Skimm 1

April 20, 2017
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Skimmed Over a Latte

The Story: Tomas Yarrington’s Roman Holiday comes to an abrupt end.

What happened?

Former governor of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, Tomas Yarington, was captured in Italy. Yarrington has been a fugitive for the past five years, after accusations surfaced that he took millions of dollars in bribes from drug cartels in exchange for allowing them to continue their business.

What does this mean?

This is symptomatic of an issue that Mexico has had for a long time: corruption. Yarrington is not the only Mexican Governor on the run, Javier Duarte (former governor of Veracruz) has been on the land since he was charged with corruption in October.

So what now?

Yarrington is gong to be extradited to Mexico where he will have to respond to these charges. Meanwhile, the hunt for Duarte will continue internationally. The proceedings of Yarrington’s impending trial and legal exploits will be a good indicator of how serious Mexico is about ending corruption (BBC).

 

Repeat After Me…

What to say when a mobile order at Starbucks cuts in front of you: “What gives?”

Exactly Venezuela , what gives? Venezuela is in the middle of an economic crisis, which could have an adverse effect on the entire region. International organizations like The Organization of American States have tried to help get elections going in Venezuela and stop the government crackdown on protests. International actors warn that Venezuela’s crisis could spread through the area. At the end of the day, the world agrees that more international (specifically U.S.) involvement won’t be the ultimate panacea and that Venezuela needs to take a serious look at re-democratization (Woody).

 

“I Like Big Buns and I Cannot Lie”

 

That’s what Uruguayan prisoners are saying at Punta de Rieles. Punta de Rieles is an open prison where prisoners are encouraged to rehabilitate themselves by setting up businesses while in jail. Creative endeavors are also supported in the prison, such as music, cosmetology, and carpentry. The crown jewel of the program is the bakery, which specializes in artisan pastries and employs eleven people. In addition to creating pastries and baked goods, the kitchen makes all of the food consumed by the population of the prison. Inmates feel that they have learned skills that will transfer to the outside world once their sentences end and feel very happy and fulfilled (Bernas).