The killing of El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by Mexican security forces triggered a surge of violence across several Mexican states. Cartel members responded by torching vehicles and blocking highways, leading to widespread disruption and heightened security concerns.

Venezuela denounces Donald Trump's statement declaring its airspace effectively closed as the United States increases military activity nearby. Rising tensions accompany repeated US strikes on boats alleged to be tied to drug trafficking, resulting in more than 80 deaths.

The article discusses the Colombian Presidential election, highlighting Gustavo Petro as the current frontrunner and potential first leftist leader in the country's history. Petro, a former militant guerrilla, is gaining popularity despite his past, indicating a shift in the Colombian public's willingness to engage with its violent history. The piece also touches on Petro's vice-presidential running mate, Francia Márquez, an Afro-Colombian woman who has faced assassination attempts and represents historically oppressed communities. The article further explores the consequences of the 2016 peace process with the FARC, which left a power vacuum now being filled by organized crime, leading to increased deforestation and violence against land rights defenders. The author suggests that peace is the only way forward for Colombia, drawing parallels with South Africa and Northern Ireland, and emphasizing the importance of peace for environmental conservation.

The Amazon rainforest faces severe deforestation driven by economic needs and local policy failures, while European forests have seen significant growth due to managed conservation efforts. European leaders criticize Brazil's handling of the Amazon, but local perspectives highlight the economic struggles driving deforestation. Sustainable development and direct support for local communities are suggested as solutions. The article contrasts the historical and current management of forests in Europe and the Amazon, emphasizing the need for intervention to address environmental and economic challenges.

The article profiles biologist Luis Antonio Góngora Dominguez and his conservation work with sea turtles in Seybaplaya, Mexico. Known locally for his animal rescue efforts, Luis has a particular focus on the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles. He patrols the beaches, identifying and moving turtle eggs to incubators to protect them from predators, and releases the hatchlings at sunset to increase their survival chances. The article touches on the impact of the pandemic on local activities and reflects on the broader implications of conservation work for humanizing society. It also mentions Luis's personal interests, including heavy metal music and tattoos of marine life. The author, Jon Bonfiglio, is a Latin America Correspondent and co-founder of Ninth Wave, an organization dedicated to ending plastic pollution and fostering sustainable communities.

The article, titled 'Sailboat in the Woods', is a narrative about Conrad Grillo, a 53-year-old man living in north Vermont who is preparing his 42ft aluminium junk rig sailboat, Tla Hla, for an ocean voyage. The boat, currently in the woods, symbolizes Grillo's dreams and his resistance to a sedentary life. The article delves into the concept of the 'Wanderlust Gene' and criticizes the media's portrayal of genetic determinism. It explores the idea that some individuals are driven by values and aspirations that transcend practicality, likening them to outliers who embrace difficulty and risk. The piece reflects on the societal implications of accepting defeat and the importance of maintaining hope and effort in the face of challenges. The article concludes with a postscript by Grillo, emphasizing the value of learning from the past and the pursuit of self-sufficiency. The narrative is accompanied by images from Joshua Cogan, an Emmy Award-winning photographer.