After nearly fifty years in power, Cuban leader Fidel Castro resigned, sparking discussion about the island's political and economic future. In recent years, U.S.-Cuba trade relations have experienced a thaw.
Lima's fast response to a devastating earthquake drew high marks. But, in the six months since the disaster left tens of thousands displaced, the road to rebuilding has hit bumps.
During his first U.S. visit in office, Mexican President Felipe Calderón stopped in states with large Mexican populations. The leader urged investment in his country to boost job growth.
Social networking sites are engaging users in political activism, from a massive international rally against Colombian guerilla group the FARC to the U.S. immigration debate. Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube also serve as tools to draw young Latino voters to U.S. polls.
As U.S. voters hit the polls in 24 primaries on February 5, the Hispanic vote played a crucial role, particularly in delegate-heavy California. The Latino electorate helped make John McCain the Republican front runner. Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton has relied on a Hispanic support base, but some see rival Barack Obama making inroads.
Brazil announced repercussions for illegal land use in the Amazon following reports of a jump in deforestation rates, fueled by surging food prices. Yet rising costs present an opportunity for responsible land use incentives.
President Rafael Correa gave oil firms a March deadline, offering three options in the renegotiation of contracts. But even as Ecuador's government wants greater control over its energy industry, it also seeks to boost investment.
