John Otis

He's already the country's longest-serving leader — almost 14 years in office. His party controls all government branches and much of the national media. Now he's poised to win a new term on Oct. 20.

Firefighters, troops and volunteers have been working for the past two months to put out some of the worst blazes in the country's recent history.

The country wants to shake its image as an illicit narco nation. Now it's already home to more than two dozen legit cannabis companies, with exports to Canada and the U.K.

Colombia has come a long way from the days of murderous drug cartels. In fact, it's now home to more than two dozen legal medical marijuana companies.

A faction of Colombia's FARC rebel group announced they plan to re-arm, three years after signing a peace agreement with the government. They accuse of the government of failing to follow through.

Power outages, increased crime and gasoline shortages are hurting Venezuela's once-vaunted cattle industry. Herds have been halved and meat production is down by more than 60 percent.

More than 1,400 members of Venezuelan security forces crossed the border hoping to one day return. Some say they're losing steam as efforts to depose the administration have fizzled.

When the going gets tough and entertainment becomes too pricey to afford, Venezuelans go to the barbershop. They are entertained by a singing barber and musicians who gather to create great sound.

Cocuy was once stigmatized as moonshine, but with hyperinflation putting other drinks out of reach, many Venezuelans have turned to this cheap form of alcohol. It tastes similar to tequila and mezcal.

Amid Venezuela's catastrophic economic meltdown, education experts say that it's getting much harder for children to get a good grasp of history, geography and their ABCs.