Colombia is home to about 1.7 million who fled neighboring Venezuela in recent years. Now that it has shut down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the migrants say they are extra vulnerable.
El Salvador's troops deployed in congress. Bolivia's army advised the president to step down. Brazil's leader surrounds himself with top brass. The armed forces have made a comeback across the region.
Allowing the use of American dollars has brought a little life back to Venezuela's cities — and strengthened Nicolás Maduro's grip on power. But much misery remains in more rural parts of the nation.
After lawmakers allied with President Nicolás Maduro shut out the opposition, Juan Guaidó said he will try to take his rightful place as president of the National Assembly.
Opposition lawmakers, including rival head of state Juan Guaidó, were blocked by security forces from attending a National Assembly session, enabling loyalists of the president to elect a new leader.
Thousands of medical workers have left the country. Those who remain at public institutions earn very low wages — and often have to moonlight to make ends meet.
Started by the Santa Teresa rum-maker, Project Alcatraz is a rehabilitation program including vocational training, psychological counseling and rugby — seen as nurturing respect and discipline.
The government has promised to welcome migrants from neighboring Venezuela as "blood brothers." But more than 1 million newcomers are adding to the stress on an already strained health-care system.