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.

Shootout Between Authorities and Militiamen Leaves Five Dead in Caracas

Top Story — A shootout between Venezuelan police and pro-government militia members in downtown Caracas left five dead and four injured. A high-profile militia leader anticipated his own death during […] Read More >

Chile Supreme Court Orders Halt to Mining Project

Top Story – Chile’s Supreme Court has blocked the development of a gold and copper mine following an appeal by the Diaguita indigenous community. The court’s decision overturned a lower […] Read More >

Federal Forces Dispatched to Iguala, Mexico, as Evidence Mounts Against Local Police in Student Massacre

Top Story – Federal forces have taken over security in the Mexican town of Iguala, disarming local police officers as evidence mounts of their involvement in a Sept. 26 shooting […] Read More >

Rousseff Will Face Neves, Not Silva in Brazil Runoff

Top Story — Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff will compete for her second term in a runoff after failing to win outright in the first round of voting, which also ended […] Read More >

Venezuelan Lawmaker Stabbed to Death Under Mysterious Circumstances

Top Story — A Venezuelan lawmaker was stabbed to death on Wednesday night in what authorities said was a carefully planned slaying. Robert Serra, 27, of the ruling socialist party […] Read More >

Religion Increasingly Important as Brazilians Head to the Ballot Box

Top Story — In anticipation of Sunday’s presidential election in Brazil, heated campaigns are demonstrating the increasing political clout evangelical churches wield as religious demographics shift in the country. Just […] Read More >

Political Agendas Delay Promised Guantanamo Transfers

Top Story — On Monday, the Organization of American States Secretary General José Miguel Insulza issued a statement urging member nations of the Americas to help resettle Guantanamo detainees. U.S. President […] Read More >

Search Continues in Mexico for Missing Students

Top Story — Police continue to search for over 50 missing students after deadly weekend clashes in Mexico’s Guerrero state left six dead and dozens wounded. The violence began Friday […] Read More >

Mexican Army Unit Involved in Killings Has a Controversial Record

Top Story – The Mexican Defense Department has arrested seven soldiers and an army officer as part of an investigation into the alleged massacre of 22 people in San Pedro […] Read More >

Officials Make Plans to Address Migrant Crisis, Despite Tensions

Top Story – Officials from the U.S., Mexico and Central America are moving to address the unaccompanied minor crisis, but friction over the issue persists. U.S. justice officials met on […] Read More >