Alejandro Astesiano, the chief bodyguard to Uruguay's center-right president Luis Lacalle Pou, was arrested for selling fake birth certificates to foreign citizens, predominantly Russians fleeing their country post-Ukraine invasion. The illegal operation, which dates back to 2013, escalated during Lacalle Pou's presidency, raising concerns about corruption in Uruguay.

Archaeologists in Arica, Chile, are struggling to preserve the Chinchorro mummies, the world's oldest known mummies, from the impacts of climate change. Unusual weather patterns in the Atacama Desert have exposed and damaged these ancient remains. Experts face the challenge of rescuing the mummies or focusing on those already excavated, as increasing humidity affects the mummies in collections. The recent UNESCO World Heritage status and the construction of a new museum may aid in their preservation. The Chinchorro culture, dating back to 5000 BC, is known for its elaborate mummification techniques and aesthetic value. Local residents feel a connection to the Chinchorro, but efforts to promote tourism are hindered by land disputes. The mayor of the local community hopes that Chile's constitutional reform will lead to better protection of the mummies, which are at risk of vanishing due to climate change.

Mexican archaeologists are warning that significant budget cuts to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) will harm research into Mexico's pre-Columbian past and leave ancient sites vulnerable to looters. The 75% cut to INAH's operating budget is part of a broader austerity drive by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who is redirecting resources to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Critics argue that the cuts are unnecessary and will render INAH inoperative, affecting heritage sites, museums, and the search for missing people. The cuts come as new archaeological discoveries are being made, highlighting the importance of preserving Mexico's deep indigenous past.

In June 2020, a hostage situation occurred in the central Peruvian Andes when four subcontractors from Israeli telecoms firm Gilat were detained by the indigenous Chopcca community while attempting to fix an internet mast. The community, which had been observing a strict coronavirus lockdown, was influenced by conspiracy theories linking Covid-19 to 5G networks, spread via social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Despite technological isolation, the Chopcca have access to the internet and use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook Lite. The incident reflects broader issues of misinformation and mistrust towards external interventions in indigenous communities. After negotiations, the detained workers were released, and the community expressed a desire to use the internet for educational purposes.

Evo Morales, Bolivia's longest-serving president, has been forced into exile following allegations of electoral fraud and a military suggestion to step down. His political journey began in El Chapare, where he rose from a coca farmer to a union leader and eventually to the presidency. Morales' tenure saw significant economic growth and social reforms, but also accusations of authoritarianism, environmental damage, and vanity projects. Despite initial successes, his reluctance to groom a successor and attempts to extend his presidency led to widespread protests and a political crisis. The interim administration led by Jeanine Áñez has promised new elections amidst a tense and uncertain atmosphere.

Evo Morales, Bolivia's longest-serving president, has been forced into exile following allegations of electoral fraud and a military suggestion to step down. His political journey began in El Chapare as a coca farmer and unionist, leading to his presidency in 2005. Morales' tenure saw significant economic growth and social reforms, but also accusations of authoritarianism, environmental damage, and vanity projects. Despite initial successes likened to Nelson Mandela's achievements, Morales' reluctance to groom a successor and constitutional manipulations to extend his term led to his downfall. The country now faces uncertainty, with interim leader Jeanine Áñez promising new elections amidst tensions and the dismantling of Morales' legacy.

El Alto, Bolivia, is gaining attention for its New Andean Architecture, a style characterized by vibrant colors and a mix of Asian, Andean, and Hollywood influences. Freddy Mamani, a local architect, is at the forefront of this movement, creating buildings that express the identity of Bolivia's indigenous majority. The style, which includes venues like Salon de Eventos Princípe Alexander, is seen as a physical demonstration of economic power by the city's upwardly-mobile residents. Gastón Gallardo, dean of the Higher University of San Andrés, views it as a decolonization of the symbolic order. The architecture is gaining international interest, with projects planned for cities like Paris and potentially New York, Miami, and California.

Mario Abdo Benítez, associated with Paraguay's former dictator Alfredo Stroessner, won the Paraguayan election, narrowly defeating Efraín Alegre of the centre-left Alianza coalition. Despite leading in polls, Benítez's victory margin was the smallest since the return to democracy. His campaign focused on family values and hinted at military service, while avoiding outright condemnation of the dictatorship. The election result indicates a potential end to the Colorado Party's long-standing dominance, with the opposition gaining more seats in congress. Activists, including Gerónimo Ayala, remain committed to challenging the conservative political establishment.

In 2018, over 350 million voters in Latin America will elect new presidents in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. The elections are expected to reflect a popular reaction against corruption rather than a left-right ideological swing. High-profile elections include Mexico's Andrés Manuel López Obrador leading polls despite controversial proposals, and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leading despite corruption charges. Far-right Jair Bolsonaro is also gaining traction in Brazil. Issues like cleaner government, rejection of political elites, and peace processes are central to voters' concerns. Venezuela's elections are uncertain due to political repression, while Bolivia and Nicaragua face challenges to democracy. Chile's Sebastian Piñera faces a divided congress in his second term. The region continues to struggle with sluggish economies, corruption, security, and drug-related violence.

Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes appealed for calm following protests sparked by constitutional changes to allow his re-election. The unrest led to the storming of congress and the death of activist Rodrigo Quintana. Cartes offered condolences and promised justice, blaming business and media interests for the protests. Despite the turmoil, Cartes spoke at an investment conference, promoting Paraguay's economy. The opposition held a vigil for Quintana and called for Cartes' impeachment. The police officer responsible for Quintana's death claimed to have used rubber projectiles, and both the interior minister and police chief resigned. The mayor of Asunción urged the withdrawal of the re-election proposal, and international bodies called for dialogue. Further protests were expected.

The Paraguay-Paraná hidrovía, stretching over 2,100 miles through South America, serves as a major commercial artery for agricultural produce, metals, manufactured goods, and fuel. Despite its environmental benefits over the region's substandard road network, the waterway faces challenges due to uneven regulations and costs imposed by the countries it connects, reflecting broader integration failures within Mercosur. The disparities in taxation and business conditions have led companies like Grupo Vessel to reposition in Paraguay, where the tax rate is significantly lower than in Argentina. The journey along the hidrovía reveals the disparities between the countries, with Paraguay's ports and river channels being less developed. However, there is evidence of slow but growing cooperation among the countries, with recent improvements in inter-governmental management and a shared interest in making the hidrovía more efficient. Despite the potential for increased shipping volumes, the route's management and development remain cautious, balancing economic interests with environmental concerns.

In Paraguay, a country plagued by underdevelopment and wealth inequality, many rural communities have turned to marijuana cultivation as a means of survival. The National Anti-Drugs Secretariat (Senad) conducts eradication operations to combat the drug trade, which is fueled by economic desperation and has led to significant violence and corruption. Political movements like the Partido Paraguay Pyahura advocate for small-scale farmers, while organizations like the World Wildlife Fund support sustainable farming practices as an alternative to drug cultivation. Despite efforts to modernize drug policy and address the root causes of narcotrafficking, the challenge remains significant, with deep-seated issues of poverty and land distribution at its core.