Ottawa
First Nations revolt: Chiefs of Canada’s native tribes are demanding the repeal of a new law that weakens environmental regulations and makes it easier to sell tribal land to oil developers. The law, rushed through Parliament just before Christmas, is aimed at speeding the development of Canada’s booming oil industry. After Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat, Ontario, launched a dramatic four-week hunger strike, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to meet with First Nations leaders and discuss the regulatory changes. “It’s not just an aboriginal issue,” said Inuit singer Nina Segalowitz. “Everyone needs to protect the legacy of the earth.’’
Mexico City
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Dogs go wild: Feral dogs savagely attacked and killed four people last week in a Mexico City park. Locals living near the large Cerro de la Estrella on the outskirts of the city first found the partially eaten bodies of a 26-year-old woman and her baby, and authorities said the two had bled to death of bite wounds. A few days later, a teenage girl called her sister from her cellphone, shrieking that she and her boyfriend were being attacked by a pack of dogs. Their mauled bodies were found a few hours later. Mexico City Public Safety Secretary Jesus Rodriguez told people to stay out of the park until officials trap all the dogs. The city’s poorer districts are home to hundreds of strays that run in packs.
Caracas, Venezuela
Too sick to rule: Venezuelan officials are haggling over whether it’s legal to postpone the inauguration of President Hugo Chávez. The president was supposed to be sworn in for his fourth term this week, but he is in a Cuban hospital suffering what have been described as “grave” complications following another round of cancer surgery. The constitution says that if the president isn’t inaugurated on time, a new election must be held—and the opposition and the Catholic Church say that should be done. But Chávez’s supporters say the vice president can govern in the president’s place until he returns. “The president right now is the president,” said Vice President Nicolás Maduro. “Respect democracy.”
Buenos Aires
President’s plane grounded: Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner can’t fly her official plane abroad anymore because creditors might impound it. Argentina defaulted on almost $100 billion in sovereign debt in 2001, and while most creditors accepted a settlement, a few are still trying to get their money back. U.S. investment fund NML Capital, which is trying to collect the $1.6 billion it was awarded after suing Argentina, got a Ghanaian court to seize an Argentinian navy ship last year, and Argentinian officials fear it could similarly take Kirchner’s plane, Tango 01. The president has chartered a private jet for her upcoming trip to Asia and the Middle East.
