International
Unknown assassin murders photojournalist in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
November 17 |
The Chihuahua state prosecutor’s office confirmed on Thursday the murder of photojournalist Ismael Villagómez Tapia, who worked as a photojournalist for the newspaper El Heraldo de Juárez and at night worked as a cab driver for the app.
According to statements by some colleagues on social networks, “Tiger”, as Villagómez was nicknamed, was left lifeless at the wheel of the unit and was executed by unknown gunmen. Initially, it was reported that Villagómez had been shot in the left side, neck and head.
Hermann Adrián Pérez Rico, regional coordinator of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Crimes Against Life Unit, specified that the alerts reached the officers of the State Investigation Agency, as the inhabitants of the area heard about 10 gunshots and reported it to the local police shortly before two o’clock in the morning.
Several colleagues and people close to the photojournalist condemned the murder on social networks and demanded the Mexican government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to bring justice in this new case that exposes the environment of insecurity faced by journalists.
Reporter Luis Cardona, who had ties of friendship with the victim, wrote on the social network X: “A friend of mine for many years, loved by the entire profession in Ciudad Juarez, was murdered early this morning aboard his car in the Francisco Sarabia neighborhood,” he said.
“We demand that the authorities carry out immediate investigations to clarify the facts and find those responsible”, demanded the civil association Propuesta Cívica, defender of freedom of expression.
The Municipal Public Security Department immediately went to the scene and confirmed the death of the photojournalist, whose body was found in the driver’s seat.
Throughout his career Villagómez Tapia also worked for Periódico Norte and an evening newspaper in the city of Nogales, Sonora.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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