Judge orders the reinstatement of Gerardo Vargas as mayor of Ahome

A court ruling returns power to the mayor of Ahome, while the shadow of new charges pursues him.

A dramatic turn in the battle for power

In an episode that seems straight out of a political thriller, the First District Judge, based in Zacatecas, has unleashed an earthquake on the public scene by ordering the immediate reinstatement of Gerardo Vargas Landeros as Municipal President of Ahome. The decision, full of tension, points out irregularities in the process that removed him from office, as if the fate of the city hung in the balance.

The ruling that changed everything

File 1832/20025, dated July 30, reveals that the Congress of the State of Sinaloa made blunders when appointing Antonio Menéndez del Llano Bermúdez as substitute mayor. The judge, in a bold move, granted a period of 48 hours to fulfill his mandate, reminding the world that Vargas Landeros was democratically elected for the period 2025-2027. Is justice finally on their side?

RelatedFormer mayor of Ahome faces new process for irregular rental of patrol cars

But the plot thickens. Just 22 days earlier, the former mayor was dragged to court again, this time for irregular performance of his duties, accused of leasing 126 patrol cars without bidding. Vargas Landeros, with the determination of a cornered hero, swore to defend himself to the end, trusting that the truth would triumph. Or could it be that the shadows of corruption are longer than he believes?

A fierce defense and new enemies

In criminal case 1026/2025, the former president and nine former members of his cabinet face charges for that controversial contract of 171 million pesos. While the Control Judge linked them to the trial, Vargas Landeros, with a firm but trembling voice, declared that his legal team would present irrefutable exculpatory evidence. Will they be able to clear their names, or are they condemned to fall into the abyss of disgrace?

The former mayor, with a hint of bitterness, pointed out the paradox: it was admitted that Ahome only had 30% of his operational team, but his decision to rent patrols was questioned. “It was not a whim,” he shouted into the wind, defending that it was a responsible measure to not decapitalize municipal finances. Was he really a savior or a villain disguised as a benefactor?

Meanwhile, his former collaborators—from the former secretary of the City Council to the former treasurer—were ordered to sign each month as a precautionary measure. The entire city murmurs: who else will fall into this web of accusations?

The last act of this tragedy

With his gaze lost on the horizon, Vargas Landeros insisted that the truth would emerge, that his name would be vindicated. But in a world where politics and justice dance a poisoned tango, nothing is certain. Will this be the end of his odyssey, or just the prologue to an even more resounding fall?

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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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