All Americas
'True Mexican hero?' Founder of Mexico's vigilante movement under fireDr. Mireles helped found Mexico's movement of armed self-defense forces last year, which put drug cartels on the run. Some still praise him, but he's embroiled in scandal, including murder charges.
Unhappy with your government? Consider buying a Caribbean passportEconomically pressed Caribbean countries are selling citizenship to mostly Middle Eastern, Asian, and Russian applicants as an easy revenue source. But reports of abuse are on the rise.
As Russia pivots to Asia, some ask how far east it's willing to lookRussia and China may have signed a $400 billion gas supply deal today, but Latin American countries like Chile and Peru are holding out hope Moscow will cast its gaze across the Pacific.
Brazil: Will subway fare hikes in Rio mean more protests?Last year's nationwide protests were sparked in part by transport fare hikes. Rio has ideas about how to cushion the blow.- In Mexican education, huge salaries, 'ghost' schoolsThe average teacher salary in Mexico is $2,000 a month, but a recent study on education corruption found one teacher who earns $561,865 a year at his post in impoverished Oaxaca state.
Why did Venezuela's opposition freeze talks with Maduro?The opposition coalition says it sees too much talk and not enough action. It wants detained protesters released and an independent truth commission.
Will Brazil's World Cup showcase striking workers?Bus drivers in Rio have already gone on strike, and teachers may do the same. Some say other groups - including the federal police - could strike as well amid World Cup attention and the leadup to elections.
Is Amazon industrial hub the latest 'endangered species' in Brazil?Brazil鈥檚 Congress is debating whether to extend tax breaks for industries in Manaus, in Amazonas state. Scores of multinationals have opened factories there.
As cost of Venezuelan goods go up, Colombian smugglers feel the pinchVenezuela recently raised the price of chicken, rice, and sugar. Could its cheaper-than-water gasoline be next? Colombian fuel smugglers hope not.
Venezuela: Polls show Maduro approval dropping after 3 months of protestMaduro's popularity has dropped on every measure since November 2013, and two-thirds of Venezuelans polled don't think he can solve the country's problems - like shortages - in the next year.
Why did Uruguay agree to take in Guant谩namo Bay detainees?President Mujica said he would give refuge to five detainees from the controversial US detention camp. Uruguay may have foreign policy interests in scoring points with the US.
World Cup city Manaus: Brazil's 'Paris' in the Amazon?The opulent Teatro Amazonas opera house still stuns visitors to Manaus. It's a legacy of the rubber boom and the region鈥檚 short-lived monopoly on worldwide production.
Could Panama 'reelect' a president whose name isn't on the ballot?President Martinelli is constitutionally banned from running again. But analysts say his party's ticket - made up of his wife and a handpicked successor - is 'essentially a Martinelli government.'
Brazil's long-impoverished northeast rides into the middle classNortheast Brazil used to be known for poverty and migration south. But locals like Maria Joelma da Silva, who the Monitor first met in 2008, are redefining the region.
As Mexico battles drug war, soldiers may face civilian trials for abuseMexico's lower house unanimously voted to change a military code that gave the military courts jurisdiction over any crimes committed by on-duty soldiers.
Mexico's anti-cartel vigilantes vindicated after tape shows mayor linked to crime boss?A mayor from Mexico's busiest port was arrested after a video showed him meeting with the Knights Templar cartel. Self-defense groups rose up against drug gangs they say government did little to stop.
Mexico prepping to buy more Black Hawks: settling in for a lengthy fight in drug war?Mexico received US approval for the purchase of 18 Black Hawk helicopters. Some analysts wonder if the planned purchase signals a longer-term, more militarized approach to fighting cartels.- Sugar war could sour US-Mexico trade tiesThe US sugar industry is seething over soaring competition from Mexico. But if the US imposes punitive duties on Mexican sugar, observers say Mexico could reciprocate.
Guatemala's Attorney General Paz y Paz draws powerful criticsDespite high profile arrests and decreasing impunity, Paz y Paz's reappointment is a long shot. Her loudest critics are ex-military and conservative businessmen who say she's pushed a leftist agenda.
Guatemala's Attorney General Paz y Paz homes in on victims of violence - past and presentPaz y Paz said from the start her focus would be advocating for victims. In a country with one of the highest femicide rates, she's focused on women and victims of Guatemala's 36-year civil war.
