The article recounts the author's personal experiences leading up to the Taiwanese elections, marked by a series of unsettling events. It discusses the potential return to power of the Kuomintang, a party advocating for unification with China, and the dread of 'national doom' associated with it. The author, a journalist and activist, describes the chaotic election campaign, the incompetence of parachute journalists, and the eventual victory of Tsai Ing-wen and the Democratic Progressive Party, which signals a continuation of liberal reforms and the defeat of right-wing populism. The article also highlights the success of progressive youth candidates and reflects on the broader implications of the election results for future generations.

The absence of Teresa Incháustegui, former director of the Instituto de las Mujeres, led to the postponement of the verdict in the Lesvy Berlín Rivera Osorio trial until October 4. The judge, José Juan Pérez, has requested that Incháustegui be notified of her obligation to testify due to her previous position. During the hearing, the parents of the accused, Jorge Luis González Hernández, testified, stating they were unaware of their son's health habits. The next hearing is scheduled for October 4 at 9:00 AM at the same tribunal.

On May 9, 2017, 17-year-old Alexis García was killed by a stray bullet while selling flowers for Mother's Day in a market in Colima. Known as 'El Pelón' and aspiring to be a professional football player, he was caught in crossfire between two criminal gangs. His grandmother, María de los Ángeles Pérez García, refutes claims by authorities that Alexis was involved in wrongdoing, noting that his funeral was attended by young athletes and teachers. The family attributes the tragedy to the insecurity in Colima, where his cousin reports hearing up to four shootouts a week in their neighborhood.

Zenaida, a 19-year-old, was killed in Veracruz, Mexico, while traveling with other migrants to the United States. She had paid a smuggler $11,000 to reach California. The attack on the vehicle carrying Zenaida and other migrants resulted in her death and injuries to two men. Conflicting reports arose regarding the incident, with local authorities suggesting police involvement, while the Secretary of Security and Protection claimed the migrants fired first. Previous incidents on the same route were noted. The family, devastated by the loss, faces challenges in repatriating Zenaida's body. The case remains under investigation by Mexican authorities, with involvement from El Salvador's consulate.

A black market for HIV medications is easily accessible on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and dating apps such as Grindr. Medications like Truvada, Atripla, and Kivexa are sold at significantly reduced prices due to impending expiration dates. Patients, some without income, resort to selling their surplus treatments. The article highlights the risks of purchasing non-original medications and the potential for treatment interruption to lead to drug resistance. It also discusses the financial burden of HIV treatment in Mexico and the reported shortages of antiretrovirals in public health institutions. The Mexican government attributes these shortages to changes in procurement processes to combat corruption. Facebook has stated that it prohibits the sale of medications and will remove violating content.

The author reminisces about their childhood in the La Paloma housing complex in the center of Puerto de Veracruz, where they spent time with neighbors Denisse and Betito, children of a single mother. The author recalls the thrill of being unsupervised and the desire to order pizza, a treat usually reserved for special occasions. To fund the pizza, the author and a neighbor, Sergio, started a club to collect money by selling candies, but their savings were stolen. The author's attempt to raise money by asking neighbors for donations was cut short by an angry call from their father, leading to a public embarrassment and a resolve to one day earn enough to buy their own pizzas.

The author recounts a day in Berlin, highlighting encounters with a street performer known as the Celine Dion busker on the U7 line. The narrative includes personal reflections on daily life, a challenging work meeting, and a visit to a notary for a citizenship application. The busker's persistent rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On' serves as a recurring motif throughout the day.

In Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, the film 'Roma' has brought international attention to the town and its former resident, actress Yalitza Aparicio. Despite Aparicio's success, many local women, burdened with work and economic hardship, have not seen the film. The community values culture and arts, but faces high social and educational disparities, particularly affecting women. While some view Aparicio as an inspiration, others are skeptical about the impact of her success on broader societal change. The town lacks a movie theater, and residents often resort to pirated films for entertainment. Aparicio's Oscar nomination and the attention 'Roma' has brought to the town have sparked hope and pride among the people of Tlaxiaco.

The article discusses the challenges faced by women in Baja California regarding access to safe and legal abortion services. It highlights the role of economic and class disparities, as women with visas and financial means can travel to the United States for abortions, while others resort to unsafe clandestine procedures. The collective Las Bloodys assists women in crossing the border for medical abortions. The article also touches on the social isolation experienced by women who have abortions and the legal issues surrounding miscarriages, which are sometimes prosecuted as homicides. Legal organizations like AsíLegal and GIRE are working to provide legal counsel and document cases where women are unjustly convicted.

Sergio Iván Ruíz Castillo, a freelance photographer, survived the collapse of a nine-story building in Condesa, Mexico City, during an earthquake. Trapped under the rubble and holding his deceased mother's hand, he was rescued after more than 24 hours. His mother and uncle died instantly during the collapse. Sergio was hospitalized with serious injuries but is optimistic about his recovery. He recalls the names of the rescuers and expresses gratitude for their efforts. Facing psychological challenges and without medical insurance, Sergio is open to donations and job offers to rebuild his life.

Lupita Nyong'o, an Oscar-nominated actress for her role in '12 Years a Slave', spent six months in Taxco, Mexico, at the age of 16, immersing herself in the local culture with her sister. Born in Mexico City in 1983 and raised in Kenya, Lupita returned to Mexico to study Spanish at UNAM's Centro de Estudios para Extranjeros. Her teachers, including Alicia Fonol, remembered her as a beautiful and intelligent student with excellent Spanish. Lupita's father, Peter Anyang Nyong'o, had previously taught at the Colegio de México, which may have contributed to her language skills. The Nyong'o sisters lived independently in an apartment rented from artist Violante Ulrich and were active in the school's cultural activities. Locals in Taxco remember Lupita fondly and take pride in her Hollywood success, recognizing her as the Oscar-winning actress. Lupita's mother, Dorothy Nyong'o, highlighted the significance of her daughter's education in acting and the decision to send her to Mexico as pivotal moments in her career.