From the editor | January 05

It had me from the headline. Today’s lead story reveals that many Colombians would keep the Mafia on speed dial for when things went awry. Now, though, they’re turning to “Justice Houses” instead. And for another uplifting tale, meet the Indian “Malalas” leading the fight for equality (pictured).

Fay Schlesinger, OZY Managing Editor

Around the World

Why Colombians Are Finally Deleting Gangsters From Their Speed Dial

For decades, people felt compelled to seek help from gangs instead of a distrusted state to settle disputes. An unconventional new approach could change that.

Colombians who wanted to resolve conflicts have long gone to the heads of armed groups or local Mafia organizations or even formed their own private armies to take care of problems. In some cases, such as in San Javier, the government simply wasn’t available. In other places, the government was seen as defective, corrupt and untrustworthy. Government-run Justice Houses are sprouting up nationwide to help change all that.

READ NOW

The New + the Next

The UFC’s Best-Dressed Brawler Is Ready for His Close-Up

Featherweight contender Joseph Benavidez is on the verge of a late-career breakthrough while bringing the red carpet to the Octagon.

With his sculpted jaw, athletic build and propensity for mean mugging at any and every camera, Joseph Benavidez’s career choice won’t surprise those in the know. But at 5-foot-4 and 125 pounds, and with an eclectic fashion sense, the prizefighter looks more GQ than Chuck Liddell. In other words, Benavidez is not a UFC stereotype. But as the sport of mixed martial arts grows, with smaller weight divisions and female fighters rivaling the heavyweights in popularity and reach, real and perceived images of the UFC are changing.

READ NOW