From The Economist, Hispanics, long under-represented as voters, are becoming political kingmakers (and more on the power of America’s fastest-growing minority); and the Trans-Texas Corridor: Population growth means a looming transportation challenge. Despite a US Supreme Court ban, Texas has continued to send mentally retarded criminals to death row; will a Mexican immigrant's case correct this injustice? From Texas Observer, Child X-ing: An article on Del Rio's controversial crackdown on border-crossing students. From Aspeers, Caroline Erb on Hardened Borders: A Case Study on Inefficient Solutions to the Immigration Problem in El Paso. All walled up: How Brownsville’s battle against the federal government’s border fence ended in defeat and disillusionment. Legalize 'Em: Think tanks on both ideological sides agree — legalizing undocumented workers in the United States would be an economic boon. New research finds the presence of Mexican immigrants in the United States is good for democracy in Mexico. Helping Mexico help itself: A more prosperous, democratic southern neighbor would reduce crime and illegal immigration. Is US to blame for Mexico's drug war? Behind the headlines, relations between the governments of Mexico and the United States are better than they look, though still unequal. An article on Mexico's Abortion War: The culture clashes aren't just in the United States anymore. A review of Mexico Unconquered: Chronicles of Power and Revolt by John Gibler. A review of El Monstruo: Dead and Redemption in Mexico City by John Ross. Denise Dresser is swimming with sharks in Mexico.