LA YESCA, Mexico, (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A udelina Villagrana has run her ranch in Mexico's Western Sierra Madre mountains on her own since the death of her husband 23 years ago, herding livestock, hiring local Huichol people and even raising a young Huichol boy like a son.

Mexico’s state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) said Monday that it has awarded its first contract with a private firm for a joint operating agreement in deep-water oil drilling.

On Tuesday, Mexico’s Senate overwhelmingly approved an initiative that authorizes the use of medical marijuana, the latest in a series of legal changes and court rulings that have relaxed laws on cannabis use in Mexico.

Villa Azul

Nestled into Conchas Chinas, Vallartas most exclusive hillside neighborhood, the eight bedroom Villa Azul enchants visitors with it's stunning panoramic views that overlook the fabulous Banderas Bay with it's daily amazing sunsets upon the blue Pacific.