Stories about Latin America from January, 2017
A Legislative Proposal in Mexico Would Tie Political Parties’ Funding to Voter Turnout
"Cutting back where we should: public funding of parties so that it's linked to the vote and not the register."
United Colors of Persecution: The Struggle of Patagonia's Indigenous People against Benetton
Against a backdrop of legal complexities and state repression, a Mapuche community in Patagonia is fighting against the Italian textile giant Benetton to regain ownership of their ancestral lands.
Puerto Rico Celebrates Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera's Release
San Juan major Carmen Yulín announced that the city will be preparing a special event for his arrival in May.
Meet the Young Ecuadorians Behind the First Kichwa-Language Radio Show in the US
“The show is about expressing oneself and not being afraid to do it.”
These Venezuelans Have Some Ideas to Share With Trump Opponents
"Be patient with democracy and struggle relentlessly to free yourself from the shackles of the caricature the populists have drawn of you [...] I know: I’m from Venezuela."
Conspiracy Theories in Brazil Spread After Plane Crash Kills Supreme Court Justice Working Explosive Case
Despite a lack of evidence suggesting any foul play, many Brazilians — particularly people on the political fringes — have promoted elaborate and largely unsubstantiated theories about Zavacksi's untimely death.
Mexico Hands Over Drug Lord in Move Viewed as ‘Farewell Gift’ to Obama
The extradition of the notorious criminal "El Chapo" Guzman to the United States makes waves in Mexico, where it's said to be a “farewell gift” to Barack Obama.
In Mexico, Psychiatric Patients Are Ready for Innovation, But Health Centers Are Not
One hundred and nine patients live full-time at the Villa Ocaranza Hospital, an institution marred by a dark history. They will be the last group to do so.
Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rico's Longest-Serving Political Prisoner, Has Sentence Commuted by President Obama
His release will not be immediate, however.
Princess Leia's Hairdo Didn't Come From a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Weeks after the tragic death of beloved actress Carrie Fisher, the Internet is digging up the Mexican origins of Princess Leia's iconic hairdo.
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part II)
The organization SocialTIC reviews 2016's most inspirational info-activist projects in Latin America.
Old Misogynist Hatreds Fuel a New Year’s Massacre in Brazil
It's a disturbing notion, but much about the man who massacred 11 people on Jan. 1 is hardly unusual, when it comes to gender-based violence
The Chilean Podcast Putting the Stars Within Everyone's Reach
"My great wish for us all is that we find our inner child and surprise ourselves with the wonders of our cosmos."
In Venezuela, a Conductor's Lack of Political Opinion Hits a Sour Note in Some Circles
The "apolitical" position of celebrated musician Gustavo Dudamel is unacceptable for many Venezuelans at this critical time, and has reignited the debate on the connection between the arts and politics.
Meet the Tireless Elderly Women from Tepoztlán Fighting to Save the Environment
"Battle of the Saucepans" helped the community to view women as not only participants in the fight, but as protagonists. Just as they are in real life.
How Many Cows Does It Take To Get A University Degree?
Paying for higher education in Paraguay is difficult for most citizens. For indigenous women, it is doubly difficult.
‘Gasolinazo': How Gasoline Price Gouging Has Spurred “Collective Bad Temperedness” in Mexico
2017 has got off to a shaky start for Mexico.
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