John Otis
Catholic Church in Philippines Holds Mass in Malls
In the Philippines, many are abandoning the Catholic Church and going shopping. So the Church is going where the shoppers are. It’s holding Mass at the malls. John Otis reports from Manila.
Venezuela’s Globovision on the Block
Globovision is Venezuela’s last remaining TV station critical of the country’s socialist government but its role as a watchdog may end soon.
Venezuela’s 30-Day Presidential Campaign
Venezuela’s opposition is scrambling to mount a 30-day campaign for president, following the death of Hugo Chavez. The race pits opposition candidate Henrique Capriles against acting president Nicolas Maduro. But in many ways, Capriles is running against a dead man. John Otis has the story.
Hugo Chavez and the Vatican
Venezuela’s interim President Nicholas Maduro, suggested that the late president Hugo Chavez might have “influenced” the selection of a Latin American pope from “his perch in heaven.” But during his lifetime, Chavez ridiculed Catholic leaders in Venezuela, saying they opposed his socialist revolution.
Standing in Line to See Chavez
The official mourning period for Venezuela’s late President Hugo Chavez ends Tuesday. But Venezuelans continue to stream into the capital to view his body. Many stand on line for hours.
Late Hugo Chavez Dominates Venezuela Snap Election
In Venezuela, the snap election for president is getting under way, but the late Hugo Chavez is still the looming presence. His vice president, Nicolas Maduro, is campaigning on a promise to carry the Chavez torch and the opposition leader is hamstrung because criticizing Maduro is seen as an attack on Chavez.
The Chavez Legacy in Latin America
Hugo Chavez had mixed success in exporting his politics and methods to other Latin American countries but he’s still seen as a seminal figure in the history of the region.
Ecuador’s Paraplegic Vice President Lenin Moreno a Major Force for Disability Rights
Ecuador’s Vice President Lenin Moreno is a paraplegic and has been a major force for disability rights and benefits in his own country.
Why Correa’s Third Term Could Mean More Trouble for Ecuador’s Media
A re-election for Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa could mean four more years of trouble for the press as he has targeted TV, radio and newspapers with lawsuits, fines and insults.
Medellín’s Outdoor Escalator Part of Plan to Remake City
The Colombian city of Medellin was once the murder capital of the world and ground zero for Pablo Escobar’s cocaine cartel. But Medellin has lately emerged as a hotspot for urban planning and innovative mass transit. And, as John Otis reports, the projects are part of a long-term plan to fight poverty and remake the fortunes of the city.
Colombia Sets Sight on ‘Green Gold’
Colombia is a hotspot of mercury pollution from small-scale gold mining. But it’s also a testing ground for a new movement to reduce mercury pollution by paying small-scale miners more to use less of the toxic metal.
Colombian Government and FARC Rebels Launch Talks in Norway
Colombian government officials and representatives of the FARC rebels movement officially launched their peace talks Thursday in Norway.
Brazil Embraces Affirmative Action With New Law to Boost Racial Diversity at Universities
While the US Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of considering race in college admissions, Brazil is moving ahead on affirmative action. In August, Brazil’s president signed a law setting aside half of public university seats for poor or nonwhite students.
Chavez Wins Fourth Term in Venezuela
Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez easily won a fourth term in Sunday’s vote despite facing his most serious challenge in years.
Venezuela Goes to the Polls
Venezuelans go to the polls on Sunday. And incumbent president Hugo Chavez faces his most serious challenge in years. Chavez also faces a public that’s increasingly disenchanted with his socialist revolution.
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