Latin America

World News

'Ghost Boats' Terrorize Fishermen In Venezuela Amid Humanitarian Crisis

5:38pm May 05, 2017

by Philip Reeves

As Venezuela's humanitarian crisis grows, so does predatory crime. Ghost boats are terrorizing the country's fishermen. These are high speed craft, full of armed men in masks, that sneak up on fishing boats while they're at sea at night.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pauses during a speech Wednesday in which he called for a constituent assembly to decide changes to the country's constitution.

World News

Riven By Fire And Fiery Rhetoric, Venezuela Decides Its Future In The Streets

4:00pm May 05, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

President Nicolas Maduro is pushing for a new constitution — but protesters are pushing back. As the political tug-of-war unfolds, violence and international criticism continue to escalate.

Students at the Vida Independiente wheelchair workshop warm up before class.

Helping Wheelchair Users Navigate Mexico City's Hectic Streets And Sidewalks

9:07pm May 04, 2017

by James Fredrick

Mexico City can be unfriendly terrain for those in a wheelchair. But a new program aims to help them better navigate the city's bad traffic, broken pavement and oblivious pedestrians.

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More Protests As Venezuelan President Calls For Changes To Constitution

7:28am May 03, 2017

by Philip Reeves

The political crisis in Venezuela is deepening. Protesters blocked roads after the president announced moves to change the country's constitution. The opposition sees it as a step toward dictatorship.

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After Peace Agreement, Colombia's FARC Guerrillas Begin Families

5:13am May 03, 2017

by John Otis

Colombia's FARC guerrillas are laying down their weapons as part of a peace process, and female rebels are exploring what was prohibited during the 50-year war: starting families.

World News

Central American Refugees Opt To Stay In Mexico Due To Trump's Policies

4:33pm May 02, 2017

by Carrie Kahn

In Mexico, the number of refugees, mostly from Central America, has doubled in the last year, pointing to evidence that many aren't trying to get to the U.S. anymore. NPR takes a look at if Trump's presidency is having an effect.

The metal fence along the border between Sonoyta, Mexico, and the Arizona desert in the United States.

World News

Blacklisted For Building Trump's Wall? California Considers It

9:28am May 02, 2017

by Ben Adler

"If you're a business that wants to do work with Trump's proposed wall, then quite frankly, California doesn't want to do business with you," one lawmaker says.

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Close-up of tzoallis being made during a summer nutrition workshop held by Puente a la Salud, a group based in Oaxaca, Mexico, that is helping to push an amaranth comeback. An ancient Aztec staple, tzoallis are made of amaranth and corn flour, agave honey

Why Mexican Chefs, Farmers And Activists Are Reviving The Ancient Grain Amaranth

4:21pm May 01, 2017

by Nancy Matsumoto

The nutritious indigenous plant is part of a movement to revive native crops and cuisines — and a means of restoring the health and economy of Oaxaca, one of Mexico's poorest states.

An opposition activist bows before the Venezuelan flag during a protest in Caracas on Monday.

World News

Venezuelan President Bumps Up Minimum Wage Amid Weeks Of Public Upheaval

2:41pm May 01, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Nicolas Maduro announced the wage hike — Venezuela's third this year — during an address Sunday. The move appears intended to quell protests that have engulfed the country for over a month.

World News

Venezuela's Economic Hardship Makes Life Tough For Motorists

11:58am May 01, 2017

by Philip Reeves

A few years ago, Venezuela had a booming auto industry but times have changed. Motorists are forced to have very old cars repaired — buying a new car is out of the question for most Venezuelans.

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