Latin America

"Samba doesn't accept restraint," says Sao Paulo performer Douglas Germano. "It has to break free or else it dies."

In Gritty Sao Paulo, Samba Reinvents Itself With An Introspective Sound

7:00am December 24, 2016

by Marina Lopes

A hundred years after the first recorded samba, São Paulo is pioneering the genre's second act. The city's introspective anthems couldn't be more different than Rio's optimistic, breezy samba beat.

World News

Death Toll Rises To 31 In Mexico Fireworks Market Explosion

6:23pm December 21, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

At least 31 people are dead and at least 40 hospitalized after explosions Monday at a large fireworks market near Mexico City.

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Brazilian Federal Judge Sergio Moro (right) is leading his country's corruption probe of state-run oil company Petrobras. Two Brazilian companies have agreed to more than $3.5 billion in fines for violating U.S. bribery laws in their dealings with Petrobr

Justice Department Announces Largest Corporate Bribery Penalty Ever

5:26pm December 21, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

The Justice Department says two Brazilian companies have agreed to pay more than $3.5 billion for violating U.S. bribery laws in their dealings with Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras.

World News

Fireworks Factory Near Mexico City Is Torn Apart By A Deadly Explosion

7:03am December 21, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

A video of the blast that rocked the open-air San Pablito market on the northern outskirts of Mexico's capital city showed fireworks shooting in every direction and smoke billowing into the sky.

World News

Dozens Killed As Explosion Rips Through Fireworks Market Near Mexico City

10:55pm December 20, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

An explosion ripped through a fireworks market outside Mexico City on Tuesday, killing at least 29 people and injuring many others, officials said.

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An explosion ripped through the San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, Mexico, on Tuesday.

World News

Deadly Explosion Rips Through Fireworks Market Near Mexico City

9:06pm December 20, 2016

by Laura Wagner

A fireworks market outside Mexico City exploded Tuesday. Mexican authorities say 29 people were killed, but that number could climb higher. Dozens of people were injured.

Yo Ho Owe And A Bottle Of Rum

8:08am December 20, 2016

The cash-strapped Cuban government owes the Czech Republic about $267 million. Cuba has offered to satisfy the debt with rum instead of money. Czech officials are considering the offer.

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A man shows 100-Bolivar notes while crossing the Francisco de Paula Santander international bridge, linking Urena, in Venezuela and Cucuta, in Colombia Saturday, despite the border closing order issued by the Venezuelan government.

After Outbreak Of Looting, Venezuela Delays Phase-Out Of Large Currency

12:10pm December 18, 2016

by Bill Chappell

In a short TV appearance Saturday night, Maduro told his nation that 500-bolivar notes that are meant to replace the 100-bolivar currency are delayed.

World News

In Mexico, A Father's Invitation For Daughter's Quinceañera Goes Viral

6:37pm December 16, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

A proud dad invited guests to his daughter's 15th birthday party through Facebook. The invite went viral, and now all of Mexico is invited and getting in on the girl's quinceañera, including an airline and several major Mexican food companies.

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Florida Department of Health workers package a urine test, part of the state's effort to provide free Zika tests to pregnant women.

Study Offers Clues To Risk Of Zika Birth Defects In The U.S.

6:41pm December 14, 2016

by Rob Stein

Women who were infected with Zika virus while abroad and then came to the U.S. had complications about 6 percent of the time, a study finds. First-trimester exposure was linked to more birth defects.