Central America
Guatemala: maquila stole $6 million from workers
US retailers have been caught selling apparel from a plant whose union-busting owner cheated the workers of their pension and healthcare benefits.
Day: January 28, 2014
Mexico
Mexico: police break up blockade of Goldcorp mine
Campesinos in Zacatecas state say a Canadian mining multinational "took advantage of their ignorance" when they agreed to rent out their land for a pittance.
Southern Cone
Brazil: 143 arrested as World Cup protests continue
Brazilians continue to protest the government's funding of soccer events at the expense of social services, but the actions are much smaller than last year's giant marches.
Southern Cone
Argentina: peso falls as emerging markets weaken
The Argentine peso had its worst week since the 2001-2002 financial crisis, but analysts are divided on the reasons for the fall.
EMPIRES OF GOLD
In the latest escalation of its crackdown on opposition, Russia designated a disparate group of activists, satirists, and others as "foreign agents." A statement released by the Ministry of Justice listed the high-profile figures as designated "foreign agents," a controversial term with Cold War-era implications of espionage that carries burdensome reporting responsibilities and exposes designees to hefty fines. Among those named were Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Veronika Nikulshina of the activist group Pussy Riot. (Photo: Wikipedia)
The Andes
ICJ rules on Peru-Chile maritime border dispute
The International Court of Justice issued a ruling establishing a new maritime boundary between Peru and Chile, officially ending years of conflict over the question.