Latin America

The entrance of Rio de Janeiro's treasured National Museum, one of Brazil's oldest, on September 3, 2018, a day after a massive fire ripped through the building.

World News

Stool From Slave Trade Era Is Likely Destroyed In Brazil's Museum Fire

10:03am September 17, 2018

by Philip Reeves

As researchers sift through the ashes at the museum in Rio de Janeiro, they expect to find little that survived the fire — including an African royal throne from the days of the Atlantic slave trade.

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At the end of practice at the Xochikalli cultural center in Mexico City, ulama ballgame players perform a brief dedication to Aztec gods.

An Ancient Ballgame Makes A Comeback In Mexico

8:09am September 16, 2018

by James Fredrick

Ulama is a pre-Columbian team sport played with a solid rubber ball that's bounced off players' hips. In olden times, the game is said to have decided the winners of wars.

A large crack cuts through this Mexico City street. Half of the street is lower than the other half, one of many signs this metropolis is sinking.

World News

Mexico City Keeps Sinking As Its Water Supply Wastes Away

8:21pm September 14, 2018

by Carrie Kahn

"We are depleting volumes of water that took hundreds, thousands of years to store. Sooner or later it will run out," says Mexico City's outgoing water system director.

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A man checks his phone to confirm that the charity GiveDirectly has transferred a cash grant to his account.

Which Foreign Aid Programs Work? The U.S. Runs A Test — But Won't Talk About It

7:37pm September 14, 2018

by Nurith Aizenman

USAID has launched a series of experiments to see how traditional aid compares to giving people cash. The first results are in. And they're proving controversial.

Environment

Mexico City: Thirsty And Sinking

7:34pm September 12, 2018

by Carrie Kahn

Mexico City is draining even more water from the ancient lake bed on which the city sits, causing it to sink. Climate change, political inaction and poor infrastructure are intensifying the problem.

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Health workers form a human chain reading "SOS" during a protest for the lack of medicines, medical supplies and poor conditions in hospitals, in Caracas on Aug. 2.

For Many In Venezuela, Social Media Is A Matter Of Life And Death

12:38pm September 11, 2018

by Jasmine Garsd

When it comes to social media, many Venezuelans choose to self-censor. But for others, social media can be a lifeline. One pharmacist uses Twitter to help people find scarce medicines.

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According to The New York Times, Trump administration officials met with coup plotters who wanted to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (center), shown here at a ceremony last month.

Venezuela Decries Reported Meetings Between U.S. Officials And Coup Plotters

1:30pm September 09, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

The meetings, reported by The New York Times, happened secretly after rogue officers contacted the U.S. government. The Trump administration apparently decided not to help the Venezuelan officers.

World News

'NYT': Trump Administration Met With Venezuelan Coup Plotters

8:29am September 09, 2018

The Trump administration held secret meetings to discuss the overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Ernesto Londoño of The New York Times.

World News

Guatemalan Volcano Survivors Still Search For The Remains Of Their Loved Ones

8:29am September 09, 2018

by Maria Martin

Months after a volcanic eruption near Guatemala's capital, survivors continue to search for loved ones. It's estimated hundreds more were killed in the June event than the government has acknowledged.

Brazilian presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro recovers in a hospital room at the Albert Einstein Hospital, in Sao Pauloon Saturday. He was stabbed on Thursday during a campaign rally.

Brazilian Candidate, Recovering From Stabbing, May Be Gaining An Advantage

5:10pm September 08, 2018

by Sasha Ingber

Jair Bolsonaro was attacked while campaigning on Thursday. Experts say the hardliner may see his lead increase through television exposure and candidates who are pulling back attack ads.