Stories about Spanish from May, 2013
What's Going on in Michoacán, Mexico?
Is Michoacán a failed state? The state is besieged by organized crime and has lawlessness problems, with self-defence groups and in some regions with religious fanaticism. Governor Fausto Vallejo, meanwhile, is on sick leave. The Army and the Navy have arrived at the state in another attempt by the government to restore order.
New «Squadron» of Exorcists for the Archdiocese of Madrid
The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Monsignor Rouco Varela, is assembling a team of eight exorcists to address "the high demand from his parishioners for help in being freed from demonic possession and other evil influences."
VIDEO: How Two Men Worlds Apart Fought Injustice and Won
Mkhuseli "Khusta" Jack and Oscar Olivera led two different non violent civil resistance movements, one in South Africa in 1985, the other in Bolivia in 2000. A video produced in the School of Authentic Journalism tells their stories.
Campaign to Liberate Oscar López Rivera
The campaign for the liberation of Puerto Rican independence fighter Oscar López Rivera has intensified. During 32 years López Rivera has been imprisoned in the United States charged with “seditious...
Peruvian Physicians Separate Conjoined Twins
Peruvian physicians accomplished an unprecedented medical achievement in the country: for the first time they separated two female conjoined twins who were born united by their abdomens and shared a...
Independent Projects of Ecological Solidarity Flourish in Puerto Rico
Ecological solidarity is getting stronger every day, thanks to the people working hard to develop independent projects in Puerto Rico. Here are a few examples that confirm once again that the goal of preserving nature, cultivating non-toxic products and advocating for sustainability isn't an impossible dream.
VIDEO: Journalist Who Fled Mexico Speaks
“I abandoned my investigative work. I will never go back to investigative reporting because of the lack of protection by the Mexican state, which should guarantee my family’s safety and...
García and Toledo: Two Former Peruvian Presidents in Trouble
In recent weeks, former Peruvian presidents Alan García and Alejandro Toledo have been accused of being involved in cases of illicit enrichment and corruption. However, some believe that these accusations are meant to push them away from the political scene and prevent their participation in the upcoming presidential election.
LGBTQ Rights in Puerto Rico Slowly Improve Step by Step
A battle is currently unleashing in discussions over LGBTQ rights in Puerto Rico. In recent weeks both advances and setbacks have been seen. Groups in favor of LGBTQ rights and Christian fundamentalist groups intensely lobby to influence the Legislature.
Rafael Correa Sworn In for Third Term as President of Ecuador
Rafael Correa took office as the President of the Republic of Ecuador to govern until 2017.
Colombian Vallenato Hats Made in China
Andrés Bermúdez comments on China Files about ” The day vallenato was sung in Chinese” [es], a musical reaction to the Chinese industrial production of sombreros vueltiaos, one of the...
Outrage over Arrest of Two Photojournalists in Spain
The news of the arrest of photojournalist Raúl Capín, in Madrid, was widely shared under the tag #RaúlLibertad on Twitter. Photojournalist Adolfo Luján was also arrested. Many online messages of indignation and against the repression of journalists who report on social protests are circulating.
A President for the Internet?
According to [es]a recent poll [es] by Taringa! in Latin America, around 10 % of Internet users say it is not necessary to have a president for the internet, 8%...
Peruvian Mathematician Claims Proof of 300-Year-Old Conjecture
A Peruvian mathematician demonstrated the solution to a mathematical problem that had been unsolved since 1742.
Spanish TV Offers Parents Tips on How to Dress Kids Appropriately
A news report on Spanish television showing parents how to ensure their children do not dress provocatively has unleashed protests on the web. Ever since the Rajoy government changed the top brass of the public broadcaster, there has been no shortage of denunciations about lack of independence and journalistic rigour.
Peru: New Collectible Coin
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru released on May 22, 2013, the thirteenth collectible coin part of the numismatic series “Wealth and pride of Peru” . The coin has an...
Second Segment of Fiber Optic Cable Connects to Cuba
U.S. company Renesys announced on its blog that in the last week they have observed "a second connection" of the fiber optic cable ALBA 1 between Cuba and Jamaica.
Peru: Is Junk Food Synonymous with Freedom?
The recent Law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating by Boys, Girls, and Adolescents, promulgated by Peruvian President Ollanta Humala, has generated debate about wether it restricts freedom of choice for parents in the way they raise their children. Others see threats to their freedom to advertise.
'14 Million: Life, Family & Liberty’ Movement Sparks Controversy in Ecuador
"14 million" is a citizen initiative that seeks to protect the rights of the family by opposing the free distribution of the day-after pill and other family planning policies in Ecuador. Even though part of the citizenry supports the movement, others -including President Rafael Correa- reject the group's ideas.
Private Plane Trip Rocks Costa Rican Government
Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla has been questioned for using a private airplane owned by a company linked to a businessman who is allegedly involved with drug trafficking in Colombia. Some of the President's closest officials have had to present their resignations as a result of the incident.
Panama President Levels Dirty Accusations Against Journalist on Twitter
The president called a journalist who wrote an article about his electricity-related business dealings a "sexual harasser" and "crooked" (accepting bribes or blackmail). The social networks reacted in a variety of ways.
