Stories for 2025

Saturday, May 31st 2025 - 10:34 UTC
Peru sends mission to update Pope Leo XIV's ID

Peru's National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec) spent over US$ 30,000 to send four officials to the Vatican to update the National Identity Card (DNI) of Pope Leo XIV. The Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost is a naturalized Peruvian since 2015. The mission was framed within the “Identification without Borders” campaign to provide registry services to Peruvians in Italy and train consulate staff in Rome and Milan.
Saturday, May 31st 2025 - 10:27 UTC
US Embassy advises travelers to Brazil to exercise extreme caution

The US Embassy in Brazil has issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to high crime rates, including violent crime and kidnappings. The note highlights risks associated with urban areas, slums (favelas), communities, and border regions.
Saturday, May 31st 2025 - 10:00 UTC
Bolivian minister apologizes for delays in fuel supply

Bolivia's Hydrocarbons and Energy Minister Alejandro Gallardo apologized Friday for the delays in unloading fuel from tanker ships amid unfavorable weather conditions, which will delay the arrival of the product to the landlocked country.
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 22:47 UTC
Falkland Islands reaffirm support for LGBTQIA+ rights as Pride Month begins

The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to equality and inclusion ahead of Pride Month, pledging continued support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 19:49 UTC
El Al to fly between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires

Argentina's Ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish, confirmed Friday in a broadcast interview that the flag carrier El Al will start a direct service between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires to be agreed upon during President Javier Milei's next meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 11 when the South American leader travels to receive during a special ceremony at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) the Genesis Award, an accolade deemed tantamount to “the Jewish Nobel.”
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 18:53 UTC
France announces ban on smoking on beaches and other open spaces

France will implement a nationwide smoking ban in public places frequented by children, effective July 1, 2025, Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced Friday, ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Saturday. In South America, the measure will apply to the overseas department of French Guiana, which follows French national laws. The issue is also environmental, with cigarette butts polluting seashores.
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 10:55 UTC
Argentine gov't announces “new” voluntary military service

Argentina's Libertarian administration of President Javier Milei announced Thursday the creation of a Voluntary Military Service program for people aged 18–28, managed by the Ministries of Defense and Human Capital. The program aims to instill values like discipline, effort, and patriotism while offering training in trades such as cooking, mechanics, and security, alongside opportunities to complete compulsory education. It seeks to enhance personal and professional development and strengthen defense capabilities.
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 10:44 UTC
Orsi's diplomatic picks stir Montevideo's Senate

The Uruguayan Government of President Yamandú Orsi chose former Deputy Foreign Minister Carolina Ache as ambassador to Portugal and former Vice-President Beatriz Argimón as ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These appointments, requiring Senate approval, faced strong opposition from the opposition National Party (PN) and Colorado Party (PC).
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 10:30 UTC
Brazil recognized once again as free of FMD without vaccination

Brazil has officially been recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health for the second straight year as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. The acknowledgment, granted during the organization’s 92nd General Session in Paris, reinforces Brazil’s commitment to livestock health and global trade.
Friday, May 30th 2025 - 10:24 UTC
Unloading of fuel for Bolivia begins amid favorable weather

The unloading of fuels began in three Pacific Ocean ports, with an estimated 100 million liters of gasoline and diesel expected to arrive in Bolivia by the weekend. The operation involves ports in Chile and Peru due to weather conditions, Hydrocarbons Minister Alejandro Gallardo explained. The measure seeks to address Bolivia's ongoing nationwide fuel shortage.