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.

National strike paralyzes Nicaragua ahead of new round of talks

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA NICARAGUA: A 24-hour national strike that began Thursday at midnight and ended last night paralyzed the streets of Nicaragua. It was organized by the opposition “Civic […] Read More >

Argentine Chamber of Deputies passes abortion bill, a vote by the Senate will follow

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA ARGENTINA: The Chamber of Deputies passed a bill allowing elective abortions in the first 14 weeks of gestation after a 22-hour discussion in the lower house of […] Read More >

Nicaraguan government and opposition blame each other for continuation of violence

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA   NICARAGUA: At least five people died and 12 were injured in Nicaragua yesterday during the ongoing confrontations. Civil organizations reported the police conducted raids to […] Read More >

In Chile, Mapuche brothers sentenced to life in prison after controversial trial

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA CHILE: Two indigenous men belonging to the Mapuche community were sentenced to life in prison for the deaths of Werner Luchsinger and Vivianne Mackay during a […] Read More >

First case of polio detected in Venezuela since 1989

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA VENEZUELA: A case of polio was confirmed on Saturday in the Delta Amacuro state of northeastern Venezuela by a report from the Pan-American Health Organization. This is the […] Read More >

Nicaraguan bishops attempt to restart mediation between government and protesters

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA NICARAGUA: Yesterday, the  Episcopal Conference of Catholic bishops met with President Daniel Ortega to restart talks aimed at finding a way to put an end to antigovernment  […] Read More >

Venezuela releases Chevron executives, Spain arrests son of Venezuelan oil magnate

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA VENEZUELA: Two local executives of U.S. oil company Chevron were freed yesterday after almost two months in jail on corruption charges. Carlos Algarra and René Vásquez are […] Read More >

Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala erupts again creating panic but no new victims

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA GUATEMALA: The Volcán de Fuego erupted again yesterday afternoon: strong explosions threw ash more than 16,000 feet above sea level and moderate flows of lava spilled down […] Read More >

Trump administration calls for the suspension of Venezuela from OAS

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA VENEZUELA-UNITED STATES: The Trump administration used the General Assembly of the Organization of American States yesterday to call for the suspension of Venezuela and the use […] Read More >

Death toll of Nicaraguan protests rises to 110 after six weeks of turmoil

TODAY IN LATIN AMERICA NICARAGUA: More than 110 people have been killed during six weeks of protests in Nicaragua. Opposition to a legislation aimed to cut pensions initially sparked the outrage, and […] Read More >