Haunted by post-election riot, Brazil’s Lula reins in army
March 11, 2023 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — When rioters stormed Brazil’s top government buildings in January to dispute the outcome of the presidential election, many soldiers stood by as far-right protesters broke windows, defecated in offices and destroyed valuable art.
José Pekerman leaves role as Venezuela coach after 15 months
March 8, 2023 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — José Pekerman has left his role as Venezuela's national team coach after being in charge for only 15 months and 10 matches.
The South American country's soccer federation said in a statement Wednesday that it had terminated the contracts of the 73-year-old Argentine coach and his agent Pascual Lezcano, who also worked as a director of the federation.
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
March 3, 2023 GMTFeb. 23 –March 2, 2023
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was curated by AP Photojournalist Juan Karita in La Paz, Bolivia.
No. 2 seed Cerundolo knocked out of Chile Open by Etcheverry
March 3, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Second-seeded Francisco Cerundolo was eliminated from the Chile Open following a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 loss to fellow Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Thursday.
Etcheverry advanced to a quarterfinal match against Dusan Lajovic, who earlier overcame Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (2).
Brazil’s 4Q22 GDP contraction signals challenge for Lula
March 2, 2023 GMTBRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s economy contracted last quarter for the first time in over a year, government data showed Thursday, in a downturn expected to complicate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s first year in office.
Ex-UN official: Haitians must be part of solution to chaos
March 1, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Award-winning Haitian broadcaster Michèle Montas follows the chaos in her home country every day from her apartment in New York. She has a simple answer to why peace remains elusive and violence is worsening in the country: Haitians were never part of any solution.
Argentina wants Ukraine war to end, says foreign minister
March 1, 2023 GMTDHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Argentina’s Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero said Tuesday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine must stop and has not only destabilized peace but also impacted prices in his country.
Thiem ends South American tour with 3 losses in 4 matches
March 1, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Former No. 3-ranked and 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem has continued to struggle on clay courts courts in South America as he works his way back from right wrist and abdominal injuries.
Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, enters hospice care at home
February 18, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter, who at 98 years old is the longest-lived American president, has entered home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, a statement from The Carter Center confirmed Saturday.
Why are people turning to psychedelics like ayahuasca?
February 2, 2023 GMTHILDALE, Utah (AP) — Ayahuasca is a psychedelic tea whose roots go back hundreds of years to ceremonial use by Indigenous groups in the Amazon region.
It's widely used in South America where it is legal in several countries, including Peru and Brazil.
Asteroid coming exceedingly close to Earth, but will miss
January 25, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An asteroid the size of a delivery truck will whip past Earth on Thursday night, one of the closest such encounters ever recorded.
NASA insists it will be a near miss with no chance of the asteroid hitting Earth.
Brazil’s right-wing movement persists without Bolsonaro
January 21, 2023 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s defeated former president, Jair Bolsonaro, was in Florida this month when his supporters tried — but failed — to overthrow the country’s young democracy.
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
January 20, 2023 GMTJan. 13-19, 2023
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was curated by AP photo editor Tomas Stargardter in Mexico City.
Ex-Fox execs go on trial in soccer TV rights bribery case
January 18, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Two former Fox executives went on trial Tuesday, accused of bribing South American soccer officials for TV rights to one of the continent’s biggest annual tournaments and using information gathered in the process to help the network’s winning World Cup broadcast bid.
AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
January 13, 2023 GMTJan. 6-125, 2023
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was curated by AP photo editor Tomas Stargardter in Mexico City.
Exiled Venezuela lawmakers chosen to lead anti-Maduro fight
January 9, 2023 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition has selected an all-female team of mostly unknown exiled former lawmakers to replace the beleaguered Juan Guaidó as the face of its faltering efforts to remove socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
Peru’s dark past surfaces as young protester is laid to rest
December 18, 2022 GMTQUINUA, Peru (AP) — This rural hamlet nestled high in the Peruvian Andes was the site of a major battle that secured South America’s independence from Spain in the 19th century.
‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout now part of a deal himself
December 9, 2022 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who returned home Thursday in a swap for WNBA star Brittney Griner, is widely known abroad as the “Merchant of Death” who fueled some of the world’s worst conflicts.
Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain
December 7, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Exuberant Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe on Tuesday, waving flags and honking horns to celebrate their national soccer team's historic victory over Spain at the World Cup.
Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera arrested in Venezuela probe
December 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A former Miami congressman who signed a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuela’s socialist government was arrested Monday on charges of money laundering and representing a foreign government without registering.
In Bolivia, literacy training makes a profound difference
December 5, 2022 GMTPUCARANI, Bolivia (AP) — Anacleta Mamani has no teeth, but a happy smile: She’s learned to read and write at the age of 71, and now feels so empowered, she wants to run a road race in her Indigenous community in the Bolivian highlands near La Paz.
Hess to buy $750 million in carbon credits from Guyana
December 3, 2022 GMTGEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — U.S.-owned Hess Corporation, a consortium partner in Guyana’s offshore oil sector, has agreed to buy $750 million worth of carbon credits from the South American nation in the next decade as it works to ensure Guyana’s almost intact Amazonian rainforests remain standing for decades to come, officials said Saturday.
Lewandowski celebrates ‘happy defeat’ as Poland advances
December 1, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Robert Lewandowski left the field with a huge smile on his face after blowing kisses to fans and hugging teammates.
You’d never know his team just lost a crucial World Cup game 2-0 to Argentina.
NASA cancels greenhouse gas monitoring satellite due to cost
November 29, 2022 GMTNASA is canceling a planned satellite that was going to intensely monitor greenhouse gases over the Americas because it got too costly and complicated.
Messi, Argentina play Poland for survival at World Cup
November 29, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi has already come to Argentina’s rescue at the World Cup. He might just have to do it all over again.
Another emotionally charged evening awaits Messi and the soccer-mad South American nation that worships him when Argentina meets Poland on Wednesday for a match with so much on the line.
Argentina breathes collective sigh of relief after victory
November 26, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Luciana Medina was so nervous that she could barely sleep the night before Saturday’s match between Argentina and Mexico which could have all but knocked the soccer-mad South American country from the World Cup.
Venezuela’s gov, opponents resume talks; US eases sanction
November 26, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Venezuela’s government and its opposition on Saturday agreed to create a U.N.-managed fund to finance health, food and education programs for the poor, while the Biden administration eased some oil sanctions on the country in an effort to boost the newly restarted talks between the sides.
Maradona’s World Cup absence ‘strange’ for Messi, Argentina
November 25, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — For the first time since the 1978 World Cup, Argentina is without Diego Maradona on soccer’s biggest stage.
The team could use him more than ever as the South American team is off to a rocky start at the tournament.
South Korea holds Uruguay to 0-0 draw at World Cup
November 24, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Another favored team has failed to impress in the early stages of the World Cup.
This time it was South Korea holding South American power Uruguay to a 0-0 draw on Thursday, a result that probably favors the Asian team.
World Cup stunner: Saudi Arabia beats Messi’s Argentina 2-1
November 22, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi stood with his hands on his hips near the center circle, looking stone-faced as Saudi Arabia’s jubilant players ran in all directions around him after pulling off one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever against Argentina.
Colombian government, guerrilla group resume peace talks
November 21, 2022 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The Colombian government and the South American country’s largest remaining guerrilla group resumed peace talks Monday, breaking a roughly four-year hiatus during which the rebels have expanded the territory where they operate.
Capsules for teams at the 2022 World Cup
November 18, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — QATAR
US agent, suspected smuggler killed off Puerto Rico coast
November 18, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and a suspected smuggler died during a shootout Thursday off the Puerto Rico coast, authorities said. Two other U.S. officers were injured.
Capsules for teams at the 2022 World Cup
November 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — QATAR
Ecuador leave out Castillo in last-named World Cup squad
November 15, 2022 GMTQUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador's was the last squad to be known among the 32 in the World Cup, and its coach Gustavo Alfaro did not include a player who put the team's presence in the tournament in doubt.
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.
South America aims to break Europe’s World Cup grip
November 9, 2022 GMTKylian Mbappé riled up South Americans back in May when he said both Argentina and Brazil don’t play matches “at a high level” in qualifying to reach the World Cup.
Interviewed by Brazilian television, the France striker said South America lags behind Europe in terms of the strength of competition.
Ecuador keeps World Cup place after ruling by sports court
November 8, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Ecuador kept its place at the World Cup thanks to a Swiss court ruling on Tuesday, but will be deducted three points in qualifying for the 2026 tournament because of a false document being used to get a passport for a Colombia-born player.
Airline flights resume between Colombia and Venezuela
November 8, 2022 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Commercial flights between Colombia and Venezuela resumed Monday as relations improve between the South American neighbors following the election of Colombia’s first leftist president.
Venezuela, opposition reported preparing to resume talks
November 5, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — The Venezuelan government and the political opposition are preparing to resume talks stalled for more than a year, people familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Friday.
Brazil’s Andrade makes history, wins world gymnastics title
November 3, 2022 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Rebeca Andrade grew immune to pressure long ago. Enduring three reconstructive knee surgeries provides some perspective.
It's why the 23-year-old Brazilian gymnast wasn't thinking about making history or her own grueling personal journey during the women's all-around finals at the world championships on Thursday.
Bolsonaro seizes on Brazil’s soccer glory during election
October 30, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Soon after casting his vote in Brazil’s presidential election in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, incumbent Jair Bolsonaro was hoisting a silver trophy into the air alongside newly crowned soccer champions.
Royal Navy seizes $28M worth of cocaine in Caribbean waters
October 28, 2022 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — British officials announced Friday that they seized more than 880 pounds (400 kilograms) of cocaine from a boat in Caribbean waters.
The Royal Navy said three people were detained following a “tense chase” near the Dominican Republic in an operation that began late Thursday.
Scolari aims for perfect sendoff in Copa Libertadores final
October 27, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Veteran coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will aim for a perfect sendoff on Saturday in the final of the Copa Libertadores, which features two Brazilian teams for the third edition a row.
Suspect in deaths of 2 South American researchers identified
October 27, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two South American medical researchers who died in Kansas City apparently were killed by a man who has since died in a murder-suicide, a prosecutor's office said Thursday.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s office said in a news release that Kansas City police determined 42-year-old Kevin Ray Moore killed Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile.
Uruguay to rely on Suárez and Cavani again at World Cup
October 27, 2022 GMTFor the first time in 15 years, Uruguay is planning for a World Cup without the “maestro."
Óscar Tabárez, the 75-year-old coach who led the team at the three previous editions of the tournament, is out.
Brazilians arriving in Ecuador for Copa Libertadores final
October 27, 2022 GMTQUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Thousands of Brazilian fans were arriving in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil on Wednesday to watch the Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Athletico.
Organizers fear the Monumental Stadium might not be at its full capacity for Saturday's all-Brazil final due to the high cost of travelling to the country.
Soccer talent factory helps Ecuador’s side for World Cup
October 27, 2022 GMTSANGOLQUI, Ecuador (AP) — The youth academy pitches of Ecuador's Independiente del Valle, a rising force in South American soccer, are always busy. As teenagers aged 12 and 13 play informal games, older ones practice in short spurts under the supervision of academy coaches.
England to host Brazil in women’s Finalissima in April
October 26, 2022 GMTNYON, Switzerland (AP) — European champion England will host South American champion Brazil in the first Women’s Finalissima game in London next year, UEFA said Wednesday.
The showpiece game for women’s soccer will take place on April 6 at Wembley Stadium, three months before both teams go to the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
AP Interview: Scolari faces his last Copa Libertadores final
October 25, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Luiz Felipe Scolari likely faces the last final of his 40-year coaching career on Saturday when he leads Athletico against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores decider.
It's the third straight all-Brazilian final in South America’s most prestigious club competition.
Lionel Messi key as always for Argentina at World Cup
October 25, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Aging but still one of the best players on the planet, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in his fifth — and possibly — last World Cup.
And with him, Argentina certainly has a chance to win its third title.
Boca Juniors wins Argentina title in dramatic final round
October 24, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Boca Juniors lifted the Argentinian title on Sunday after a 2-2 draw with rival Independiente in a dramatic final round that electrified the South American nation.
The club's 35th title came at its Bombonera Stadium after its bitter rival River Plate beat Racing Club, the other contender for the title, 2-1.
U.S.-bound migration from Venezuela plunges under new policy
October 22, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Border crossings by Venezuelans fleeing to the United States from their South American country plummeted in the first week of a U.S. policy to expel them to Mexico without an opportunity to seek asylum, U.S.
UEFA President says “Super league” project in Europe is dead
October 21, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — The project of a Super league of European soccer teams “is dead," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said in a meeting with with journalists in Argentina on Thursday.
The head of Europe's football association rejected comments made the previous day by Bernd Reichart, the new director general of the company behind the project, A22 Sports Management.
Britain ends visa requirement for citizens of booming Guyana
October 18, 2022 GMTGEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — The British government said Tuesday said it was abolishing visa entry requirements for Guyanese, whose nation's global importance has been rising with its growing oil and gas export capacity.
US migrant policy ‘bucket of cold water’ to some Venezuelans
October 14, 2022 GMTNECOCLI, Colombia (AP) — Venezuelan Gilbert Fernández still plans to cross the dangerous Darien jungle into Panama and head toward the United States over land, despite a U.S.
South America soccer supports Infantino’s reelection at FIFA
October 12, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — South American soccer leaders have given their backing to Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president as they prepare a four-nation bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
FITE to air upcoming Rugby League World Cup
October 5, 2022 GMTTENAFLY, N.J. (AP) — The upcoming Rugby League World Cup will be available in the United States and Canada via pay-per-view on cable and satellite as well as the FITE streaming service.
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.
Blinken backs Colombia’s ‘holistic’ approach to drug policy
October 4, 2022 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday backed Colombia’s recent efforts to rethink its drug policy and said the Biden administration and Colombia’s newly elected government will work together on rural development programs and interdiction efforts, while sharing intelligence on drug trafficking groups.
Ecuador’s Del Valle beats Sao Paulo to win Copa Sudamericana
October 2, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Ecuador's Independiente del Valle broke a monopoly of Brazilian teams in South American club competitions and lifted the Copa Sudamericana on Saturday. The 2-0 win against Sao Paulo in the decider gave the Ecuadorians their second title in the region's second most prestigious tournament.
Navy bribery fugitive ‘Fat Leonard’ seeks Venezuelan asylum
September 27, 2022 GMTSAN DIEGO (AP) — The fugitive defense contractor nicknamed “Fat Leonard" who orchestrated a huge bribery scheme involving dozens of U.S. Navy officials, has requested asylum in Venezuela, a law enforcement official said Monday, nearly a week after he was captured in the South American country.
Cargo traffic movement resumes between Colombia, Venezuela
September 26, 2022 GMTBOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Trucks loaded with aluminum and medications crossed a bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela for the first time in seven years Monday following restoration of diplomatic relations, giving regional businesses hope for growing trade.
Venezuela rejects UN report detailing torture, rights abuses
September 26, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Venezuela's government on Monday rejected a report by independent experts working with the United Nations’ top human rights body who alleged President Nicolas Maduro had personally ordered the detention of government opponents, who endured electric shocks, asphyxiation and other cruel acts while in custody.
Women’s soccer hits club record attendance in South America
September 24, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — The second leg of the Brazilian women's soccer final set a new South American record attendance for clubs of the region, in another sign of the growth of the sport.
Corinthians 4-1 win against Internacional in Sao Paulo brought 41,070 fans to the NeoQuimica Arena on Saturday.
Argentina’s government joins World Cup sticker dispute
September 21, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Argentina's government has joined the squabble between shop owners and the local manufacturers of popular but scarce World Cup sticker albums.
Soccer fans in the South American nation have struggled to find the collectible stickers two months before the tournament kicks off in Qatar.
UN experts: Rights abuses continue in Maduro’s Venezuela
September 20, 2022 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Independent experts working with the U.N.’s top human rights body say Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro personally ordered the detention of government opponents and critics who ended up suffering electric shocks, beatings, asphyxiation and other cruel acts while in custody.