Latest fromSouth America
NZ ranked fourth in global economic freedom rankings
NZ is the fourth most economically free country in the world according to a US think tank and the Wall Street Journal.
Ecuador: The scaly symbol of a city
Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, makes artistic use of public space, writes Jim Eagles.
Drugs war soaking Mexico-US border blood red
Narcotraficantes, or drug dealers, can buy the murder of many, and the loyalty of nearly everyone.
Ecuador: Marketplace in the mountains
Jim Eagles takes a journey high in the Andes and back in time to meet Ecuadorean people whose history predates the Inca.
Tsunami fears over as alert downgraded
The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.
Tsunami warning downgraded, but surges may still hit
Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.
Tsunami threat: Warning stays in place for entire east coast
New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.
Tsunami gauges 'stabilising'
Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.
Evacuation warnings as tsunami wave hits Chatham Islands
The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.
NZ on tsunami alert after quake in Chile
A tsunami generated by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, is expected to reach New Zealand this morning.
Surprises from Argentina
I remember being mesmerised by the sublime skills of Hugo Porta, the Argentinian rugby five-eighth of a bygone era.
Rio Carnival: First win in 7 decades for samba group
The Unidos da Tijuca samba group has been crowned champion of the Rio Carnival parades for the first time in more than seven decades.
Preteen samba queen breaks down at Rio Carnival
The youngest drum corps queen in Carnival memory broke down crying after being surrounded by cameras.
Lovebirds Madonna and Jesus rock in Rio
Queen of pop Madonna's tabloid-friendly romance with toyboy lover Jesus Luz is back on the boil.