All Americas
Can Pope Francis convince Castro to soften his reign?Though the pope has reached out to dissidents in Cuba and urged Raul Castro to reform, experts say it is unlikely to yield immediate results – but he still may plant seeds for later change.
Can Pope Francis change Cuba? Why star power isn't the only church tool.The Catholic Church has been playing an increasing role in providing basic services to Cubans – giving it leverage to push the government to improve human rights.
Strong earthquake rattles Chile, sparks tsunami warningA magnitude-8.3 earthquake hit off the coast of northern Chile Wednesday, causing buildings to sway and Chile's government to urge people to evacuate.
Mexican president's independence cry gets a testy responseMidway through his six-year term, President Enrique Peña Nieto faces low approval ratings. But his reform agenda has been more successful than his popularity may suggest.
Mexico's Foreign Minister arrives in Egypt after killing of 8 Mexican touristsAccompanied by family members of the victims, Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu will meet with Egyptian officials, including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to find out why the tourists were attacked by Egyptian security forces.
How Guatemala's anti-corruption drive is shaking its political eliteWith the former president behind bars, disgruntled voters are choosing a replacement. A neophyte candidate polled first in Sunday's vote, and will contest a run-off on Oct. 25.
Why these Catholics plan to protest at pope's Cuba visitA group of Catholic protesters were arrested in Havana less than a week before a visit from Pope Francis to Cuba. The protesters say the Catholic Church should do more for their political cause.
- Venezuela border closing endangers the livelihood of those on Colombia side
As Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro closed a major border crossing Monday, human rights groups are concerned with Colombians relying on smuggled goods and the indigenous community that recognize international divisions.
Guatemala's presidential election appears headed to runoffWith more than 96 percent of polling stations reporting Monday, comedian Jimmy Morales, who has never held elective office, was leading with 24 percent of the vote for Guatemala's next president. The top two finishers in the field of 14 will advance to a runoff to be held Oct. 25.
Why none of Guatemala's 14 candidates have much public supportGuatemala's president resigned on Thursday, leading to a hasty election on Sunday. The leader in the polls, a wealthy businessman and politician, faces off against 13 other candidates. If no candidate reaches 50 percent, a runoff will be held Oct. 25.
Despite attention on refugee crisis, Canada's Harper rejects calls to resettle moreHistorically, Canada has resettled refugees quickly and in large numbers. But under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper's rule, the number it has welcomed has waned.
Guatemalan ex-president resigns, is jailedThe decision came after the vice-president of Guatemala was sworn in to serve out the remainder of the term.
Mired in scandal, Guatemala's president resignsPresident Otto Pérez Molina resigned on Wednesday over allegations of illicit association, taking bribes and customs fraud.
'The last year has been a difficult one for Mexico.' Pena Nieto acknowledges country's troublesIn his state-of-the-nation address Wednesday, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto acknowledged the corruption, crime, and economic problems that have plagued the country.
Guatemala Congress strips President Molina of immunityAmid a widening corruption scandal, Guatemalan lawmakers voted Tuesday to rescind President Otta Perez Molina's immunity from prosecution, opening him up to criminal charges.
Dashing hopes, Egypt sentences Canadian journalist to 3 years in prisonMohamed Fahmy, the former Cairo bureau chief of Al Jazeera English, was found guilty of terrorism-related charges, along with two other journalists. Many have viewed the charges and the trial as a sham.
Guatemalan prosecutors urge president to step down amid scandalPerez Molina is facing an impeachment process and possible charges in a customs fraud scheme.
In Honduras, battle to help sex assault victims spotlights 'missing tool'Half of babies born to 15- to 19-year-old Hondurans are the result of rape. Advocates are pushing for a restoration of emergency contraception, which was banned six years ago.
Mexican ethics probe clears Peña Nieto, finance ministerThe controversy erupted for Mexico's president last November when it was revealed that first lady Angelica Rivera was in the process of acquiring a luxury home from a company that was part of a Chinese-led consortium to build a $3.75 billion rail link.
Landmark case in Brazil to test hard-line 'war on drugs'The Supreme Court is weighing whether to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs. Many say current policy yields arbitrary sentencing, overcrowded prisons.
