Texas Checkpoint Border Inspections Waltz Away

If you've ever thought that news was a dry, predictable affair, you've clearly never been introduced to the Mexican headlines. From international diplomacy to the weird and wacky, Mexico's news packs a punch. Here's the latest stories from south of the border.

Texas DPS Throws in the Towel

Imagine you're a checkpoint attendant on the border between Mexico and Texas. For the past year, you've been doing your best checking and re-checking export goods for a host of reasons. But then, one fine day, you wake up and decide, “Hey, I'm tired.” Well, that's precisely what happened at the border of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Texas DPS decided to lift the checkpoints, much to the delight of cargo transportation bigwig, Manuel Sotelo. Now, export goods can shimmy and shake their way into Texas with ease.

Morena and Allies Take a Swing

Trusts are a bit like that mysterious box you find in your grandparent's attic. You don't know what's in there, but it's probably valuable, right? Not according to Morena and its allies in the Chamber of Deputies. They decided to pop open 13 trusts of the Federal Judiciary, worth a cool 15 billion pesos. The opposition cried foul, calling it an “illegality” and a “confiscation.” Looks like someone's been reading up on their history lessons—shades of Teddy Roosevelt and the trust-busting era.

The Great 9 Trillion Pesos Debate

The Federal Income Law for 2024 was up for discussion, and oh boy, was it a showdown! Morena and its buddies stood firm, defending their 9 trillion 66 thousand 45 million peso estimation. The opposition, however, threw a spanner in the works, claiming it was all just a grand overestimation. If only we could all estimate our bank accounts so liberally.

Maduro's Party in Palenque

Guess who's coming to dinner? None other than Venezuela's President, Nicolás Maduro, is attending a “Meeting for a fraternal neighborhood with well-being” in Palenque, Chiapas. It's not your average neighborhood gathering, but the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seems pretty pleased with the results.

Mexico Shuts Down its State News Agency

Well, it looks like the Mexican State News Agency, Notimex, is getting the ax. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador says it's time to bid farewell to the state-run news source. He's even got a plan for the 89 unionized workers who've been on strike for eons. They'll be handled by the “Institute to Return to the People what was Stolen.” It's like a government garage sale but for news agencies.

Spanish Company Iberdrola Gets a Reprieve

Remember that pesky 9,145 million peso fine imposed on Spanish company Iberdrola by the Energy Regulatory Commission? Well, a federal court said, “Not so fast!” The court confirmed the suspension, much to the chagrin of President López Obrador, who even threatened to investigate the judge who granted it.

Thirsty Times in the Valley of Mexico

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink—or at least, not enough. The Cutzamala System is suffering its worst drought since 1996, and 25% of the Valley of Mexico's population is feeling the pinch. Twelve mayoralties in Mexico City and 11 municipalities in the State of Mexico are in the water-weary boat. It's like a Mexican desert oasis, but without the oasis part.

Mexico Considers a 40-Hour Workweek

Mexico is contemplating a reduced 40-hour workweek, down from 48. The catch? It's all about balancing those extra hours with a bit more time to relax. The proposed labor reform seeks to give workers at least two days of rest for every five days of work. Mexico's trying to shed its “workaholic” reputation, and we're all for it!

Cempasúchil Planting on the Rise

Mexico's famous Day of the Dead offerings are getting a floral upgrade. The planting of cempasúchil, the iconic flower that adorns altars and graves during this celebration, is expected to bloom to 2,448 hectares in 2023. It's like a Technicolor dream amidst the Day of the Dead's mystical traditions.

Crime, Conspiracies, and Cockfighting

Hidalgo's got a spicy story. Armed folks decided that they'd had enough of cockfighting and set a henhouse on fire with some intimidation to boot. And, just when you thought things couldn't get wilder, social leader Bruno Placido Valerio was executed in Chilpancingo. This week, Hidalgo's making headlines that are more “gangsta” than “green.”

Millions of Fentanyl Pills Intercepted

Sporadically, the truth is stranger than fiction. A truck-trailer filled with over 2.5 million fentanyl pills was intercepted in Sinaloa. It's a plot straight out of a crime thriller, and it's not even the wildest story this week.

Stormy Weather: Norma Brews Trouble

Finally, the weather in Mexico is getting in on the action. Tropical storm Norma's brewing up the tempest, bringing heavy rains and electric discharges to parts of the country. Let's hope Mother Nature doesn't make this wild week even wilder.

So, there you have it, Mexico's been dishing out headlines hotter than a jalapeño. From political intrigue to the usual crimes and reforms, it's clear that Mexico knows how to keep the news exciting. Stay tuned, you never know what the next day might bring.