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.

Mexico To Hold Elections, Despite Murder Of Gubernatorial Candidate Rodolfo Torre Cantú

Today in Latin America Top Story — Mexico plans to hold elections Sunday in 12 of the country’s states, despite recent threats and attacks on politicians by drug cartels including […] Read More >

Mexican Gubernatorial Candidate Rodolfo Torre Cantú Killed; At Least 4 Others Die In Attack

Today in Latin America Top Story — A leading gubernatorial candidate in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state was killed Monday morning on his way to a series of campaign rallies. Rodolfo Torre Cantú, […] Read More >

In Northern Mexico, Gunmen Attack Rehabilitation Clinic; Political Rally Turns Violent In The South

Today in Latin America Top Story — A wave of violence swept over Mexico this weekend, leaving at least 11 people dead and more injured in two separate attacks. In […] Read More >

Venezuela Nationalizes 11 Oil Rigs Owned By U.S.-Based Helmerich & Payne

Today in Latin America Top Story — The Venezuelan government seized 11 oil rigs owned by U.S. driller Helmerich & Payne, after the company shut them down because the state […] Read More >

Mexico Files Brief In U.S. Federal Court Against Arizona Immigration Law

Today in Latin America Top Story — The Mexican government asked a U.S. federal court this week to declare Arizona’s new immigration law unconstitutional, stating that Mexico’s interests and its […] Read More >

Christopher “Dudus” Coke Arrested In Jamaica After Month-Long Manhunt

Today in Latin America Top Story — Alleged drug kingpin Christopher “Dudus” Coke has been arrested in Jamaica, The Jamaica Gleaner reports. Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington said in a […] Read More >

Street Gangs Attack Two Buses in El Salvador; At Least 16 People Dead

Today in Latin America Top Story — Street gangs in El Salvador attacked two passenger buses, killing at least 16 people in an attack that Salvadoran Security Minister Manuel Melgar […] Read More >

Juan Manuel Santos Wins Second-Round Colombian Presidential Election in Lop-Sided Vote

Today in Latin America Top Story –Former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos easily cruised to victory in a second round presidential election on Sunday, winning roughly 69 percent of the […] Read More >

Clinton’s Criticism Of Arizona Immigration Law Angers Governor Jan Brewer

Today in Latin America Top Story — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said she was angry at Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for comments she made during an interview with […] Read More >

Globovisión Owner Flees Venezuela After Chavéz’s Government Issues An Arrest Warrant

Today in Latin America Top Story — The majority-owner of Venezuelan news channel Globovisión, Guillermo Zuloaga, fled the country on Tuesday, in defiance of arrest warrants for usury and conspiracy […] Read More >