Ryan Villarreal reports on foreign affairs with a focus on Latin America. He also covers human rights and environmental issues worldwide.
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, he grew up with temperate, dry summers and rainy, green winters, but has taken a liking to the four seasons experienced in New York.
Did Beyonce and Jay-Z's Cuban Getaway Break The Law?
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s recent trip to Cuba has drawn scrutiny from U.S. legislators who are demanding to know whether the celebrity power couple violated any laws.
Chile Revisits Poet Pablo Neruda's Death 40 Years Later
The Chilean government is re-investigating the death of famed poet and Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda 40 years after the fact.
Whole Foods To Label All GMO Products By 2018
Whole Foods has announced that it will label all GMO products in its stores by 2018 amid growing concerns about genetically modified food.
Uruguay's President Denies Calling Argentine Leader An 'Old Hag'
President Jose Mujica of Uruguay was caught on a mic apparently making disparaging remarks about Argentine leader Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner"
6 Cuban Ballet Dancers Defect To The US
The defection of 7 ballet dancers from Communist Cuba in Mexico last month marks the latest high-profile case of Cuban citizens seeking asylum.
BRICS On Euro: Auf Wiedersehen, Au Revoir, Goodbye
The BRICS nations, along with dozens of other developing countries have been dumping their foreign exchange holdings of the euro.
Pesticides In Your Bed? The EPA Said It's OK
In 2011, the EPA allowed pesticide nanosilver in textiles as an antibacterial preservative, but concerns remain over the long-term effects.
A Telecom Empire Under Siege
Mexico has increased its efforts to break Carlos Slim's monopoly on the telecom industry.
UN Approves Arms Trade Treaty With US Support
The General Assembly passed a treaty Tuesday aimed at keeping weapons from conflict zones and those who commit war crimes or genocide.
EPA Approved Pesticide Linked To Mass Bee Deaths
The EPA has conditionally approved thousands of under-tested pesticides, including clothianidin which has been linked to mass bee deaths, or colony collapse disorder.
Telecom Monopoly Costing Mexico Billions
The world's richest man, Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim, is costing his country billions with his monopoly in the industry, officials say.
Will BRICS Pressure Syria On Humanitarian Aid?
Syrian Pres. al-Assad has called on BRICS nations for support as international pressure from the U.S., its allies and other Arab nations mounts.
Australia Wants To Cut Out US Dollar In Trade With China
The two countries are considering bilateral trading in each other's currencies, as opposed to the U.S. dollar.
Will Brazil Be Ready To Host World Cup In 2014?
Delays completing a stadium could force the opening match to be moved to another city and exclude São Paulo as a World Cup host city.
Will Cyprus' Financial Sector Survive?
Many have sounded the Cyprus financial sector's death knell after its near collapse, but some say its foundations remains solid.
What Will The New Cyprus Economy Look Like?
The future of Cyprus’ banking sector doesn’t look too bright, after its near collapse and subsequent bailout; can other sectors help?
Somalia’s Displaced Citizens 'Held Hostage' In Camps
Reports of abuse, rape and exploitation have surfaced within the government-run camps meant to protect Somalian refugees.
China And Brazil Ditch US Dollar In Trade Deal
China and Brazil agreed to trade in each other's currencies in the amount of $30 billion per year over the next three years.
In Cyprus, Feelings Of Anger And Betrayal
Cypriots' frustration and anger is rising their government as banks remain closed and an economic recession looms.
US Gun Shops Depend On Arms Trafficking
Small arms dealers in the U.S., particularly near Mexico, have become more dependent on business from arms trafficking into Mexico.