Latin America

Recent scientific discoveries show the Amazon might control the climate for much of South America. The theory could point to potentially disastrous ramifications if deforestation continues.

The six horsewomen of the Castro clan, known as Las Amazonas del Dorado, bring the Mexican sport of escaramuza to Catlett, Virginia.

Brazil says it has greatly reduced the rate of deforestation. That may be true, critics say, but they argue such figures are misleading because so much of the Amazon has already been degraded.

The White House is expected to release recommendations to Congress for a plan to close Guantanamo Bay and relocate its inmates somewhere in the U.S. Meanwhile, the expected failure of Congress to override President Obama's veto of this year's defense policy bill could create an opening for him to try to act unilaterally — though it would mean a major showdown.