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NPR's Gerry Hadden reports traditional Indian medicine men in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, are trying to stop transnational companies from what they call bio-piracy -- making off with medicinal plants from the region and then taking out patents for any pharmaceutical potential. The Mayans say that such drug prospecting does not benefit Indian communities. The companies and some scientists say they stand to lose billions of dollars and perhaps the chance to cure deadly diseases.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez fires four dissident executives at the state oil monopoly as he tries to break an 11-day strike paralyzing the economy. Venezuelans opposed to Chavez clamor for new elections, while oil and gas supplies run thin. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

Mexico is asking the World Court at The Hague to stop the United States from executing 51 Mexican citizens. Mexico argues the United States has violated international rules by not informing Mexican detainees of their right to assistance from the Mexican consulate. The United States disagrees, and says Mexico is infringing on its justice system by questioning the use of capital punishment. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports that the largest concentration of Zapatistas in Mexico isn't in the jungles of Chiapas, but rather in Mexico City. Zapatistas are indigineous to Mexico and have been fighting since 19-94 for more rights. Right now, a caravan of Zapitistas from Chiapas -- a so-called caravan of peace -- is headed to Mexico City to help further their cause. And Zapitistas in the capital hope it will shed light on their particular urban problems.

Ousted Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide left his exile in Africa to take up temporary residence in Jamaica. The Jamaican government says Aristide has not been granted asylum, and can stay for less than three months. Haiti's interim leader has suspended relations with Jamaica over the issue, recalling the Haitian ambassador from Kingston. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

Strikes and protests continue to cripple Venezuela. President Hugo Chavez sees his advantage in the polls slipping away. And supplies of oil run short -- a deep irony for one of the world's oil-exporting nations. Hear from NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Gerry Hadden.

Mexico's Foreign Minister Jorge Castaneda wants out. He's told President Vicente Fox that he wants to resign and Fox is considering the request. It's not clear why Castaneda wants to leave his job as foreign minister. But he has been frustrated by slow progress on migration reform with the United States and constant clashes with opponents at home. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports from Mexico City.

In the age of COVID-19, most people follow social distancing and mask guidelines when they enter stores and restaurants. But then there are the nightmare customers who won't comply.

The law, opposed by police organizations, was aimed by lawmakers at immigration agents and will test state powers over the conduct of federal officials.

We look at how musicians across the country are doing their part to call for reparations within their own industry.