All Latin America Monitor
El Salvador's first presidential debate brims with pledges - but can candidates deliver?El Salvador's presidential election takes place next month, and topics of gang violence, the economy, and healthcare are top of mind.
The art of Fidel Castro's public night outFormer President Castro was seen publicly in Cuba for the first time in nine months.
Murder of former Miss Venezuela spotlights country's rampant crimeThe murder of former Miss Venezuela Monica Spear and a companion in a roadside robbery was only unusual for the famous name in a country that suffers one of the world's highest murder rates.
Gangs from Central America on the rise in Mexico: ReportA new report out of Mexico details the growing links between Central American Maras and the nation's main criminal groups, highlighting more cross-border gang activity.
Brazil 2014: More than just the World CupFrom elections to transportation fare increases and potentially renewed protests, 2014 promises big stories to watch across Brazil.- Organized crime in 2014: What can Latin America expect?Organized crime is adaptable and profit-driven, and in 2014, that could mean moving beyond Mexico and Colombia to a more diverse set of nations.
Did Mexico's oil reform turn a deaf ear to the public?While the energy overhaul may be good for Mexico, acting against popular sentiment carries risks. Many citizens felt their voices weren't considered.
Mexico City's metro: the politics of a price increaseFares on the long-subsidized Mexico City metro system jumped from 3 to 5 pesos this month, causing uproar among riders.
Uruguay legalizes marijuana: A white flag in the war on drugs?Uruguay's senate passed a bill legalizing the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana, putting it on the vanguard of drug policy reform in Latin America - and the world.
Shaking out the Obama-Castro handshakeThe handshake between Presidents Obama and Castro at Nelson Mandela's memorial in South Africa didn't cause much of a stir in Cuba. Here's why.
Venezuela's star-studded mayoral ballots: Singers, baseball players, and modelsMany are calling Sunday's contest the first major electoral test for Nicol谩s Maduro's administration, as it faces sky-high inflation, and a long list of economic woes. Can star power lend a hand?
Will Arizona soon see a lot more shoppers from Mexico?Mexican border states will see a jump in sales tax on Jan. 1, potentially pushing more shoppers into the United States.
Global corruption: How does Latin America stack up?An uptick in organized crime may be fueling corruption in Latin America, observers say.
Social programs tied to Rio de Janeiro Olympics stallA slum upgrade program that was designed to improve Rio's poorest favelas by 2020, and reflect well on Olympics preparations, has seen little progress.
Honduras election: How votes are counted ... countsDuring the 2009 election, tallies were called in from voting centers across the country and entered into a computer in Tegucigalpa, but results were inaccurate. How will a new system stack up?
Mexico vs. New Zealand World Cup qualifier: Little to cheer for?As Mexico enters the first leg of a home-and-home series against New Zealand for a spot at the 2014 World Cup, some Mexican fans are rooting against the home team.
Dipping 'pura vida'? Costa Ricans show lack of enthusiasm in run-up to February electionsAccording to polls, about 32 percent of Costa Rica's 3聽million eligible voters say they plan to abstain from casting ballots due to corruption, lack of leadership, and high unemployment.
President Maduro says he'll fight Venezuela's 'economic war' 鈥� but can he win?At any given store in Venezuela, 22.4 percent of basic consumer goods are unavailable as the South American country's economic performance reaches crisis dimensions.
Lights out in western Mexico: Attacks lead to loss of electricity, political confidence.Following a criminal attack on gas and power stations in the Mexican state of Michoacan, some have asked if the federal government could take over the local government.
Six months into term, Venezuela's President Maduro seeks decree powersDecree powers would allow Maduro to bypass public debate and potential opposition in passing laws.
