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Grupo Fugitivo: Death of Five Members Confirmed in Reynosa

Last known photo of the 'Fugitive Group' just before their disappearance -- Última foto conocida del 'Grupo Fugitivo' justo antes de su desaparición

by the El Reportero news services

Tamaulipas authorities confirmed the deaths of the five members of Grupo Fugitivo, who had been reported missing since May 25.

On Thursday, the Tamaulipas State Attorney General’s Office announced at a press conference that the recently discovered bodies belong to the five members of the musical group Grupo Fugitivo, who disappeared after performing at a private event in Reynosa.

The victims were identified as Francisco Vázquez (vocalist), Víctor Garza (lead guitar), Antonio Durán (tupito), José Francisco Morales (second guitar), and Livan Solís (manager). All were active members of the regional Mexican music band Grupo Fugitivo.

They disappeared after a performance.

The five men disappeared after a concert at a bar in the Riberas neighborhood of Rancho Grande in Reynosa. According to family members, after the performance, they stopped responding to calls and messages, prompting friends and authorities to begin searching for them.

Their disappearance sparked protests and roadblocks in various parts of the city. One of the most notable demonstrations took place on the Reynosa-Hidalgo International Bridge, where musicians and citizens demanded a faster response from the state government.

Discovery and Investigation

On May 28, the Tamaulipas State Security Spokesperson’s Office reported the discovery of five deceased individuals who may be members of the missing musicians. On May 29, the state Attorney General’s Office confirmed through forensic evidence that the bodies belonged to members of the Fugitive Group.

At the same press conference, state authorities also announced the arrest of nine individuals allegedly linked to a criminal group operating in the area. The identities of the suspects and possible motives for the crime have not yet been revealed. First Clues and Public Outcry

According to national media, the band’s SUV was found on May 27 without any identifying logos. Security cameras near the concert hall showed the musicians entering a building, but their exit was not recorded. Traces of blood were found nearby, and genetic testing was conducted.

In the days following their disappearance, family members denied rumors on social media claiming the musicians were safe. The State Commission for the Search for Missing Persons issued individual bulletins for each of the five.

The investigation continues.

The Tamaulipas Prosecutor’s Office stated that the investigation is still open, with the goal of clarifying the facts and determining the legal responsibilities of those detained.

– With reports from Proceso.

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Bananas: A versatile superfood with global appeal

by Laura Harris

  • Bananas originated in Southeast Asia and were domesticated over 7,000 years ago. They spread to Africa and the Americas and eventually became a global commodity, with the Cavendish variety being the most common today.
  • Rich in potassium, vitamins (B6, C), fiber and antioxidants, bananas support heart health, digestion, immunity and healthy energy levels while aiding blood sugar regulation.
  • Though high in natural sugars, the fiber in bananas helps slow absorption. Opting for organic bananas helps minimize pesticide exposure, and washing the peel is recommended.
  • Used in both sweet (banana bread, smoothies, desserts) and savory dishes (curries, plantain-based meals), bananas are a staple in global cuisines.
  • Bananas are a convenient, nutrient-dense fruit that provides sustained energy and can be enjoyed at various ripeness levels for different health benefits.

Bananas are one of the most beloved and widely consumed fruits in the world. Prized for their natural sweetness, convenience and versatility, bananas offer an array of essential nutrients that can support overall health. Whether eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, baked into desserts or cooked in savory dishes, bananas are an indispensable ingredient in both sweet and savory culinary traditions.

Brief history of banana

Bananas (Musa spp.) originated in Southeast Asia, specifically in regions that are now part of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Archaeological evidence suggests that bananas were among the first fruits cultivated by humans, with domestication dating back at least 7,000 years.

The fruit spread across the world through trade, reaching Africa by 500 BCE and eventually the Americas via Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries. The modern banana as people know it – larger, sweeter and seedless – was developed through selective breeding in the 19th and 20th century, with the Cavendish variety being the dominant cultivar consumed today.

Bananas became a global commodity in the late 1800s with advancements in refrigeration and shipping. They are now grown in over 130 countries, primarily in tropical regions, making them one of the most economically significant fruits in the world.

Nutritional profile and health benefits

Bananas are recognized as a superfood and are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. A medium-sized banana (about 118 grams, g) contains:

  • 105 of calories
  • 27 g of carbohydrates, including 14 g of natural sugars
  • 3 g of fiber, which supports digestion
  • 422 milligrams (mg) of potassium, a key nutrient for heart and muscle function
  • 10 percent of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C, which helps boost immunity
  • 25 percent of the DV for vitamin B6, which supports brain health
  • 8 percent of the DV for magnesium, which aids muscle and nerve function

Bananas also contain small amounts of iron, folate, riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3), and are rich in potent antioxidants like dopamine and catechins, which help combat oxidative stress.

Bananas offer numerous health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.

High in potassium, bananas can support heart health by helping regulate blood pressure and supporting proper muscle function. The dietary fiber in bananas promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. Meanwhile, the natural sugars in bananas (e.g., fructose, glucose and sucrose) provide a quick energy boost, making bananas an excellent pre- or post-workout snack. (Related: Going bananas over losing weight? Why not try eating more bananas.)

Being a good source of vitamin B6, which plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, bananas are a an excellent food for supporting a positive mood and optimal brain function.

Unripe bananas also contain resistant starch, which may help with blood sugar regulation by improving insulin sensitivity. Rich in antioxidants, bananas can help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall health and wellness.

Considerations when eating bananas

While bananas are widely considered to be a healthy food, there are some points to consider when consuming this nutritious fruit:

Sugar content

Bananas contain natural sugars, so people should consume them in moderation.

Nevertheless, bananas are high in dietary fiber which helps slow sugar absorption. This makes bananas much healthier than processed sweets.

Diabetics should opt for slightly unripe bananas for lower glycemic impact.

Pesticide use

Bananas have a thick peel, which protects their flesh from pesticides — but only to a certain extent.  The most common pesticides detected in conventionally grown bananas are thiophanate-methyl, imazalil and azoxystrobin (fungicides). Since traces of pesticides can remain on banana peels, washing the skin before eating is recommended.

To minimize your exposure to these harmful chemicals, always choose organic bananas. Doing so also helps support sustainable farming.

Unlike fruits grown in contaminated soil, bananas rarely accumulate heavy metals like lead or cadmium.

Culinary uses of banana

Bananas are an incredibly versatile cooking ingredient that features in many sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular dishes made with bananas:

Sweet applications

– Banana bread or banana cake – A moist, naturally sweet baked treat

– Smoothies and shakes – Blended with yogurt, milk or plant-based alternatives

– Banana pancakes – A healthy, nutrient-packed breakfast option

– Banana pudding and ice cream – Creamy desserts with natural sweetness

– Dried banana chips – A crunchy, portable and energizing snack

– Banana fritters (Goreng Pisang) – A popular snack in Southeast Asia

Plantain dishes (a starchy cousin of bananas) – Fried plantains (tostones, maduros), plantain chips

– Banana curry (Kerala style, India) – Cooked in coconut milk and spices

– Banana peels in chutney or stir-fries – Utilized in zero-waste cooking

Savory uses

Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse – delicious, convenient and packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Their global popularity spans thousands of years, and their adaptability in both sweet and savory dishes makes them a kitchen staple.

Whether you’re blending them into a post-workout smoothie, baking them into a wholesome dessert or incorporating them into international recipes, bananas remain one of nature’s best superfoods.

This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern.

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May, a month of work, flowers, and memory of the Mother

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

Year after year, May presents itself as a vibrant month in the Hispanic world, charged with meaning and emotions. It not only heralds the change of season—spring or autumn, depending on the hemisphere—but also a season rich in celebrations that honor both the dignity of labor and the purest love: that of a mother.

The first obligatory stop this month is May 1st, International Workers’ Day. This date, adopted by most countries around the world, commemorates the labor struggles of the 19th century, especially those in Chicago, which paradoxically is not celebrated in the United States—the birthplace of those strikes—but is celebrated throughout virtually all of Latin America. It is a day of reflection on the rights won, the battles still pending, and the challenges posed by decent work amid precarious economies and political crises.

However, May is not only about union struggle and commemoration. It is also, profoundly, Mother’s Day. Although the calendar varies from country to country, the sentiment is universal. Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the United States celebrate on May 10. Other countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, and Puerto Rico celebrate on the second Sunday of the month. In Bolivia, it is May 27, and in Nicaragua, on the 30th.

No matter the exact date, Mother’s Day is an emotional and social milestone. Florists are filled with color, restaurants are filled with reservations, and calls and messages multiply. The streets are decorated with public tributes, and social media is flooded with photographs and dedications. The informal economy finds a temporary boost, and remittances increase: children who migrated, those who crossed borders in search of a future, send something more than money. In these transfers, there are tears, nostalgia, absences, unfulfilled promises, and, above all, love.

The mother, in the heart of the migrant, is not just a symbol: she is a wound and a beacon. Many have left, leaving behind the women who raised them amidst hardship, sacrifice, and tenderness. The “little mothers,” as they are affectionately called, are still there, in their homeland, waiting for calls, visits, or simply reminiscing. It’s common for emotions to run riot around this time. Those close by celebrate with hugs. Those far away do so in silence, in intimate vigil, repeating phrases held in their hearts. And those who no longer have their mothers light an inner candle and feel them alive in their memories.

This blend of the collective and the intimate is what makes May such a special month. It reminds us that we are social beings, but also deeply familial. It connects us with the great ideals of fair work and also with the tenderness of a lunch made with love. It forces us to look both to the future and the past: to the future we dream of building with decent work and to the past that shaped us from a mother’s lap.

But beyond sales figures, peak international calls, or floral tributes, these dates invite us to a fundamental gesture: gratitude. Gratitude toward those who have worked for our rights. Gratitude toward those who gave us life. Gratitude toward those who, without asking for anything, have given everything.

May this month of May not pass as just a succession of dates marked on the calendar. May it become a time for reflection, for human connection, for recognition of the sacrifice of others. Because work dignifies, but it also exhausts. Because maternal love sustains, but it also hurts. And because, deep down, we all carry similar stories: of struggle, of migration, of distance, of love.

May those who have the privilege of embracing their mothers do so with awareness. And may those who can only remember them do so with peace. Because May, in the end, is the month where memory blossoms.

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Chick-fil-A arrives in Morgan Hill with its first restaurant and community commitment

Chick-fill-A, 18599 Sutter Blvd., Morgan Hill, California 95037

by the El Reportero staff

May 29, 2025 – Chick-fil-A, the renowned American fast-food chain specializing in chicken, will officially open its first restaurant in Morgan Hill on May 29. The new location will be located at 18599 Sutter Blvd. and will be under the direction of Kevin Donohue, a local Owner-Operator with a strong commitment to customer service and community development.

Kevin Donohue

Chick-fil-A’s arrival in Morgan Hill represents not only a new culinary option for residents, but also a significant investment in the local economy. With this opening, approximately 100 new jobs will be created, providing employment opportunities for locals. From customer service positions to administrative roles, the company seeks to build a strong team that reflects the values ​​of hospitality and excellence for which the brand is known. “I’m excited to be part of this vibrant community and to lead this new restaurant,” said Donohue. “Our goal is to be much more than a place where people come to eat; we want to be an ally in the community, supporting local causes and creating a positive environment for our employees and customers.”

As part of its opening activities, Chick-fil-A reaffirms its social commitment with a significant $25,000 donation to Feeding America, the national organization working to combat hunger. This contribution will be specifically designated for the efforts of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, the local food bank affiliated with Feeding America, to strengthen food security in the region.

In addition to its renowned hospitality, Chick-fil-A has earned a reputation for offering relatively healthy alternatives to the fast-food world. The menu includes options such as grilled chicken sandwiches and nuggets, fresh salads, and sides such as fruit or green salads, allowing customers to enjoy a more balanced meal if they so desire.

The opening of the Morgan Hill restaurant marks an important step in the chain’s expansion in Northern California and is an opportunity for the community to experience firsthand Chick-fil-A’s focus on personalized service and commitment to social well-being.

With a combination of great food, job opportunities, and community support, Chick-fil-A’s arrival promises to leave a positive mark on Morgan Hill.

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Unprecedented ICE arrests inside San Francisco courthouse spark backlash from immigration lawyers

by El Reportero wire services

Immigration attorneys in San Francisco are expressing deep concern following a series of rare and controversial arrests carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inside a federal courthouse Tuesday.

At least two individuals were taken into custody by plainclothes ICE agents at the San Francisco federal building. According to a reporter from NBC Bay Area who witnessed the incident, one of the arrests occurred as a Spanish-speaking man exited a courtroom on the fourth floor. Four agents—who did not identify themselves or their agency affiliation—suddenly approached and detained him. The specific grounds for the arrest remain unclear.

Both individuals were later transported from the scene in a Department of Homeland Security vehicle.

In a statement obtained by NBC Bay Area, DHS defended the arrests, stating, “Secretary [Kristi] Noem is ending the previous administration’s catch-and-release policy, which allowed large numbers of undocumented immigrants to remain in the country without proper vetting. This administration is reinstating enforcement of immigration law. If the individuals have a legitimate credible fear claim, they will proceed through the legal process; otherwise, they may face expedited removal.”

Legal advocates present at the courthouse described the arrests as extraordinary and deeply troubling. Immigration attorneys noted that courthouse enforcement actions are generally avoided, especially in locations where individuals are actively engaged in immigration proceedings and awaiting judicial outcomes.

NBC Bay Area’s Michael Bott reported seeing similar plainclothes ICE agents at the courthouse the previous week, which has heightened concern among the legal community.

“Attorneys tell us that immigration courts have historically been considered off-limits for enforcement actions, under the understanding that those appearing have open cases and are not subject to arrest unless a removal order is finalized,” Bott explained.

Separately, KPIX reported last week that immigrant advocacy organizations are raising red flags over what appears to be a growing ICE presence at immigration courts across Northern California. Similar enforcement activity was reportedly observed at federal courthouses in Concord, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

Let me know if you’d like this rewritten in a different style—like more formal, journalistic, or even opinionated. With reports by SFiST

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Holy Christ of Miracles Parade and Celebration

by Magdy Zara

The fifth week after Easter, the most important religious festival in the Azores and the second most important in Portugal takes place. This is why the Portuguese community of San Mateo County, United States, holds the Holy Christ Procession during Pentecost.

The Holy Christ Society of San Mateo County of the Archdiocese of San Francisco organizes this celebration every year.

The schedule is as follows:

8:45 a.m. – Parade formation at Holy Christ Hall.

9:00 a.m. – Parade start and transfer to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church.

10:00 a.m. – Mass at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, presided over by Reverend Father Andrew MBinkar Berinyuy.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch.

2:00 p.m. Mar Bravo Dancers.

2:30-7:00 p.m. Auction, dancing, and much more.

The procession will be this Sunday, May 25th, with the headquarters of the Holy Christ Society of San Mateo County, located at 41 Oak Avenue, South San Francisco.

Music on the Square 2025 Season Kicks Off

For three months, the Music on the Square series returns every Friday, as it has for 19 consecutive years, with great music.

This is the perfect excuse to share with friends and the whole family, to enjoy and spend a different and unforgettable summer.

As always, the program is very varied, from rock, reggae, and funk to Latin music, soul, and everything in between. This year it will kick off with an electrifying Santana Tribute Carnival.

The meeting place will be Music on the Square in downtown Redwood City, from 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday from May 30th to August 29th.

For more information, visit https://www.redwoodcity.org/musiconthesquare

9th Annual Latinas in Tech Summit

Latinas in Tech Summit, the largest annual event for Latinas in the tech world, is now in its 9th year, and this year aims to empower attendees to thrive in the ever-changing technology landscape.

With more than 1,500 attendees, over 80 speakers, and three days of immersive programming, the Summit fosters innovative career paths, transformative connections, and meaningful conversations that shape the future of technology.

According to Nikki Barua, Interim Executive Director of Latinas in Tech, 40% of global jobs will be impacted by AI. However, women adopt AI tools at a rate 25% lower than men, so it is urgent to see how we can ensure that women, especially Latinas, are not left behind.

To register online and access agenda information or learn more about Latinas in Tech Summit 2025, please visit https://latinasintechsummit.org.

The Latinas in Tech Summit will take place from May 28-30 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, located at 333 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco.

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The Augustinians in Mexico: Five Centuries of Faith, Mission, and Resistance

The Temple of San Agustín in Mexico City's Historic Center originally housed an Augustinian convent and school before becoming the headquarters of the National Library. © Wikipedia. -- Los agustinos en México: cinco siglos de fe, misión y resistencia

by the El Reportero staff

Did you know that the new Pope, Leo XIV, belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine? This fact has generated renewed interest in this religious community, which has had a profound impact on the spiritual and cultural history of Mexico. Below, we explore who the Augustinians are, how they arrived in our country, and what their legacy has been.

Medieval Roots of the Order of Saint Augustine

The history of this order dates back to the Middle Ages, in the Italian region of Umbria, where hermits such as Stephen of Cataste, Hugh of Corbaria, Guido of Rosia, and Peter of Lupocavo sought to unify their religious life under the rule of Saint Augustine of Hippo. In 1243, they petitioned Pope Innocent IV to consolidate the order, which was formalized in 1244. Since then, the Augustinians have followed an ideal centered on evangelical poverty, community life, and Christ-centered interiority.

Along with Franciscans and Dominicans, the Augustinians played a decisive role in the evangelization of 13th and 14th-century Europe. They confronted movements considered heretical, such as the Cathars, whose dualistic spirituality opposed the principles of the Church.

Arrival of the Augustinians in New Spain

In May 1533, the first Augustinian friars arrived in New Spain, just twelve years after the conquest of Tenochtitlan. Their arrival, documented in sources such as México Desconocido, marked the beginning of a profound evangelizing mission. Although the Crown intended for them to head toward Central America, they founded a convent in Mexico City, defying the mandate of the Royal Audience.

The pioneer friars were Juan de San Román, Francisco de la Cruz, Alonso de Borja, Agustín de la Coruña, Jorge de Ávila, and Juan de Oceguera. Faithful to their rule, they practiced prayer, retreat, and meditation. From there, they expanded to regions such as Morelos, Puebla, Guerrero, Michoacán, Hidalgo, and the south of the capital, where they consolidated a lasting spiritual presence.

A mission that encompasses education and culture

The Augustinian legacy is not limited to the religious sphere. One of their greatest contributions was their emphasis on the education of indigenous peoples. As this article highlights, the Augustinians founded schools, libraries, and training centers where trades, literacy, arithmetic, and singing were taught. This comprehensive approach made the order a pillar of intellectual development in the viceroyalty. Historical Challenges and Resilience

After Mexico’s independence in 1821, the order continued operating until the Reform laws, particularly the 1857 Constitution, affected its property and freedom of action. Later, during the Porfiriato, they achieved some recovery, but revolutionary conflicts and the Cristero War (1926-1929) weakened the community again.

The Augustinian present in Mexico

Today, the Order of Saint Augustine remains present in parishes, missionary centers, and schools. Its charism, centered on communion and service, continues to be a spiritual beacon for many people. Despite historical changes, its vocation remains firm: to be a community of interiority, dedication, and pastoral accompaniment.

With an Augustinian pope on the throne of Saint Peter, the order receives new attention, and with it, recognition of centuries of commitment to faith and knowledge.

With reports from México Desconocido.

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 “It’s not my fault”: Oakland Chinatown businesses fight city fines for repeated graffiti vandalism

Screenshot

by Danielle Antosz

Shop owners in Oakland’s Chinatown are fed up with vandals who repeatedly graffiti their stores and with city officials who keep fining them for it. It’s a never-ending cycle: the walls are spray-painted and employees paint over it, only for the tags to reappear.

But the city doesn’t seem to be going after the taggers. Instead, it’s penalizing the victims of the crime — the businesses themselves.

“We cannot control [it]. We clean up and they come again. So many times, but the city — I don’t know why they are charging me money,” Shirley Luo, manager of Won Kee Supermarket, told ABC7 News Bay Area in a story published April 9. “It’s not my fault. Not our fault.”

A day earlier, Luo tried to pay a recent $500 fine — but the city told her she actually owed $3,000, including late fees, according to the local broadcaster.

Locals are fighting back

Luo’s story isn’t unique. Businesses across the city’s Chinatown say they’re receiving thousands of dollars in fines for not painting over graffiti fast enough.

“We close at 4 o’clock when we go home, and we cannot watch people do things like that. We can’t. So, the city has to help,” Susan Lam, another local business owner, told ABC7 News.

In an effort to help tackle the problem, the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC) set up a program to paint over tags it spotted last August, per the broadcaster. It had little success, but the group isn’t giving up.

“We are going to continue to go over the taggers and continue to put murals on until we get to a point where we have made significant improvement,” Tony Trinh, the council’s executive director, told ABC7 News.

Businesses also want city officials to take action.

What are business owners asking for?

Shop owners want the city to shift its focus from fining property owners to penalizing vandals.

“The city should go after the taggers. Like they did in Seattle,” Stewart Chen, president of the OCIC board of directors. “I won’t say prison or incarceration but at least a fine, so they know there are consequences to their actions. If they just let them come and tag us and leave without any consequences, of course they will come back.”

Seattle has reportedly spent millions of dollars to control its graffiti problem and employs around 15 full-time employees for removal. The city also aims to hold vandals accountable.

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon echoed the Oakland business community’s frustration and told ABC7 News she’s hopeful newly elected mayor Barbara Lee will do “everything possible to address this policy and others that continue to trouble our business owners. We’ve got to do everything possible to keep businesses stable, to make sure that they are safe and that they can afford to do business in Oakland.”

Back at Won Kee Supermarket, Luo says the city’s current approach isn’t just frustrating — it’s unjust.

“Touch my money. Touch the owner’s money, [it’s] not fair,” she said.

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Trump has a huge opportunity to resolve the crises in the Middle East

Syrian President al-Sharaa meets with U.S. President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh -- El presidente sirio Al-Sharaa se reúne con el presidente estadounidense Trump y el príncipe heredero saudí Mohammed Bin Salman en Riad.

While Trump has set the stage for astonishing geopolitical success in the Middle East, he’s still got to follow through

by Andrew Day

Google “crisis” and you’ll get this definition: “a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.”

That’s not a bad description of the present moment in the Middle East. When President Donald Trump lands in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a four-day tour of the Gulf, he’ll encounter a region in turmoil and grave danger—a region in crisis. But let’s be honest: When in living memory has the Middle East not been?

Still, the etymology of “crisis” points to an equally valid, and much more hopeful, view of the region. The word comes from the Greek krisis and has carried through history parts of its earlier meaning as a turning point, for better or worse, in the progression of a disease.

In politics, a crisis is a statesman’s best chance to seize the opportunity and achieve glory, as Machiavelli would put it. “Never let a good crisis go to waste,” Winston Churchill is purported to have said.

Trump’s moves ahead of his big trip suggest he sees this Mideast moment more as a turning point—and an opportunity—than a time of extreme peril. If Trump accomplishes in the region what he seems intent on doing, then his actions might also be seen as an historic pivot in American politics.

The president wants to avoid a war with Iran and end the one in Gaza. He wants to remove troops and sanctions from Syria. He wants to strike a trillion dollars’ worth of deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. More generally, he wants to put the lid back on a region that exploded under Joe Biden.

What’s notable about each of these goals is that Trump, in pursuing them, is acting over the heads—and against the wishes—of Israeli political leadership. In normal times, Israel holds veto rights over America’s Middle East policy, and some Israeli officials still believe that to be the case, but these are far from normal times, and Trump is far from being a normal U.S. president. Tensions are rising between America and Israel thanks to Trump’s newfound willingness to put some daylight between the two nations, which is why the Jewish state didn’t make the cut on this week’s presidential itinerary.

The latest major example of the growing U.S.-Israel divide: Trump’s team negotiated directly with Hamas, breaking from U.S. diplomatic custom, to get an American hostage released from Gaza. Before that, the White House reached a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the Yemeni Houthis—despite the group’s continued strikes targeting Israel. And Trump’s openness to letting Iran continue uranium enrichment under a nuclear deal has rankled Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden gave Bibi a warm embrace; Trump is giving him the cold shoulder.

And Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is putting Bibi on notice. Recently, he told the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas that their government’s refusal to end the war in Gaza was delaying the release of their loved ones. “Israel is prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made,” Witkoff said.

In Israel, Trump is more popular than Netanyahu, and getting a hostage deal is more popular than continuing the war. So Witkoff’s provocative intervention in Israeli domestic politics endangers the prime minister’s standing. Many analysts believe that Bibi sees Israel’s war in Gaza—and its antagonisms in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran—as key to political survival. If so, then Netanyahu’s extremist government is behaving like a glorified protection racket, provoking adversaries and escalating conflicts so that “Mr. Security,” as Bibi is known, can defend the nation from threats he’s helped inflame.

The emerging possibility that Washington could reduce or cease support for Israel if Jerusalem refuses to halt the war in Gaza seems to be altering Bibi’s political calculus. That wasn’t immediately apparent. Over the weekend, rumors surfaced that Netanyahu told security officials, “I think we’ll have to detox from U.S. security assistance.” As I noted on X, the alleged comment suggested that Bibi, when given the choice between sustaining the war in Gaza and sustaining American support, had chosen the former—revealing how divorced the Israeli premier’s political interests had become from his country’s national interests.

But on Monday, Axios reported that Netanyahu, after a meeting with Witkoff, had agreed to dispatch negotiators to Qatar to resume ceasefire talks. Reacting to the news, Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute wrote on X that Trump, unlike Biden, “used American leverage and Netanyahu caved,” and that “Trump must now sustain that pressure.”

Whether Trump will indeed sustain the pressure isn’t clear. In part that’s because U.S. politicians who take on Israel face pushback from the Israel lobby—a fact that MAGA conservatives are increasingly willing to point out. As Florida’s former Rep. Matt Gaetz noted during a recent podcast interview, “If you oppose the U.S.-Israel relationship, you face tremendous headwinds to get into government.”  You also face tremendous headwinds once in government.

But there’s reason to think Trump can overcome this most formidable of political obstacles.

No U.S. president in modern times has personalized international relations to the extent Trump has. Trump’s personalistic approach to world affairs means he has a direct interest in preventing foreign leaders from getting an upper hand on him. While past presidents like Biden grumbled in private about Netanyahu’s intransigence even while publicly backing him, Trump is inclined to want his power over Netanyahu—and by extension, America’s power over Israel—to be on full display.

Trump has a more standard political motivation to stop the Gaza war: If he succeeded, his popularity, not just in the United States but around the world, would rise. Americans have soured on Israel in recent years and increasingly don’t want their government to fund the horror show in Gaza. Incredibly, a majority of Americans now express an unfavorable opinion of the country, according to a Pew report published in April. Trump would be acting in line with the preferences of the nation he leads if he convinced Netanyahu to cease fire.

He’d also be acting in line with the preferences of other nations, including Western ones with governments that back Israel. Germany, for example, has been a major funder of the Gaza war and has cracked down on speech criticizing the Jewish state—yet a new survey shows that only 36 percent of Germans have a positive view of Israel. If Trump can end the bloodshed in Gaza, he’ll not only improve America’s reputation in Muslim countries, but boost his own image in western Europe, where he is deeply unpopular.

Back in America, liberal journalists and progressive politicos have noticed Trump’s tough treatment of Netanyahu. “It’s really something to watch Trump handle Netanyahu more effectively than alleged foreign policy expert Joe Biden did,” wrote Matt Duss, former advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), on X. Tom Friedman of the New York Times, in a recent column, penned an open letter to Trump praising him for bucking Bibi. “Netanyahu is not our friend,” Friedman wrote. “He did think he could make you his chump, though.”

Of course, while Trump has set the stage for astonishing geopolitical success, he’s still got to follow through. The longtime golfer has also got to hit the ball right down the middle, lest the Middle East become a sand trap for his second administration. Moreover, he’s got to act fast. The Israeli government seeks ethnic cleansing in Gaza—Netanyahu all but admitted this weekend that any other professed war aim is a “bluff”—and it plans to conquer and flatten the strip after Trump wraps up his tour of the Gulf later this week.

During his trip, Trump should make unambiguously clear that America will no longer write a blank check to Israel and that the Gaza war must be resolved in a stable and humane fashion. Rumor has it he may even declare U.S. recognition of the state of Palestine. But Israel would go to great lengths to prevent Palestinian self-determination. If Trump can at least get a ceasefire, he will have gone a long way toward breaking Israel’s hold on American politics, thereby freeing himself to rack up more diplomatic wins, including a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran.

He will also have shown that the Middle East needn’t be a region in crisis—unless that word means an opportunity for U.S. diplomacy to build a more peaceful and prosperous world, and for a U.S. president to cover himself in glory.

Reprinted with permission from The American Conservative.

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Interior minister invites pope to Mexico at first Mass in Vatican

by the El Reportero wire services

On Sunday, following his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Mexico’s Interior Minister, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Mexico on behalf of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The Mass saw the attendance of heads of state from around the world, as well as official delegations from numerous countries.

“From St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to President Claudia Sheinbaum and the people of Mexico,” Rodríguez wrote on her official X account, along with a video that shows her greeting the pope and gifting him an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Sheinbaum had announced her intention to invite the pope to Mexico ahead of Rodríguez’s trip to the Vatican.

“The Interior Minister will go [to the Vatican], where we will deliver a letter to the Vatican. If she can see him [the pope] in person, that’s perfect. If not, a letter will still be delivered inviting him to come to Mexico on a date he deems appropriate,” Sheinbaum said on May 12.

Speaking from the Vatican, Rodríguez highlighted the similarities in attitudes “towards the poor” of the new pope and Mexico’s current administration. She recognized Pope Leo XIV’s social work, his commitment to supporting migrants and his closeness to the Indigenous peoples of Latin America.

Rodríguez also celebrated the bond between Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis. She predicted “there will be continuity in the message of unity in favor of the marginalized, migrants and those who most need support in the world,” Rodríguez said. “Leo XIV will also be a pope who will become a friend of the people of Mexico.”

Cardinal Robert Prevost, from the United States, was elected pope under the name of Leo XIV on May 8. Two Mexican cardinals participated in the conclave that elected the new Pope: the Archbishop of Guadalajara, Francisco Robles, and the Archbishop Primate of Mexico, Carlos Aguiar.

Mexico has the second-largest Catholic community in the world, with roughly 111 million Catholics. According to a recent survey by the newspaper El Financiero, 69 percent of Catholics in Mexico have a positive opinion of Pope Leo XIV.

With reports from La Jornada and EFE.

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