Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Vallarta news headlines, some breaking Mexico news stories, and a few upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

40,000 Protest Mexico's Energy Reform

On December 1st, the first anniversary of President Enrique Peña Nieto's inauguration, some 40,000 teachers, union members, and anarchist activists took to Mexico City's streets in a demonstration against his energy reform. After taking office last year, Nieto promised to push for deeper economic integration in energy, trade, and other areas. Enter the "Pact for Mexico." President Enrique Peña Nieto's surprising political grand bargain has allowed Mexico's three largest political parties to pass several significant, long-needed reforms. These include laws to bring more competition to the economy and telecommunications - but his education and energy reforms have sparked strong opposition from leftist groups. Under his new energy plan, Nieto wants to allow foreign investors into Mexico’s oil and energy industry. But with state-owned Pemex generating more than a third of the Mexican government's revenue, leftist Andres Lopez Obrador, a two-time presidential contender and member of the Democratic Revolution Party, has threatened to break ties with Peña Nieto and his party if this reform comes to pass. Just two days later, the fiery leftist leader suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized in stable condition.

Aeromexico Offers New Flights from Chicago

Aeromexico recently announced it will begin new seasonal service from Chicago to both Morelia and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on December 12 and 21 respectively. Flights to Morelia will operate twice weekly, while flights to Puerto Vallarta will operate once a week. Flights from Morelia to Chicago will depart on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:32 pm and arrive at 2:24 am. From Chicago, flights will depart at 3:39 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and arrive in Morelia at 8:04 am. Flights from Puerto Vallarta to Chicago will depart at 12:44 pm on Wednesdays and arrive at 4:44 pm. Flights from Chicago will depart at 7:00 am and arrive in Puerto Vallarta at 11:45 am. Beginning January 29 of next year, the airline will add one additional weekly flight on Saturdays between Chicago and Puerto Vallarta. The flights will operate on the same schedule as the Wednesday service between the two cities.

Arte de Sayulita Gallery Will Open December 7

The eclectic and exciting art gallery, Arte de Sayulita, will open for the season on December 7 with a cocktail reception from 6-9 pm. "Mis Demonios" will be the first exhibition, featuring works by Mojo (a.k.a. Rogelio Rodriguez) and showcasing his large-format photographs on metalized paper that presents lovely tones of silver and gray. Rodriguez will also be managing the gallery until owner Dianne Neuman returns to Sayulita in mid-January for the Arts Festival. Neuman reported that her recent gallery opening in Gualala, Mendocino, California, was a big success with over 500 people attending on opening day and many paintings sold. The next show at Arte de Sayulita will be by gravure artist Pablo Piza and begins December 21. Arte de Sayulita is located at Jose Mariscal #31 in Sayulita, Mexico.

125 Students Participate in CUC Knowledge Marathon

A total of 125 Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUC) students recently participated in a "Marathon of Knowledge" organized by the University of Guadalajara Puerto Vallarta's Social and Economic Studies Division and coordinated by the academy's Business Administration degree program. The event took place December 3-4, bringing together twenty teams of Management, Accounting, Tourism, and Technology Engineering students, who competed in the Human Resources, Administration and Marketing, and Accounting and Finance categories. The primary goal of the CUC's "Maratón de Conocimientos" is to build students' confidence and increase competitiveness at the regional, state, and national levels. It should be noted that CUC scholars won first place at the state and regional marathons in 2008 and 2009, a fact that exemplifies the high quality of education provided by the various schools at the university's Puerto Vallarta campus.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
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• Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Vallarta

• Taste of Nuevo Vallarta & VYC Chili Cook-Off

• Daiquiri Dick's 8th Annual Puerto Vallarta Pet Picnic

• Toys for Tots Vallarta Golf Tournament & Gala Dinner

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, right HERE on BanderasNews.com. We'll be collecting your votes in categories ranging from 'Best Breakfast' to 'Best Margarita' through December 31st, and the Puerto Vallarta restaurant with the most votes in each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony in early 2014. Click HERE to vote NOW!