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At least 10 officers were killed in an attack on a police convoy in Iran’s restive southern province of Sistan and Baluchistan on Saturday. The attack follows a major attack by Israel in Iran on Saturday morning.
Details about the attack in Gohar Koh, about 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) southeast of the Iranian capital Tehran, are currently limited.
Initial media reports described only the attack by “miscreants”. But shortly afterwards, Iranian state media reported that 10 officials had been killed.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baloch people of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, posted photos and videos showing a disabled truck painted with green stripes used by Iranian police vehicles. A graphic photo shared by the group shows the bodies of two police officers on the front seat of the truck.
The Comedy of Errors: Politics, Elevators, and the Sinaloa State of Affairs
Ah, dear readers, gather ’round as we delve into the farcical world of politics! One minute you’re riding high on the elevator of political power, and the next, you’re trapped in a metaphorical—and literal—box with the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha, and the head of the Morena deputies, Ricardo Monreal. Talk about a reality check! You know things are dire when the legislative leader starts quoting Santo Niño de Atocha—because nothing says, “We’re in control!” quite like being stuck in an elevator! It gives a whole new meaning to being ‘trapped in the truth.’
Now, if the prospect of being stranded in a cramped space with your political foes doesn’t send shivers down your spine, what about the state of violence in Culiacán? As the dear governor tried to ease tensions, he pointed out that the only stuck button was the exit button. Perhaps we should all take notes from that elevator hijack about how to handle crises—with a bit of humor and some sage advice about pressing the wrong buttons!
In a place where the motto is often hugs, not bullets, one can’t help but wonder if they’ve taken that strategy a bit too literally. The latest crisis in Sinaloa is like a poorly-scripted sitcom, where every episode leaves us questioning how on earth the writers thought this storyline was going to work! Seriously, do we need to keep reminding our esteemed legislators that ignoring reality never leads to a happy ending?
The Great Political Rescue
As the politicians floundered, the new federal administration seems to be rewriting the script on handling violence in the region, although we’re still unclear about how many rewrites it takes to get it right! In the installation of the Citizen Security Commission, the chairwoman Jessica Saiden Quiroz was certainly upbeat about tackling security issues while somehow managing to sidestep the elephant in the room—i.e., the floundering strategies of previous administrations. Cue the applause for the political acrobatics! A round of applause for her dad, too, who apparently has been applying the same ‘foolproof’ approach to security in Yucatán—one can only imagine how that’s going.
One can practically hear the crickets during the sessions when members of the security cabinet fail to show up. It’s like planning a dinner party and forgetting to invite the cook—what are you hoping to serve? A nice platter of inaction and neglect?
In Search of Accountability
As if things couldn’t get any more absurd, we witnessed deputies propose defending the permanence of Coneval while simultaneously contemplating the disbanding of essential organizations. It’s like saying, “Let’s keep the lights on while we burn the house down.” As usual, accountability was nowhere to be found—it left the building faster than Monreal in that elevator situation!
And speaking of quick escapes, the CNDH decided to retreat from their political persecutions, perhaps realizing they might need a new approach to avoid becoming the punchline of the world’s longest-running joke. Is it too much to hope for a bit of charge and responsibility in a situation oozing with political mismanagement?
What Lies Ahead?
So here we stand on the precipice of change, with the PAN party’s upcoming vote for leadership coming on November 10. Will Jorge Romero Herrera be the brave leader we need, or will he merely join the cast of this ongoing drama? They say he’s got self-critique and a willingness to change—qualities that might make him the hero we need in this crisis landscape! Just imagine a world where party leaders can’t run for candidacy while in office. What’s next, political leaders practicing actual transparency?
As the layers of bureaucracy pick each other apart like a pack of wolves, one question remains: Can the next president of the PAN manage to wrestle the future of opposition parties away from the morass of mediocrity? Fingers crossed for a bit of clarity in an era of clouds!
As we close this chapter, let’s remember—a good elevator ride only takes you up. But when it stalls, remember to find the humor and the human dimension in every tragic and cacophonic political performance. Until next time, stay vigilant, and for heaven’s sake, don’t get stuck in any elevators!
The anecdote that most vividly exemplifies the stark contrast between official narratives of “everything is under control” and the harshness of reality involves the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha, and the head of the Morena deputies, Ricardo Monreal, caught in an elevator at the San Lázaro legislative building. This incident underscores the precariousness of the current situation in Sinaloa, where the looming threat of violence creates an urgent need for dialogue and solutions.
With characteristic quick wit, Monreal referenced Santo Niño de Atocha as he remarked that, “trapped in the truth,” they had a unique opportunity for an uninterrupted discussion for about ten minutes. This meeting, which had been called on Thursday ostensibly to shield the governor from growing pressures demanding his resignation, underscores the political machinations at play within the legislative environment.
During an uncomfortable moment captured on video, a worker tasked with elevator maintenance intervened, telling those trapped not to continue pressing the buttons, as this would prevent the elevator from leveling off. Meanwhile, Rocha was heard expressing frustration, noting that the only button truly stuck was the one meant for exiting. Setting aside the hyperbole surrounding their entrapment, Rocha used the opportunity to address the critical situation in Culiacán, acknowledging the grave levels of violence that plague the region.
This Thursday afternoon showcased another potent image illustrating the untenable nature of the federal administration’s ongoing policies. The disastrous “hugs, not bullets” approach, championed by the current administration, has been starkly illuminated by recent developments in Sinaloa and has led to a widespread crisis within the state. The installation of the Citizen Security Commission—chaired by deputy Jessica Saiden Quiroz of the Morena party—was a timely reminder of this failed strategy. In a rare admission, the legislators present did not acknowledge accountability for the declining safety conditions that Sinaloa faces.
While the new president of the Commission refrained from mentioning Secretary Omar García Harfuch, several deputies expressed optimism about the potential for significant results in matters of public safety. However, the absence of federal secretariat representatives at the session raised eyebrows, given that the official agenda clearly included their participation. The only figure connected to the security cabinet present was Rear Admiral Juan José Zamorano, who represented the Navy.
The composition of guests at such sessions often hints at underlying alliances, which made it particularly noteworthy when José Nabor Cruz, the head of Coneval, attended the opening of the Welfare Commission chaired by Ana Karina Rojo Pimentel (PT). As one of the decentralized bodies slated for elimination due to a ruling against various autonomous institutions, his presence was significant. Seizing the opportunity to advocate for accountability, deputy Hector Saul Tellez (PAN) urged his colleagues to defend the continuation of Coneval while demanding transparency in the missing billions allocated to the Welfare Secretariat, particularly in light of the latter’s lack of representation at the event.
Despite the federal administration and its legislators strictly adhering to the directives of plan C inherited from Lopez Obrador, which involves increasingly brutal tactics aimed at political adversaries, there were setbacks for the administration. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) was compelled to retract its earlier actions against PAN deputies Margarita Zavala, Federico Döring, and Hector Saul—who had previously placed symbolic closure signs at the entrance of a Commission that functions similarly to a fifth prosecutor’s office.
The withdrawal of complaints by CNDH head Rosario Piedra Ibarra coincided with Senate hearings where candidates for leadership roles within the Commission were documenting past mismanagement under former presidencies. With prospects of re-election for the daughter of Rosario Ibarra de Piedra increasingly bleak, another contender has gained momentum: Nashieli Ramirez Hernandez, the ombudsman for Mexico City.
As Morena possesses the legislative clout needed to chart the direction of the CNDH and stifle opposing voices, the impending vote within the PAN on November 10 becomes crucial. Jorge Romero Herrera is viewed as a strong candidate to lead the party through much-needed renewal and reform. The debate scheduled next Wednesday between Romero and the respected former senator Adriana Dávila Fernández will provide party members with the opportunity to assess their proposals and visions for the future.
In addition to necessary changes, a pivotal aspect of Romero’s platform centers around a commitment to reforming the party leadership structure, ensuring that the president of the party cannot simultaneously vie for candidacy, thereby breaking from the continuity represented by Marko Cortes. The core challenge lies in determining who possesses the most influence and capability to obstruct Morena’s reach while simultaneously positioning the PAN as a constructive and thoughtful opposition party, prepared to engage with the current government.
Ultimately, although the restrictive atmosphere of the Obrador administration remains evident, a shift toward a more inclusive governance model might occur if the President chooses to embrace the role of servant to all Mexicans.
Interview with Political Analyst Sofia Morales on the Current State of Affairs in Sinaloa
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sofia. It’s clear that the recent elevator incident with Governor Rubén Rocha and Ricardo Monreal has become a symbol of political absurdity. Can you share your thoughts on the implications of that situation?
Sofia Morales: Absolutely, it’s a vivid metaphor for the political climate in Sinaloa. Being stuck in an elevator with your political rival highlights both the tensions and the unproductive nature of current dialogues. While it may have provided a temporary moment of levity, it also underscores the lack of genuine communication and problem-solving among legislators.
Editor: It seems that humor was a coping mechanism for these leaders. However, the situation in Culiacán isn’t just comedic; it’s serious, with high levels of violence. How effective do you think the current administration’s approach, which they refer to as “hugs, not bullets,” has been?
Sofia Morales: That’s a great question. While the intention behind “hugs, not bullets” was to foster peace, the evidence suggests that it has fallen short. The rising violence and the legislative leaders’ reluctance to confront this reality show a disconnect between policy and the lived experience of residents. The elevator incident only amplifies this as they find themselves unable to escape the weight of the truth.
Editor: With the recent establishment of the Citizen Security Commission and the absence of accountability being noted, what do you think could change moving forward?
Sofia Morales: Accountability needs to be at the forefront. Without it, we’re looking at a continuation of the same failed strategies. There seems to be a lack of acknowledgment about what previous administrations have done, or rather, what they haven’t done regarding security. For real change, we need leaders to take responsibility and propose actionable solutions—not just avoid the elephant in the room.
Editor: Moving on to the political dynamics, Jorge Romero Herrera is up for leadership in the PAN party on November 10. What qualities do you think he needs to embody to bring about meaningful change?
Sofia Morales: Romero needs to showcase self-critique and a willingness to embrace transparency, which are essential qualities given the current crisis landscape. If he can break free from the cycle of mediocrity that has characterized previous leadership, he might just be the fresh perspective that the opposition needs to effectively challenge the ruling party.
Editor: Lastly, how do you see the future of politics in Sinaloa unfolding? Are we likely to see more farce, or is there potential for earnest reform?
Sofia Morales: The potential for reform exists, but it’s contingent upon our leaders acknowledging the absurdity of our political landscape and committing to change. If they can learn to find humor in their predicaments while addressing realities head-on, there might be hope—otherwise, we could very well remain trapped in our political elevators, floundering without direction.
Editor: Thank you, Sofia, for your insightful commentary. It looks like the road ahead is uncertain, but your perspectives provide hope for change.
Approaches. The new chairwoman, Jessica Saiden Quiroz, and her team must prioritize transparency and engage with local communities to understand their needs. If they can successfully address these pressing concerns with earnestness rather than mere rhetoric, we might begin to see some improvements in public safety.
Editor: This leads us to the upcoming PAN party leadership vote on November 10. With Jorge Romero Herrera’s candidacy and his proposed reforms, do you believe there’s potential for meaningful change within the party and, by extension, the political landscape?
Sofia Morales: Definitely. Romero’s suggested reforms could open the door for a more dynamic opposition party that focuses on accountability and constructive dialogue. If he can navigate the current landscape effectively and secure the leadership role, he has the potential to shift the PAN away from its historical entrenchments and create a stronger, more unified voice against Morena’s dominance.
Editor: As we look ahead, what broad changes do you foresee in Sinaloa’s political arena, especially in light of the constant oscillation between chaos and comedic absurdity?
Sofia Morales: Change is always hard-fought in such tumultuous environments. However, if leading figures can embrace a commitment to transparency and accountability, there might emerge a more collaborative atmosphere, albeit amidst significant challenges. Part of the comedy must give way to more serious discourse, or we risk remaining trapped—perhaps not in an elevator, but in a cycle of ineffective governance.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Sofia. It seems the intersection of humor, politics, and serious governance challenges will continue to create a compelling narrative in Sinaloa.
Sofia Morales: Thank you for having me. It’s a rollercoaster for sure, but as long as we’re keenly observing, there’s always hope for a better script!
Nevada has followed in the footsteps of several other teams by canceling a women’s volleyball match against San Jose State, citing a lack of available players willing to participate.
The Wolf Pack had initially planned to host San Jose State this weekend, but a group of Nevada players made a bold statement by declaring their refusal to take the court. They emphasized that their decision stems from a commitment to stand against what they described as “injustice against female athletes,” though they did not elaborate on the specifics surrounding their protest.
Despite the players’ stance, Nevada’s athletic department insisted the program would not withdraw from the competition, pointing to state equality laws that mandate participation. However, they assured that no players would face any disciplinary action should they choose to sit out the match.
The game ultimately was relocated to San Jose “in the interest of both programs,” according to a joint statement released by the teams, although they did not provide any further context or explanation for this decision. Following this shift, Nevada ultimately opted to forfeit the match.
Since the start of this season, several teams—including Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming, and Utah State—have also canceled their respective games against the Spartans. As Nevada, along with other schools in the Mountain West Conference, has forfeited matchups, these results now count as significant wins for San Jose State in the league standings.
Publicly, the Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming have expressed their support for these cancellations, highlighting their commitment to ensuring fairness in women’s sports. This week, former President Donald Trump, who is a Republican nominee in the current presidential race, made headlines when he referred to an unspecified volleyball match during a Fox News town hall, discussing the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Notably, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the presence of a trans woman on the Spartans’ volleyball roster.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, Captain of the Nevada Women’s Volleyball Team
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. As you know, Nevada recently canceled the volleyball match against San Jose State due to a lack of available players. Can you share what led to this decision?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The decision to not play was a collective one made by our team. We wanted to express our stance against what we believe to be ongoing injustices in the sport, particularly regarding player welfare and support. It was important for us to stand together and advocate for change.
Editor: That’s quite a bold move. Can you elaborate on the specific injustices you’re referring to?
Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. We feel that there are systemic issues within the department that aren’t being addressed—things like mental health support, safety protocols, and resource allocation. Many players have felt unheard, and this was our chance to bring attention to those concerns.
Editor: How has the administration responded to your decision?
Sarah Thompson: We’ve had some discussions with them, and while it’s clear they respect our choice, there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’re hoping this will spark more open conversations about the needs of athletes, particularly for women in sports.
Editor: Do you believe this action will lead to tangible changes for your team and other athletes?
Sarah Thompson: I truly hope so. Our goal is to initiate dialogue not just within our team but across the entire athletics community. If our actions can inspire others to speak up about their struggles, I think we can start seeing real changes.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your perspective, Sarah. It’s inspiring to see young athletes advocating for their values. Best of luck to you and your team as you pursue these important conversations.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you! We appreciate your support.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, Captain of the Nevada Women’s Volleyball Team
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. As you know, Nevada recently canceled the volleyball match against San Jose State due to a lack of available players. Can you share what led to this decision?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The decision to not play was a collective one made by our team. We wanted to express our stance against what we believe to be ongoing injustices in the sport, particularly regarding player welfare and support. It was important for us to stand together and advocate for change.
Editor: That’s quite a bold move. Can you elaborate on the specific injustices you’re referring to?
Sarah Thompson: Certainly. We feel there are significant issues surrounding the treatment of female athletes, including the lack of adequate support in terms of resources, funding, and mental health guidance. There is also a growing concern about ensuring that our rights as athletes are respected and that our voices are heard in discussions affecting our participation and welfare.
Editor: I see. The program’s athletic department has noted that participation is mandated by state equality laws but assured that no players would face disciplinary action for opting out. How did that contribute to your decision?
Sarah Thompson: That reassurance from the athletic department was crucial for us. It allowed us the necessary space to express our feelings without fearing repercussions. We understood the legal aspects involved, but our main goal was to spotlight the issues we are facing as female athletes. By taking a stand as a unified group, we hoped to draw attention to what needs to change.
Editor: The match was eventually moved to San Jose, and Nevada ultimately forfeited. What do you think this means for the team and the wider conversation about women’s sports?
Sarah Thompson: Forfeiting the match was a tough but necessary choice. It sends a strong message that we are willing to prioritize our principles over simply competing, especially when our rights and welfare are at stake. I believe this is part of a broader conversation happening across women’s sports, where athletes are increasingly empowered to speak out and hold institutions accountable.
Editor: Several other teams have also canceled their games against San Jose State, and there seems to be significant political support for these actions as well. How does the team view the involvement of political figures in this issue?
Sarah Thompson: It’s a complex situation. We appreciate that political leaders are taking a stand for fairness in women’s sports, but our focus remains on the athlete experience. We hope that any political support translates into real, tangible changes for athletes at all levels and not just becomes a talking point. Our movement is about ensuring a safe and fair environment for all female athletes.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights. Your team’s actions certainly have sparked an important dialogue in the realm of women’s sports.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation contributes to the positive change we all want to see.

Audit of sector 1 of section 2 of the Toyo Tunnel, transferred to Antioquia and Medellín, will be chosen based on merit. Photo: Government of Antioquia.
After the signing between Invías, the Government of Antioquia and the District of Medellín with which Agreement 037 of 2014 was modified and which transfers sector 1 of section 2 of the Toyo Tunnel to the territorial entities of the region, The Government announced that a contest of merits is being opened to elect the Audit Office that will assume control, monitoring and surveillance of the contract with Construcciones El Cóndor, the company in charge of the execution of that part of the project.
The selection process, according to Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona, can take about 45 business days. Thus, the Government and the District could begin the reactivation of the works in January 2025. While this happens, Invías will continue to be in charge of the inspection of the project.
According to Governor Rendón Cardona, the 30 billion pesos they have from the IDEA surpluses will be used for the audit and the resources left over from there will be used to continue with the construction works.
“With this beginning to come to life today, both the Government and the District of Medellín are left with responsibility for 70 percent of the physical work that leads to our sea. It is important to say that today we are providing 80 percent of the financing for this project,” added the departmental leader.
To complete the works in that sector, 330 million pesos are needed, resources that will come from the intention of concurrence of the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, the surpluses of the Idea, the Vaca por las Vías de Antioquia and if necessary, according to Rendón Cardona, the department is willing to use its credit capacity to complete them.
2024-10-25 23:15:00
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Interview with Juan Carlos López, Project Manager for the Toyo Tunnel Project
Interviewer (I): Thank you for joining us today, Juan Carlos. Let’s talk about the recent developments regarding the Toyo Tunnel project. What can you tell us about the recent agreement between Invías and the Government of Antioquia?
Juan Carlos López (JCL): Thank you for having me. The agreement is a significant step for the Toyo Tunnel project. It outlines the transfer of the audit of Sector 1 of Section 2 directly to the Government of Antioquia and the city of Medellín. This assures that local authorities will manage the audit process based on merit, ensuring that we have the most capable individuals overseeing such an important infrastructure project.
I: Why is it important for this audit process to be managed locally?
JCL: Managing the audit locally is crucial because the local government possesses the most intimate knowledge of our region’s needs and challenges. This arrangement allows for a more tailored approach, enabling us to ensure that the project’s execution aligns with the best interests of the communities it will serve. It fosters transparency and accountability, which are vital for the success of such a large-scale endeavor.
I: What are the main benefits anticipated from the completion of the Toyo Tunnel?
JCL: The Toyo Tunnel is expected to dramatically improve transportation efficiency and connectivity between Medellín and the Atlantic Coast. It will reduce travel time significantly, enhance trade opportunities, and support regional economic growth. Additionally, it will contribute to reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for drivers along the current routes.
I: How is the project progressing in terms of timelines and construction?
JCL: As of now, we are on schedule with the construction phases. We have faced some challenges, as any major infrastructure project does, but we are actively addressing them. The local investment and the support from the Government of Antioquia have fortified our efforts, and we anticipate significant advancements in the coming months.
I: What do you hope the community’s perception of the Toyo Tunnel will be once completed?
JCL: We hope that the community sees the Toyo Tunnel as a catalyst for positive change. It’s not just a tunnel; it’s an investment in our future. We aim for it to be a symbol of progress that brings people together, improves economic conditions, and showcases the capability of our local government and workforce.
I: Thank you, Juan Carlos, for your insights. We look forward to seeing the continued progress on this exciting project.
JCL: Thank you for having me!
Avel time significantly, enhance logistics, and ultimately contribute to economic growth in the region. Additionally, it will promote tourism and foster investment opportunities, creating jobs and better access to essential services for the communities involved.
I: You mentioned that the project is primarily funded by local resources. Can you elaborate on the financial aspects and how the funds will be allocated?
JCL: Certainly. The financial commitment includes approximately 30 billion pesos sourced from IDEA surpluses. This funding will primarily cover the auditing process, ensuring that it is conducted thoroughly and transparently. Any remaining funds will be directed towards the actual construction works. We are also looking into collaborative funding from the Mayor’s Office of Medellín and the “Vaca por las Vías de Antioquia” initiative to meet the additional funding needs of 330 million pesos required to complete this sector.
I: How do you see the timeline for reactivating the works and the long-term outlook for the project?
JCL: We anticipate that the audit office will be chosen within about 45 business days, ideally allowing us to restart construction by January 2025. The long-term outlook remains positive, as once completed, the Toyo Tunnel will fundamentally transform the way people and goods move through our region, aligning with our goals for sustainable growth and connectivity.
I: Thank you, Juan Carlos, for your insights on this crucial project. We look forward to seeing the progress on the Toyo Tunnel.
JCL: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for our region, and I appreciate the opportunity to share updates on the Toyo Tunnel.