The mayor of Ahome is arrested for alleged corruption in patrol rentals

The mayor of Ahome promised not to hide, but the justice system found him in his house with an arrest warrant.

A hero of the people who could not escape from his own script

It seems that the mayor of Ahome, Gerardo Vargas Landeros, decided that the rules are like traffic lights in Mexico: suggestions rather than obligations. The Morenista, ousted by the Sinaloa Congress (yes, the same party that brought him to power), was arrested today by the State Prosecutor’s Office after his “intestinal problem” did not save him from justice. How serious was his condition? Enough to not show up to testify, but not enough to prevent UNESA agents from taking him from his home in Los Mochis. What a surprise!

The art of justifying the unjustifiable

The defense of the mayor, who in 2021 discovered that governing is more fun with direct contracts, alleged a stomach upset to not attend the hearing. The judge, in an act of compassion worthy of a saint, rescheduled the appointment for June 12. But the prosecutor’s office, which seems to have no sense of humor, decided that arrest warrants are not like yogurt: they have no expiration date. So there was UNESA, knocking on their door as if they were collectors of a million-dollar debt… because, well, that’s what they were.

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The case revolves around the rental of 126 patrol cars for the modest amount of 171 million pesos, all without going through the tedious process of a public bidding. Why bother with competition when you can give the contract to Grinleasing, SAPI de C.V., as if it were a birthday present? An audit in 2021 revealed this small “detail”, because in Mexico, sometimes corruption is so evident that even the numbers scream.

The license that no one asked for (but everyone saw coming)

One day before losing his jurisdiction, Vargas Landeros proudly announced that he would request leave for 90 days to “attend to administrative matters and criminal investigation processes.” Translation: “I need time to find a better lawyer than mine.” In a speech worthy of a soap opera, he declared: “I’m not going to hide.” And boy did he deliver: he hid so well that the prosecution found him in his own home. Bravo!

Meanwhile, councilor Rosa Margarita Velázquez Valdez (PVEM) took the reins of the municipality. Because in Mexican politics, when one ship sinks, there is always another willing to get on… even if it is already taking on water.

Moral? If you’re going to divert 171 million, at least make sure your medical excuse is more credible than “my tummy hurts.”

Are you surprised by this news? Share it and join the conversation about how some politicians still believe that laws are optional.Do you want more stories of corruption with a touch of acid humor? Explore our related content.

Sheinbaum reinforces security and housing in Cuautla

The president presented a package of social and security actions in Cuautla, Morelos.

President Claudia Sheinbaum visited Cuautla, Morelos, to announce a set of social and security measures. Among them, the construction of 10 new schools of the “Margarita Maza” National High School, house-to-house visits, more jobs through Young People Building the Future and a greater presence of the National Guard.

“We are going to build together, because this is a job for everyone, for families to care for their children, for the state government and for the federal government,” the president highlighted.

The visit occurred after the arrest of the mayor of Cuautla. Sheinbaum instructed strengthening the federal presence with attention to the causes, as part of the National Security Strategy. Next week they will begin house-to-house tours and outreach to merchants. He promised to return in three months to monitor progress.

Housing for Wellbeing

At the event, 128 Infonavit homes and 207 Insus deeds were also delivered. Sheinbaum recalled the four components of the program: build 1.8 million new houses for people with incomes of one to two minimum wages; deliver the same number of credits for improvement; grant a million deeds; and restructure unpayable loans for 5 million families.

Octavio Romero Oropeza, director of Infonavit, reported that of the goal of 1.2 million homes, there are already 440 approved complexes that total 514 thousand houses (43% progress). In Morelos, the goal is 13 thousand new homes with an investment of 8,150 million pesos.

Edna Elena Vega Rangel, head of Sedatu, explained that 128 homes and 207 deeds were delivered. Governor Margarita González Saravia thanked the expansion of the state goal to 24 thousand houses in the six-year term, in addition to other works such as modernization of the countryside, a Convention Center in Cuernavaca and the “Circuito Tierra y Libertad” highway program.

The beneficiary Kendra Ramírez Orozco expressed her gratitude for access to housing. Sheinbaum reiterated his commitment to return in three months to follow up.

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They demand justice for a journalist in Oaxaca; colleague receives threats

Threats against journalist in Oaxaca after the murder of Alejandro Leyva; protest in the Guelaguetza.

Threats against correspondent

After the murder of Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar, Proceso‘s correspondent in Oaxaca, Pedro Matías Arrazola, was intimidated through social networks. They warned him that he would be next.

Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the UN demanded that the threats be investigated and security guarantees granted. The Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office deployed two agents to protect him, and the state police carry out patrols near his home.

“I didn’t find out until they told me about Reporters Without Borders and then the UN, but I didn’t pay much attention to it (…). Better to keep a low profile,” declared Matías.

The journalist explained that he avoided spreading the threats so as not to divert attention from Leyva’s case. However, colleagues advised him not to minimize the risk, in a context of growing attacks against the press.

Two years ago, individuals threw Molotov cocktails with nails at his home, without causing any injuries. That attack forced him to leave the country for six months. Sixteen years earlier he was kidnapped and tortured.

“I am not afraid. I am a believer. I have a mission in this life and it will be until God decides,” he stated.

Matías filed a complaint for threats with the State Prosecutor’s Office. Its incorporation into the federal protection mechanism began.

“If we remain silent, they will have achieved their purpose. In recognition of Alejandro Leyva, I will continue along the same critical line,” he said.

Protest in Guelaguetza

Relatives and friends of Alejandro Leyva protested during the Guelaguetza delegation parade. With tarps, banners on the roof of a house and dressed in black, they demanded justice.

“We are Alejandro’s family and we ask for justice for my uncle. We know the situation in the country. It is not just Oaxaca, it is the entire country. Please join our cause,” expressed the protesters.

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Sheinbaum announces border reopening for Mexican cattle

Gradual reopening of the US border to Mexican cattle at the end of August.

New stage for national livestock farming

President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the United States border will gradually reopen at the end of August for the export of Mexican livestock. The measure represents economic relief for the country and for thousands of families dedicated to livestock farming.

Both nations suffered losses during the shutdown, caused by the presence of the screwworm. Sheinbaum acknowledged that the coordinated work between governments and producers for more than a year made it possible to contain the pest.

“You know that we have been working on the issue, both with all the livestock organizations and with the governors, to contain the screwworm,” said the president from Cuautla, Morelos.

As part of the strategy, a plant to produce sterile flies is already operating in Chiapas. In addition, Cofepris is analyzing a new strain that would make the process more efficient.

Sheinbaum explained that the effort is carried out in conjunction with the governments of Mexico, the United States and Panama. This articulation created the conditions for the US authority to authorize the opening of the border.

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