Paris 2024 Olympic champion Erislandy Álvarez (65 kg) will headline Cuba’s squad for the Guizhou International Boxing Tournament, to be held in China from November 3 to 12.
The Cuban delegation will consist of seven men and six women, according to national commissioner Robinson Poll, as reported by the digital publication Jit.
Álvarez returns to competition following his recovery from a surgical procedure that kept him out of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo and the recent Continental Championship in Puebla. The 2023 Tashkent World Championship silver medalist leads a team aiming to continue Cuba’s strong performance in this international event.
In the men’s division, alongside Álvarez, the roster includes Ángel Sober (50 kg), Deibys Abreu (55 kg), Rolando Martínez (60 kg), Keilor García (80 kg), Fredisney Morales (90 kg), and Joel Duvergel (+90 kg).
The women’s squad features Dayira Mesa (70 kg)—a champion at the 2026 Santo Domingo Games—as well as bronze medalists from that same regional event: Dinaibys de las Nieves (51 kg), Carysney García (54 kg), Magda Massó (57 kg), and Keilor García (80 kg). Rounding out the team are Melani Girado (60 kg) and Naybel Morado (75 kg).
The text reads, “Erislandy Álvarez to reappear at Guizhou tournament He leads the squad of seven men and six women entered by #Cuba.”
The squad will train under the guidance of coaches Julián González Cedeño, Fermín Espinoza, and Yuri Echevarría. In the previous edition of the tournament, Cuba secured three gold titles—won by Saidel Horta (57 kg), Jorge Cuéllar (71 kg), and Nelson Williams (92 kg)—along with two bronze medals, earned by Arianne Imbert (66 kg) and Yoana Rodríguez (75 kg).
The 2026 Guizhou International Boxing Tournament marks the competitive return of Erislandy Álvarez and offers a new opportunity for Cuban boxing to achieve international success in China.
#Cuba | Cuba is moving forward with reforms to give state-owned enterprises greater autonomy, attract investment, and boost production amid energy shortages and US sanctions. The measures aim to modernize the economy while preserving public control of strategic sectors.… pic.twitter.com/DUCF3XxafR
Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff will receive a monthly compensation of R$ 17,562.80—equivalent to approximately 3,200 US dollars—as financial reparation for the political persecution, illegal detentions, and physical and psychological torture she endured during Brazil’s military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985.
The measure was published this Tuesday, October 27, in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government (in Portuguese Diario Oficial da União) and follows a final ruling by the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF1).
The resolution was issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship. In addition to the permanent monthly payment, the ministry calculated retroactive payments totaling R$ 6,616,492.19 for the period recognized by the judiciary, with financial effects dating back to October 21, 1997. Any amounts previously received by Rousseff as reparation must be deducted from this total.
The monthly payment was calculated based on the salary scales for professionals at the former Foundation for Economics and Statistics of Rio Grande do Sul (FEE)—a state-linked institution where Rousseff worked as an economist prior to her arrest. The reparation acknowledges the loss of her employment with that foundation as a consequence of political persecution during the military regime.
This month marks 60 years since Brazil's military coup ushered in 21 years of US-backed, authoritarian dictatorship. This weekend people came out to protest the amnesty law which protects military torturers & murderers from prosecution. My story @telesurenglish#23MSemAnistiapic.twitter.com/cxISd0tpQi
The judicial decision, issued in December 2025, mandated that the former president receive a permanent, ongoing monthly allowance, based on the remuneration for the position she held before her arrest. This new resolution replaces a previous measure from August 2025, which had established a one-time compensation payment of R$ 100,000.
Dilma Rousseff was detained in 1970, at the age of 22, for her involvement in a resistance organization against the Brazilian military dictatorship. During her captivity, she was subjected to physical and psychological torture and spent nearly three years in prison. The judicial system acknowledged that she had been persecuted and prevented from working from the day of her arrest until October 21, 1997.
The former president was a member of the Armed Revolutionary Vanguard Palmares (Vanguardia Armada Revolucionaria Palmares), a group that opposed the military regime. Financial reparation is a measure provided for under Brazilian law for individuals recognized as victims of political persecution during that period.
Rousseff joined the Workers’ Party (PT) in 1999, and four years later, she was appointed as a minister by then-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In January 2011, Lula handed the presidential sash to her following her electoral victory with 56.01% of the vote, making her the first female president in the history of Brazil.
🇧🇷 Lula wins a fourth presidential term in Brazil!
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth term with 51.77% of the valid vote, marking a decisive moment in Brazil’s political landscape.
What does Lula’s victory mean for Brazil’s future and the region? Share your thoughts… pic.twitter.com/eLDPfkeg12
On Monday, in Yerevan, Armenia, Cuba presented its priorities for the conservation of biological diversity during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The conference, held from October 19 to 30, 2026, serves as the first review meeting on the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Daimar Cánovas, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), highlighted that Cuba’s National Biodiversity Program—with a vision toward 2030—is aligned with the global agreement adopted at COP15 in 2022, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, with specific targets set for 2030 and long-term goals for 2050.
Cánovas González participated in an event titled “Yerevan Call for Positive Incentives for Biodiversity,” which also saw the launch of the Friends of Target 18 group and the “Biodiversity Financing Challenge,” held as part of the High-Level Segment of COP17.
The Deputy Minister explained that one of Cuba’s key environmental priorities is the need to reformulate economic and financial incentives that currently have a negative impact on biodiversity. The goal is to transform these into mechanisms that promote conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
In this context, the country has begun an assessment within the agricultural sector—a strategic sector, alongside mining, fisheries, and tourism—to evaluate incentives linked to Target 18 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
Cánovas also highlighted the process of greening the national banking system, an initiative promoted as a financial solution and supported by the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). This initiative promotes the integration of environmental criteria into banking policies and products.
Identified opportunities include positive incentives linked to agroecology, the restoration of productive landscapes, the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, agrotourism, and nature-based economic activities.
Furthermore, Cuba plans to promote credit lines for biodiversity, sustainable financial instruments, and support mechanisms for producers, cooperatives, MSMEs, and businesses that adopt practices compatible with the conservation and rational use of natural resources.
These actions will contribute to meeting the national targets of the National Biodiversity Program through 2030, as well as the commitments Cuba has made under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while strengthening resource mobilization and financial sustainability.
The session was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Astrid Schomaker, and the President of COP17, Hambardzum Matevosyan—who serves as the Minister of Environment of Armenia—along with other officials from the host country.
#COP17 | With 40% of the world’s land degraded, delegates in Mongolia are negotiating a stronger global response to drought and desertification. Science, financing and land restoration are at the center of talks running through Aug. 28.#UNCCD#Mongolia#ClimateActionpic.twitter.com/uFdPwt0s6L
Airstrikes carried out by Jordan on Monday night against positions in southern Syria—allegedly linked to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS)—have triggered a diplomatic rift between the two nations. The friction stems from a lack of prior coordination and the fact that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including children.
On Tuesday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry criticized the Hashemite Kingdom for conducting the military operation without prior coordination, describing the action as completely unacceptable and a violation of Syria’s national sovereignty.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry also suggested that certain suspicious groups might be attempting to strain relations between Damascus and Amman, though it provided no further details regarding this claim.
Jordan framed the airstrikes as retaliation for an attack last Friday on a church in the western part of the kingdom, which left nine people dead and approximately 40 injured. Jordanian authorities attributed the attack to the Islamic State, although the organization has not yet claimed responsibility.
#Syria hardened its stance on the Jordanian attack carried out yesterday in the South.
While the Syrian Foreign Ministry initially expressed "reservations" about the Jordanian airstrikes in a statement last night, this morning, as the civilian death toll was confirmed, Damascus… pic.twitter.com/RvgfBLFVIV
Mohammad Momani, Jordan’s Minister of Government Communications and government spokesperson, stated on the social media platform X that the strikes were launched in response to the movements of these organizations and their acts against Jordan’s national security.
Momani expressed regret over the civilian casualties, maintaining that the armed forces had taken every possible precaution to avoid harming innocent people.
Syrian authorities confirmed that seven people were killed in the strikes, which targeted four areas in the southern province of Daraa. The victims included three children and an 80-year-old man.
Both countries have confirmed the establishment of an urgent joint committee to strengthen coordination in the fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, Momani expressed a commitment to developing bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.
#Syria | At least 14 people were killed and 11 injured in an explosion at a temporary weapons depot near Sarmada in Idlib province. Rescue teams are searching the rubble for survivors, while authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blast.#Idlib#teleSUREnglishpic.twitter.com/q5utCtzkFE
On Tuesday, National Court Judge María Tardón requested that the Spanish government urgently declassify all reports from the National Intelligence Center (CNI) concerning the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco, which took place on July 30 and 31, 2026. The magistrate set a maximum deadline of 15 calendar days for the submission of the documentation.
In her request, Tardón asks for all notes and reports produced by the CNI and distributed to authorities from July 30, 2026, onwards, regarding investigations into the events. She also requests any documents pertaining to the actions taken by Moroccan authorities up to the present date.
Furthermore, the judge demands the disclosure of the list of authorities who received the declassified notes from July 27 and 30, as well as any subsequent communications. The requested documents include a note sent by the CNI to Moroccan intelligence services, along with any alerts regarding irregular migration from Morocco to Spain issued throughout the month of July.
In the magistrate’s view, this information is essential for clarifying the facts. The objective is to determine which authorities were aware—and from what point in time—of the planned mass entry scheduled for July 30, 2026, as well as what decisions were taken or, conversely, failed to be taken.
Tardón maintains that these documents will shed light on the actions taken by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco. The judicial request notes that the government had already declassified information regarding the migration crisis—including CNI notes and communications—on September 8; therefore, she argues that this new disclosure is entirely compatible with the requirements of state security and defense.
#Spain’s government will declassify around 40 intelligence and security documents related to the mass entry of migrants into #Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31, seeking to clarify what authorities knew ahead of the crisis and whether #Morocco played a role in the unprecedented… pic.twitter.com/fYfEDCzDd9
The judge argues that state security may have already been compromised in the context of the events under investigation: “Determining who was responsible for this attack on state security is the objective of the ongoing investigation,” the judicial document states.
In addition to the declassification of information, Judge Tardón has requested that the government urgently authorize CNI (National Intelligence Center) officials to provide testimony in court regarding the events in question. This measure is part of the judicial inquiry into the mass arrival of people in the autonomous city.
On July 30 and 31, more than 80,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco, either by swimming or on foot. While most subsequently returned to Moroccan territory, an indeterminate number of migrants—from both the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa—remained in the city.
Since then, Ceuta has been grappling with a socioeconomic crisis, marked by expressions of discontent toward the government regarding its handling of the emergency. The judicial investigation seeks to establish what information was available prior to the events and what responsibilities may have existed on both the Spanish and Moroccan sides.
#Spain | A Moroccan naval incursion near Ceuta has renewed concerns over maritime sovereignty and border security. The incident highlights longstanding sensitivities between Madrid and Rabat.#Morocco#Ceuta#teleSUREnglishpic.twitter.com/EBjubtX4rp
The second edition of Venezuela’s International Festival of Arts and Disability, “DiverFest,” will take place from November 2 to 21, featuring performances in dance, theater, and pantomime, alongside workshops, talks, and virtual activities focused on cultural inclusion. The European Union (EU) delegation in Caracas announced on Tuesday that it is supporting the event in collaboration with the organizers.
The festival will be divided into three phases. From November 2 to 6, the first stage will focus on direct engagement, research, and the exchange of knowledge with individuals with Down syndrome.
Between November 11 and 15, there will be an intensive program of dance, theater, and pantomime, as well as workshops, discussions, conferences, and book presentations. According to the EU, these activities will center on art, disability, and technological innovation as applied to this sector.
The third stage, scheduled for November 17 to 21, will be primarily virtual, with the exception of an in-person closing event. It will include workshops on inclusive dance and the use of sign language in theater, with activities specifically designed for people with disabilities, those with limited mobility, or those living in other regions of the country.
¡El arte no tiene barreras ni etiquetas! 🎭✨
🇻🇪🇫🇷🇪🇺 La segunda edición de El DiverFest, el Festival Internacional de Artes y Discapacidad de Venezuela, presenta tres semanas de talento, música, teatro, danza y diversidad.
— Unión Europea en Venezuela 🇪🇺🇻🇪 (@UEenVenezuela) October 27, 2026
The text reads, “Art knows no barriers or labels! The second edition of El DiverFest—the International Festival of Arts and Disability in Venezuela—presents three weeks of talent, music, theater, dance, and diversity.”
Partnerships and Community Participation
DiverFest is the result of a cooperation project between Producciones DV and the French Embassy in Venezuela, with the support of the civil association Apoye. For this edition, the festival has expanded its reach by bringing in the EU delegation in Caracas as a new partner.
The first edition was held in 2025; since its inception, the event has been dedicated to highlighting, promoting, and empowering the artistic talent of people with disabilities, fostering cultural inclusion and equal opportunity through the performing and visual arts, the European delegation noted.
Meanwhile, the Kümelen Day Center will present an arts festival titled A Journey Through Time ( in spanish Un viaje en el tiempo), featuring individuals with functional diversity. The event will bring together music, dance, theater, and audiovisual media at the Sala Payró in the Teatro Auditorium.
The program will include a tango performance coordinated by Germán Suárez, a choreographed piece set to Astor Piazzolla’s “Adiós Nonino,” a theatrical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the audiovisual projection Changing Channels ( in spanish Cambiando de dial), and a stage production titled Between Seasons ( in spanish Entre estaciones). The event will conclude with a musical performance by the guest group Aunquinco Malambo.
🇻🇪 The U.S. has removed Venezuela from its list of investment restrictions, signaling a shift in Washington’s sanctions policy toward the South American nation.
What does this decision mean for Venezuela’s economic prospects, foreign investment, and its oil sector? How could it… pic.twitter.com/LSJKaOlTM3
On Monday, Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony held in London—the first time the event has taken place outside of France since the award’s inception in 1956.
English forward Harry Kane received the award for the first time, finishing ahead of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé (second) and Spaniard Lamine Yamal (third) in the voting. The award recognizes the best footballer in the world for the season and cements Kane’s status as a leading figure in international football.
In the men’s rankings, Rodri placed fourth and Fabián Ruiz tenth, while Lionel Messi finished fifth.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, following her previous wins in 2021 and 2022. The midfielder was recognized as the best female player in the world, further building her legacy in one of the most significant awards in women’s football.
Golden nights for Alexia Putellas and Harry Kane as they win the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin and Ballon d’Or Awards.
Putellas, who led FC Barcelona Femení to the quadruple last season, wins the Award for a record-equalling third time.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honor in world football, recognizing the best player on the planet each season. Its list of winners includes the sport’s greatest legends, topped by Lionel Messi—who holds the all-time record with eight awards—ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won five.
From a Spanish perspective, only Luis Suárez Miramontes, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Rodri have managed to win the trophy—an award that, every year, captures the attention of the football world and fuels the debate over who delivered the best performance of the season.
A packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires gathered to support the Argentine national team in its match against Benin and to share an emotional night as Lionel Messi bid farewell to the Argentine public. Thousands of fans gathered around the stadium and in the stands celebrated… pic.twitter.com/M5qEFV7IpY
“Latin America has the potential to produce and supply alternative marine fuels, although the development of regional supply hubs will depend on maritime traffic, cargo volumes, and production conditions.” This was stated on Tuesday by Adrian Tolson, International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) president, in comments to the portal Mundo Marítimo.
According to the expert, the key question is whether countries in the region will prioritize the export of alternative fuels or the strengthening of their own domestic bunker supply markets.
“It is most likely that ports with high cargo volumes in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and potentially Peru will become the first hubs for the supply of alternative fuels,” Tolson asserted.
He identified Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina as potential suppliers of alternative marine fuels—specifically biofuels. Brazil benefits from its established ethanol industry, while countries with abundant renewable resources could participate in the production of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).
“Chile, for example, has already generated considerable interest as a producer of green hydrogen,” the IBIA president noted.
Hydrogen groups want Brussels to revise RFNBO production rules by year-end, postpone additionality and monthly matching requirements until 2035, and protect first-mover projects. They warn regulatory uncertainty is delaying investment.https://t.co/RzUbIPNKvQ#Hydrogen#RFNBO
Regarding the available alternatives, Tolson maintained that liquefied natural gas (LNG) remains commercially attractive, particularly when renewable natural gas—which can help reduce the greenhouse gas footprint—is available. He added that LNG continues to be the most popular alternative marine fuel and could retain that position for some years to come.
However, he expressed caution regarding hydrogen-derived RFNBOs, citing their high costs and the investments required to develop compatible vessels.
#Europe | The European Parliament calls for a faster phaseout of fossil fuels, pushing for stronger climate action and a transition toward renewable energy amid growing concerns over global warming and energy security.#ClimateChange#teleSUREnglishpic.twitter.com/e4Sl9rBElm
The American Association of Jurists (AAJ) has demanded the immediate release of former Ecuadorian presidential candidate Luisa González, who remains in pretrial detention as part of the Labyrinth case—an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the financing of the 2023 presidential campaign of the Citizen Revolution (RC) movement.
In a statement released on October 26, the organization described the opposition leader’s detention as arbitrary and questioned the precautionary measure, which was imposed just over a month before Ecuador’s local elections, scheduled for November 29.
The AAJ maintained that pretrial detention must be justified by specific procedural risks, such as the risk of flight or the potential to obstruct an investigation. According to the association, González had remained available to the judicial authorities since a raid conducted in January 2026; she had kept them informed of her international travel, returned to the country, and was subsequently arrested at her home.
“In the absence of a procedural risk, this measure functions as a preemptive sentence,” the organization stated, citing both the Ecuadorian Constitution and Inter-American jurisprudence to argue that the deprivation of liberty prior to a conviction should be an exceptional measure.
The AAJ also denounced the use of ongoing investigations—in which no verdict has been reached—as tools for electoral exclusion, noting that González’s detention occurs within a broader context of decisions that, in the organization’s view, restrict democratic competition.
⭕️ #ATENCIÓN | La Asociación Americana de Juristas condenó la detención de @LuisaGonzalezEc y exigió su libertad inmediata. La organización denunció el uso de la prisión preventiva y de investigaciones sin sentencia como mecanismos de exclusión electoral y alertó sobre la… pic.twitter.com/KaV7c1Tb36
The text reads, “The American Association of Jurists condemned the detention of @LuisaGonzalezEc and demanded her immediate release. The organization denounced the use of pretrial detention and investigations without a sentence as mechanisms of electoral exclusion and warned about the proscription of the opposition in Ecuador. The AAJ will bring the case before the IACHR and UN organizations.”
In its statement, the association linked González’s case to a series of actions taken against opposition organizations and figures. These include the temporary suspension of the Citizen Revolution, the deregistration of other political parties, the suspension of the AMIGO movement, and the rejection of González’s candidacy.
The organization also pointed to the raid on the Quito municipal government offices and the decision to move up the date of the elections. According to the AAJ, these actions constitute a pattern of suppressing the political opposition in Ecuador. The organization argued that the American Convention on Human Rights limits the restriction of political rights and prohibits the suspension—even during states of emergency—of the judicial guarantees essential for their protection.
Furthermore, the legal organization announced that it will bring the case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Additionally, it called on electoral observation missions to assess the conditions for fair competition in the elections scheduled for November 29. The statement was signed by Claudia V. Rocca, president of the AAJ Continental, and Vanessa Ramos, the organization’s secretary-general.
#Ecuador | Former President Rafael Correa denounced the arrest of Luisa Gonzalez, a former presidential candidate and a leading figure in the Citizen Revolution movement.https://t.co/X40VSCtbKF
On Monday, two high-ranking officers from the Spanish security forces testified before the judge investigating the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta, stating that Moroccan agents stood idly by during the events of July 30 and 31, and that some actively facilitated the passage of people into the Spanish city. According to legal sources cited by EFE, more than 72,000 people entered from Morocco over those two days.
A lieutenant colonel of the Guardia Civil—who serves as head of operations for the Ceuta Command—and a chief inspector of the National Police in the autonomous city provided testimony to the magistrate overseeing the case regarding the migration crisis. Both linked the actions of the Moroccan authorities to the mass influx of migrants.
The National Police chief inspector asserted that Moroccan agents facilitated the crossing into Ceuta. He described uniformed personnel—dressed in gray and khaki—as well as individuals in plainclothes, gesturing for the migrants to move forward. He also claimed to have seen people directing a very long line from Morocco toward Spain.
For his part, the Guardia Civil lieutenant colonel maintained that Moroccan military personnel stood by with their arms at their sides during the influx. He noted that while they took an active stance toward sub-Saharan migrants attempting to cross, they remained passive when it came to their own compatriots.
The Guardia Civil officer recounted that other agents allegedly directed people from the beach toward the breakwater that separates Ceuta from Morocco. He indicated that the Moroccan military steered migrants into the water, forcing Spanish security personnel to pull individuals from the sea to save their lives.
MASS MIGRATION: Insane footage shows thousands of migrants entering Spain from Morocco pic.twitter.com/WHDbDEmPML
Furthermore, he claimed to have seen Moroccan vessels picking up people during the influx and subsequently dropping them off on the beach. He explained that these were small craft, as larger vessels could not approach the coast.
On the night before the mass entry, the lieutenant colonel stated that he had spotted six Moroccan vessels: two patrol boats, two interceptors, and two smaller craft. The officer noted that it was striking that, on a day with fog, there were six Moroccan Navy vessels in the area.
He also stated that he had received no warning regarding a mass entry planned for July 30. He pointed out that prior coordination meetings were not held for that purpose, and that it was never communicated to him that there was a planned influx for Throne Day—a national holiday in Morocco.
A National Police inspector explained that, overall, the arrival of migrants had increased three- to fourfold compared to previous years. However, he noted that in the days leading up to the events, the increase had been exponential.
The investigation seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta—one of the most significant border crises between Spain and Morocco in recent years.
On Monday, public-sector biochemists in Paraguay joined a three-day national strike affecting approximately 177 laboratories across the country. They are demanding salary increases, better working conditions, and the provision of medical supplies and reagents in hospitals.
The action was organized by the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP) and includes the suspension of outpatient laboratory tests. However, the union has guaranteed that care for emergency cases, hospitalized patients, and those in intensive care—among other priority services—will continue.
The biochemists are demanding a salary increase of 2 million guaraníes, equivalent to approximately 347 US dollars at the current exchange rate. According to biochemist Laila Peña, a professional employed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare earns 4.3 million guaraníes (746 US dollars), while a temporary contract worker receives between 3.2 and 3.6 million guaraníes (between 555 and 625 US dollars).
Peña stated that salaries in the sector have been frozen for 14 years, noting that 70% of diseases are diagnosed in laboratories. In addition to a pay adjustment, the union is requesting a larger supply of materials and reagents, as well as the formal appointment of temporary contract staff to permanent positions.
HUELGA NACIONAL |👩🔬🧑🔬📢
🗣️La Dra. Nathalia Zarza, vocera de la Unión de Bioquímicas del Paraguay (UBP), informó sobre el inicio de la medida de fuerza que se extenderá por 3 días.#1000Noticias#1000am📻🎙️
The text reads, “NATIONAL STRIKE. Dr. Nathalia Zarza, spokesperson for the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP), announced the start of a strike action that will last for 3 days.”
In the Amambay Department, biochemists from the 13th Health Region joined the strike outside the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero. Carmen Barreto, a biochemist, told radio station Urundey 103.3 FM that participation is nearly universal nationwide, while critical services will remain operational. “Emergency, inpatient, and intensive care services will remain covered,” noted Barreto, specifying that in the emergency department, only tests related to emergency cases will be performed.
The representative explained that patients with scheduled appointments will not lose their slots, as their tests will be rescheduled—with the exception of oncology and emergency cases. She further detailed that permanent staff earn approximately five million guaraníes, while contract-based staff receive between 3.2 and 3.9 million guaraníes.
The strike comes months after public-sector doctors held protests between August and September. Following those demonstrations, President Santiago Peña’s administration authorized salary increases of approximately 2 million guaraníes ($347 USD) for more than 20,000 professionals, to take effect starting next year.
The industrial action by the biochemists aims to compel the State to address their salary demands and ensure adequate conditions for the operation of public laboratories, which are considered vital for diagnosis and healthcare across the country.
🇵🇾 Severe flooding forces thousands to evacuate in Paraguay.
Around 4,200 families have been evacuated as heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Paraná River trigger widespread flooding, threatening communities and homes.
On Monday, scientific institutions and environmental authorities announced that Cuba is advancing scientific and community-based projects to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in the southern part of the country. These initiatives involve the study of mangroves, environmental remote sensing, and the integration of human mobility considerations into territorial planning.
The Center for Environmental Studies (CEAC) presented an analysis of coastline changes between 2016 and 2024, as well as the spatiotemporal variability of the mangroves within the Punta la Iguana ecotone. This area is located at the mouth of the Caunao River, in the Bay of Jagua, in south-central Cuba—approximately 250 kilometers from Havana.
Dr. Minerva Sánchez Llull, a specialist at the CEAC, explained that the team utilized optical remote sensing—incorporating Sentinel-2 imagery and QGIS software—for their analysis. Water quality assessments were based on data from monitoring stations within the bay’s hydrological monitoring program that influence the ecotone.
🌿 Hoy se desarrolló el Taller Final del Proyecto Territorial (PT) Ecotono de Manglar, un espacio de intercambio y socialización de resultados que evidenció el trabajo, la dedicación y los aportes del proyecto al conocimiento y conservación de estos valiosos ecosistemas. pic.twitter.com/EJqVlBeC5V
— Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos (@botanico_cfg) October 20, 2026
The text reads, “Today, the final workshop for the “Mangrove Ecotone” Territorial Project (PT) took place—a forum for exchange and the sharing of results that highlighted the work, dedication, and contributions of the project toward the understanding and conservation of these valuable ecosystems.”
Sánchez Llull noted that the results indicate a relatively stable coastline over the study period, a slight expansion of mangrove cover around the ecotone, and oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) water conditions at the monitored sites—all of which served as indicators for assessing climate risk in the coastal zone. The study further identified a high level of risk across both sectors of the ecotone, driven by exposure to coastal dynamics and ecological vulnerability, alongside a moderate adaptive capacity. Conservation and Environmental Education
The Cienfuegos Botanical Garden (JBC), the project’s primary implementing entity, presented its achievements. Its director, Niurka Medina Bárzaga, reported on the identification of endemic and threatened species, the propagation and reintroduction of several of these species, and the implementation of environmental education initiatives for children in the Junco Viejo community.
The “Mangrove Ecotone” Territorial Project brought together the JBC, the CEAC (Center for Environmental Studies of Cienfuegos), and the Provincial Meteorological Center to study the relationship between the coastline, mangroves, and climate change in the Bay of Cienfuegos. According to the source, these ecosystems support biodiversity and coastal resilience, making their conservation essential for the region’s environmental management.
Another aspect examined by scientists during the meeting was human mobility and adaptation. In this regard, the Minister of Science, Technology, and the Environment, Armando Rodríguez Batista, emphasized the importance of integrating human mobility into climate change adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities in southern Cuba.
Planned initiatives include a project currently in the validation phase, spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Agency for Social and Humanistic Sciences (AXIS) and the Environment Agency (AMA)—both affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment (CITMA)—with support from the IOM Development Fund.
Interesante esto, algo que nuestras autoridades debieran tomar en cuenta y proteger mejor nuestros manglares pic.twitter.com/MDCsy8rBjp
The text reads,”This is interesting—something our authorities should take into account in order to better protect our mangroves.”
The initiative is set to begin in 2027 in Playa Cajío (Artemisa) and Surgidero de Batabanó (Mayabeque), in western Cuba. It aims to strengthen the governance of human mobility within the context of the climate and environmental crisis through socioeconomic studies, participatory assessments, and technical recommendations designed to incorporate these issues into territorial planning and risk management. Both locations are prioritized under the State Plan for Addressing Climate Change—known as “Tarea Vida” (Task Life)—due to their high exposure to coastal erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise.
The project will foster collaboration among scientific institutions, local governments, and communities to develop sustainable responses and strengthen the resilience of these areas. Specialists from AXIS, AMA, and the IOM conducted exploratory visits to both locations, where they engaged with authorities, community leaders, and institutional representatives to discuss the impacts of climate change and opportunities for future action.
Dr. Beatriz Martínez Daranas, a specialist from CITMA, emphasized the importance of conserving marine-coastal ecosystems—even amidst the country’s current economic circumstances and the urgent need to develop the economy through the implementation of the 176 measures approved by the National Assembly of People’s Power.
#Cuba | Cuba is reforming its state-owned enterprises to expand financial autonomy, boost domestic production, and strengthen cooperation with the private sector amid US sanctions. The government says public ownership will remain central to its economic model.#EconomicReforms… pic.twitter.com/GJMG0FJz6d
On Monday, tennis player Paula Badosa defeated American Carol Youngsuh Lee 6-1, 6-4 in the round of 32 at the WTA 250 tournament in Guangzhou. With this win, she has qualified for the round of 16, where she will face Austrian Sinja Kraus on Wednesday.
Badosa, 28, currently ranked 61st in the world, handled the match with authority, though she faced some challenging moments—particularly in the Guangzhou. Her 24-year-old opponent, ranked 156th globally, put up a fight after the first set, which had been clearly dominated by the Spaniard.
The match began with some difficulty for Badosa, who had to save a break point on her opening service game. After holding serve, the Spaniard broke Lee’s serve in the following game, taking control of the set.
With that advantage, the Catalan player took command of the opening set, closing it out 6-1 by dictating the pace on her returns and remaining solid on her own serve.
In the second set, the American raised her level of play. Although Badosa initially pulled ahead 3-1, Lee responded, eventually turning the score in her favor at 4-3.
The Spaniard then regained her effectiveness on the return, breaking Lee’s serve for the second time to take a 5-4 lead. She ultimately closed out the match 6-4, securing her spot in the next round.
In the round of 16, Badosa will face 24-year-old Austrian Sinja Kraus, ranked 77th in the world, on Wednesday. Kraus reached this stage after defeating Hungary’s Panna Udvardy 6-4, 6-2. The two tennis players have faced each other only once—in March of this year in Austin (United States)—with Badosa winning 7-5, 6-1.
📌Table tennis player Dakota Ferrer won another gold medal for #Venezuela at the 4th South American Youth Games in #Panama … We tell you the details, Thread.. pic.twitter.com/C5egRjvm7B
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel will return to the Auditori de Barcelona on November 3 with the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, as part of a tour marking the 50th anniversary of Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs ( in spanish El Sistema).
The performance was rescheduled twice—first due to air travel restrictions in Venezuela, and subsequently because of earthquakes that affected the country.
The concert, organized by the Barcelona-based series BCN Clàssics, will be dedicated entirely to Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad,” composed during the Second World War amidst the Nazi siege of that Russian city. The work is regarded as a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of the devastation caused by the conflict.
The concert is part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of “El Sistema,” a social and cultural initiative of the Venezuelan state founded in 1975 by José Antonio Abreu. The National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela is described by the organizers as one of the flagship ensembles of this pedagogical model and a benchmark for artistic excellence.
Radetzky March, Op. 228 by the renowned composer Johann Strauss I.
This is a majestic and energetic march. A special feature of this work is the interaction between the conductor, orchestra, and audience: conductor Gustavo Dudamel simultaneously conducts the orchestra and turns… pic.twitter.com/pigpM3bMrU
Dudamel—who himself received his training through “El Sistema”—returns to the Catalan capital following his appearance three weeks ago to open the 2026–2027 season of BCN Clàssics, where he conducted the New York Philharmonic on its first international tour, alongside the Orfeó Català.
The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in the Sala Pau Casals at the Auditori de Barcelona. The program will consist exclusively of Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60—one of the most expansive and powerful works in the 20th-century symphonic repertoire.
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