John Otis

Rigoberto Urán has never won the Tour de France or Olympics gold. But he's still a superstar. "I think lots of people identify with me because they want to win but don't quite make it," he says.

The tale of cycling mad Colombia's best known cyclist — he may never have won a major race — but he's a social media sensation in a country that takes cycling very, very seriously.

Of the 177 environmental activists killed around the world last year, 60 were murdered in Colombia, says the advocacy group Global Witness. In most cases, no one is tried or convicted.

Venezuela's election board says voters on Sunday approved a referendum called for by the government to claim sovereignty over an oil- and mineral-rich piece of neighboring Guyana.

After the U.S. lifted its sanctions, Venezuela is trying to revive its beleaguered oil industry. But ramping up production is causing more oil spills.

Venezuelans attempt to tackle the massive oil slicks that are clogging up one of South America's largest bodies of inland water — by using human hair.

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has just banned the most popular opposition candidate of standing in next year's election. As recent history has shown, that might not work in their favor.

The father of Colombian soccer star Luis Díaz was freed earlier this week, after he was abducted by a guerrilla group.

Millions of Venezuelans have migrated to escape authoritarian rule and their country's worst economic crisis. For the first time, they're the largest group detained for entering the U.S. irregularly.

In an effort to promote a free election in Venezuela, the U.S. government is offering the autocratic government of Nicolas Maduro a deal. But already it's facing challenges.