EL PAÍS English Edition

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A booming business for Trump

Dear readers,

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Donald Trump's business no longer stems solely from luxury skyscrapers, casinos, and golf courses. His empire has been bolstered by ties to the monarchies of the Persian Gulf, where his fortune has grown exponentially thanks to sheikhs and the cryptocurrency industry. This is the same region where Washington has now unleashed a war, in alliance with Israel, and where he plans to rebuild the Gaza Strip — destroyed by Israel — into a luxury resort.

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Back in the U.S., the president's migrant deportation drive continues to yield stories of questionable practices at detention facilities. This week we looked at the sinister insignia used by officers at Alligator Alcatraz. Experts say these patches reflect and normalize a problematic mindset, especially when they invoke violence, domination, or dehumanizing imagery.

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We also looked at a mysterious Cold War-era spy system based on radio broadcasts that was primarily used by Cuba, but which seems to be making a comeback in Iran, although it is unclear who is sending the messages — and to whom.

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We hope you enjoy this selection of stories from EL PAÍS USA Edition.

The Persian Gulf, a booming business for the Trump family‌

The US president and his children maintain a thriving relationship with entities and authorities in the Middle East, where they have expanded their activities since the Republican’s return to the White House

‘You can’t hide’: The skull patches worn by guards at Alligator Alcatraz‌

According to migrants held at the facility, personnel often use insignia with ominous messages to intimidate the detainees

Venezuela and Iran: Mission accomplished, again‌

The Middle East conflict has transformed into a war of attrition that could soon undermine Trump’s triumphalism and become a perfect storm with global consequences for his presidency

A new crime map for Mexico‌

Beyond acronyms and groups, and the unequal territorial control they exert, the death of El Mencho demonstrates the intensification of operations against crime in the country, under the watchful eye of the United States

Cubans at their limit: ‘How is it possible that in my country they listen to anyone but the people?’‌

Many Cubans on the island, struggling with daily blackouts or shortages of food and transportation, are urging Donald Trump to act soon

Those who do not give up: the lawyers, mothers and activists still fighting for political prisoners in Venezuela‌

Resistance to Chavismo’s years-long repression has changed the lives of a entire network of defenders who now demand that the government’s amnesty apply to those still behind bars

Illegal gold mining is rampant on Nicaragua-Costa Rica border, fueled by China’s voracious appetite‌

Unlawful operations have expanded across more than 3,000 hectares, while authorities declare themselves powerless against a plunder that could exceed $250 million annually

By your command, my robot: AI war games spark debate about ethical limits‌

Donald Trump has ordered the termination of all contracts with Anthropic due to the technology company’s insistence on imposing red lines on the use of its technology

The V32 numbers station: a mysterious Cold War spying system revived in Iran‌

These shortwave radio stations are used to maintain almost untraceable communications when the internet is down. Cuba has the longest tradition with this technology

Alan Faena, the A