There’s always an impending disaster. In the case of the Rio Olympics, it looks more likely than most.
ARGENTINA
Argentina gripped by mystery: the ex-minister, a convent and bundles of cash. Ex-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and the church face tricky questions after José López was found trying to stash $8.9m in cash at a nunnery at 4am. Cristina says she doesn’t know who gave him the money:
El dinero que Lopez tenia en su poder alguien se lo dio. Y no fui yo. Ni ninguno de los miles de militantes q integran este espacio político
— Cristina Kirchner (@CFKArgentina) June 17, 2016
BOLIVIA
Why Bolivia turned away Bill Gates’ chicken donation. It’s about more than a few ruffled feathers
BRAZIL
Brazil ‘mass rape’ video: Seven suspects to be charged
Brazil’s Rio state declares financial disaster before Games
New Plan to Fix Brazil’s Royal Mess: Restore the Monarchy. How did that work out the first time?
Brazil Gets Worst Possible Resignation On Eve Of Olympics
Brazil President Michel Temer Says Graft Claims Are ‘Lies’
CHILE
Chile’s government, in major defeat, will cease work on key labor reform
The reform, aimed at strengthening organized labor in the South American country, was initially passed by the Senate in March after a bruising battle that opened divisions within the governing Nueva Mayoria coalition.
But Chile’s Constitutional Tribunal in April rejected a provision of the bill that said companies could only negotiate with legally designated unions during collective wage talks.
It also struck part of a measure that prohibited companies from extending many benefits to non-unionized employees.
Colombia’s pilot crop substitution program to begin on July 10
On the one hand, Colombia sheds cocaine capital image as economy grows
On the other hand,
Colombia nadando en cocaína x culpa del desgobierno y #SantosNosAnunciaGuerra si no se aprueba su acuerdo impunidad pic.twitter.com/HFQLYYrOm3
— Honorio Henriquez (@honohenriquez) June 17, 2016
World Economic Forum in Medellin, Colombia
CUBA
FedEx Downsizes Cuba Ambitions in Amended Flight Request
Stonegate Bank is Breaking the Law by issuing a credit card for use in Cuba.
“Check it out, Mildred!” Rejoice, Cubans, Rejoice! Hark, Hark! Dolce & Gabbana coming soon to the historic center of Old Havana!
GUATEMALA
Guatemala ex-president and deputy face fresh corruption charges
JAMAICA
IMF approves US$80-m disbursement for Jamaica. From the IMF statement,
Jamaica’s economic reform programme supported by the fund’s Extended Fund Facility has made major strides in restoring macroeconomic stability, pursuing fiscal consolidation, reducing public debt and undertaking significant tax policy reforms, building financial sector resilience, and tackling structural issues.
MEXICO
Mexican minister says ties with Canada could strengthen if Trump elected
PANAMA
Panama Papers awarded Investigation of the Year
‘Panama Papers’ firm demands prosecution of suspect in Switzerland
PARAGUAY
Killing of Mysterious Figure Part of Larger Narco War in Paraguay?
PERU
Mrs. Ollanta Humala, Peru: first lady banned from going abroad (emphasis added)
A judge in Peru has banned First Lady Nadine Heredia from leaving the country while she’s investigated for allegedly hiding undeclared campaign contributions. The order handed down Thursday night prevents Heredia from travelling [sic] abroad for four months, as her husband, centrist President Ollanta Humala, leaves office in July.
Heredia has been dogged for years by accusations that she hid large contributions from socialist Venezuela that funded her husband’s 2006 and 2011 campaigns.
PUERTO RICO
Orlando shooting victim’s death takes a toll on Puerto Rico town
Puerto Rico could see hundreds with Zika birth defects, CDC says
URUGUAY
Uruguay: ex-Guantanamo detainee traveled legally to Brazil. He gets around.
VENEZUELA
Beautiful essay: The Last Flight
ARGENTINA