Author Archives: Stephen Woodman
Suspicions of massacre as forty-three killed in offensive against drug cartel
Federal authorities have rejected suggestions that 42 presumed drug cartel affiliates who died in a police operation at a ranch near Tanhuato, Michoacan were victims of a massacre. The government says that a group of armed criminals, the majority of … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged Cartel, drug cartels, Jalisco, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, massacre, Mexico, Michoacan, Tanhuato
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A menagerie of mythical Mexican creatures
Mexican folklore, mythology and local gossip are full of cryptids: animals or plants whose existence has been suggested but has not been scientifically proven. Many of them have their origins in Aztec legend, still more were created when the Spanish … Continue reading
Posted in Culture
Tagged ahuizotl, Chaneques, Chupacabra, cryptozoology, Mexico, monsters, mythology, Teo Mixli Xicualli
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The preachers who claim they can make you wealthy
“I came here to find healing for my arthritis,” said Valeria, sitting on the pew of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, known as Pare de sufrir, or stop suffering. “I was raised Catholic, but I came to … Continue reading
Posted in Religion
Tagged evangelical christianity, evangelicals, Mexico, preachers, Prosperity gospel
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Report implicates federal police in civilian murders
An investigative journalist has reported that security forces executed at least 16 unarmed civilians during a confrontation in the western state of Michoacan in January. The report, which was presented by Mexican journalist Laura Castellanos, puts into doubt the government’s … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged Alfredo Castillo, autodefensas, federal police, Laura Castellanos, massacre, Mexico, Michoacan, report, vigilante groups, vigilantes
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Green Party’s tactics expose fragile state of Mexican democracy
When Josefina M. was cold-called by the Green Party of Mexico (PVEM), she politely responded to their telephone survey, answering questions on crime, education, jobs and other issues. She was careful not to give out her address or any other … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
Tagged Carlos Puente Salas, Chiapas, democracy, discount cards, fracking, Green movement, Green Party, Greens, Jorge Alcocer, Jorge Emilio Gonzalez, Manuel Velasco, Mexico, PRI, PVEM, Ulises Corona
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Johann Hari: on the U.S. drug war fought to the last Mexican
In 2011, British journalist Johann Hari was at the top of the journalistic pile. Sharp, brave and energetic, he was the Independent’s best-known columnist and named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the most influential left-wingers in Britain. Yet a … Continue reading
Posted in Interviews
Tagged Chasing the Scream, Drug prohibition, Drug war, Drugs, Enrique Peña Nieto, Johann Hari
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Johann Hari: The failed war on drugs demands a “return to sanity” for Mexico
Former Independent columnist Johann Hari is back in the limelight with an explosive New York Times bestseller, “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.” Its release coincides with the centenary of U.S. prohibition and is … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
Tagged Chasing the Scream, Drug prohibition, Drugs, Johann Hari, Mexico, War on Drugs
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Mexico’s modern day minstrels sing against injustice
Anyone who has taken a bus in Guadalajara is familiar with the phenomenon: the wandering troubadours who jump aboard to sing songs of broken-hearted love in exchange for a few pesos. In May of last year, a clip of one … Continue reading
Posted in Arts
Tagged Alejandro Reynoso, Andres Contreras, Ayotzinapa, Bill Clinton, Mexico, Protest, Protest music, Protest songs
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Domingo Villa: Killer left unsupervised during prison visit murders entire family ‘after children complain about their mother’
Former police officer Domingo Villa –– who was already serving life for killing his wife -–murdered his girlfriend, two children and a step-daughter then tried to take his own life. Read the complete article at the Daily Mirror
Guillermo del Toro longs for Mexico return
Acclaimed producer-director Guillermo del Toro has expressed his desire to film again in Mexico. Speaking at the International Festival of Cinema in Guadalajara, the “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Pacific Rim” director spoke of his longing to return. “I owe it to … Continue reading
The Mexican Labyrinth 