The narco-trafficking situation has dramatically changed the safety situation in Mexico. According to América Económica magazine, Monterrey had ranked as the 'safest city in Latin America' along with Santiago de Chile. However, narco-related incidents have become increasingly more common. The US Consolate advises against hailing a taxi off the street encouraging visitors to travel by "taxi seguro" safe taxi. Avoid poorer areas that you may spot easily in some hills and the surroundings. La Colonia Independencia just South of the river from the Macroplaza is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Monterrey.
This being said, there are no indications that tourists especially American tourists are being targeted specifically. Many Americans continue to work and travel in Monterrey without problem. The U.S. Consulate became "partially unaccompanied post, meaning no minor dependents of U.S. government employees are permitted to remain in the city." (http://travel.state.gov/t...)
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High-speed broadband internet is widely available and most hotels provide wi-fi hotspots. Cyber cafes provide short-term internet access for about US$1 per hour. There are many of these cyber cafes around Monterrey, and you can usually find one on the side alleys off Morelos the pedestrian-only shopping area downtown.
Newspapers in Monterrey include:
El Norte (http://www.elnorte.com/)
El Porvenir (http://www.elporvenir.com.mx)
Milenio (http://www.milenio.com)
El Sol
El Regio (http://www.elregio.com)
Crucero (http://www.red-crucero.com)