Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, suspected of corruption, appeared before the Federal Court Comodoro Py in Buenos Aires on October 31, 2016. Thousands gathered to support her, while the case involves her alleged connection with businessman Lazaro Baez, who is jailed for money laundering. The current President Mauricio Macri, despite being implicated in the Panama Papers, has prioritized fighting corruption. However, many Argentinians view the government's efforts as ineffective. Kirchner's supporters claim political persecution, while critics like Deputy Margarita Stolbizer label her as the most corrupt in Argentina's democratic history.

Over the past decade, Chinese shopkeepers in Argentina have been targeted by criminal gangs for extortion, kidnapping, and murder. These gangs demand initial and monthly fees for 'protection,' and failure to pay can result in violence, as experienced by grocery store owner Zhou and immigrant Yuzhu King. The Chinese community, estimated to be between 90,000 and 100,000, often does not seek help from local authorities due to language barriers and mistrust. The Argentina China Chamber of Production, Industry and Trade and the Federation of Chinese Supermarkets and Associations provide insights into the situation. Chinese supermarkets, which have grown significantly since the 1980s, contribute to 30% of the country's retail sales.

Cuba's LGBT community is experiencing increased visibility and acceptance, with events like Miss Transvestite and the existence of LGBT-friendly nightclubs such as El Mejunje. The Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) provides free gender reassignment surgery, and same-sex marriage is under consideration. Despite progress, discrimination persists, with criminal law penalizing public homosexual displays. Mariela Castro, director of CENESEX, has been a prominent advocate for LGBT rights. Cuba has the lowest HIV rate in the region and was the first to eradicate mother-to-child HIV transmission. The community still faces challenges, including employment discrimination and derogatory treatment.

The Miss Chubby beauty pageant in Paraguay, organized by Michael Beras, challenges societal discrimination against overweight individuals by celebrating plus-size beauty. The event includes a three-month program with professional support to help contestants improve their health and self-esteem. The pageant, which requires participants to weigh over 70kg, culminates in a fashion show where they showcase their confidence on the catwalk. Romina Verna, the winner, received a nutritionist consultation and gym membership and aims to use her platform to promote a better image of obese people. The event has been positively received, with participants like Jessica de Souza experiencing significant personal growth.

Indigenous communities in Ecuador's Amazonia, a region of high biodiversity, equate the destruction of nature with the loss of life. Since the 1960s, oil operations have led to severe environmental degradation, with less than 15% of Ecuador's primary rainforests remaining. Chevron, through its subsidiary Texaco Petroleum, is accused of dumping crude residue, affecting 30,000 indigenous people. Despite Chevron's denial of responsibility, citing a fraudulent Ecuadorian judgment, the conflict persists. Indigenous leaders and locals express a strong desire to protect their 'paradise' from further destruction, while legal battles with the government and oil companies continue.

Indigenous communities in Ecuador's Amazonia, a region of high biodiversity, equate the destruction of nature with the loss of life. Since the 1960s, oil operations have led to severe environmental degradation, with less than 15% of Ecuador's primary rainforests remaining. Chevron, through its subsidiary Texaco Petroleum, is accused of dumping crude residue, affecting 30,000 indigenous people. Despite Chevron's denial of responsibility, citing a fraudulent Ecuadorian judgment, the conflict persists. Indigenous leaders and locals express a strong desire to protect their 'paradise' from further destruction, while legal battles with the government and oil companies continue.

Soccer holds a place akin to religion in Argentina, celebrated through cultural expressions like Maradona's graffiti-labeled as 'God'. The sport's influence extends to politics, exemplified by President Mauricio Macri's previous role as head of Boca Juniors, a leading soccer club.

Foreigners in Argentina often encounter the country's unique language idiosyncrasies, such as the broad categorization of anyone from the Middle East as 'Turco,' regardless of their actual ethnic origin. This practice dates back to the early 20th century when Middle Eastern immigrants to Argentina held Ottoman passports.

Inti Montenegro de Wit, a young consultant for the United Nations, tragically died in a car accident in Mexico, highlighting the global issue of road safety. According to the World Health Organization's 2015 report, road accidents are the leading cause of death for 15 to 29-year-olds, with 1.25 million fatalities annually. The economic impact is also significant, costing low and middle-income countries 3-5% of their GDP. The lack of government action is a major factor in these accidents, and local solutions involving multiple government sectors are imperative. Measures such as enforcing seatbelt and helmet use, respecting speed limits, and alcohol consumption laws are necessary, along with improved emergency response systems.

China has made progress in reducing road fatalities since 2001, with legislation on drink-driving, motorcycle helmets, and seat belts. Despite this, it still experiences over 250,000 road deaths annually, nearly a quarter of the global total. The WHO highlights road injuries as a major cause of death for Chinese under 45. The article emphasizes the need for better government coordination and communication on road safety risks, accurate data reporting, and improved emergency response and transport planning to further reduce accidents and save lives.

Argentina's Buenos Aires province has enacted a law requiring public hospitals with pediatric services to employ specially trained clowns, inspired by Hunter 'Patch' Adams' laughter therapy. The clowns, such as those from Puente Clown, aim to bring joy to hospitalized children, their families, and hospital staff. The initiative is seen as complementary medicine, with positive feedback from medical professionals and patients' families. The clowns coordinate with pediatricians to ensure safe and appropriate interactions with the children.

China is taking a leadership role in the global battle against climate change, with Beijing making significant strides towards sustainability and urbanization. The country, despite being the largest carbon emitter, is innovating with projects like Tianjin Eco-city and is on track to meet its climate goals ahead of schedule. China's efforts, including a cap-and-trade program and financial aid to developing nations, have been recognized by the UN and WHO. These actions demonstrate China's commitment to environmental consciousness and global climate security.

The Syrian war has displaced over four million children, with many unable to attend school, contributing to a potential loss of an entire generation. The UN has described the crisis as having biblical proportions, with Syrian refugees becoming the largest displaced population since World War II. Half of the Syrian population, including children, has fled the conflict since 2011. The war has severely impacted education, with half of the refugee children not enrolled in school. These children also face exploitation, child labor, and early marriage. The international community is challenged by the growing number of migrants, with refugees now at the forefront of global debate.

Meat is central to Argentine culture, with the asado, or barbecue, being more than just cooking meat; it's a ceremony, passion, and art. Asados are a weekly family tradition, enjoyed in various settings, and are so integral to the culture that local TV hosts forecast the weather's suitability for outdoor asados. Expats are advised to learn the key rules to avoid cultural faux pas.

Pablo Novak, at 85 years old, is the sole inhabitant of the ghost village Epecuen, located about 500 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Epecuen was submerged under water for 25 years and re-emerged in 2009. Novak, who lived outside the town during the flood, returned to live in solitude with his cattle. His daily life includes visits from his grandson Christian, and he reminisces about the town's past as a popular vacation spot. Despite the desolation, Novak enjoys walking through the ruins with his dog, Chorno, and has accepted the town's fate.

In Argentina, a predominantly Catholic country with strict anti-abortion laws, an estimated half a million illegal abortions are performed annually, accounting for 40% of all pregnancies. Despite legal risks, doctors like German Pablo Cardoso continue to provide abortions, exploiting legal loopholes. The cost and safety of abortions vary by socio-economic status, and unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal mortality. The debate over legalization is ongoing, with resistance from religious and conservative groups, and it's unlikely to be resolved before the 2015 presidential election. President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner opposes legalization, but pro-abortion organizations persistently propose legislation.

In Argentina, particularly within the Cordoba province, the use of agrochemicals in soybean farming is causing health concerns among local residents. Silvina Bettini, who lives near soybean fields, fears the agrochemical residue in her blood could harm her future children. Argentina is a major global soybean producer, and most of its soybeans are genetically modified to resist herbicides like Monsanto's Roundup, which contains glyphosate. Health problems, including birth defects and cancers, have been reported in communities near sprayed fields. Despite these concerns, Argentine officials and Monsanto deny a link between health issues and agrochemicals. The country's reliance on genetically modified crops and pesticides is a contentious issue, with some experts and locals advocating for stricter regulations and environmental assessments.

On World Food Day, concerns were raised about the health risks posed to the Chinese population by imports of genetically modified soybeans, particularly from Argentina. The soybeans contain high levels of glyphosate, a herbicide linked to cancer and birth defects. Despite economic benefits, the health and environmental impacts of GM crops and associated herbicides are significant. Chinese policymakers and military have taken steps to limit the use of GM crops due to health concerns. Experts suggest that China's market influence could lead to reduced herbicide use in soy production if quality standards are enforced.

President Xi Jinping's visit to Argentina has resulted in 19 agreements enhancing China's access to commodities and influence in Latin America. Key deals include a currency swap, investments in hydroelectric dams, and a railway project. China is a significant trade partner for Argentina and Latin America, investing in infrastructure to facilitate commodity transport. The visit, marking the 10-year anniversary of the China-Argentina strategic relationship, also underscores China's role as a financial power in the region, offering support without political conditions. Xi's tour includes Venezuela and Cuba, further cementing China's presence in Latin America.