America

Canada Post general strike enters 2nd week, affecting most services and people, from isolated communities in the North to tens of thousands of citizens whose passports, printed and ready to be mailed before festive season, are being held by Service Canada

Anti-waste sanctions have been imposed on Argentine soybean imports aiming to restore fair competition after an investigation found significant Argentinian soybean waste harming local producers

4.000 school and book grants for current school year will be handed out in early 2025, following the 20.200 grants disbursed in fiscal 2024; grants requests were 26.967, of which less than 10% didn't match requirements

State contractor Gravel & Concrete is working alongside the Project 500 promoted by the Dickona Mitchell-led Congress administration to provide more housing units for the people of Grenada

Suriname and China signed a Supplemental Finance Agreement to complete the first phase of restructuring Suriname's bilateral debt, paving the way for renewed financing after resolving debts with other creditors

The release of over 200 political prisoners after disputed elections by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seen as a positive gesture toward US President-elect Donald Trump

Tropical Storm Sara caused severe flooding in western Belize, inundating several communities and damaging infrastructure; prime Minister John Briceno pledged aid for affected residents and measures to prevent future flooding

NASA and Peru's CONIDA signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential multi-year campaign for launching low-cost sounding rockets from Peru, aiming to enhance scientific research, technology testing, and international collaboration

Paraguay and Italy, through the EU-backed "El PacCto 2.0" program, held a key meeting to enhance cooperation against transnational crime, focusing on anti-money laundering, organized crime, and prison intelligence

Persistent rains in Panama have caused significant damage to over 8.000 hectares of crops, primarily affecting rice, coffee, and plantains, with provinces like Veraguas and Chiriquí hardest hit, as authorities assess losses and measures for farmers

Bishop Carlos Herrera, president of the Episcopal Conference, was expelled to Guatemala amid escalating repression against the Catholic Church; Nicaragua's authorities have expelled over 50 clergy since 2018

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out tax reforms for 2025, focusing instead on improving tax collection, customs revenue, and reducing administrative burdens, while pledging austerity measures to address a projected 3,2% fiscal deficit

A Mass Casualty Management training for emergency responders has been completed upon initiative of the Guyana Ministry of Health; it enhanced skills in disaster coordination, resilience, and inter-agency response through simulations and strategic planning