All Americas
Almighty US dollar? Argentina鈥檚 new leader provides a test.The U.S. dollar has always carried a certain cache. But as Argentina considers adopting it as official currency, the drawbacks of the greenback come into sharp relief.
First LookPeruvians divided as ex-president, jailed for massacres, walks freeAn imprisoned ex-president of Peru was released on humanitarian grounds on Dec. 6, stoking controversy in the Andean nation. Alberto Fujimori was serving a 25-year sentence for massacres committed during his rule in the 1990s.
Ice cream nation: Does Ecuador take the cherry?Ice cream is the national food in the Andean nation of Ecuador. Ecuadorians say they like their creamsicles, soft-serves, and sorbets more than anyone.
First LookVenezuelans voted to claim Guyana鈥檚 territory. What comes next?Voters approved a referendum claiming a disputed region of neighboring Guyana, according to Venezuela鈥檚 election authority. Many see the issue as a way for the Venezuelan regime to gain support ahead of the 2024 elections.
First LookAn Amazonian tribe was near extinction. Here鈥檚 how its women saved it.The Juma, an Amazonian Indigenous tribe, seemed destined for extinction. Sisters Bore谩, Mande铆, and Mayt谩 were able to make a comeback by changing the tribe鈥檚 patriarchal tradition. Now, they fight to preserve their territory and culture.
First LookPanama court nixes copper mine contract after weeks of protestsPanama鈥檚 top court ruled against a controversial mining contract on Tuesday. The contract, signed Oct. 20, sparked a wave of protests across the country and has become a major issue in Panama鈥檚 upcoming elections.
Argentina鈥檚 President-elect Milei promises drastic change: Can he deliver?With repeated economic crises and politicians who no longer inspire hope, protest candidates can transform into presidents-elect. Will Javier Milei be able to shake up Argentina as promised?
First LookGangs besieged a Haiti hospital. Where is Kenya鈥檚 police force?Armed gang members surrounded a Port-au-Prince hospital, trapping dozens inside. Rising violence in Haiti has pushed Kenyan lawmakers to OK a police intervention in the Caribbean nation 鈥� though the move still faces opposition.
Protesters of Israel-Hamas war fear nuance is getting lostIsrael鈥檚 war against Hamas has unleashed a torrent of responses from Westerners, both positive and negative. Many are finding it a challenge to express their feelings without being co-opted by darker forces in society.
First LookPrivate grocery stores in Cuba are thriving. But who can afford them?Dozens of privately owned grocery stores,聽mipymes, as locals call them, have sprung up in Cuba. In a country that is short of supplies, they aim to strengthen local production amid an economic crisis. The catch is that many locals can鈥檛 afford them.
First LookA controversial copper mine divided Panama. Now voters will decide.Protests against copper mining rocked Panama last week, prompting the government to put a controversial mining contract up for a public vote. Demonstrators say they will stay in the streets until the contract is suspended.
Cover StoryMeet Dennis Mu帽oz, defender of lost causes in El SalvadorEl Salvador is safer now, but human rights are being sacrificed. Meet Dennis Mu帽oz, who defends those without resources 鈥� and now without rights.聽
First LookNicaragua sees migrant surge as tool to pressure U.S. sanctionsNicaragua is the first stop for many Caribbean migrants on their treks聽to the United States. Critics say that its government 鈥� which doesn鈥檛 require entry visas 鈥� is 鈥渨eaponizing鈥� migration as U.S. sanctions tighten.
鈥業 think they scared people鈥�: In Argentina, populist鈥檚 bid falls shortRadical populist Javier Milei expected to lead the pack in Argentina鈥檚 presidential elections, but voters had second thoughts. Now he鈥檚 the underdog.
First LookMachado, banned from office, sweeps Venezuela鈥檚 opposition primaryMar铆a Corina Machado, a critic of Venezuela鈥檚 government, took an overwhelming lead in Sunday鈥檚 primary election. Voter turnout was high despite repression and censorship, but it is still unclear if Ms. Machado will be allowed to run.
In Pictures: Colombia鈥檚 jaguars gain from human cooperationWith jaguar habitat shrinking, and attacks on livestock on the rise, farmers and former FARC-EP combatants are teaming up to maintain a crucial corridor in Colombia.聽
First LookAmericans have favorable view of Mexico despite rhetoric, poll showsEven as Republican politicians vow to use military force聽against Mexico in response to drug trafficking, most Americans see their southern neighbor as a partner in issues like narcotics and migration, according to an AP-NORC/Pearson poll.
First Look鈥榃hen I play drums, I feel proud鈥�: How music inspires hope in HaitiIn Port-au-Prince, many children are finding joy in playing music. A program that serves 400 Haitian children keeps them safe indoors amid gang violence while providing a creative outlet. 鈥淢usic transforms,鈥� said a former student and now guitar instructor.
First LookVenezuela may soon see democratic elections. Is sanctions relief next?Venezuela鈥檚 government inked an agreement with opposition leaders on Tuesday pledging democratic elections. That may lead to an easing of U.S. sanctions 鈥� but it鈥檚 unclear just how far Washington, or Caracas, is willing to go.
First LookEcuador has elected its youngest president. Who is Daniel Noboa?Daniel Noboa 鈥� entrepreneur, politician, and son of the wealthiest man in Ecuador 鈥� has become his country鈥檚 youngest president. Mr. Noboa, who will complete the term vacated by聽President Guillermo Lasso,聽promises to tackle unprecedented levels of crime.
