International

Insecurity and crime around AIFA generate citizen response

Neighbors of the 10 de Junio neighborhood in Tultepec, State of Mexico, have decided to organize themselves into a citizen guard to confront the growing insecurity and crime in the area, especially since the construction of the new Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). Despite being in a corridor close to the brand new airport, crime rates have skyrocketed since the start of work in 2019.

Jonathan García Negrete, spokesperson for this citizen initiative, expressed his frustration at the lack of security provided by local authorities. He pointed out that they only have “two patrols to take care of thousands, it’s a joke.” Faced with this situation, the neighbors have decided to take measures themselves, forming a guard that carries out patrols to deter home robberies, extortion and other crimes.

The 10 de Junio neighborhood is one of eight municipalities in the AIFA corridor, all of them governed by Morena, President López Obrador’s party, except Tonanitla, which is under the Encuentro Solidario Party (PES). Although the construction of the airport was expected to bring development to the region, residents have experienced an alarming increase in crime.

The note highlights the irony of the situation, since the AIFA, originally the Santa Lucía military base, now operated by the Army as an alternative air terminal to the capital airport, has failed to provide the expected security in the surrounding areas. The citizen response shows growing dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction with the lack of effective measures by the authorities to address the problem of insecurity in the region.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.