Santiago is in the news as Chile tightens school security and schools crack down on phones, amid a wave of violence concerns. Capital of Chile, a major urban hub.
As of March 2026, wildfires have devastated Chile's Biobio and Ñuble regions, killing at least 21 people, injuring over 300, and forcing 50,000 evacuations. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes and scorched roughly 450 square kilometers. Simultaneously, Argentina's Patagonia faces severe wildfires exacerbated by budget cuts and climate change denial, threatening ancient forests and prompting emergency declarations.
Gabriel Kast was inaugurated as Chile's president, promising an emergency government focused on tackling crime, illegal migration, and economic revival. His election marks a shift to the right amid regional conservative gains, with regional leaders and US allies attending his swearing-in. Kast's policies include border security and law enforcement measures.
Following recent violent incidents, Chile's government announces measures to increase school safety, including backpack inspections and metal detectors, after a knife attack and a student with a loaded gun attempted entry into schools. The move aims to address rising school violence.