Archive List for americasnews

Colombia: Protests intensify on fourth day over tax reform bill

There has been violence during May Day marches in Colombia, where workers’ rights protests combined with anger over proposed tax changes. Protests gathered at the National Park in Bogota to continue protesting against a controversial tax reform that they say would raise taxes on the middle class at a time of great economic pain. Rising poverty and unemployment following COVID-19 restrictions have people increasingly venting their anger in the streets, openly defying official pleas to stay home. The chaos has forced President Ivan Duque to backpedal on the tax reform plans promising to rewrite the bill excluding taxes on basic food items, utilities and gasoline that angered protesters. Al Jazeera’s […]

Families mourn as Brazil hits 400,000 COVID deaths

Brazil has seen a record number of coronavirus deaths for the second straight month as it struggles with a devastating second wave. April was the worst month of the pandemic, with more than 82,000 deaths. Activists say the government must do more to stop the spread. Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #AlJazeeraEnglish #Brazil #COVID19

Mexican drug wars: Town cut off by cartel fighting

Hundreds of residents in the city of Aguililla in the western state of Michoacan have fled fighting between two rival drug gangs, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the United Cartels, in recent weeks. The gangs have blocked roads leading to the city to prevent security forces from reaching the town. Al Jazeera’s John Holman reports exclusively from Aguililla in Michoacan State, Mexico. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #Mexico #Aguililla #JaliscoNuevaGeneracion

St Vincent warns of water shortages as volcano eruptions continue

The Caribbean island of St Vincent has been rocked by another eruption as volcanic activity threatens crops, water and food supplies. The La Soufriere volcano began spewing ash and gas clouds last week, but Monday’s fresh eruption is thought to be the biggest yet. Some 16,000 residents have been evacuated, with experts saying the explosions could continue for weeks. Aid from neighbouring countries is slowly making its way to this island of 100,000 people, but the prime minister told Al Jazeera the road to recovery will be hard. Al Jazeera’ Andy Gallacher reports. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: […]

US police officer accused of assaulting Black Army officer fired

Officer Joe Gutierrez has been fired after an investigation showed that he violated police procedure during a traffic stop in which he is accused of assaulting US Army Lieutenant Caron Nazario. Gutierrez pepper-sprayed Nazario, even though his hands were raised and he was not resisting. Nazario filed a lawsuit against the two police officers in federal court for violating his constitutional rights including assault and illegal detention. While he was not charged in the incident, he says the policemen threatened to damage his reputation in the military if he told anyone about how he was treated. Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds reports. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us […]

St Vincent’s volcano covers the island’s north with ash

Some experts are warning that the volcanic eruption on the Caribbean island of St Vincent could leave 20,000 people displaced for months. The La Soufriere volcano first erupted on Friday and is expected to continue for weeks. Rescue efforts have been hampered after another eruption caused widespread power and water outages The government says most crops and livestock will be destroyed. Niasha Mofford, a volunteer helping to collect and distribute relief aid in St Vincent, says the scale of the operation is overwhelming. She joins via skype for the latest updates and analysis. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: […]

Saint Vincent awaits more volcanic eruptions as help offered

Ash from a volcanic eruption on the Caribbean island of St Vincent is now falling on the island of Barbados, nearly 200 kilometres (124 miles) away. Thousands of people have been forced to flee the eruptions, which authorities say could go on for weeks. Countries including Antigua, Cuba, Guyana, Venezuela and the United States are sending aid to the island nation, home to 100,000 people. Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds reports. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #2021LaSoufriereEruption #LaSoufriereEruption #SVGeruption2021

Republican senator urges scaled-down US infrastructure plan

US President Joe Biden is proposing to fund his $2.25 trillion economic programme by increasing taxes for the first time in nearly 30 years. The Biden administration’s ambitious plan to stimulate the coronavirus-hit economy will include investments in infrastructure, cleaner drinking water and green energy. But Republicans in Congress opposing the tax on corporate and high-earners say the sums involved are just too high. Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane reports from Washington, DC, the US. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #PresidentBiden #infrastructureplan #GOP

Millions go hungry in Brazil as pandemic exacerbates poverty

The pandemic has left many of Brazil’s poorest citizens relying on food handouts to survive. A survey found more than 80 percent of people living in slums depend on donations to feed their families. In January, the government suspended emergency aid – just as rising numbers of coronavirus infections forced new lockdowns. Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew joined workers from one campaign in Rio de Janeiro that is trying to stem a rising tide of hunger. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #Brazil #BrazilPoverty #BrazilHunger

Brazil: Concerns rise as more young people die of COVID-19

More than 3,600 people died from COVID-19 in Brazil on Friday – a new daily record. And as the toll surpasses 300,000 deaths, there is alarm over the growing number of young people becoming seriously ill and dying from the virus. State and local authorities are being forced to take action. Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. – Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe – Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish – Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera – Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ #AlJazeeraEnglish #Brazil #COVID19