All Americas
No housing? No problem: Some Venezuelans support Chavez despite lack of homesWhile housing is an important consideration for voters in the barrios of Caracas, the persistent shortage can be muted by quality-of-life projects initiated in barrios, like free health-care and community centers.
Jailbreaks in Mexico: Wardens and guards often help drug cartel members fleeLos Zetas have regained hundreds of gang members in jailbreaks in recent years. The jailbreaks expose a side of Mexico's broken prison system, where wardens either bend to organized crime or face death.
Survivors of Mexico's drug violence tell US government 'We need a new approach'More than 100 victims of the drug war went to Washington as part of Mexico's Caravan for Peace to demand justice for their families. The group is pressing both governments to rethink a policy that has cost so many lives.
Can Mexico reclaim title as region's largest economy from Brazil?Mexico was once Latin America’s darling, but in the past decade Brazil has far surpassed it as commodities drove economic growth. President-elect Peña Nieto is eager to reposition Mexico.
Peru: As Shining Path's political arm grows, government clamps downThe Shining Path terrorized Peru in the 1980s and '90s. But the recent growth of its political wing has prompted Peru's government to introduce a muzzle law that some say goes too far.
Uruguay takes 'war on drugs' in new direction: The state as dealerThe South American country is proposing a state monopoly over marijuana in part to curtail drug-related violence. But it's getting pushback – even from those in favor of legalization.
Mexico: Should government be blamed for blast at Pemex gas facility?This is the third fire at a Pemex gas facility in five weeks, and could suggest bigger problems – like safety and security regulations – need to be addressed.
Chavez vs. Capriles: Corruption takes center stage in Venezuela's electionOpposition candidate Capriles expelled his top aide after a film showed him accepting cash from an unknown source. Are corruption accusations enough to push his campaign off track?
Bolivia cuts coca cultivation: What about cocaine?The United Nations released a report on coca cultivation in Bolivia today showing it has decreased for the first time since 2005. But estimates of cocaine production raise questions.
- FARC names 'political' team for peace talks
The team slated to represent the FARC in peace talks with the Colombian government is largely made up of political – not military – leaders. Their past experience with negotiations could be a sign of commitment.
Guatemala volcano eruption cools as Independence Day celebrations heat upThousands were evacuated in Guatemala yesterday when the Volcano of Fire had its strongest eruption in more than 30 years.
How will opposition corruption scandal impact Venezuela's October election?The Capriles campaign has done well over the past two months, narrowing Chavez's lead. But a video of a Capriles ally allegedly accepting a bribe could keep him from squeaking out a victory.
Does Chavez challenger have a shot in Venezuela's presidential race?Close to 20 percent of Venezuelans are undecided, and Capriles has won a number of them over. But Chavez has strong job approval and trust levels.
- Gulf Cartel capture: Why arresting Mexico's Eduardo Costilla matters
While the Gulf Cartel has already been weakened, this arrest is important in a country battling high rates of impunity.
- Hope for peace in Colombia, despite obstacles
Talks between Colombia's government and the FARC guerrillas are official, and there are reasons for optimism.
With Mexico's election results upheld, what's next for the YoSoy132 movement?The youth movement that emerged in opposition to the media's campaign coverage of President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto is redefining its message and working to give new life to Mexico's democracy.
Mexico: Presidential runner-up Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to found new partyMr. Lopez Obrador, who declared fraud and protested his loss in the past two presidential elections, announced he will create a new party called the Movement for National Regeneration.
El Salvador: Historic gang truce brings mixed resultsSix months after El Salvador brokered a gang truce to tackle soaring homicide rates, officials are split over whether it has actually worked. Are murder rates going down or have tactics changed?
- 'Supersize it': seats widen to accommodate Brazil's growing obese population
Obesity is on the rise in Brazil, and regional governments are responding with legislation requiring larger seats and equipment for schools, public transportation, and hospitals.
- Mexico: What keeps drug traffickers 'in the game?'
Mexico's drug trade employs an estimated 500,000 people. A new study explores factors – like addressing drug addiction – that can lead traffickers to exit the drug trade, and how to encourage more to follow.
