Global instability and technological advancesactive

The U. K.’s medicines regulator approved Eli Lilly’s weight-loss pill on Monday, marking a first European license for the company’s drug. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorized Foundayo (orforglipron) for weight management and type 2 diabetes, and is the “first regulator in Europe” to approve the drug. In the EU, a decision is not expected until next year. Foundayo is Lilly’s first oral form of the popular GLP-1 drug class, which has surged in popularity with demand fueled by the backing of celebrities and influencers. Its injectable drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) had been riding this wave. However, with the arrival of the first GLP-1 pill Wegovy (semaglutide) from Danish competitor Novo Nordisk — which launched in the U. S. and U. K. this year and is soon expected in some EU countries — demand for the more-convenient tablet is expected to rise. Novo Nordisk has been attempting to reach as many patients as possible with its pill to capture market share, said CEO Mike Doustdar last week. Doustdar also said the company would soon launch in Germany at its chosen price, ignoring pressure from the U. S. administration to raise prices in Europe. Washington has been pressuring EU countries to pay more for medicines to offset pharma revenue losses from lower U. S. drug prices. The U. K. is the only country to agree to pay more for medicines via a bilateral deal with the U. S. Foundayo’s arrival in the U. K. will initially provide competition in the private market.  A decision on whether the National Health Service will cover the pill is not expected until Nov. 18, and will be made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The Government of Honduras will advance the third quarter transfers to 75 municipalities affected by the drought, in a measure that involves a fiscal effort of over 1,100 million lempiras (more than 40 million dollars). The funds correspond to July, August, and September and will be delivered in a single disbursement, according to the Minister of Finance, Emilio Hernández Hércules. The official indicated that the measure was agreed upon after direct communication with the President of the Republic and in response to the request submitted by the Association of Municipalities of Honduras (Amhon), led by its president and mayor, Juan Carlos Molina. The decision aims to strengthen the financial capacity of local governments at a time when several communities face difficulties related to the supply of drinking water, due to the depletion of reserves and the prolonged lack of rains. Finance expects to complete the transfer process to the 75 mayors during this week, according to the schedule announced by the head of the institution. The advance does not mean that municipalities are exempt from the administrative obligations established by law. Hércules clarified that local governments must subsequently comply with the liquidation processes before the Ministry of Governance, in accordance with current regulations. The minister explained that the process c…

FedEx has deployed trailer loading systems at a Maryland hub, while Amazon aims to double its robotic arms fleet this year amid an industry push for automation.

The initiative aims to promote a transformation of the agri-food sector through incentives that facilitate the arrival of new investments, promote technological innovation, and strengthen value chains in Honduras. During the launch, authorities noted that agriculture remains one of the country's main economic activities: it contributes around 12% of the Gross Domestic Product and generates about 23% of national employment. They also acknowledged challenges such as low productivity, limited access to financing, the impact of climate change, technological lag, and difficulties in integrating actors in the production chain. The strategy was developed through a consultation process involving public institutions, representatives of the business sector, producers, and international cooperation agencies. Its implementation will be driven by the National Technical Investment Board of the Agri-food Sector, a coordination space led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the National Investment Council, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the participation of organizations such as the Honduran Private Sector Council, the National Federation of Honduran Cattle Ranchers, the Honduran Coffee Institute, Banrural, and various cooperation agencies. The involved institutions agreed that…

Idf is withdrawing. The White House is not worried about the Israeli prime minister's statement.

The battlegroup’s service members also destroyed 63 UAV control centers, three Starlink satellite communication stations

Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized 92 drones and three Banderol loitering munitions used by Russian forces to attack Ukraine since the evening of August 9.

Last month we discussed: how data center AI is growing rapidly; how almost everyone says they could grow revenue faster with more compute; and, that there are challenging, stubborn bottlenecks to data center AI growth, especially Foundry, Memory, Power, and Lasers. Recently, all the major hyperscalers announced earnings and increased CapEx plans (partly due to rising costs). On Amazon’s July 30th earnings call, CEO Andy Jassy said demand is strong into 2028. But making back its investment takes a few years, so “as we get a few years out and the revenue growth outpaces the incremental CapEx growth, which will happen at some point, the resulting revenue, free cash flow, and return on invested capital is very compelling.” Like the Gold Rush, those who moved first and fastest seized the most and best supply capacity.  The largest players, like Nvidia and Google, have massive capital and strong supply chain management. The biggest companies have likely locked in much of what they need. The number one strategy for coping with supply chain bottlenecks is efficiency — get the most results out of what you have and what you can get. But there are some other options, as well. Fig. 1: AI Growth faces high hurdles to growth (Source: ChatGPT prompt) Eat someone else’s lunch If you are lucky, you may find companies that acquired more resources than they can use. SpaceX merged with xAI, whose models have not generated sufficient demand. Leading up to their recent IPO they did multiple AI infrastructure deals with their excess capacity: A $45 billion deal with Anthropic, giving them access to 220K Nvidia GPUs and 300MW; A $920 million/month deal with Google through mid-2029 for ~110K GPUs, and A $6.3 billion deal with Reflection AI for Nvidia GB300 chips. Meta recently announced it will sell/rent excess AI computing power, including a potential $10 billion deal with Anthropic. Use cheaper models where possible Customer usage of AI is growing, although still at early stages of wide adoption. Agentic AI brings more benefits, but uses many more tokens. For example, Allstate in December described how its virtual assistants are able to handle 4 of 10 customer calls, freeing up salaried staff. In companies I work with, I see numerous examples of high returns on modest AI spend. Frontier model companies are substantially increasing their efficiency. SemiAnalysis reports that Anthropic’s ARR (annualized revenue run rate) per MW (megawatt) is 4x higher in just 9 months. The best frontier models have immense capability, but they are overkill for many tasks. Using simpler and cheaper models is a good strategy for getting more results using fewer resources. For example, GPT-5.5 costs $30/million tokens; GPT-5.4 is half that at $15/million tokens. DeepSeek V4 is less than $1/million tokens. (Source: OpenRouter). The more expensive models give better results on the toughest tasks, but not all tasks need the best models. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong revealed on X in June that his company cut its internal AI spending nearly in half by setting the default model for its engineers to open models from China (Zhipu AI GLM 5.2 and Moonshot AI Kimi K2.7). OpenRouter, valued recently at $1.3 billion, provides a unified interface for a wide range of LLMs. You can use OpenRouter rather than developing your own internal model router software. OpenRouter’s LLM Leaderboard, as of late July, had Chinese models as 8 of the top 10 by tokens used (the other two are Nemotron 3 by Nvidia and Claude Opus 4.8 by Anthropic). Chinese models accounted for 30% of tokens used by U. S. firms since February, according to investment firm William Blair. There are other options to Chinese models. Thinking Machines, run by former OpenAI technology chief Mira Murati, released its first model recently, aiming at balancing cost and performance over raw power. The model has nearly 1 trillion parameters, but only 41 billion are “active,” so only a fraction of the model is used to deal with any query. That makes it cheaper and faster to use (Source: Wall Street Journal). It also has a customization tool, Tinker, to easily fine-tune the model for the customer’s specific needs. Another option for companies with significant volume and repetitive use cases is an SLM (small language model). LLMs are trained to do all sorts of things, including communicating in dozens of languages. Let’s say your application is a virtual assistant answering phone calls in English and Spanish, but doing some relatively simple tasks. You can set up an SLM that is trained just in what you need, which will result in a far smaller model size (number of weights), but do what you want just fine. An SLM might even be small enough to run on a local server or a future iPhone or Mac (Mac Studio with M7 Ultra in 2028 is expected to support models with more than 1 trillion parameters). Noeri is another new AI lab helping businesses customize AI models for their specific needs. Use/build more efficient AI accelerators Each new generation of Nvidia GPUs is much more efficient than predecessors. Anyone who can acquire Vera Rubin will get more tokens/$ and tokens/W for advanced workloads. Vera, the CPU, is optimized for agentic AI by Nvidia. GPUs are general-purpose and optimized for very large models. Not all applications need this. Nvidia paid $20 billion to license Groq’s technology, and Cerebras has gone public ($42 billion market cap as of late July) because it developed architectures without HBM, but with lots of SRAM, which works well with leading-edge models that need the highest responsiveness. AMD and Cerebras recently announced a cooperation deal. Google has been developing TPUs for a decade, and Amazon has been developing Trainium for years. Both are substantially ramping production. Amazon, on its recent earnings call, said Trainium’s revenue run rate exceeds $25 billion/year. Amazon claims its internal workloads get better throughput/$ and throughput/watt with its custom silicon. Both are now selling or planning to sell their custom silicon to external partners. Google has announced deals with Anthropic and Meta, and is talking to neoclouds. Amazon has announced deals with both Anthropic and OpenAI. Google is developing a chip, code-named Frozen v2, that hard-codes parts of the Gemini model into silicon, targeting release as early as 2028. The goal is to process 6x to 10x more tokens per watt than current hardware (Source: The Information). For the portion of Google’s total workload that runs on its Gemini architecture, this will dramatically cut cost and power. And this maximizes the compute throughput Google gets from its limited TSMC wafer allocation. OpenAI is developing its own AI accelerator using Broadcom. Anthropic is also rumored to be exploring doing its own chip. As the developers of the most popular frontier models, one can expect they’ll optimize their own chips to more efficiently run their models. The big players are developing their own CPUs, too (Nvidia Vera, Amazon Graviton, etc.), which are claimed to be 20% to 50% more efficient than x86 CPUs. There are numerous startups developing architectural variations on AI acceleration — FuriosaAI, Nuvacore, D-Matrix, Etched (which claims to have $1 billion of pre-orders), Tenstorrent, Sambanova, Mat-X, Positron, Majestic Labs, and more. They might have a hard time getting wafer allocations if they get traction, but they could be acquired by a big player with capacity. Coming soon is optical compute from Neurophos, in Austin, which has developed a special optical structure that is being integrated with an unnamed foundry on a CMOS process. Neurophos claims it will soon deliver superior AI compute performance, up to 250x that of Nvidia Blackwell 200 (see the chart below). The numbers are impressive, but we need to see real systems running. Fig. 2: Neurophos CEO presenting in San Francisco recently, comparing three of its optical processing units to the Blackwell 200 architecture. Another optical compute company, Lumai in the UK, uses lenses to do matrix multiply acceleration for AI inference. Lumai is running Llama today as a demo. Early optical compute companies failed because the cost and time to convert from the digital domain to optical, then back, exceeded the benefit of the optical speed. We’ll see if Lumai can move a large enough amount of continuous compute into the optical domain to overcome this. A rising tide lifts all boats, but what happens when the tide goes out? Everyone that has data center AI compute, memory, power, and lasers will make a lot of money while supply is short. But eventually (2028? 2029? 2030?), supply will catch up with demand for data center AI. What then? As Warren Buffett said, “You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.” The largest and financially strongest companies with the strongest hold over their customers are best positioned. Their access to the supply chain and their ability to lock in capacity is superior. These companies are: Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google Gemini, which have the strongest frontier models; The hyperscalers — Google, Amazon, and Microsoft — serving all AI models with huge capacity and their own custom silicon; Nvidia and AMD, which offer general-purpose GPU rack-scale solutions for Anthropic, OpenAI, and the hyperscalers; and TSMC, which builds all of the AI accelerators for the above. These companies have strong franchises, are tough to displace, and are very profitable. Except for AMD, these “fortress” companies have P/E ratios of 18 to 36, which are consistent with their expected rapid earnings growth. AMD has a much higher P/E ratio, well over 100, because investors expect they’ll grow their GPU share significantly over the next few years. All these companies are heavily investing in capital expansion and have raised their plans to keep up with demand. The leading AI custom silicon providers, Broadcom and Marvell, have seen big increases in market cap and now have P/E ratios in the 60 range (as of July 31). These companies do a fabulous job of executing and have tremendous IP, such as the high-speed SerDes required for AI compute, but they are the agents of the hyperscalers that own the cloud, own some of the models, and set the AI accelerator architecture. So far, these hyperscalers have gone with the biggest, best suppliers, but they have begun using other suppliers such as MediaTek either to cut costs, or perhaps because of TSMC wafer allocations. Consequently, there is a growing risk of commoditization as the main players have increasing vendor choice. And over time, it seems likely the hyperscalers will move downstream from architecture/design to silicon implementation, perhaps acquiring some of the smaller custom silicon providers. The stock market recently has seen 10x price increases on DRAM companies (Micron, SK hynix, Samsung), all of which have incredible demand with backlogs that extend for years. SK hynix made more profit last quarter than in the last five years. In recent weeks, these stocks have seen significant drops, though they are still far above their prices of a year ago. Yet they are trading at P/E ratios around 20 (as of July 31), which is similar to the “fortress” companies above, but much higher than normal because historically they have been in a boom-bust cycle. The DRAM companies may be able to get out of the commodity cycle by developing customized HBM optimized for each AI accelerator — the need for efficiency will result in AI accelerators tuned to certain workloads which may benefit from HBMs tuned for that architecture. This requires a business model shift from JEDEC commodity to custom ASIC. If the HBM becomes a customized component, this could make the DRAM business a high-value, differentiated business throughout the business cycle. Laser companies (Coherent, Lumentum) also have seen 10x stock price surges. Michael Hurlston, CEO of Lu…

Industrial and civilian facilities in Nizhnekamsk came under a massive drone attack

NASA announced on Tuesday the four astronauts who will make up the main crew of Artemis III, a mission scheduled for 2027 that will mark a new milestone in the lunar exploration program. The flight aims to perform complex rendezvous and docking maneuvers in Earth orbit with the landing systems being developed by private companies for future Moon expeditions. They revealed the Artemis III crew - three Americans and one Italian The mission will be commanded by Randy Bresnik, accompanied by European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, who will serve as pilot. The team is completed by mission specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio. Additionally, the agency appointed Bob Hines as an alternate member. Randy Bresnik, the mission commander Bresnik will be responsible for leading Artemis III. As commander, he will oversee all flight operations and coordinate the crew's activities during a mission that NASA considers one of the most complex in recent decades. A veteran astronaut of the agency, he has experience in space flights and leadership tasks within crewed exploration programs. Luca Parmitano, the first European assigned to an Artemis mission Parmitao's appointment marks a historic event: it is the first time an ESA astronaut has received an assignment within the Artemis program.

The traditional ways of cultivating the peppers may not survive the challenges of climate change and soaring costs, so Pakistani farmers are trying to adapt.

While at the end of the first half of this year Panama added 300 homicide victims, the highest figure for a January-June period since at least 2022, so far in August the number stands at 347. The upward trend continues, and of the total, only seven were classified as unintentional deaths, according to the National Integrated Criminal Statistics System (SIEC) of the Ministry of Public Security. According to the historical monitoring of the SIEC, August began with expected minimal values, although it is indicated that these will increase as the days go by. However, the weekly calculation indicates that, nationwide, cases are "significantly high," with a notable increase. Meanwhile, at the provincial level, the agency states that the scale is "within normal limits," unlike the province of Panama, which is "higher," with a moderate increase. Panama maintained its 7% increase, while the province of Colón decreased by 19%, Panama Oeste remained at 0%, and Chiriquí maintained its 183% increase. Regarding homicides in districts, it is detailed that the districts with the most cases are Panama (151), San Miguelito (69), Colón (55), and Arraiján (20). As for the corregimientos with the highest cases, they include Belisario Frías (19), Chilibre (15), 24 de diciembre and Omar Torrijos (14), Cristóbal Este and Pedregal (13), Belisario Porras and Cativá (11), and Ernesto C. Campos and Tocumé…

The departments of Francisco Morazán, Copán, and Lempira report a series of violent incidents up to today that left at least seven women dead, according to reports from the National Police of Honduras. The cases occurred in different municipalities and under circumstances that are still being investigated. Some of the victims were attacked with firearms, while in other cases authorities are trying to reconstruct the women’s last hours to determine what happened and who might be behind the incidents. The new wave of violence occurs in a country that already has more than 160 violent deaths of women during 2026, according to figures previously released by organizations. The statistics may vary depending on the source and the cutoff period, but they all show the persistence of violence against women. In the department of Francisco Morazán, three cases were reported, all in different sectors of the capital Tegucigalpa. One of them involves Suheily Samaí Aguilar Romero, 20 years old, whose body was found under a bridge behind the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS). The young woman was wearing a white shirt and black shorts when she was found. Initial investigations suggest that there may have been an argument with her partner before the incident, and it is not ruled out that the woman may have fallen from the structure. This hypothesis is still part of the investigation, and authorities will need to...

The authorities of Honduras are preparing a new plan to address road accidents in the streets of the Central District. The project will be developed through technical cooperation between the Municipal Mayor's Office of the Central District (AMDC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the participation of the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (SIT). The initiative aims to incorporate analysis tools and methodologies used in Japan to study road safety, taking into account the characteristics of Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela, the two cities that make up the Central District. One of the first tasks will be to gather and study information related to accidents recorded in the area. The data will help identify patterns and sectors with a higher incidence of accidents. The work will not be limited to reviewing statistics. Specialists will also conduct on-site evaluations to understand the conditions of specific points on the road network and formulate recommendations. Among the areas that could be considered within the analysis are infrastructure conditions and the preventive measures necessary to reduce risks for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The authorities' goal is to have a technical basis that facilitates decision-making and allows interventions to be directed towards the most critical areas.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two civil aircraft this Sunday that violated temporary flight restrictions, while President Donald Trump was attending a tournament at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. According to a NORAD statement posted on social media, F-16 fighter jets safely escorted the civilian aircraft out of the restricted airspace. However, the Command refused to comment on whether the pilots had made a mistake, stating that it is the responsibility of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make that determination. NORAD F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, NJ. All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight… https://t.co/yac5sDTp1j — North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) August 9, 2026 According to the defense agency, pilots are required to consult with the FAA to stay updated on temporary airspace restrictions. Before the weekend, NORAD had warned that it would strengthen surveillance over the Bedminster area and could use fighter jets and ground defense systems to control it. According to Reuters, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the in…

F-16s intercepted two civilian aircraft entering restricted airspace over Bedminster, NJ, where President Trump was.

The agreement for phase two in the Gaza Strip was announced ten days ago by the US president as a historic step. The premier of the Jewish state: "Donald is a friend but before calling back the IDF Hamas must disarm." The militants respond: "For us, the 15 points remain valid."

Aaron David Miller, who participated in the Arab-Israeli peace process, assesses the halt: "Before the end of the year, there will be no progress in Gaza."

Since the ceasefire, conditions in Gaza have not improved. And two recent decisions cancel all our rights.

WASHINGTON.- The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced this Sunday that it intercepted two civilian aircraft that violated the temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of the Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, where U.S. President Donald Trump was present. "All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area," the organization reported on its X account and reminded that pilots are obliged to check the temporary airspace restrictions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "Check the NOTAMs before each flight!" said the 1st Air Force/AFNORTH. NORAD F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, NJ. All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight… https://t.co/yac5sDTp1j — North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) August 9, 2026 The interception was recorded in a video that went viral on social media, showing the moment when an F-16 fighter jet approaches what appears to be a small Cessna plane near Jefferson Township, in the vicinity of Bedminster. U.S. fighter jets intercepted two aircraft that entered the restricted airspace where…

The first same-sex civil marriage in Bolivia was finalized on August 7, in the department of Santa Cruz. It is the union between Fabiana Bánzer and Scarlett Rocha, according to the Bolivian media El Deber. Their marriage was celebrated by various LGBT organizations and collectives in Bolivia. The NGO Igual from the Andean country stated that this represents "a moment that will remain forever in the history of our country." They also detailed that the union took 3 years and 10 months of "struggle, perseverance, and hope." According to them, the recognition and legal protection of the State for the couple was possible "after a long administrative process and two constitutional protection actions promoted by the NGO team." They also affirmed that the story of Bánzer and Rocha "opens a door of hope for many other diverse couples and families who are still waiting for their rights to be fully recognized." And the fact is that same-sex marriage is not regulated in Bolivia. In fact, since 2020, same-sex couples are recognized by the Bolivian State through free union, but it does not have the same recognition as a heterosexual marriage.

A new alert about sexual violence against children and adolescents has focused attention on Honduras, where organizations dedicated to child protection estimate that between 24 and 26 cases of sexual abuse against minors occur each day. The data was disclosed by Wilmer Vázquez, representative of the Coordinadora de Instituciones Privadas Pro las Niñas, Niños, Adolescentes, Jóvenes y sus Derechos (Coiproden), who pointed out that the figures collected along with other organizations show the extent of a problem that, he warned, remains partially hidden due to the lack of reports. The average is approximately one case per hour, according to the calculation presented by the Coiproden leader. Vázquez contrasted the estimated number of cases with the number of reports received by institutions. According to the data cited by the COIPRODEN representative, Honduras receives approximately one report every four hours and 52 minutes for this type of incident. For Coiproden, the fact that victims do not report may be related to factors such as fear, lack of information, economic or family dependence on the aggressor, and distrust in institutions. The organization maintains that greater dissemination of information would allow parents, family members, teachers, and other people close to minors to recognize warning signs and activate protection mechanisms…

We're going backwards.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N. Y.) appeared on ABC’s “This Week” for her first Sunday show interview in a little over two and a half years to discuss the country’s political climate ahead of midterm elections.  The 36-year-old lawmaker reflected on a wide range of topics including a potential White House run, the future of her career…

Former Irish President Mary Robinson: Israel is erasing Palestine physically, economically, culturally, and politically.

Small cruise ship rescued skiff in south-east Alaska even though Meta billionaire’s $300m megayacht was closer Mark Zuckerberg has faced questions over why a small cruise ship in south-east Alaska rescued a stranded skiff and its crew when his 387ft superyacht had been closer. The Silicon Valley billionaire’s yacht, worth a reported $300m, is said to have “repeatedly” declined to assist when a nearby boat called for help last week. Continue reading...

Bibi rejects the Peace Board's roadmap for Gaza: 'With me, no Palestinian state'

A strategic and political flashpoint as well as the center of military operations in recent weeks, Crimea is also a place of deep emotional significance for Ukrainians. Le Monde explores the lasting memory of Crimea, before Russia's annexation in 2014.

US Senator Jim Banks joined a handful of Republican senators in calling for embattled Representative Max Miller to step down over allegations he physically abused his former wife and his two-year-old daughter.

The Ministry of Energy (SEN) announced the new fuel price structure that will take effect from Monday, August 10, 2026, with increases in most petroleum derivatives, while domestic LPG will maintain its price thanks to government subsidy. The new price table reflects increases for both Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, with diesel being the fuel that will experience the largest adjustment of the week. In the capital, Super gasoline will increase by L0.42, reaching a price of L138.83 per gallon (USD 5.63), while Regular will rise by L1.35, to be sold at L127.42 (USD 5.17). Diesel records the largest increase Diesel will be the fuel with the largest weekly adjustment in Tegucigalpa, increasing by L4.80, so its new price will be L134.25 per gallon (USD 5.44). The Ministry of Energy reported that this fuel will continue to receive temporary financial support of L4.80, in order to reduce the impact of international price hikes on consumers. Meanwhile, kerosene will also reflect an increase of L4.31, setting its price at L119.97 per gallon (USD 4.87). Domestic LPG maintains subsidy Domestic LPG will keep its price at L249.62 (USD 10.13) in Tegucigalpa, thanks to the current state subsidy. According to the official structure, the economic support for this fuel will continue to be L35.22 (USD 1.43) per cylinder. Meanwhile, the G…

Israeli prime minister says military will not withdraw from Palestinian enclave ‘until Hamas is disarmed’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected a US-led Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas, putting distance between himself and President Donald Trump as he tries to shore up his base ahead of close elections. After more than a week of gradually escalating criticism of the plan, and despite receiving assurances that Israel would not need to start withdrawing in Gaza immediately, Netanyahu explicitly opposed the deal following pushback from his right-wing allies. “Israel rejects the...

Voters in Ohio's 7th Congressional district react to calls for Rep. Max Miller to drop his bid for reelection. He ran uncontested in the May 5 GOP primary. The Democratic nominee is Brian Poindexter.

Israel plans a wide expropriation of historic Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank claiming to protect archaeological sites.

El Salvador recorded 2,049,479 visitors to its main public spaces between August 1 and 5, 2026, a figure higher than the same period in 2025, according to official data released this Saturday by the Press Secretariat of the Presidency. The Press Secretariat of the Presidency reported that "Sívar Land" topped the list of most visited places, with 910,000 visitors in five days. This amusement park was the space with the highest influx of families and local tourists. The official report indicated that public beaches, managed by the Ministry of the Interior, received 98,053 visitors and were the second most visited destination. Public tourist areas accounted for 121,405 visitors, while public cultural sites attracted 129,524 people. Other spaces with higher attendance Additionally, the Historic Center of the capital registered 71,285 entries. Other spaces, such as public sites managed by the Ministry of Public Works, received 64,730 visitors. Protected natural areas, managed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, totaled 8,482 visits in the same period. The report noted that in the same period in 2025, 1,852,018 visitors had been reported. According to the Press Secretariat of the Presidency, the increase reflects an upward trend in domestic mobility and in the preference for national destinations. Authorities attributed e…

As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state

As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state

Israel "rejects" the US plan for Gaza backed by Hamas, affirmed the country's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The terrorist group Hamas had assured on Saturday that it remained willing to move forward with the US-backed peace plan for Gaza and called for pressure on Israel, which on its part insists it did not accept the last part of the agreement. Hamas informed the Peace Council, led by US President Donald Trump, that it remained committed to the final phase of the plan, whereby militants would hand over weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing committee in the territory. "Hamas and other factions have confirmed to the mediators their willingness to begin implementing the agreement and move to the second phase, provided they receive Israeli approval and Israel begins to implement the agreement," a terrorist group official told AFP. According to the same source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, "Hamas urges the US administration to exert pressure on Israel to force it to comply with the agreement and move to the second phase." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces a tough re-election battle in October and broad opposition from his right-wing base to the Gaza agreement, said on Tuesday that Israel had not accepted the "draft" presented by the Peace Council. Last week, Trump celebrated as an advance that Hamas…

The Republican congressman, who denies claims of domestic abuse, has resisted growing calls to drop his bid for a third term.

Russia's Defense Ministry said it had destroyed more than 150 Ukrainian drones over the European part of the country.

Bolivian police confirmed on Saturday that four Bolivian citizens linked to the death of a police officer were shot dead by Brazilian security forces after they tried to hide in Brazilian territory following their escape in a small plane. The departmental commander of the Santa Cruz de la Sierra Police, David Gómez, reported that the confrontation occurred in the Mato Grosso region after an exchange of gunfire with Brazilian police. Among the deceased was identified as José Mariano Paz Chávez, known as 'Piña,' who was indicated as one of the material authors of the attack on July 31 in the Bolivian community of Ascensión de la Frontera. That day, an armed group ambushed intelligence agents heading to the municipality of San Matías to investigate the murder of four people that occurred on a ranch the previous day. Official sources detailed that the attackers fired at the police and then transported the body of the deceased officer, which they abandoned at an illegal airstrip before escaping in a plane. "The aircraft was intercepted by the police of Brazil," Gómez explained, adding that the aircraft made an emergency landing in the area. Later, the four men remained hidden for several days in a wooded area. Finally, Brazilian authorities managed to surround them and shot them, according to information released by the Bolivian Police.

The British Royal Navy increased its surveillance operations over the activity of the Russian "phantom fleet" in the North Atlantic and UK waters during July, accumulating 21 consecutive days of patrols. This deployment represents a 25% increase in activations compared to the previous year. During that period, the ships HMS Somerset, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn patrolled alongside Wildcat helicopters and Merlin aircraft with anti-submarine capabilities. The goal was to closely monitor the movements of Russian ships and submarines, especially the frigate Neustrashimy, which made multiple transits through the British zone, escorting tankers of the so-called "phantom fleet." Among the most relevant incidents, HMS Tyne had to position itself just five nautical miles away when Neustrashimy fired artillery shots outside British and French territorial waters on July 20, while the British crew continued gathering intelligence and observed the fall of the projectiles. In response to the question about the reason for this increase in activity, British authorities attribute the intensification of surveillance to the need to dismantle the Russian covert fleet, which, through the transfer of hydrocarbons, finances the invasion in Ukraine and poses a direct threat to European security. The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 ships linked to this scheme, which has...

In all, Vladislav Sapozhnikov won 10 medals during the event - five gold, three silver and two bronze

The Dominican Republic experiences a new adjustment in fuel prices this week, marked by an increase in gasoline and diesel, while the State keeps the cost of liquefied petroleum gas frozen to protect the most vulnerable sectors. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs (MICM), these changes, effective from August 8 to 14, 2026, respond to international pressures and a government strategy to preserve financial stability. Prices will be traded as follows: Premium gasoline: RD$341.10 per gallon (approximately US$5.82), after an increase of RD$3.00 compared to the previous week Regular gasoline reaches RD$304.50 per gallon (US$5.20), with an increase of RD$2.00 Optimal diesel is priced at RD$293.10 per gallon (US$5.00) Regular diesel at RD$256.80 per gallon (US$4.38), each with increases of RD$3.00 and RD$2.00 respectively. Meanwhile, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), an essential fuel for cooking and public transportation, remains at RD$135.20 per gallon (US$2.31), with no change. Natural gas maintains its price at RD$43.97 per cubic meter (US$0.75). In light of this situation, MICM explained that the increase responds to the ongoing impact of the geopolitical conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted the international hydrocarbon market. Although the price of WTI crude remains around US$80 per barrel, the factor det…

Spain has begun replacing its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March, amid scrutiny over allegedly unauthorised cultural events and embassy spending.

The "Horse of Troy" operation dismantled an alleged micro-trafficking scheme that used street vendor stalls as a front to sell drugs in high-traffic areas of San Miguelito. The action resulted in seven people being apprehended and adds to several cases recorded during the first days of August in Panama, with methods ranging from hidden compartments in boats to trafficking through Tocumen International Airport. The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Crimes Related to Drugs carried out the operation in Los Andes, Paraíso, Santa Marta, San José, and La Gran Estación, in coordination with the National Intelligence Directorate of the National Police. Specifically, in La Gran Estación, according to the Attorney General's Office, the suspects presented themselves as street vendors while allegedly selling illegal substances near establishments and areas with high foot traffic. The mechanism allowed the alleged illegal activity to blend with the daily movement of vendors and buyers, reducing the chances of arousing suspicion among passersby. During the procedures, seven people were apprehended, and authorities seized money allegedly related to sales and substances that will be subjected to scientific tests to determine their composition. The detainees will have to appear before a Guarantee Court to...

A report of domestic violence ended in tragedy during the early hours of this Friday, August 7, in the San Fernando neighborhood of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where a National Police officer died after being shot while responding to an emergency. According to the official report, the officers went to the scene after receiving an alert through the National Emergency System 911. Upon arrival, the alleged attacker opened fire on the officers. During the attack, officer Luis Edgardo López Sánchez was hit by two bullets. His colleagues rushed him to a medical center, but minutes later his death was confirmed. The spokesperson for the National Police, Belkis Valladares, confirmed that the officer lost his life while performing his duties. "In the line of duty, he lost his life responding to a domestic violence report," the official stated. After the attack on the officers, the police launched an operation to locate the responsible person, who, according to the preliminary report, took refuge in a creek nearby. From that location, the man reportedly continued shooting at the police involved in the operation. During the exchange of gunfire, he was wounded and later died while being transported to a hospital. The suspect was identified as Wilson David López López, 31 years old and originally from Santa...

Manuela Urroz is one of the leading figures in Chilean field hockey. Visiting Diablas Mundialistas, the special edition of El Deportivo along with AFP Cuprum and Banco Santander, the historic forward discusses the team's expectations ahead of the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which begins next Saturday, August 15. "Four years have passed, and we achieved qualification again. Although in those four years we also had staff changes, I also believe that today we have been consolidating ourselves and knocking on the door of the elite. Today we face a second World Cup with a different experience from the first," she acknowledges. In the same setting where the late goalkeeper Claudia Schüler was a key figure in the 2022 event, the Diablas are aiming for glory. "It will be special. We live her memory every day, in how we train, how we take care of ourselves, and where we want Chilean hockey to reach," she says. Now without Sergio "Cachito" Vigil and with Cristóbal Rodríguez in charge, the national team qualified by winning the Qualifiers held at the National Stadium, where they surpassed Australia and Japan, two rivals they will face again in Group A of the planetary tournament, which also includes the host country, the Netherlands. "He is the favorite to win the tournament, and we have to play a very smart game and take advantage of the experience we now have at the international level," she affirms about the match against the nee…

Two Panamanians who remained in Ukraine managed to leave the country through a consular assistance operation coordinated by the Panamanian government and are safe in Poland, from where they will begin their return this Sunday. With their arrival, seven citizens will have returned this week from Russia and Ukraine amid investigations into nationals linked to the war. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Edmar Camacho and Efraín Calvo left Ukrainian territory after an operation carried out by the Panamanian diplomatic representation. Both crossed the border into Poland without incident and will stay there until they begin their return trip to Panama on Sunday, August 9. The operation was particularly complex because the two citizens were inside Ukraine, amid the armed conflict with Russia. To facilitate their exit, Panamanian diplomat Aldo Rodríguez, an official of the Panamanian Embassy in Poland and accredited to Ukraine, entered Ukrainian territory to provide direct consular assistance. Rodríguez established contact with Camacho and Calvo, traveled to the previously agreed meeting point, and accompanied them during the journey to Polish territory. According to the Foreign Ministry, the border crossing was completed under safe conditions. Panama also appreciated the cooperation of Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybi…

Apart from Kiev, residents took to the streets of Ivano-Frankovsk, Nikolayev, Kharkov, Cherkassy and Lvov

Andrés Fernando Ergas Heymann is in Washington, United States, as Chile's ambassador to that country, but maintains old ties with the most traditional part of Santiago: the historic center of the capital. The commercial engineer from Universidad Finis Terrae owns an attractive estate whose core is 1.87% of Banco de Chile, which he controls through a structure of companies starting with Kini SpA, continuing with Inversiones Yanteles Limitada, and ending with Ever Chile SpA., the direct owner of that percentage, as explained in his asset and interests declaration. Ever Chile SpA was valued at 432,842 million pesos. That estate comes from the businesses his father, Jacob Ergas Ergas, 91 years old, built in the banking sector, through Banco de A. Edwards, which he has controlled since the late 1980s. Ergas's asset declaration, whose ambassadorial position he officially assumed on May 12 and presented credentials to Donald Trump on May 21, also includes companies in the United States and businesses related to tourism and the airline industry. And a substantial collection of real estate assets. The properties are controlled, again via Yanteles, through Inversiones Inmobiliarias Inersa I Spa, which he attributed a not insignificant value of 48,142 million pesos in his 163-page asset declaration. Its business is the buying, selling, and leasing of real estate. Several of those pages describe the real estate assets he owns through v…

In recent weeks, some macroeconomic figures have been made known that could well be a reason for optimism. The Imacec (Monthly Index of Economic Activity) for June expanded by 2.4%, ending a five-month streak of negative figures; the latest CPI was at the lower end of expectations, and with this, inflation is approaching the 3% target; investment, measured as Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), grew by 3.2% in the first quarter, while domestic demand increased by 2.1%. Central Government revenues during the first six months of the year exceeded 39.5 trillion pesos, increasing by 5.5%, while current spending moderated its expansion. As I was saying, all these figures would support a more optimistic outlook for the future. However, the general mood shows a strong contrast, as the latest measurement of the Perception of the Economy Index (Ipec) shows a sharp deterioration, both at the personal and national level. In July, this indicator was at its lowest level in two years. The disconnection between recent economic signals and consumer expectations is evident, and while this can be multifactorial — influenced, for example, by higher fuel prices or even by the effects of recent storms — I would dare to highlight one factor above the rest: employment. For more than a decade, the rate of...

The Diablas are already fine-tuning the final details for their anticipated debut in the Hockey World Cup, where next Saturday, August 15, they will face a tough challenge against the Netherlands, the number one in the world and host of the tournament. As part of their preparation in Amsterdam, the Chilean women's team played their first practice match against China, which ended in defeat but served to adjust pieces ahead of the debut. In this context, coach Cristóbal Rodríguez discussed the preparation, highlighting the balance in the match against the Asians. "There are positive and negative sensations. Obviously, there are points for improvement that we can generate, but I think the most important thing was to get into the rhythm of the game with one of the top four teams in the world. The field was new to us, where the ball still bounces a lot and is a bit heavier than what we're used to. It also needs a bit of water. All these kinds of adaptations are good to get used to with teams of this level. On the other hand, we had to get the travel out of the way. We just got off the plane yesterday, have been in the Netherlands for less than 24 hours, and already played a match of this intensity," he said. The head coach assures that the loss helps to make a diagnosis before the debut. "It's just learning. We need to see in the videos what the most common mistakes were and how we can solve them. We need to continue promoting...

The country stood out for the talent of its young musicians, as it also took second and seventh place in this category of the contest.

An air raid warning remains in effect across the Sumy Region

The United States Postal Service’s (USPS) net losses for the third quarter of 2026 reached $2.5 billion, the agency reported Friday, as its leadership continues to look for solutions to prevent an impending liquidity crisis. These numbers are down from last year’s third quarter, with USPS then reporting $3.1 billion in losses. While the agency…

Air raid warnings are currently in effect for the Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Zhitomir, Kiev, Poltava, Sumy and Chernigov regions

NASA officially announced the details of Artemis III, a mission that promises to become one of the most complex space operations of recent decades. Scheduled for 2027, the expedition will test new technologies and procedures through an unprecedented sequence of launches and maneuvers in Earth's orbit. Unlike other crewed missions, Artemis III will require the coordination of three of the world's most powerful rockets, the participation of four astronauts, and two spacecraft rendezvous in mid-flight, an operation that will serve as a rehearsal for future expeditions of the program. They revealed the Artemis III crew - three Americans and one Italian A mission that will begin with three launches The operation will start with the launch of the exploration landing module developed by Blue Origin. This vehicle will be sent into space before the crew and will remain in orbit for several weeks awaiting the astronauts. Subsequently, NASA will launch its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry the four mission members aboard the Orion spacecraft. Once in Earth's orbit, Orion will head toward the Blue Origin vehicle to perform the first of two planned dockings. Both ships will remain connected for approximately two days while the astronauts carry out technical checks, operational tests, and dem...

The indicator measuring the proportion of households with debt - whether delinquent or not - reached 82 percent in July, marking the highest level ever recorded for the sixth consecutive month. In June, the index stood at 81.6 percent, while in July of last year, it was 78.5 percent. However, the share of households with overdue debts - known as delinquency - fell to 29.8 percent in July. In the previous month, it stood at 29.9 percent, while a year earlier it was 30 percent. Notícias relacionadas: Debt relief program benefits 6 million Brazilians. Brazil’s public debt could reach BRL 10.3 trillion in 2026. The average delay in debt repayment stood at 64.6 days in July, continuing a downward trend since April, when it was 65.1 days. The data come from the Consumer Indebtedness and Delinquency Survey (PEIC), released on Thursday (Aug. 6) by the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC). The survey covers 18,000 households nationwide. It takes into account credit card debt, overdrafts, store credit, payroll loans (with installments deducted directly from wages), personal loans, postdated checks, and car and mortgage payments. Household budgets under strain The survey shows that, on average, 29.5 percent of households’ budgets are committed to debt payments. The average debt repayment period stood at 7.2 months, compared with 7.1 months a year earlier. The CNC emphasizes that debt is not necessarily a negative financial behavior, since it allows households to channel resources toward consumption, thereby stimulating the economy as a whole. However, the institution warns that debt levels become a cause for concern when households begin to face difficulties in meeting their payment obligations. The survey reveals that credit cards are the main source of household debt, accounting for more than 85 percent of indebted households. Income brackets CNC figures show that debt is more prevalent among lower-income households: 84.9 percent of those earning up to three minimum wages report outstanding debt. In contrast, among households with incomes above ten minimum wages, the share drops to 72 percent. Regarding the delinquency rate, it stands at 38.5 percent among the poorest households and 15.1 percent among the wealthiest. Selic rate cut The debt survey was released the day after Copom, the Central Bank of Brazil’s Monetary Policy Committee, announced a cut in the Selic rate - the economy’s benchmark interest rate - from 14.25 percent to 14 percent per year. Interest rates are being kept at a high level as a means of combating inflation, since higher interest rates make credit more expensive and, consequently, discourage consumption. For CNC Chief Economist Fabio Bentes, the reduction in the Selic rate is an important step toward improving credit conditions, although its impact will take time to materialize. “The decision to lower the benchmark interest rate is likely to help reduce the cost of new credit operations and facilitate debt renegotiations under more favorable terms,” he noted. Bentes pointed out that the “high burden on household income” suggests that the recovery of households’ consumption capacity will be gradual.

The controversy around Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is complicating the midterm landscape for Ohio Republicans as Democrats build momentum in the Buckeye State, a former battleground that’s become a red state in the Trump era. Miller, who is running for a third term in a competitive House district, is facing calls to step down after allegations of…

Judicial and security sources say a routine embassy visit landed a wanted former Syrian general in a Beirut jail cell.

After a post by the spokesperson of Charlie Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, there is controversy among Republicans with the midterm vote approaching. Meanwhile, Trump continues to claim that inflation has decreased.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain condemned this Saturday Iran's attack on a United Arab Emirates oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of international law. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized in a statement that "these unacceptable aggressions threaten maritime navigation security and international energy supplies," and constitute "a blatant violation of international laws." It also held Iran responsible for "the consequences of continuing these brutal attacks" and called on Tehran to cease "these violations to preserve security and stability" in the Middle East, while expressing support for the actions taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty and resources. Similarly, Jordan also described it as a "blatant violation of international law and a threat to maritime navigation security" and expressed support for the UAE in protecting its security, stability, and resources. Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement similar to its Arab neighbors and called on the UN Security Council to adopt "deterrent measures to protect maritime navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz." The UAE accused Iran this Saturday of attacking a tanker belonging to the state-owned National Oil Company with a missile...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that he will take the case of building a ballroom in the White House to the Supreme Court after the U.S. judiciary again blocked the work inside the country's seat of government. Previously, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia had allowed the construction while the case was being studied. However, this coincided with a ruling by a lower court that established that a renovation of such magnitude required the explicit consent of Congress. The Court of Appeals noted that the blocking of the work has "nothing to do" with the relevance of the project itself, but is justified by the fact that the president initiated the work without Congress's approval. Specifically, they pointed out that the government "does not have unlimited authority to redesign, remodel, or rebuild the White House, the people's house, to respond to the personal desire of a president." Trump called the ruling "horrendous, politically motivated, and illegal," and announced his appeal to the Court. "This decision, made after much of the work has been completed and paid for, is a threat to national security at the highest level. It is also a national disgrace," he said on his social media. Although the project was presented by the president as a "necessity" to host galas and state ceremonies, the proposal evolved into what Tr…

The Virginia-based aircraft maker has been embroiled in several controversies over the years amid questions over its safety standards.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Iranian regime of attacking a tanker belonging to the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with a missile while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with no casualties reported. In a statement, the Ministry said: "The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Iranian missile attack on an ADNOC tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which did not cause injuries." The official note described the attack as "a flagrant violation" of international law. The statement also noted that attacks on commercial navigation and the use of Hormuz "as a tool of economic pressure or blackmail" constitute "an act of piracy by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard" and pose "a direct threat" to Middle East stability and global energy security. The Ministry emphasized: "The UAE stresses the need for Iran to cease these aggressive attacks, reaffirming its full commitment to stopping all hostile acts and the complete and unconditional reopening of the strait, thus ensuring regional security and the stability of the global economy and trade." Meanwhile, ADNOC announced that one of its ships was attacked with a missile and that "the situation was under control." On Friday, the Emirati company indicated that 15 of its ships have been attacked in Hormuz since the beginning…

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will depend on the United States accepting Iran's "conditions" and ceasing interference in regional negotiations, referring to the dialogue between Iran and Oman regarding navigation through this strategic passage. "The Strait of Hormuz will only reopen if the United States fully accepts Iran's conditions and stops interfering in the regional negotiation process," said Revolutionary Guard spokesperson General Hosein Mohebí in statements to the Tasnim agency during a visit to Hormozgan province, near the strait. The spokesperson did not specify what the demanded conditions are but assured that the decision on reopening solely depends on the mechanisms and conditions established by the Islamic Republic, and that this issue is not related to negotiations between Tehran and Muscat. "Once the United States accepts Iran's conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will undoubtedly be reopened," he added. The general emphasized the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran, noting that it is not only an economic route but also a key strategic and geographical component for the country. According to Iranian sources, Iran and Oman reached an agreement in recent days on the geographical features of a new navigation route in the strait and are finalizing a declaration…

A real contribution to stabilizing the situation in the border areas should be the launch of the process of delimitation of the Georgian-South Ossetian and Georgian-Abkhaz state borders, followed by their demarcation, the ministry said

OpenAI, the American company developing the generative AI "ChatGPT," announced on the 7th that it has temporarily suspended the development of the AI model "Astra." The reason cited is that the AI's capabilities have significantly improved, and there is an inability to rule out the risk of it executing serious cyberattacks on its own judgment.

During much of the hyper-globalization era, companies paid little attention to the fate of the State. They focused mainly on corporate matters, such as finance, minimizing costs, expanding scale, and accessing international markets. Geopolitics hardly existed in their language, and geography mattered only as a variable of logistical cost. All of that changed drastically starting in the last decade. Buying a raw material today does not guarantee its availability later, or conversely, the inability to substitute it. One can incorporate equipment to create value, and later its spare parts could be blocked for reasons of national security. Too many uncertainties. Today, companies are forced to accept that geopolitical risk exists in the current world. The continuous change of tariffs, the lack of rules in international trade, reciprocal sanctions for reasons unrelated to economic rationality, regulations of all kinds, capital restrictions, continuous changes in energy prices and their correlations with commodity prices, unstable supply chains, ideological actions by officials, and others are several of the uncertainties stemming from the discretionary use of power instruments exercised by the world's major powers. Conflicts spill over into markets, technology, finance, investments, value chains, infrastructure, and logistics…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador announced this Friday that the Embassy in Turkey projected the miniseries "Las Pupusas," by Salvadoran producer Olen Gutiérrez, as part of its cultural diplomacy efforts to strengthen ties with the diaspora residing in that country and promote the national gastronomic identity. According to the information shared by the Foreign Ministry, the activity aimed to project El Salvador's image internationally through the dissemination of its heritage and cultural values. During the event, the Salvadoran ambassador to Turkey, Héctor Jaime, emphasized the goal of maintaining bonds between the diaspora and their country of origin: "The pupusa is much more than our national dish; it is a symbol of identity, history, and unity for Salvadorans, regardless of where in the world we are." At the end of the screening, attendees participated in a pupusa tasting and a space for socializing and cultural exchange, with members of the Salvadoran diaspora in Turkey and friends of El Salvador. The information was also shared through the portals of "El Salvador in Europe." Pupusas are a staple of Salvadoran cuisine made from corn or rice dough, with fillings that vary among one or several ingredients such as cheese, beans, chicharrón, loroco, blackberry, chipilín, chicken, garlic, jalapeño, mushrooms, shrimp, among others...

The General Comptroller of the Republic of Panama ordered the initiation of forensic audits of contracts executed by the Panamanian Institute of Sports (Pandeportes), after receiving citizen complaints related to sports infrastructure projects. The initial reviews will focus on nine facilities located in the province of Coclé, although the oversight body warned that the scrutiny will extend to contracts linked to the received allegations. The investigations aim to establish whether the administrative, contractual, and financial actions were carried out in accordance with current legislation, as well as to determine if there was proper management of public resources. The Comptroller explained that, due to the nature and scope of the reported facts, it was deemed essential to conduct a specialized investigation to determine possible administrative, contractual, and financial damages to the State. The first audit will target the contract for the study, design, and construction of nine sports facilities in the districts of Olá, Natá, and La Pintada, in Coclé. The project was executed by the Nueve Canchas Coclé Consortium, composed of Grupo Innova, S. A. and Jardines Urbanos, S. A. The auditors will examine the comprehensive execution of the contract, the approved modifications, addenda, extensions of the deadline, payments made, and settlements, as well as other related administrative actions…

According to the report, the US military is planning to launch flight demonstrations of the system in 2027

Barron Trump has built a $150 million fortune through crypto investments, making him richer than his mother, First Lady Melania Trump.

Shelbit, one of the two cryptocurrency exchange platforms linked to Iran sanctioned by the United States on Friday for evading sanctions, handled over 6.3 billion dollars in transactions between May 2024 and March 2026, according to a TRM Labs report. The founder of Shelbit, Siavash Kayvanpour, and several companies were blacklisted for helping to launder billions of dollars for the Iranian regime and supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to a Treasury Department statement. Of the total, the blockchain analysis firm’s report links 5.6 million dollars in transfers from Shelbit to wallets associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as 2 million dollars in transfers to a wallet later identified as linked to Hamas. Shelbit’s website is no longer operational. "[Iran] is building this type of on-chain ecosystem, and we are seeing much larger figures than ever before due to its ability to do so," said Ari Redbord, TRM Labs’ global policy director, in an interview. Shelbit did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. In addition to the exchange platform, Shelbit Technologies Ltd., Crypto Home, and NFT Home have also been sanctioned, according to the Treasury Department. Last week, Reuters documented the flows of billions of dollars…

Powerchip chairman Frank Huang, who spent much of his career mirroring the trajectory of Taiwan's memory and foundry industries and was set to ride the AI boom into profitability in 2026, has passed away. His passing has revived memories of a 1999 attempt to block UMC's aggressive bid for Powerchip, when Huang sought help from TSMC founder Morris Chang and eventually saw Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) invest in Powerchip to counter UMC.

Panama will remain under watch throughout the weekend due to the possibility of significant rains, thunderstorms, and gusts of wind, as the country experiences active El Niño conditions. Although this phenomenon usually reduces precipitation, it does not mean it will stop raining nor eliminate the risk of heavy downpours, river floods, inundations, and landslides during the rainy season. The Panama Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (IMHPA) issued a warning of significant rains and electrical activity for the entire national territory and both coastlines, valid from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 10. In response to the forecast, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) also activated a prevention alert for the same period. According to IMHPA, atmospheric instability will increase starting Saturday, August 8, due to the strengthening of the north wind and moisture transport. These conditions will be compounded by the partial activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, low-pressure systems, and troughs in the region, factors that will favor the formation of heavy to very heavy showers. The highest likelihood and intensity of precipitation will mainly occur on Sunday, August 9, and Monday, August 10, when electrical activity and gusts of wind could also be recorded. The agency warned about sudden river rises…

The Monthly Economic Activity Index (Imacec) for June recorded an annual increase of 2.4%, a figure higher than market expectations, which estimated -according to the Central Bank's Economic Expectations Survey- a rise of 1.2%. With this, the economy begins to rebound after five consecutive months of year-on-year declines in the indicator, a situation not observed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, in March 2020. The main news comes from the mining sector. While a moderate recovery was expected due to a less demanding comparison base, it is particularly relevant that mining activity grew 9.8% over twelve months, considering that in the previous two months, year-on-year declines had reached double digits and in a context where mining had been dragging economic activity downward for a full year. Although the non-mining Imacec has a modest increase of 1.4% annually, this is the highest figure of the year, while the seasonally adjusted series indicates a marginal rebound, greater than the variation of the last two months. These figures also allow us to rule out, at least for now, a scenario of technical recession, as they estimate an annual GDP growth of 0.1% during the second quarter. Likewise, the prospects for the rest of the year point to an expansion close to an average of 3% annually during that period, which will contribute…

A bus driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and detained by two military police officers after a traffic disagreement in São Paulo's capital. According to the driver, the disagreement began when he honked to ask for passage from the police vehicle, which was moving slowly in the bus-exclusive lane. The incident occurred, according to the Union of Drivers and Urban Bus Transport Workers of São Paulo (Sindmotoristas), at number 700 on Avenida Casa Verde. A video recorded by a passenger shows the police inside the bus asking the driver to get off. Related news: MP will investigate police officers who entered a school after activity about orixás. On-duty police officers killed 142 people in three months in the state of SP. The driver denies and claims he did nothing wrong. The police then forcibly remove the driver from the vehicle and take him to a police station. “The board of the Union of Drivers and Urban Bus Transport Workers of São Paulo (Sindmotoristas) is shocked and outraged by the brutality of the military police officers against driver Edvagner and fare collector Vilanova from Viação Santa Brígida,” the union said in a statement on social media. According to the union, the episode shows brutality and lack of preparation by the police. “The incident in question demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and violent use of the role that police officers are supposed to perform, who should act with better attention…

Agents of the National Anti-Drug Police Directorate (DNPA) seized 103 packages of alleged marijuana hidden in a secret compartment of a vehicle during an operation carried out in the municipality of Sabá, Colón department, as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking in the area. The seizure was carried out by DNPA teams, with support from the National Directorate of Prevention and Community Security (DNPSC), after conducting surveillance and intelligence activities that allowed them to locate a vehicle allegedly used for transporting illegal substances. During the operation, the agents conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle, detecting a hidden compartment at the bottom of the cabin, where the suspected drugs were found. According to the police report, the inspection revealed a space designed to hide the cargo and make detection during security checks more difficult. Inside the compartment, 103 packages of alleged marijuana were found, distributed in 51 double packages and one single package. Authorities detailed that all the packages were covered with transparent plastic, a method used to protect the substance and facilitate its transport. The discovery was documented by the drug agents as part of the relevant investigative procedures. After the seizure of the suspected drugs, the authorities also secured…

According to the regional crisis center, damage was done to four apartment houses

The United States Court of Appeals has ruled this Friday that President Donald Trump must seek congressional approval to build the large "ballroom" he wants to establish where the east wing of the White House used to be. The court judges, in a ruling issued with two votes in favor and one against, consider that the construction of the ballroom "is a decision of Congress and not a unilateral matter of the Executive." The plaintiffs demanding the suspension of the works, represented by the National Fund for Historic Preservation, have convincingly demonstrated that at no point has Congress ceded its authority for the Executive to "redesign or rebuild the White House, which is the People's House, to satisfy the wishes of any particular president," referring to Trump. Trump envisions the "ballroom" as the symbol of his time in the White House; a project whose estimated budget has been increasing over the months. An estimate from a contractor published in June by the Washington Post mentioned a provisional budget of 600 million dollars. The U.S. president claims that the monumental project will cost Americans not a single cent and will be financed by friends of the president, such as Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, but the American newspaper's document indicated that half of the budget could pr…

Violence continues to hit Panamanian schools in a year marked by assaults, knife attacks, and shooting episodes involving minors. The most recent case occurred at the José Dolores Moscote Institute, where a tenth-grade student was detained after disciplinary staff found a firearm among his belongings during a surprise search. The discovery, made during the morning shift, immediately triggered security protocols and led to the suspension of classes for the rest of the day, both in the morning and afternoon shifts. Child and Adolescent Police units took the minor to the Prosecutor's Office, where an investigation was opened to determine the origin of the weapon and how it was brought into the school. The adolescent is in tenth grade of the Tourism Baccalaureate. The school principal, Saby Ortiz, explained that the inspection is part of the surprise searches periodically conducted by disciplinary staff as a preventive measure. Once the weapon was located, school authorities immediately notified the Child and Adolescent Police. Ortiz clarified that it was just one student and that only a firearm was confiscated during the inspection. She also denied reports circulated on social media about other students being involved and the alleged discovery of drugs.

The atmosphere on the outskirts of the Abelardo R. Fortín Government Technical Institute, located in the historic city of Comayagüela, was not the usual at dawn. Although the main gates were opened wide to welcome the student body, a veil of heavy pain, mourning, and indignation envelops every corner of the institution. In the faces of teachers, parents, and classmates, there are no smiles or the characteristic murmur of the start of the academic day, but rather the reflection of a human tragedy that once again brutally strikes the educational system and Honduran society as a whole. Kenneth Jafet Pozo Flores, a young boy of just 16 years old, a student in the eleventh grade of Business Administration in the morning session, was brutally murdered in the capital. With the unwavering desire to graduate soon and obtain his high school diploma, Kenneth saw his dreams cut short in the most tragic and ruthless way at the hands of criminal violence. On the afternoon of last Tuesday, August 5, Kenneth left the institute's premises heading towards Sector 7 of the populous Villa Nueva neighborhood. According to preliminary data in the authorities' possession, the minor had gone to a deceptive appointment after being contacted by a young woman whose identity is still completely unknown. Upon reaching the agreed point in Villa Nueva, Kenneth was intercepted and deprived of…

A fire at the Barrio Lindo market, one of Bolivia's largest supply and trade centers, affected nearly 15,000 merchants. The fire, which started early Thursday morning, kept some hotspots active within the premises until Friday morning, when firefighters and emergency teams continued their efforts to extinguish the flames. One of the main obstacles to rescue operations was the partial collapse of the roof in several areas of the market. The falling of metal structures and other building elements prevented the safe entry of firefighters and merchants trying to rescue their merchandise. According to the Santa Cruz Government, the infrastructure was severely affected. The initial assessment indicates that the construction suffered structural damages that will prevent its operation even once the fire is completely extinguished. "The entire structure is affected. 70% is collapsing at this moment. The strongest pillars supporting the building are falling due to the heat of the fire, and they are imploding, practically everything from the roof of the central part," said the departmental Secretary of Citizen Security, Jorge Santistevan, in an interview with the Unitel channel. Due to the economic impact, the government announced it would implement financial and tax relief measures for the affected merchants. "We are going to...

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stressed that Moscow and Astana consider these sanctions illegitimate, aimed at securing geoeconomic advantages through unfair competition

All the defendants in Operation Pandora who were seeking to leave prison will remain under provisional detention, after the Court of Appeals confirmed the precautionary measures against five suspects and ordered the incarceration of a sixth who was under house arrest. Eight other defendants had waived their appeals, so they will also retain the measures originally imposed on them. The only exception is a defendant who will remain under house arrest for humanitarian reasons, due to a head surgery performed in 2025. Although the court maintained that measure, it considered that there is a strong connection with the investigated facts and ordered her to wear an electronic bracelet while the process continues. The decision was made by the Court of Appeals of the First Judicial District, composed of judges Frank Torres, Greta Marchosky, and Carlos Barragán, who supported the arguments presented by the First Superior Specialized Prosecutor's Office against Organized Crime. The Public Ministry had requested to maintain the detentions due to the still existing procedural risks. Among these risks, the Prosecutor's Office pointed out the possibility of affecting evidence while several proceedings are still pending. Investigators still need to conduct interviews and incorporate banking information and documentation into the case file…

A 30-year prison sentence was confirmed for a man found guilty of aggravated intentional homicide against a woman in the 24 de Diciembre district, Nuevo Tocumen Sector. The sentence includes disqualification from holding public office for an additional 15 years, applicable after serving the main sentence. The crime dates back to January 16, 2021. That morning, the accused shot the victim with a firearm, taking her life in a crowded area with neighbors. The investigation determined that the events took place in the presence of several people, which aggravated the crime. Meanwhile, the population of Veraguas province is attentive to the development of the trial against Bosco Bolívar Barrera, accused of femicide of his ex-partner Doris Franco. This case has caused shock and community mobilization since the attack that occurred on April 26, 2024, when the 37-year-old teacher was murdered with multiple stab wounds in the La Primavera neighborhood, Santiago. Authorities detained Barrera, 42 years old, shortly after the incident, and he has remained in provisional detention since then. The expectation surrounding the process is high: family members, close friends, and teachers remain attentive to each development in the judicial process, demanding a verdict that reflects society’s call for justice. According to the investigation by the Public Ministry, the victim suffered a fatal wound in the co…

The Diablas are getting closer to their debut at the Hockey Field World Cup that will take place in the coming days in the Netherlands and Belgium. This Friday, the selected players arrived in Amsterdam to prepare the final details before facing the local team in the first match of the group stage. The delegation had left this Thursday for Europe from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, where they were able to share some moments with fans and family during the farewell. Their debut is scheduled for August 15 against the Netherlands at 10:00 Chile time. Then, on the 17th of the same month, they will take the field to face Japan (03:30), while on the 19th they will close against Australia (03:30). View this post on Instagram Tournament analysis In the days before the trip, team captain Manuela Urroz mentioned that the big challenge the group has set for itself is to advance to the knockout round. "We are going to live our dream, we are very happy and eager to compete in our second World Cup. We have to take it step by step. Reaching the next phase would be historic, being in the top eight or top 10 would be spectacular, we've never had such an opportunity," she said. She also addressed the difficulties they faced due to the bad weather that has affected the country in recent weeks. "We have had to adapt. As the staff says, 'he who does not adapt, does not win.' Given the l…

There have been no reports of casualties among local residents

The seizure of 785 packages of illicit substances in the 24 de Diciembre district, in the eastern sector of Panama Province, was the outcome of a series of operations carried out by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Drug-Related Crimes and the National Police. Following Operation 'Centauro', three people were apprehended and face charges related to drug trafficking. The Guarantee Court approved the legality of the arrests and formalized the charges. Two of the individuals accepted plea agreements involving 96 months of imprisonment and an accessory fine of $200, payable within twelve months after serving the main sentence. For the third defendant, the judge considered the procedural risks proven and ordered provisional detention during the investigation. Authorities conducted an operation that led to the seizure of a significant amount of drugs, the arrest of three suspects, and immediate convictions through plea agreements. The investigation remains open for one of the detainees, who remains in provisional detention. In parallel, the Prosecutor's Office carried out Operation "Trojan Horse" in various sectors of the San Miguelito district. In this intervention, agents from the National Intelligence Directorate and the Drug Prosecutor's Office identified alleged micro-traffickers operating in high-traffic commercial areas. The modus operandi,…

More likely temperatures above normal, but it has no direct effects on Europe

To counter the purported national scourge of “organized retail crime,” a bill moving through Congress would deliver the Department of Homeland Security unprecedented policing powers, granting even more authority to what experts say is an already lawless ICE. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, or CORCA, was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last year with wide bipartisan support. The bill is aimed at limiting coordinated retail theft and shoplifting, which lawmakers allege is happening at “unprecedented levels” as organized criminal gangs steal merchandise from stores and resell the goods online. According to the legislation, the perpetrators “are often polycriminal organizations, using profit from the reselling of stolen goods to support crimes involving drugs and weapons trafficking” while facilitating “human smuggling,” all of which is “funding nefarious groups and activities and threatening the integrity of the international economy.” The bill would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement authority to coordinate federal efforts against large-scale shoplifting. ICE would establish a so-called “Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center” that would bring under one roof analysts and agents from myriad agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, and Secret Service. The goal is to centralize investigative data and establish “a secure system for sharing information regarding organized retail and supply chain crime threats by leveraging existing information systems at the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.” It’s unclear if ICE agents themselves would have the authority to confront alleged suspects. DHS and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Civil libertarian groups are disturbed by legislation they say constitutes a major expansion of domestic surveillance and policing by DHS, which was founded largely to tackle matters of counterterrorism, civil defense, and other matters of national safety, and ICE, whose purview is immigration enforcement and transnational crime. “This would formalize a mechanism for retailers to share data about consumers with DHS.” Jina John, senior policy counsel for AI, privacy, and technology at the ACLU, told The Intercept the bill could grant DHS increased surveillance powers. “This would formalize a mechanism for retailers to share data about consumers with DHS as well as state and local authorities relating vaguely to ‘threats,’” she said. “The risk here is that when retailers share information, it’s not a specific clip of footage related to a specific theft, in practice, they are sharing continuous footage. That means access to FLOCK license plate readers in retail parking lots and surveillance cameras at stores and malls.” The Center itself would be staffed in part by ICE agents and helmed by a director handpicked by the head of ICE. The bill allows the Center to share information deemed confidential under federal law, which includes the “identity, confidential statistical data, amount or source of any income, profits, losses, or expenditures of any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association.” Such disclosure would require the sign-off of the Center’s director. “Given that this director will be named by ICE, an agency that has acted without any regard for the law, this is probably not the best person to make such important judgments,” ACLU senior counsel Nina Patel told The Intercept. Related “Terrorist”: How ICE Weaponized 9/11’s Scarlet Letter Despite sustained opposition to DHS and ICE under Trump’s second term by congressional democrats, CORCA was co-sponsored by 13 Democratic members of the Senate, including Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin. In a July letter opposing the bill, rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, NAACP, and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law cautioned about the establishment of “essentially a new fusion center, nominally for the purpose of addressing retail theft.” Like DHS itself, fusion centers are a post-9/11 creation intended to thwart acts of international terrorism. Over the past two decades, their mission has widened and now encompasses, for example, the surveillance of political protests. The premise that organized retail theft is a rampant crime phenomenon, rather than a new name for the timeless petty offense of shoplifting, is disputed and controversial. In 2023, the National Retail Federation, a trade group that supports the bill and whose warnings are cited in its text, retracted a report claiming organized retail crime was responsible for 50 percent of the nearly $100 billion worth of merchandise that went missing in 2021. The true number was found to be closer to 5 percent of that sum. The companies on whose behalf the NRF lobbies are inclined to support legislation dedicated to safeguarding merchandise and profits. Should it pass, CORCA would deepen collaboration between corporate America and DHS and expand the country’s public-private surveillance apparatus. “Companies determined by the Executive Associate Director to have significant interests” in retail theft could be granted information-sharing agreements with the government about threats, investigations and loss prevention activities, according to the bill’s text. The ACLU and other civil liberties groups insist ICE is so lawless it can’t be trusted with new powers. “As a result, ICE would have more access to information and more sway over local law enforcement — which means more opportunities for ICE to misuse data and target people in violation of their rights,” Patel said. “ICE cannot be trusted.” Related Federal Agents Are Intimidating Legal Observers at Their Homes: “They Know Where You Live” In May, the House passed CORCA and referred it to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Grassley and Durbin are now hoping to turn it into law as an amendment to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, the Pentagon’s annual funding bill that historically passes easily with bipartisan support. Despite the fact that CORCA is intended to protect store shelves from thieves, and not the United States from foreign militaries, both senators are urging the acceptance of the amendment on the grounds that it will “reduce violent crime.” A press release from Grassley’s office last month included exhortations to include the amendment in the NDAA from executives of Amazon, Home Depot, and the International Council of Shopping Centers, among others. The post Congress Might Give ICE the Power to Go After Shoplifters appeared first on The Intercept.

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The US shift towards making nuclear weapons battlefield ready is extremely dangerous, Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe emphasized

The Federal Police of Brazil formally charged 16 employees and former employees of the airline Voepass for the 2024 plane crash that caused the death of all 62 people on board. Among the accused is José Luiz Felicio Filho, owner and president of the company, in connection with the accident that occurred in the city of Vinhedo, on the outskirts of São Paulo. The local prosecutor's office has yet to decide whether to file formal charges against those involved. Investigators identified alleged acts of malpractice, omission, and negligence by the airline. Additionally, the police accused those charged of endangering air traffic safety, a crime that can carry penalties of up to 12 years in prison. Some of the accused are also charged with omitting technical failures in aircraft records. The accident occurred on August 9, 2024, when an ATR 72-500 turboprop plane, operating the route between Cascavel (Paraná) and Guarulhos International Airport, fell from 13,000 feet altitude and crashed into the backyard of a gated community, causing the deaths of 58 passengers and four crew members. Investigators pointed out that the black boxes of the aircraft revealed recurring failures in the anti-ice system, which was manually activated and deactivated during 136 flights. Federal Police investigator André Ribeiro stated that the aircraft received takeoff authorization from...

Dengue continues to spread in Panama. The country recorded a new death and 585 additional cases in just one week, bringing the total accumulated cases during 2026 to 4,936. The new epidemiological report from the Ministry of Health also shows more hospitalizations and severe cases, despite authorities maintaining that the weekly trend has begun to decline. Between epidemiological weeks 27 and 28, cases increased from 4,351 to 4,936, which is 585 new diagnoses. Of the total, 4,301 patients showed no warning signs, while 606 developed symptoms requiring medical monitoring and 29 were classified as severe dengue. Hospitalizations also increased. The number of admitted patients rose from 520 to 577, an additional 57 hospitalizations between reports. At the same time, deaths increased from 13 to 14, with a new death recorded in Chiriquí, raising the total to two. The Metropolitan Region remains the main hotspot, with 1,388 accumulated cases, followed by Colón with 1,067. Panama Oeste reports 470, San Miguelito 411, Chiriquí 384, and Bocas del Toro 365. Additionally, the national incidence increased to 106.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 92.2 in the previous week. Locally, Veracruz leads the districts with 517 cases, followed by Puerto Pilón with 239 and Tocumen with 227. They also surpass the…