Colombia Election Uncertainty Salvadoran Day of Mothers Austin Murder Investigation US Real Estate Duplicates Euphoria Production Reflections Canvas Cyberattack Impacts Yacht Rock Mislabeling Mexican Extradition in Panama Hong Kong Student Enrollmentactive

By Ricardo Ávila, Senior Analyst at El Tiempo and Political Consultant in Bogotá, Colombia. Article originally published in Americas Quarterly. Last week, Abelardo De La Espriella, the controversial lawyer who is running for president of Colombia, strongly criticized his right-wing rival, Paloma Valencia, for avoiding an open debate about the country's most pressing problems. De La Espriella criticized Valencia for being part of the political establishment, while portraying himself as one of many who have never had a significant role in shaping the nation's future. "Dear Paloma, this campaign is not a game," he emphasized in a post on X. The verbal dispute between the two conservative candidates, who are trying to differentiate themselves from the voters, marks the latest confrontation in a presidential race that is essentially a two-horse race. De La Espriella and Valencia are doing everything they can to reduce the lead of Iván Cepeda, a left-wing senator who is running as part of the ruling coalition, the Historic Pact. The tension is high across the entire conservative political spectrum. Less than a month before the first round of elections on May 31st, Cepeda, with the support of President Gustavo Petro and his political machinery, is leading all major polls. The support of the conservative electorate is divided between De La Espriella and Valencia, while the other 10 candidates are far behind. The outcome of this first round is crucial…

Early in the morning, dozens of people began arriving at cemeteries like La Bermeja, in San Salvador Centro, to commemorate their deceased mothers. Many came with flowers and mementos, filling the aisles between tombstones and niches, a tradition that keeps the tribute alive year after year. Although they are no longer physically present, their memory remains vivid in the minds of their children and families. For this celebration, the General Administration of Cemeteries estimates that approximately 50,000 people will visit the various municipal cemeteries in the municipality over the weekend. According to official records, around five thousand people entered the cemeteries on Saturday alone, which suggests a high turnout for the rest of the day. With the massive influx of visitors, the administration has deployed security personnel at both the entrances and within the cemeteries. This measure aims to protect those who come to remember their loved ones and to ensure that the commemorative activities take place in an orderly and safe environment. Director Reynaldo Pérez, in an interview with YSKL, explained that various municipal departments have been coordinated to ensure cleanliness, order, and security throughout the day. The operation includes support staff at all locations, with the aim of addressing any situation that may arise and providing a suitable space for families. The attention to visitors…

Luis Fernando Benitez Gonzalez, 26, was charged with murder by authorities in Texas after they used DNA evidence to link him to two separate murder cases.

Prediction market giants Kalshi and Polymarket are showing a recent surge in bets on right-wing populist Abelardo de la Espriella to be the eventual winner of Colombia’s presidential election at the end of May. The markets are out of line with conventional polls in Colombia, which have leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda comfortably leading the race with de la Espriella in second, followed by center-right candidate Paloma Valencia. In the last week, however, bets on de la Espriella to win the election have increased relative to bets on his rivals. On May 1, de la Espriella was given a 28.8% chance of victory whilst Cepeda was given 38% on betting market Kalshi. As of May 8, de la Espriella has overtaken Cepeda by 1 percentage point, reaching 42%. Polymarket shows a similar trend. De la Espriella’s odds have risen from 28% to 39% over the last seven days, though he still trails Cepeda, who remains on 41%. Over time, the race has been more measured. Since September of last year, Kalshi bet data show de la Espriella and Cepeda wrangling for first and second places until March when Valencia exploded onto the scene following her win in the right wing political party primary in which de la Espriella did not participate. She has since dropped – both on prediction markets, and in the polls. Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis, isn’t convinced of the predictive power of betting markets in the case of Colombia’s elections. He observes that, before the Colombian primaries in March, Valencia was unfancied on betting markets. She stormed to victory with 3,236,286 votes in the primaries while her party obtained 16% of the vote share in legislative elections. Meanwhile, de la Espriella declined to take part in a primary, but the party he leads, Movimiento de Salvación Nacional, won only 4% of the vote share. Cepeda’s party, Pacto Historico, held a primary in October 2025 which he won with 1,186,095 votes. “The best information we have suggests that Cepeda and Paloma have the highest proven ability to get votes,” Guzman told Latin America Reports. “To me, that suggests something is off in the prediction markets.” The Poll Weighting Index from news website La Silla Vacia combines polling data from the five authorized polling companies and finds that de la Espriella has 24% of voter intention, while Cepeda has 38%. This would be sufficient to earn the right-wing populist a place in the second round, but the same poll index suggests de la Espriella would lose the second round by three points to Cepeda. The trouble with prediction markets for polling Whilst prediction markets are not new, the recent rise in the popularity of sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket, presents challenges to democratic processes that require greater public understanding. Unlike polls, prediction markets do not measure voting intentions but the hunches of investors. They allow users to trade cryptocurrency-based shares on future events. Correct predictions pay $1 per share; incorrect ones lose their value. Thus, rather than being an average of users’ probability beliefs, prediction markets are skewed towards the predictions of those with more capital to commit and are vulnerable to manipulation by those with the means to influence the perception of the likelihood of an outcome. There is some evidence that prediction markets have outperformed polls on electoral margins forecasting, but both get significantly more accurate closer to the predicted event and should not be treated as reflecting the probability of an outcome. Kalshi’s market for bets on the Colombian presidential election is relatively shallow, with only USD $385,390 bet at the time of writing, making the odds particularly volatile, and potentially vulnerable to manipulation. Coljuegos, the state-owned body responsible for regulating online gambling in Colombia, does not recognize either Kalshi or Polymarket as an authorized operator. Changes to Colombia’s poll process The discrepancy between poll data and prediction market data may partly reflect the age of the available polling data. In Colombia, the most recent authorized surveys were conducted no later than April 30, meaning all publicly available polling is now more than a week old. Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, by contrast, update continuously, with odds shifting hour by hour as traders react to new information. While most polling data isn’t instantaneous, the increased delays stem from electoral polling regulations introduced in Colombia last year. The rules effectively impose a gagging order on polls until the National Electoral Council (CNE) has reviewed their methodology and respondent metadata. As a result, the publication of voter intention polling has slowed considerably, often lagging by more than a week. Spanish polling and consulting firm GAD3 has suspended polling operations on Colombia’s presidential elections, arguing that the new requirements make reliable research impractical. In a statement, the company said it was “unfeasible to carry out social research with the minimum guarantees of rigor and operational viability.” The prediction market phenomenon entering Latin American politics – as it has around the world – will be an interesting trend to watch. For his part, Guzmán suspects that the prediction markets are more reactive than predictive, but understands that people need “a place where they can go to soothe their anxiety,” in the absence of more regular polling updates. Featured image: Screenshot of Kalshi market for Colombia’s upcoming election taken on May 9. Image credit: Kalshi The post The prediction markets betting on Colombia’s upcoming election appeared first on Latin America Reports.

During April 2026, two cities named Springfield topped the list of the most dynamic real estate markets in the United States, according to a monthly report compiled by Realtor.com. This phenomenon directly involves both buyers and sellers of homes in both locations, resulting in significant variations in prices and the speed of transactions. The interest in more affordable alternatives outside of major urban centers explains part of this trend. According to official information released by Realtor.com, Springfield, Massachusetts, ranked first nationally for the second consecutive month, while Springfield, Illinois, moved up to the thirteenth position, driven by the largest annual price increase among the top twenty cities. The report details that both cities are following distinct trajectories, but share a marked increase in demand and activity in the buying and selling of homes. This behavior is occurring alongside the increasing cost of major urban centers in the United States, such as Boston and Chicago, where housing prices far exceed the national average. This situation has led buyers to seek new opportunities in mid-sized markets, altering the national real estate landscape, according to Realtor.com's analysis. What factors place Springfield, Massachusetts, in the number one position? According to the Realtor.com report, S…

Thanks to the five-year time jump introduced in its third season, Euphoria has sent its main characters in different directions. While some characters are trying to make their way in Hollywood, and others are planning a wedding destined to fail, Rue Bennett (Zendaya) is living on the border between the United States and Mexico, constantly working as a drug mule, transporting fentanyl. It is there that the Silver Slipper is located, one of the strip clubs owned by Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), the mafia boss introduced in the new season of the popular HBO series (which premieres its fifth episode this Sunday on the channel and the HBO Max platform). Rue is assigned a specific task under his supervision: to attend to the needs of the dancers and to keep the large number of visitors calm. This world of neon lights and scant clothing was created in the studios owned by Warner Bros. in Burbank, specifically on the same set where Rick's Café Américain from Casablanca (1942) was built. Sam Levinson, the creator of the series, and the rest of the crew saw a large sign every day, listing all the classic films that have been shot on the location: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), The Wild Bunch (1967), among many others. "From the very beginning, despite filming in the studios, everything was prepared so that we wouldn't have to rely on our imaginations," explains the Spanish actress Priscilla Delgado from Barcelona.

A suspected cyberattack on Canvas, a digital platform widely used in universities and schools across the United States, has left students and professors without access to essential materials for their educational activities. According to its parent company, Instructure, the cloud-based service has over 30 million active users worldwide, as well as more than 8,000 institutions as clients. The apparent hacking of the platform was reported on Thursday, May 7th. According to information reported by CNN, the universities affected include Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, and Georgetown, as well as other prominent academic institutions. These institutions reported receiving a ransom note, signed by a group of hackers, which appeared on the main page of their websites within the application. After hours of intervention in the system, Instructure stated that Canvas services were again available to most of its users. What is known about the hacking of Canvas that affected thousands of schools and universities? The information reported by the aforementioned media outlet details that the apparent cyberattack occurred after the alleged group responsible sent a warning note to the parent company. They claimed to have accessed data from millions of users, including students, professors, and administrative staff. They warned Instructure that, if they did not pay a ransom...

The term, let's be honest, is derogatory, and it's derogatory because it originated as a mockery. "Yacht Rock" is a "mockumentary," a parody in the form of a documentary created by a group of comedians who were making their way in the digital world in the early days of YouTube, in 2005. The target of their satire was the music that a handful of artists dominated in American popular music from the mid-70s to the early 80s. This sophisticated sound was represented by bands like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Toto, Hall & Oates, and Christopher Cross, to name a few. It was a scene where collaborations were common, and this style of music dominated the airwaves for the "young adult" demographic. The comedians dubbed it "yacht rock," as if this music was the domain of wealthy, white people sailing on the open sea. Today, the term is used casually, with references that are completely divorced from any intention of parody, and a few years ago, it was further amplified by a documentary of the same name produced by HBO. In the vastness of the internet, this production and everything that followed – reviews, a kind of revival, the proliferation of playlists, and some intense reactions against the use of the phrase as a label, as well as the attempt to group such different bands under a single umbrella – have all contributed to its evolution. It's true that the filmmakers of the documentary pushed their thesis quite a bit: the director, ...

A Mexican citizen, wanted by U.S. authorities for child sexual abuse, was arrested in Panama while attempting to use Tocumen International Airport as a transit point to escape, according to EFE. The operation was carried out by agents of the Panamanian National Police and immigration officials, who acted after receiving international alerts from Interpol. According to a statement released by the National Central Bureau of Interpol Panama, the suspect was traveling in transit from Medellín to Mexico when he was intercepted by Panamanian authorities. The man, whose identity has not been revealed, is in the custody of the relevant authorities, awaiting a formal extradition request from the United States, through the International Affairs Prosecutor's Office. The National Immigration Service confirmed that the foreign national was subject to an arrest warrant issued by U.S. authorities, related to alleged crimes involving cruelty and abuse against a minor. According to EFE, the operation took place at Panama's main airport, which is considered a major hub for the region. "The person wanted by U.S. authorities was detained while transiting through Tocumen International Airport, following the activation of international alerts," the National Police stated in its announcement.

Hong Kong schools have recorded net student rises for two consecutive years, with the current academic year seeing an increase of about 7,200 pupils, a surge that an industry leader has attributed to the influx of dependants of admitted talent. The Education Bureau published enrolment figures on its website on April 28. The data covers all government, aided, private, international and direct subsidy scheme schools at the time of the annual headcount exercise in September 2025. To determine the...

The Consumer Protection Agency has been conducting a series of price verification operations in businesses throughout the metropolitan area of San Salvador since early May, in response to the increase in commercial activity surrounding Mother's Day. The president of the institution, Ricardo Salazar, visited a shopping center where the inspections are being concentrated. According to the Consumer Protection Agency itself, over 80% of Salvadorans plan to celebrate this day, which increases the demand for products and services. According to the institution, these controls are part of its commitment to protect the purchasing power of families during one of the most important holidays. "Mother's Day is an important celebration within Salvadoran families, and that is why our institution is carrying out a nationwide effort to defend the rights of consumers," Salazar said in statements collected by the Press Secretariat. The operation aims to ensure that businesses comply with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law, such as the clear display of prices, the consistency between the advertised price and the price charged, and the validity and labeling of food products. During the inspections, the institution also verifies that businesses inform customers about the guarantees and conditions of the products, both in physical stores and online. Most people will celebrate at home, and...

Pablo José Hernández Rivera, Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, called for an investigation into the halting of prosecution efforts related to an alleged scheme to buy prisoners’ votes. Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images Federal and local lawmakers in Puerto Rico, as well as civil rights and advocacy organizations, have called for investigations after ProPublica reported how a federal probe into a drugs-for-votes scheme in Puerto Rico prisons got quashed after the 2024 elections. The territory’s representative in Congress, Pablo José Hernández Rivera, called on members of the U. S. House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to join him in a push for a congressional probe into the matter. “The report published today by ProPublica details facts that no elected official — whether in Puerto Rico or in Washington — can ignore,” he said in a statement in Spanish. The same day, Rep. Héctor Ferrer Santiago, a Popular Democratic Party member, introduced a resolution in the territory’s House ordering its Committee on Public Security to investigate, calling the allegations “serious!” and saying the House has “an inescapable duty to investigate.” Their requests came the day ProPublica published its investigation detailing how prosecutors had uncovered a drugs-for-votes scheme being run by a violent gang in Puerto Rican prisons and were deep into looking at whether now-Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón or her campaign were involved. In the days following President Donald Trump’s election in 2024, as prosecutors prepared the indictment, they were told by supervisors in the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico to exclude the voting-related charges against inmates and prison staff, four sources with knowledge of the investigation told ProPublica. Then, once Trump took office, they were told to abandon the probe into potential political ties entirely, the sources said. González-Colón, a longtime Republican and member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, has declined repeated requests for interviews by ProPublica. In a statement Tuesday, she denied any wrongdoing and said she “has stood firmly against corruption” throughout her career and political campaigns. “I categorically reject any attempt to link me to unlawful conduct,” she wrote. González-Colón has not been charged with any crime. She told local news outlets Wednesday she doesn’t think any investigation into the matter is warranted. “There is nothing here,” she said in Spanish. “And, if they have research from the past four years, let them do it, let them bring it to a successful conclusion. But I have absolutely nothing to do with the things that are pointed out there, much less my campaign.” On Wednesday, leaders of the Puerto Rican Independence Party also called for an investigation. Sen. María de Lourdes Santiago, vice president of the party, said on social media that the questions of partisan intervention in prison spaces should not be ignored considering their “severe implications.” Read More Prosecutors Had a Drugs-for-Votes Scheme “Locked Up.” Under Trump, They Were Told Not to Pursue Charges. Thomas Rivera Schatz, president of the Puerto Rico Senate and a member of González-Colón’s party, initially told local news outlets that government officials in Puerto Rico should investigate thoroughly. But at a press conference on Thursday, he backed away from that assertion, saying of ProPublica’s report: “I do not lend it any credibility whatsoever. … It appears to follow a specific editorial line — one directed against the Republican Party and against Trump.” An indictment filed in December 2024, while Joe Biden was still president, charged 34 members of a gang, known as Group 31 or Los Tiburones, and associates with crimes including drug distribution resulting in at least four overdose deaths, money laundering and possessing a firearm. Prosecutors also alleged that the gang made connections with government officials “for the purpose of reducing prison sentences” and that the gang mandated both the prisoners’ political affiliations and “who to vote for in primary and general elections,” but included no charges related to the drugs-for-votes scheme. Sources familiar with the investigation said gang leaders forced inmates to vote for González-Colón or face brutal beatings and being cut off from a supply of drugs. Many of the inmates are addicted to illicit drugs. Prosecutors said they had evidence that González-Colón had spoken with one of the prison gang leaders on WhatsApp during the primary campaign and were pursuing other potential ties when they were instructed not to look any further, people with knowledge of the investigation told ProPublica. González-Colón said in her statement that she engaged with all sectors of society during her campaign. “That included meeting with families of incarcerated individuals concerned about rehabilitation and reintegration, because public policy must be inclusive and responsive to every community,” she said. She did not address the allegation that she had talked with a gang leader directly. W. Stephen Muldrow, U. S. attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, who was appointed by Trump in 2019 and has served continuously since, told ProPublica that his office does not comment on open cases. While a couple of defendants in the drug and money laundering cases have taken plea agreements, most of the cases are still pending. “Given the ongoing nature of the case and the importance of maintaining the integrity of active matters, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further in a press setting,” Lymarie Llovet-Ayala, spokesperson for the office, said in an email Wednesday. Previously, she said that charging corrupt public officials “has always been and remains a top priority” of the office. As Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner in Congress —  a role similar to a U. S. representative — Hernández Rivera has the power to introduce and co-sponsor legislation and vote in committee, but is prohibited from voting on final passage of laws in the House. Hernández Rivera, a Democrat and member of the Popular Democratic Party, said he already has support from at least a couple of members from the House Judiciary Committee who are interested in starting the oversight process and are working on a draft letter requesting an investigation. Political parties in Puerto Rico don’t adhere to a straight divide among Democrats and Republicans. Instead, they center much of their focus on whether Puerto Rico should become a state and so have Republicans and Democrats within each. Hernández Rivera said the fact that the New Progressive Party has a stronghold on inmate votes is suspicious. “About the prisons in particular, it raises eyebrows from a statistical standpoint, the fact that 83% of inmates vote for the candidate of that party when no other place in Puerto Rico votes by those margins,” he said, citing a ProPublica tally of voter returns from the State Elections Commission’s website. By comparison, González-Colón won 41% of the overall vote in her victory in the five-way general election contest. “The issue here is more about whether the processes were followed and whether there was corruption in giving up the case,” Hernández Rivera said. U. S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., a member of the House Judiciary Committee, told ProPublica that while he didn’t yet know the details of the matter, he would support an investigation. He said the allegations aren’t surprising given the suspicions of election fraud across the U. S. and considering “today’s morals.” “I hope our committee or another committee does some investigating,” he said. Annette Martínez-Orabona, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Puerto Rico, said abandoning an investigation into a fraudulent voting scheme in prisons undermines the trust of those who believe in democracy. The ACLU is “advocating for full transparency about what happened with this investigation … what evidence was collected, and what was done with that evidence,” Martínez Orabona said in a written statement. The Power 4 Puerto Rico Coalition, a diaspora organization that advocates for more independence for the territory, said it wants answers from González-Colón and the U. S. Department of Justice. “Power 4 Puerto Rico calls for Congressional hearings to fully review what happened, who knew, and why the voting-related investigation did not proceed,” Erica González Martínez, director of the group, wrote in a statement. “The Puerto Rican people deserve the truth.” The post Puerto Rico Lawmakers Call for Investigation Into Alleged Drugs-for-Votes Scheme After ProPublica Report appeared first on ProPublica.

The decision has created uncertainty within the academic community, while the Supreme Council will need to appoint an acting rector.

Within the framework of the Open Single Hearing against the hierarchical structure of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Salvadoran judicial system has achieved a milestone in the presentation of technological evidence. During the recent days, specifically on April 7th, a key evidentiary session focused on the reproduction of 125 intercepted audio recordings. These recordings are crucial, not only implicating the 486 defendants, but also revealing the cold, operational efficiency and the vertical command structure that dominated the country for a decade. The El Salvador Judicial Center reported that the evidentiary session concluded with the presentation of recorded conversations documenting aggravated homicide and illegal associations. These audio recordings are not merely voice recordings; they are real-time chronicles of crimes. One of the most disturbing excerpts presented by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) describes a relentless pursuit. The recording captures a group of gang members closely following an ambulance transporting a person who had been shot in the face. The attackers' objective was to intercept the emergency vehicle in order to "finish off" the victim and ensure their death before they could receive medical attention. Other recordings captured the final moments of various victims. The courtroom echoed with cries for help as the perpetrators, in an act of absolute cynicism, mocked their suffering before firing. The "e..."

A study published this week in the journal Nature concludes that TikTok promoted the spread of conservative content during the 2024 US presidential campaign, thereby contributing to Donald Trump's victory. The information was revealed by the newspaper El País, which details how the platform's algorithm displayed more videos related to the Republican Party than to the Democratic Party in the months leading up to the election. In 2024, then-President Joe Biden had approved a law that required TikTok to separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, if it wanted to continue operating in the United States. Following Trump's electoral victory, both parties reached an agreement that allowed the platform to continue operating in the country. The president himself acknowledged after the election victory: "I wasn't a fan of TikTok, but I started using it, I became a fan, and it helped me win the election by a landslide." What does the study say? According to the study, researchers created 323 fictitious TikTok accounts in New York, Texas, and Georgia, and collected over 280,000 recommended videos over several months before the election. The results detected a significant bias in favor of the Republican Party: accounts configured as Republican received 11.5% more content aligned with that ideology. Meanwhile, Democratic accounts saw 7.5% more content that was anti-progressive. According to the study, a user interested in...

A series of severe thunderstorms spawned several tornadoes in the state of Mississippi on the night of Wednesday, May 6th, resulting in a confirmed total of at least 17 people injured and over 300 homes damaged, according to state and federal authorities. The weather phenomenon primarily affected residents of Lincoln, Lamar, and Franklin counties, where power outages, disruptions to transportation, and the need for shelters for displaced people were reported. According to Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the event involved a coordinated mobilization of emergency services, the deployment of rescue teams, and the activation of emergency alerts by the National Weather Service (NWS), which monitored the situation in real time. The event was classified as a tornado emergency, the highest category of weather alert, and prompted the arrival of specialists from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Mississippi is among the Southern states in the United States with the highest exposure to severe thunderstorms, according to data from the NWS. State authorities maintain enhanced response protocols in the region, following previous episodes of recent tornadoes that have affected rural communities and mobile home areas. When and where did the tornadoes occur in Mississippi? According to the…

U. S. officials in at least five states — Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas and Virginia — are monitoring symptoms of seven returning passengers.

Birmingham (Alabama) and Tampa (Florida) are leading the new ranking of job markets for young professionals, according to the ADP Research Institute, a leading firm in labor market analysis. The report, published in May 2026, analyzed market conditions for individuals aged twenty to thirty who hold a university degree, within a context of slowing hiring for this age group. The ADP Research Institute, responsible for the study, evaluated the 53 largest metropolitan areas in the United States based on three main criteria: job opportunities, salaries (including the average annual salary adjusted for the cost of living), and the affordability of each city. The analysis used anonymized payroll data and adjusted the results for the cost of living in order to determine where the best job opportunities exist for young professionals after graduation. In recent years, the U.S. job market has experienced significant fluctuations, particularly for recent university graduates. The report highlights that several cities in the South have improved their position in the ranking due to better hiring figures and salary conditions, while other metropolitan areas have lost ground compared to previous years. What criteria determined the ranking of the job markets? According to the firm, the ranking was compiled based on three criteria…

Members of the gang were conducting surveillance on the victims, according to reports from the Attorney General's Office (FGR), as part of the legal proceedings against MS-13. According to the recordings presented as evidence, members of the organization were observing the daily routines, days off, and physical characteristics of individuals identified as targets, following instructions from the leaders. The material presented corresponds to events that occurred between 2017 and 2018. In some cases, gang members took photographs of the victims and shared this information with other members in order to facilitate their identification. The collection of information and surveillance were part of a process that preceded the execution of the murders. One of the audio recordings details the surveillance conducted on a prison guard. According to the recording, members of the group decided not to act because the person was accompanied by their children, and they waited until the person was alone before proceeding. This type of action demonstrates that there was a chain of command and that decision-making was subject to prior analysis. The FGR stated that the recordings capture the moments when the murders occurred, including gunshots. After the attacks, the perpetrators would pronounce the name of the gang. Other recordings reveal that, once the victims were deprived of their liberty, the…

Fines for littering in unauthorized areas start at $50 and can reach up to $900, while in serious cases, they can reach $2,200. This was explained by Francisco Garay, councilman for San Salvador Centro, who detailed that these amounts are established in the municipal ordinance and are supported by legal reforms approved since 2022. The councilman emphasized that the reforms to the Penal Code and the Environmental Law also provide for community service and prison sentences for those who commit serious offenses. Disposing of small amounts of waste can result in a $20 fine, but throwing away more than two pounds constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by a $1,500 fine and up to three years in prison, a sentence that can be replaced by community service. Garay warned that these penalties include restrictions such as being prohibited from leaving the country or obtaining municipal clearance until the fine is paid. For drivers who throw trash from their vehicles, the penalty is doubled: $1,500 and suspension of the license for up to six months. "We don't intend to punish people's wallets, but rather to foster a sense of civic responsibility," he insisted. The city government is also promoting awareness campaigns on social media and using a Ciberseguro video surveillance system to monitor violations. "More than a million people circulate daily through San Salvador Centro. We are all responsible for keeping the city clean," he concluded.

The Second Investigating Court of San Salvador ordered that Kevin Stanley Cubias Cubias be brought to trial, accused of using forged documents and a notary seal without authorization. According to official information released by the Judicial Centers of El Salvador, several documents bearing signatures and seals that a notary did not recognize as her own were found in Cubias' possession. The indictment details that, since April 2023, Cubias allegedly presented documents to municipal institutions that allowed him to conduct business on behalf of third parties. These documents included the signature and authentication seal of a notary, who denied having issued them. The notary, upon noticing the improper use of her signature and seal, notified the Attorney General's Office. During the investigation, authorities seized additional documents and seals that were allegedly forged, as well as lottery tickets and other official papers. After analyzing the evidence presented, the court determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a public trial, and therefore, it upheld the provisional detention order for the accused while the legal proceedings are underway. Cubias faces charges of using and possessing forged documents, forgery, possession of official seals, tax offenses, and lottery tickets. The Salvadoran Penal Code states that the use and possession of forged documents constitutes a crime when...

The mayor of San Salvador Centro, Mario Durán, presented a special operations plan for May 9th and 10th, in celebration of Mother's Day, which will mobilize more than 500 municipal employees across the 18 cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the Central Municipality. The administration anticipates receiving over 50,000 visitors from the five districts that make up the municipality: San Salvador, Mejicanos, Ayutuxtepeque, Ciudad Delgado, and Cuscatancingo. Access to the cemeteries will be open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To assist visitors, 13 information points will be set up throughout the cemeteries, along with two express payment kiosks to expedite transactions. Medical assistance will be provided through nine emergency stations, and mobility for elderly individuals will be facilitated with wheelchairs. Portable restrooms will also be available to accommodate the expected high volume of visitors. The security operation will involve the joint deployment of 150 officers from the Metropolitan Police Force (CAM) and 65 officers from the National Civil Police (PNC), focusing on access control and traffic management. In addition, the event will offer cultural activities: attendees will be able to enjoy performances by mariachi bands and the San Salvador Symphony Orchestra, while children will have access to free painting and drawing workshops inside the cemeteries. The hygiene plan is organized into three phases: pre-event, during the event, and post-event...

In one of the audio recordings released by the Attorney General's Office, several gang members exchange instructions and reports using short phrases and internal codes, demonstrating the way orders were transmitted within the organization's structure. The recording is part of the evidence presented in the trial against 486 leaders of the MS-13, where the prosecution seeks to prove the existence of a hierarchical structure that ordered and coordinated murders in various regions of the country. In the dialogue, a clear order is heard: "We must show no mercy to the traitors, they say." During the conversation, they discuss the review of "placazos" (likely referring to payment schedules or assignments) and the arrival of instructions to carry out actions: "I was just reviewing the 'placazos' of several individuals, those who participated in that thing, those 'güilas' (slang for tough guys) and everything." Another gang member mentions: "They sent a 'güila' with fifty 'placazos' from over there as well." Throughout the fragments, the instruction to show no mercy to those identified as traitors is repeated, along with the constant validation of orders and messages circulating within the structure, according to the transcript. Among the recordings played before the court, details are highlighted about specific murders that were planned and executed under the direct orders of the leaders, according to the prosecution. They claim that in one of the audio recordings, it reveals...

Two decades after the police operations in San Salvador Atenco, State of Mexico, survivors of that repression reaffirmed their demand for justice during a discussion at the Iberoamericana University, where they denounced that the violence perpetrated by security forces was not an isolated incident, but a systematic practice in which women's bodies were used as a means of punishment. Edith Rosales, representing her fellow survivors, stated that the abuses included sexual torture by federal, state, and municipal police officers. The event, held with the support of the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center, also served to remember one of the most emblematic episodes of police abuse in the country. Also read: Sheinbaum asks her cabinet to define their participation in the 2027 elections; aspiring candidates must leave their positions. It was recalled that the case escalated to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which condemned the Mexican state due to the violations committed. Despite this ruling, justice has not been served. The Iberoamericana University's institutional memory also refers to another key moment linked to Atenco: the visit in 2012 by then-presidential candidate Enrique Peña Nieto, who defended the operation as a "legitimate use of force." That student confrontation triggered the #YoSoy132 movement, which brought the issue of accountability into the public debate...

The Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Zoé Robledo Aburto, and the Secretary General of the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS), Rafael Olivos Hernández, led the inauguration of the national working group to address key issues related to dignified treatment, improved service for beneficiaries, support for workers, and a comprehensive strategy for mental health, among other areas. In the meeting room of the Honorable Technical Council of the IMSS, Robledo Aburto stated that the institution is experiencing a period of historical expansion in infrastructure, coverage, and financial strength, with the goal of guaranteeing health services without compromising its long-term viability. She explained that, as part of the strategy, the IMSS has promoted three main pillars, including increasing the number of affiliated individuals by incorporating independent workers, those from households, agricultural workers, and those working on digital platforms; expanding hospital infrastructure, with a goal of adding more than 5,500 beds by 2030; and strengthening financial stability towards the end of the current presidential term. Also read: IMSS Pension: When will the deposit corresponding to the month of May be credited?; here's what is known. In this regard, she detailed that the institute has proposed four lines of action to achieve these objectives, which include moving towards universal access to health services and diversifying sources…

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has established the "Heat Wave Command" to prevent and address dehydration, heatstroke, and complications of chronic diseases in response to the high temperatures being experienced across the country. The command will monitor risk indicators, the availability of medical supplies, the functioning of emergency rooms and hospitalizations, as well as health communication initiatives aimed at promoting proper hydration, early identification of warning signs, and protection against prolonged exposure to heat. "We have the capacity, the tools, the human resources, and what we need from those in charge is for them to be vigilant, to get involved, and to review," explained Javier Guerrero, Director of Operations and Evaluation at the Institute. Also read: Rubén Rocha did not request personal security, clarifies Harfuch; "it was provided based on a recommendation," he states. Modifications will also be made in the medical facilities to address potential cases, as explained by Annuar Rubio, Coordinator of Conservation and General Services. "With the establishment of the command, the implementation of appropriate preventive measures at the national level is accelerated. Among the main actions to be carried out in the medical facilities are major corrective maintenance with component replacement, including general cleaning of components such as filters, coils, fans, and cabinets..."

The Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union is planning to approve a resolution urging state and municipal authorities to resolve the social conflict arising from the development projects in Playa Las Cocinas, Punta de Mita, Bahía de Banderas. Senator Ivideliza Reyes of the PAN party stated that for several weeks, residents of Punta de Mita have been permanently protesting on Playa Las Cocinas, in front of a tourist development being built in that location, which is causing significant ecological damage to the area. She warned about the situation in that region of the country, where social tensions and public concern are growing due to the lack of dialogue and solutions regarding a project linked to the company Cantiles de Mita S. A. de C. V., a subsidiary of Grupo DINE. Also read: Morena members attack Díaz Ayuso for writing "Méjico"; they demand that she "write the name of our country correctly." According to activists and residents who are calling for the intervention of senators and members of parliament, all of this is happening in the context of a dispute over public access to the coastal strip in Playa Las Cocinas, in Punta de Mita. The activist Pepe Ávila, identified as an opponent of development projects in the area, reported receiving threats and described an environment he considers hostile. According to his testimony, the mayor of Bahía de Banderas, Héctor Santana, informed him about the existence of an investigation file against him. Subsequently...

A vast mass of cold air has impacted more than 25 states in the United States since Tuesday, stretching across a corridor from Maine to Texas. The weather system, classified by meteorological authorities as one of the largest of the season, has generated heavy snowfall, torrential rain, and severe storms, causing delays at major airports and disrupting ground transportation, according to reports from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service. The NOAA's Storm Prediction Center reported that the cold front triggered multiple storm alerts, flood warnings, and winter weather advisories between Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting major cities such as Denver, Dallas, Indianapolis, and New York. Authorities urged the public to follow the recommendations of local services, as there were sudden drops in temperature and dangerous travel conditions both on roads and in air travel. This phenomenon follows a series of extreme weather events in the central United States during April, where tornadoes and floods were reported. The new weather system has heightened vigilance in states that were already experiencing unstable conditions, a situation described in recent reports from the meteorological agency.

The sentencing of Claudia Mercedes Barraza de Amaya to 60 years in prison marks the conclusion of a fraud case that affected a group of people in the Zacatecoluca district, in eastern El Salvador. The sentence includes the payment of USD 13,000 as civil liability, intended to compensate those who trusted and handed over money under the promise of a job opportunity in Spain. According to the judicial investigation, the defendant offered twelve people—six men and six women—the opportunity to travel to Europe for work, requesting amounts ranging from USD 700 to 1,800 per person. The total amount collected reached USD 13,000. Barraza de Amaya provided forms from a supposed foreign company and assured that if more people joined the project, the cost of the trip would be lower. The incident occurred in 2012. Once the defendant had the money, she stopped responding to inquiries from those seeking information about the trip. When they did not receive responses, the victims contacted the authorities and filed a complaint, which initiated the criminal proceedings. The Sentencing Court of Zacatecoluca evaluated documentary, expert, and testimonial evidence presented by the Attorney General's Office, determining the criminal responsibility of Barraza de Amaya. The ruling established a five-year prison sentence for each victim, totaling six decades of imprisonment, in addition to the obligation to pay the amount defrauded. Det…

The road to the 2026 World Cup is entering its most critical phase, and for the Costa Rican national team, the schedule has presented a challenge of monumental proportions. On June 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Costa Rican time (4:00 p.m. local time), the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, will be the venue where "La Sele" will face off against one of the world's powerhouses: England. This match is more than just a friendly. For the team coached by Thomas Tuchel, it's the final dress rehearsal, the last fine-tuning before their World Cup debut. For Costa Rica, it represents an opportunity to measure themselves against the elite and to cap off a June FIFA window that aims to consolidate the generational change in Costa Rican football. The Inter&Co Stadium, home to Orlando City of the MLS, will transform into a branch of international football. The choice of this venue is no coincidence; the logistical proximity and the climate of Florida offer ideal conditions for both teams to complete their preparation camps. England arrives at this match after facing New Zealand in Tampa just a few days prior, looking to hone an offensive machine that strikes fear into any opponent. Costa Rica, on the other hand, arrives with the responsibility of demonstrating that the tactical discipline and grit that have historically allowed them to compete with the giants are still very much alive. The history between these two nations is short but significant. The fans…

During the seventh day of the open preliminary hearing against 486 leaders of the MS-13 gang in San Salvador, the Attorney General's Office presented intercepted phone calls between gang members as evidence to demonstrate the internal structure and hierarchy of the criminal organization. These recordings exposed the voices of national leaders and the operation of extortion and weapons acquisition mechanisms. The Assistant Attorney General for Organized Crime, Max Muñoz, explained that the audio recordings were obtained through wiretaps and data extraction, which are special investigative techniques. During the hearing, it was reported that the prosecution plans to play at least 125 audio recordings throughout the proceedings. On that day, an audio recording of a meeting held in April 2016 between MS-13 leaders incarcerated in different prisons across the country was played. During that meeting, the leaders discussed topics such as the collection and distribution of income, intended for the purchase of heavy-caliber weapons and the planning of homicides, known within the organization as "hits." According to one of the leaders, they expected to collect approximately $500,000 in extortion from the various cliques, funds that would also be used to acquire ammunition, vehicles, and to train members in the handling of weapons. The audio recordings also reflected the leaders' concerns about maintaining internal cohesion in the face of attempts to...

A small plane carrying five people crashed into a residential building in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, shortly after takeoff.

According to data released this Monday by the director of the National Registry of Natural Persons (RNPN), Fernando Velasco, the number of Salvadoran residents abroad holding a Unique Identification Document (DUI) has exceeded 961,690 people. Official information indicates that the majority of these citizens are located in the United States, where the number reaches 919,852 Salvadorans. Demographic analysis shows that the age group of 26 to 45 years is the largest among those holding a DUI abroad, with 438,039 citizens, followed by the age range of 46 to 60 years (312,594 people). According to information from the RNPN, the modernization and expansion of services strategy has reduced the processing time for the document and introduced options such as the "DUI Express," which allows citizens to receive the document at their home through a digital application. "The efforts in this administration have been significant to guarantee the constitutional right to identification," stated Fernando Velasco. The implementation of technology and the opening of new service centers aim to strengthen the representation and participation of the Salvadoran diaspora in civic and electoral processes, according to data released by the RNPN. Among the reported figures, there are 108,127 expired DUIs and 853,563 valid DUIs for citizens residing abroad. Additionally, 183,311 people applied for the DUI outside the country, but maintain a national address in…

Nick Shirley said he arrived in Cuba to document the island's "humanitarian crisis," but authorities confiscated his cameras and equipment at the airport.

Following the Attorney General's Office (FGR) taking over the investigation into the two CIA agents who participated in the operation to destroy a drug lab in Chihuahua, the agency's spokesperson, Ulises Lara, announced that they are summoning approximately 50 people to testify. In a video message, the federal official explained that the agency is making progress in the investigation, and that these individuals, who participated in the operation in the Sierra del Pinal region of Chihuahua, will be interviewed. "We have made progress in the investigation, and approximately 50 people who participated in the operation carried out in the Sierra del Pinal in the municipality of Morelos are being summoned to be interviewed in the coming days," he explained. Ulises Lara López, Special Prosecutor for Relevant Matters and spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office (FGR), announced that 50 agents from Chihuahua will be summoned to testify regarding the presence of agents from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in covert operations, following the deaths of two U.S. agents in the Sierra del Pinal on April 19th in the municipality of Morelos. "As part of the work being carried out by the FGR, we have made progress in the investigation, and approximately 50 people who participated in the operation carried out in the Sierra del Pinal, in the municipality of Morelos, are being summoned to be interviewed in the coming days. "...

The President of the Senate of the Republic, Laura Itzel Castillo Juárez, celebrated the publication in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) of the decree that reforms the Federal Labor Law to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours. On social media, the legislator emphasized that this change will be implemented gradually until the year 2030, guaranteeing the full salary of all workers, as well as establishing two days of rest for every five days worked. She recalled that the ordinary session period concluded on April 29th, and the Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union was established. Also read: Profepa secures 99 wild birds illegally sold in a Guadalajara market; files a complaint with the Attorney General's Office (FGR). Castillo Juárez explained that the Permanent Commission will operate during the recess period from May to August and will hold sessions in the Senate. She stated that this body is responsible for addressing issues such as the ratification of diplomatic appointments, the possible approval of an extraordinary period if necessary, as well as fostering debates and the exchange of ideas from various political perspectives. "Pluralism is the fundamental basis of democracy, and dialogue is the fundamental tool of politics," she said. Furthermore, she announced that the parliamentary groups will meet on May 6th.

About 1,500 beagles bred for scientific experimentation are being removed from Ridglan Farms, a facility in Wisconsin that has been breeding dogs for laboratories for more than 60 years. The removal, which began this weekend, is the result of an agreement between rescue organizations and the company, amid protests, investigations into abuse, and a legal commitment that will require the company to cease operations by July 2026. Seguir leyendo

The Ministry of Health reported that during the 2026 National Vaccination Week, 2,388,493 doses were administered, representing a 139% increase compared to the national target. The federal agency announced that the vaccination campaign will continue throughout the month of May to expand coverage. "This result was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of the health sector, with the participation of the Ministry of Health, IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, ISSSTE, Pemex, as well as the Ministry of the Navy and the Ministry of National Defense, which collectively strengthened vaccination efforts throughout the country," the statement detailed. Also read: Rubén Rocha did not request personal security, clarifies Harfuch; "it was provided based on a recommendation," he states. The campaign took place from April 25th to May 2nd, and included vaccinations for the basic and supplementary schedules, including those against measles and rubella (MMR), measles, rubella, and mumps (MMR), tetanus (TD), pneumococcus, hepatitis B, as well as the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women, among others, prioritizing girls, children, adolescents, and at-risk groups. "It is noteworthy that several federal entities exceeded 100% of their established targets, as a result of the coordinated work between state health services and institutions in the sector," the Ministry of Health reported. [The text ends abruptly here, suggesting it was cut off.]

Colombia enters the final stretch of its presidential campaign this week, leading up to the first round of voting on May 31st. This comes after the release of several polls that suggest a surprising possibility: unlike what has happened in recent elections in the region and the global trend, there might not be a change in power. Instead, the current ruling party could remain in power at the Palacio Nariño for another four years. This would also halt the shift to the right that the region has been experiencing in recent elections. So far, the candidate representing that sector, Iván Cepeda, leads all the polls with support ranging from 37% to 44%, while the right wing is divided into two candidacies. One is the more populist candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella, who is outside the traditional political sphere and could attract voters disillusioned with the established parties. The other is Paloma Valencia, representing the Centro Democrático party and close to Álvaro Uribe. Together, they account for between 40% and 44% of the vote, a figure very similar to the support for the left-wing candidate, who, according to the polls, would defeat both of them in a runoff election. However, the recent increase in Valencia's support leaves open the possibility that the situation could change before May 31st, although few doubt that Cepeda will advance to the second round. This level of support is surprising, especially considering the criticisms that the current Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, has faced, who…

Big Dog Ranch Rescue reached an agreement to purchase 1,500 dogs from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin breeding and research facility. The first beagles removed from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility, the site of recent protests, seemed to immediately understand that they were safe. "Within an hour or so, they started coming up to us, wanting attention. Some crawled into people's laps. Every single one of them is incredibly sweet," said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, on Sunday. "I think they are enjoying the attention. I just know they know they are safe."

The procedure took place as part of control and patrol operations in the city of Medellín, the capital of the department of Antioquia.

With a historic budget of $6 billion, the applications will focus on mobility, health, safety, and the circular economy.

Approximately 100 students from public schools in the Alto da Independência region of Petrópolis are participating in an educational project that aims to encourage action and cooperation among children and adolescents in their communities. The project has three main components: environmental education, reading and writing, and creative stimulation. Related news: Campaign in schools in Brasília raises awareness about preventing climate disasters. Family and school should lead the fight against sexism, experts say. Research highlights that teenagers are still vulnerable to HPV. The initiative is based on the autonomy of the students to think and develop practical actions with the help of teachers. The first phase of the project, which began on March 10th, is aimed at three classes. The expectation is that the project will reach up to 1,800 students. Victor Prado, the initiator of the project, sees the program as an opportunity to broaden young people's perspectives on topics that are often stigmatized. "Sustainability is not a cost, it's an opportunity, just like video games. But, above all, it is fundamental that students see themselves as capable and know how to communicate their ideas, which is why reading and writing are so important in the context of digital tools," he said. Prado explains that the project emerged from years of work with public schools, while keeping abreast of current discussions about technology in education. The initiator of the initiative, Victor Prado, en…

The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued two orange alerts this Saturday (2), indicating a danger level due to heavy rainfall in high-risk areas in the following states: Ceará: Northern, Northwest, Metropolitan Fortaleza, Jaguaribe, and Sertões regions of Ceará; Maranhão: Eastern, Northern, and Western regions of Maranhão; Paraíba: Agreste Paraibano, Mata Paraibana, and Borborema regions; Pernambuco: Metropolitan Recife, Mata Pernambucana, and Agreste Pernambuco regions; Piauí: Northern region of Piauí; Rio Grande do Norte: Western, Central, Eastern, and Agreste regions of Rio Grande do Norte; Rio Grande do Sul: Serrana, Northeast, and Northwest regions of Rio Grande do Sul; Santa Catarina: Vale do Itajaí and Serrana, Western, and Northern regions of Santa Catarina; Paraná: Serrana, Southwest, Southeast, Western, and Central-South regions of Paraná. The alert for the affected areas in the Northeast is valid for the entire Saturday and indicates rainfall that could reach 100 millimeters (mm) per day, with strong winds – ranging from 60 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h). Related news: Heavy rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul leaves people displaced and causes damage in 19 cities. Storms in Pernambuco leave four dead and over a thousand displaced. Rainfall: Government sends Civil Defense to Pernambuco and Paraíba. The alert for the states in the Southern region began at 10:00 AM this Saturday and is valid for 24 hours. Coastal winds The third orange alert for this Saturday is related to coastal winds in the Southern region and the state of São Paulo (lit…

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, urged citizens to collect signatures to convene a National Constituent Assembly, focused on strengthening social rights and combating corruption. During the Labor Day celebrations in Medellín, Petro formally proposed reforming the Colombian Constitution, citing difficulties in advancing his legislative agenda in Congress. "Congress will have to make the decision to accept the mandate of the people," the president stated in Medellín. "The next government will be obligated to issue the call for the National Constituent Assembly, and then we will see what happens." This comes despite the fact that, during his presidential campaign, the Colombian president assured that he would respect the 1991 Constitution. Therefore, nearing the end of his term, Petro proposed that the request for a constituent assembly be carried out through a popular initiative that collects two million valid signatures and presents them to the new Congress, which is scheduled to convene on July 20th. In this regard, the President of Colombia proposed that the reforms to the Constitution focus on social rights and strengthening the fight against corruption within the political system. This proposal emerges in a context of increasing political and social tension, following waves of violence that have plagued Colombia, and less than a month before the presidential elections on May 31st...

With an investment of $160 million, the event aims to strengthen the musical ecosystem and promote artistic exchange on an international level.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that in Mexico, the presumption of innocence and the rule of law must prevail in the face of accusations made by the United States government against the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, and emphasized that any allegations must be substantiated with evidence within the framework of Mexican law. During her morning press conference, the federal leader was emphatic in stating that the accusations must be investigated according to national laws and by the competent authorities. "I saw some publications that said: 'they are putting the President in a difficult position.' That is false. In Mexico, we Mexicans decide, and we Mexicans are the ones who make the decisions. And we will always work with truth, justice, and the defense of sovereignty. In the case of Chihuahua, in the case of Sinaloa, and in any other case," the President said. Also read: No foreign government can enter our territory: Sheinbaum; they will encounter principles and the people of Mexico, she says. "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That is the justice system in Mexico... responsibility must be proven within our legal framework," she asserted. She emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to conduct the relevant investigations and, if necessary, request additional data to clarify the facts. "It is the Attorney General's Office that must conduct the analysis...

U. S. prosecutors accused Rubén Rocha Moya of protecting a powerful drug cartel, setting off a national political scandal. On Friday night, he stepped down.

Anglers in Florida, Georgia, and Carolinas gain more fishing control with Trump's red snapper permit approval.

San Joaquin County, in the California Delta, is facing a local emergency due to the rapid spread of the golden mussel, which is causing a crisis in the state's water infrastructure. On April 28, 2026, San Joaquin County declared a local emergency due to the accelerated expansion of this species, with immediate effects on the Delta's water, agricultural, and environmental infrastructure, a key region for California's water supply and economic impact. According to the Board of Supervisors, the highest local governing body in San Joaquin County, the measure aims to mobilize state and federal resources and enable extraordinary actions to control the spread of the golden mussel. According to the American weather network Fox Weather, the outbreak poses an immediate threat because "the species can colonize infrastructure, block pipes, and alter habitats," which puts at risk both the water supply, agriculture, and the ecological balance of the Delta. The presence of the golden mussel, scientifically identified as *Limnoperna fortunei*, was confirmed in North America in 2024 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the state's wildlife agency. Since then, the species has spread to various bodies of water in California, leading to the implementation of controls and quarantines to protect the Delta and other critical water systems. This situation adds to the already existing…

A small plane crashed in Texas Hill Country, killing all five people aboard, officials said on Friday. The crash happened on Thursday night in Wimberley, a city about 40 miles (65km) southwest of Austin, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said on social media. The Federal Aviation Administration said the Cessna 421C crashed around 11.25pm with five people on board. It said the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. The plane took off from Amarillo, Texas, about two...

Josué Ovalle is currently facing a period of uncertainty. The Chilean player, who was once a rising star in the Liga MX, now has an uncertain future. The 25-year-old striker shone in the Mazatlán jersey when he arrived in Mexican football, but the club sold its place to Atlante, meaning the institution will no longer participate in the tournament after 2026. Mazatlán's entry into the league occurred in 2020, when the club replaced Monarcas Morelia. At that time, five national players were part of the team: Rodrigo Millar, Jorge Valdivia, Sebastián Vegas, Martín Rodríguez, and Gonzalo Jara. Shortly after, Nicolás Díaz joined the team. After six years in the tournament, the historic Atlante bought the club's membership certificate and will return to the Liga MX after 12 years. Ricardo Salinas, owner of Grupo Salinas and Mazatlán, decided to withdraw from the project and put the team up for sale. "Sometimes, as business owners, we have to make difficult decisions like this. When it's not possible to guarantee security, legal certainty, and minimum conditions for investment, it ultimately leads to job losses, missed opportunities, and projects that gave life to cities," the businessman stated. The club never managed to establish itself either in terms of sports performance or commercially. Therefore, Emilio Escalante, representative of Grupo Atlante, acquired the team's place. Its last tournament will be the Clausura 2026, and it appears that there will be no restructuring that would allow the team to continue in…

As the U. S. charges Gov. Rubén Rocha with drug trafficking, President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico will act based only on the case’s merits.

In response to the accusations made by the United States against Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, Senator Enrique Inzunza of the MORENA party, and other individuals, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that "the situation in Chihuahua has not been clarified." During her morning press conference on Thursday, April 30th, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo referred to the case of the CIA agents who participated in an operation in Chihuahua and died in a traffic accident. The President also responded to criticism from the opposition regarding the Rocha Moya case, accusing them of "relying on external sources to have an argument with the people of Mexico." Also read: Tensions rise in the Senate over CIA agents in Chihuahua; PAN celebrates that Maru Campos did not attend the committee meeting. "The opposition relies on external sources to have an argument with the people of Mexico. The situation in Chihuahua has not yet been clarified, and the investigations are ongoing (...). This is not insignificant; the investigations are continuing," she declared. Reiterating that the Attorney General's Office (FGR) must be very serious in its investigation, the President once again rejected any interference. She asked people to imagine if Mexico were to investigate politicians from other nations: "What would any country in the world think? What would the people of a country think if the FGR were to conduct an investigation and issue an extradition order for a governor of that country?" Also read: Complete list of officials accused of drug trafficking by the United States...

A potential coastal storm is causing concern in the northeastern United States, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and a drop in temperatures at the beginning of May. Meteorological projections indicate that a low-pressure system will form off the coast of North Carolina, with the potential to bring up to 100 mm of rainfall and strong winds to key cities along the I-95 corridor between Friday and Sunday, according to a report from the National Weather Service (NWS). This event affects millions of people in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states, against a backdrop of water shortages and ongoing monitoring by federal and state authorities. According to the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the evolution of the system remains under observation due to the uncertainty surrounding its exact trajectory. Official forecasts, supported by reports from the weather channel The Weather Channel and the forecasting company AccuWeather, warn of the possibility of localized flooding in urban and rural areas, particularly in Massachusetts, New York, Maine, and New Hampshire. The forecast aligns with reports from the specialized network Fox Weather, although with some nuances regarding the magnitude of the impact. In recent months, the northeastern United States has experienced a drought, with cities like Boston and Portland accumulating precipitation deficits of over 75 mm compared to their averages…

Following reports that charges have been filed in the United States against Governor Rubén Rocha and other Mexican individuals, the American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) demanded a swift response from the Mexican government, emphasizing that cooperation is not optional but imperative. AmSoc stated that the judicial processes in the United States "are governed by rigorous standards of investigation and due process," and that "the seriousness of the situation demands institutional responses that are up to the challenge." "Judicial cooperation between the United States and Mexico is not optional; it is a requirement derived from the treaties, agreements, and bilateral commitments that both countries have undertaken in matters of security and combating organized crime," it emphasized. Also read: Experts dismiss the possibility of a fast-track extradition for Rocha Moya; the accusations are media-driven and aim to put pressure on Mexico, they claim. The organization mentioned that these events are part of "a far-reaching legal framework" directly linked to the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and the structural consequences that this event has had on criminal groups operating in Sinaloa and with transnational connections. In addition to demanding a swift response, AmSoc called on the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum to demonstrate transparency and full institutional willingness to cooperate with the judicial mechanisms activated by U.S. authorities. "Mexico's credibility as a strategic partner – economically..."

The parliamentary coordinators of the PAN party, Elías Lixa, and of Morena, Ricardo Monreal, clashed at the end of the ordinary session period. Prior to the closing, the PAN leader stated that the recess that begins this Thursday should be used to reflect on the priority work for members of Congress, and he asserted that "there is no more urgent agenda than cutting off the organized crime's influence within government structures." "Regardless of the government, regardless of the region, and under any circumstances, we will be here, extending our hand to build a better country for girls and boys. But for it to be better for girls and boys, and for all of Mexico, it must be a country free from drug-related corruption. We extend our hands and let's start building through dialogue," he declared. Also read: "Comandante Giro," a recruiter of hitmen for the CJNG, is arrested in Michoacán; drugs and weapons are seized. Following his remarks, a Morena congressman shouted "Silence," to which Elías Lixa responded: "The emotion with which that congressman shouts at me is the same emotion with which we will demand that Rocha Moya leave the government of Sinaloa." In response, Ricardo Monreal stated that Mexico "cannot allow blatant interference, artificial interventions, or political accusations." He said that it is regrettable that within the Congress, there are those who "applaud" acts of aggression, such as...

The arrival of summer in the northern United States has highlighted the high concentration of snakes in bodies of water in New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine, a situation confirmed by environmental and natural resource authorities. Residents and tourists in these areas are directly affected, as recreational activities in lakes and rivers increase during this time. The issue has gained prominence following reports from media outlets such as FOX Weather, which have been verified by state and federal agencies. The Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation in these states, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), have stated that the diversity of snakes in these environments is due to ecological factors such as the abundance of prey, riparian vegetation, and the presence of temporary wetlands. According to these sources, most of the species present do not pose a risk to people, although there are isolated cases of venomous species that are protected by law. The phenomenon has generated public interest, in part due to the publication of lists and reports in U.S. media outlets such as FOX Weather and World Atlas, which identify five areas in the northern United States with a notable presence of snakes in their waters. This content has been confirmed with statistics, wildlife inventories, and official statements from state agencies. Where are…

Neither a musician nor a childhood friend; Michael Jackson's best friend was a monkey. The chimpanzee, Bubbles, entered his life at the height of his career, as he was becoming a dominant figure in global pop music. Bubbles was born in 1983 at a research center in Austin, Texas, which raised primates for animal experiments. There is no complete certainty about how he came to live at the Jackson family home in Encino. The most widely accepted accounts state that Jackson bought the animal as a baby for $65,000, and Bob Dunn, one of the most famous animal trainers for films and television series, oversaw the entire acquisition process. This scene is recreated in the film "Michael," a biopic about the music legend, which is already playing in Chilean theaters. Incidentally, real chimpanzees were not used in the film; it was generated using CGI. Soon, Michael Jackson made it clear that he wanted to showcase Bubbles; he took him on trips, and even brought him to his agent, John Branca's, wedding. Bubbles was also present during the recording of the "Bad" album and appeared in some music videos, such as "Liberian Girl" and "Leave Me Alone," alongside Muscles, another of the King of Pop's unusual pets, a python. The chimpanzee gained even more freedom with the move to the Neverland Ranch in 1988. He slept in his own crib in Jackson's bedroom, ate sweets, and was even allowed to eat at the dining table and use the bathroom…

The alleged violation of national sovereignty, stemming from the incursion of U.S. agents into Chihuahua, could constitute the crime of treason against the homeland, according to a report from the Senate committees on Constitutional Matters and Public Security. This follows the refusal by the governor of Chihuahua, María Eugenia Campos, to meet and explain the presence of foreign agents in Mexico. During the presentation of the report to the full Senate, Senator Oscar Cantón Zetina, president of the Committee on Constitutional Matters, emphasized that the events that occurred in this state on April 19th "constitute a constitutional transgression of significant magnitude, involving actions that allegedly allowed or tolerated the intervention of foreign agents on national territory, as well as actions by state authorities that exceeded the jurisdictional boundaries established by the General Constitution of the Republic." He explained that it is the responsibility of the Senate of the Republic, in its role as a political oversight body, federal representative, and defender of the constitutional pact, to clearly establish that any action by local authorities that compromises sovereignty, infringes on federal jurisdiction, or puts national security at risk, must be thoroughly investigated, and, where appropriate, lead to political, administrative, or criminal consequences, in strict adherence to the rule of law...

The Senate plenary session approved the Strategic Plan for the Administration of Justice for 2026-2029, presented by the Attorney General of the Republic, Ernestina Godoy. During the ordinary session, with 85 votes in favor, 1 against, and 30 abstentions, the document was approved. It outlines 10 key areas of action aimed at restructuring the administration of justice and access to justice in the country. According to the Attorney General's Office (FGR), the plan seeks to place victims at the center of the FGR's actions and establishes, among other things, coordination between institutions, strengthening of local prosecutor's offices, and strategies for addressing violence against women. Also read: FGR adds drug trafficking charges to the case of the Farías brothers; exposes a network linked to customs and smuggling. The president of the Justice Committee, Javier Corral, argued that the plan represents the birth of a new model, where the commitment is made to provide victims with processes of truth and comprehensive reparation. However, Senator Guadalupe Murguía, from the PAN party, pointed out that the plan does not address having sufficient resources to achieve its objectives, and therefore, it could remain just a catalog of good intentions. Also read: Judge orders the FGR to reopen the case against Joaquín Nassón and members of "La Luz del Mundo"; they are accused of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Carolina Viggiano, from the PRI party, said that, while the plan talks about prioritizing victims, it...

This Tuesday, a decree was published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) to provide social security to repatriated individuals and their legal beneficiaries. The decree states that, "for humanitarian and solidarity reasons," Mexican citizens who have been and will be repatriated from the United States in 2026, along with their legal beneficiaries, will be incorporated into the mandatory system of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). This entitles them to in-kind benefits under the sickness and maternity insurance program. The in-kind benefits of the sickness and maternity insurance program include medical and surgical care, pharmaceuticals, hospital services, and obstetrical care. Also read: Harfuch: "El Jardinero" operated in at least six states; coordinated fuel theft, kidnappings, homicides, and arms trafficking. "These benefits will last for up to three months and may be terminated early if the individual is incorporated into a formal employment position or chooses to voluntarily join the mandatory system," the decree states. The IMSS must identify the beneficiary population, determine the equivalent insurance modality for providing the benefits, finance the costs, and establish compensation mechanisms with public entities that provide medical care to individuals who are not eligible for these benefits. This decree comes into effect on April 29th and will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on Whatsapp! From your…

Copa Airlines announced the purchase of up to 60 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This deal, combined with previous orders, will enable the airline to incorporate 100 new aircraft by 2034, solidifying its hub at Tocumen International Airport and reinforcing its position as one of the leading airlines in Latin America. The agreement includes 60 additional aircraft, which will be added to the 40 units still pending delivery from a previous purchase. This will allow Copa Airlines to double its fleet and exceed 200 aircraft in the coming years, according to its CEO, Pedro Heilbron. The executive emphasized that this expansion will have a direct impact on connectivity, tourism, and various economic sectors, noting that the projected growth implies more routes, increased flight frequency, and a significant expansion of the regional hub in Panama. In financial terms, the deal represents a substantial investment. At the list price, the new order exceeds $7 billion, while the previous 40 aircraft are estimated to be worth an additional $5 billion, although the actual cost is lower due to negotiated discounts with the manufacturer. Nevertheless, these are significant investment commitments for the airline and the country, reflecting a strategy of sustained long-term growth in an industry characterized by its high volatility. During the announcement, President José Raúl …

A group of state attorneys general wrote to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and major credit-rating firms, raising concerns about the use of environmental, social and governance factors in downgrade decisions.

Marath Bolaños, head of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), reported a labor force participation rate of 60.2 million people in March, and stated that the rate of working poverty is at its lowest point, at 32.3%. During the morning press conference on Tuesday, April 28th, at the National Palace, Bolaños mentioned that there are 422,000 more people in 2026 who "have the potential to enter the workforce by maintaining employment." The Secretary of Labor stated that Mexico has the lowest unemployment rate among all OECD countries: "It decreased to 2.4% in March, reflecting a sustained reduction." Also read: Alito Moreno meets with 15 former governors; he opens the door for them to "build a serious, strong, and forward-looking proposal." "It remains at historically low levels," said the head of the STPS. He pointed out that sectors such as services, restaurants, and professional services continue to generate opportunities, with 240,000 people employed in a single month. He highlighted that 6.9 million jobs have been created since January 2019, of which 58% are formal jobs (4 million): "More than half of these new jobs include benefits, access to healthcare, and greater stability, which translates into greater security for families." These figures, added Marath Bolaños, reflect a dynamic economy, improved conditions, and a recovery in employment. Also read: Sheinbaum's morning press conference, April 28th, minute by minute. Reported: 207,000...

A report published by the NGO Prisoners Defenders revealed that the Cuban prison population receives a "daily diet that is incompatible with human health," leading to serious illnesses, physical deterioration, and a massive humanitarian impact. Javier Larrondo, president of the organization, warned in an interview with Infobae about the magnitude of the prison crisis on the island. The report, compiled from photographs, testimonies, and a careful scientific analysis, concluded that the daily diet in Cuban prisons provides between 250 and 353 kilocalories, an amount that represents only 10 to 14% of the minimum requirement for a sedentary adult. "We are not talking about a poor diet or ordinary deficiencies. We are talking about severe malnutrition, capable of causing extreme weight loss, anemia, immune suppression, neurocognitive damage, poor wound healing, and vulnerability to infections within a few months," Larrondo told this media outlet. Documented Diet and Clinical Consequences The investigation detailed that breakfast typically consists of a piece of soft bread weighing 45 to 60 grams and a small cup of tea with negligible caloric value. Lunch and dinner repeat a portion of less than 30 grams of rice, about 50 grams of thin soup, and a pasty croquette weighing around 20 grams. Combined, these meals barely cover a minimal fraction of energy and nutritional needs, with extreme deficiencies in protein, and...

The Ministry of Health reported that healthcare institutions across the country administered 37,087,151 doses of the measles vaccine from January 2025 to April 24, 2026. During the same period, 16,579 confirmed cases of measles were recorded. Encouraging the public to get vaccinated, the ministry stated that children and girls aged 6 months to 12 years are the priority group, as their protection is crucial for interrupting the transmission of measles in the community. Therefore, parents and caregivers are urged to review their children's vaccination schedules and visit healthcare facilities if any doses are missing. Individuals aged 13 to 49 who have not received the measles vaccine or have not completed their second dose are encouraged to visit the nearest vaccination center operated by healthcare institutions, including IMSS, ISSSTE, IMSS-Bienestar, Pemex, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of the Navy, to expand vaccination coverage throughout the country. Also read: Covert advertising targets minors; high promotion of unhealthy products detected. According to the General Directorate of Epidemiology, 10,002 confirmed cases of measles have been recorded this year. Jalisco has reported 5,741 cases; Mexico City, 843; Chiapas, 777; the State of Mexico, 307; Sonora, 301; and Sinaloa, 272. From January 1st…

The Attorney General of Chiapas, Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca, reported that two unidentified individuals were burned to death during clashes between local residents and armed individuals in the municipalities of Nicolás Ruíz and Venustiano Carranza on Friday afternoon. The state official detailed that the enraged population set fire to two vehicles. The remains of two bodies, completely burned, were found in one of the vehicles; forensic services are currently conducting the identification process. In addition, there are eight injured individuals. One has been discharged, while the rest are receiving treatment at the Dr. Jesús Gilberto Gómez Maza Hospital in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Also read: A man was executed inside a truck in Gustavo A. Madero; the alleged perpetrators escaped on a motorcycle. "There are seven men and one woman. One of them has been discharged, and five are still receiving medical attention. They are stable, and two are in serious but stable condition," he specified. As a result of these events, he added, two people are missing. Their profiles have been posted on social media, and search teams from the State Search Commission are deployed in the area to locate them. The Attorney General assured that after the violent incidents and the deployment of a security and surveillance operation, both Venustiano Carranza and Nicolás Ruíz are "relatively peaceful and calm." Also read: Registration is being prepared for people experiencing homelessness within…

Senators from the Republic have reported that the Governor of Chihuahua, María Eugenia Campos, has confirmed her attendance at a meeting this Tuesday with the committees on Constitutional Matters and Public Security. The purpose of the meeting is for her to explain the presence of agents allegedly from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) within the country and their involvement in anti-drug operations. In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, Senator Oscar Cantón Zetina announced that the Governor contacted the President of the Coordination Committee (Jucopo), Ignacio Mier Velazco, by phone to confirm her attendance. "Yes, the Governor and the Attorney General will be attending. They confirmed by phone, not in writing, as we initially invited them. However, that's not really relevant, because they directly confirmed, and so we are now waiting to have that working meeting tomorrow," he stated. Also read: Ernestina Godoy offers an unbiased Attorney General's Office; Senate committees approve the Strategic Plan for Justice. Cantón Zetina stated that it will be a "historic meeting," in which "we hope that the truth about the events will be clarified, and that we will see exactly what role these U.S. agents played in those operations, or in the activities that the government of Chihuahua has carried out, without, as far as we know, the knowledge of the federal authorities." He warned that the participation of foreign agents in operations...

The Attorney General of the Republic, Ernestina Godoy Ramos, presented the Strategic Plan for the Administration of Justice 2026-2029 to senators on the Justice Committee. The plan contrasts the new model, based on the guarantee of human rights as a fundamental principle, with the practices of the neoliberal period, during which "social protest and political opponents were criminalized." The members of the committee approved the draft of the Strategic Plan with 12 votes in favor and one abstention, and it will be debated and voted on in the plenary session on Tuesday. In her address to the legislators, Ernestina Godoy emphasized that the institution she leads will act without regard to "political affiliations." Also read: Ernestina Godoy meets with the Senate's Justice Committee; they will analyze the Administration of Justice Plan 2026-2029. "With this vision in the Strategic Plan that we have presented, we propose moving from inertia to action, from fragmentation to intelligence, and from a model of mass and reactive processing to a differentiated management based on complexity, the prioritization of criminal phenomena, and strategic criminal prosecution. We are leaving behind isolated work and promoting coordination between institutions." In the Ifigenia Martínez Hall, the Attorney General of the Republic, Godoy, highlighted that the country is at a "historic" moment, supported by a new legal framework...

A shooting at the 2000 block of East 12th Street in East Austin, Texas, has reportedly resulted in multiple injuries.

The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ) announced this Sunday (26th) that it carried out 8,255 sea rescues in the first four months of this year. Lifeguards rescued bathers who were in dangerous situations, many of which involved rip currents and areas unsuitable for swimming. Related news: Firefighters made 1,167 rescues in two days along the Rio coastline. Carnival: Firefighters rescue 348 drowning victims on the coast of São Paulo. Brazil records three deaths per day of children and young people due to drowning. This number is lower than last year. In 2025, between January and February 22nd, the department carried out nearly 8,500 maritime rescues on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Given the high number of incidents, the CBMERJ emphasizes the importance of prevention and paying attention to safety guidelines to avoid drownings: Respect the signage on the beaches, avoiding entering the sea in areas with a red flag. Always try to swim near lifeguard stations and in areas designated as safe. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages before entering the water. Be aware of rip currents, which often pull swimmers out to sea. Avoid swimming near rocks, cliffs, and other structures where there is a risk of impact due to the force of the current. Do not swim at night, due to the difficulty in identifying strong waves, submerged rocks, and marine animals.

The Brazilian wheelchair rugby team won the Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge 2026 in Adelaide, Australia, this Sunday (26th). In the final match, Brazil defeated the British team with a score of 58 to 50. "It was an incredible tournament for us. The athletes played all five matches of the competition as if they were all finals. I believe we deserved to finish this tournament in first place. We will definitely be back next year to defend the title," said Benoit Labrecque, the coach of the Brazilian team. Related news: Kenyan athlete becomes the first to run a marathon in under 2 hours. Brazil wins the Paralympic athletics Grand Prix in Rabat. Female interest in sports is growing, with skateboarding and soccer gaining popularity. The Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is one of the most important international competitions in the wheelchair rugby calendar in 2026, preceding the World Championship, which will be held in São Paulo, Brazil. This was the second international competition for the Brazilian wheelchair rugby team this season. In February, Brazil won the Musholm Cup, held in Denmark.

In the cold, concrete confines of the Center for the Confinement of Corruption and Terrorism (CECOT), time seems to have stood still for Dionisio Arístides Umanzor Osorio, known in the criminal underworld as "Sirra de Teclas." However, this week, the clock of justice has once again begun to tick for him. Through a screen, in a massive hearing that brings together the historical leadership of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the man who once decided who lived and who died in the streets of Santa Tecla, is now listening to the recounting of a life dedicated to crime. Speaking of "Sirra" is to speak of the National Council, the governing body of death. Umanzor is not a common gang member who patrolled streets with homemade weapons; he is considered a strategist, an "intellectual" of crime who transformed a neighborhood gang into an organization with transnational aspirations, according to authorities. His body is covered in tattoos bearing the codes of his organization, and his icy gaze has challenged prosecutors and judges for decades. He represents the old guard of the MS-13. He is accused of 126 crimes, a figure that seems unbelievable for a single individual. Of these, 106 are aggravated homicides. The mathematics of his cruelty cast an unbearable shadow; investigations by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) indicate that he is directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of more than a hundred people. In addition to this, he faces charges of…

Approved by the Congress and sanctioned by the government in 2025, the exemption from Income Tax for individuals earning up to R$ 5,000 per month has been in effect on pay slips since January 1, 2026. For those who are unaware, since the beginning of the year, individuals earning less than R$ 5,000 per month are no longer subject to paying Income Tax. Furthermore, there is a progressive deduction for those earning a salary of up to R$ 7,350. Related news: Learn how the cashback for automatic tax refunds will work. Income Tax 2026: see how to declare dependents and alimony. Understand the main changes in the 2026 Income Tax. This practical effect has caused a question: what about the Income Tax declaration? Does the deduction apply? The answer is: not yet. Although the benefit is already in effect on pay slips, those who are filing their Income Tax now need to be aware: the exemption does not apply to this year's declaration. The reason is simple: taxpayers who are required to file with the tax authorities are reporting on the calendar year of 2025. "The declaration you file in 2026 does not reflect the present. It is an accounting of the past, everything you received throughout the year 2025. The new R$ 5,000 exemption does exist. However, it only came into effect starting January 1, 2026," explains Eduardo Linhares, a professor of Accounting at the Federal University of Ceará. "This is because…"

Student mental health is a matter of great concern. According to the latest data from the Education Bureau, the number of secondary students with mental health issues has doubled over the past five years, from 660 in 2020-21 to 1,330 in 2024-25. In recent years, the government and various stakeholders in society have worked to halt the continued rise in student suicides. However, the number of suspected suicide cases still rose by 10 per cent between 2024 and 2025, from 28 to 31. To help...

I'm not very good at saying no when people ask me for money. I'm a pushover. I have a soft heart and a thin wallet. Since the money I possess has been passed down to me through unlikely family inheritances, I like to share it with those who need it most, as a way of expressing gratitude for the good fortune that has blessed my life. However, it's not always easy to distinguish between those who genuinely deserve a donation and those who are simply trying to take advantage of my generosity. Last year, I received an email from a man named Leandro. It's very easy to find my email address; my friends and even my enemies have it, and it's publicly available. People write to that inbox asking me for money, some in the form of loans, others as donations with no expectation of repayment. Typically, these requests are accompanied by urgent claims of health problems. If I don't know the person making the request, I usually ignore it and don't respond. If I were to freely donate to so many unknown individuals, some of whom are genuinely struggling, while others are trying to scam me and abuse my good nature, I would quickly run out of money. But Leandro caught my attention when, in his initial email, introducing himself, he mentioned that he had been Bobby's butler for ten years. Bobby was the brother of my mother, Dorita, who passed away three decades ago. Bobby Lerner was the most intellectually and creatively gifted member of the family. Eccentric, witty, and mischievous, Bobby, whom I called Uncle Bobby, loved men, the sea, and money, although not necessarily in that order...

A tornado was confirmed north of Archer City, Texas, as storm chasers shared funnel cloud images during NWS warnings across multiple counties.

Students, educators, communities, and popular initiatives from the federal capital participated in the 9th National #AprenderParaPrevenir Campaign: "Cities Without Risk" over the past two days. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Cities, includes training activities in vulnerable communities, focusing on education to recognize risks, prevent incidents, and act during climate-related emergencies. Related news: Brazil to launch a protocol to protect women in climate disasters. Climate disaster causes a 15.6% drop in industrial sales in May in Rio Grande do Sul. The number of deaths in the climate disaster in Rio Grande do Sul rises to 171. In a statement, the ministry announced that the campaign aims to strengthen the integrated work between communities, public institutions, and educational spaces in communities facing socio-environmental challenges and extreme events. "The initiative encourages the development of local campaigns to reduce disaster risks in the areas where people live, expanding the capacity for prevention and response before emergencies occur." According to the statement, the campaign emphasizes that disaster prevention begins in the daily lives of communities, through information, education, and collective mobilization. During the two days, the program included dialogues, training sessions, and campaign workshops, where participants worked on developing practical proposals for mobilization and prevention. "The goal is to strengthen networks...

Brazil is having a strong performance at the Paralympic athletics Grand Prix held in Rabat (Morocco). In the first two days of competition (Thursday and Friday), the Brazilian team has accumulated a total of 44 medals (29 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze), leading the medal table. This is the first competition in which Brazil has participated since the historic performance at the World Championships in New Delhi (India) in 2025. On that occasion, the Brazilian delegation won 15 gold medals, 20 silver medals, and 9 bronze medals, achieving first place in the medal table for the first time. Related news: Alcaraz withdraws from the Roland Garros tournament due to a wrist injury. The final squad for the Cup will be announced at the Museum of Tomorrow. Female interest in sports is growing, with skateboarding and soccer gaining popularity. One of the highlights for Brazil on Friday was Wanna Brito from Amapá, who won gold in the F32 class shot put with a mark of 7.64 meters. Giovanna Boscolo from São Paulo took silver with a throw of 5.53 meters. Another event in which Brazil achieved a double victory was the T12 class 200-meter race (low vision). Lorraine Aguiar from Espírito Santo won gold with a time of 24.78 seconds. Clara Daniele from Rio Grande do Norte took silver with a time of 25.35 seconds. "I'm a little tired, but I'm happy to be at this Grand Prix here in Morocco. I need to improve some things that didn't go as planned. I hope to do even better tomorrow [this Saturday...]"

Once a year, the streets of Madureira, a neighborhood in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, are filled with vibrant colors in celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. Organizing this event, which combines a festive atmosphere with a fight for rights, presents challenges that go beyond simply setting up sound systems. For the safety of everyone, it is necessary to remove the tangled network of wires that connect the neighborhood's lampposts. When it rains, the logistics are disrupted, and the demonstration must adapt to the limitations of the environment. Related news: The São Paulo LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in 2026 will address the importance of voting. LGBTQIA+ groups in Rio de Janeiro promote joy and diversity. A rally at the Arcos da Lapa calls for an end to violence against women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. "It's not the same as Copacabana, on Avenida Atlântica, where the sound systems can have covers to protect against the rain and continue the parade without interruption. Madureira has other challenges," explains Rogéria Meneguel, president and organizer of the Madureira LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. "There have been times when it has rained heavily in a year, and the parade was unable to proceed. It literally came to a standstill. Since last year, we have been holding the event within the Madureira Park to address these issues," she adds. Rogéria Meneghel, president of the NGO Movimento de Gays, Travestis e Transformistas. Photo: Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil. Just as there are differences between neighborhoods, smaller municipalities face different challenges compared to the state capital. The State Meeting of LGBTQ+ Pride Parades, which...

A series of severe thunderstorms has put over 55 million people in the central and southern United States on alert since Thursday, April 23, 2026. The U.S. National Weather Service, along with the Storm Prediction Center, a federal monitoring agency, has issued official warnings regarding the risk of hail exceeding ten centimeters in diameter, strong winds, and high-intensity tornadoes in states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. The weather conditions are particularly dangerous due to atmospheric systems that increase the likelihood of destructive phenomena. According to the latest reports issued by the Storm Prediction Center, the most severe threat is concentrated in southeastern Oklahoma, which is at a risk level of four on a scale of five for severe thunderstorms. Meanwhile, regions such as northern Texas and the so-called Ark-La-Tex area remain under a risk level of two and three, respectively. Authorities are warning of the potential for hail exceeding ten centimeters in diameter and the formation of tornadoes classified as EF-2 or higher, according to reports from the U.S. National Weather Service and the federal NOAA weather agency. This period of alert follows the passage of an EF-4 tornado through the city of Enid, in northern Oklahoma, on April 23, 2026. This event impacted Vance Air Force Base and caused damage to civilian and military infrastructure.

Since the mid-1990s, scientists have been studying a community of chimpanzees living in the forests of Uganda. The Ngogo group, described as the largest known community of wild chimpanzees, has been the subject of numerous research projects. One of these was recently addressed in a study published in the journal Science in early April. The researchers discovered that these Ugandan chimpanzees, which inhabit Kibale National Park, are embroiled in a kind of "civil war" among primates, in which two factions separated approximately a decade ago and have since maintained a violent conflict. According to the scientists, they had not seen a "war" between chimpanzees as widespread and prolonged as this one. The researchers state that "territorial conflicts in animals can provide information about human warfare, but this civil war, with its shifting group identities, had not been observed before." What is known about the "civil war" between chimpanzees in Uganda? In the study published in the journal Science, the authors state that they have identified "a rare, permanent fission within the largest known group of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)." "Through 30 years of behavioral observations and network analysis, we describe a transition from cohesion to polarization in 2015 and the emergence of two distinct groups..."

In 2025, an average of at least 12 women were assaulted every 24 hours in Brazil, representing 4,558 victims of violence throughout the year, according to a study by the Rede de Observatórios da Segurança (Network of Security Observatories). This data refers to cases recorded in nine states monitored by the network: Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Pará, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Structural sexism is the reason these cases are repeated, according to experts interviewed by Rádio Nacional. Therefore, they argue that it is urgent to include men in the development of solutions that increase male engagement in the fight against violence and change this reality. A survey conducted by ONU Mulheres (UN Women) and the Instituto Papo de Homem (Institute for Men's Dialogue) shows that 81% of men and 95% of women believe that Brazil is a sexist country. Listen on Radioagência Nacional. The psychologist Flávio Urra, who works in rehabilitation with a focus on the resocialization of perpetrators of violence, believes that, unlike men, women have changed the world by legitimizing a series of issues. However, he says, "men continue to have the same mindset they had 30 years ago, 50 years ago, wanting that family model, that model of woman that no longer exists." There are exceptions, such as Carlos Augusto Carvalho, a 55-year-old engineer. In conversations with other men, he learned that fighting sexism is a daily struggle. "I think sexism is that ingrained thing, and the..."

In this regard, the defense withdrew its motions to dismiss the case against the Venezuelan leader on the grounds that it was unable to pay for legal representation

A tornado warning remains in effect until 8:45 p.m. CDT for east-central Lamar County, according to the National Weather Service.

The technical and administrative staff of the University of São Paulo (USP) have ended the strike that began 10 days ago, following an agreement between the University's administration and the Union of USP Workers (Sintusp). The staff went on strike on April 14th, demanding equal treatment regarding bonuses that were granted to faculty members. The University announced that it will equalize the funds allocated for bonuses for both categories of staff. However, the payment of these bonuses is still subject to the submission of a detailed proposal to the University's technical departments, and there is no set date for when the payments will begin. Related news: USP students protest for better housing and meal conditions. An agreement was also reached to formalize the payment of compensation for hours not worked during holiday "bridges" and the end-of-year break. Discussions also progressed on an agreement involving outsourced workers, with a commitment to find solutions that ensure similar working conditions to those offered to USP staff, such as free transportation within the campus. Student strike continues The students of the University are continuing the strike that began on April 16th. They are protesting against cuts to the scholarship program, the lack of student housing, and the water supply. Following a meeting with the administration, a negotiation table has been scheduled for next Tuesday (28th). According to USP, the following measures have been…

A Cuban citizen was arrested in Panama after being wanted by the United States for multiple serious crimes. The operation was carried out by the National Police through the Central National Interpol Office of Panama, further solidifying the country's role as a key point in international cooperation against organized crime. The arrest took place at Tocumen International Airport, with the support of officials from the National Migration Service, just as the individual was attempting to enter the country on a flight from Paramaribo, Suriname. This incident once again confirms that this airport is the site of most arrests related to international alerts. According to U.S. authorities, the detainee is allegedly linked to a transnational criminal organization involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, illegal trafficking of migrants, extortion, and cyber harassment. These crimes are part of ongoing investigations in the United States. Investigations indicate that the organization operated through a scheme of recruiting women under false pretenses, financing their irregular transfer to various countries, and subsequently subjecting them to sexual exploitation through threats, coercion, fraudulent debt, and psychological violence. Authorities also stated that the suspect used digital tools and social media to maintain control over his victims.

The arrest of a U. S. soldier accused of using classified information to place a prediction market bet on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is stoking new fears over how betting markets could threaten national security in high-stake situations.  Lawmakers have raised concerns for months over the legal and ethical dangers surrounding prediction markets, and…

A US Army soldier has been indicted on Thursday for using classified military intelligence to place winning bets on former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture. This is the latest and most explosive case in a growing pattern of insider trading on prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi.

The official account of the French first division football league (Ligue 1) posted a video on its TikTok profile, set to the music of "La Bala," an iconic song by the Salvadoran orchestra Los Hermanos Flores, which sparked a wave of reactions among Salvadoran users. According to reports from Última Hora SV and confirmed by international media, the video shows a football player celebrating on the field while the cumbia music plays, accompanied by humorous text that appeals to popular culture. According to Sportcal, Ligue 1, known as the McDonald's League since 2024, maintains an active strategy to enhance its presence on social media and connect with diverse audiences through TikTok, where the selection of international music is part of its engagement initiatives. The appearance of "La Bala" in a European sports context reflects a trend of integrating Latin American sounds into global platforms and underscores the cultural reach of the orchestra, founded in 1962 in San Vicente, El Salvador, according to Sportcal. The choice of "La Bala" by Ligue 1 in its digital content reflects the song's universal appeal, which has transcended borders and generations thanks to its rhythm and its ability to enliven any celebration. According to Bloomberg Línea, this international visibility confirms the role of Salvadoran tropical music as a bridge between communities and strengthens...

A US Army soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, was charged with using classified information to bet on if then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro would be removed from office. Prosecutors say Van Dyke used Polymarket's prediction market and made more than $400,000. Van Dyke was part of the US team that eventually arrested Maduro in Venezuela. Matt Miller and Dani Burger discuss. (Source: Bloomberg)

The American Lung Association's report reveals severe pollution challenges in US metro areas.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Idalia Isabel Morales-Mejía, a Salvadoran citizen, in Woodbridge, Virginia. Authorities have identified her as an associate of the MS-13 gang and are seeking her in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and illegal associations. The operation, conducted this week, was based on updated information provided by the El Salvador fugitive unit, which alerted authorities to Morales-Mejía's presence in northern Virginia. According to an official statement from ICE Washington, Morales-Mejía was charged by Salvadoran authorities in October 2013 with aggravated homicide and illegal associations. Subsequently, she illegally entered the United States on an unspecified date and location, without being inspected or admitted by immigration officials. The search intensified after the El Salvador Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Task Force sent specific information about Morales-Mejía's whereabouts in February, allowing U.S. agents to locate and arrest her in Virginia. Robert Guadian, director of the ICE Field Office in Washington, D.C., emphasized that Morales-Mejía is recognized as an associate of the transnational criminal organization MS-13. "The media might consider her a 'non-criminal' because she has no known criminal record in the United States, despite the fact that she faces charges..."

The US Justice Department announced that an American special forces soldier has been arrested and charged for pocketing over $400,000 by betting, on the basis of classified information, on the timing of the Trump administration’s abduction of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke, an active-duty soldier in the US Army […] The post US soldier pinched for profiting off Maduro abduction bets appeared first on Asia Times.

Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua— The Centinela Tower, a 21-story building currently under construction in this border city, will house the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) and will include an International Intelligence Fusion Center, where information will be shared with national and international agencies and departments, according to officials from Chihuahua. It is planned that the International Intelligence Fusion Center will be located on the 18th floor of the tower, and will involve the participation of national security agencies such as the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) and the National Guard, as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all of which are U.S. agencies with which the state is already working, Jorge Armendáriz, head of communications for the SSPE, told EL UNIVERSAL. "The 18th floor of the Centinela Tower is conceived as a space for binational and international collaboration for institutional liaison, information analysis, and the design of security strategies with regional impact." Also read: CIA agents in Chihuahua: Can foreign agents conduct operations on national territory? This is what the law says. "Its purpose is to strengthen...

This Thursday, during the third day of hearings against 485 alleged leaders of the MS-13 gang, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) presented new testimonies that described how the gang ordered killings from prisons and streets between 2012 and 2022, according to information released by the prosecution. The Salvadoran FGR attributed the planning and execution of high-profile homicides, including those of the Toledo brothers and the soccer player Jimena Granados, to the leadership of the criminal organization. The judicial investigation that supports the charges spanned nearly a year and was based on testimonies from thirteen cooperating witnesses and multiple protected witnesses, as stated by the institution. Max Muñoz, the deputy prosecutor for organized crime, stated that the testimonial evidence constitutes the core of the case and detailed how the hierarchical structure of the MS-13 allowed leaders to authorize and deny the lives of victims and members. During the hearing, the prosecution presented testimonies indicating that the gang leaders issued instructions to commit at least 9,043 crimes, including the murders of civilians, agents of the National Civil Police (PNC), and members of the Armed Forces (FAES). The court reviewed the accounts of protected witnesses who explained the logistics of the orders issued from the prisons. According to the prosecution, this process aims to establish a precedent regarding the attribution of…

Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Salvadoran man, believed to be a member of the MS-13 gang, who was wanted in El Salvador for crimes including murder and drug trafficking, according to an announcement made by U.S. authorities on Wednesday. The fugitive, identified as Alejandro Perla C., attempted to hide in the city of New York while facing an international arrest warrant for serious crimes in his home country. The joint operation took place on April 13th in the town of Middletown, New York, where agents located and arrested Perla, who is 37 years old. The arrest was made without any reported incidents in the area. According to the official report from ICE, the arrest occurred after it was confirmed that the individual had entered the United States illegally, without immigration inspection, and with a serious criminal record in his home country. "Perla illegally entered the United States on an unknown date and location, without being inspected by an immigration official," the statement from U.S. authorities noted. Similarly, the ICE statement emphasizes that the agency's priority is to protect the population of New York from undocumented immigrants with criminal records. In response to this case, Kenneth Genalo, director of the New York Field Office for Enforcement and Deportation Operations, stated that: "ICE of the city..."

The 44-year-old Iranian citizen extradited from Panama to the United States faces nine federal charges for his alleged involvement in a scheme to evade trade sanctions and export sensitive technology to Iran through third countries, according to U.S. authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Panama. The accused, identified as Reza Dindar, also known as Renda Dindar, was transferred to U.S. territory last week and appeared before the U.S. District Court in Seattle, where he was charged with crimes related to conspiracy, smuggling, money laundering, and falsifying export records. The case stems from an indictment filed in August 2014. The U.S. Embassy in Panama confirmed that the extradition was made possible through a coordinated operation with the Panamanian National Police and the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, highlighting the importance of international cooperation mechanisms in security and justice to address transnational crimes. According to the statement, the case is part of efforts to curb the illegal export of strategic technology, a practice that poses risks to U.S. national security, especially when it involves countries subject to sanctions like Iran. According to the indictment, between 2010 and 2014, Dindar allegedly operated a company named…