Stories for 2025

Friday, December 26th 2025 - 10:03 UTC
US launches second strike against ISIS in less than a week

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that his country had conducted “deadly” precision airstrikes against ISIS (Islamic State) targets in northwestern Nigeria, which was later corroborated by local authorities. The operation marked a significant escalation in Washington's involvement in Africa to stop what the Republican leader acknowledged was a “massacre of Christians.” The second major US offensive against the terror group this month followed a massive strike on 70 targets in Syria on December 20.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 11:05 UTC
Oil prices surge amid US-Venezuela standoff

International oil benchmarks posted modest gains on Tuesday as the market entered a holiday-shortened week. Investors remained focused on the escalating geopolitical friction between Washington and Caracas, which has introduced a risk premium into an otherwise oversupplied market.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 10:59 UTC
Kast and Noboa discuss “humanitarian corridor” for Venezuelan immigrants to return home

Following a high-level summit at the Carondelet Palace in Quito on Tuesday, Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast and Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa have signaled a unified front on the South American migration crisis. Both leaders discussed Kast's proposal to establish a “humanitarian corridor” to facilitate the return of undocumented Venezuelan migrants to their home country.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 10:56 UTC
Canadian carrier's rapid expansion boosts Embraer's performance

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced Tuesday the delivery of the 50th E195-E2 jet to Canadian carrier Porter Airlines, marking one of the most aggressive fleet expansions in the North American aviation sector.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 10:47 UTC
Brazil: No Xmas pardon for Jan. 8 rioters

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed his traditional Christmas pardon decree, granting clemency to thousands of inmates. However, for the second consecutive year, the president has explicitly excluded those convicted of attempting to overthrow the democratic order during the January 8, 2023, attacks in Brasília.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 10:40 UTC
Colombia: Petro declares 30-Day “economic emergency”

In a move to bypass Congress on his proposed tax hikes, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a 30-day “economic emergency” on Tuesday. The measure, enacted via Decree 1390 of 2025, grants the head of State extraordinary powers for 30 days to circumvent Parliament and impose new taxes on the country’s wealthiest citizens.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 10:30 UTC
Bolsonaro cleared for Xmas Day surgery

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre De Moraes on Tuesday authorized former President Jair Bolsonaro to be hospitalized on Wednesday to undergo hernia surgery recommended by private doctors and Federal Police experts.
Wednesday, December 24th 2025 - 09:45 UTC
Looking ahead to 2026: a message to our readers

As the year draws to a close, everyone at MercoPress extends its best wishes to readers and subscribers across the region and beyond. The holiday season offers a moment to pause, take stock, and look ahead with perspective.
Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 - 11:43 UTC
Uruguay's Economy Minister worried by too much success

Uruguay's Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone announced Monday that his country's GDP was projected to expand by 2.3% this year. While the figure is slightly lower than initial government forecasts, Oddone emphasized that it represents more than double the average growth rate seen over the past decade.
Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 - 11:39 UTC
Argentine Appellate Court orders Central Bank to disclose details of gold shipments abroad

The Buenos Aires Federal Administrative Court of Appeals has dealt a significant legal blow to the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA), ordering it to release detailed information regarding the shipment of national gold reserves overseas.