
Zika Virus Reported in Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico has reported its first case of Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that has been spreading across South America and the Caribbean, Caribbean News Now! reports. Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, told Reuters that his office is in touch with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pierluisi states that “there is no reason for alarm, and the public should continue to take common sense steps to avoid mosquito bites, like u

Thousands of Black Women March for Equality in Brazil
Black women in Brazil are standing up and demanding equality. On Wednesday November 17, 2015, at least 10,000 black women from across Brazil marched in the nation’s capital to condemn violence, racism, and lack of gender equality. Protesters gathered outside of the National Congress of Brazil to demonstrate their objection to recent conservative bills that attempt to reduce their rights. Last month Brazil’s lower chamber commission approved a bill that limits access to the mo

Brazil to Grant Haitian Immigrants Permanent Residency
On Wednesday the Brazilian government announced that it would grant permanent residency to 43,871 Haitian immigrants who entered the country illegally. TeleSUR reports that the “joint act of recognition, authorization and concession of permanence” was signed in Brazil by Minister of Justice Jose Eduardo Cardozo, and Minister of Labor Miguel Rossetto. The act gives Haitians up to a year to request foreign resident identification documents. Haitians, who are formally accepted b