Latin America

World News

In Venezuela, Some Government Loyalists Split With President Maduro

6:00pm July 14, 2017

by John Otis

Life in Venezuela is getting increasingly difficult under the heavy handed rule of President Nicolas Maduro. Some government loyalists are suffering a change of heart and are splitting with Maduro, but the consequences can be tough.

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Oscar Perez speaks at an anti-government protest in Caracas on Thursday. Perez, a fugitive pilot who allegedly attacked the country's Supreme Court building with hand grenades thrown from a helicopter, appeared unexpectedly at an opposition rally before f

World News

Fugitive Pilot Resurfaces At Rally Just Days From Venezuela's Referendum

3:25pm July 14, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

As a symbolic vote nears on President Maduro's plan to replace the constitution, protesters greeted a surprise guest: the police officer who attacked government buildings from a helicopter last month.

Desiree Armas (center) and her parents, Olga and Carlos Armas, left Peru when Desiree was 3 years old. Her immigration status made finding financial aid for college complicated.

For New Jersey DACA Student, The Road To College Is Bumpier Than Expected

9:22am July 14, 2017

by Joel Rose

We first met Desiree Armas back in January. She graduated with honors from high school, but her home state of New Jersey doesn't allow state financial aid for students in the country illegally.

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Brazilian Ex-President Convicted Of Corruption

5:03am July 13, 2017

by Philip Reeves

Brazil's popular former president has been convicted of corruption and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva denies wrongdoing. He remains free pending appeal.

World News

Brazil's Former President Lula Sentenced To Prison For Corruption

5:34pm July 12, 2017

by Philip Reeves

Brazil's former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been convicted of corruption charges. Lula, as he's popularly known, was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison but remains free pending appeal. Lula denies wrongdoing and claims the charges are politically motivated.

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Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a seminar earlier this year in Brasilia.

Former Brazilian President Lula Convicted Of Corruption, Sentenced To Prison

2:48pm July 12, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The conviction handed down Wednesday carries a prison sentence of nine and a half years for the popular ex-president. Still, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva remains free as he appeals the verdict.

A Brazilian Man Fights For The Right To Smile

4:54am July 12, 2017

by Philip Reeves

This is a tale about a Brazilian man who took on the authorities by insisting on smiling for official photos — and won.

Venezuelan President Announces Plan To Rewrite Its Constitution

5:29am July 11, 2017

by John Otis

After more than 100 days of often-violent street protests, there's little sign of peace returning to Venezuela, as President Nicolas Maduro prepares a plan that critics call a power grab.

Florida Governor Wants State To Divest From Companies That Deal With Venezuela

4:52am July 11, 2017

by Greg Allen

Gov. Rick Scott announced the plan Monday. More than 100,000 Venezuelans live in Florida — many of whom fled repression from the regimes of Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro.

Morning News Brief: Donald Trump Jr. Under Fire; Protests Rage In Venezuela

4:52am July 11, 2017

Senators want to speak to Donald Trump Jr. about his meeting with a Russian lawyer; the Venezuelan government tries to gain more power; and an important decision for family of a British infant.