Guatemala and Mexico Security and Public Health Challengesactive

Within the framework of the discussion of the General Guidelines for the Protection of Audience Rights, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo did not rule out changes "if necessary." In her morning press conference on Monday, August 10, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo insisted that the law already includes the code of ethics and a defender for the audiences, which "is not up for discussion." She mentioned that organizations and individuals have issued comments: "That is why this public consultation is being held to improve the right of the audiences, and that is the goal. So, during the week, Luisa María (Alcalde, legal advisor to the Presidency) will come to discuss what changes, if necessary, would be made to the guidelines." Read also Bar of Lawyers sees risk of censorship in audience rights guidelines; calls to preserve freedom of expression "Would you perhaps be willing to concede on the matter of having an audience defender or the code of ethics?" she was asked. "That is already in the law, that is not up for discussion. I mean, the law already includes the code of ethics and the right of the audiences to have an audience defender in each television or broadcasting company, that is already in the law," she said. She insisted that the Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT) agreed with what was approved. Read also Alito Moreno denounces "censorship" by the INE before the U.S. courts; accuses three…

Iván Escalante, head of the Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (Profeco), reported that the price of the basic basket of 24 products, agreed upon in the Package against Information and Price Hikes (PACIC), decreased by 5.8%. At the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Monday, August 10, at the National Palace, Escalante also highlighted the decrease in the price of tomatoes and other products that are not part of the basket, which should not cost more than 910 pesos. "The basic basket of these 24 products has decreased by 5.8%, currently standing at a national average price of 834 pesos with 76 cents. In November 2024, it was at 886.45, and again, this is a recognition to the entire sector of self-service stores for supporting the economy of Mexican families," he mentioned. Read also: Government removes 164 billion pesos in subsidies from Pemex; the oil company faces revenue reduction, low production, and fuel theft. Regarding the products in the basic basket that showed a decrease in their prices, he mentioned tomatoes down by 29.20%; serrano chili decreased by 6.98%; carrots, 2.48%; and sugar, 1.59%. Among other products not included in the basket but also measured, peaches decreased by 5.34%; green beans, 5.07%; papaya, 2.96%; and guava, 2.69%. Add EL UNIVERSAL as a preferred source on Google

A traffic incident that occurred in the early morning left four vehicles damaged, including a police patrol car overturned on the sidewalk. The incident, involving a motorcycle, two private cars, and the police unit, resulted in at least three injured people and severe damage to the infrastructure of the area. It all happened in the early morning of this Sunday, August 9, at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 14th Street in Zone 1 of Guatemala City. Ignoring the traffic light, the trigger of the tragedy According to the police report, the accident was triggered when a motorcyclist was riding at excessive speed and ran a red light, causing a multiple collision. The impact knocked down the traffic signals. It is believed that this triggered a chain reaction: a private car crashed into the wall of a residence, another vehicle suffered serious front-end damage, and the PNC police patrol ended up overturned on the sidewalk. Preliminary reports ruled out the possibility that the incident was caused by a prior police chase; however, the police report details that "for unknown reasons, the motorcycle ran a red light, causing the traffic incident involving four vehicles, damaging the structure of a traffic light at the scene." Injured and detained After the incident, rescue teams transported to...

José “Pepe” Mujica once said something that I have always found deeply true: when we buy something, we are not really paying with money, but with the time of our life that we had to dedicate to earn that money. The reflection has a political consequence that we rarely discuss: bad government is also paid for with life time. It is paid by the mother who spends three hours daily between trucks and traffic. It is paid by the worker who leaves at dawn because he doesn't know how long it will take to arrive. It is paid by the small business owner waiting for a procedure that could be resolved in days. It is paid by a family when a poorly planned project remains open for months. And that time cannot be recovered. No government can give it back to you. That is why I have started talking in Nuevo León about the “YES Mode” as a way to defend the project of the Fourth Transformation in northern Mexico. Not as an optimistic slogan, but as a way of governing. Because for too long we have gotten used to Samuel García's NO Mode: it couldn't be done, it didn't reach, it wasn't finished on time or in shape, I don't have a budget, they don't obey me, I don't feel like pulling, I don't visit the communities, I don't keep my word, and “that’s not what I said or promised.” Each of those NOs ends up becoming lost time for someone. The YES Mode starts from the opposite logic: the government's obligation is to find ways to make things work. But to say YES…

The nomination of the Mayan dishes from Guatemala to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List marks a milestone for the identity and international projection of Guatemalan ancestral gastronomy. The announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCD) places these dishes at the center of a campaign that seeks to preserve and promote the culinary and social legacy of the country's indigenous communities. In this regard, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (Inguat) has promoted actions to strengthen the candidacy of Mayan dishes, including the organization of the Gastronomic Meeting of Dishes of Guatemala, which brought together 25 women from the Network of Traditional Cooks. The activity took place this Sunday, August 9, at the Old Cloister of Santo Domingo, located in zone 1 of Guatemala City, where bearers of ancestral knowledge traveled from various regions to share techniques, ingredients, and stories that support the relevance of dishes as a core element of family and community life. During the event, acting director of Inguat, Bianca Espósito, stated that Guatemalan cuisine is a way to connect with national culture. "Tourism is also experienced around a table. Traveling involves getting to know communities, understanding how they relate, and many of these stories arise around food," she expressed. Additionally, she specified that gastronomic tourism is growing and…

Guatemalan security forces arrested the alleged leader of a criminal organization dedicated to scams with fake visas to work in the United States. According to the National Civil Police (PNC), the operation was carried out with the support of the Specialized Division in Criminal Investigation (DEIC) and prosecutors from the Public Ministry (MP). The operation took place in Agua Santa residential area, in Boca del Monte, in the municipality of Villa Canales, in the department of Guatemala, in compliance with an arrest warrant issued on February 10, 2026, by a court in the department of Santa Rosa. The detainee was identified as Wendy “N”, 39 years old, accused of special cases of fraud. They were deceived According to official investigations, the inquiry began after multiple complaints from victims deceived by alleged immigration documentation arrangements for the United States. The criminal organization’s main area of operation was the municipality of Chiquimulilla, Santa Rosa, where it offered processing of work visas in exchange for large sums of money. During the raid, agents seized three passports, two cell phones, payment receipts like vouchers, a bank notebook, and various documents that will strengthen the fiscal file. According to the PNC, the total economic damage caused by the network exceeds one million quetzals (USD 128,200), affecting dozens of c…

The heavy rains affecting the southern region of the country have caused significant damage on the road section connecting Cocales with Nueva Concepción, in the department of Escuintla, in Guatemala. The partial and total collapse of the asphalt surface cut off hundreds of transporters, farmers, and families from the coastal area, a situation that caused alarm among the population and highlighted the vulnerability of local infrastructure. The phenomenon worsened due to the sudden rise of rivers and tributaries in the region, which exceeded their maximum levels and flooded the road margins. The accumulation of water and the dragging of muddy material kept traffic interrupted for several hours, forcing motorists to wait in long lines and exposing vehicles to mechanical and structural damage. Under the debris The heavy rains of Saturday, August 8, left vehicles and motorcycles under tree branches. The wind was so strong that it dislodged debris and directly hit those daring to pass through the area. Videos posted on social media show the strength of the wind and rain, as well as the damage caused by nature. In one of the recordings, it is clearly seen how a truck driver passes through the affected area. The large amount of debris is visible in its path when it is caught off guard by a gust of wind that causes a large branch to fall.

In an intense police chase, two alleged Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) hitmen were captured in Guatemala, accused of disguising themselves as police officers and prosecutors to carry out attacks and evade controls. The operation was carried out in the Bárcenas sector, zone 3 of Villa Nueva, after the National Civil Police (PNC) and the National Division against Criminal Development of Gangs (DIPANDA) detected suspicious movements in a Hyundai vehicle with plates P-326FKX that was driving along 12th Avenue and 5-50, in zone 3 of Bárcenas, Villa Nueva. When they were stopped, the occupants tried to evade control by fleeing the scene at full speed; security forces followed them, which ended with the interception of the vehicle near kilometer 22 of the route to Santa Lucía Milpas Altas. Identity of those detained and findings in the vehicle The detainees were identified as José Gómez Muñoz, 25 years old, alias "Java" or "Cochiloco," and Jeremy Culajay Cahueque, 20 years old, alias "Popi." The police report details that inside the vehicle, counterfeit clothing with insignias of the Public Ministry (MP) and the General Subdirectorate of Criminal Investigation (SGIC) was found. It is believed that these fake uniforms and institutional insignias were used to evade controls and deceive victims, a tactic described by the PNC as increasingly common in criminal structures…

The Guatemalan National Civil Police received six Salvadorans expelled from Mexico for being in an irregular situation in that country and for being accused of being part of Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, in a coordinated operation to transfer them under custody to the border with El Salvador and prevent individuals linked to criminal organizations from entering or remaining in Guatemalan territory. The group was received at the El Carmen border, in Malacatán, San Marcos, by investigators from the National Division against Criminal Gang Development, known as DIPANDA. Afterwards, the agents led them to the San Cristóbal border, in Jutiapa, where they would be handed over to Salvadoran authorities for the appropriate procedures. Among those transferred were men aged 27, 28, 30, 37, and 48. All were identified by authorities as alleged members of Salvadoran gangs and were wanted or accused of various crimes and records in El Salvador. The operation included Remberto Ismael Colindres Rajo, 37, alias “Little Man,” accused of belonging to illicit groups and with records for illicit groups and aggravated extortion in attempted degree. Diego Omar Cañas Méndez, 27, alias “Omar,” was also received, accused of being a member of Mara Salvatrucha and wanted by Salvadoran authorities for illicit groups. According to the investigations dif…

Guatemala has accumulated 31,140 confirmed cases of measles and 32 deaths up to July 30, 2026, in an outbreak that remains active throughout the country although showing a sustained decline after the peak of transmission in epidemiological weeks 16 to 18, according to the Public Health and Social Assistance Ministry's dashboard. The overall lethality rate is 0.10%, equivalent to about one death per 1,000 confirmed cases. In children under one year, this risk rises to 0.52%, about five deaths per 1,000 cases, according to the records analyzed by the National Commission. The most significant change in the interpretation of the figures is not due to a recent acceleration of transmission but to a new case definition. The official portal now counts as confirmed not only laboratory-verified cases but also those confirmed by epidemiological link and clinical criteria. Of that total, 7,870 cases, 25.3%, were confirmed by laboratory; 3,499, 11.2%, by epidemiological link; and 19,771, 63.5%, by clinical criteria. The dashboard itself clarifies that the accumulated increase to 31,140 cases is explained by this reclassification and not because there is more transmission. The highest incidence is concentrated in Izabal, Guatemala, and Sololá. The outbreak is distributed across the entire territory, but the highest incidence per 100,000 inhabitants is in Izabal, with 329, followed by the department of Guatemala, with 310, and Sololá, with 292.5. The rate is calculated…

Sales, including of models made by Honda, Hyundai and Toyota, jump by a fifth in July

An armed attack in San Antonio Suchitepéquez south of Guatemala City left three dead and one injured on the morning of this Saturday in the La Blanquita neighborhood, next to the Pachipa River bridge, in an incident under investigation by the Public Ministry and that occurred less than 12 hours after another shooting attack in La Gomera, Escuintla, which caused four deaths and one injured survivor. The victim transported alive in San Antonio Suchitepéquez was identified as Juan José Lanuza, 44 years old, and was taken by Municipal Departmental Firefighters to the National Hospital of Mazatenango. The other victims had not been identified at the time. Preliminary information indicates that two people died inside a building that functioned as a bakery and a third died in the street, in front of the place. Authorities are trying to establish the connection between both scenes, as the first victims were several meters from where the third body was found, on the main street of the neighborhood. The attack on the bakery opened two investigation points in the same neighborhood. According to rescue teams, the attack occurred at the end of the La Blanquita neighborhood. In an initial version circulated after the emergency, there was talk of "several injuries," but subsequent details of the case only confirmed one person injured and transported to the Mazatenango health center. According to information from media outlets of the l…

The Unit for the Development of Affordable Housing in Guatemala warned about scams, illegal sales, and false land allocation procedures of the State, a maneuver that exposes families to losing money and personal documentation when supposed agents offer plots, promise to expedite processes, or try to sell public areas that cannot be transferred to private hands. According to the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing, one of the clearest signs of fraud is demanding payments in cash or deposits into personal accounts for procedures that are not authorized. The institution emphasized that none of its workers can receive money in this way. The warning also extends to lands located in spaces designated for parks, schools, sports fields, and other community areas. These surfaces are for public use, so they cannot be sold or converted into private property. Anyone with doubts about a plot under the administration of the entity should verify directly at the institution's offices. The processes related to these properties, the unit insisted, are carried out personally and do not require intermediaries. Payments are only valid with official receipts and at authorized banks. The main warning from the unit is clear: money or personal papers should not be handed over to third parties claiming to represent the institution or offering to expedite procedures. When a process requires payment, this is done...

The capture of Miguel Méndez, 19 years old from Boca del Monte, became the first breakthrough in the investigation of the armed attack that left six dead and two injured in Villa Canales, a case that includes the murder of TikToker María Eugenia Reyes Morales, known as "La MiAmor," and now also links to a pickup truck reported stolen with altered plates. The detainee was intercepted in the El Cerrito settlement, on the Peripheral Ring in zone 7, while traveling in a 2015 Tucson pickup truck. The Civil National Police established that the vehicle was circulating with altered plates P-0116FWH and that, upon verifying the chassis number, the corresponding plate was P-0107LHJ. The police review also determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen since March 21, 2026. Additionally, the young man did not carry a driver's license, and the pickup truck was placed under the custody of the Public Ministry for case proceedings. According to the Civil National Police, the arrest took place on the afternoon of Saturday, August 8, in the sector of Puente El Incienso, in the capital city. After his capture, Méndez was taken to the Court Tower, while investigation teams maintained ongoing operations. The attack left six dead and two injured at a family celebration The massacre occurred on the night of July 25 at a house on 8th Avenue and 2nd Street in zone 2 of Boca del Monte, in the municipality of Vil…

SESAN warned that 3.2 million people in Guatemala could face acute food insecurity in Phase 3 or higher between July and September 2026, a scenario associated with the possible occurrence of El Niño, rising food and transportation costs, and the impact these variables would have on agricultural production and food access. The analysis predicts a moderate improvement for the next period, between October 2026 and February 2027: the population in Phase 3 or higher would decrease to 2.6 million, equivalent to 14% of the total. The projection links this decline to the end-of-year harvests, the seasonal increase in agricultural employment, and remittance inflows. The Secretary of Food and Nutritional Security of the Presidency, Mireya Palmieri, in a press conference, reported that the results correspond to the Acute Food Insecurity Analysis of the Integrated Phases Classification for 2026-2027. The study was prepared by specialists from public entities, cooperation organizations, academia, and SESAN itself. Participants include departmental delegates from the secretariat and professionals from the Ministry of Social Development, the Secretariat of Planning and Programming of the Presidency, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology, the National Institute of Statistics, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance…

The National Civil Police deployed the "Containment Ring" operation this Saturday, August 8, in Villa Nueva in the neighborhoods of La Esperanza and Villa Lobos I and II, a plan that began on Sunday, August 2, and aims to strengthen security through patrols, interventions, and fixed posts in prioritized sectors, as well as to expand the response capacity of security forces against criminal acts. In Villa Nueva, the deployment is led by specialized units and police stations from the Central District of the National Civil Police, in coordination with the Guatemalan Army and the Municipal Police. Authorities maintain a presence in the area through permanent controls and coordinated operations among the participating institutions. The operation responds to a prevention and security strategy with which the police institution seeks to strengthen its presence in the intervened sectors. The National Civil Police indicated that these actions are part of their institutional commitment to protect and serve the population. The plan is also carried out in priority attention areas of Guatemala City, where the Civil National Police reported that actions are concentrated in the El Gallito neighborhood, La Trinidad neighborhood, Buena Vista neighborhood, Santa Luisa neighborhood, La Arenera, El Esfuerzo neighborhood, Santa Isabela neighborhood, and Las Calaveras neighborhood, among other points defined by their criminal incidence. The plan is executed with patrols, controls, and interventions in prioritized zones. The response to the …

Two parents of the disappeared students from Ayotzinapa followed yesterday via videoconference the hearing in which preventive detention was ordered for the former governor of Guerrero, Ángel Aguirre Rivero, for the crime of enforced disappearance of persons. Connected from the "Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez" Human Rights Center with the Federal Criminal Justice Center in Almoloya de Juárez, one of them intervened in the proceeding to counter the statements of the former governor and his lawyers about their health problems, in order to obtain house arrest and avoid their stay in the maximum security prison Altiplano. Without appearing on the courtroom screen, to protect their identity, the man said that the former politician and his defense had spoken of many illnesses, such as hypertension, prostate problems, and diabetes. Read also Ayotzinapa Case: Aguirre's detention does not resolve the crisis of the disappeared, warns expert; calls to strengthen institutions However, he responded that the parents of the 43 disappeared students from Ayotzinapa have been "sick" for twelve years, walking in demand of justice for the events that occurred on September 26 and 27, 2014. Angrily, he assured that Aguirre Rivero "caused us a lot of harm and hid evidence," and asked the control judge Mario Elizando Martínez not to allow the former governor to leave prison. "This individual must be in prison. He should not get out,"…

Guatemala faces a combination of extreme heat, surface drought, and crop risk in 116 municipalities, a situation that MAGA linked to temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F), scarce or no rainfall, and the possibility of water stress during critical stages of the agricultural cycle. According to the agrometeorological analysis by Insivumeh, cited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food, the areas most exposed to heat are concentrated in Petén, Retalhuleu, Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Quiché, and Santa Rosa. These territories produce basic grains, bananas, plantains, sugarcane, oil palm, rubber, coffee, and papaya. The official warning also identifies low surface soil moisture, with levels below 25% in areas of Zacapa, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Baja Verapaz, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, Quiché, and Huehuetenango. This combination reduces water availability for plants and can disrupt their development during critical moments of the production calendar. The key point for producers and authorities is this: 116 municipalities show conditions of extreme heat and low humidity that could affect agricultural yields if water deficits coincide with sensitive growth phases of the crops. The heat is concentrated in agricultural zones and forces adjustments in field management In response to this scenario, MAGA asked producers to constantly monitor soil moisture and…

The Ministry of the Interior, the National Civil Police, and the General Subdirectorate of Criminal Investigation presented in Guatemala the book "Maras" and Gangs in Guatemala, a look from inside and outside, a work conceived as a technical tool to investigate, analyze, and pursue these structures, at a time when authorities argue that new criminal dynamics require enhanced capabilities to anticipate their movements and limit their control over society. The content of the volume focuses on one of the most complex criminal phenomena the country has faced in recent decades. According to official information, it examines the origin of maras and gangs, their organizational structure, their activities, recruitment strategies, sources of illicit financing, internal roles, criminal evolution, leadership projections by clique, and the border zones where these groups seek to exercise dominance. The presentation was held on Thursday, August 6, in the Pope Francis auditorium at Rafael Landívar University. The event was presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, along with the Vice Rector of University Identity at URL, José Rubio, S. J., and the General Director of the National Civil Police, David Estuardo Custodio Boteo. The work was developed by researchers from Dipanda. The publication was produced by a team of researchers from the National Division against the Development…

South of Guatemala City, Escuintla recorded an armed attack on the night of Friday, August 7, which left four dead and one injured in the Nuevo Texcuaco 1 neighborhood, in the municipality of La Gomera, an event that occurred around 8:30 p.m. in front of lot 29 and mobilized rescue teams, police, and investigators. The toll was confirmed by the Volunteer Fire Department, which reported that three victims died at the scene and a fourth died while being transported in a private vehicle to a health center. The injured person survived the attack and was taken to the National Hospital of Escuintla. Rescue workers located the scene on the first street, on a dirt road in the neighborhood. There, they found the victims lying on the ground, at different points along the street, and covered the bodies with blankets while waiting for the authorities in charge of the proceedings to arrive. According to preliminary information, market bags with basic necessities were found next to the bodies. Images shared by rescuers indicate that the victims were returning from shopping when the attack occurred. One of the victims died upon arrival at the La Gomera IGSS. Volunteer firefighters identified one of the deceased as Ángel Gabriel González, 19 years old. The young man had been transported alive but died upon arrival at the La Gomera IGSS. Rescue workers summarized that moment with a declaration…

Almost twelve years after the disappearance of 43 young students in the state of Guerrero, in southern Mexico, the so-called Ayotzinapa case has come back into focus after the Attorney General's Office (FGR) of that country detained the former governor of Guerrero, Ángel Aguirre Rivero, who was in charge of the region when the events of September 2014 occurred. The Mexican Public Prosecutor's Office accused Aguirre of obstruction of justice and enforced disappearance for his alleged involvement in the concealment and destruction of evidence. According to the Prosecutor's Office, "the instruction to carry out such concealment was issued directly by the then governor" with the participation of high-level public officials. "These and other elements contained in the investigation support the conclusion that far from being an isolated act or technical omission, the concealment of the recordings was the result of a malicious and deliberately structured operation from the top of the State Executive," emphasized the oversight body. The detention represents one of the most significant developments in the case that has been open for 12 years, whose investigation into enforced disappearance has been marked by cover-ups by various Mexican state institutions. The night of the events The events date back to the night of September 26, 2014, when 83 students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Normal School moved...

The MAGA presented a strategy in Guatemala to strengthen coffee cultivation during the 35th National Coffee Congress, at a time when Anacafé projects exports of 4.1 million quintals of green coffee for the 2025-2026 harvest, the highest figure in recent years and a fact that places the sector before the challenge of maintaining its growth in the face of climate change. With preliminary data up to July, exports already reach 3.85 million quintals, above the 3.73 million recorded at the end of the 2024-2025 harvest. The projection for the current season also exceeds the 4.08 million reached during the 2023-2024 harvest. According to information released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food, the presented program is called Soils and Water for the Future and is part of official actions to strengthen the coffee sector's response capacity to the effects of climate variability. Agriculture Minister María Fernanda Rivera Dávila explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of agricultural activities through efficient water management, soil conservation, and the use of agroclimatic information to support producers' decision-making. The government linked export growth with climate adaptation measures During the congress, Rivera presented the paper Recurrent Agricultural Vulnerability, focused on the main challenges…

Guatemala's Social Registry of Households has already incorporated one million households—equivalent to 4.8 million people—in 97 of the 114 municipalities prioritized by the Ministry of Social Development, a coverage that the government plans to complete by September 2026 before expanding the system to 2.5 million households by the end of 2027. The goal is to turn this registry into the operational base for identifying deprivations, defining which programs each family accesses, and reducing discretion in the allocation of state aid. The expansion of the registry progresses in a country where multidimensional poverty reaches 57.7%, according to the update of the MPI-Gt prepared with data from ENCOVI 2023 by MIDES and the United Nations Development Programme. In rural areas, the incidence rises to 76.3%, and Alta Verapaz presents the highest level in the country, with almost nine out of ten people in that situation. The Deputy Minister of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Claudia Valenzuela, said in an interview with Infobae that the tool functions as a “public infrastructure on which we are building the country's development.” She explained that it is not a conventional statistical census but an administrative registry of a censal nature that allows reaching the municipality, the populated place, and the individual household. Each socioeconomic assessment form contains 107 questions and produces three measurements per household:…

A landslide in Valle Azul, on the border between Mixco and Villa Nueva, destroyed a house during the early hours of this Friday, August 7, left five others at risk, and led to the recommendation for the preventive evacuation of families in the area, in a context of rains that have already caused 1,049 emergencies in Guatemala since April. No injuries were reported. The affected area was blocked and at least six properties were compromised due to soil instability. Volunteer firefighters inspected the terrain and preliminarily determined that one house was completely buried, while the other five present structural danger. The emergency occurred while the country has accumulated 42,994 people affected by the rainy season, according to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction. The updated report by Conred on August 7 at 06:00 also indicates 19,343 evacuated, 1,312 sheltered, four injured, 12 hospitalized, 14 deceased, and one person missing. Official data also record 9,391 affected families and 8,684 displaced. In housing, the report counts 257 properties with minor damage, 8,270 with moderate damage, 157 with severe damage, and 217 at risk. The neighborhood was placed under monitoring after the evacuation recommendation. The immediate response in Valle Azul was led by rescuers who went to the area after receiving the alert about the landslide…

A control judge issued preventive detention ex officio to former Guerrero governor Ángel Aguirre Rivero, so he will remain in custody at the Altiplano maximum security prison. It will not be until next Tuesday that it will be decided whether the former party member is linked to the process for forced disappearance and against the administration of justice in the Ayotzinapa case.

With a video about the alleged actions of Ángel Aguirre, former governor of Guerrero, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) reiterated the reason for his detention linked to the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa students. It accused Aguirre of hiding evidence to erase traces of his involvement and stated that far from being a technical omission, it was a "deliberate and malicious operation structured from the top of the State Executive power." More information coming soon... Read also: "R1" linked to charges for possession of weapons and drug trafficking; he is accused of the murder of Carlos Manzo. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! From your mobile device, stay informed about the most relevant news of the day, opinion articles, entertainment, trends, and more. dft/bmc

LIMA.– Peru and Mexico agreed this Friday to resume their diplomatic relations, which had been interrupted since the end of last year after the Mexican government granted asylum in its embassy to a former Peruvian official. Peru broke off relations with Mexico on November 3 after Betssy Chávez, who served as prime minister under the government of Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), obtained diplomatic asylum after taking refuge in the embassy. On Thursday night, Chávez received a safe conduct and traveled to Mexico on a military aircraft, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The Peruvian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the safe conduct was issued “with reservation of the right of the Peruvian State to request the eventual extradition of Mrs. Chávez” according to current treaties and if the Justice Department requests it. The then elected President Keiko Fujimori had indicated before taking office in July that she had “every intention” of restoring broken relations with Mexico. The rupture had deepened when the Peruvian Congress declared Sheinbaum as “persona non grata” for her “unacceptable interference in internal affairs” of the country. Resolving the situation According to Sheinbaum, Fujimori directly called Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco to tell him that she wanted to resolve Chávez’s situation, whom she was willing to grant safe conduct to…

The arrest of former Guerrero governor Ángel Aguirre Rivero, for his alleged responsibility in the disappearance of the 43 students from the Rural Normal School "Raúl Isidro Burgos" in Ayotzinapa, reactivates the debate on one of the most emblematic cases of enforced disappearance in Mexico, but does not change the structural shortcomings of the State to guarantee truth and justice. Salvador Guerrero, director of the Legal Clinic for Refugee People at Iberoamerican University (Ibero), pointed out that beyond the new judicial actions, the Ayotzinapa case continues to reveal institutional limitations to investigate disappearances, identify victims, and punish those responsible. In a statement, the academic affirmed that Ayotzinapa transcended as a criminal investigation and became a national and international reference due to the deficiencies of the Mexican State in addressing forced disappearances, as well as the participation, by action or omission, of authorities at various levels. He also recalled that the disappearance of the 43 students, which occurred on the night of September 26 and the early morning of September 27, 2014, in Iguala, Guerrero, placed the actions of Mexican institutions under international scrutiny and opened new lines of investigation after it was revealed...

After the arrest of former Guerrero governor, Ángel Aguirre, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that her government's commitment is to uncover the truth and deliver justice in the case of the disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa, although she avoided giving details about the judicial process as it is an investigation led by the Attorney General's Office (FGR). In a press conference, the leader noted that the arrest is the result of investigative work that the Attorney General's Office has carried out over several months, supported by new intelligence tools and scientific analysis. "The important thing for us, through the Undersecretary of Human Rights, the Investigation Commission, and the Attorney General's Office itself, is the work of dialogue with the parents and families, to reach the truth and justice and to find the young people," she expressed. Read also Reports document Aguirre's responsibility in the Ayotzinapa case; they point to him for hiding evidence and links to drug trafficking. Sheinbaum announced that she plans to meet again with the families of the students at the end of this month to inform them about the progress of the investigation, recalling that she meets with them every two or three months. When asked about the possibility of new arrests related to the case, she limited her response to saying that it is up to the Attorney General's Office to lead...

David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, head of the Ministry of Health (Ssa), ruled out an active outbreak of cyclospora in Mexico and reported 33 cases as of July 31, which represents approximately 0.00002% of the population and no deaths. In the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Friday, August 7, at the National Palace, it was also reported that an alleged outbreak of salmonellosis in chiles from Nuevo León is being investigated. "We want to send a message of reassurance: that we do not have an active outbreak of cyclospora in our country," he expressed. Read also: Health rules out active outbreak of "explosive diarrhea" in Mexico; current cases amount to 0.00002% of the population, it says. The Secretary of Health stated that there has recently been an outbreak of cyclospora in the United States, an infection caused by a parasite that is treatable and has very low mortality: "The characteristic is that it begins two to 14 days after consuming contaminated food or water, and manifests as very explosive diarrhea that is usually controlled within 48 to 72 hours, and in some cases requires hospitalization to hydrate the person, especially when they have nausea or vomiting." The head of the Ssa assured that Mexico has a very active epidemiological and health surveillance system "to try to protect the population," with actions such as joint work with authorities like the FDA of the United States, where there are various cases of cyclospora...

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted that the annual inflation in Mexico continued to slow down, reaching 3.12% in July. This is below the 3.37% recorded in June, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). At the start of her morning conference, the leader described the result as a positive indicator for the country's economy. Read also: Bank profits fall; total 149 billion pesos in the first half In Mexico, the overall annual inflation continues to decline for the fourth consecutive month: it registered 3.12 percent in July, according to Inegi. Mexican families' economy improves; there is well-being. pic.twitter.com/wBhe1HAWOo — Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) August 7, 2026 "Annual inflation in Mexico drops to 3.12%. We were at 3.37% in June and July came out at 3.12%. Very important," she stated. It is worth mentioning that the reduction brings inflation closer to the target set by the Bank of Mexico and occurs in a context where the federal government has highlighted price stability and the behavior of various economic indicators, including gasoline. Add EL UNIVERSAL as a preferred source on Google

A day of recreation ended in tragedy around the Amatitlán Lake basin, after a young woman lost her life following a severe fall while trying to take a photograph with the landscape of the area. The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, August 6, in the area known as Las Peñas, on the way to La Barca, in the municipality of Amatitlán, Guatemala. Witnesses told authorities that the young woman was trying to take a photograph with the landscape when she slipped while standing at the edge of a steep area and fell off a cliff. Volunteer firefighters responded immediately, but they could do nothing to save her life. According to details, upon falling, the woman hit her head on a rock, in addition to suffering severe polytrauma that caused her death almost instantly. Agents from the National Civil Police (PNC) and prosecutors from the Public Ministry (MP) arrived at the scene to conduct the necessary investigations. The victim was identified as Estefany Alexandra Pérez Mexicanos, 23 years old, resident of the La Mariposa area, also in Amatitlán. Impressive views The area known as Las Peñas, located on the route to La Barca on the shore of Lake Amatitlán, is a stretch characterized by its impressive panoramic views but also by its rugged and high-risk topography. It is a zone with steep slopes, unstable terrain, and…

The Civil National Police (PNC) reported the arrest of Denis "N", 47 years old, in the El Arbolón sector, San Pedro Sacatepéquez municipality, San Marcos, Guatemala, accused of pretending to be a bank inspector to commit scams. According to official information, the individual was wanted under an active arrest warrant for fraud, issued on November 28, 2023, by a court in Quetzaltenango. According to the report released by the PNC, Denis "N" posed as an inspector from the Superintendence of Banks (SIB) to extort companies in the area. Modus operandi: impersonation of institutional identity. Police investigation indicates that Denis "N" presented himself to representatives of a microcredit granting company in San Pedro Sacatepéquez, identifying himself as an official from the SIB. The report states that he warned about alleged administrative irregularities and threatened with sanctions, demanding cash payments to avoid legal proceedings. The affected company reported the incident to authorities after receiving the money request and suspecting the actions of the supposed inspector. Identification of the suspect and judicial background. After the complaint, the PNC carried out a series of procedures that fully identified Denis "N" as responsible for the criminal acts reported. By cross-checking the personal data of the suspect, the officers confirmed that there was an arrest warrant...

Mexico deployed more than 1,500 troops to its main avocado-producing state after the US suspended export inspections.

The National Registry of Persons (RENAP) published the list of the five surnames with the highest number of registrations in Guatemala, a selection that reveals essential aspects of the country's identity and cultural heritage. According to the institution, López leads the ranking with 1,931,794 people, followed by Pérez with 1,371,254, García with 949,823, Hernández with 911,073, and Morales with 691,248. During August, RENAP will release a special series that will include the 20 most common surnames in the Republic, with the aim of highlighting the importance of civil registries in building national identity. According to the institution, each surname on the list represents not only a statistical data point but also the legacy of thousands of Guatemalan families who share history and traditions. The entity emphasized: “At RENAP we register the most valuable of Guatemala: its people,” when presenting the first installment of the ranking. This initiative sparked interest among social media users, who commented on the presence of their own surnames on the list and the history behind each one. According to the digital media Soy 502, the surname López originates from Spain and means “son of Lope,” a name derived from Latin “lupus” (wolf). Like other Spanish-rooted surnames, the adoption of these names was consolidated from the 16th century, when the registration, baptism, and civil administration system imposed...

The Isabel-Claudina Alert in Guatemala has helped locate more than 90% of women reported as missing since its implementation in August 2018. The information was revealed on August 6 during the eighth anniversary of the mechanism. The institutions involved held a meeting to assess progress and strengthen coordination. According to the data presented on that day, since 2018, 14,743 alerts have been activated and 14,197 have been deactivated after locating the women, representing 96% of the total. There are 546 active alerts, cases in which search actions are ongoing. The report also specified that between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, 1,673 alerts were registered: 1,572 have already been deactivated and 101 remain active. In that same period, 1,129 women were located within the first 24 hours after activation. Currently, 546 alerts remain active, cases in which institutions continue search efforts. The assembly was led by the Secretariat of Women of the Public Ministry and included delegates from the Attorney General's Office, the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, the Social Communication Secretariat of the Presidency, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Civil National Police, among other entities. This is how the alert was created The Isabel-Claudina Alert was created by Decree 9-2016, Law of Immediate Search for Missing Women, and functions as a mechanism…

Statistics from the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) reveal that more than 39,000 Guatemalans have been deported from the United States and Mexico so far this year. According to the official report, which details figures from January 1 to July 21, 2026, the number reaches 36,243 returnees, surpassing by 12,147 those registered in the same period of 2025. This increase places the migratory phenomenon at the center of the national agenda and exposes challenges for the authorities responsible for the care and reintegration of migrants. The record shows that 88.36% of the returnees are men, followed by 9.22% women and 2.42% minors, both accompanied and unaccompanied. Huehuetenango, the most affected department The IGM statistics reveal that the highest number of deported individuals originate from the department of Huehuetenango, with 7,748 people returned, including men, women, and minors. Huehuetenango is followed by San Marcos with 5,552, Quiché with 3,988, Quetzaltenango with 2,717, Guatemala with 2,156, and Petén with 2,217. These six departments concentrate the bulk of those affected by the migratory policies of the United States and Mexico, according to official data. Profile of the deported and migratory situation 88.36% of the Guatemalans deported during this period are adult men, mostly between 18 and 60 years old. This age composition directly impacts the social and economic structure of the...

The United States Department of Justice included Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón as the only woman mentioned in a federal indictment against alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and accused her of operating an international scheme of fraud and money laundering that would have affected thousands of American citizens who own timeshares in Jalisco. According to U.S. authorities, Arredondo Pinzón faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. How did Griselda Arredondo participate with the CJNG? According to the indictment, Griselda Arredondo worked in a central office controlled by the CJNG, from where she supervised the operations of various call centers established in Mexico, as well as the receipt and laundering of money obtained through fraud. Read also: US announces rewards for CJNG leaders; targeting cartel members for timeshare fraud Along with her, the indictment filed before a federal court in Brooklyn also includes: Julio César Montero Pinzón, alias "El Tarjetas," "Moreno," "El Chess" "César Hernández Jiménez" and "CH Jiménez," identified as a presumed high-ranking member of the CJNG Investigations indicate that, since approximately 2012, the criminal organization operated a fraud scheme aimed at timeshare owners, primarily U.S. citizens. The victims were…

The arrest of former Guerrero governor, Ángel Aguirre Rivero, within the framework of investigations into the disappearance of the 43 students from the Rural Normal School "Raúl Isidro Burgos" in Ayotzinapa, could help settle a debt of justice with the families of the students, considered the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center (Center Prodh). In a message released this Thursday, this civil association indicated that the mothers and fathers of the students and their representatives have not been officially notified about the action of the Attorney General's Office (FGR), so they still do not know the scope of the charges. "The parents of the students and the organizations that have accompanied them have not been notified of this and therefore do not yet know the details of the accusation," it revealed. Read also: This is how Ángel Aguirre ordered the destruction of evidence in the Ayotzinapa case, according to the FGR; two witnesses identify him The Center stated that, according to information disseminated in the media, the accusation would be related to the alleged omission to preserve evidence and the possible concealment or disappearance of evidence linked to the events that occurred in September 2014. "It has been reported in the media that, based on testimonies from collaborating witnesses, it is known that the person who was governor of Guerrero in 2014, in his capacity as head of the Executive, allegedly..."

Members of Morena and PAN requested that with the arrest of former Guerrero governor Ángel Aguirre Rivero, the disappearance of the 43 missing students from the Rural Normal School "Raúl Isidro Burgos," located in Ayotzinapa, be clarified through a rigorous investigation and due process. Morena deputy Manuel Vázquez Arellano, a survivor of Ayotzinapa, stated that the state governor committed irregularities in the case of the disappearance of his colleagues, which occurred in September 2014. "I agree that Ángel Aguirre Rivero is responsible in the case, as we have said for many years, this request from the movement had been ignored, and finally it is confirmed, according to the prosecutor's office, that it was Ángel Aguirre Rivero who ordered the destruction of evidence near the justice palace in Iguala, where we could see what happened or who took our colleagues or a group of them," he wrote on X. He also expressed hope that Aguirre's arrest would resolve the case and lead to the discovery of other possible responsible parties for the disappearance of the 43 students. "Hopefully, the truth will come out. Hopefully, Ángel Aguirre Rivero will say what happened or what evidence he ordered to be destroyed and who else collaborated, because Ángel Aguirre Rivero is not the only responsible, and it should fall on him..."

The former governor of Guerrero, Ángel Aguirre Rivero, was admitted to the maximum security prison of El Altiplano, located in the State of Mexico, after being detained for his alleged involvement in the Ayotzinapa case. With this, two former governors are imprisoned in the Federal Social Reintegration Center (Cefereso) No. 1, following the arrest of the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, a week ago. According to the National Registry of Detentions, agents from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) detained Aguirre Rivero in the Cedros neighborhood, in the municipality of Tepotzotlán, State of Mexico. Also read: This is how Ángel Aguirre ordered the destruction of evidence in the Ayotzinapa case, according to the FGR; two witnesses identify him This is near the toll booth of the Mexico - Querétaro highway, the registry indicates. At the time of his detention, he was wearing blue jeans, a green polo shirt, a navy blue jacket, and navy blue sneakers. He was transferred to this prison to be brought before the judge of the Federal Criminal Justice Center, based in Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico, who issued the arrest warrant against him for the crimes of forced disappearance of persons and against the administration of justice. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! From your mobile device, stay informed about the most relevant news of the day, opinion articles…

After the first results of the Scientific Committee's Analysis on Energy Sovereignty and Unconventional Natural Gas Deposits were presented, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo recalled that there was opposition to this practice, but now new technologies have been developed. In her morning conference on Thursday, August 6, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged the change in technologies from 10 or 15 years ago. "It is important to say that new technologies change because the technologies used 10-15 years ago, when unconventional gas began, used very harmful chemicals, used fresh water, did not recycle water, or even used biodegradable chemicals." Read also Vatican State Secretary recognizes the work of searching mothers; "may their perseverance and faith be rewarded" "So, the way unconventional gas was made involved many more wells than are made now, because there are other types of techniques," said the federal leader. She pointed out that currently it is allowed to evaluate unconventional gas in a different way than years ago. "New technologies have been developed; we will start to see if there is water, if there is gas before anything else, and let the experts continue to accompany us to guarantee, at the moment we see if it is technically feasible." Read also 4 out of every student place at UNAM; the university offers almost 22,000 places "Ha…

A heated traffic dispute between drivers ended in an armed incident that left two passengers of a suburban bus injured, including a pregnant woman. The incident occurred in the Pasac II area, on the route leading to Cito Zarco, in the jurisdiction of Cantel, in the department of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. According to the preliminary report and testimonies collected at the scene by authorities, the altercation began on the road when the driver of a dump truck engaged in a verbal clash and acts of intolerance with the driver of the collective transport. During the ongoing dispute, the driver of the heavy vehicle drew a firearm and opened fire directly at the vehicle, regardless of the fact that several passengers were traveling inside the suburban bus. One of the bullets went through the rear door of the bus and hit two passengers traveling as users at the back of the vehicle. Volunteers from the Fire Department responded to the emergency alert, provided first aid to the victims, and urgently transported them to a local healthcare center for specialized medical attention. The victims were identified as Isaías José Cotil, 26, and Angélica Magdalena Soc, 30, who is pregnant. Capture Following the complaint and intervention of the National Civil Police (PNC), police officers deployed a raid…

Guatemala launched the National Open Data Strategy led by the Ministry of the Interior to modernize public management and increase transparency, in a process that also opens a citizen consultation to define how institutions will produce, manage, and share official information. Public participation will be channeled through the portal participacionciudadana.gob.gt, where contributions from civil society organizations, academia, media, and the general public can be integrated. The instrument aims to gather clear, precise, and accessible information about government management, projects, and other actions promoted by the Executive Body. During the launch, Minister of the Interior Marco Antonio Villeda stated that the tool must be built with technical criteria, participation, and international standards that guarantee the quality, security, and usefulness of the data. In this regard, he proposed that the goal is to change the way the State handles public information. Villeda defined the scope of the initiative as follows: "We want a strategy that changes the way institutions produce, manage, and share public information." The public consultation aims to define how official data will be opened and reused. The minister added that open data allows people to access public information, use it, analyze it, and share it…

The United States has made it clear that, within the framework of its security and drug-fighting policy, its goal is to pursue, dismantle, and destroy the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a tweet. The message stressed that Washington wants to strike the criminal organization on all fronts, a position reinforced by representatives from the Justice Department, the DEA, and the FBI, among other federal agencies, at a press conference held Wednesday. The pressure ranges from cutting political ties with corrupt officials in Mexico and arresting its top leaders to crippling its finances, the main engine that has allowed this transnational criminal enterprise to operate as it has. Seguir leyendo

Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers from Mexico sickens 345 people in 27 US states, with 36 hospitalizations and a pepper recall underway.

Chihuahua, Chih.— The governor of Chihuahua, María Eugenia Campos Galván, criticized yesterday afternoon through a video on her social networks the initiative and the guidelines on audience rights presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, and accused the federal government of censorship. According to what the governor explained, the federal government intends for the Executive to decide what information is true and who can disseminate it in an attempt at censorship. "We have already been eight years in which power has polarized the country, in which anyone who thinks differently or criticizes the government is labeled as a liar or traitor to the homeland. In which there is a daily conference dedicated to labeling as liars those who criticize the government. And now they are going to decide what is information and what is opinion?" criticized Campos Galván in her video. She assured that since the federal government is unable to convince the citizens, they are now seeking to censor. "To the Head of the Executive, we say very clearly, democracy is not defended by trying to tell people what is true and what is false. Democracy is defended by ensuring that many voices can express themselves, even if they are uncomfortable. That is the heart of the rule of law. In Mexico, we have fought for decades to leave behind the era of omnipresent and censoring government. Today we are again facing that threat," she added. She also questioned how the case of Rocha Moya or Marina... would be handled.

A gunman killed a social media influencer during a live stream in Mexico’s volatile northwestern state of Sinaloa, authorities said on Wednesday, a public killing that underscored ongoing violence targeting social media personalities in the Latin American nation. The influencer, Cesar Gastelum, was killed on Tuesday night in the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan, officials said. Mexican authorities implied the killing of the young man was linked to cartel violence but did not blame any...

A new director of the CDC—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, responsible for infectious disease control in the United States—was approved by the Senate on the 5th, filling the position that had been vacant for about a year. At the CDC, there had been ongoing confusion, including the previous director being dismissed due to disagreements with the administration's policies on issues such as vaccination.

A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people across 27 states has been linked to jalapeño peppers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Wednesday. Traceback information found that the affected jalapeños came from Sinaloa, Mexico, and were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. There have been no reported deaths and 36 hospitalizations so…

After being sentenced to prison, the Court of Major Risk D ruled that three former deputies will pay various forms of reparations to the State of Guatemala for their involvement in the Assault on the Ministry of Health case, where they allegedly requested job positions for their associates as a political favor. The decision includes that two of the three former parliamentarians offer a public apology to the Guatemalan people, after it was proven that they requested positions, but the employees did arrive to work. However, another former congressman will also have to fulfill a financial penalty. This new sentence was issued on Wednesday, August 5, after the court accepted the request of the Attorney General's Office (PGN), which determined the need to impose restitution measures following the criminal conviction handed down last Monday against the former legislators. Financial surety The specific case involving Ronald Arango established that he must return Q101,148.86 to the State, corresponding to two positions assigned to people who did not meet the requirements for the jobs, did not show up to work, and still received their salaries. The court ordered Arango to return the amount collected within the Ministry of Health, after the former congressman pressured for these people to be hired. Thus, the financial responsibility falls solely on the former deputy, upon verification that there was harm…

During his visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe, Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, compared the love of the Virgin Mary with that of searching mothers for their missing children. After reading some biblical passages related to the miracles of the Virgin Mary and concern for others, Pietro referred to the arduous work of searching by mothers who have a loved one missing. "Don't we see in today's Gospel a clear example of a mother's love? This mother insists before the Lord, not for herself, but for her daughter, who will not rest until she does everything possible for her... the Lord rewards the absolute trust she places in Him, as well as her determination," he expressed. Read also Sheinbaum meets with Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; discuss ethics in AI, peace, and cooperation Parolin affirmed that this image reminds us of the mothers who continue searching for their missing children in Mexico, who, he said, maintain hope despite the difficulties. "Their example resonates especially strongly here in Mexico, where so many mothers continue to search with determination and faith for their missing children. Nothing can prevent them from doing everything possible to help their children," he noted. Read also Leo XIV will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November; it will be his first trip as Pope to Latin America The Holy See's representative asked for prayers for them, so that "just as that..."

24-year-old TikToker Cesar Gastelum, was shot dead while livestreaming with friends outside a fast-food restaurant.

Guatemala launched Productive Hands to incorporate work and training into the routine of incarcerated people, with the promise of reducing prison idleness, strengthening internal control, and accelerating the benefits of the progressive regime within a broader reform of the penitentiary system. The initiative started in four prisons: Pavón, Pavoncito, Cantel, and Canadá. According to statements from the Minister of the Interior, Marco Villeda, on RondeGt and the press release shared and consulted by Infobae, each center has a goal of 800 cobblestones daily, with a projected monthly total of 52,800 cobblestones per facility and 158,400 cobblestones when the scheme operates simultaneously in the planned centers. Villeda explained that the first paving project is underway at Pavón and covers a stretch of one and a half kilometers between the entrance of the center and the prison. The minister said during the conference: “We are seeking to transform these hours of idleness into structured days of work, training, and discipline.” The announcement was made at the penitentiary system school in San José Pinula, where Minister of the Interior Marco Villeda supervised the training of 300 new penitentiary guards and presented the scope of the program. The proposal turns hours without activity into organized days of work, training, and discipline under the supervision of the Penitentiary System. The plan links production, infrastructure…

Cesar Gastelum was killed as he sat in a car park with two others in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state.

The approval of the General Law of the National Port System in Guatemala during the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, opened a new chapter for the country's logistics infrastructure, with the support of business chambers that consider it a foundation to modernize ports, attract investment, and improve the competitiveness of foreign trade. The significance of this reform, according to business statements, is also explained by the magnitude of the port system in the Guatemalan economy: it is estimated that 75% of the country's foreign trade is transported by sea. This proportion makes ports a strategic infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, strengthen supply chains, and improve supply. The Guatemalan-American Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Guatemala, stated that the new legal framework offers an opportunity to move towards a modern, efficient, and competitive port system. The organization suggested that the regulation could reduce costs and logistics times, facilitate trade exchange, and promote private sector participation along with the incorporation of new technologies and long-term projects. For this chamber, the reform is especially relevant due to the transformation of global supply chains and the opportunities linked to nearshoring. It also pointed out that Guatemala's geographical position gives it potential to establish itself as a logistics platform…

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo received the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, this Wednesday at the National Palace, with whom she held a meeting to discuss topics related to the ethical development of artificial intelligence, as well as Pope Leo XIV's calls for peace, fraternity, and solidarity among nations. Through a message shared on her X account, the leader reported that during the meeting they analyzed the pope's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, a document in which it is proposed that the development of artificial intelligence should be guided by ethical principles, respect for human dignity, justice, and shared responsibility. Sheinbaum highlighted that, according to the content of the encyclical, technological advances should contribute to the well-being of peoples and serve people. Read also Sheinbaum rules out attending Abelardo de la Espriella's inauguration in Colombia; will send official representation "At the National Palace, I received the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin; we discussed topics such as Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which states that the development of artificial intelligence should be guided by ethical criteria, human dignity, justice, and shared responsibility, with the aim that its benefits contribute to the well-being of peoples," wrote the head of the Executive...

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged that representatives of the business sector have expressed different positions on who should lead the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN); however, she emphasized that the appointment is exclusively the responsibility of the highest court itself and not the Executive Branch. During her morning conference, the leader was questioned about the opinions of businesspeople regarding the composition of the new Court and the possibility that Minister Lenia Batres assumes the presidency of the judicial body. Sheinbaum confirmed that she has heard different positions within the private sector and clarified that not all support the same person. Read also Sheinbaum condemns Morena deputies' mockery of the elderly; "it is not correct to speak in a discriminatory manner," she says “There are businesspeople who suggest one person or another, not necessarily Lenia Batres. But well, that is a matter for the Court,” she stated. The head of the Executive explained that the SCJN itself will have to resolve the mechanism to define who will occupy its presidency, because there is a contradiction in the wording of the Constitution regarding who should represent the highest court. “That has to be defined because there is a contradiction in the Constitution itself regarding how it was drafted about who will represent the Court's presidency. So, that issue has to be resolved,” she said. Read also Sheinbaum gara…

The 20-year-old prisoner Alex Estuardo Rodríguez Aquino escaped from the Jalapa National Hospital in Guatemala after feigning a health crisis in jail. He was recaptured two blocks later by agents of the National Civil Police (PNC), in an episode that included a chase and gunshots into the air. The case became known amid criticism and accusations against the authorities of the Penitentiary System, following another escape on July 30 where inmate César Humberto Hernández Vicente escaped from the Pavón Rehabilitation Farm hidden in a wooden wardrobe, and a Mara Salvatrucha leader was murdered inside another prison on August 2. According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Rodríguez Aquino requested medical assistance on the morning of Tuesday, August 4, when he was detained at the Jalapa Preventive Center for Men. He simulated being unconscious, so the prison protocol ordered his transfer under police custody to the hospital. While receiving care, the detainee took advantage of a distraction to run out of the medical center and try to escape. The agents initiated the chase and caught him two blocks ahead, according to the institution. Videos circulating on social media show two police officers running behind the fugitive through streets in the area. The images also show that one of the officers fired shots into the air during the chase, while neighbors observed…

The Fuego Volcano, one of the most emblematic giants of Guatemala and considered among the most active in Central America, began a new and violent eruptive phase in the early hours of August 3. The magnitude of the phenomenon surprised visitors and residents, who observed how the volcano expelled a column of ash and gas that exceeded 6,000 meters above sea level, transforming the natural environment into a scene of intense activity and danger. During the early hours of August 3, dozens of domestic and foreign tourists at viewpoints and trails of the Acatenango Volcano documented the start of the eruption with videos and images. The material, which quickly circulated on social media, reflects the power of the explosions and the presence of pyroclastic flows descending the slopes of the Fuego Volcano. The images show the violent ejection of volcanic material, as well as the ashes that rapidly covered the sky. Amid shouts of amazement and some laughter out of fear, tourists observe the magnitude of the giant. Entry is restricted. As activity increased, authorities of the Acatenango Volcano National Park restricted access, since from this volcano it is common to observe the emission of magma and gases from the Fuego Volcano, thanks to its proximity. The park entrance gates were closed. However, the presence of hikers forced the...

On Tuesday, August 4, Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco met with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Pietro Parolin, prior to the meeting he will hold on Wednesday with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) stated that Minister Velasco will hold a working meeting with Parolin to discuss the bilateral relationship. The SRE highlighted that Mexico and the Holy See will commemorate 34 years of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations in September. Also read: At the embassy, Roberto Velasco calls to protect Mexicans in the US; highlights bilateral relationship. "They have maintained a long tradition of support for the peaceful resolution of disputes, international law, and strengthening multilateralism," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Last May, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs received Apostolic Nuncio Joseph Spiteri, with whom he discussed reactivating dialogue and high-level visits to strengthen bilateral ties with the Vatican. At the Foreign Ministry, Velasco and Spiteri also discussed "the importance of strengthening cooperation and the shared humanist vision between Mexico and the Holy See." This meeting took place within the framework of the invitation made by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to Pope Leo XIV to visit our country. Join our channel ¡EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! From your mobile device, stay informed about the most relevant news of the day, articles…

Politicians, journalists, and analysts questioned the new decree announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to strengthen transparency in the Mexican Government, as they claim that the concept of "national security" is often used to reserve information, hide contracts, works, decisions, and "any information that is uncomfortable for those in power." The signing took place on August 4, during the President's press conference, alongside the Secretary of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, Raquel Buenrostro, and the Legal Advisor to the Presidency, Luisa María Alcalde. According to what was explained by the Anti-Corruption Secretariat and the President of Mexico herself, the decree aims to expand the available public information, promising greater availability of information, such as government contracts, data on Pemex and CFE subsidiaries, audits, and oversight. Read also Sheinbaum reorganizes the Presidential Office; eliminates the spokesperson role and implements the Aide Unit Transparency and accountability must apply to everyone: Kenia López After affirming that there can be no excesses, abuses, or inexplicable assets of politicians or officials in any space of public power, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Kenia López Rabadán, argued that transparency and accountability must apply to everyone, without exception or privileges. Referring to the transparency decree announced…

Everlight Electronics filed a new US patent infringement lawsuit against Nichia on July 30 in the Southern Division of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The LED packaging maker said Nichia's high-power LED products infringed Everlight's US flip chip patent No. 7,554,126.

Detroit.- After two people died in Michigan due to the outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the country, U.S. health authorities are now investigating whether the lettuce imported from the Mexican city of Guanajuato is behind the increase in cases. Since May of this year, more than 4,100 confirmed cases and 7,400 probable cases have been recorded in 41 U.S. states. The CDC, FDA, and public health officials from several states identified this type of "iceberg" lettuce, produced by Taylor Farms and served in Taco Bell restaurants in nine states, as the source of the outbreak. By the end of July, nearly 2,000 cases had been associated with this product, including at least 98 hospitalized patients, according to the CDC. However, health authorities indicated that other brands, restaurants, or distribution channels could be involved, so the investigation remains open to determine the full origin of the spread. As a result of the outbreak, on July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms began removing all iceberg lettuce sold in various types of packaging in at least 27 states to consumers, restaurants, and retailers. Additionally, U.S. health authorities urged to discard the lettuce, not to consume it, and to carefully disinfect any surface or container that has come into contact with it. While the United States deepens its investigation,…

During the night of this Monday, the tranquility in zone 21 of Guatemala City was interrupted by an armed attack that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old teenager. The emergency mobilized rescue teams and alerted local authorities, who are investigating the motives behind this violent act. According to the Volunteer Firefighters of Company 78, a series of calls reported gunfire in the Nimajuyu 1 sector, module 18-01. Upon arrival, the personnel found the minor seriously injured and without vital signs. The rescuers confirmed the death at the scene and proceeded to notify the Civil National Police (PNC). The area was cordoned off by police officers, who asked the firefighters to evacuate the scene and restricted documentation of the incident while waiting for the Public Ministry to process the scene. The police presence aimed to preserve evidence and ensure the proper conduct of legal proceedings. As of the time of this report, authorities have not revealed the hypotheses being considered regarding the attack or the identity of possible suspects. This incident in the Guatemalan capital adds to a series of violent events reported in various regions of the country. During the same day, in the department of Suchitepéquez, the death of a businessman was reported under similar circumstances. The victim was identified as Jonat…

On July 30, 2026, in the Xecoxol community of the municipality of Santa María Nebaj, in the department of Quiché, Guatemala, an eviction was carried out against Mrs. Juana Santiago Chel, an elderly woman. This event has generated deep concern among human rights advocacy organizations, such as the Regional Rights Observatory (ORD), which has warned about the need to ensure respect for fundamental rights in the execution of this type of judicial procedures and calls on the Guatemalan State to investigate "independently and impartially." The ORD, through an official statement, emphasized that compliance with judicial resolutions is an essential pillar of the rule of law. However, it recalled that the execution of these decisions does not exempt the Guatemalan State from fulfilling its international obligations in the field of human rights. Guatemala is a State Party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which in its article 11 recognizes the right of every person to adequate housing. In this regard, in a publication made on social networks, the Regional Rights Observatory urged the Guatemalan State to ensure that all actions related to the case are investigated independently and impartially. The organization called for prioritizing dialogue, seeking housing alternatives when appropriate, the pro…

Raquel Buenrostro, head of the Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Secretariat, indicated that the investigation into the Mexican Football Federation (Femexfut) is being reviewed following complaints against officials who allegedly extorted her at the now-defunct National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection (Inai). During President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's morning press conference on Tuesday, August 4, at the National Palace, Buenrostro explained that during the handover process, Inai transferred the file to Anti-Corruption, which has been studying it. "They refer to officials who extorted them, but no names are mentioned, no methods are specified, and they are not providing us with any evidence. Recently, we resumed and continued monitoring all the processes left open by Inai." Read also Morena begins process to suspend membership of Nay Salvatori and Grace Palomares; deputies criticized senior citizens. "Recently, a sanction was imposed on Inai because it did not comply with several requirements that must be met when handling sensitive personal data (...). We even had to work with the file left by Inai. Why? Because it cannot be reopened as the legal and administrative deadlines are expiring (...)," she explained. The head of Anti-Corruption mentioned that Femexfut could intervene with resources, but it would be convenient...

The Fuego volcano is located near Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is preparing a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, this Wednesday. In her morning press conference on Tuesday, August 4, at the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo mentioned that she will receive Parolin at the historic building. "He is coming tomorrow, Wednesday, tomorrow," said the head of the federal executive. Read also Postponed "R1" hearing for the homicide of Carlos Manzo; defense requests access to the investigation file. Roberto Velasco, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), received in May the Apostolic Nuncio Joseph Spiteri, with whom he discussed reactivating dialogue and high-level visits to strengthen bilateral ties with the Vatican. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Velasco and Spiteri also discussed "the importance of strengthening cooperation and the shared humanist vision between Mexico and the Holy See." This meeting took place within the framework of the invitation made by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to Pope Leo XIV to visit our country. Read also Confirmed sentence to declassify Pegasus software data; it is a historic debt, says NGO. Rosa Icela Rodríguez, head of the Ministry of the Interior, recently indicated that they are waiting for the Vatican's timing for a possible visit of Pope Leo XIV to Mexico. The Secretary of the Interior mentioned that there has been information "but it is not official." "We want to respect…

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo signed a decree this Tuesday to strengthen transparency in the federal government, which will expand the available public information, update government contracts monthly, and incorporate new data on Pemex and CFE subsidiaries, audits and oversight, as well as establish stricter criteria for information confidentiality. During the morning conference at the National Palace, the Secretary of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez, explained that the decree aims to go beyond current legal obligations and promote maximum publicity of government information, while preparations are made for reforms to the General Transparency Law to permanently incorporate these provisions. She detailed that the National Transparency Platform was stabilized after its transfer to the Secretariat by the INAI, following constant malfunctions, and now has new tools to facilitate data download and analysis. She added that, within a maximum of 30 business days, new content of public interest will be integrated. Read also: "R1" hearing postponed over Carlos Manzo homicide; defense requests access to investigation folder Buenrostro noted that the decree focuses on four axes: public procurement, Pemex and CFE subsidiaries, oversight and audits, as well as an invitation…

The United States and Guatemala signed a cooperation agreement for USD 3.5 million to modernize Guatemalan migration controls with American technology. The goal is to strengthen regional border security, expand the capacity to identify high-risk travelers, and improve real-time information exchange against threats such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. The contribution adds to USD 450,000 in equipment, technology, and technical consulting that the United States had already provided in 2025 to expand and modernize the immigration booths at La Aurora International Airport. The new phase extends these improvements to land and maritime entry points, as well as strategic control posts on roads. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala reported that Chargé d'Affaires Jorgan Andrews participated in the signing of the cooperation letter along with the director of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, Danilo Rivera. The agreement formalizes the donation to the GIM for updating the country's migration infrastructure. Biometric controls and advance passenger data The Guatemalan Institute of Migration specified that the donation will support the implementation of the automated biometric identification system ABIS and the advance passenger information service API. Both mechanisms aim to strengthen migration management through new technological tools with support from the International Agency…

With the honking of horns and surrounded by taxi drivers who held a protest, the block leaders of the deputies held a meeting in the Congress of Guatemala to seek agreements related to a possible solution to the rising fuel prices, caused by international pressures due to the war in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by Erwin Barrios, Minister of Energy and Mines; Erick Echeverría, Revenue Superintendent of the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT); Elizabeth Ugalde, Deputy Minister of Economy; and Walter Figueroa, Deputy Minister of Financial Administration of the Ministry of Finance, who presented the legislative initiative to grant a subsidy to fuels. The Executive's proposal is to subsidize a gallon of fuel with a contribution of Q12 (USD 1.53) for diesel, and Q3 (USD 0.38) for a gallon of Regular gasoline, excluding Super gasoline. They want to eliminate taxes However, both the Guatemala Taxi Drivers' Association (Asotax), which held their caravan from 8 in the morning on Monday, August 3, and opposition deputies like Allan Rodríguez, reject the subsidy and instead demand the elimination of taxes. The perception of the taxi drivers is that the Executive has not taken any real action to prevent the increase in fuel prices, despite the subsidy already granted, which was in effect between May and July of 2026. According to ...

The Civil National Police (PNC) captured and brought before the courts two inmates accused of the murder of Carlos Roberto Ortiz Romero, alias "Gorgojo," which occurred inside Annex B of the Preventive Center for Men in zone 18, in a case that official investigations link to the dispute between Mara Salvatrucha, Barrio 18, and the drug dealing group Los Caradura. Ortiz Romero's wife, Jennifer Dyana Santizo Umul, who was visiting on conjugal leave, also died in the attack. A guard from the penitentiary system was seriously injured, according to the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 2, when the prison maintained its usual routines of custody. The detainees were identified as Kesler Amílcar Orellana Hernández and Jorge Mauricio Centeno Colindres. Both were taken to the Court Tower, where the initial hearing was held, and they were informed of the reason for their new detention. During the hearing, the Duty Court decided to declare the case completely confidential for a period of 10 days at the request of the Public Ministry (MP), a time that will be used for the collection and analysis of evidence. Profile of the detainees Information from investigative authorities, which Infobae accessed, details that Orellana Hernandez, 31 years old, has been serving a sentence for 10 years, imposed by…

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, reported that federal authorities in Sinaloa detained José Manuel Rubio Santini, alias "El Tito," who has an arrest warrant for the femicide of young Beany Lozano. The state prosecutor's office offered a reward of up to half a million pesos for information that would lead to the whereabouts of the now-detained individual. The official stated that this action represents an important step in clarifying the case and ensuring that the crime against the university student, who was only 18 years old, does not go unpunished. More information coming soon... Add EL UNIVERSAL as a preferred source on Google.

The Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (Profeco) reported that 85.2% of the country's service stations are already complying with the voluntary agreement to sell a liter of regular gasoline for less than 27 pesos. Meanwhile, Finabien remains, for almost a year in a row, the remittance service that offers the most pesos for dollars sent from the United States. During a video message broadcast at the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the agency presented the results of the weekly monitoring of fuel prices, remittances, and basic necessity products. Read also: Crime evolves; they go from stealing gasoline to producing their own National average gasoline price below 28 pesos In terms of fuels, Profeco indicated that the agreement reached in May between the federal government and gas station entrepreneurs has an 85.2% compliance rate, with a national average price of 27.03 pesos per liter as of July 31. As an example of fair prices, it highlighted Pemex Combustibles Yalba, in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, where the liter is sold for 26.97 pesos, with a profit margin of 1.42 pesos. In contrast, it pointed out the BP station in Amozoc, Puebla, for selling fuel at 29.99 pesos per liter, with a margin of 3.83 pesos. Finabien has been in first place for 51 consecutive weeks In the remittance section, the Prosecutor's Office conducted a simulation exercise sending 400 dollars…

A couple's argument fueled by alcohol and jealousy ended in tragedy in the department of El Progreso. After a woman shot her partner. However, she was captured. The incident occurred on the morning of this Sunday, August 2, inside a home located in the alley Los Arriagas, in the village Los Cerritos, in the municipality of Sansare, in the department of El Progreso, Guatemala. According to official reports, the couple was drinking alcoholic beverages and a jealousy-driven argument ensued. The woman, identified as Rosario Beatriz "H", shot several times at her husband, Anner Yovany "A", 44 years old, causing wounds on both legs and in the abdomen. The victim was urgently transferred to Nicolasa Cruz Hospital in Jalapa. Escape attempt and seizure of weapons After the attack, the woman tried to flee aboard a Mitsubishi Lancer vehicle but was intercepted by agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) of Guatemala, approximately two kilometers from the scene. In the operation, authorities seized two Kor FX brand pistols, 149 rounds of unspecified caliber, four magazines, and a mobile phone. All the material was packaged and sent to the Public Ministry (MP), which also arrived at the scene to continue the relevant investigative procedures. The context of armed violence in Guatemala The incident has drawn the attention of l…

With slow steps and a bouquet of flowers in her hands, on Sunday, August 2, Juana Santiago Chel, the 72-year-old woman who caused shock and outrage among security forces after being evicted from her home with what was described as excessive use of police force, was discharged from the hospital. Santiago Chel had been hospitalized for three days after showing evident bruises on different parts of her body, apparently caused by agents of the Civil National Police (PNC) who came to her home to evict her by court order. The operation took place on the morning of July 31 in a village in the municipality of Santa María Nebaj, in the department of Quiché, Guatemala, after her own son filed legal actions to evict his mother and his sister Juana López, 51 years old, along with her children. During the operation, Juana's sister, Elena Santiago Chel, 77 years old, who lives next to the house being evicted, was also present and was also injured. The actions of the agents provoked outrage among the neighbors, who later organized and went to the Public Ministry to demand protection for the elderly women. Feeling ignored, they decided to take justice into their own hands and ended up burning the residence of the Pluripersonal Judge of the First Civil Instance of Santa María Nebaj, Ada Madaí López Morales, who signed the order of…

An armed attack inside the Preventive Detention Center for Men Annex B in Guatemala resulted in the death of inmate Carlos Roberto Ortiz Romero, alias "Gorgojo," a man who was linked for many years to the small-scale drug cartel "Los Caradura" and who later became their enemy. In addition to Ortiz Romero, during the armed attack, his wife, who had come to visit him on Sunday, August 2, also died. A prison system guard was also seriously injured while reacting to repel the attack, the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP) reported through a statement. According to official information, the incident occurred while the prison maintained its usual custody routines. However, after the attack, emergency protocols were activated, and the inmates, including the alleged responsible for the act, were isolated and will be brought before the judicial authorities for a new process against them. Who was "Gorgojo" and what was his role in the criminal rivalry? Carlos Roberto Ortiz Romero, alias "Gorgojo," was listed as one of the most violent leaders of Mara Salvatrucha in Guatemala City, detailed the Ministry of the Interior in 2024, after his arrest. His name gained notoriety after an investigation linked him to the murder of five young people in January 2024, an event that triggered a wave of enf…

A man covered with a Spider-Man mask carried out an armed attack against a truck driver, who was unharmed. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, at kilometer 57 of the Atlantic route, in the jurisdiction of the municipality of Sanarate, in the department of El Progreso, in Guatemala. According to the victim, the attacker arrived on a motorcycle at a gas station parking lot. It caught his attention because he was wearing a Spider-Man costume, but he thought it was related to the recent release of the movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, he was greatly surprised when the man drew a firearm and, without exchanging words, shot several times at the cab and chassis of a soda company's vehicle, then fled at high speed. Testimony of the driver and findings at the scene The truck driver was unharmed and stated that he was resting outside the heavy transport when he saw the attacker arrive. "I thought he was shooting in the air because he didn't shoot directly at me. When I turned around, I saw the holes in the cab and part of the chassis... I'm not scared because I never thought it was against me," the driver told local media. Multiple firearm casings were scattered at the scene, which were secured by the Public Ministry (MP) and the National Civil Police (PNC) as part of the proceedings to clarify the incident. The vehicle suffered various…

A day of exploration at the Acatenango volcano ended in tragedy when a 17-year-old teenager lost his life during the ascent to the volcano, confirmed by the Departmental Municipal Firefighters and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED). The group, made up of several hikers, was traveling along the challenging route located between Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez. The young man showed severe hypothermia and extreme physical decompensation, which led to his death at one of the highest points. Emergency in the heights and rescue difficulties According to reports from CONRED and the Departmental Municipal Firefighters, the victim began to show signs of physical deterioration when the temperature dropped abruptly and oxygen became scarce. Adverse weather conditions and the terrain's complexity hindered the rescue efforts, which responded after receiving the emergency alert. By the time the rescuers reached him, the teenager no longer had vital signs. The teams transported the body to the base of the volcano, where the Public Ministry carried out the necessary procedures. Risks on the route to Acatenango volcano The Acatenango volcano, located in Guatemala between the departments of Sacatepéquez and Chimaltenango, has an altitude of 3,976 meters above sea level and is one of the preferred destinations for mountaineering in Guat…

The death of Sebastián Villaverde, a 24-year-old Guatemalan model, has shocked the world of modeling and sports in Guatemala. His death occurred on the afternoon of August 1 after a traffic accident on kilometer 81 of the Inter-American Highway, in an area known as "Las Cabras," under the jurisdiction of Tecpán, Chimaltenango, according to debate.com.mx. According to data from this media outlet and other Guatemalan newspapers, Villaverde was traveling with a group of motorcyclists when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the central median of the highway. The impact was so severe that rescue services confirmed his death at the scene due to the seriousness of his injuries. Traffic authorities and the Public Ministry continue investigations to determine the precise technical causes of the accident. So far, it is known that Villaverde was participating in a motorcycle caravan, an activity he often engaged in driven by his passion for travel and motors. The loss of control of the motorcycle caused a violent collision with the median, throwing Villaverde onto the asphalt and causing him fatal injuries almost immediately. Sebastián Villaverde was a recognized figure in the Latin American fashion world. According to Soy 502, Villaverde participated in major fashion weeks in cities such as Cali and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, as well as in Quito…

Guatemala incorporated 146 new DISETUR agents to strengthen the security of domestic and foreign tourists during their travel, stay, and visits to destinations in the country, with deployment planned in 20 divisions nationwide. The new contingent is made up of 109 men and 37 women who completed the twelfth Tourism Security Specialization Course. In addition to safeguarding tasks, they will provide guidance on local cuisine, humanitarian services, and safe areas for transit. The graduation ceremony was held yesterday at the PNC Academy facilities and was presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda. There, he stated that the role of these police officers aims to protect visitors and accompany them during their experience in the country. "Tourism security involves caring for the experience of those who arrive in our country, assisting those facing difficulties, and demonstrating through service that Guatemala knows how to serve, receive, protect, and above all, accompany," Villeda affirmed. The minister noted that the training enhanced the agents' knowledge and provided them with tools for their duties. He then added: "May each visitor find in you a person prepared to help, may each community recognize you as allies, and may your conduct always honor the uniform." He also asked them to combine authority with respectful treatment...

The Congress of Guatemala will open the second ordinary session with the debate on the new fuel subsidy announced by Bernardo Arévalo, a proposal that foresees Q12 per gallon of diesel and Q3 per gallon of regular gasoline until December 31, 2026, to contain the international rise in oil prices, fare prices, and household expenses. The Executive's initiative includes a budget space of Q3,480 million, equivalent to about USD 453 million. The government maintains that this amount will come from an internal reallocation of the budget, without new debt and without touching resources for Public Health, Education, or Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing. Before the plenary delves into the substance of the proposal, the Block Leaders' Body will meet again on Monday, August 3. There, the Ministers of Public Finances, Economy, and Energy and Mines will appear, along with authorities from the Superintendence of Tax Administration, to present a report on the implementation of the previous subsidy and to answer deputies' questions about financing, oversight, and results. The discussion arrives without closed consensus. After the meeting of block leaders on Thursday, July 30, Congress Vice President Nery Ramos reported that both the ruling party's initiative for a direct subsidy and another option—creating a compensation fund that activates when international prices exceed a certain level—were still under analysis.

The Conviteros Meeting 2026 will take place on September 27 in Guatemala City with two parades starting at 8:00 and ending at the Plaza de la Constitución, in an edition that seeks to expand national participation and strengthen the preservation of the convite as part of the country's intangible cultural heritage. According to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, at least 4,000 members of convitero groups from the 22 departments of Guatemala are expected to attend. The figure exceeds that of the first meeting in 2025, which brought together more than 3,000 participants organized into 66 groups from 14 departments. Under the motto “Where there is convite, there is living history of the peoples,” the event was proposed as a space of homage for committees, collectives, and dancers of convites from all over the country. The activity will be free of charge. The 2026 edition will have two routes between zones 1 and 2. Unlike the first edition, the 2026 meeting will have two routes instead of one. Both routes will travel between zones 1 and 2 of the capital and will have the final point at the Plaza de la Constitución, where the final presentation of the groups will take place. The first parade will depart from the Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Center, located at 24 calle 3-81 in zone 1. The second parade will start on Sixth Avenue in zone 2. According to the ministry, the event will bring together traditional convites, mascots, warriors, and Maya attire. The goal is to…

The College of Lawyers and Notaries of Guatemala expressed its concern this Saturday over the violence unleashed after the judicial eviction of Juana Santiago Chel in Santa María Nebaj, Quiché, an operation carried out on July 30 that resulted in the burning of the judge's house who issued the order and the opening of a criminal investigation by the Public Ministry. The case originated from a family dispute over a property. One of Santiago Chel's children initiated the process that concluded with the eviction order, and the execution of that resolution provoked a violent reaction among community residents. According to reports from local media, the inhabitants set fire to the house of the judge responsible for the order. A neighbor who tried to assist the elderly woman was also detained, an event that heightened tensions in the municipality. The Public Ministry clarified that it did not participate in the planning or execution of the operation but confirmed that it opened investigations upon learning of possible criminal actions related to the procedure. The investigation includes both what happened during the eviction and the subsequent events in the community, including the incidents involving Santiago Chel and any other conduct that could lead to criminal responsibilities. The College of Lawyers rejected excessive force and called for an investigation without stigmatization In Communication No. 15/2026, dated August 1, 20…

San Lucas Sacatepéquez will celebrate the fourth edition of the Corn Hominy Festival on August 9, a free event that will bring together gastronomy, music, and local businesses with a dual purpose: to preserve a drink associated with the municipality's identity and to reinforce the role of corn as the axis of its cultural and community life. The activity will take place from 9:00 to 20:00 on the sixth street, from the Cantonal Market to the basketball court in front of the Municipality. For those arriving by car, parking will be available at the Football Field and the Central Market for Q10 per vehicle during the entire event. The gathering expects to welcome residents, tourists, and vendors in a part of the municipality known for its culinary tradition. The program will include concerts, artistic performances, and spaces for producers and small businesses, as well as the sale of corn hominy and other foods prepared with corn. Anyone wishing to attend will find an open festival with traditional food, live music, and family activities throughout the day. The celebration will be held on one of the main roads of San Lucas Sacatepéquez and aims to establish the municipality as a gastronomic tourism destination. The corn hominy went from roadside sales to a symbol of the municipality The local history of corn hominy dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when several families began selling the drink to the...

The Ministry of Education opened 968 positions for educational supervisors and revived a position that had not been filled for almost 30 years, with the goal of appointing this year the personnel who will begin their duties in 2027 in the 340 municipalities of the country and bringing supervision closer to schools, institutes, and colleges. The redesign is not limited to these positions. The ministry also plans another call in September for 1,067 pedagogical companions, 1,156 management companions, and 1,265 assistants, within a scheme that seeks to relieve supervisors of administrative tasks and expand territorial presence. According to the Ministry of Education, the call for supervisors was published on July 30 and applications will be open throughout August. The process will continue until October, when the files of those who will occupy the positions will be handed over to the Human Resources department. The departments of Guatemala, San Marcos, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Huehuetenango would receive the largest number of personnel due to the size of their territories. The official goal is to cover the 340 municipalities. Francisco Cabrera, technical vice-minister, explained that supervision "is like the backbone of the education system, and that backbone has been limited for almost 30 years." He added that the system got used to solving problems from the central level, when they could be quickly resolved in each district through supervisors. The opposition process requires…

The PGN keeps the Alba-Keneth Alert System active for the immediate search of missing minors in Guatemala, a mechanism that since 2010 has helped locate more than 85,200 girls, boys, and adolescents and eliminates any waiting period to report a disappearance or abduction. Records from the Alba-Keneth Alert System show that 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025 were the years with the highest number of alerts activated since the mechanism's creation. According to these data, a high proportion of cases could be closed after the minors were located and subsequent protective measures and rights restitution were applied when vulnerabilities existed. The Attorney General's Office explained that the system operates continuously and that search actions begin as soon as the report is received. The goal is to increase the chances of locating the minor in the shortest possible time. The system's direct response is this: any disappearance or abduction of a girl, boy, or adolescent can be reported immediately to 1546, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, without the need to wait a prior period, as established by Decree Number 28-2010 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. The alert is activated as soon as the report is received. The Head of Operations of the Alba-Keneth Alert System, Suilma Cano, detailed to the Guatemalan News Agency…

After the violent eviction of a 72-year-old woman in the municipality of Santa María Nebaj, Quiché, Guatemala, the defense lawyer informed Infobae that he filed legal actions against the National Civil Police (PNC), against the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDH), and against the First Instance Judge who authorized the eviction. Gabriel Guzmán Matón, lawyer for Juana Santiago Chel, 72 years old, explained that the main complaints are against the Pluripersonal First Civil Instance Judge, Ada Madaí López Morales, for the following crimes: Prevarication, Resolutions contrary to the Constitution, Abuse of Authority, Failure to perform duties. "She (the judge) never appeared at any of the evictions against my client," the lawyer detailed, who mentioned that this was the seventh time Juana Santiago Chel was to be evicted from her home, but in previous occasions, she managed to halt the process through legal actions. However, he mentioned that this time she was notified only at 10:30 a.m., even though the eviction started at 9 in the morning, that is, almost an hour and a half after the procedure began. "This is a clear violation for my client and an example that the judge acted in bad faith," he stated in an interview with Infobae. Furthermore, the judge would have ordered the eviction on a property registered in someone else's name, but, according to the lawyer, she has ignored all the expl…

Through a security alert, the United States embassy issued a warning not to visit Michoacán. It was indicated that local security forces in the state were put on alert: "There are reports of roadblocks and criminal activity in the state that have the potential to escalate." It reminded U.S. citizens that the Department of State's Travel Alert for Michoacán is Level 4, which means "Do Not Travel." It also mentioned actions to take: avoid areas with police activity, avoid unnecessary travel, monitor local media, follow the instructions of local authorities, in case of emergency call 911, and share your location with family and friends. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! From your mobile device, stay informed about the most relevant news of the day, opinion articles, entertainment, trends, and more.

Guatemalan Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, defended the actions of the National Civil Police (PNC) in the violent eviction carried out on Thursday, July 30, in Nebaj, Quiché, although he admitted that the operation left "difficult images to process." The official also announced that a review will be conducted regarding the compliance with protocols, in a case that also resulted in the burning of the house of Judge Ada Madaí López Morales, who approved the eviction order against Juana Santiago Chel, a 72-year-old woman who lives with her sister Elena, 77; her daughter Juana López, 52; and her grandson Tomás, who has a disability. The official justified that the police presence responded to a judicial request that had already completed all the necessary stages and reviews, confirming a judge's resolution, who ordered the eviction of the inhabitants of the property. However, images from local media revealed that the proceedings were supported by a force of between 20 and 40 agents, including personnel from special Anti-Motines forces. According to the Guatemalan Minister, the institution cannot choose which resolutions to comply with and which not to, because its legal obligation is to execute the orders issued by judges, and he insisted that only the judicial order was fulfilled. "Yesterday, very regrettable events occurred in Nebaj, Quiché. Diff...

In a coordinated operation, the National Civil Police (PNC) of Guatemala removed illegal surveillance cameras installed by gangs in the Boca del Monte village and nearby areas of the municipality of Villa Canales. The deployment, led by the Specialized Division of Criminal Investigation (DEIC), aimed to neutralize the technological control exercised by criminal structures over public space, according to reports from Prensa Libre in its coverage of the case. During the intervention, agents from the Department of Crimes against Life dismantled at least 28 surveillance devices that gangs had placed without authorization on streetlight poles and electrical lines. According to the PNC, these devices allowed criminal groups to monitor community movements, watch rivals, and anticipate the presence of security forces. After expanding the operations to other points in Villa Canales, the number of devices removed exceeded 40 in total. Response to recent violent events The operation responded to a surge in violence recorded in the area, which included an armed attack that resulted in seven deaths. DEIC investigators indicated that the clandestine surveillance system was key for gangs to coordinate attacks, manage extortions on businesses and transporters, and evade police patrols. Regarding…

Guatemala opened Xetulhá in Retalhuleu as a new water park of the Institute of Recreation of Private Sector Workers (IRTRA) with a capacity for 10,000 visitors simultaneously, an investment of Q700 million, and the promise to expand family tourism offerings in Guatemala while promoting employment and economic activity in the southwest of the country. The opening comes with a forecast of 500 direct jobs and in a context of growing tourism. The director of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), Harris Whitbeck, stated that since 2024, the country has recorded a cumulative increase of nearly 26% in the number of arrivals of non-resident visitors. The park is developed over 76,665 square meters, with about 50,000 square meters of construction. The new facility includes 13 water complexes and 40 slides, as well as areas designed for children, youth, and adults. Xetulhá adds 13 water complexes and 40 slides to the IRTRA complex. One of its main attractions is Ola de Balam, a rapid wave river approximately 464 meters long. It also includes Mundo Chispeante, a nearly 5,000-square-meter space for the youngest visitors. The offering is completed with family cabins, themed restaurants, spa services, gastronomic areas, event spaces, and pools for different ages. The park also features Nauti and Nati, two otters that become part of the p…

A eviction operation in Santa María Nebaj, Quiché, in Guatemala, ended with the forced expulsion of a 77-year-old woman, along with her daughter, as well as the outbreak of mass protests and the burning of the house of the judge responsible for the case. The day in Santa María Nebaj changed abruptly after security forces intervened to enforce a court order for eviction at Juana Santiago Chel's home, an elderly woman who had lived in that property for decades. The order was processed by her own son, Pedro Santiago López, amid a family dispute over the property, confirmed by neighbors and local authorities. The judicial procedure was marked by excessive force, which included pushing the woman out, leaving her belongings on the street, and all of this was captured in images and live broadcasts by local media. The intervention immediately generated strong social rejection and accusations of human rights violations. In images captured by local media, it shows how the elderly woman's daughter is carried by agents of the Civil National Police while resisting the eviction. Witnesses reported that the community reacted with outrage upon learning that the legal action was initiated by the direct descendant of the affected person. "No one deserved that treatment, especially an elderly person," community leaders stated. Escalation of disturbances and attack on the judge

As the Mexican-inspired American chain makes its debut in Mexico, it faces a major hurdle: convincing Mexicans to buy an Americanized take on their own national cuisine.

Guatemala dressed in blue, displayed symbols, and carried out activities in various parts of the country to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a day established every July 30 by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). This year, the global campaign focused on the alert from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) about the phenomenon of victims forced by criminal networks to participate in cybercrimes, under the slogan "Caught Behind the Scam." State strategies and the Blue Heart symbol The government of Guatemala reaffirmed its commitment to the international campaign Blue Heart. This initiative aims to coordinate efforts between state institutions and civil society to strengthen the prevention and fight against all forms of human trafficking. The Blue Heart represents the sadness of the victims and the insensitivity of those who exploit them, as well as the UN's commitment to eradicate this crime. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior (Mingob) implemented coordinated strategies from the Civil National Police (PNC) and specialized units, successfully dismantling five criminal structures and arresting 35 alleged perpetrators of trafficking and illegal trafficking of persons during 2026. The National Palace of Culture and other government buildings were illuminated with a blue hue. Institutional and professional strengthening…

The Guatemalan Penitentiary System faces a new crisis after the confirmation of the escape of César Humberto Hernández Vicente, an inmate who managed to evade custody at the Pavón Rehabilitation Farm. According to the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP), the escape occurred under circumstances that are still under investigation, but unofficial reports suggest that the inmate may have escaped hidden inside a wooden wardrobe with a double bottom, manufactured within the prison itself for sale. Activation of protocols and thorough search Through a statement, the Penitentiary System reported that upon detecting Hernández Vicente's absence, the control agencies of the DGSP activated emergency protocols. The National Civil Police (PNC) is participating in an exhaustive search inside and outside the penitentiary complex, while the General Inspection of the Penitentiary Regime initiated processes to determine possible responsibilities. “All those involved in the events will face the full weight of the law,” warned the penitentiary authority in the official statement published on their social media. The DGSP made the photo of the escaped inmate available to the public and enabled anonymous reporting channels. Citizens can contact the 1533 line of the Penitentiary System, the 110 of the PNC, or via WhatsApp Crime Stoppers at 3764-1561. “Your information is valuable. The report is anonymous…

The Ministry of the Interior of Guatemala presented two draft laws to Congress. The first aims to prohibit the substitute measure for those detained for illegal possession of a firearm, and the other to expand the use of telematic control as an autonomous mechanism. According to the Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, the goal is to toughen actions against crime and optimize the resources of the penitentiary system. During a hearing before the Congress's Governance Committee, the head of the Interior Ministry explained that the substitute measure allowed in Article 264 of the Criminal Procedure Code harms the application of justice. "We have had the experience that in many cases, hitmen are captured who, logically, carry a firearm without a license, and (in court) they are granted a substitute measure. They are released in 24 hours, and after a few days, we capture them again in possession of another firearm with which they intend to commit a serious act against life," Villeda stated. Villeda argued that this pattern clearly indicates a presumption of criminal intent among those who carry weapons without proper authorization. "We consider, from the Ministry of the Interior, that this is not a defensive conduct. Someone who carries a weapon with defensive intentions does so properly registered and with a license granted by the General Directorate of Weapons and Ammunition Control (DIGECAM)..."

The Congress of Guatemala approved 14 decrees in the first half of 2026, but only one met the legal requirements of technical studies, justification documents, and financial analysis, a sign that the increase in legislative activity did not translate into better regulatory quality, according to the report presented on July 30 by the Alliance for an Efficient Congress. The report also recorded a deterioration in key controls: attendance at plenary sessions fell to 76% and compliance with the Law on Access to Public Information on the Legislative web decreased to 88%, the lowest level of the current legislature. The alliance is composed of Guatemala Visible, Fundación Proyecto de Vida–Fíjate Bien, and the National Economic Research Center. Between January and May, plenary sessions increased from 21 to 35 compared to the same period in 2025, the initiatives presented rose from 62 to 86, and the approved decrees grew from four to 14. Maria Isabel Bonilla de Anzueto, associate researcher at CIEN, summarized the main finding: “Only one of 14 decrees issued complied with the legal requirements for approval, and six were approved under the figure of national urgency.” This figure allows omitting the committee opinion and approving a regulation in a single debate. The mechanism eliminates the technical analysis required by the Organic Law of the Legislative Body. Of the 14 decrees approved, 13 lacked technical studies and 13 did not…

Guatemala identified 1,276 possible victims of human trafficking between 2025 and the first four months of 2026, with adolescents aged 13 to 17 remaining the most affected group, accounting for more than 68% of cases attended in specialized shelters, according to the annual report presented by the Secretariat against Sexual Violence, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking. The same report places sexual exploitation and labor exploitation as the most prevalent modalities in the country. Prevention actions reached more than 1,065,000 people across the territory through campaigns such as "Networks that Protect" and "Red Card to Human Trafficking." Strategies were targeted differently at children, adolescents, women, indigenous populations, migrants, and people with disabilities. Of the total possible victims identified during the period, 788 were women and 451 men. In outpatient care, 61% of the victims were women and 39% men. According to Danissa Ramírez, executive secretary of the SVET, "criminal structures continue to focus their recruitment strategies on children and adolescents, so prevention and reporting remain essential." Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Escuintla, and Alta Verapaz report the highest incidence. Most of the victims attended in shelters were adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. The SVET report also describes a p…