Americas Now

March 15, 2024

Many Russian families are moving to Argentina for a better life

Joel Richards has reported on their experiences and the challenges they face while relocating to a country with both abundance and economic hardship. Argentina is known for its natural resources and cultural vibrancy and has become a place of hope for these migrants. However, the […]

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March 15, 2024

The Amazon Rainforest in Peril: Understanding the Impact of Record Drought

The Amazon Rainforest, known for its unparalleled biodiversity and crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, is facing an unprecedented challenge. A record-setting drought across Brazil has put immense pressure on this vital ecosystem in recent years. Researchers and environmentalists are deeply concerned about the […]

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February 28, 2024

Exploring the Impact of Record-High Temperatures on Puerto Rico

Climate Crisis Hits Home: Exploring the Impact of Record-High Temperatures on Puerto Rico In September 2023, Puerto Rico experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with record-high temperatures making it the hottest month recorded on the island. This alarming phenomenon has raised concerns about the future of life on […]

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February 28, 2024

Guyana’s Role on the United Nations Security Council

In January 2024, Guyana embarked on a significant diplomatic journey as it assumed its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term. This milestone marked a pivotal moment for the South American nation, offering a platform to contribute […]

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February 28, 2024

Navigating the Complex Realities of Undocumented Migrants

As the United States tightens its immigration policies, the situation of undocumented migrants is becoming increasingly desperate. Many individuals resort to extreme measures to enter and remain in the country. Meanwhile, others are turning to the sanctuary movement to avoid being deported. Journalist Alasdair Baverstock […]

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January 18, 2024

Beekeeping in the US: A Look at the Significance and Process

Around two hundred years ago, Europeans introduced honeybees to the United States to help pollinate crops. Today, there are nearly three million honeybee colonies in the US. John Zarrella explains the significance of beekeeping in the US and takes us through the process.

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January 18, 2024

Americans relocating to Mexico amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the employee experience and triggered new work trends such as early retirement and remote work. Consequently, many Americans relocated to Mexico, particularly in the southern regions. Alasdair Baverstock provides a report on this trend.

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January 18, 2024

A Conversation with Cuba’s Ambassador to the United Nations

Cuba is facing a critical situation regarding climate change. The sea level is rising, there is less rainfall, and the temperature is increasing, all negatively impacting food production. Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss the country’s objectives in tackling climate change with the Ambassador […]

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January 18, 2024

Argentina’s Lithium Potential for Clean Energy

Lithium is critical in developing advanced batteries crucial for the movement of clean energy. As a result, the price of this metal rises every year, and Argentina is a significant source of it. The question is, can Argentina capitalize on this opportunity to maximize its […]

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January 11, 2024

Alberto Santos Dumont: The Brazilian Aviation Pioneer

Maria Valls shares with us the fascinating story of Alberto Santos Dumont, a Brazilian inventor and aviation pioneer who is often referred to as the “father of aviation”. He lived between Brazil and France and his legacy has been an inspiration for Brazilians for decades. 

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January 11, 2024

Communities in Colombia Combat Illegal Mining with Environment-Friendly Industry

Illegal mining, mainly through small-scale operations, poses a severe environmental threat. In Colombia, unregulated gold and other minerals extraction are causing significant harm to certain rainforest areas. However, some communities are taking action by transitioning to another profitable and eco-friendly industry. Michelle Begue has covered […]

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January 11, 2024

International Cartels Bring Violence and Crime to Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country situated in South America, sharing its borders with Colombia and Peru – two of the world’s largest cocaine producers. Despite having no prior history of drug production, Ecuador has recently become a target for international cartels, which has led to […]

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November 15, 2023

The Threat to Xochimilco Gardens: Overuse and Climate Change

The Xochimilco Gardens in Mexico City have been a popular destination for centuries. Initially, the Aztecs utilized these gardens to provide water and produce for the city’s residents, and today they continue to play a crucial role in the ecosystem. However, according to Harris Whitbeck, […]

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November 15, 2023

Oregon Decriminalizes Recreational Drug Use

An Alternative Approach to the War on Drugs? In 2020, the US state of Oregon decriminalized recreational drug use. As a result, individuals are now allowed to carry small amounts of drugs like heroin, meth, cocaine, and fentanyl without fear of arrest. This policy was […]

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September 13, 2023

Was an authentic drawing by Frida Kahlo burnt?

Is burning priceless artwork a good idea if it can make you money? Harris Whitbeck reports on a controversy in Mexico’s art world.  It involves a businessman interested in cryptocurrency and a drawing by legendary artist Frida Kahlo. 

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September 13, 2023

Surviving Inflation: How Venezuelans Cope in a Dollarized Economy

For a country with a troubled relationship with the United States, you might be surprised to learn that Venezuela uses the U.S. dollar for more than 70 percent of all retail transactions. Dollarization helped stabilize Venezuela’s economy. But as Stephen Gibbs tells us from Caracas, […]

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September 13, 2023

A Community in Arizona Struggles to Access Clean Water

In the United States, nearly 165 million people rely on groundwater for drinking. But today, some of those sources are drying up. Alternative options to obtain water can be expensive or unaffordable. Mike Kirsch visited a community in Arizona where an entire neighborhood is living […]

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August 11, 2023

A Look into the Lives of Emerald Miners in Colombia

The emerald is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. Colombia is, by far, the largest producer of the green gem. The country’s most valuable deposits are located outside the town of Muzo. While the area may be rich in emeralds, poverty remains a problem. Michelle Begue has the story.  […]

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August 11, 2023

Argentineans Getting Used to Living with High Levels of Inflation

Argentina is experiencing triple-digit inflation. The South American country reached one of the world’s highest inflation rates surpassing 100 %. Most of the prices in the country have doubled. Joel Richards reports on the soaring cost of living Argentineans are confronting.        

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July 17, 2023

The Behind the Scenes of the Colorful Guatemala Chicken Buses

  Famous worldwide for its colorful display, Guatemala’s public intercity buses have a unique personality. They are known as chicken buses for the occasional bird that flies out of a passenger’s basket. They started as yellow school buses in the United States. They were later […]

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July 17, 2023

Monitoring Dangerous Volcano Activity in Colombia

Almost four decades ago, the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia killed some 25,000 people. Now, the same volcano has triggered alarms after increasing activity. Authorities fear another deadly event can occur, but some locals refuse to evacuate. Michelle Begue has more.  

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July 17, 2023

Aquaculture as a Way to Feed the World

As the world population keeps growing, we need to produce more food. Some studies estimate that, by the year 2050, the demand for protein will increase at least 50%. One of the solutions is aquaculture. John Zarrella reports.  

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July 17, 2023

Life After Lake in Bolivia Dried Up

When it comes to climate change, experts focus mainly on future events. But higher temperatures already have very noticeable consequences in the Andes Mountains. Harris Whitbeck went to Bolivia to report on how the country’s second-largest lake dried up in a blink of an eye […]

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July 3, 2023

Americas Now: Today in Technology

Over the last few years, the city of Toronto has become a global center when it comes to tech and innovation. It is the third largest technological hub in North America, with 24,000 companies that employ nearly 300,000 workers.

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June 30, 2023

The Controversy of Mexico’s Bullfight Tradition

Mexico’s tradition of bullfighting goes back five centuries. The largest bullfighting venue in the world…is located in Mexico City. Despite its enormous popularity, it is banned in several states for cruelty. Armando Guerra brings us the story of this controversial Hispanic tradition.  

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June 30, 2023

Climate Change Threatens Life on Colombia’s San Andres Island

San Andres and Providencia are two Colombian Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Tourists travel from around the world…to experience this tropical paradise.  But in November 2020, Hurricanes Eta and Iota destroyed or damaged most of their infrastructure.  And it’s been challenging to recover. Michelle Begue […]

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May 31, 2023

The Rise of Women into the Mezcal World

  Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It includes a large family of spirits like world-famous tequila, a type of mezcal. In the south of Mexico, women are making history as they have moved to the forefront of mezcal production […]

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May 31, 2023

Bird Flu Detected in Mammals in Peru

Since 2022 some parts of the world have experienced the worst avian influenza outbreak ever. From Condors in California to seabirds in Gambia, the avian flu is killing birds all over. But it’s also begun to spread to mammals. Dan Collyns tells us how the […]

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