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New COVID-19 cases have fallen in five consecutive weeks

Early in the pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators and other medical gear prompted panic across the world. A year later, the masks still aren't widely available to U.S. consumers.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports that another election defeat for the party that for years ruled Mexico has re-ignited hopes that the government can reach a peace agreement with guerrillas in the south. The Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI yesterday lost the gubernatorial election in the state of Chiapas. Only six weeks ago, the PRI lost the presidential election to opposition candidate Vicente Fox . Both Fox and the opposition winner in the governor's race yesterday have pledged to resolve the bloody conflict in Chiapas between government forces and the indigenous Zapatista rebels.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports Mexico's President Vicente Fox has proposed an ambitious plan for economic development in the south of Mexico. NAFTA -- the North American Free Trade Agreement -- has so-far only benefited the northern part of the country. In the south, Fox has proposed building a trade corridor to attract factories and investment. But workers in the south are worried about being exploited. And Zapatista Indians say the plan will disrupt their way of life.

Gangs loyal to Jean-Bertrand Aristide opened fire on a crowd of Haitians celebrating the former president's departure Sunday. At least five people are reported dead, with moe than 20 wounded. Among the casualties were two journalists. The celebrations, coming a week after Aristide's ouster, brought thousands of Haitians into the streets of Port-au-Prince. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Gerry Hadden.

Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe says his forces will lay down their weapons, reversing after just one day his declaration that he is the country's military chief. With former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in exile, there is no functioning government in Haiti. Forces from the United States and other countries continue to arrive, now numbering over 1,000. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports from Santiago, Chile that efforts to prosecute former dictator Augusto Pinochet in the disappearances of his political opponents in the 1970's are getting bogged down in the courts. Last week, a judge indicted the aging general on homicide and kidnapping charges. But an appeals tribunal has ordered the judge to justify the indictment. The appeals tribunal will decide later this week whether to confirm or repeal the indictment. The case is expected to end up in Chile's supreme court. Families of the disappeared have been seeking information and retribution for almost 30 years.

Violence mars the beginning of the World Trade Organization talks in Cancun, Mexico, Wednesday when a Korean protester stabs himself in the heart, dying moments later. The otherwise peaceful protests have brought together an array of people lined up against the WTO, from farmers to anarchists to animal rights activists. Hear NPR's Gerry Hadden.

Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe declares himself the country's military chief, a post that ceased to exist when President Jean-Bertrand Aristide disbanded the national army. Citing Haitians' dread of paramilitaries, U.S. officials say many of the rebels are criminals and drug traffickers, and have no place in the country's leadership. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

U.S. officials, political opponents of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and heavily armed rebels discuss plans for an interim government for Haiti. Rebels, who rode triumphantly into Port-au-Prince Monday, aren't laying down their arms as promised. The White House denies Aristide's allegations that U.S officials forced him to resign. Hear NPR's Gerry Hadden and NPR's Michele Kelemen.