All Americas
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.
The rise of Guatemala's Attorney General Paz y PazA set of extraordinary circumstances brought Claudia Paz y Paz to Guatemala's attorney general's office. She spent most of her career demonizing the government, not trying to reform it.
Venezuela kicks off third round peace talks: Are Chavistas on board?Venezuelan government and opposition members are sitting down to discuss a way past weeks of violent protests. But many government allies have publicly undercut the process.
Mexican law would liberalize telecoms, but critics spy censorshipMexico says measures to track cell phone calls and censor websites are important for fighting cyberattacks, kidnappings, and other crimes. But opponents fear an online clampdown.
From gunfights to 'mansions': Inside Rio de Janeiro's smorgasbord of favelasBrazil's favelas are often associated with violence and crime, but that's only part of the story.
Hints of butterflies and magical creatures as Gabriel Garcia Marquez remembered in MexicoGarcia Marquez is considered the father of the literary genre known as magical realism, the melding of reality, dreams, and Latin American history that made his novels favorites in dozens of languages.
With Brazil's Petrobras under fire for corruption, have Brazilians had enough?Senate hearings on mounting allegations of corruption at the state-run oil company have put Brazil's ruling party in an uncomfortable spotlight. While attitudes have been slow to change, Brazilians are starting to challenge a culture of impunity.
Foreign doctors help poor Brazilians get a leg upThe Mais Medicos program has brought thousands of doctors from Spain, Russia, Cuba, and elsewhere to underserved regions in Brazil.
Does Ecuador's leader aspire to a perpetual presidency?Ecuador's constitution bars Rafael Correa from running for the fourth term. But this won't stop him from seeking reelection if 'the people' want it, he hints.
Trading wellness tips, Brazil's community workers plug primary health gapsIncome inequality has bred gaps in public health in Brazil where a community-based program first piloted in the 1980s now offers health services and advice to those most in need.
Can Venezuela's televised peace talks end the street protests?President Nicol谩s Maduro will meet today with opposition leaders in the presence of foreign mediators to seek a political solution to two months of often violent antigovernment protests.聽
Should Quebec become more secular? Residents vote today.The separatist Parti Qu茅b茅cois seeks a mandate to pass a bill that would ban hijabs, yarmulkes, and turbans in public buildings 鈥� a goal that clashes with Canadian multiculturalism.
Report puts Guatemala national police under the microscopeThe Guatemalan government has invested more than $2.5 billion in its national police since 2000. Despite annual budget increases, violent crime has gone up.
Earthquake aftermath: Chile learns from 2010 quake misstepsMinutes after Tuesday's quake, a tsunami alarm sounded and a large-scale evacuation order was given. These moves came in stark contrast to the 2010 disaster which killed hundreds.