SnS MAG

Mexico to probe role of US officials killed in Chihuahua car crash, Sheinbaum says

MEXICO CITY, April 20 (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday she was not aware U.S. embassy officials were working with the northern ‌state of Chihuahua to combat drug cartels following a car crash that killed ‌officials from both countries.

Two U.S. officials and two Mexican state officials died in a car crash on Sunday after an operation to destroy clandestine drug laboratories in the municipality of Morelos. Sheinbaum said her government would review whether the operation violated national security law.

State Attorney General Cesar Jauregui later on Monday told local media there had been a misunderstanding and that ‌the U.S. officials who died did ⁠not take part in the lab raid.

"In Chihuahua there was no participation of any agent of any foreign entity in the operation," ⁠Jauregui told media outlet Grupo Formula.

Jauregui said only Mexican personnel, around 80 in total, took part in the operation. The U.S. officials, who have not been identified, were picked up by the group after the operation at a separate location, where they had given a ‌class on flying drones. They were being driven to the state capital when the accident occurred, Jauregui said.

Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference that she would ask U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson to meet with Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco to discuss the incident.

The role of U.S. personnel in anti-cartel missions is highly sensitive in ‌Mexico. Sheinbaum has repeatedly said that while intelligence sharing and security cooperation are essential to fighting organized crime, Mexico will not accept U.S. boots on the ground.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump has ‌called for greater use of U.S. military force to combat Mexican cartels.

The embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Mexican officials killed in the accident were the director of the state's investigation agency and an officer, state authorities ‌said on Sunday. Ambassador Johnson, in a post on X mourning the incident, did not identify the dead U.S. embassy staff.

(Reporting by Mexico City newsroom; Editing by Sarah Morland and David Gaffen)

byAdministrator

in

April 23, 2026

Mexico to probe role of US officials killed in Chihuahua car crash, Sheinbaum says

MEXICO CITY, April 20 (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday she was not aware U.S. embassy officials were work...

Simple change in food handling process can cut exposure to toxic plastic chemicals by half

Changes to one’s food handling process can help create a “lowplastic”diet, effective in significantly reducing exposure totoxic polymer compoundsfrom our surroundings, a new study finds.

The daily use of plastic products has been associated with severalhealth risks, includinghormone fluctuations,reproductive conditions, andseveral types of cancer.

Recent studies estimate that over16,000 chemicalsare used in plastic products, with many of these, including phthalates and bisphenols, well established as hazardous to human health.

While several countries have implementedmeasures to limit exposureto hazardous plastic chemicals, regulation of these individual compounds has been challenging.

To address this, researchers in Australia have conducted a comprehensive clinical trial to assess health benefits of minimising all plastic “touchpoints” during the production, handling, processing, packaging, preparation and storage of food products and personal care items.

They found that by minimising these touchpoints, the levels of these chemicals in the human body could be reduced just within seven days.

“This trial has delivered a message of hope that we can actively reduce plastic chemical levels in our bodies but is linked to significant changes in the way we produce and package our food,” said Michaela Lucas, an author of the study published inNature Medicine.

“Our results showed strictly adhering to a diet of food which has not touched plastic, whether that is during production or packaging, can reduce plastic chemicals in our body in as little as a week,” said Dr Lucas, a biologist from the University of Western Australia.

Illustration shows foods wrapped in plastic packaging (AFP via Getty Images)

In the study, an interdisciplinary team of researchers, including dieticians, doctors, nurses, statisticians and biologists analysed urine, blood and nasal samples, as well as behavioural questionnaires and socio-demographic data from 211 healthy adults.

All the participants showed high levels of plastic chemicals in their bodies, with each found to have at least six different chemical types on any given day.

Eating highly processed, packaged and canned foods and beverages were significant contributors to the levels of plastic chemicals found in these participants, researchers say.

Sixty of these participants were selected to be part of a trial involving a low plastic diet and lifestyle intervention.

They were divided into five groups to test the effectiveness of replacing food and beverages, kitchenware and personal care products with low plastic alternatives.

Other plastic chemical sources like silicones and cans were also removed from the participants’ food supply chain.

“Our dieticians worked with over 100 farmers and food producers to educate and transform their food handling processes and packaging to reduce plastic exposure from paddock to plate,” said Amelia Harray, another author of the study from the University of Western Australia.

After the seven-day intervention, all trial groups showed a significant decrease in plastic chemical levels in their urine, compared to the control group.

By changing to low plastic kitchenware personal care products, the levels of phthalates decreased by more than 44 per cent in their urine, and bisphenols by more than 50 per cent, the study found.

“Participants had access to any type of food they would usually consume – pasta, salads, meats, butter, chocolate, fruit and snacks – which allowed energy intake to remain the same,” Dr Harray said.

“By delivering participants low plastic food and providing them with plastic-free kitchenware, such as stainless-steel pots, pans, kettles, toasters and wooden chopping boards, we showed changing what you eat and how you prepare food could reduce plastic chemicals in the body,” she said.

byAdministrator

in

April 23, 2026

Simple change in food handling process can cut exposure to toxic plastic chemicals by half

Changes to one’s food handling process can help create a “lowplastic”diet, effective in significantly reducing exposure totoxic polymer...

PSG leads Lens by just 4 points as race for French league title heats up

PARIS (AP) — The suspense remains intense in Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain is not as dominant as on the European stage at this crucial final stretch.

PSG's Lucas Beraldo heads the ball during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes in Paris, France, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Lens fans celebrate after a League One soccer match between Lens and Toulouse in Lens, France, Friday, April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye, center, and Nantes' Deiver Machado challenge for the ball during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes in Paris, France, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Lens players celebrate after a League One soccer match between Lens and Toulouse in Lens, France, Friday, April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

PSG's Desire Doue controls the ball past Nantes' Mohamed Kaba during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes in Paris, France, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

France League One Soccer

The reigning French championsdefeated Nantes 3-0at the Parc des Princes midweek but they had suffered a fifth loss in the French league last weekend — compared to two all last season — with a2-1 home defeat against Lyon.

With five Ligue 1 matches left to play, they have just a four-point lead over second-place Lens ahead of Saturday's trip to Angers.

Luis Enrique's team has to travel to Lens in May, after the leaguepostponed their game on April 11due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League. And with PSG's busy schedule due to the Champions League, the Ligue 1 title is far from being decided.

“You wanted a more open and competitive league? You’ve got it,” Enrique said. “Lens is having a very good season, and it will be difficult all the way to the final match.”

Lens travels to Brest on Friday.

Key matchups

Although the duel in the title race is taking the spotlight, the battle for the Champions League places is just as close.

Seven-time champion Lyon leads fourth-place Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying. Lyon hosts struggling Auxerre on Saturday while Lille travels to Paris FC on Sunday.

Although its hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dented by a10th loss this season,Marseille remains hopeful, lagging just two points behind Lyon ahead of hosting Nice at the Vélodrome stadium on Sunday.

Fifth-place Rennes is also in the mix, one point above Marseille, and takes on Nantes.

Rennes has been transformed undercoach Franck Haise— who was won six of eight games since taking charge.

Players to watch

Afonso Moreira: The 21-year-old Portugal forward had his best performance of the season against PSG, according to his coach Paulo Fonseca, and was outstanding either breaking from the left flank or holding up the ball. He also combined well with Brazil forward Endrick in what could be a crucial partnership in the remaining games.

Dominik Greif: The imposing Slovakian has been brilliant in goal for Lyon this season and saved a penalty against PSG, following a standout performance in the previous game.

Esteban Lepaul: He was without a club a few years ago when Lyon released him and is now Ligue 1's top scorer with 17 goals for high-flying Rennes. Lepaul shoots with every precision and has a gift for finding space.

Ilan Kebbal: The Algeria midfielder is Paris FC's top scorer with nine goals and his outstanding recent form has been at the heart of the club's inspired turnaround under coachAntoine Kombouaré.

Out of action

PSG will be without Vitinha after the Portugal midfielder limped off with a right foot injury during the loss to Lyon. PSG said Vitinha is sidelined by an inflammation in his heel following a knock sustained during the match.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byAdministrator

in

April 23, 2026

PSG leads Lens by just 4 points as race for French league title heats up

PARIS (AP) — The suspense remains intense in Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain is not as dominant as on the European stage at this cru...

Aaron Rodgers' act is tired, but Pittsburgh Steelers share blame | Opinion

Easy as it is to faultAaron Rodgersfor the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, thePittsburgh Steelersdeserve equal billing in the latest episode.

Rodgers is never going to act in someone else’s best interest, and he’s always going to find a way to stay in the spotlight. This offseason is no different. Having already left theSteelersin limbo during free agency over his intentions to either play in 2026 or retire,he seems set to do it againfor this week’s NFL draft.

No big deal. It’s just the most important position on Pittsburgh’s roster, and every personnel move the Steelers make or, in this case don’t make, is amplified because they’re hosting this year’s draft.

It’svintage Rodgers, as predictable as it is tiresome.

Steelers chose another offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation

But the Steelers are not helpless here. They could have called Rodgers’ bluff weeks ago and given him a deadline. They could have pursuedKirk CousinsorKyler Murrayin free agency. Heck, they could have set the tone with Rodgers by showing some backbone last season, when he hemmed and hawed for months until finallysigning a contract in June.

Instead, they’re letting Rodgers do what he does. Control the narrative regardless of the impact on anyone else.

“I think a decision is coming soon,”Steelers owner Art Rooney II told ESPN’s Brooke Pryorat the NFL’s annual meeting last month. “I would say by the draft I would expect an answer."

Yet here we are.

Steelers don't have great QB options beyond Aaron Rodgers' return

It is, of course, Rodgers’ prerogative to take the time he needs to make his decision. Sit with his feelings, have his chakras read, whatever it is he does that gives him clarity. Or maybe, similar to last year, he and the Steelers have an understanding and he’ll re-sign when those annoying offseason workouts are over.

That wouldn’t be a surprise, given Rodgers' history with newSteelers head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy was Rodgers’ first NFL coach, and the two won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay.

“I have not talked to (Rodgers),” Rooney said at the annual meeting. “(McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly."

But nothing is ever done until it’s actually done, and we’re not talking about the backup kicker here.

If Rodgers doesn’t re-up, Pittsburgh’s choices are to hopeWill Howardturns out to be as good as a certain other sixth-round QB from a Big Ten school or hopeMason Rudolphturns out to be more than a career backup.

Not great options, either one of them.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.