Americas Now

Chile’s latest artistic destination

Will lands given to the ancestors of slaves be affected by Brazil’s new government?

Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery. Thirty years ago the government started granting land titles to communities of people descended from runaway slaves. Stephen Gibbs visits a quilombo in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.

Orphans of Mexico’s drug war could be susceptible to a life of crime

Since 2006, the War Against Drugs in Mexico has left more than 150,000 people dead. Alasdair Baverstock reports from the U.S. – Mexico Border.

Beautiful but deadly lionfish disrupt the Caribbean coast

The predatory lionfish are endangering the existence of hundreds of species of native marine life from Panama to Honduras to Cuba. Correspondent Harris Whitbeck reports.

Transgender actress helps Chile win its first Oscar with ground-breaking film

The Academy Award winner for “Best Foreign Language” film in 2018 was “A Fantastic Woman” from Chile. Our Urban Voice is Daniela Vega.

A doctor of Chinese medicine improves the lives of ill children in Peru

For the last eleven years, a doctor has led a non-profit organization to help such citizens. For our “Game Changer” meet Doctor Ricardo Pun Chong.

El Salvador celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

In El Salvador, the country pays tribute to the indigenous tribe called the Nahuat Pipil.

Life is a struggle for former gang members deported back to El Salvador

Prisons in countries like El Salvador are packed with deportees. A number of them are young men who have been part of a murderous gang war that has claimed thousands of lives. Correspondent Mike Kirsch reports.

Allegations of bribery, kickbacks and extortion in Ecuador

In Ecuador a series of corruption scandals have prompted a clampdown from the top down. Correspondent Dan Collyns reports.

A defiant women’s movement rises up in Argentina

2018 saw a historic debate in Argentina over abortion. The Senate blocked the bill that would loosen one of the region’s strictest abortion laws. Correspondent Joel Richards reports.

Teaching kids how to “ride” high so they don’t “get” high in Colombia

It’s called rollerblading in some countries, inline speed skating or simply “blading” in others. or a group of kids in Colombia it’s become an athletic activity that has changed their lives. Meet Game Changer Johann Carvajal.

Brazil’s Bossa Nova turns 60

“Bossa Nova,” which translates into “new fad” has proven its longevity by continuing to seduce audiences with its dreamy, syncopated melodies.

Frog poaching is a profitable business in Ecuador

Ecuador’s unique and exotic frogs sell for a lot of money on the black market. But an environmental organization has come forward to protect them from poachers.

The legendary rock musician from Argentina who still inspires audiences

Singing in Spanish, dozens of popular bands provided the soundtrack for turbulent decades in Latin America, which are still heard on the radio today. One of the most influential and respected musicians of that generation is Pedro Aznar.

Sumo wrestlers get noticed in Venezuela

Venezuela is getting recognition for an ancient athletic activity practiced professionally in Japan, Sumo Wrestling.

A man in Mexico conducts artistic workshops while using recycled rubbish

The trash millions of people discard each day is being collected to create opportunities. An artist has opened a workshop to turn the trash into art. Meet Thierry Jeannot.

Colombia becomes a more competitive exporter by adopting new technologies

Over the years, Colombia made important economic adjustments, including multiple trade agreements. This helped bring more business to the country. Correspondent Michelle Begue reports.

An “organ donation” law saves lives in Ecuador

Organ donation is one of the most aggressive forms of medical treatment available. Ecuador’s National Registry states that 98% of the country’s citizens have agreed to be organ donors. Harris Whitbeck reports from Guayaquil.

Sculpture goes organic at an artist’s studio in Mexico

Using all kinds of organic materials from tree trunks to coconuts and even shells, he gives a new face to the treasures of nature. Our Urban Voice is art dealer Carlos Miller.

A dangerous neighborhood in Bogota becomes a center for cultural activities

Just two and a half years ago, a neighborhood called The Bronx in Colombia’s capital was infested with crime. But today, it has become the center of an ambitious urban renewal project that brings culture and art to those once-dangerous streets.

Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans find a new home in Peru

The U.N. estimates more than three million Venezuelans have left since 2015. Peru is one of the most favored destinations for those migrants seeking new lives.

CEPR’s Alex Main offers insight into Venezuela’s presidential face-off

The economy has fallen into massive hyperinflation rising to almost a million percent. Could this political turmoil worsen Venezuela’s situation?

Timeline: Why two men both claim to be the President of Venezuela

In Venezuela, a series of events ended with the swearing-in of the constitutionally re-elected president Nicolas Maduro. But now another man has held his own swearing-in ceremony as Venezuela’s new president.

Coffee growers leave the fields of Guatemala to improve their quality-of-life

Most of the coffee consumed worldwide is grown in Latin America. Correspondent Harris Whitbeck reports from Guatemala.

Robberies on the rise in Lake Chapala – a community in Mexico popular with expats

Most of Mexico’s worst crime has been restricted to certain areas like the southern part of the country or along its border with the United States. Alasdair Baverstock traveled to Lake Chapala to take a closer look at the escalating tension.

A Mexican artist giving support to migrants with sculpture

Thousands of Central American migrants make a hazardous journey across Mexico in hopes of reaching the United States. A Mexican artist has made it his mission to extend a hand to those migrants. Our Urban Voice is Libre Gutierrez.

A mother whose daughter was taken from her at US border talks to “Americas Now”

An infant was taken from her mother’s arms by U.S. Border Patrol agents when the two crossed illegally into the United States. For the first time Alexa’s mother Araceli Ramos tells her story to Correspondent Mike Kirsch in El Salvador.

This week on Americas Now: Border Separation

A U.S. judge grants temporary custody of a child foster parents. But the mother is deported back to El Salvador.

Dance instructor gives those with disabilities a chance to tell their stories

A ballerina, and student of psychology, combined her two passions to push people with disabilities to re-think their limitations. Our Game Changer on “Americas Now” is the founder of Mexico’s Inclusive Contemporary Dance Company Lorena Nieva.

Bird experts discover new hummingbird species in Ecuador

A new hummingbird has been discovered in Ecuador. Take a look at these images of the Hillstar.

An architect from Mexico achieves sky-high success in New York

For our Urban Voice on “Americas Now” meet the founder of Ismael Leyva Architects… Ismael Leyva.

A conversation with Chandra Roy-Henriksen on indigenous peoples of the world

Elaine Reyes sat down with Chandra Roy-Henriksen, Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. They discuss language preservation and other issues and challenges affecting indigenous populations especially in the Americas.

Colombian town has high number of residents with Fragile X Syndrome

For decades the rural town called Ricaurte had developed a reputation for having ‘offbeat’ citizens who exhibited strange conduct. Correspondent Michelle Begue traveled to the Colombian town to bring us this report.

Mexico’s notorious drug lord “El Chapo” Guzman faces justice in a US courtroom

U.S. government prosecutors claim “El Chapo” Guzman smuggled billions of dollars in illegal narcotics to the United States. He’s also charged with ordering the murders of those standing in his way. Mike Kirsch tells us more from New York City.

Using clean energy to transform transportation in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the only country in the Americas that has formally pledged to go zero-carbon. Harris Whitbeck reports from San Jose, Costa Rica.

Dancing dressed as an ox at the Bumba-meu-boi festival in Brazil

Our Urban Voice is the tale of Sao Luis. It’s a surreal, theatrical performance of a story that originated in the 18th century and features both human and mythological characters – and an ox.

An ancient crop brings sweet rewards to residents in Guatemala

Our Game Changer is teaching women in her community how to cultivate chocolate. It’s a way to stabilize the land and provide extra income to their families.

3-D technology allows immigrants to visit loved ones they left behind

Throughout the U.S. there are thousands of immigrants whose status makes it virtually impossible for them to leave the country and visit their homelands. Now, one young man is using virtual reality to make what has been virtually impossible…possible.

Scientists help prevent further destruction of Peru’s Amazon forest

The most bio-diverse ecosystem in Peru’s Amazon region is the Madre de Dios. It’s also one of the most under threat from deforestation. Correspondent Dan Collyns visited the area to survey the damage.

Bogota may not hold Carnival, but it does have a spectacular theater festival

Audience members experience a full range of emotions as they enjoy spectacles on twenty different stages. Our Urban Voice is the Ibero-American Theatre Festival in Bogota.

Lack of regulation in Mexico’s fireworks business has an explosive outcome

One community outside of Mexico City is built around the fireworks industry. And it’s lost dozens of people in explosions. Correspondent Alasdair Baverstock traveled to the town of Tultepec to tell us more.

Ice artisans from China construct a holiday exhibit in the U.S.

Harbin, China is famous for being home to the world’s largest ice and snow festival. Thousands of artisans construct massive sculptures from river ice to create entire cities.

Brazil’s new president could send the country on a new course

The country of Brazil has a new president. His name is Jair Bolsonaro and in addition to being a former Congressman, he’s also a former army captain.

An interview with Brazil’s newly-elected Congresswoman Joice Hasselmann

From political commentator to Congress. A journalist who gained popularity as a conservative commentator has been elected to Brazil’s Congress. And she won by a record number of votes.

Empowering kids with Down Syndrome through photography

Several years ago a photographer in Sao Paulo had an innovative idea. She gave her son a camera and brought him along on one of her shoots. Her son has Down Syndrome and the camera boosted his confidence and helped him discover a new world.

Math genius turned Congresswoman addresses education inequality in Brazil

Tabata Amaral is a math prodigy who grew up on the peripheries of Sao Paulo. Now she’s become a politician who has just been elected to the National Congress.

A 2015 dam break in Brazil that covered villages in toxic mud

Three years ago, a dam filled with mining waste burst in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

Antivenom from Costa Rica could help snake bite victims in poor regions

There are scientists who believe climate change is responsible for affecting every living species on earth. And they have launched research projects on several fronts. One that might at first seem unexpected is taking place in Costa Rica. It involves a species that is among […]

A Bolivian boy with “special abilities” proves nothing is impossible

A boy born with one hand who created his own prosthesis is now making artificial hands for others.

Canto Llano: Songs sung by cowboys on the plains of Colombia

Cowboys have graced the grasslands of Colombia and Venezuela for centuries. Their unique traditions and culture have even been admired and recognized by UNESCO — the United Nations Cultural Agency.

White lions charm visitors at zoo in Peru

A pair of rare white lion cubs were born in Mexico in 2018. They have since been transferred to Peru.

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