A delightful five-day excursion to Puerto Vallarta turned into a harrowing experience for 40 lakesiders when their tour bus crashed while traveling homeward on Friday, February 22.

An elderly U.S. citizen was gravely injured and his Mexican companion murdered in their Riberas del Pilar residence during a violent encounter with unknown suspects.

Confirming rumors concerning the recent kidnapping of a lakeside businessman, officials at the Chapala Minsiterio Publico (district attorney’s office) report that the victim managed to escape his captors and find safety.

The proprietor of the popular late night Ajijic taco stand El Compadre was murdered at his place of business shortly before closing time in the early hours of Friday, February 15.

Law enforcement authorities are on the hunt for a Chapala teenager who is reportedly on the run in connection with the February 9 fatal stabbing of his older brother.

With chili pots and collateral commotion already bubbling furiously at the Tobolandia fairgrounds, it’s an apropos moment to offer newcomers a glance back at the origins of the 35th National Mexican Cookoff.