Franc Contreras

Jaime Rodriguez, known as “El Bronco,” an independent candidate for governor of Nuevo Leon state, celebrates his victory after midterm elections, June 7, 2015.

'El Bronco,' elected without party backing, makes history in Mexico

Mexican voters elected their first independent gubernatorial candidate, a victory seen as a protest against the country's political parties. The main party, the PRI still holds onto to its majority in Congress, but this election still sent a message.

'El Bronco,' elected without party backing, makes history in Mexico
A man wears a sombrero as he listens to Latin music in celebration of Cinco de Mayo in Atlanta, Georgia.

Why Americans celebrate the Mexican holiday that Mexico doesn't care about

Why Americans celebrate the Mexican holiday that Mexico doesn't care about
A supporter holds a sign during a protest on March 16, 2015, outside MVS Radio in Mexico City gainst the dismissal of Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui.

A muckraking radio host in Mexico just got fired, and her fans say the government did it

A muckraking radio host in Mexico just got fired, and her fans say the government did it
A screenshot from Servando "La Tuta" Gomez's 2014 interview with England's Channel 4 News.

Mexico captures its most-wanted drug lord, but Mexicans are still angry

Mexico captures its most-wanted drug lord, but Mexicans are still angry
Fugitive former mayor Jose Luis Abarca was captured by Mexican police after being on the run since the end of September. Police believe Abarca and his wife were the masterminds behind the abduction of 43 student teachers feared dead.

Mexican police capture a former mayor and key suspect in a massacre

Mexican police capture a former mayor and key suspect in a massacre
A Honduran child sleeps at an immigrant shelter in Chiapas, in southern Mexico.  His is traveling with his family from his impoverished and violent neighborhood to northern Mexico or the US.

Central American migrants become prey on their journey north to the US

Like their neighbors in Mexico, many Central Americans head to the United States for better opportunities. They come from impoverished towns, some rife with gang violence and high crime rates. But on their journey north, hundreds of these migrants become targets for gangs, organized crime and even police.

Central American migrants become prey on their journey north to the US
One of several protests and vigils in Mexico against the execution of Edgar Tamayo.

An execution in Texas has stirred rage in Mexico

The Mexican government tried to get the execution of Edgar Tamayo Arias suspended. They say Arias' case should have been reviewed. US officials agreed. But Texas said no and Wednesday night Arias was executed. Now Mexicans are outraged over his execution.

An execution in Texas has stirred rage in Mexico

Black Friday? Around the world, bargain hunting takes many other forms

As Americans hit the malls this Friday, we asked some folks around the globe about the equivalent to Black Friday in their country. What we found is a many similarities, but not many places that do it quite the American way.

Black Friday? Around the world, bargain hunting takes many other forms
US Government Shutdown

Want to know what the world is saying about our government shutdown? We asked

People across the globe are watching to see if there's ultimately a resolution to this US government shutdown. And what they're saying — and hearing — isn't great. Many folks around the globe say the shutdown looks crazy. It looks silly. It looks like lawmakers are arguing about something that doesn't entirely matter.

Want to know what the world is saying about our government shutdown? We asked
The World

Mexico City Teachers Take to the Streets to Protest Education Reforms

For more than two weeks, demonstrations by teachers have caused traffic chaos across Mexico. They're protesting a new law requiring performance evaluations for teachers. Supporters see the law as an attempt to break the power of labor unions.

Mexico City Teachers Take to the Streets to Protest Education Reforms
The World

Mexican Marines Capture Zetas Drug Cartel Leader Miguel Angel Trevino

Mexican marines have arrested the leader of the Zetas drug cartel outside the border city of Nuevo Laredo. They did it without a shot being fired. But his capture could lead to violence within the cartel.

Mexican Marines Capture Zetas Drug Cartel Leader Miguel Angel Trevino

Mexicans Applaud Arrest of Union Boss Known As 'The Teacher'

Reporter Franc Contreras tells anchor Marco Werman many Mexicans are calling for an end to rules that allow teacher tenure to be bought, sold and passed down from one generation to the next.

Mexicans Applaud Arrest of Union Boss Known As 'The Teacher'
The World

End of the World Celebrants Gather at Mayan Pyramid

End of the World Celebrants Gather at Mayan Pyramid
The World

Vote Recount Confirms Pena Nieto as Winner

Vote buying and corruption allegations have now surfaced from opposition candidate Lopez Obrador.

Vote Recount Confirms Pena Nieto as Winner

Mexico's Pena Nieto: 'No Return to the Past' from PRI

President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto has thanked voters for giving his PRI party another chance and has vowed no return to the past. Nieto is about six points ahead of his nearest rival, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has not admitted defeat.

Mexico's Pena Nieto: 'No Return to the Past' from PRI