An influx of digital nomads and ex-pats aren’t just driving up rents, they’re stimulating the city’s black markets as well — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. In the last decade, Medellín has undergone a significant rebirth, becoming safer, more prosperous, and notably tourist-friendly — earning…

Corruption and links between organized crime and politicians would make a “Bukele approach” a nightmare — Guatemalans head to elections Sunday for the second round of a presidential election that has been plagued by controversy and anti-democratic interference by establishment elites. …

The election may be ripe for an outsider who represents a departure from the traditional Argentinian political parties — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — On Sunday Aug. 13, Argentines will head to the polls to vote in the nation’s…

The Comuna 13 neighborhood is a symbol of a dark era in the history of Colombia’s second-largest city. But a group of elite rappers and creatives has created a new identity, inspiring a revolution — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter.

A dangerous trend away from democracy across the region sparks international concern — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. * Autocracy and authoritarianism are on the rise throughout Central America, a region that lies along the main narcotics…

In a country where soccer is king, a rugby coach is introducing kids to a new sport in hopes it will give them the life skills to survive the mean streets of Bogota’s toughest neighborhoods. — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. * Bogotá, Colombia — Thirty minutes before practice begins, as children and young teens gather near an old soccer…

The accord with the largest rebel group in Colombia is a much-needed victory in a process that has been plagued by setbacks — President Petro Gustavo, after 10 months and a series of stumbles and setbacks, finally has a symbolic victory in his “Total Peace” plan for Colombia — a bi-lateral ceasefire with the largest remaining rebel group in the country, the National Liberation Army (ELN). The third round of peace talks in…

Brazil’s Lula criticized for Maduro comments, but even critics acknowledge previous policy has failed — and hurt Venezuela’s neighbors — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. * For the first time in 9 years, presidents and representatives from 12 South American countries gathered in Brazil…

A growing number of demobilized communist rebels have recently turned to a more civilian pursuit: brewing craft beer. Now they hope a divided country can come together over a pint of pilsner — This article originally appeared at Pirate Wire Services. If you’re looking for on-the-ground indy journalism on Latin America from a host of countries, you should consider signing up for our newsletter. * Bogotá, Colombia — For 12 years, Alexander Monroy waged war against the government as a member of the…