Hundreds of women marched through Mexico's capital on Monday to demand nationwide legalization of abortion, which leaded to clashes with police who blocked their way.

Mexican police clash with pro-abortion protesters

Distance learning imposed by the pandemic has represented a challenge for authorities and educational institutions but also for students who, since they do not have their own computer equipment, struggle to be able to follow up on their courses and carry out the assigned tasks for their teachers. Aware of this problem and the imbalance that exists in terms of access to computer equipment, a group of Mexican students opened a Facebook page ''Laptops con causa'' (Laptops with a cause) where people interested in donating a laptop fill out a form, as well as those interested in receiving one.

NGO donates laptops for homeschooled Mexican students

A clever trick by a Mexican politician did not end well as she was caught after she tried to skip a Congress session via Zoom call through her photograph.&nbsp;

Mexico City congresswoman Valentina Batres Guadarrama sneaked out of the virtual meeting by placing a photo herself which gave an impression that she is present in the session by using the video-conferencing app's background feature.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Diputada <a href="https://twitter.com/valentinabtg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valentinabtg</a>: y yo pensando que usted le estaba poniendo mucha atención a mi discurso, cuando me di cuenta que esa mirada atenta era una fotografía. 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/AqjsMD9HBo">pic.twitter.com/AqjsMD9HBo</a>
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However, just moments before the move's completion, it was caught on camera when Guadarrama removed the photograph and arrived into the session.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-to-create-100-millionaires-with-presidential-jet-raffle-327830#:~:text=Mexico's%20national%20lottery%20is%20set,excesses%20condoned%20by%20its%20predecessors.">Mexico to create 100 millionaires with presidential jet 'raffle'</a>

Mexican lawyer Jorge Gaviño Ambriz shared the video, saying that he thought she is "paying a lot of attention" to his speech, but later found that "attentive look" was a photograph.&nbsp;

The video shared by the lawyer has gone viral as it generated over 67,000 views and was retweeted and liked by many people.&nbsp;

However, the congresswoman denied all the accusations and in a statement on Tuesday said that her "lack of knowldege" of digital tools was the reason behing the mistake.

"I put up a wallpaper that showed my frozen image. I stopped for a second to request technical help at home," she added.&nbsp;

A clever trick by a Mexican politician did not end well as she was caught after she tried to skip a Congress session via Zoom call through her photograph. Mexico City congresswoman Valentina Batres Guadarrama sneaked out of the virtual meeting by placing a photo herself which gave an impression that she is present in the session by using the video-conferencing app's background feature.

A clever trick by a Mexican politician did not end well as she was caught after she tried to skip a Congress session via Zoom call through her photograph. Mexico City congresswoman Valentina Batres Guadarrama sneaked out of the virtual meeting by placing a photo herself which gave an impression that she is present in the session by using the video-conferencing app's background feature. Watch | Diputada @valentinabtg: y yo pensando que usted le estaba poniendo mucha atención a mi discurso, cuando me di cuenta que esa mirada atenta era una fotografía. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/AqjsMD9HBo — Jorge Gaviño (@jorgegavino) September 19, 2020 × However, just moments before the move's completion, it was caught on camera when Guadarrama removed the photograph and arrived into the session. Also read | Mexico to create 100 millionaires with presidential jet 'raffle' Mexican lawyer Jorge Gaviño Ambriz shared the video, saying that he thought she is "paying a lot of attention" to his speech, but later found that "attentive look" was a photograph. The video shared by the lawyer has gone viral as it generated over 67,000 views and was retweeted and liked by many people. However, the congresswoman denied all the accusations and in a statement on Tuesday said that her "lack of knowldege" of digital tools was the reason behing the mistake. "I put up a wallpaper that showed my frozen image. I stopped for a second to request technical help at home," she added.

Watch: Mexican politician caught on camera after she attempts fleeing Zoom meet by placing photograph

In a reason not known so far, at least 137 sea lions were found dead on a beach in Mexico.

Mexican environmental protection officials have said that the deceased lions have not shown any injuries of having stuck in fishing nets or lines, reported Sky News.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humans-behind-96-mammal-extinctions-over-126000-years-study-326086">Humans behind 96% mammal extinctions over 126,000 years: Study</a>

Marks that are present after they get collide with boats were also not found.&nbsp;

The above-mentioned causes are the common ones behind the death of sea lions.&nbsp;

The dead lions were found along an 80 mile (130km) stretch of Comondu coast in Baja California Sur state.

Due to a threat of extinction, California sea lions are granted protection in Mexico.&nbsp;

In a reason not known so far, at least 137 sea lions were found dead on a beach in Mexico. Mexican environmental protection officials have said that the deceased lions have not shown any injuries of having stuck in fishing nets or lines, reported Sky News.

In a reason not known so far, at least 137 sea lions were found dead on a beach in Mexico. Mexican environmental protection officials have said that the deceased lions have not shown any injuries of having stuck in fishing nets or lines, reported Sky News. Also read | Humans behind 96% mammal extinctions over 126,000 years: Study Marks that are present after they get collide with boats were also not found. The above-mentioned causes are the common ones behind the death of sea lions. The dead lions were found along an 80 mile (130km) stretch of Comondu coast in Baja California Sur state. Due to a threat of extinction, California sea lions are granted protection in Mexico.

Mystery over death of 137 sea lions continues in Mexico

Farmers clashed with members of the Mexican National Guard during a protest against the decision of the Mexican government to divert water from La Boquilla dam to the US. Two people died during the clash.

2 people killed in clash over diversion of La Boquilla dam's water to US

The confirmed coronavirus death toll in Mexico on Friday topped 70,000 after the government reported more than 500 new deaths, a grim milestone for a country among those most affected by the pandemic.

Making matters worse, excess mortality data from mid-March through early August indicates that the total number of deaths beyond the official count is likely tens of thousands higher.

Health officials late on Friday reported 534 new deaths linked to the virus, bringing the total to 70,183. Another 5,935 cases bring the total to 658,299.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifth-journalist-found-dead-in-violence-filled-mexico-326437">Also read:&nbsp;Fifth journalist found dead in violence-filled Mexico</a>

The spread of the virus has ravaged an already ailing economy, which is now seen contracting by up to 13% this year, the deepest recession since the 1930s-era Great Depression.

Based on official data, Mexico is the nation with the fourth highest number of deaths globally, and the 13th highest on a per capita basis, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-mexicos-corruption-scandal-that-involves-three-former-presidents-322000">Also read:&nbsp;Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents</a>

But earlier this month, the health ministry said it recorded more than 120,000 "extra" deaths from mid-March through August 1. The measure compares mortality figures this year with a four-year average from 2015 to 2018.

Brazil remains No. 1 in Latin America, the region with the most infections globally, for both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. It has posted a total of 4.2 million infections and more than 128,000 deaths so far.

In a sliver of good news, the rate of new cases in Peru, Colombia and Mexico has fallen slightly in recent weeks. 
Overall, more than 900,000 people have died worldwide from the pandemic, with the deadliest outbreaks in the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico.

The confirmed coronavirus death toll in Mexico on Friday topped 70,000 after the government reported more than 500 new deaths, a grim milestone for a country among those most affected by the pandemic.

The confirmed coronavirus death toll in Mexico on Friday topped 70,000 after the government reported more than 500 new deaths, a grim milestone for a country among those most affected by the pandemic. Making matters worse, excess mortality data from mid-March through early August indicates that the total number of deaths beyond the official count is likely tens of thousands higher. Health officials late on Friday reported 534 new deaths linked to the virus, bringing the total to 70,183. Another 5,935 cases bring the total to 658,299. Also read: Fifth journalist found dead in violence-filled Mexico The spread of the virus has ravaged an already ailing economy, which is now seen contracting by up to 13% this year, the deepest recession since the 1930s-era Great Depression. Based on official data, Mexico is the nation with the fourth highest number of deaths globally, and the 13th highest on a per capita basis, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Also read: Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents But earlier this month, the health ministry said it recorded more than 120,000 "extra" deaths from mid-March through August 1. The measure compares mortality figures this year with a four-year average from 2015 to 2018. Brazil remains No. 1 in Latin America, the region with the most infections globally, for both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. It has posted a total of 4.2 million infections and more than 128,000 deaths so far. In a sliver of good news, the rate of new cases in Peru, Colombia and Mexico has fallen slightly in recent weeks. Overall, more than 900,000 people have died worldwide from the pandemic, with the deadliest outbreaks in the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico.

Mexico tops 70,000 official COVID-19 deaths, but toll likely far higher

Mexico said Friday it has banned a foreign woman from re-entering the country after she was caught on video calling a woman in Mexico City a "horrible Indian"

The foreign woman was apparently angry at one of her Mexican neighbors over tree-trimming on their street, and at one point calls her the Spanish phrase "India horrible," an insulting way to refer to Indigenous or dark-skinned people.

The National Migration Institute said that the foreigner caught a flight out of Mexico after the incident earlier this week and that she would be prohibited from returning.

The agency did not identify the woman or her nationality, but she is heard on the video speaking with a strong Argentine accent and after the incident the Argentine Embassy posted a statement condemning the incident.

The embassy wrote on its Facebook page, "Regarding the events made public yesterday involving people who are apparently Argentine citizens, the country's Embassy in Mexico rejects and condemns any expression of discrimination and/or gender violence." It was unclear why ethnicity came up at all.

The incident took place in Mexico City's upscale Hip?dromo-Condesa neighborhood, where few Indigenous people can afford to live. Most Mexicans have some Indigenous ancestry and are often darker-skinned than Argentines, whose ancestors were often immigrants from Europe.

There have been complaints in the past among Mexicans that lighter-skinned Argentines are arrogant or get preferential treatment in Mexico.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mexico said Friday it has banned a foreign woman from re-entering the country after she was caught on video calling a woman in Mexico City a "horrible Indian" The foreign woman was apparently angry at one of her Mexican neighbors over tree-trimming on their street, and at one point calls her the Spanish phrase "India horrible," an insulting way to refer to Indigenous or dark-skinned people.

Mexico said Friday it has banned a foreign woman from re-entering the country after she was caught on video calling a woman in Mexico City a "horrible Indian" The foreign woman was apparently angry at one of her Mexican neighbors over tree-trimming on their street, and at one point calls her the Spanish phrase "India horrible," an insulting way to refer to Indigenous or dark-skinned people. The National Migration Institute said that the foreigner caught a flight out of Mexico after the incident earlier this week and that she would be prohibited from returning. The agency did not identify the woman or her nationality, but she is heard on the video speaking with a strong Argentine accent and after the incident the Argentine Embassy posted a statement condemning the incident. The embassy wrote on its Facebook page, "Regarding the events made public yesterday involving people who are apparently Argentine citizens, the country's Embassy in Mexico rejects and condemns any expression of discrimination and/or gender violence." It was unclear why ethnicity came up at all. The incident took place in Mexico City's upscale Hip?dromo-Condesa neighborhood, where few Indigenous people can afford to live. Most Mexicans have some Indigenous ancestry and are often darker-skinned than Argentines, whose ancestors were often immigrants from Europe. There have been complaints in the past among Mexicans that lighter-skinned Argentines are arrogant or get preferential treatment in Mexico.

Mexico: Foreigner who used racist insult can't re-enter

The massive temples and pyramids of Teotihuacan, one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, reopened to visitors on Thursday (September 10), more than five months after closing in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Teotihuacan pyramids, top Mexican tourist draw, reopen to public

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months.

Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found&nbsp;decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The&nbsp;media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-mexicos-corruption-scandal-that-involves-three-former-presidents-322000">Also read:&nbsp;Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents</a>

"In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state.

The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa.

Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-nabs-el-marro-fuel-theft-king-blamed-for-surge-in-drug-violence-317702">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence</a>

He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body.

"It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups."

Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered.&nbsp;"All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico.

Before Valdivia,&nbsp;Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year.

The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of&nbsp;Valdivia.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported. Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico. Also read: Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents "In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state. The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa. Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death. Also read: Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body. "It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups." Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered. "All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico. Before Valdivia, Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year. The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of Valdivia.

Fifth journalist found dead in violence-filled Mexico

Amid busy construction crews racing to build an airport in Mexico, scientists are unearthing more and more mammoth skeletons in what has quickly become one of the world's biggest concentrations of the now-extinct relative of modern elephants.

Mexican airport site emerges as major graveyard of Ice Age mammoths

Archaeologists in hard hats and face masks carefully remove earth from around enormous bones at the site of Mexico City's new airport, where construction work has uncovered a huge trove of mammoth skeletons.

The remains of dozens of the extinct giants and other prehistoric creatures have been found in Zumpango on the northern edge of the capital, which sits on an ancient lake bed.

"More than 100 individual mammoths, individual camels, horses, bison, fish, birds, antelopes and rodents have already been recovered," said army captain Jesus Cantoral, who heads the excavation team.

In total remains have been found at 194 spots across the site since the first discoveries were made in October last year during work on a fuel terminal, he told AFP.

Most of the animals are believed to have roamed the Earth between 10,000 and 25,000 years ago.

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Experts worked painstakingly to extract the bones of a one of the mammoth skeletons, taking care not to disturb a mound of earth supporting another specimen.

At the same time thousands of construction workers continued to labor away across the site as dozens of excavators and trucks shifted earth and transported building materials.

The authorities say they have kept a careful watch to ensure the precious remains are preserved during work on the airport, which President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised will be inaugurated in March 2022.

Stuck in mud

Experts believe the mammoths were drawn to the area by food and water provided by a lake that existed in prehistoric times. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"The place had a lot of natural resources, enough for these individuals to survive for a long time and for many generations," said archaeologist Araceli Yanez.

In winter the lake area became muddy, trapping the giant mammals who starved, she said.

"It attracted a large number of mammoths, and they got stuck, as is the case with this individual, and died here," Yanez added.

The lake was also very good for preserving the remains.

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Mexico has been the scene of surprising mammoth discoveries before.

In the 1970s, workers building the Mexico City subway found a mammoth skeleton while digging on the capital's north side.

In 2012, workers digging to build a wastewater treatment plant outside the capital discovered hundreds of bones belonging to mammoths and other Ice Age animals.

And last year archaeologists found the skeletons of 14 mammoths in Tultepec, near the site of the new airport.

Some bore signs that the animals had been hunted, leading experts to conclude at the time that they had found "the world's first mammoth trap."

The government began construction of the new aviation hub in 2019 at the Santa Lucia military airbase, months after canceling work on another partially completed airport.

Lopez Obrador, who ran on a pro-austerity, anti-graft platform, had criticized that project championed by his predecessor Enrique Pena Nieto as an unnecessary mega-project marred by corruption.

His administration has tasked the military with overseeing construction of the new airport, which will house a museum showcasing the mammoth skeletons and other ancient remains.

Archaeologists in hard hats and face masks carefully remove earth from around enormous bones at the site of Mexico City's new airport, where construction work has uncovered a huge trove of mammoth skeletons.

Archaeologists in hard hats and face masks carefully remove earth from around enormous bones at the site of Mexico City's new airport, where construction work has uncovered a huge trove of mammoth skeletons. The remains of dozens of the extinct giants and other prehistoric creatures have been found in Zumpango on the northern edge of the capital, which sits on an ancient lake bed. "More than 100 individual mammoths, individual camels, horses, bison, fish, birds, antelopes and rodents have already been recovered," said army captain Jesus Cantoral, who heads the excavation team. In total remains have been found at 194 spots across the site since the first discoveries were made in October last year during work on a fuel terminal, he told AFP. Most of the animals are believed to have roamed the Earth between 10,000 and 25,000 years ago. × Experts worked painstakingly to extract the bones of a one of the mammoth skeletons, taking care not to disturb a mound of earth supporting another specimen. At the same time thousands of construction workers continued to labor away across the site as dozens of excavators and trucks shifted earth and transported building materials. The authorities say they have kept a careful watch to ensure the precious remains are preserved during work on the airport, which President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised will be inaugurated in March 2022. Stuck in mud Experts believe the mammoths were drawn to the area by food and water provided by a lake that existed in prehistoric times. "The place had a lot of natural resources, enough for these individuals to survive for a long time and for many generations," said archaeologist Araceli Yanez. In winter the lake area became muddy, trapping the giant mammals who starved, she said. "It attracted a large number of mammoths, and they got stuck, as is the case with this individual, and died here," Yanez added. The lake was also very good for preserving the remains. × Mexico has been the scene of surprising mammoth discoveries before. In the 1970s, workers building the Mexico City subway found a mammoth skeleton while digging on the capital's north side. In 2012, workers digging to build a wastewater treatment plant outside the capital discovered hundreds of bones belonging to mammoths and other Ice Age animals. And last year archaeologists found the skeletons of 14 mammoths in Tultepec, near the site of the new airport. Some bore signs that the animals had been hunted, leading experts to conclude at the time that they had found "the world's first mammoth trap." The government began construction of the new aviation hub in 2019 at the Santa Lucia military airbase, months after canceling work on another partially completed airport. Lopez Obrador, who ran on a pro-austerity, anti-graft platform, had criticized that project championed by his predecessor Enrique Pena Nieto as an unnecessary mega-project marred by corruption. His administration has tasked the military with overseeing construction of the new airport, which will house a museum showcasing the mammoth skeletons and other ancient remains.

Mammoth graveyard unearthed at Mexico's new airport

Bright green stalks of weeds are sprouting from the ground where planes were supposed to take off at a new Mexico City airport as officials let nature take over in their bid to transform the marshy swath of an ancient lake into a giant park.

Trees, birds, ponds: Mexico City's ancient lake reclaims scrapped airport

Mexico City residents and visitors will once again be able to admire the world-famous artworks at two of the city's top museums as a gradual reopening of cultural institutions proceeds after five months of lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexico City museums reopen to art admirers after pandemic lockdown

Russia became the first country to license a vaccine last week when President Vladimir Putin announced its approval

Your Story: Mexico could test Russian COVID-19 vaccine

Family members of some of the thousands of disappeared Mexicans marched on Mexico City's Zocalo square on Sunday (August 30), calling for justice and the return of their missing relatives.

'People continue to go missing' - relatives of Mexico's disappeared demand justice

Mexico's Holbox Islands are struggling to keep their business afloat amid the Coronavirus Pandemic. Islands popularly known for their Whale, Shark tourism were shut for several months due to COVID-19. Almost no tourists visit Mexico's Islands these days.

Mexico's tourism industry takes a massive hit due to Coronavirus

Overcoming obstacles put in place by the coronavirus pandemic, some of classical music's most beloved artists are coming together to create a virtual ensemble to raise funds for women and children suffering domestic abuse in Mexico.

'Impossible Orchestra' holds virtual performance to battle Mexico's domestic violence

Mexico City's "floating gardens" of Xochimilco re-opened to the public on Saturday (August 22) after months of lockdown, providing quarantine-weary locals with the chance of having a beer as they float away and a sing-a-long with mariachis that pass on by.

Mexico's floating mariachis return to Xochimilco as lockdown eases

Three former Mexican presidents -&nbsp;Enrique Peña Nieto, Felipe Calderon, Carlos Salinas de Gortari,&nbsp;14 senior politicians and one journalist all are facing a major corruption scandal over a leaked document.&nbsp;

Last month, Emilio Lozoya, ex-head of state oil giant Petroleos Mexicanos was extradited from Spain to face the most far reaching graft probe in recent Mexican history.&nbsp;

Lozoya was a close aide of Nieto. Acting as a middleman, he collected bribes from a Brazilian company. He bribed lawmakers to pass landmark energy reform&nbsp;which gave private players a larger role in the energy sector.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-find-sophisticated-smuggling-tunnel-on-mexican-border-319000#:~:text=US%20authorities%20have%20discovered%20an,ventilation%20and%20a%20rail%20system.">US officials find 'sophisticated' smuggling tunnel on Mexican border</a>

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has called the&nbsp;law "filthy".&nbsp;

"The energy reform intended to privatise the oil and gas market and how did they do it? Well, by bribing anyone who would allow it," Obrador said.&nbsp;

In 2018, Obrador swept to power due to an anti-corruption platform.&nbsp;After coming to power, he has sought to paint the former administration as cronies of wealthy business groups.&nbsp;

Obrador is finding more evidence to back his claims.&nbsp;However, this time, a video shows that cash is being given to the former staff of Opposition, National Action Party. It&nbsp;is the same party under which Calderon became Mexican president.&nbsp;

"This video that was released is quite strong. It shows the filth of the regime of corruption that prevailed because all this money was used to buy wills consciousness, votes," Obrador said.&nbsp;

The Mexican president wants the court to release the testimony of Lozoya and other evidence&nbsp;calling it a matter of national interest.&nbsp;

There is political interest too behind it&nbsp;as Mexico goes into legislative and state elections next year and it&nbsp;can act as solid ammunition against the Opposition.&nbsp;

So far, no former president in Mexico in modern history has faced corruption charges or been sent to jail. Now, there are three former presidents who are facing accusations.&nbsp;

Three former Mexican presidents - Enrique Peña Nieto, Felipe Calderon, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, 14 senior politicians and one journalist all are facing a major corruption scandal over a leaked document.

Three former Mexican presidents - Enrique Peña Nieto, Felipe Calderon, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, 14 senior politicians and one journalist all are facing a major corruption scandal over a leaked document. Last month, Emilio Lozoya, ex-head of state oil giant Petroleos Mexicanos was extradited from Spain to face the most far reaching graft probe in recent Mexican history. Lozoya was a close aide of Nieto. Acting as a middleman, he collected bribes from a Brazilian company. He bribed lawmakers to pass landmark energy reform which gave private players a larger role in the energy sector. Also read | US officials find 'sophisticated' smuggling tunnel on Mexican border Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has called the law "filthy". "The energy reform intended to privatise the oil and gas market and how did they do it? Well, by bribing anyone who would allow it," Obrador said. In 2018, Obrador swept to power due to an anti-corruption platform. After coming to power, he has sought to paint the former administration as cronies of wealthy business groups. Obrador is finding more evidence to back his claims. However, this time, a video shows that cash is being given to the former staff of Opposition, National Action Party. It is the same party under which Calderon became Mexican president. "This video that was released is quite strong. It shows the filth of the regime of corruption that prevailed because all this money was used to buy wills consciousness, votes," Obrador said. The Mexican president wants the court to release the testimony of Lozoya and other evidence calling it a matter of national interest. There is political interest too behind it as Mexico goes into legislative and state elections next year and it can act as solid ammunition against the Opposition. So far, no former president in Mexico in modern history has faced corruption charges or been sent to jail. Now, there are three former presidents who are facing accusations.

Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents

Mexico City residents haven't been coming to Guerrero Fitness for cardio or weights recently. Instead, they've been showing up for tacos and gorditas. Such is life amid the coronavirus pandemic as many businesses, gyms in particular, struggle to find a new business model that will allow them to survive.

From weights to tacos: Mexican gyms reinvent themselves to survive amid coronavirus pandemic

Mexican officials and border town residents criticized US President Donald Trump for threatening to levy a tax on cars crossing into the United States to fund his signature border wall.

US President Donald Trump criticized for toll threat: Tax on border-crossing cars

Mexico has been struggling with a crippling economy since the pandemic forced the country into a nation-wide lockdown and took thousands of lives. However, Mexican President&nbsp; Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador believes the country will be able to jump out of this tough situation soon.

On Saturday the President announced that Mexico has been able to add&nbsp;52,455 jobs in the month of August itself, which he believes is a sign of relief.

“This is a good indicator. ... We’re going to move ahead in spite of everything because we’re working in a professional manner," he said in a video posted on Twitter.

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Una buena noticia: en agosto ya hemos recuperado 52 mil 455 empleos, según datos del IMSS. Es una lucecita que indica que vamos a salir del túnel. <a href="https://t.co/pLipdbv20V">pic.twitter.com/pLipdbv20V</a>
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lopezobrador_/status/1294744998500601857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He cited the figures collected from&nbsp;Mexican Social Security Institute o the basis of the employees who registered with the institute.

However, this increase has come after almost 1.1 million jobs were made redundant in the last six months due to the novel coronavirus, out of which 3,907 jobs were lost in July.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 510,000 people in the country with almost 55,900 deaths. The economy is expected to shrink by 10 per cent or more, this year. However, the increase in creation of jobs has come as a ray of hope for locals.

Mexico has been struggling with a crippling economy since the pandemic forced the country into a nation-wide lockdown and took thousands of lives. However, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador believes the country will be able to jump out of this tough situation soon.

Mexico has been struggling with a crippling economy since the pandemic forced the country into a nation-wide lockdown and took thousands of lives. However, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador believes the country will be able to jump out of this tough situation soon. On Saturday the President announced that Mexico has been able to add 52,455 jobs in the month of August itself, which he believes is a sign of relief. “This is a good indicator. ... We’re going to move ahead in spite of everything because we’re working in a professional manner," he said in a video posted on Twitter. Una buena noticia: en agosto ya hemos recuperado 52 mil 455 empleos, según datos del IMSS. Es una lucecita que indica que vamos a salir del túnel. pic.twitter.com/pLipdbv20V — Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) August 15, 2020 × He cited the figures collected from Mexican Social Security Institute o the basis of the employees who registered with the institute. However, this increase has come after almost 1.1 million jobs were made redundant in the last six months due to the novel coronavirus, out of which 3,907 jobs were lost in July. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 510,000 people in the country with almost 55,900 deaths. The economy is expected to shrink by 10 per cent or more, this year. However, the increase in creation of jobs has come as a ray of hope for locals.

Mexico generated more than 50,000 jobs in August in pandemic: President

Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections.

There have been 507,996 confirmed cases and 25,648 related deaths, vice health minister Luis Suarez said at a news conference.

The Andean country has the highest coronavirus death rate in Latin America at 78.6 per 100,000 people, a Reuters tally shows, surpassing hard-hit regional neighbors Chile and Brazil.

President Martin Vizcarra, speaking earlier on Thursday from a public event to pay tribute to 120 doctors who have died from COVID-19, blamed the recent spike in infections on an uptick in social and sporting events and a lax attitude by the public.

Vizcarra on Wednesday banned family gatherings, reinstated a blanket Sunday curfew and extended lockdowns to five more regions of the country as figures revealed a 75% surge in infections among children and adolescents.

Meanwhile, Mexico's health ministry on Thursday reported 7,371 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 627 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 505,751 cases and 55,293 deaths.

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.

Mexico reportedly will help produce a vaccine that could be distributed in the region next year, authorities said on Thursday.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said the pandemic is losing force in Mexico, though the death toll of 54,666 stands as the world's third highest, behind the United States and Brazil.

In partnership with the Mexican and Argentine governments, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Plc said it plans to initially produce 150 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in early 2021 and eventually make at least 400 million for distribution throughout the region.

Lopez Obrador hailed the agreement as "good news" for Mexico and said he expected the country to still be suffering from the pandemic by the time the vaccine goes into production.

(with inputs from agencies)

Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections.

Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections. There have been 507,996 confirmed cases and 25,648 related deaths, vice health minister Luis Suarez said at a news conference. The Andean country has the highest coronavirus death rate in Latin America at 78.6 per 100,000 people, a Reuters tally shows, surpassing hard-hit regional neighbors Chile and Brazil. President Martin Vizcarra, speaking earlier on Thursday from a public event to pay tribute to 120 doctors who have died from COVID-19, blamed the recent spike in infections on an uptick in social and sporting events and a lax attitude by the public. Vizcarra on Wednesday banned family gatherings, reinstated a blanket Sunday curfew and extended lockdowns to five more regions of the country as figures revealed a 75% surge in infections among children and adolescents. Meanwhile, Mexico's health ministry on Thursday reported 7,371 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 627 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 505,751 cases and 55,293 deaths. The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases. Mexico reportedly will help produce a vaccine that could be distributed in the region next year, authorities said on Thursday. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said the pandemic is losing force in Mexico, though the death toll of 54,666 stands as the world's third highest, behind the United States and Brazil. In partnership with the Mexican and Argentine governments, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Plc said it plans to initially produce 150 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in early 2021 and eventually make at least 400 million for distribution throughout the region. Lopez Obrador hailed the agreement as "good news" for Mexico and said he expected the country to still be suffering from the pandemic by the time the vaccine goes into production. (with inputs from agencies)

Peru and Mexico, both LatAm countries, surpass 500,000 coronavirus cases each

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate in the Latin American nations. Peru and Mexico are witnessing a significant surge in the number of cases. Watch report.

Peru, Mexico surpass 500,000 COVID-19 cases: Peru's death rate highest in Latin America

Dress shops in Mexico City are finding themselves pummelled by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic as couples across the country postpone saying their vows.

Mexico's bridal gown industry suffers amid pandemic

There is outrage in Mexico after a black bear was seen on video approaching a visitor in a nature park and sniffing her hair was caught and castrated. Watch report.

Outrage in Mexico over Bear castration: Visitors blamed for feeding animals

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system.

The tunnel was found on Tuesday in the desert near San Luis, Arizona by federal agents led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s investigative arm, the agency said in a press release Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-in-latin-america-hit-global-high-318953">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths in Latin America hit global high</a>

Authorities have located hundreds of tunnels over the years under the Southwest border, saying they are used by drug cartels and criminal organizations to smuggle narcotics, people and weapons back and forth between the two countries.

The tunnel found this week measured 3 feet by 4 feet (91 cm by 1.22 meters) and included a “ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, rail system, [and] extensive reinforcement,” ICE said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-nabs-el-marro-fuel-theft-king-blamed-for-surge-in-drug-violence-317702">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence</a>

Federal agents drilled and used underground cameras to investigate the tunnel after discovering a sinkhole near cross-border fencing in mid-July, ICE said.

Carl Landrum, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, said the tunnel “appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I’ve seen in my career.” Landrum started with Border Patrol in 1996, according to the agency’s website.

In January this year, CBP announced federal agents had discovered the longest cross-border smuggling tunnel ever found along the Southwest border, originating in Baja California, Mexico. It measured 4,309 feet (1,300 meters).

President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico to stop illegal crossings and drug trafficking, but critics point to tunnels as one way people can get around such a barrier.

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system.

US authorities have discovered an unfinished 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel under the US-Mexico border, calling it an unusually sophisticated smuggling route complete with ventilation and a rail system. The tunnel was found on Tuesday in the desert near San Luis, Arizona by federal agents led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s investigative arm, the agency said in a press release Friday. Also read: Coronavirus deaths in Latin America hit global high Authorities have located hundreds of tunnels over the years under the Southwest border, saying they are used by drug cartels and criminal organizations to smuggle narcotics, people and weapons back and forth between the two countries. The tunnel found this week measured 3 feet by 4 feet (91 cm by 1.22 meters) and included a “ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, rail system, [and] extensive reinforcement,” ICE said. Also read: Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence Federal agents drilled and used underground cameras to investigate the tunnel after discovering a sinkhole near cross-border fencing in mid-July, ICE said. Carl Landrum, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, said the tunnel “appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I’ve seen in my career.” Landrum started with Border Patrol in 1996, according to the agency’s website. In January this year, CBP announced federal agents had discovered the longest cross-border smuggling tunnel ever found along the Southwest border, originating in Baja California, Mexico. It measured 4,309 feet (1,300 meters). President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico to stop illegal crossings and drug trafficking, but critics point to tunnels as one way people can get around such a barrier.

US officials find 'sophisticated' smuggling tunnel on Mexican border

A church in the Mexican city of Cuernavaca is offering Catholic faithful the chance to attend Mass from the safety of their cars amid the coronavirus pandemic. For the past two Sundays, the Cuernavaca Diocese has celebrated Mass at a drive-in cinema.

Church offers drive-in Mass services

Mexican students will be educated in the next academic year through a home-learning program broadcast by major networks such as TV Azteca until a drop in coronavirus infections allows for schools to be reopened, the government said on Monday (August 3).

Mexican TV networks to provide home learning for students as schools stay shut

A Mexican journalist and his police bodyguard were murdered in a hail of gunfire in the southern state of Guerrero early Sunday.

Morrugares ran the PM Noticias, an online publication based in the city of Iguala that specialised in covering crime and police events.

Pablo Morrugares is the fourth journalist murdered in Mexico in 2020.

Just before he was killed, Morrugares had reported on a crime close to a nearby supermarket that involved a turf battle between criminal gangs, according to local media.

On Sunday, at around 1 am, heavily armed men entered the restaurant-bar in Iguala where Morrugares and his bodyguard were dining and opened fire on them.

The Guerrero state Human Rights Commission, an autonomous government office, condemned Morrugares's murder and demanded an "immediate investigation" to identify and capture the killers.

More than 100 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 2000, with only a fraction of those crimes resulting in convictions.

Morrugares was given police protection after he and his wife escaped an attempt on their lives in 2016.

A Mexican journalist and his police bodyguard were murdered in a hail of gunfire in the southern state of Guerrero early Sunday. Morrugares ran the PM Noticias, an online publication based in the city of Iguala that specialised in covering crime and police events.

A Mexican journalist and his police bodyguard were murdered in a hail of gunfire in the southern state of Guerrero early Sunday. Morrugares ran the PM Noticias, an online publication based in the city of Iguala that specialised in covering crime and police events. Pablo Morrugares is the fourth journalist murdered in Mexico in 2020. Just before he was killed, Morrugares had reported on a crime close to a nearby supermarket that involved a turf battle between criminal gangs, according to local media. On Sunday, at around 1 am, heavily armed men entered the restaurant-bar in Iguala where Morrugares and his bodyguard were dining and opened fire on them. The Guerrero state Human Rights Commission, an autonomous government office, condemned Morrugares's murder and demanded an "immediate investigation" to identify and capture the killers. More than 100 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 2000, with only a fraction of those crimes resulting in convictions. Morrugares was given police protection after he and his wife escaped an attempt on their lives in 2016.

Mexican journalist shot dead, the fourth this year

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-due-to-virus-in-latin-america-and-caribbean-exceeds-200000-tally-317647" hreflang="en">Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally</a>

Widely known as "El Marro" (The Mallet), Yepez was captured early on Sunday morning in Guanajuato state, according to the federal government and authorities in the central region, one of the principal flashpoints of gang violence in Mexico.

"This a tremendously successful blow for the government," said Raul Benitez, a security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, a Guanajuato-based gang, Yepez has been engaged in a bloody struggle for criminal control of the state with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most powerful and violent groups.

Yepez, 40, is the most high-profile arrest made yet under Lopez Obrador, who pledged to bring down record levels of violence plaguing Mexico when he took office in December 2018.

Instead, homicides have further increased during the Lopez Obrador presidency and last October his government suffered serious embarrassment when it botched the detention of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The Guanajuato attorney general's office said soldiers and state security forces captured Yepez with five other people and rescued a kidnapped local businesswoman during the operation. An "arsenal" of weapons was also secured during the raid.

Mexican news network Milenio broadcast a video of the night-time arrest, which it said took place in the tiny village of Franco Tavera, a few miles north of the municipality of Villagran where the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel was born.

Wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, and flanked by several soldiers, Yepez gives his full name and age before also identifying himself as "Marro."

Security forces have been gradually closing in on Yepez but he had managed to evade capture thanks to a tight network of informers who allowed him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, according to analysts and media reports.

&nbsp;

LUCRATIVE TRADE

One of Mexico's most-wanted bosses, El Marro has appeared in expletive-laden videos threatening his enemies, and in June a clip of an emotional Yepez lamenting the arrest of his mother and sister was widely broadcast on national media.

The women, who were suspected of aiding his operations, were later released when judges picked apart the case against them.

Initially notorious for fuel theft in a state crisscrossed by pipelines and home to a major oil refinery, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel has become increasingly embroiled in battles with the CJNG, based in the neighboring state of Jalisco.

Hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fuel were being stolen every year before Lopez Obrador cracked down a few weeks after taking office.

Abetted by the complicity of corrupt employees within state-run oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the lucrative activity gave the Santa Rosa de Lima outfit outsize financial heft, said security analyst Benitez.

"It's even more money than cocaine," he said.

Lopez Obrador blamed corruption at Pemex for fuel theft and the new management he appointed has vowed to root it out.

Yepez's interrogation could yield rich information on corruption inside Pemex, Benitez said.

His detention also suggested that U.S. and Mexican security services had intensified cooperation to crack down on the trafficking of potent opiate fentanyl, a business of which Yepez was trying to secure a bigger share, he added.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau hailed news of the arrest in Guanajuato in a post on Twitter.

A hub of the carmaking industry, Guanajuato was once one of the safer regions of Mexico. But recent violence there has pushed national homicide tallies to record levels.

Once the government dismantles the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, Benitez said, it can turn up the pressure on the CJNG, which in late June was blamed for a brazen assassination attempt on Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch.

El Marro's adversary, CJNG boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, is arguably the most wanted crime boss in Mexico now.

"Now 'El Mencho' is next up," Benitez said.

Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said Yepez would be taken to the Altiplano maximum-security prison where "El Chapo" Guzman was housed before he escaped through a tunnel in 2015.

Guzman was recaptured in 2016, extradited in 2017 and convicted of drug trafficking by a U.S. court in 2019.

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Also read: Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally Widely known as "El Marro" (The Mallet), Yepez was captured early on Sunday morning in Guanajuato state, according to the federal government and authorities in the central region, one of the principal flashpoints of gang violence in Mexico. "This a tremendously successful blow for the government," said Raul Benitez, a security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, a Guanajuato-based gang, Yepez has been engaged in a bloody struggle for criminal control of the state with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most powerful and violent groups. Yepez, 40, is the most high-profile arrest made yet under Lopez Obrador, who pledged to bring down record levels of violence plaguing Mexico when he took office in December 2018. Instead, homicides have further increased during the Lopez Obrador presidency and last October his government suffered serious embarrassment when it botched the detention of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The Guanajuato attorney general's office said soldiers and state security forces captured Yepez with five other people and rescued a kidnapped local businesswoman during the operation. An "arsenal" of weapons was also secured during the raid. Mexican news network Milenio broadcast a video of the night-time arrest, which it said took place in the tiny village of Franco Tavera, a few miles north of the municipality of Villagran where the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel was born. Wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, and flanked by several soldiers, Yepez gives his full name and age before also identifying himself as "Marro." Security forces have been gradually closing in on Yepez but he had managed to evade capture thanks to a tight network of informers who allowed him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, according to analysts and media reports. LUCRATIVE TRADE One of Mexico's most-wanted bosses, El Marro has appeared in expletive-laden videos threatening his enemies, and in June a clip of an emotional Yepez lamenting the arrest of his mother and sister was widely broadcast on national media. The women, who were suspected of aiding his operations, were later released when judges picked apart the case against them. Initially notorious for fuel theft in a state crisscrossed by pipelines and home to a major oil refinery, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel has become increasingly embroiled in battles with the CJNG, based in the neighboring state of Jalisco. Hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fuel were being stolen every year before Lopez Obrador cracked down a few weeks after taking office. Abetted by the complicity of corrupt employees within state-run oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the lucrative activity gave the Santa Rosa de Lima outfit outsize financial heft, said security analyst Benitez. "It's even more money than cocaine," he said. Lopez Obrador blamed corruption at Pemex for fuel theft and the new management he appointed has vowed to root it out. Yepez's interrogation could yield rich information on corruption inside Pemex, Benitez said. His detention also suggested that U.S. and Mexican security services had intensified cooperation to crack down on the trafficking of potent opiate fentanyl, a business of which Yepez was trying to secure a bigger share, he added. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau hailed news of the arrest in Guanajuato in a post on Twitter. A hub of the carmaking industry, Guanajuato was once one of the safer regions of Mexico. But recent violence there has pushed national homicide tallies to record levels. Once the government dismantles the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, Benitez said, it can turn up the pressure on the CJNG, which in late June was blamed for a brazen assassination attempt on Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch. El Marro's adversary, CJNG boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, is arguably the most wanted crime boss in Mexico now. "Now 'El Mencho' is next up," Benitez said. Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said Yepez would be taken to the Altiplano maximum-security prison where "El Chapo" Guzman was housed before he escaped through a tunnel in 2015. Guzman was recaptured in 2016, extradited in 2017 and convicted of drug trafficking by a U.S. court in 2019.

Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence

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