Central America

close-up shot of Honduran President Castro wearing a mask

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times

A year and a half into her administration, many say Xiomara Castro has yet to live up to expectations. But as Honduras’ first female president, those expectations are higher than usual. Much of the criticism against Castro comes from machismo and gender discrimination. She’s just one of two female heads of state of a Latin American country.

Honduras' first female leader faces tough times
Yellow sign on beach warning people to stay out of water because of pollutants, in Tijuana River Valley

Pollution from Tijuana River contaminates marine border areas

Pollution from Tijuana River contaminates marine border areas
A black and white headshot of author Roberto Lovato

A Salvadoran American’s memoir ‘comes full circle’ on a family history of violence, struggle

A Salvadoran American’s memoir ‘comes full circle’ on a family history of violence, struggle
Rainforest biotic pump

Rainforests are 'worth more alive than dead,' according to science — and economics

Rainforests are 'worth more alive than dead,' according to science — and economics
Several people are shown on the beach next to large floating rafts with wooden tops.

Free passage is a way of life for Mexicans and Guatemalans on the border

Free passage is a way of life for Mexicans and Guatemalans on the border
several people with backpacks around a bus entrance. A young girl is held and looks toward the camera.

Trump’s aid cuts to Central American countries could total $700 million

The US government cut aid to Northern Triangle countries after President Donald Trump blasted the countries for sending migrants to the United States.

Trump’s aid cuts to Central American countries could total $700 million
Flamingos have enjoyed a resurgence in Florida over the last 50 years. Notice that the young flamingo in the middle is gray and not the iconic pink. Flamingos gain their pinkish color over time through their diet — mainly shrimp.

New study sheds light on the debate over the origins of flamingos in Florida

You might say that those who have believed that flamingos are natives of Florida are tinkled pink at new reported findings.

New study sheds light on the debate over the origins of flamingos in Florida
A biting midge pollinates a cacao flower on the Goodman Cacao Estate in Killaloe, Australia.

Giant chocolate industry depends on tiny insects for survival

Do you love chocolate? This fact may bug you.

Giant chocolate industry depends on tiny insects for survival
“I don't want to have to do this,” Victoria Barrett says. “It's just I feel like it obviously needs to be done. It's frustrating... Sometimes I feel like people my age are fighting the hardest when we didn't even start this in the first place."

This 18-year-old from New York is suing the Trump administration over climate change

When it comes to setting climate change policy in the US, kids don't have much of a voice because they can't vote. But they can go to court. So a group of 21 young people are suing the Trump Administration for failing to adequately tackle the climate crisis.

This 18-year-old from New York is suing the Trump administration over climate change
family sitting on steps in front of building

Why 80 asylum-seekers are marching to the US southern border, even though they'll probably be turned away

Guatemalan, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran and Honduran migrants are participating in the Caravan of Refugees to advocate for the right to request asylum.

Why 80 asylum-seekers are marching to the US southern border, even though they'll probably be turned away
Simone Biles of USA celebrates winning gold in the women's individual all-around final.

Belizeans celebrate Simone Biles' victory at the Rio Games

Simone Biles made a lot of people proud when she won the Olympic gold medal for women's individual all-around gymnastics this week.

Belizeans celebrate Simone Biles' victory at the Rio Games
Manuel sought help from the migration project after his daughter was injured in a car accident on her way north to the US.

The Migration Project helps Guatemalan families find missing loved ones

In Zacualpa, Guatemala, some residents can't resist the gamble of taking out a loan and heading north. But they don't all make it and some go missing. Now help is at hand.

The Migration Project helps Guatemalan families find missing loved ones
Guatemalan rapper Rebeca Lane is on a Central American tour designed to showcase women's hip-hop in the area.

This Guatemalan rapper thinks hip-hop can unite all women

Rebeca Lane gets inspiration from women who defy patriarchal norms, and her current tour is meant to help others do the same.

This Guatemalan rapper thinks hip-hop can unite all women
Diego - GNE

This Kansas high school student must pay back $3,000 after smugglers helped him leave Guatemala

This sophomore in Kansas from Guatemala juggles algebra — and the reality that he must soon pay the smuggling fee he owes from coming to the United States.

This Kansas high school student must pay back $3,000 after smugglers helped him leave Guatemala
Morrissey_1

The love affair between Mexican Americans and Morrissey isn't that surprising

English singer-songwriter Morrissey has a staunchly loyal and maybe obsessive fan base. His shows are defined by audience members throwing themselves on stage, clamoring to hug him. But Morrissey's most loyal disciples come from a seemingly unexpected group — young Mexican Americans.

The love affair between Mexican Americans and Morrissey isn't that surprising