Javier Milei's presidency in Argentina has sparked a mix of support and resistance, particularly among the youth. His far-right and libertarian policies, aimed at reducing public spending and challenging the welfare state, have attracted a youthful base disillusioned by the country's economic struggles. Despite pushback from unionized workers and social movements, supporters like Felipe, Agustín, and Octavio remain committed to Milei's vision of economic freedom and a reduced role for the state. The movement, La Libertad Avanza, reflects a diverse coalition with libertarian, neofascist, and nationalist-reactionary ideologies. The shift from the left-wing Kirchnerismo movement to Milei's right-wing libertarianism among young Argentines, particularly men, highlights a broader discontent with the political status quo and a desire for change.

In October 2018, the author explored Cochabamba, Bolivia, by riding the historic 3V bus line, known for its decorated red buses and cultural significance. The 3V line, established in 1943, remains a beloved part of the city's transport system, with only seven original Dodge buses still in service. The author, who prefers analog film over digital photography, shares a visual journey through a series of analog film images.

The article details the ongoing struggle of the Andalgalá community in Argentina against the Agua Rica mining project, highlighting the environmental and social impacts of mining activities. It describes the community's decade-long protests, the violent repression they faced, and the legal battles against mining companies like Yamana Gold, Glencore Xstrata, and Newmont. The narrative emphasizes the community's resilience and the severe health and environmental consequences of mining, portraying the local resistance as a fight for survival against corporate and governmental interests.

The Córdoba Ring Road project, initially envisioned as a green belt to limit urban sprawl and support ecosystem services, has instead contributed to urban poverty and environmental degradation. Delayed construction, political corruption, and economic crises have led to a cityscape marked by private urbanizations, informal settlements, and reduced agricultural production. The area suffers from severe pollution, inadequate sewage systems, and neglected public services. Despite ongoing infrastructure projects, including controversial developments linked to corruption, the region remains plagued by socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The wetlands of the Paraná River Delta are facing severe threats from ongoing wildfires, with around 3,700 hotspots detected by NASA's FIRMS service since the beginning of the year. The fires have significantly impacted local communities, including Rosario, exacerbating respiratory issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental groups report over 40,000 hectares affected, while local authorities claim a lower figure of 7,000 hectares. The article highlights differing opinions on the causes of the fires, ranging from intentional arson by cattle ranchers to spontaneous bacterial combustion. The lack of concrete actions from the Federal Justice of Victoria contrasts with the Ministry of Environment's active denunciations. The piece also touches on the broader ecological impacts, including reduced rainfall and increased vulnerability to fires due to deforestation in the Amazon. Local voices, such as fishermen and police, provide insights into the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by the region.

The article sheds light on the daily struggles of essential workers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their low wages, lack of protective measures, and the emotional toll on their families. It highlights the disparity between the government's portrayal of these workers as heroes and the reality of their working conditions. Personal stories of workers like Pablo, who delivers food, and Miriam, a cleaner at a hospital, illustrate the challenges they face, including inadequate pay and exposure to health risks. The piece critiques the government's response and underscores the need for better support and recognition for these essential yet invisible workers.

The article explores the experiences of various individuals who have endured extreme situations of confinement, such as political imprisonment, living with HIV, and kidnapping. These survivors share their insights and coping strategies, offering valuable lessons for navigating the uncertainties and emotional challenges of the COVID-19 quarantine. The narratives emphasize resilience, solidarity, and the importance of focusing on the present while drawing strength from personal and communal resources.

China has established a space centre in the Argentinian desert of Patagonia, investing $50 billion to support lunar missions. The facility has boosted the local economy of Las Lajas, a town previously struggling with unemployment and poverty. While the Chinese presence has been divisive in Argentina, some view it as a positive economic development. The US has expressed concerns over China's potential military advantage from the space centre. Argentina has a history of international space cooperation, including recent agreements with Russia. The Chinese facility has received more scrutiny than similar projects with other countries. Local sentiment is mixed, with some seeing the Chinese investment as beneficial, while others criticize it as a threat to sovereignty.

The article discusses the environmental and social consequences of the exploitation of the Vaca Muerta shale formation in Argentina. It highlights the negative impacts of fracking, including water contamination, land speculation, and increased seismic activity. The piece also covers the resistance from local communities, particularly the Mapuche, and the political consensus around the development of Vaca Muerta despite public subsidies and environmental risks. The article suggests that the full development of Vaca Muerta could significantly contribute to global carbon emissions, and it concludes with a call to action, noting public protests against similar extractive projects in other Argentine provinces.

Argentina faces its third major financial crisis since 1983, with President Mauricio Macri's neoliberal policies failing to revive the economy. Inherited from former president Cristina Fernandez, the situation includes high poverty, unemployment, and inflation rates. President-elect Alberto Fernandez aims to reverse these conditions amidst social unrest fueled by inequality and joblessness.

In 1987, the Metal Huasi lead smelting plant in Abra Pampa, Jujuy, Argentina, closed, leaving behind 60,000 tons of lead-contaminated material. The lead exposure has had severe health impacts on the local population, especially children, who absorb lead at higher rates than adults. A study by the University of Texas highlighted the high unemployment and child malnutrition rates in the region. A collective lawsuit against municipal authorities for environmental contamination has been ongoing for nearly two decades. In 2006, a study found that 81% of the children in Abra Pampa had unacceptable blood lead levels. The Argentine government secured a loan from the BID for environmental remediation, but the efforts have been criticized as insufficient. The community continues to suffer from the long-term effects of lead poisoning, with many awaiting justice and the opportunity to relocate away from the contamination.

In Argentina, the resurgence of soup kitchens highlights the growing dependency on social enterprises for food amidst economic hardship. Yamila Tabares, a mother in Cordoba, shares her struggle to feed her family on a meager income, a plight echoed by her neighbors Natalia Marquez and Sandra Torres. Despite school lunch programs, weekends and holidays leave many families without enough to eat. The financial crisis, inflation, and currency devaluation have pushed poverty rates to 32%, affecting 14 million people. Efforts by local organizations like Barrios de Pie provide some relief, but the economic downturn has left many, including Juan and Gladis, without jobs and in despair.

Indigenous communities in Jujuy, Argentina, are resisting the takeover of their lands and resources by mega-mining corporations and major landowners. Despite state recognition, these communities face a conservative, racist, and feudal society. The introduction of mining in the 1930s drastically changed their way of life, leading to environmental contamination and health issues, such as lead poisoning in children. The Kolla people, whose culture and traditions have been eroded, are now organizing to gain ownership of their lands and preserve their heritage. The recent conflict over lithium extraction bids in the Guayatayoc Lake and Salinas Grandes, where the Jujuy government seeks to capitalize on the area's rich lithium resources, has sparked further resistance from the indigenous communities.

In Argentina, the adoption of a GMO agricultural model heavily reliant on agrochemicals has led to severe health and environmental consequences. Alfredo Ceran, a former ground crop-duster, has suffered from cancer and other health issues due to exposure to toxic chemicals. The town of Monte Maiz reported a cancer death rate of 55 percent, significantly higher than the national average, after a study by the University of Cordoba revealed widespread contamination. Despite these findings, national authorities have denied the hazards of agrochemicals, and only minor regulations have been implemented. Residents in nearby Canals have also reported high cancer rates and are advocating for their health rights, but face resistance from local authorities.

The article discusses the historical and ongoing invisibility of Afro-Cordobans in Argentina, from their initial arrival as slaves of the Jesuit Company to their contributions to the culture and society of Córdoba. Despite the official abolition of slavery in 1854, the societal recognition and integration of Afro-Cordobans have been slow. Personal stories from Afro-Cordobans highlight the cultural legacy, experiences of racism, and the struggle for recognition of their identity and contributions to the national heritage.

Carlos “La Mona” Jiménez, a legendary figure in Cordoban Cuarteto music, is celebrated for his enduring influence and cultural significance. Cuarteto, a genre that originated from a fusion of Italian, Latin, and Afro rhythms, has become a symbol of Cordoban identity, enjoyed across social classes. Ulises Bueno, a contemporary Cuarteto artist, blends the genre with rock, pop, and hip hop influences, drawing large audiences. The article highlights the communal and festive nature of Cuarteto events, emphasizing their role in cultural expression and social interaction.