Sheinbaum announces agreement with the US to control the screwworm

The president reveals the details behind the binational pact that avoids an agricultural crisis.

Mexico and the US join forces against the most hated worm (and it is not tequila)

It seems that Claudia Sheinbaum has a new archenemy: the screwworm, a bug that sounds like a Pixar villain but is actually a nightmare for livestock. This Tuesday, the Mexican president dropped the bomb: there is already an agreement with the United States to prevent this plague from becoming the next binational drama (after the avocado memes, of course).

“They will not pass”: the motto of health controls

In his classic “here-everything-is-under-control-but-don’t-ask-too-much” style, Sheinbaum explained that Mexico was already implementing controls so that the worm would not travel north. The curious thing: EU was not aware. “It’s like when you clean your room before your mother arrives, but it turns out she hadn’t even noticed the mess,” commented some anonymous official (or so we imagine).

RelatedSenasica controls screwworm outbreak in Querétaro

The icing on the cake came from Brooke Rollins, US Secretary of Agriculture, who with a “trust me, bro” assured that Mexican ranchers can sleep peacefully. Of course, zero details of the agreement, because why ruin the surprise, right?

Bonus track: The pact also includes the eternal issue of water (yes, again), because nothing unites these neighbors more than arguing over liquids and bugs.

Why does it matter? This worm is not just any larva: it attacks livestock, affects exports and could cost millions. Basically, he is the Thanos of agriculture.

The irony of international cooperation

Just when you thought that Mexico-US relations only revolved around walls and migration, this agreement arrives to remind us that, deep down, what really unites us are plagues and hydrodiplomacy. Isn’t it romantic?

Meanwhile, the memes did not wait: “Sheinbaum negotiating with the US” (image of a president with a magnifying glass hunting for worms) is already trending. Because if there is no meme, was it really news?

What’s next? Hope the worm doesn’t mutate and decide to become vegan, because then we would be in trouble.

Are you surprised that an insect is a diplomatic priority? Share this note and tag that friend who still believes that pests are only for horror movies. #GovernmentWormsAndLivestock.

Do you want more stories of international cooperation with a touch of sarcasm? Explore our content on the avocado treaty or how Mexico and Canada solved the mystery of mutant lemons.

Former governor Ruffo Appel arrested for fuel smuggling network

The former governor of Baja California is arrested for alleged fuel smuggling and organized crime.

The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) confirmed the arrest of the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, for his alleged participation in a fuel smuggling network. The announcement was made this Friday during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning conference.

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, explained that the investigation began after the seizure of 33 ferrotanks. The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) identified what it described as one of the largest fuel smuggling networks detected by the authorities.

“It is an investigation that begins after the seizure of the 33 rail tankers. The FEMDO analysis manages to identify this network, which is one of the largest fuel smuggling networks. It is an investigation that lasted more than a year,” said García Harfuch.

Eight arrest warrants

The official reported that eight arrest warrants were served this Thursday. He clarified that there are still more judicial orders to be executed, so the investigations continue.

The illicit scheme consisted of entering fuel into the country and reporting only 10% of the actual capacity transported in the tank railways. In this way, controls and tax obligations were evaded, according to the investigation.

“It is an ongoing investigation, it is not yet finished, but it is an investigation of more than a year by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic,” stressed the head of the SSPC.

The actions of the FGR and the SSPC reflect the government’s commitment to combating fiscal huachicol and fuel smuggling, which have seriously affected the country’s economy and the integrity of the institutions. Authorities continue to work to dismantle this network and bring all those involved to justice.

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Mara Lezama supports Sheinbaum: ‘We have a lot of presidents’

The governor highlighted the reduction of debt and a record investment in public works.

From Air Base No. 12 in Tulum, the governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, expressed her support for President Claudia Sheinbaum. He did so during the morning conference on July 17.

“Let it be extremely clear: we have a lot of presidents and we are very proud of her leadership,” said Lezama.

The state leader thanked Sheinbaum for his actions to resolve needs in the territory. He also highlighted advances in the economy, infrastructure, education, health and recreation.

Debt reduction and more investment

Quintana Roo climbed to fourth place nationally in financial solidity, according to Lezama. He attributed the achievement to the reduction of public debt.

“This translates into greater confidence, investment and solidity for public works. This year alone, the State’s investment will be greater than the entire previous six-year period,” he noted.

In public works, he highlighted roads, avenues, strengthening hospitals and the installation of domes in 300 schools. Public transportation was also improved to make it more efficient and with less environmental impact.

Tourism and sports in the 11 municipalities

Lezama reported on the simultaneous inauguration of 46 sports fields in the 11 municipalities. He described it as part of a legacy in the social field.

At the beginning of the conference, President Sheinbaum announced that tourism improvements for the state would be announced, in addition to the security report by the federal cabinet.

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They announce free entry to Jaguar Park in Tulum

The Secretary of Tourism detailed the actions of the new strategic plan for the destination.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur), Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, assured that the Government of Mexico guarantees access to the beaches of Tulum. In the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum, held this Friday in Tulum, the official presented a tourism plan for the area that includes free entry to the Jaguar Park.

Actions of the tourism plan

Rodríguez Zamora reported that the first coordination table between federal agencies, the state and the tourism sector was installed. Among the measures, the “Who’s Who in Prices” program stands out for 24/7 monitoring, the review of the registry of tourist providers in the protected natural area, and the verification of tourist commercial activities.

Also included is the development of the archaeological program, the updating of the urban development plan, the protected area management plan, the registration of public access to the beach, the collection of sargassum, national and international promotion, training and tourism certification, and a sports and cultural billboard.

“The beaches belong to the people as the president has said. They are free, and they are also there every day, for nationals, foreigners and for Tulum residents,” said the secretary.

Free entry and other benefits

The official highlighted that entry to the Jaguar Park will be free for all national visitors, with a cost reduction “in a historic manner.” In addition, electric mobility will be established within the park, a tourist service model with the National Guard, a professionalization plan for service providers, a parking lot, an organization plan and improvements in public services.

Rodríguez Zamora announced that the lighting experience in the archaeological zone will return in November, along with a craft and cultural corridor. He also announced a new public transportation system for Tulum and the creation of new air routes to reach the destination.

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