Mexico News Today May 25, 2020

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020

CFE chief vows to end ‘simulation and fraud’ by renewable energy firms The director of the Federal Electricity Commission accused renewable energy firms of fraud at the expense of the state-owned company. FULL STORY Saturday breaks record with 3,329 new Covid cases; total reaches 68,620 More than 6,000 new cases were added to the tally over the weekend while the death toll passed 7,000 with 405 fatalities reported Saturday and Sunday. FULL STORY RELATED: Covid-19 deaths hit new daily record of 479. FULL STORY Share this email and introduce friends to Mexico News Daily Forward

Being Guerrero’s coronavirus epicenter doesn’t stop big parties Authorities in Acapulco broke up at least three large events in the city over the weekend, obliging over 700 people to return to their homes to continue to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. FULL STORY 58% approve AMLO’s performance, 65% his handling of coronavirus file There are more than two Mexicans who approve of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s performance as president for every one who doesn’t, a new poll shows. FULL STORY Mexico to administer hydroxychloroquine The federal Health Ministry will use the anti-malaria drug to treat 20,000 Covid-19 outpatients despite doubts about its efficacy and the risk of it causing an irregular heartbeat and even death. FULL STORY New virus outbreaks may follow lifting of restrictions There are no guarantees that new outbreaks of Covid-19 won’t occur once restrictions on the economy and people’s movement are lifted, Deputy Health Minister Hugo López-Gatell said. FULL STORY Citizens’ network providing meals operates in six states A network of volunteers who prepare meals for the needy that began in Mexico City in March has now spread to Puebla, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Nuevo León and the state of Mexico. FULL STORY THE MND POLL THE STORY: AMLO prepares to launch new index, an indicator of happiness, well-being FULL STORY THE QUESTION: Is there merit in an index that takes into account happiness and well-being? VOTE HERE LAST POLL: How would you rate the federal government's security strategy? 75% said it's not working. VIEW FULL RESULTS Domestic violence 911 calls totalled 400,000 in April Coronavirus stay-at-home measures have generated a marked increase in attacks on women, says the head of a federal agency, who called it a “second pandemic.” FULL STORY Tulum mansion allegedly built in protected area Although the area in and around Tulum National Park has been an area protected by presidential decree since 1981 and construction is prohibited, a mega-mansion has been built next to the park’s walls in the last six months. FULL STORY US suspects pirate attack numbers are underreported The United States government suspects that pirate attacks on vessels and oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico are being underreported, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. FULL STORY On its 50th anniversary, Cancún has little to celebrate—and losses of US $1bn It was to be a blowout celebration of Cancún’s anniversary as a tourist destination, but as the coronavirus spread throughout the world and made its way to Mexico, the party has been postponed. FULL STORY 7 governors form common front against energy changes The governors of seven states are opposed to federal energy policy changes that seek to consolidate control of the electricity market in the hands of the Federal Electricity Commission and limit the participation of private, renewable energy projects. FULL STORY Two babies released after recovering from Covid-19 Two infants have recovered from coronavirus this week in Tabasco. FULL STORY Statue of Christ seen as additional virus protection The mayor of Soconusco, Veracruz, has some unorthodox methods for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in his town. FULL STORY

MEXICO LIFE From floating islands to abandoned lots: urban gardening in Mexico The modern concept of reclaiming urban space for agriculture has become popular due to concerns about the environment, food quality and food availability, writes Leigh Thelmadatter. FULL STORY From salsas and smoothies to margaritas and muffins: it’s time to eat mangos They’re plentiful, cheap and delicious and healthy too, writes Janet Blaser, being low in calories, high in fiber and antioxidants, with generous amounts of vitamins A and C. FULL STORY OPINION Clean energy initiatives thwarted by unexpected roadblock in Yucatán The new policy limiting the participation of renewable energy plants in the private sector is a major setback for the development of green projects in the state, writes Jack Gooderidge. FULL STORY