy.
Venezuelan election: key takeaways from a Chávez victoryChávez accepted his victory with grace on Sunday, and both candidates’ acceptance of the results suggest it’s time for Washington to rethink its approach on Venezuela.
Hugo Chávez to 'deepen' revolution as opponents miss markChávez's victory last night gives him another six-year term, frustrating opponents who say his policies and management style have squandered the country's biggest-ever oil boom.
Rio's mayoral race: A new 'Al Gore' for Brazil?Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes swept yesterday's municipal election. But some say his opponent could play a watchdog role as Rio prepares for the World Cup and Olympics.
Hugo Chávez wins Venezuelan presidential electionChávez, who has led Venezuela for nearly 14 years, won 54.42 percent of the vote against former Miranda Gov. Henrique Capriles last night.
In landmark election, Venezuelan voters see two futuresVenezuelan voters, who are electing a president today, will either keep Hugo Chavez in power or give a chance to his challenger Henrique Capriles.
A Venezuelan art group tries to win youth votes for ChávezThere are close to 2 million newly registered voters, mostly under 20 years old, so a grassroots art collective is giving Chávez a fresh look for election day with murals depicting him boxing and popping wheelies.
Chávez reelection at risk as Venezuela's oil heartland moves onIn Venezuela's oil-rich east, some say the administration's management of natural resources – including oil spills and refinery accidents – has pushed them toward the opposition.
Hugo Chávez vs Henrique Capriles: Venezuelan vote will have regional impactWhether Chávez or Capriles wins will affect national issues like fighting crime, but will also impact regional neighbors like Cuba and the Dominican Republic that depend on Chávez's oil diplomacy.
- Aid that works: A new road, farmer co-op revitalizes rural El Salvador
A new farmers cooperative in El Salvador allows small farmers to get their food to market and boost their earnings.
- Latin American nations push UN to drop zero tolerance on drugs
Former and sitting Latin American presidents have issued calls against the status quo on drug policy, but Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala's petition to the UN could push the drug war debate to a new level.
Just days ahead of Venezuelan election, how are the Capriles and Chávez campaigns looking?Capriles’s campaign comes off as very well run and professional, but without the sort of grassroots element seen in Chávez's, writes a guest blogger.
