Hialeah, located 20 kilometers from Miami's South Beach, is a predominantly Hispanic city where Spanish is the primary language, making English almost unnecessary. The city, with a population of 250,000, is largely composed of Cuban immigrants who arrived during various waves of migration, particularly after the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Hialeah maintains a unique cultural identity distinct from other parts of Miami, characterized by its lack of ethnic diversity and strong Hispanic influence. Despite being labeled one of the most boring cities in the U.S. by Forbes in 2009, Hialeah retains a specific charm influenced by its Latin-Caribbean roots.

In Brazil, supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro, upset by the election of leftist Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, have been protesting and blocking roads, demanding military intervention. Bolsonaro has urged his followers to dismantle barricades after a violent incident. The military, while closer to Bolsonaro, has stated its commitment to serving the elected president, Lula. The situation has created tensions, with some fearing a 'cold civil war.'

In Caracas, the affluent neighborhood of Las Mercedes is experiencing a bustling Christmas season fueled by the circulation of U.S. dollars, a stark contrast to the previous year. The economic renewal is attributed to President Nicolás Maduro's relaxation of price controls and import regulations, allowing for a dollarized economy. However, this shift has led to increased inequality, with affluent areas enjoying imported goods while poorer regions remain deprived. Experts suggest Maduro is adopting a Chinese model of governance, combining political control with economic freedoms to quell opposition. Despite the apparent economic revival, the majority of Venezuelans continue to struggle with poverty and limited access to dollars.

In the village of Mayarí, Cuba, frequent power outages are a significant concern for residents like Adalberto Beltrán, who fears for the preservation of his food. These outages, referred to as 'apagón' in Spanish, have become a common part of life since the Cuban Revolution initiated by Fidel Castro 70 years ago. The article highlights the ongoing struggles and the mass exodus of Cubans as a result of the country's longstanding political and economic challenges.

A forty-day saga of four siblings from the indigenous Huitoto group, who survived a plane crash and subsequently got lost in the impenetrable jungle of southern Colombia, has reached a happy conclusion. Dehydrated and weakened, they were found with the help of a dog by the Colombian army. The drama was followed by the entire nation, with modern society and nomadic jungle tribes perceiving their struggle for survival differently.

The article reflects on the ten-year rule of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, highlighting the decay of the socialist paradise envisioned by Hugo Chávez. It discusses the reduction of anti-American propaganda and the shift towards an image of harmony under Maduro's leadership. Former Chávez cabinet member Carlos Molina criticizes Maduro for corruption, discrimination, and the influence of Communist Cuba, labeling him a murderer.

Marfa, a small town in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, has transformed into a modern art hub since the 1970s, largely due to the influence of minimalist artist Donald Judd. Judd moved to Marfa in 1971, purchasing and repurposing several buildings to create spaces where art interacts with architecture and the surrounding landscape. The Chinati Foundation, a non-profit museum established in 1978, showcases Judd's works and those of other artists. Marfa also attracts tourists with its mysterious lights, a phenomenon observed since the 19th century, which some attribute to atmospheric conditions or paranormal activity.

Scientists from the Brazilian Space Agency (INPE) were shocked by satellite images showing numerous fires in the Amazon rainforest. These fires, often set by agribusiness to clear land for crops or livestock, have increased in intensity and frequency. The article questions whether President Lula will fulfill his promise to protect the rainforest.

Juan Guaidó, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition who declared himself interim president four years ago, has been ousted from office, not by dictator Nicolás Maduro and his armed forces, but by his own opposition. Venezuelan socialists, responsible for the country's unprecedented economic, social, and moral decline, remain firmly in power. The situation is also influenced by Putin's Russia and the West's need to eliminate its dependence on Russian oil.

Recent Brazilian presidential elections highlighted extreme polarization and street-level animosity between supporters of right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro and left-wing leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula narrowly won, joining a wave of leftist leaders in Latin America. Bolsonaro's supporters fear Lula's policies will lead Brazil towards economic failure similar to Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro, especially given Brazil's current economic challenges post-pandemic and due to the war in Ukraine.