The Senate moves towards a more transparent telecommunications reform

Former president Felipe Calderón Hinojosa criticized the designation of Merlin Duck as the official ambassador of Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup. On his social media account, the PAN member pointed out that FIFA and various media make profits from the image of the bird, so its owners deserve fair payment.

“Yes, very good. It came ‘as a gift’, but we shouldn’t leave it like that: they should give it royalties or good financial support, with all the money that FIFA, many media outlets in the world and others with the image of Merlin Duck are making,” he wrote.

Merlin is a two-year-old Peking duck with white plumage and orange legs. He went viral when he was recorded wearing a National Team t-shirt while accompanying his owners – Karla Gómez and her son Christian – to sell water on the streets of the capital. The family considers him another member.

Calderón insisted that the owner, “that little guy who raised him,” should not be left without options after the World Cup. “Get out!” he added, referring to FIFA.

The popularity of duck has crossed borders. International media replicated his story, and President Claudia Sheinbaum invited him to her morning conference, calling him a symbol of Mexican culture. The controversy over the commercial use of his image remains open.

Investigation into fish mortality in Veracruz

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the National Water Commission (Conagua) responded to a complaint about the death of fish in the Limón River, located in the municipality of Ignacio de la Llave, Veracruz.

Following the alert from fishermen, personnel from both agencies visited the area on June 18 and also an alcohol company identified as a possible source of contamination. However, the company – whose name was not revealed – assured that it has not operated for several months.

According to a statement from Profepa, headed by Mariana Boy Tamborell, inspectors found no evidence of wastewater discharges or operational activity at the facilities. Nor were any spills detected that could affect the ecosystem.

During the inspection, Conagua, through the Gulf Central Basin Agency, took water samples at different points of the river to analyze them and determine the causes of the contamination. Samples were also collected at the alcohol company to rule out risks.

Profepa promised to carry out new visits to the area and follow up on the information provided by the fishermen, with the aim of identifying other sources of contamination and protecting natural resources.

The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) lifted the sit-in it held in Mexico City, although it made it clear that the mobilization does not end. Isael González Vázquez, general secretary of Section 7 of Chiapas, stated that the teachers will continue their organizational process.

“We are leaving, we are leaving, but soon we will return,” he declared to the teachers.

In a conference, González Vázquez acknowledged that the repeal of the ISSSTE Law and the educational reform, the two central demands of the national strike, were not achieved. “It must be said very clearly: the repeal of the two reforms was not achieved. The desire was for them to be repealed, but we have to improve our strength,” he said.

The leader accused the federal government of not presenting a concrete route to repeal these regulations. He considered it contradictory that an administration that defines itself as leftist supports businessmen instead of education workers. “The only thing we ask for is a dignified retirement and labor justice; we are not asking for privileges,” he said.

González Vázquez rejected the accusations that link the teachers’ movement with political parties. He defended the autonomy of the CNTE: “The people are a genuine, pure, natural movement; it is not contaminated and has no relationship with any political party.”

He also denounced acts of intimidation during protests in the capital. He noted that contingents were followed by police and security units. “The repressive role of the State was evident. There were helicopters, motorcycles and police behind the comrades. Even so, we acted responsibly and avoided any confrontation,” he said.

Despite the withdrawal, the leader insisted that it is not a defeat. “The struggle never goes into recess, it never rests; it enters a stage of reorganization,” he stated.

For Chiapas, he reported that the monitoring tables continue with federal and state authorities to address promotions, changes in assignment and increases in hours. In addition, he highlighted commitments in educational infrastructure and basic services for schools.

The federal government agreed to install thematic tables on cases of teachers separated from their position, detainees and victims of state pressure, historical issues of the CNTE.

González Vázquez thanked social organizations, parents and the media for their support. He offered a public apology for an incident with journalists in Chiapas: “We deeply respect their work and we regret what happened.”