Good morning! I’m Nicole Fallert, and here’s a look at today’s top news stories.
Cinco de Mayo History
Let’s delve into the history behind Cinco de Mayo, a celebration that often gets mistaken for Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "Fifth of May," commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
At the time, Mexico was heavily indebted to European powers, including France, Spain, and Great Britain. While the other nations negotiated with Mexico, France, under Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to establish a French empire in the Americas. French troops landed in Veracruz and began advancing towards Mexico City.
The Battle of Puebla was a significant turning point. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, was significantly outnumbered and outgunned by the better-equipped French forces. Despite these odds, the Mexican soldiers mounted a fierce defense and ultimately forced the French to retreat.
While the victory at Puebla didn’t end the war – the French would eventually capture Mexico City and install Emperor Maximilian I – it was a crucial moment for Mexican morale and national pride. The victory demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Mexican people in the face of foreign intervention.
Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. It’s a day filled with parades, traditional food, music, and reenactments of the battle. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. It’s often marked with festivals, mariachi music, and delicious Mexican cuisine.
It is important to remember that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican resistance and a reminder of the country’s struggle for sovereignty.
Met Gala: A Celebration of Black Menswear
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fashion extravaganza, the Met Gala, is back this Monday, and this year’s event promises to be a powerful celebration of Black menswear and its evolution over the centuries.
The theme for this year is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with a dress code of "Tailored for You." This nod to menswear is expected to bring a display of "Black excellence," showcasing the creativity, innovation, and influence of Black designers and style icons.
The exhibition itself, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," will explore the profound impact of Black men on fashion, from historical tailoring traditions to contemporary streetwear trends. It will highlight the ways in which Black men have used clothing to express their identity, challenge social norms, and shape cultural movements.
Expect to see a range of interpretations of the theme on the red carpet, from classic tailored suits with a modern twist to avant-garde ensembles that push the boundaries of fashion. The event will serve as a platform for celebrating Black designers, stylists, and creatives, while also providing a space for conversations about representation, visibility, and cultural appropriation in the fashion industry.
Sean "Diddy" Combs Faces Sex Crimes Trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs’ federal sex crimes trial is scheduled to begin this Monday in New York City. The Billboard chart-topping rapper remains behind bars as investigators unravel the complex allegations against him.
Combs is accused of masterminding an elaborate scheme to abuse alleged victims in a pervasive pattern of sexual assault and rape to fulfill his sexual desires. The embattled media mogul potentially faces spending the rest of his life in federal prison if convicted.
The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and ignited conversations about power dynamics, consent, and accountability. The trial promises to be closely watched as it unfolds, potentially exposing the alleged dark side of the music industry.
Economic Blame Game: Trump vs. Biden
Former President Donald Trump has once again refused to take responsibility for the current state of the economy, blaming his successor, President Joe Biden, after the U.S. gross domestic product shrank at a 0.3% annual rate in the first three months of the year.
Amid stock market turbulence, Trump previously declared, "This is Biden’s Stock Market, not Trump’s," even though Wall Street’s volatility has largely been attributed to his tariff policies. However, after stocks surged over the past week, Trump touted the recent turnaround.
The back-and-forth highlights the ongoing political debate surrounding the economy, with both sides seeking to assign blame and claim credit for its performance. The complex interplay of factors influencing the economy makes it difficult to attribute success or failure solely to one administration.
El Salvador: A Story of Immigration and Deportation
Senda 3, a cul-de-sac in San Salvador’s Los Nogales neighborhood, is a place of tight-knit communities and makeshift shops. This is where Kilmar Abrego Garcia spent his early years before fleeing to the United States.
Now, at 29, Abrego Garcia is back in El Salvador, imprisoned and caught in a standoff between President Trump, the courts, some members of Congress, and the Salvadoran government. USA TODAY spoke with almost a dozen of Abrego Garcia’s close neighbors, friends, and family members about their lives in Senda 3.
Abrego Garcia’s story highlights the complexities of immigration, deportation, and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crosshairs of political policies. It also sheds light on the lives and struggles of communities in El Salvador, where poverty, violence, and lack of opportunity often drive people to seek a better life elsewhere.
Foiled Bomb Attack at Lady Gaga Concert in Brazil
Brazilian police reported that they had thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s historic concert, which drew more than 2 million people to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Police revealed that the plot was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalization of teenagers, including self-harm and violent content as a form of social belonging. The Justice Ministry stated that the recruiters identified themselves as members of Gaga’s global fan base, known as the "Little Monsters."
This disturbing incident highlights the dangers of online radicalization and the potential for extremist groups to exploit vulnerable individuals. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public to prevent acts of violence.
Caitlin Clark Shines in WNBA Preseason Debut
More than 13 months after her final game as a college player, Caitlin Clark got the chance to thrill the crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The former Iowa star led the Indiana Fever to a 108-44 rout of the Brazil women’s basketball national team in front of a sold-out crowd for the WNBA preseason game.
Clark’s performance showcased her immense talent and potential as she transitions to the professional level. Her electrifying plays and exceptional court vision captivated the audience, reigniting the excitement surrounding women’s basketball.
And what’s the weather like today? Check your local forecast for the most up-to-date information.
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY. Sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at [email protected].
