Latin America

World News

Venezuela's Supreme Court Takes Over Opposition-Controlled Congress

5:47pm March 30, 2017

by John Otis

In a move critics are calling the point of no return toward a dictatorship, Venezuela's Supreme Court took over the opposition-controlled Congress. The court ruled Congress "in contempt' and said it would take over all "parliamentary capacities."

Queue Listen Now

A family member holds twins Eloisa (left) and Eloa, both 8 months old and born with microcephaly, during a Christmas gathering. The mother of the twins, Raquel, who lives in Brazil, said she contracted Zika during her pregnancy.

Health & Safety

Why Didn't Zika Cause A Surge In Microcephaly In 2016?

2:55pm March 30, 2017

by Michaeleen Doucleff

Scientists predicted that more than 1,000 babies would be born with the birth defect in Brazil last year. That never happened. Why?

Nayarit state Attorney General Edgar Veytia was arrested on drug trafficking charges at the U.S.-Mexico border this week. Here, the Nayarit state attorney general's headquarters is seen in Tepic, Mexico.

U.S. Arrests Mexican State Prosecutor, Says He's Also A Drug Smuggler Named 'Diablo'

2:49pm March 30, 2017

by Bill Chappell

U.S. prosecutors say they'll seek to compel Edgar Veytia to forfeit some $250 million if he's convicted. The attorney general of Nayarit state was arrested this week in San Diego.

Compared to leaf-eaters, primates who ate fruit had around 25 percent more brain tissue.

What Gave Some Primates Bigger Brains? A Fruit-Filled Diet

9:27am March 28, 2017

by Jessica Boddy

A new study suggests that diet had a big influence in driving the evolution of brain size in primates. Monkeys who thrive on fruit have bigger brains than their plant eating neighbors.

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, left, talks with first base coach Harold Baines in the dugout during a game in 2011.

How Latino Players Are Helping Major League Baseball Learn Spanish

4:00pm March 26, 2017

by Jorge Encinas

Latino players have long felt lost in translation in the minor and major leagues. How MLB is taking on this linguistic and cultural challenge.

Environment

In Chile, Landowner Makes The Largest Private Donation Of Land To A Government

8:14am March 26, 2017

Kristine Tompkins, whose husband founded The North Face clothing company, tells Lulu Garcia-Navarro about her decision to donate a million acres of land she owns in Patagonia to Chile's government.

U.S. Faces Undefeated Puerto Rico In World Baseball Classic Final

4:38pm March 22, 2017

It may be the American pastime, but this is the first time a U.S. team has reached the finals of the World Baseball Classic. The U.S. faces undefeated Puerto Rico at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Jon Morosi, a reporter for MLB.com, for a preview.

World News

Veteran Convict Provides Glimpse Into Brazil's Violent Prisons

11:50pm March 21, 2017

by Philip Reeves

Recent deadly violence at an Amazon prison is fueling concern over the vast powers wielded within the country's penal system by armed drug gangs, and the dangers faced by young men in prison awaiting trial or for minor offenses. A veteran convict tells NPR about life behind bars.

Queue Listen Now

Jose, a member of the Tsimane group who's 75 years old, stands in the plantain field he planted in Bolivia's Amazon rain forest.

Who Has The Healthiest Hearts In The World?

12:35pm March 21, 2017

by Michaeleen Doucleff

Move over Japanese women. You've been dethroned as the population with the healthiest hearts. This group of people can fight off heart disease even into their 80s. What's their secret?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 in Houston.

Tom Brady's Stolen Jersey Found With 'Member Of The International Media'

4:55pm March 20, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

With the same person in Mexico, authorities also recovered another of the New England Patriots quarterback's Super Bowl jerseys, from his team's victory over the Seattle Seahawks in 2015.