THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Political and social events from the Americas. The program is recorded under live conditions with exclusive reports and interviews, hosted by Laura Baines. Watch the show on FRANCE 24 Wednesdays at 6:40 pm Paris time.

Euro crisis hits US businesses
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Euro crisis hits US businesses

We take a look at the view from across the pond where American businesses are fretting over the eurozone debt crisis. We then head to Canada where the oil industry is turning to China as the Unites States spurns the offer of a joint pipeline. Finally, we see how a good American football performance on a Friday night can lead to fame and future in Texas.
US elections: retired voters top political agenda
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

US elections: retired voters top political agenda

Mitt Romney extends his lead in the Republican primary race with a convincing win in Florida. We visit this state where the over-60s have a powerful voice in politics. Next, it’s a battle to survive in rural Mexico, where the worst drought in decades has hit indigenous people hard. Finally, we take a look at a new law that requires porn stars to protect themselves on set.
Republican primary: open season for negative ads
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Republican primary: open season for negative ads

We catch up with the Republican presidential campaign, as the remaining candidates head to Florida where the attacks are getting increasingly personal. Plus, oil around the Falklands reignites an unresolved dispute between the UK and Argentina. Finally, Mexico City is losing its battle with garbage. We hold our noses and bring you a special report from one of the most crowded places on earth.
US elections: changes to early voting laws
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

US elections: changes to early voting laws

We have all the latest on the race to the White House as the Republican Party gears up to pick its Presidential challenger to Barack Obama. Next, compensation at last for the thousands of American women sterilized against their will in North Carolina. Finally, two years after the devastating earthquake, our team heads to Haiti to find out what became of the billions of dollars promised in aid to rebuild the country.
Mitt Romney, a man under fire
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Mitt Romney, a man under fire

South Carolina prepares to vote in the Republican nomination campaign, with front-runner Mitt Romney hoping to win over the party's heart. Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits allies in South America. And children on the frontline of the war between the Colombian government and FARC rebels learn how to survive, and how not to get involved.
Iowa caucus: Romney ekes out 8-vote win over Santorum
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Iowa caucus: Romney ekes out 8-vote win over Santorum

With just eight votes between them, Mitt Romney pips Rick Santorum to the post as the winner of the US Iowa caucus. Meanwhile, the Democrats focus on getting out the youth vote, as our correspondents in Miami have been finding out. Finally, we look at why tourists have disappeared from Acapulco, one of Mexico's premier resorts.
Wikileaks: Bradley Manning in the dock
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Wikileaks: Bradley Manning in the dock

Julian Assange is in Europe so will Private Bradley Manning take all the heat for the Wikileaks cables that embarrassed the US government last year? Meanwhile, Americans welcome home the troops as the US wraps up the war in Iraq. Finally, we look at Argentina's economy ten years after its collapse. Could Europe learn any lessons from their experience?
The GOP Iowa debate
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

The GOP Iowa debate

It's a close call between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich as the race hots up in the US for the Republican Party nomination. Meanwhile, a former army man takes the reigns of power in Peru amid ongoing social unrest. Finally, hoards of Spaniards bid adios to the financial crisis as they seek to make a new life thanks to Brazil's booming economy.
Newt Gingrich: a new frontrunner to face Mitt Romney
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Newt Gingrich: a new frontrunner to face Mitt Romney

Could it be Gingrich versus Obama in 2012? The controversial former speaker of the house is the new frontrunner to lead the Republicans. Meanwhile, there is no crisis in Canada. The country has enviable growth and low unemployment, thanks to the previous government's austerity measures. Finally, thousands of US troops enjoy home comforts as the first soldiers return home from Afghanistan.
The great oil rush in North Dakota
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

The great oil rush in North Dakota

Move over Texas, there’s black gold in North Dakota. We visit the state that is helping a surge in US oil production. Meanwhile, after two decades abroad, Panama's former dictator Manuel Noriega is going home to a lengthy jail term. Finally, she was born to be a die-hard Communist but Stalin's only daughter passed away in the United States this week.
Super committee failure sparks blame game
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Super committee failure sparks blame game

We count the political cost of the US "super committee" breakdown. Who in Washington will be the biggest losers from the failure to strike a deal? Meanwhile in Brazil, a "Truth Commission" has been set up to help heal the wounds of crimes committed during the military dictatorship. Finally, we look at how prisoners are chipping in to the rush to get ready for the football World Cup in Brazil.
Brazil: retaking Rio's favelas
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Brazil: retaking Rio's favelas

Brazil's police moves in to take back the favelas from the drug lords, two years ahead of the football World Cup. Also, Cuba overturns a 50-year ban on property sales - we look at the latest signs of reform under Raul Castro. Finally, with gaffes, scandals and roller-coaster approval ratings, the US Republican race is keeping us all entertained.
The end of the FARC?
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

The end of the FARC?

Colombia's FARC rebels have been at war with the government for nearly five decades but they suffered a major loss this week when their leader, Alfonso Cano, was shot dead by the army. Also, as the presidential elections draw nearer in the US, Barack Obama courts the black vote, but is it enough to get him re-elected? Finally, war veterans join the movement against corporate greed but protests turn violent in Oakland, California.
Social networks and their freedom to 'tweet'
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Social networks and their freedom to 'tweet'

We meet the Mexican who fell foul of authorities for allegedly spreading rumours on Twitter about police operations in the country’s drugs war. Also, countries in Latin America will be looking to assert their growing economic influence at this week’s G20 summit in the south of France. Finally, basketball fans are disappointed as the start of the season comes and goes without a single slam dunk.
Brazil's judges living under close protection
THE WEEK IN THE AMERICAS

Brazil's judges living under close protection

First, in Brazil, judges live in fear of reprisals and are demanding better police protection. Next, starved of cash, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says his whistleblowing website may be weeks away from collapse. Finally, Mississippi’s ecosystem is in the grip of a foreign invasion, as Asian carp devour everything in their paths.
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