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China's illicit gold push reshapes global mining, fuels environmental destruction: report

Environment 2025-09-09

China's illicit gold push reshapes global mining, fuels environmental destruction: report

China's surging gold appetite is driving illicit mining from Indonesia to South America, fueling environmental destruction, organized crime and geopolitical tensions, a new investigation warns.

Fresh Nicaragua crackdown hints at behind-the-scenes power grab

Politics 2025-09-08

Fresh Nicaragua crackdown hints at behind-the-scenes power grab

As Daniel Ortega fades from public life, Rosario Murillo tightens her grip with arrests, purges and prison deaths, signaling Nicaragua's slide deeper into authoritarian rule.

Rubio ramps up Ecuador support in tough anti-crime drive

Crime & Justice 2025-09-05

Rubio ramps up Ecuador support in tough anti-crime drive

Ecuador is deepening ties with the United States while managing infrastructure-for-loan deals with China that left the South American country in a strategic debt trap.

Nightlife falls silent as Ecuador's narco gangs take charge

Crime & Justice 2025-09-04

Nightlife falls silent as Ecuador's narco gangs take charge

Once alive with salsa and neon, Guayaquil's nightlife lies in ruins as cartel violence and extortion turn Ecuador's commercial hub into South America's deadliest city.

Guyana's remote dirt road seen as future economic lifeline

Economy 2025-09-03

Guyana's remote dirt road seen as future economic lifeline

Guyana is upgrading its jungle highway toward Brazil, boosting trade and access to oil-rich Essequibo, a region still shadowed by Venezuela's baseless territorial claims.

Crew cuts and shiny shoes: El Salvador schools get anti-gang makeover

Society 2025-09-02

Crew cuts and shiny shoes: El Salvador schools get anti-gang makeover

Students must polish shoes, keep conservative haircuts and say 'please' and 'thank you' under new military-style rules.