A British tourist named Peter Smith is in intensive care after a shark attack off the coast of Tobago. The incident occurred near the Starfish resort on Turtle Beach, where Smith was attacked by what is believed to be a bull shark. He sustained serious injuries to his left arm, leg, and stomach but is in stable condition after doctors reattached some of his fingers. The local government and British High Commission are assisting his family. Beaches on Tobago's western coast have been closed, and a temporary ban on reef tours and scuba-diving has been issued. A bounty for the shark was initially offered but later withdrawn.

A network of ancient cities built by the Upano people, predating the Maya, Incas, and Aztecs, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest. These cities, dating from around 500BC, feature urban planning elements such as roads, canals, and agricultural fields. The discovery, made using lidar technology, challenges the traditional view that large, complex societies did not develop in the Amazon. The findings, published in Science by a French research team, suggest the existence of other advanced civilizations in the Amazon Basin.

A network of ancient cities built by the Upano people, predating the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest. These cities, dating from around 500BC, featured urban settlements connected by straight roads and canals, with evidence of sweet potato cultivation and beer consumption. The findings challenge the traditional view that Amazonian societies never developed into large, hierarchical civilizations. The research, published in Science by a team from France's National Centre for Scientific Research and using lidar technology, reveals urban planning indicative of a complex society. The largest settlement, Kilamope, is comparable in size to Egypt's Giza Plateau.

A network of ancient cities built by the Upano people, predating the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest. These cities, dating from around 500BC, featured urban settlements connected by straight roads and canals, with evidence of sweet potato cultivation and beer consumption. The findings challenge the traditional view that Amazonian societies did not develop into large, hierarchical civilizations. The research, published in Science by a team from France’s National Centre for Scientific Research and using lidar technology, reveals extensive urban planning in the Upano Valley, Ecuador, and suggests the possibility of other undiscovered civilizations in the Amazon Basin.

Peru anticipates protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court reinstated a 2017 pardon on humanitarian grounds, despite the Inter-American Court of Human Rights' warnings that Fujimori had not met the conditions for a pardon. The decision has sparked widespread concern and criticism, including from Amnesty International and Cardinal Pedro Barreto. Fujimori's government is remembered for both the defeat of the Shining Path and significant corruption. His release coincides with accusations against the conservative-dominated congress of undermining democracy and the ongoing human rights issues under President Dina Boluarte's administration.

Peru is preparing for protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with criticism from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and human rights organizations, citing a lack of justice for victims. Fujimori's release has sparked widespread consternation, with high-profile figures and the public expressing indignation. The pardon is seen as part of a broader pattern of actions by Peru's conservative-dominated congress that undermine democracy, including packing institutions with unqualified candidates. President Dina Boluarte faces disapproval for her handling of recent anti-government protests and security forces' killings.

Peru is preparing for protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with widespread criticism, including from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Amnesty International Peru. Fujimori's release, after serving 16 years, overlooks the victims' rights and may impact Peru's international standing. The pardon is part of a broader pattern of actions by Peru's conservative-dominated congress, which has been accused of undermining democracy. President Dina Boluarte faces low approval amid accusations of her involvement in protester deaths.

Peru anticipates protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with widespread criticism, including from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Amnesty International Peru. Fujimori's release, after serving 16 years, overlooks the victims of his regime's abuses and risks making Peru an international pariah. The pardon's reapproval has caused consternation, with high-profile figures like Cardinal Pedro Barreto expressing indignation. Fujimori, still facing future trials, is seen as a hero by some for defeating the Shining Path, but his tenure was marred by corruption and authoritarianism. The current conservative-dominated congress is accused of undermining democracy, and President Dina Boluarte's administration is criticized for its handling of recent anti-government protests.

Peru is preparing for protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with widespread criticism, including from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Amnesty International Peru. Fujimori's release, after serving 16 years, overlooks the victims' rights and may impact Peru's international standing. The pardon was part of a political maneuver by then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, which led to his resignation. Fujimori is still seen as a hero by some for defeating the Shining Path, but his tenure was marred by corruption and authoritarian actions. He faces future trials, and the pardon's effect on these is uncertain. The current conservative-dominated congress is accused of undermining democracy, and President Dina Boluarte is unpopular, with many holding her responsible for recent protester deaths.

Peru is preparing for protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with widespread criticism, including from Amnesty International and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Fujimori's government is remembered for both the defeat of the Shining Path and significant corruption. His release, after serving 16 years, precedes upcoming trials for other alleged crimes, including a massacre and forced sterilizations. The current conservative-dominated congress, with low approval ratings, faces accusations of undermining democracy. President Dina Boluarte, also unpopular, is criticized for her handling of recent anti-government protests resulting in civilian deaths.

Peru anticipates protests following the release of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. The constitutional court's decision to reinstate a 2017 pardon has been met with widespread criticism, including from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Amnesty International Peru. Fujimori's release, after serving 16 years, overlooks the victims of his crimes and risks making Peru an international pariah. The pardon, seen as a political move by then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, had previously been overturned due to backlash and led to Kuczynski's resignation. Fujimori, still facing future trials, is a divisive figure, with some viewing him as a hero for defeating the Shining Path, while others condemn his corruption and authoritarian actions. The current conservative-dominated congress is also under scrutiny for undermining democracy, and President Dina Boluarte faces low approval amid accusations of mishandling protests.

The article discusses the rich archaeological legacy of Peru, beyond the well-known Machu Picchu. It highlights the Wari empire and its fortified outpost Pikillacta, which predates the Incas and is now part of the British Museum's exhibition 'Peru: A Journey in Time'. The author, Simeon Tegel, explores various other ancient cultures such as the Paracas, Nasca, Moche, and Chimú, and their contributions to what is often considered 'Inca' culture. The article also mentions modern attractions like the Explora hotel in the Sacred Valley and the culinary experiences offered by chef Virgilio Martínez. It suggests that Peru's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures make it an ideal travel destination, with opportunities to explore lesser-known sites and enjoy the country's gastronomy. The article also briefly covers luxury travel options in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, including train journeys, luxury lodges, and cruises.

In Peru, despite the reopening of shopping malls and casinos, nearly all state schools have remained closed or online-only since the pandemic began, affecting millions of children. The country has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic and the education crisis, with the highest per capita COVID mortality. Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez aims for schools to reopen by March 2023, but this may be delayed due to infrastructure issues. The main teachers' union, SUTEP, demands full vaccination of teachers and basic infrastructure improvements. Epidemiologist Cesar Ugarte and former education minister Ricardo Cuenca stress the urgency of reopening schools. Meanwhile, local teacher Norma Huamani has taken the initiative to provide classes to children in her community.

Peru's COVID-19 vaccine distribution has been marred by a scandal where VIPs, including a former president and the head of Peru's FDA, received early Sinopharm vaccine doses. The doses, intended for medical staff in a trial, were instead given to the elite, raising questions about whether Sinopharm used the vaccines to influence Peru's purchase of 38 million doses. The scandal, known as 'Vaccinegate,' has led to investigations, resignations, and public outrage amidst a severe pandemic wave and oxygen shortages in hospitals.

Paraguayan police have seized a record 2.3 tons of cocaine, the largest amount ever in the country, hidden in a charcoal shipment destined for Israel. The drugs, valued at $500 million, are linked to Dutch criminals and were found in Villeta. Simultaneous raids in Asuncion resulted in the detention of Cristhian Turrini, a former head of the national public TV network. Despite the success, President Mario Abdo warned of cartel infiltration in government and law enforcement. The operation, supported by the US DEA and European and Israeli police, follows a strategy of surveillance rather than immediate arrests. Paraguay is a major cannabis producer and a key conduit for Andean cocaine, with increasing cartel activity in all sectors, including politics, as noted by analyst Juan Martens.

Peru's Congress ousted the Cabinet amidst a COVID-19 surge, disrupting the country's pandemic response. The dismissal, stemming from a dispute over university reform, was criticized by many as irresponsible, given the vested interests of lawmakers in private universities. President Martín Vizcarra, known for his anti-corruption stance, must now appoint a new cabinet. The health minister had recently revealed that the actual COVID-19 death toll was likely more than double the official count, highlighting the challenges faced by Peru's healthcare system.

Peruvian internal investigators are probing police raids between June 2012 and June 2015 that may have been carried out by death squads disguised as police officers, resulting in the execution of 27 presumed gangsters. The investigation, now public, is supported by the new government under President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio, who is also tasked with reforming the corrupt police service. The Popular Force party, with a congressional majority, is expected to oppose these reforms. Public safety is a top concern for Peruvians, despite a relatively low homicide rate.

Paraguay, a major global producer of marijuana, is engaged in an intense war on weed, particularly along its border with Brazil. The country's national anti-drugs agency, SENAD, conducts operations to eradicate cannabis plantations, facing challenges from drug gangs and corruption. Despite low domestic consumption rates, Paraguay's strict laws against growers contrast with more lenient user possession laws. The lucrative marijuana trade has led to significant narco-violence in regions like Amambay. Efforts to combat the drug trade are strained by SENAD's limited budget and staff, and there is debate over the effectiveness of prohibition and the need for policy reform.

The article covers a range of topics across several South American countries. In Paraguay, it discusses the country's role as a major marijuana producer, highlighting the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking. The piece on Argentina focuses on the political career of Cristina Kirchner, detailing her potential return to power despite corruption allegations. The Bolivian segment addresses the country's progress and challenges in LGBT rights, featuring insights from a well-known drag queen. An article from Peru describes the restoration of ancient pre-Incan dikes as a solution to modern water management issues. Additionally, there is a mention of the changing face of Andean glaciers, indicating a piece on climate change and its impact on the environment.

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a center-right technocrat, is on the verge of a narrow victory over Keiko Fujimori in Peru's presidential election, with 50.15% of the vote and a lead of approximately 50,000 votes. Despite being seen as part of Lima's white elite and having a background on Wall Street, Kuczynski managed to capitalize on anti-Fujimorista sentiment and avoid serious corruption allegations. Keiko Fujimori, running on a right-wing platform and the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, faced setbacks due to corruption scandals within her Popular Force party. Kuczynski's late surge was aided by the endorsement of leftist congresswoman Veronika Mendoza. If Kuczynski wins, he may face challenges implementing reforms due to his party's minority in congress. Amnesty International has urged Kuczynski to address human rights issues from Alberto Fujimori's presidency.

Keiko Fujimori, leveraging her disciplined campaign efforts and her father Alberto Fujimori's controversial legacy, is a leading candidate in Peru's presidential race. Despite her father's imprisonment for human rights abuses and corruption, many Peruvians remember him as a savior for his economic reforms and defeating Shining Path rebels. Keiko has faced challenges in distancing herself from her father's past while reforming the image of her party, Popular Force. She has made moderate promises, including respecting human rights and democratic order, but her party continues to face allegations of corruption and undemocratic behavior. As Peru approaches the election, Keiko's ability to navigate her father's legacy and her party's current issues will be crucial.

Keiko Fujimori, the frontrunner in Peru's presidential elections, faces possible expulsion from the race due to allegations of distributing cash at a campaign event, which violates new electoral laws. The electoral tribunal, JNE, is under scrutiny for potential unfairness after expelling two of Fujimori's rivals on different grounds. The situation has led to a crisis of confidence in the electoral authorities and accusations of selective and discriminatory application of the law. The controversy has stirred public opinion against the Fujimori movement and could significantly impact the upcoming elections.

Peruvian police captain Juan Martín Chávez Briones was arrested with four other officers for allegedly attempting to resell seized cocaine to Bolivian traffickers. Days before his arrest, Chávez posted a photo on Facebook with wads of cash, which has since drawn media attention. The arrest occurred after an exchange of fire near the Bolivian border, prompted by phone surveillance from Operation Constellation, funded by the US DEA. The officers are being interrogated in Juliaca, and the incident is part of a larger pattern of drug money scandals in Peru, affecting law enforcement and politics, including former president Alan García's campaign.

Peru's culinary scene has undergone a significant transformation, with chefs like Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Rafael Osterling, and Gastón Acurio leading a food revolution in Lima. These chefs have reclaimed their gastronomic heritage and have been influenced by a variety of international cuisines. The country's diverse topography provides a rich array of ingredients, contributing to a unique and varied cuisine. The change in the culinary landscape has led to a surge in national pride and an increase in culinary schools. Gastón Acurio's Astrid y Gastón, in particular, has gained acclaim for championing street cuisine and supporting small-scale farmers, earning him rock-star status. The article suggests that visitors should explore both high-end restaurants and modest eateries to fully experience Peru's food revolution.