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US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote

An electric car charges at a gas station in Union City. Electric cars are a key part of California's decades-long efforts to clean the air and combat climate change. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters. -- Un coche eléctrico se carga en una gasolinera de Union City. Los coches eléctricos son una parte fundamental de los esfuerzos que California lleva décadas realizando para purificar el aire y combatir el cambio climático. Foto de Loren Elliott para CalMatters.

Today’s decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and diesel trucks and its decades-long battle against air pollution. California plans to file suit, claiming an unlawful use of an act allowing Congress to review some regulations enacted by the previous administration

por Alejandro Lazo and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde – CalMatters

The U.S. Senate voted today to block California’s landmark mandate phasing out gas-powered cars, dealing a substantial blow to the state’s aggressive transition to electric vehicles.

The decision to revoke three waivers that the Biden administration granted to California could upend the state’s decades-long efforts and authority to clean up its air pollution — the worst in the nation — and reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Today’s move by the Senate — following a vote in the House last month — sets the stage for what is likely to become a high-stakes legal and political battle between California and the Trump administration.

Republicans in the Senate and some Democrats in the House who voted in favor of blocking California’s electric car mandate — along with two rules cleaning up diesel trucks — said they’re costly and impractical, and prevent consumers and businesses from making their own choices.

But Democrats in the Senate who voted against them, including California’s Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, said the tactic used by Senate Republicans is illegal and that the state’s mandate is vital to cleaning up polluted air.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has made the adoption of zero-emission cars and trucks a top priority, denounced the move by Congress, vowing that “zero-emission vehicles are here to stay.” Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a press briefing today that the state will file suit against the Trump administration.

“We won’t stand by as Trump Republicans make America smoggy again — undoing work that goes back to the days of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan — all while ceding our economic future to China. We’re going to fight this unconstitutional attack on California in court,” Newsom said in a statement this morning.

Under California’s mandate, 35 percent of new 2026 model cars sold in the state must be zero-emissions, ramping up to 68 percent in 2030 and 100 percent in 2035. It builds on decades of tightening emissions standards for cars sold in the state.

California officials may now have to rely, at least temporarily, on voluntary efforts to clean up cars and diesel trucks in order to meet federal health standards for smog and soot. For instance, state officials could offer financial incentives or rebates to persuade manufacturers to make electric cars and consumers to buy them. The state, however, faces a $12 billion deficit.

Culminating a late-night, marathon session on Wednesday, the Senate votes highlight the growing political division over electric vehicle and air pollution policy as concerns over cost, charging infrastructure and accessibility prevent many consumers from buying them, even in California, which leads the nation in sales.

For almost 60 years, California’s standards for vehicle emissions have been central to cleaning up its air, particularly in the smoggy Los Angeles basin and San Joaquin Valley. Vehicles are still the largest sources of smog-forming gases and fine particles of soot, which can cause respiratory disorders, heart attacks and other serious and deadly health problems.

Because of its highly polluted air and large population, Congress gave California the power to set its own, more stringent vehicle standards under the 1967 Clean Air Act. But before those standards can take effect, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must grant the state a waiver for each one.

Before today, over the past six decades, the EPA and Congress have never blocked any of California’s dozens of car and truck rules. Eleven other states and Washington, D.C. have already adopted a version of California’s electric car mandate, according to the Air Resources Board.

“This is a major blow to the decades-long public health protections delivered under the Clean Air Act,” said Will Barrett, the American Lung Association’s senior director for nationwide clean air advocacy. “It is more important than ever that California and all other states…continue to cut tailpipe pollution through homegrown, health-protective policies.”

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, of Wyoming, said Republicans reversed a highly unpopular move by the Biden administration.

“They were losers going out the door and they said ‘we’re coming after you — the American people — with our leftist dreams,’ ” Barrasso said. “This is a whole new meaning in California of fantasy land…America can’t meet these impossible standards, not next year, not in 10 years, and the American people don’t want to meet those standards.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, called California’s zero-emission standards for both cars and diesel trucks extreme and a threat to the economy. “I want to be clear, I have no problem with electric vehicles. Consumers should be able to purchase the vehicle of their choice, but I do have a big problem with electric vehicle mandates that replace the will of the consumer and the will of the government,” she said on the Senate floor on Wednesday night.

The Senators mostly voted along party lines. Fifty-one senators voted to rescind the electric car mandate waiver, while 44 voted against it.

“I wonder if any other member of this chamber grew up like I did, where on a pretty regular basis, we would be sent home from grade school because of the intensity and dangers of smog that settled over the San Fernando Valley, the city of Los Angeles,” Padilla said during a Senate session on Tuesday, ahead of the vote.

Schiff said on X Wednesday night that Senate Republicans are “doing the bidding of the oil industry” after Donald Trump promised to help them if they donated $1 billion to his campaign. He said it will mean “Californians and others will be breathing dirtier air, as will others around the country.”

The Senate also in a 51-45 vote today blocked California’s 2020 Advanced Clean Trucks rule, an unprecedented measure that requires manufacturers to meet ramped-up targets for zero-emission heavy and medium-duty trucks for 2024 through 2035. A third vote blocked a 2020 state regulation reducing nitrogen oxides — a key ingredient of smog — emitted by trucks and buses.

President Donald Trump has long opposed California’s unique authority to set its own limits on emissions from cars and trucks. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order that aimed to eliminate federal and state electric car regulations and subsidies and restore “consumer choice in vehicles.”

“Trump and his congressional allies have declared war on the environment and this is the first major legislative battle,” said Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Safe Climate Transport Campaign.

The Senate action follows an April 30 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives that shocked environmentalists because 35 Democrats joined Republicans to block California’s electric car mandate.

Included were two California House Democrats, both of whom represent districts in the smoggiest part of the state: Rep. Lou Correa of the 46th District in northern Orange County, and newly elected Rep. George Whitesides, from the 27th District in northern Los Angeles County.

“As Americans, we all want to do our part to protect the environment. As a lawmaker, my primary job is to listen to my neighbors and respect their choices to do what is best for their families and their circumstances. That means protecting consumers’ rights to drive whatever vehicle makes sense for them and their pocketbooks,” Correa said in an emailed statement.

California’s mandate has come under fire from auto dealerships and some car manufacturers. Sales of electric cars in the state have undergone a bumpy road.

About 23 percent of all new cars sold in California were zero emissions during the first three months of this year, compared to 25 percent for all of 2024 and 2023, mostly because of a drop in Tesla sales. Californians own 2.2 million zero-emission cars; about 150 models are now sold in the state, 40 percent more than a year ago, according to the California Energy Commission.

John Bozzella, CEO of an alliance of automakers, in a statement today welcomed the move by Congress, saying “these EV sales mandates were never achievable …especially in the coming years when the mandates get exponentially tougher.”

He added, “by the way, the problem really isn’t California. It’s the 11 states that adopted California’s rules without the same level of readiness for EV sales requirements of this magnitude…Again, the concerns were about the mandate – not the technology,” adding that the industry has spent billions developing and manufacturing electric cars.

The Biden administration’s EPA granted the waivers for California’s electric car mandate and nitrogen oxides truck rule late last year, and for the zero-emission truck rule in March 2023. Under the federal Clean Air Act, the EPA can only legally reject a waiver if it’s “arbitrary or capricious,” unnecessary for addressing air pollution or technologically infeasible due to inadequate lead time.

“Congress voted decades ago to allow California, with the nation’s most smog-choked cities, to adopt stronger vehicle air pollution standards,” Becker, a clean-air advocate, said. “This vote will set a dangerous precedent of overturning state law protecting tens of millions in California and 11 other states that have adopted its strong clean air protections.”

Bonta said the state will allege in its lawsuit that it is an unlawful use of the Congressional Review Act.

That law is meant to allow Congress under a new administration to revoke rules recently enacted by the previous administration. But it applies only to regulations, and experts say the waivers are not regulations so they cannot be revoked by Congress. In addition, the three waivers are already in effect, and the diesel truck one was issued more than two years ago, outside the time limits of the review act.

The U.S. Senate’s Parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office said Congress cannot review Clean Air Act waivers. The Senate voted to evade their Parliamentarian’s ruling in a 51-46 party line, procedural decision on Wednesday night.

UCLA law professor Ann Carlson said Congress is violating its longstanding practices. She called the decision “totally norm-busting.”

“We’re just in a completely new territory,” she said. Congress “seems to be willing to use a statute that doesn’t apply, which is highly unusual. We’ve never seen this before.”

Carlson said by using the Congressional Review Act, lawmakers are seeking to move fast —  bypassing the courts and a potential filibuster.

During the first Trump administration, California sued to reverse other actions that blocked air pollution regulations for cars.

Combined, the three regulations targeted by Congress are designed to eliminate tons of soot and gases from cars and diesel trucks that pollute California’s air by requiring manufacturers to switch to cleaner vehicle technologies.

The stakes are high: The state still has some of the worst air pollution in the country, and failure to meet federal health standards for smog and soot could trigger economic penalties, including the loss of highway funding. People in low-income communities of color are particularly exposed to the unhealthiest air.

California is also considered a leader on climate policy, and zero-emission trucks and cars are critical to meeting its targets to phase out nearly all fossil fuels to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2045, which are mandated by state law.

Congress’ repeal of the rules follows an earlier blow to California’s efforts to clean the air. Days before Trump’s inauguration, the state Air Resources Board abandoned two of its groundbreaking standards because Trump’s EPA was unlikely to grant waivers for them.

One of them would have amped up California’s earlier zero-emission truck rule by ending the sale of new diesel trucks in 2036 and requiring large companies to convert their fleets to electric or hydrogen models by 2042.

The other abandoned rule would have required railroads in California to transition new diesel locomotives to ones powered by electricity. Under that rule, only locomotives less than 23 years old could operate in California after 2030 unless they were zero emissions.

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Behind the curtain: How hidden forces are reshaping Latino communities

by the El Reportero staff

With reports by Catherine Austin Fitts

In a time of rising rent, shrinking wages, and increasing digital control, Latino communities across the United States are facing a subtle but coordinated squeeze. From economic marginalization to invasive surveillance, the forces shaping our lives are often hidden in budgets we don’t vote on and technologies we didn’t ask for. To understand what’s happening to our neighborhoods, our freedoms, and our futures, we must pull back the curtain on five converging trends—and follow the money.

Economic Pressure: A System Not Designed for Us

Despite being one of the most economically active demographics in the U.S., Latinos remain vulnerable to inflation, job insecurity, and debt traps. While headlines boast about stock market gains and economic growth, the lived experience in many working-class barrios tells another story. Wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Food and utility costs soar. And most of the financial “booms” of the last decade—tech stocks, crypto, and AI startups—have benefited elites, not everyday laborers.

According to Catherine Austin Fitts, this disparity is no accident. It reflects a system increasingly structured to siphon value from the bottom and consolidate it at the top. From Wall Street to Washington, financial mechanisms are being used not to empower local economies but to extract from them. And communities of color, often left out of decision-making rooms, bear the brunt.

Surveillance and Digital Control: The New Chains

Technology was supposed to liberate us. Instead, it’s being weaponized to monitor and control. From street cameras in urban areas to AI-driven “predictive policing,” Latino communities are subject to disproportionate surveillance. Even financial behavior is now tracked, as cashless payment systems and digital ID initiatives gain momentum.

Austin Fitts warns that the future of finance is not just about convenience but control. With central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on the horizon, governments could gain the power to restrict how and where people spend money. If your spending habits don’t align with official narratives, your digital wallet could be disabled or limited. Such tools, she argues, will not be applied evenly—they will target the politically powerless first.

This raises urgent questions about liberty. What happens when the very tools we use to participate in the economy are turned into levers of compliance?

Public Finance Corruption: Budgets We Never See

Trillions of dollars move through government budgets each year—but how much do we really know about where they go? In her research, Fitts has documented massive discrepancies in Pentagon accounting and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) expenditures. The money, she says, often disappears into “black budgets” with little oversight.

For Latino communities—many of which rely on public services for housing, healthcare, and education—this kind of financial opacity is more than a policy issue. It’s a betrayal. We are told there isn’t enough money for teachers, clinics, or clean water, even as billions are funneled to defense contractors, data surveillance firms, and speculative real estate ventures.

If these funds were instead invested in local infrastructure and empowerment, the results could be transformative. But without accountability, the flow of public dollars continues to favor the few over the many.

Housing: The American Dream, For Sale to the Highest Bidder

Perhaps nowhere is the impact of financial centralization more visible than in housing. Real estate is no longer just a place to live—it’s an asset class for hedge funds, pension funds, and multinational investors.

In major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami—home to large Latino populations—entire neighborhoods are being bought up, renovated, and re-rented at rates working families can’t afford. Evictions and displacement follow.

Austin Fitts connects this to the broader “financialization” of life: assets once rooted in community, like homes and land, are now turned into speculative instruments. The result is not just higher prices but the erosion of cultural fabric and communal stability. We are witnessing the quiet dissolution of Latino enclaves, replaced not by revitalization, but by profit extraction.

Government Overreach: The Loss of Local Power

Underlying all these trends is a dangerous consolidation of authority. Local governance is increasingly sidelined by federal mandates, international banking interests, and unaccountable technocratic agencies. From education policies to energy regulations, decisions are being made without input from the communities they affect most.

This top-down approach undermines the principle of subsidiarity—that decisions should be made as close as possible to the people. It also facilitates manipulation. As Austin Fitts has pointed out, the centralization of financial systems, surveillance tools, and political authority sets the stage for systemic abuse.

Whether through economic coercion or digital tracking, control is shifting from families and neighborhoods to opaque institutions with little regard for cultural diversity or human dignity.

What Can Be Done?

Awareness is the first step. We must insist on transparency—in public spending, digital infrastructure, and housing development. We must support local economies, credit unions, and food systems that prioritize resilience over speculation.

And above all, we must recognize that our communities are not just economic units but sacred networks of trust, memory, and cooperation. Preserving them requires vigilance, courage, and the willingness to question narratives handed down from above.

The future is being built now. If we don’t claim it, someone else will—on our backs.

With reports by Catherine Austin Fitts

 

 

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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

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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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