Busta Rhymes takes braggadocio to the next level in a new video, "Arab Money." (via HipHopSite)

A month after an Ecuadoran immigrant in New York was beaten to death by a group of teens, two Ecuadoran brothers in NYC were assaulted in a possible hate crime. Witnesses say the victims – one of whom now brain-dead – were called anti-gay and anti-Latino slurs during the attack. (via The Latin Americanist)

Over 60 percent of voters in Ecuador have backed a new constitution that will grant President Rafael Correa greater control of the nation's economy as well as a chance to remain in power until 2017.

Nicaragua has broken its political ties with Colombia in support of Ecuador. President Daniel Ortega: "We are breaking off relations because of the political terrorism being carried out by the government of Alvaro Uribe, not because of the Colombian people."

Colombia kills a top commander in the left-wing guerrilla group FARC – but does so just inside neighboring Ecuador. Venezuela's Hugo Chávez threatens war.

A national state of emergency is declared in Ecuador after a month of flooding forced thousands of people out of their homes.

Officials in Ecuador are denying reports that they have launched an investigation of Argentine rock band Soda Stereo for alleged tax fraud. (via The Latin Americanist)

Ecuador is asking developed countries for $350 million to not drill for oil in the Amazon Rainforest, estimated to be half the amount the country would earn in oil profits if it moved forward with drilling.

Ecuador votes overwhelmingly in favor of President Rafael Correa's referendum to bypass Congress and retool the country's constitution.