Contributions from Carin Zissis
Violence in Bagua, Peru claimed dozens of lives when indigenous groups clashed with police forces because of a dispute over laws related to land and resources. Conflicting reports emerged over which side is responsible, the number of fatalities, and foreign involvement.
Mauricio Funes took office this week in El Salvador, marking a historic power handover. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended, stressing the Obama administration's "new approach" to the Americas. At the OAS General Assembly in Honduras, the OAS chose to reverse a 1962 ruling that suspended Cuban membership.
In a historic move, the Obama administration chose Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic nominee for the Supreme Court. Analysts predict she will win confirmation, though the process may not be free of controversy.