Posts By: Mike Samras

Mike earned degrees in political science and journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from college in 2006, Mike joined the Peace Corp and spent two and half years living and working in El Salvador. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in political management at George Washington University.

Ingrid Betancourt Withdraws $7 Million Compensation Claim Against Colombian Government

Today in Latin America Top Story — Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt withdrew her claim for nearly $7 million dollars in government compensation on Tuesday following intense criticism that she […] Read More >

Fidel Castro Makes First Television Appearance in 11 Months; Discusses Middle East and North Korea

Today in Latin America Top Story — Cuba’s former leader, Fidel Castro, made his first television appearance in 11 months on Monday when he was interviewed on the Cuban talkshow […] Read More >

Ingrid Betancourt’s Request For Millions In Damages Sparks Controversy In Colombia

Today in Latin America Top Story — Former hostage to Colombian rebels Ingrid Betancourt has asked for compensation from the Colombian government, alleging that her kidnapping resulted from state negligence, […] Read More >

Cuban Dissident Guillermo Fariñas Ends Hunger Strike After 130 Days

Today in Latin America Top Story — Cuban doctor and political dissident Guillermo Fariñas ended his hunger strike after refusing food for over 130 days. Fariñas, who began his hunger […] Read More >

Cuban Government To Release Up To 52 Political Prisoners, Catholic Church Official Says

Today in Latin America Top Story — Cuba’s Catholic Church announced Wednesday that the communist government has agreed to release up to 52 political prisoners that were arrested in 2003, […] Read More >

Obama Administration Files Lawsuit Against Arizona’s Immigration Law

Today in Latin America Top Story — The Department of Justice Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Arizona arguing that the state’s new immigration law undermines federal government’s work to pursue […] Read More >

Mexican Election Results Split; PRI Wins Majority But Does Not Sweep The Board

Today in Latin America Top Story — Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) won the majority of the seats up for grabs in Sunday’s elections, but lost positions in three key […] Read More >

Mexico Holds Elections In 14 States In Wake Of Violence

Today in Latin America Top Story — Mexicans went to the polls Sunday in 14 of the country’s 31 states to elect governors and mayors after a campaign season marred […] Read More >

Obama Urges Congress To Pass Bipartisan, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

Today in Latin America Top Story —President Barack Obama gave a speech Thursday in which he pressed the U.S. Congress to pass a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. The White House […] Read More >

Brother Of Murdered Mexican Gubernatorial Candiate Rodolfo Torre Cantú Will Run In His Place

Today in Latin America Top Story — The brother of a murdered Mexican gubernatorial candidate was named Wednesday his replacement in this weekend’s upcoming election. Rodolfo Torre Cantú’s brother, Egidio Torre, […] Read More >