13 dead in Chile amid struggle to contain raging wildfires
February 4, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — At least 13 people were reported dead as of Friday night as a result of the more than 150 wildfires burning across Chile that have destroyed homes and thousands of acres of forest while the South American country is in the midst of a scorching heat wave.
South American nations gather for joint 2030 World Cup bid
November 11, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay confirmed a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup when their government officials signed documents in Santiago on Friday to present to FIFA.
2 South American researchers killed in Missouri
October 5, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri homicide and arson detectives are investigating the deaths of two South American researchers whose bodies were found after a weekend apartment fire near the Kansas City biomedical research center where they worked.
Quake of magnitude 6.1 hits in Pacific off southern Chile
September 24, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 struck in the Pacific off southern Chile on Friday, but there were no early reports of damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter was 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) below the surface, about 142 kilometers (88 miles) west of Ancud, a town 1,120 kilometers (696 miles) south of the Chilean capital, Santiago.
Israel criticizes Chile for delaying ambassador credentials
September 16, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The Chilean government was engulfed in a diplomatic spat Friday after the South American country’s president suspended the acceptance of the credentials of the new Israeli ambassador due to increased military activity in the occupied West Bank.
Chile’s Boric shakes up cabinet after constitution loss
September 6, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile's President Gabriel Boric shook up his cabinet Tuesday in an effort to relaunch his government less than 48 hours after he was dealt a resounding blow when citizens overwhelmingly rejected a new progressive constitution he had championed.
Chile’s Boric tries to turn page after constitution fails
September 5, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — After voters in Chile rejected a progressive constitution that would have fundamentally changed the country, political leaders on Monday started working on finding a path forward to reform the current charter which dates back to the dictatorship of Gen.
Chileans resoundingly reject new progressive constitution
September 5, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chileans resoundingly rejected a new constitution to replace a charter imposed by the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet 41 years ago, dealing a stinging setback to President Gabriel Boric who argued the document would have ushered in a new progressive era.
Chile’s move to replace dictatorship constitution faces test
September 2, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Two years ago, the vast majority of Chileans reached a conclusion: The constitution needs to change.
Now, as voters prepare for a referendum Sunday, many Chileans think the proposed new charter will be rejected amid frustration over the process, questions about its content and what supporters say is a surge in fake news that has confused citizens about what is actually in the document.
Chilean cowboys gather for blessing at national shrine
July 16, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — With the snow-covered Andes shining in the background, several dozen cowboys in woolen ponchos and families on wooden horse carts lined up Saturday to receive a priest's blessing in the huge esplanade in front of the National Sanctuary of Maipú.
US-expelled Haitians fuel charter business to Latin America
June 14, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — With jokes, upbeat Caribbean music and vacation scenes of sun-kissed beaches and palm trees, Haitian influencers on YouTube and TikTok advertise charter flights to South America.
Charter business thrives as US-expelled Haitians flee Haiti
June 14, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — With jokes, upbeat Caribbean music and vacation scenes of sun-kissed beaches and palm trees, Haitian influencers on YouTube and TikTok advertise charter flights to South America.
Chile’s Boric attempts relaunch as honeymoon ends abruptly
May 9, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — President Gabriel Boric of Chile is attempting to relaunch an administration that has plunged in popularity less than two months since he made headlines around the world for becoming the country’s youngest president and a possible symbol for a resurgent left wing in South America.
Rosalía ‘very excited’ about imminent world tour
April 19, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Rosalía spent three years working on her acclaimed third studio album, “Motomami.” Now she's ready to take the music on an upcoming world tour, with stops in her native Spain, Mexico, Europe and New York's famed Radio City Music Hall.
Live Updates | War in Ukraine inspires protest in Chile
April 10, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile — Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Russian embassy in Chile’s capital of Santiago on Saturday to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Protesters unfurled a large banner featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
First same-sex couple marries in Chile under new law
March 10, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Two men became the first same-sex couple to marry in Chile on Thursday under a law that took effect after years of campaigning by activists.
Engineer Javier Silva and dentist Jaime Nazar have been together for seven years and had previously legalized their status as a couple under a civil union agreement.
Spain’s Ramos-Viñolas reaches Chile Open semifinals
February 26, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Second-seeded Albert Ramos-Viñolas of Spain advanced on Friday to the semifinals of the Chile Open after beating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 7-5, 6-2 to reach the final four of the clay-court tournament.
Top-seeded Garin beaten by countryman Tabilo at Chile Open
February 25, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Top-seeded and home-crowd favorite Cristian Garin was eliminated at the Chile Open on Thursday. His Chilean compatriot Alejandro Tabilo advanced to the quarterfinals in Santiago with a 6-3, 6-3 win in the clay-court tournament.
Chile truckers block roads, protest death blamed on migrants
February 11, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Truckers angry over the the alleged slaying of a driver at the hands of undocumented migrants blocked major highways in northern Chile on Friday, prompting the cancellation of flights to closed-off airports.
Chile starts fourth vaccine dose as coronavirus cases rise
January 10, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile is implementing a fourth vaccination dose for some citizens as the number of daily coronavirus infections rises.
President Sebastián Piñera was present on Monday when two adults with immunosuppression problems received a fourth vaccination for COVID-19 at a Santiago hospital.
Chile’s tattooed president-elect honors homeland in ink
December 23, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — When Gabriel Boric is sworn in as Chile's president he'll not only be the youngest to lead the South American country but also the first in Latin America to sport several tattoos.
Leftist millennial vows to remake Chile after historic win
December 20, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Former leftist student leader Gabriel Boric will be under quick pressure from his youthful supporters to fulfill his promises to remake Chile after the millennial politician scored a historic victory in the country's presidential runoff election.
Leftist millennial wins election as Chile’s next president
December 20, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A leftist millennial who rose to prominence during anti-government protests was elected Chile’s next president Sunday after a bruising campaign against a free-market firebrand likened to Donald Trump.
Pinochet’s widow dies at age 98 after years in seclusion
December 17, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The widow of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet died Thursday in the apartment where she led a secluded life in her final years, away from the luxuries and power she held during the military regime of 1973-1990, her family said.
Chilean women, wary of rightist, may decide president’s race
December 16, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — When Chileans went to the polls last month, Elizabeth Padilla, like more than half of eligible voters in the South American country, stayed home, not feeling represented by any of the seven candidates on the ballot.
Chile reports first case of omicron variant of coronavirus
December 4, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile on Saturday reported its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
A foreign national residing in Chile returned from Ghana on Nov. 25 and tested positive in a PCR test at the Santiago airport, according to authorities.
In uncertain times, Chileans vote with ballots and wallets
November 20, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Miguel Torres is the archetype of what might be called the Chilean dream.
A college dropout, he nonetheless rose above his working class roots thanks to decades of economic stability and Asian Tiger-like growth to build a successful career as the owner of a small outdoor advertising business.
In Chile, Haitians grow weary of waiting, eye journey to US
October 14, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The 37-year-old Haitian says not a day goes by in which he doesn’t think of leaving Chile, like the multitudes who have grown frustrated and headed north toward the United States.
Venezuela players miss practice because of COVID protocols
October 13, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Venezuela players have been stopped from training in Santiago ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying game against Chile because of COVID-19 protocols.
The Venezuela soccer federation issued a statement Tuesday saying all of its players had shown negative tests for the coronavirus upon arrival in Chile and again after being tested at the team hotel.
Haitians heading to US change plans, ready to wait in Mexico
September 25, 2021 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Violene Marseille, her husband and two children were on a bus heading north through central Mexico when they received messages warning them their destination on the U.S.-Mexico border was no longer a safe place to cross.
Real Madrid returns to Bernabéu more than 18 months later
September 9, 2021 GMTMADRID (AP) — More than 18 months later, Real Madrid is returning to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Madrid will get to play at its venue when it hosts Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Sunday, 560 days after it last hosted a match at the stadium.
Argentina, Brazil win World Cup qualifiers; Colombia draws
September 3, 2021 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Leaders Brazil and second-place Argentina won their away matches in South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday ahead of their superclasico. Neither Lionel Messi nor Neymar had great performances for their teams.
Chile’s infamous pedophile and ex-priest has died
July 26, 2021 GMTSTORY: Archive Chile Karadima - Chile's infamous pedophile and ex-priest has died
Teachers, students struggle with online classes in Chile
July 7, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Marcela García teaches science classes sitting on three cushions placed on a chair in her dining room in Chile's capital, while many of her students listen to her from their beds because both sides lack sufficient space for the remote teaching brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Chile becomes Latin America’s COVID-19 vaccination champion
March 14, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — After being among the world's hardest-hit nations with COVID-19, Chile is now near the top among countries at vaccinating its population against the virus...
Chile removes embattled statue from main plaza
March 12, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chilean officials on Friday removed the embattled statue of a military hero from one of the capital's main plazas...
Chinese vaccines sweep much of the world, despite concerns
March 2, 2021 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The plane laden with vaccines had just rolled to a stop at Santiago’s airport in late January, and Chile’s president, Sebastián Piñera, was beaming...
Police shooting sets off fiery protests in southern Chile
February 7, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The shooting of a street juggler has set off protests over alleged police violence in southern Chile, with several buildings set ablaze and an officer held in custody for investigations on Saturday...
Chile hospital fire forces evacuation of hundreds
January 30, 2021 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A fire that broke out in a boiler room forced the evacuation of about 350 patients from a downtown hospital in Chile's capital on Saturday, but officials reported no injuries...
Daytime darkness: Total solar eclipse wows in Latin America
December 14, 2020 GMTCARAHUE, Chile (AP) — Thousands of people gathered in the Chilean region of La Araucanía on Monday to witness a solar eclipse, rejoicing in the rare experience even though visibility was limited because of cloudy skies...
Eager for change, Chile faces long road to new constitution
October 27, 2020 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The fireworks and street celebrations are over in Chile, and now many months of hard work and uncertainty loom for a population impatient for change...
2/3rds of Chilean voters back rewriting their constitution
October 26, 2020 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Amid a year of contagion and turmoil, Chileans turned out Sunday to vote overwhelmingly in favor of having a constitutional convention draft a new charter to replace guiding principles imposed four decades ago under the military dictatorship of Gen...
Police officer in Chile accused of throwing teen from bridge
October 4, 2020 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Authorities in Chile have arrested a police officer who allegedly threw a teen-ager from a bridge into a river bed during a protest...
Chileans mass produce caskets to deal with COVID onslaught
June 20, 2020 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Nicolás Bergerie's family has been making coffins for four generations, with barely any alteration...
‘This is war’: Virus charges beyond Latin American hot spots
May 19, 2020 GMTQUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Beyond the hot spots of Brazil and Mexico, the coronavirus is threatening to overwhelm Latin American cities large and small in an alarming sign that the pandemic may be only at the start of its destructive march through the region...
Virus spreads fear through Latin America’s unruly prisons
April 28, 2020 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The spreading specter of the new coronavirus is shaking Latin America’s notoriously overcrowded, unruly prisons, threatening to turn them into infernos...
Coronavirus hits rich and poor unequally in Latin America
March 30, 2020 GMTPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — From Mexico City to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Santiago, Chile, the coronavirus is taking root in the world’s most unequal region, where many of Latin America's first cases arrived with members of the elite returning from vacations or work trips to Europe and the United States...
Students keep driving protests demanding change in Chile
December 8, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Nearly two months ago, Catalina Santana jumped a turnstile in the Santiago metro and helped launch a movement that changed the course of Chilean history.
Student protests over a fare hike morphed into a nationwide call for socioeconomic equality and better social services that brought millions to the streets and forced President Sebastián Piñera to increase benefits for the poor and disadvantaged and start a process of constitutional reform.
Male video takes on viral feminist anthem stir ire in Mexico
December 7, 2019 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Born in Chile, the feminist anthem “A Rapist in Your Path” has become an international phenomenon, with activists in countries from Latin America to the U...
Chile protests resume, demonstrations crimp economic growth
November 5, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Thousands of Chileans took to the streets again Monday to demand better social services, some clashing with police, as protesters demanded an end to economic inequality even as the government announced that weeks of demonstrations are hurting the country's economic growth...
Thousands march in Chile protest after summit cancellations
October 31, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Thousands of young Chileans marched Thursday to demand improved social services as government and opposition leaders debated the response to nearly two weeks of protests that have paralyzed much of the capital and forced the cancellation of two major international summits...
Chile cancels climate, trade summits amid protest chaos
October 31, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chilean President Sebastián Piñera canceled two major international summits and said he would focus on restoring security and moving ahead in the coming days with an attempt to satisfy popular demands for better social services and a lower cost of living...
Chile cancels climate, trade summits amid protest chaos
October 30, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chilean President Sebastián Piñera said Wednesday that he is canceling two major international summits so he can respond to protracted nationwide protests over economic inequality that have left more than a dozen people dead, hundreds injured and businesses and infrastructure damaged...
Chileans reject president’s concessions, plan new protests
October 30, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Thousands of Chileans filled a plaza in the capital Tuesday in the 12th day of demonstrations that began with youth protests over a subway fare hike and transformed into a leaderless national movement demanding greater equality and better public services in a country long seen as an economic success story...
Fresh protests, looting erupt in Chile despite new Cabinet
October 29, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Fresh protests and attacks on businesses erupted in Chile Monday despite President Sebastián Piñera's replacement of eight key Cabinet ministers with more centrist figures and his attempts to assure the country he has heard calls for greater equality and improved social services...
Masses of Chileans jam capital in protest against government
October 26, 2019 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched peacefully in Chile's capital Friday, intensifying pressure on a government struggling to contain deadly unrest over economic hardship.