America Dominica Carnival 2025 has been launched by Tourism Minister speaking to State-Owned Radio DBS and the grand parade is set for 18 January; the 2024 Dominica Carnival season saw +20% visitors, bringing revenues and opportunities for local small entrepreneurs
America United States Jimmy Carter, serving as US President from 1977 to 1981, has died at 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia; in 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work as he brokered peace between Israel and Egypt amid Iraq hostages crisis
America El Salvador Congress has approved a law that would end the country's seven-year-old ban on mining for metals: president Nayib Bukele pushed to lift the ban, imposed in 2017 due to environmental concerns, claiming the country has vast gold deposits
America Guatemala A 6% minimum wage increase for textile factories and 10% for other sectors has been announced, based on technical analysis and sector consultations
America Guyana G$100.000 (around 480 USD) cash grants have been distributed to the first 50.000 public sector workers, including teachers and health staff; with this move, the government aims to promote lasting wealth and boost the local economy
America Mexico Mexico will open 25 shelters for deported migrants to house Mexican citizens for a few days before sending them to their hometowns, in response to expected US deportations under the Trump administration
America Chile Doctors have warned of a growing health crisis among children in Antofagasta's mining region, citing rising autism and cancer rates linked to pollution from copper mining, a key industry in Chile
America Costa Rica An international group of surfing missionaries arrived in Costa Rica, connecting the spiritual allure of surfing with faith, as they share their message with surfers seeking both the perfect wave and deeper meaning
America Colombia Colombia set a record in 2024 with 6,2 million international visitors, surpassing projections and highlighting its appeal as a top Latin American destination, driven by its culture, natural beauty and also sustainable tourism efforts
America Ecuador Diplomatic and consular services for Ecuador in Venezuela will be taken over by Switzerland, as the bilateral relations between the two South American nations have been broken
America Panama US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, criticizing Panama’s toll fees as excessive and warning against alleged Chinese influence, despite China's lack of administrative control over the canal
America Venezuela Venezuela freed all minors detained in post-election protests, but over 1.800 political prisoners remain, marking this end of the year as the one with the highest number of such detainees
America Cuba Former players Lázaro Junco and Lázaro de la Torre lead the teams from Matanzas and Havana, respectively, for the 150th anniversary tribute game of the first official baseball game in Cuba