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Global Witness says that the number of assassinations of environmental activists has risen around the world. Journalist Fred Pearce says that drawing attention to these cases could help prevent more deaths.

Colombia was wracked with violence during the era of the Escobar drug cartel. And while the cartel has been curtailed, regular street violence persists. Now, arts groups are trying to give youth an alternative path to the future.

Ronald Aldana had a choice. Stay in Guatemala and be hunted down by gangs, or flee to the United States and try to make a new life. He chose to come to the United States. He applied for asylum, received it and has started a new life.

Some of America’s best public schools aren’t open to everyone. In fact, these schools often take just 10 percent of applicants — or less. These selective schools are part of a new trend in education to refocus attention on students at the top of the class, and make sure they get the education they need to succeed.

El Salvador has the world’s second highest murder rate. More than 4,300 occurred there last year alone. Though the U.S. has poured millions of dollars into anti-gang efforts in the country, nothing seemed to change until a few months ago when the Catholic Church stepped in.