US Newspaper Review: Tornadoes in Iowa, L.A. Taco Stand Awarded Michelin Star

Good morning, and welcome to Newsweek’s summary of Thursday’s national, regional, and international newspapers.

The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal reports that three European nations—Norway, Spain, and Ireland — are set to recognize Palestine as an independent state, reflecting deepening international “frustration” with Israel’s war in Gaza. The three countries said Palestinian independence cannot wait for a negotiated settlement with Israel’s government. Other nations are expected to follow in the coming weeks. The move is a blow to President Biden, who argues a two-state solution should come about through a negotiated solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, not unilateral recognition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a two-state solution.

The New York Times

The Times leads on the story of Abdul Raziq, the former chief of police for the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, backed by the U.S. and considered to be one of America’s most important partners in the war against the Taliban. Despite his reputation among Americans, he was notorious among Afghan civilians for his brutal tactics, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances. There was widespread knowledge of his abuses, The Times reports, but American support for Raziq persisted due to his role in countering the Taliban. His reign exemplified the moral compromises made by the U.S. in its longest war, contributing to its eventual failure, the paper writes. The New York Times front page also focuses on the recognition of Palestine by Norway, Spain and Ireland as an independent state, reporting that the decision showed Israel’s “growing isolation on the world stage”.

The Washington Post

The Washington Post leads with the tornadoes that tore through Greenfield, Iowa on Tuesday night. Entire neighborhoods were flattened after at least 20 tornadoes swept through the state, killing 5 people and injuring at least 35. The Post reports that wind gusts of up to 68 mph were reported in Greenfield. Pictures on the front page show the extent of the damage caused by the tornadoes, which were described as “apocalyptic,” with rows of houses flattened and cars overturned. The devastation came as multiple tornadoes rolled through the Midwest this week, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power.

USA Today

USA Today also leads on the tornadoes in Iowa. A cleanup operation is still underway in the state as authorities work to confirm the number of dead and injured. More dangerous weather is forecast for areas stretching from Texas to New England through Memorial Day Weekend, USA Today reports. The paper’s front page reports that no-cost COVID-19 vaccines for people with limited coverage or no insurance are set to end in the U.S. in August, months earlier than expected because pandemic-era funding from Congress is expiring. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is seeking permanent funding so vaccines can remain free.

Houston Chronicle

The Houston Chronicle reports that six days after a powerful storm swept through Houston, which brought 100 mph winds to the city and killed eight people, 70,000 people are still without power. Among those are the residents of the West Houston Mobile Home Community, a predominately Latino working-class neighborhood, which has been left without electricity and running water, The Chronicle reports. Some residents have resorted to hauling water from a nearby creek for their bathroom, the paper said.

LA Times

The LA Times leads on a story about the Mexico City-based Taquería El Califa de León. The taqueria became the first taco stand to be awarded a Michelin star this week, after opening in 1968. It is located in the working-class district of San Rafael, where customers queue for two hours for the famous tacos. “The humble taco is a great unifier across this vast and fractured capital,” the paper writes.

New York Daily News

New York Daily News reports that Ettore Mazzei, a well-known Staten Island businessman who owns Chez Nous catering, also ran a drug empire, according to prosecutors who accused him of tricking addicts into “servitude” for his catering business in return for housing and drug dealing. He was indicted on multiple charges including the criminal sale of a controlled substance, grand larceny, identity theft, and possession of a forged instrument and is one of 20 people charged in the sweeping operation. Mazzei was the “primary orchestrator” of the long-running operation, the DA’s office said.

New York Post

The New York Post leads on video footage, reportedly taken on October 7 and released yesterday by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, showing Hamas militants taking five female Israeli soldiers prisoner, binding their hands and legs and plotting to rape them. “Here are the girls who can get pregnant,” one of the gunmen could be heard saying. The parent of one of the women in the video, who is still being held hostage, told The Post that the footage is “a wakeup call to the world”. Another parent said they backed the release of the video to pressure lawmakers to renew negotiations to help release the more than 130 hostages who remain in Gaza.