Argentina
An Argentine submarine lost almost exactly a year ago was found some 800 meters below sea level. The vessel, which carried 44 submariners, was returning to port after a supposed electrical failure. A 1980’s model, German-built, diesel submarine the ARA San Juan was assumed to have imploded under the pressure at the ocean floor. Further investigation will certainly follow. Learn more: CNN, La Nación
Colombia
University Students in Colombia are protesting the government’s education policy across the country. A number of major institutions have closed due to student absence and faculty support of the movement. The protests have caused a handful of injuries and some major disruption in the capital, Bogota. This is another blow to President Ivan Duque who is struggling to keep economic growth as government funds are increasingly spent on the Venezuelan migrant crisis and new taxes have been widely unpopular. Learn more: Washington Post, El Tiempo De Colombia, El Tiempo 2
Honduras
The majority of those in the caravans now notoriously near the United States-Mexico border are from Honduras. Of the original mass movement some 2,000 have crossed all of Mexico while some 7,000 returned to their home nation often stricken with violence and governmental instability. A representation of the overall migration situation, many say they still plan on attempting to enter the U.S. Learn More: USA Today, Newsweek, Washington Post
Mexico
Mexico’s President Elect, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, after a questionable plebiscite has decided to cancel the ongoing project building a new airport for Mexico City. The partially completed, $13 billion project will remain unfinished. The overall economy has taken a hit and the Mexican peso is trading at a four-month low. The effects once Mr. Lopez Obrador’s presidency actually begins are yet to be determined. Learn more: The Economist, BBC Mundo
Perú
Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra is at an unusual high not only for the man himself but for politicians in the country as a whole. After the recent arrest of political opponent and former multi-bid presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori the economy seems stable and corruption is perceived to be decreasing. Good signs for a frequently bi-polar democracy. Learn more: El Comercio, El Universal
Venezuela
Crisis-hit Venezuela released new government identification cards this week. These cards, necessary to receive government aid and food handouts, allow the intelligence services to track large amounts of personal data about the users. These cards were produced in collaboration with Chinese technology firms and increase concerns about privacy and the right to dissent in the struggling nation. Learn more: Public Radio International, Business Insider