America

As tensions rise over Donald Trump’s remarks about “taking back” the canal, President José Raúl Mulino has accused the US of spreading an “intolerable falsehood” by claiming Panama agreed to waive canal fees for US ships, denying any such deal

The country and Argentina have agreed to strengthen military cooperation for border surveillance, deploying drones, radars, and conducting joint operations to combat organized crime

Former President Pedro Castillo will stand trial starting 4 March for rebellion and abuse of authority over his failed 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress; currently serving 18 months of pretrial detention, he faces a potential 34-year sentence while

Uruguay is aiming to lead bio-packaging production in Latin America, leveraging its forestry industry and hemp regulation; however, its success will depend on overcoming challenges such as initial costs, recycling infrastructure, and consumer education

Guyana will begin administering flu vaccines to healthcare workers and the elderly while also contributing influenza samples to the WHO for vaccine design

Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie has been stripped of Order of Canada; the appointment has been terminated by the Governor General following a 2023 CBC report questioning her Indigenous heritage and affirming she was born in Massachusetts

Costa Rica strengthened cooperation with the US on security, migration, and cybersecurity, with US Marco Rubio pledging support against organized crime, increased collaboration with the DEA and FBI, and the enhancement of telecommunications

During a televised meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued that cocaine is "no worse than whiskey" and would be easily dismantled if legalized worldwide, sparking tensions with the US amid record coca production and disputes over drug policy

A $470 monthly contribution to migrants returning voluntarily or being deported, alongside training programs and scholarships, have been announced by President Daniel Noboa just days before elections and amid US plans for mass deportations

The country offered to house convicted criminals deported from the US, including US citizens, in the country’s mega-prison for a fee, a proposal welcomed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a gesture of friendship

A tutoring program to tackle school failure in rural areas has been launched, sending teachers into coffee fields and using phone calls where the internet is scarce, helping thousands of children catch up academically and return to school

The country will increase deportation flights from the US by 40%, repatriating both Guatemalans and migrants of other nationalities while creating a border task force to combat transnational crime