WILDFIRES Death toll in Chile forest fires rises to 24 06-02-2023 09:54 At least 24 people have died and 979 injured in hundreds of forest fires whipped up amid a blistering heat wave in south central Chile, a senior government official said Saturday night.
Human rights El Salvador extends state of emergency to curb wave of gang violence 25-04-2022 12:45 El Salvador's lawmakers on Sunday extended a state of emergency for another month at the request of President Nayib Bukele. It was imposed in late March to stamp out a wave of deadly gang violence, expanding police powers so that they could arrest members without a warrant.
Coronavirus Pandemic Brazil to lift public health emergency 'in coming days,' says health minister 18-04-2022 10:35 Brazil's Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Sunday the public health emergency measures in place for over two years will soon end, citing a drop in the number of deaths and infections.
BRAZIL UNDER BOLSONARO Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro released from hospital 05-01-2022 13:38 Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was released from the hospital Wednesday, two days after being rushed for emergency treatment of a partially blocked intestine.
POST-ELECTION ROW Government seeks approval for 116 decrees, prompting opposition walkout 19-11-2021 03:01 Little sign of post-election dialogue as Juntos por el Cambio refuses to support debate on 116 presidential decrees. Ruling coalition wants DNUs approved by Senate before new lawmakers are sworn-in.
CRIME & SECURITY Ecuador's president declares state of emergency over drug violence 19-10-2021 09:13 Guillermo Lasso declares a state of emergency in the country grappling with a surge in drug-related violence and orders mobilisation of police and military.
UNREST IN CHILE Chile president declares 'state of exception' over Mapuche conflict 13-10-2021 09:11 Sebastián Piñera declares a state of emergency and deploys troops to two southern regions, after clashes break out between Mapuche protesters and security forces.
Covid-19 vaccines Government preps decree to enable arrival of Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines 02-07-2021 03:23 Reports say President Alberto Fernández will issue a new decree modifying Vaccine Law that will smooth arrival of host of shots manufactured in United States.
Coronavirus pandemic President extends Covid restrictions as death toll tops 84,000 11-06-2021 23:42 President Fernández extends existing emergency decree for two weeks; Health Ministry confirms 27,628 infections and 699 deaths over past 24 hours.