Topic: South America

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Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.

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Venezuala Snowden's last chance: Russian official

Venezuala: Snowden hasn't yet been in contact. Russian officials say he has been stuck in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport since arriving on a flight from Hong Kong two weeks ago.
Venezuela, Nicaragua offer Edward Snowden asylum. For real?

The leaders of Venezuela and Nicaragua have offered asylum to NSA leaker Edward Snowden. But are the offers genuine, or just a way to tweak their powerful neighbor to the north?
Snowden search on Bolivian plane sparks Latin American criticism

Leaders across Latin America shared concerns about the significance of the diversion of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane. Bolivian officials suggested the United States encouraged the diversion because Morales previously suggested he would consider granting asylum to former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
How did the chest-hair-farming Hoff crab evolve? Scientists solve mystery (+ video)

Named for the hairy-chested actor David Hasselhoff, the Hoff crab is now thought to have originated in the Pacific Ocean. Today it is threatened by global warming, say scientists.
Peru earthquake: Small offshore earthquake rumbles Lima

A small earthquake hit Peru at 1:40 p.m. local time Tuesday, just off the coast near Lima, Peru's capital city. No injuries or damage have been reported.
Latin America Monitor Argentines no longer top beef eaters

Though Argentina fell to neighboring Uruguay as king of beef consumption, locals say statistics may tell one story but daily life reflects another: Beef and barbecue are still ubiquitous.
Top Picks: The family cooking magazine Chop Chop, Dean Jones' new indie album for kids, and more

Singer/songwriter Roger Day performs a concert in the wetlands, 'My Lucky Elephant' follows a young Thai boy and his pachyderm best friend, and more top picks.
Fighting inflation: 'Army' of Kirchner supporters monitor prices in Argentina

Some 3,000 pro-Kirchner activists march store aisles nationwide making sure there's no overcharging for the 500 goods under a new price freeze.
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for 'legal' coca products.

The coca leaf - used to make cocaine - is classified as an illegal drug by international bodies. But the Bolivian government argues using more leaves for products like cookies and energy drinks could help curb trafficking.
Ford recall: 465,000 vehicles could have fuel leaks. Are you affected?

Ford recall involves about 465,000 cars and SUVs. The company says the Ford recall is due to fuel leaks in several of its 2013 models.
6.8 Chile earthquake strikes off the coast

6.8 Chile earthquake: The USGS revised the original report of a 6.8 earthquake down to 6.5. The earthquake struck off Chile Monday morning. No tsunami warning was issued.
The South welcomes 'crazy ants.' Hail the latest invader.

'Crazy ants' from South America are hitching rides across the South, setting up massive colonies, and relieving other occupying ant armies, including fire ants, of their duties.
Crazy ants vs. Fire ants: Who's winning? (+video)

Crazy ants are taking over areas once occupied by fire ants in the South. The sting of Crazy ants isn't as painful and migrate slowly. But Crazy ants multiply faster.
Brazil's gun control debate: Opponents try to shoot holes in disarmament law

The number of homicides in South America’s largest nation fell in 2004 for the first time in 12 years thanks in part to a disarmament law. But a new push by some legislators could loosen gun restrictions.
Google Earth Engine unveils how Earth has altered

For the first time, the public can track back the environmental changes occurring on our planet's surface over time via Google Earth Engine.
Saul Bass directed a movie about ants taking over the world. Could that really happen?

Directed by Saul Bass, who is celebrated Wednesday with a Google Doodle, the 1974 sci-fi flick 'Phase IV,' depicts ants developing a superior intelligence.
Meet the floating plant that has Lake Victoria's economy in a chokehold

Massive mats of invasive water hyacinth are creeping their way across the lake, severely disrupting local fishermen and sending scientists scrambling for a way to stop the runaway weed.
Was Africa the motherland of dinosaur predecessors?

The ancestors of dinosaurs might have established themselves in present-day Tanzania and Zambia, suggest newly discovered fossils.
Culture Cafe Monkees announce tour will cross the US this summer (+video)

Monkees announce tour: The Monkees reunion tour will kick off July 15 and could expand into an international tour, according to band member Micky Dolenz. Tickets for the Monkees summer tour will go on sale May 3.
Earth permanently deformed by really big earthquakes

Earth permanently deformed? The Earth's crust is relatively elastic, but earthquakes of more than magnitude 7 will leave the planet permanently deformed, says new research.
Can a blimp curb drug trafficking in Latin America? The US hopes so.

After sweeping US budget cuts, the Pentagon is testing new tools to stop drug trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean: a blimp tethered to the back of a boat and a hand-launched drone.
Ford's $1.6 billion earnings beat expectations

Ford says growth in US and China is making up for declines in Europe and South America. Ford quarterly revenue rises 10 percent and net income goes up 15 percent.
Earth's cooling came to sudden halt in 1900, study shows

An international study used tree rings and pollen to build the first record of global climate change, continent by continent, over 2,000 years.
South American leaders likely to back Venezuela's Maduro in emergency meeting

Despite complaints from some Venezuelans that Sunday's election had irregularities, analysts say leaders in the region will likely support Mr. Maduro’s election in order to maintain stability.
Ship on fire in Antarctica: Crew of 97 rescued

Ship on fire in Antarctica: A Chinese factory fishing ship caught fire Wednesday just off the coast of Antarctica and 97 crew members were rescued. The ship did not sink.