Contributions from Carin Zissis
Ottawa plans for October elections with some polls indicating the Conservative Party could gain a political majority for the first time in 20 years. While energy, the environment, and economy serve as major issues in the race, questions arise over the election's timing.
The U.S. presidential hopefuls made their decisions on running mates, with longtime Senator Joe Biden as the Democratic choice and the relatively unknown Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin on the GOP ticket. Where do the vice presidential candidates stand on Latin America-related issues and can they help draw the crucial Hispanic vote?
The Mexican government signed a series of laws to combat the rise in kidnappings while civic groups hold for a national march to protest violence. But in the face of widespread insecurity, concerns remain about how to control crime sparked by an escalating drug war.