The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) will celebrate Cuban Culture Day, (October 20) with a national event titled “Art and Homeland” (in spanish Arte y Patria), scheduled to take place from Monday, October 19, to Friday, October 30. The program includes panel discussions, concerts, exhibitions, exchange forums, and activities centered on artistic creation, history, and the defense of national identity.

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The event draws inspiration from the National Anthem, composed by Pedro “Perucho” Figueredo—a piece whose notes accompanied a decisive moment in Cuban history and remain a symbol of independence and emancipation.

“What better way to celebrate our national identity—that deep-rooted sense of ‘Cubanness’—than through art and music?” stated Magda Resik Aguirre, First Vice President of UNEAC, in remarks to the organization’s communications team.

Representatives from the UNEAC presidency and leadership will participate in the *Fiesta de la Cubanía* (Festival of Cuban Identity) in Bayamo—a city intrinsically linked to the birth and establishment of the national anthem as a patriotic symbol. The gathering will also commemorate the 65th anniversary of the writers’ and artists’ organization.

“Art and Homeland” is part of the Faithful Art (Arte Fiel) campaign, which honors the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the 65th anniversary of UNEAC. It also incorporates celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), an institution dedicated to promoting Cuban culture, social engagement, and artistic excellence.

🎼🥁El espacio Detras de la Portada que mensualmente organizan la Sección de Musicología y la Asociación de Músicos de la Uneac, dedicará su próxima edición al DVD La Familia, de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.#ArteFiel #65Uneac#MuñequitosDeMatanzas pic.twitter.com/cO5sGAiilb

— UNEAC (@UNEAC_online) October 17, 2026

The text reads, “The “Behind the Cover” (Detrás de la Portada) event, organized monthly by the Musicology Section and the Musicians’ Association of UNEAC, will dedicate its next edition to the DVD La Familia by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.”

The program includes discussions on the fight against racism and racial discrimination. The panel “Fidel and the Cuban Color: Racism and Discrimination 140 Years After the Abolition of Slavery” will be organized by UNEAC’s José Antonio Aponte Commission. Additionally, there will be a panel dedicated to the novel Paradiso by José Lezama Lima, marking six decades since its first publication.

The program will begin on October 19 at Sala Villena with a panel dedicated to Paradiso and the presentation of the DVD La Familia—produced by BisMusic from a concert by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas at the 2023 Jazz Plaza Festival. The group will subsequently give a special performance in the gardens of UNEAC.

On October 21, the printmaking exhibition Roots (in spanish Raíces) will open, followed by a gathering of *trova* musicians celebrating Cuban culture. The following day will feature the presentation of the Domingo Ravenet Curatorial Award and the opening of the exhibition Cartographies of Destiny (in spanish Cartografías del destino) by Santiago Rodríguez Olazábal.

From October 26 to 30, juries will convene to evaluate the admission of new members to UNEAC, both through its various associations and provincial committees. This process is part of the “Fidel Castro Ruz Centenary Special Growth” initiative and will include young creators from the AHS (Hermanos Saíz Association) who have established a solid body of excellent work.

The closing event on October 30 will include a segment titled “Chamber Music in Cuba” and a performance by Ernán López-Nussa alongside the ensemble Raptus, as part of the 15th Chamber Music Festival.

Resik noted that the organization will adjust schedules and venues to maintain its connection with the public and local communities, “We are fulfilling a duty we have as creators—to dedicate ourselves to the people, to our audience, and to the Cuban public”,explaining.

#Cuba | Havana says talks with Washington remain stalled as US oil restrictions worsen fuel shortages and disrupt essential services, including healthcare.
Cuba continues to call for dialogue ahead of the October 29 UN vote on the blockade.#OilBlockade #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/fycySzWm5T

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 16, 2026

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) lifted, effective immediately this Friday, the measures that had restricted Mexican airlines from establishing new flights to the U.S. from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City (AICM).

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In a joint statement, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) reported that the decision was reached through coordinated efforts between the governments of Mexico and the United States, as well as progress made in fulfilling bilateral aviation commitments.

The measure revokes Order 213-2, through which the DOT had restricted existing, proposed, and future operations by Mexican carriers. According to the Mexican government agencies, this resolution represents a step forward for air connectivity between the two countries and reopens the possibility of developing routes and flight frequencies from the AICM and AIFA to the U.S. market.

The Government of Mexico attributed this outcome to a process of dialogue and technical cooperation, which was strengthened following a Memorandum of Consultations signed in May 2026. “Since then, Mexico has made progress on the agreed-upon commitments,” the statement noted.

Mexican airlines can expand service to US cities after Washington lifted restrictions that blocked new routes from Mexico City’s two biggest airports https://t.co/Dvkt3zBGp3

— Bloomberg (@business) October 17, 2026

The SRE and SICT indicated that the lifting of these restrictions reflects the desire of both administrations to move toward a new phase in the bilateral aviation relationship—one grounded in dialogue, respect for sovereignty, institutional cooperation, and the application of international standards.

The restriction had been announced on October 28, 2025, by the then-Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and affected Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. Washington accused Mexico of failing to comply with the bilateral air transport agreement and of favoring domestic carriers in the allocation of flight slots.

The dispute stemmed from a decree that shifted cargo flights from AICM to AIFA. At the time, President Claudia Sheinbaum maintained that the relocation was a technical decision, not a political one.

Mexico pledged to continue working with U.S. authorities to create greater opportunities for passengers, workers, and airlines, as well as to consolidate an aviation system that is safe, competitive, modern, and reliable.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum inaugurated a new campus of the National Rosario Castellanos University in Nicolás Romero, State of Mexico, on Sunday, as her government pushes to expand access to public higher education. The campus will open with 800 students, half attending… pic.twitter.com/RlLWCV54xR

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 12, 2026

On October 22–23, 2026, the Hotel Parque Central will host the “Workshop on Biosimilars: Innovation and Access in Healthcare,” organized by the import-export company FARMACUBA, the entity announced.

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Over the course of two days, specialists and institutions from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors will share experiences regarding the introduction, regulation, clinical evaluation, commercialization, and medical applications of biosimilars in Cuba.

The program includes panels on the policy, introduction, and final processing of biosimilars in Cuba; commercialization and promotion strategies; as well as regulatory aspects, clinical evaluation, and the medical applications of these products.

FARMACUBA will present information on the biosimilars for which it holds the rights, and will discuss market opportunities and economic benefits linked to their development and commercialization. The event will also provide an opportunity to establish connections with Cuban representative offices abroad, embassies, and potential international clients.

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Presentation of Rituximab

A key highlight will be the official presentation of Rituximab, identified as the first biosimilar to undergo final processing in Cuban biopharmaceutical facilities. During the workshop, its regulatory and clinical outcomes, medical applications, and aspects related to its introduction and commercialization within the National Health System will be presented.

The second day will feature interactive virtual meetings with Cuban representatives abroad, embassies, and prospective foreign buyers. This initiative aims to promote the international reach of biosimilars developed under the auspices of FARMACUBA.

Additionally, a catalog of biosimilars will be presented, and the role of Rituximab in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas will be examined.

The workshop will serve as a forum for exchange among national and international specialists, intended to expand knowledge, explore avenues for collaboration, and examine new alternatives for the development and commercialization of biosimilars in Cuba.

FARMACUBA

Facilitator in the introduction and commercialization of biosimilars, strengthening the link between pharmaceutical innovation and national healthcare.

As an importer, exporter, distributor, and marketer of pharmaceutical products, the company is part of the BioCubaFarma business group, which operates under the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba.

It ensures the provision of necessary resources to the Cuban pharmaceutical industry, while also managing the export of medicines and technical services to international clients.

In line with the country’s new economic and commercial strategy—designed to boost the development of the business sector—FARMACUBA aims to set a benchmark both domestically and internationally within the pharmaceutical industry. This presents a unique opportunity to expand knowledge, forge strategic alliances, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

On Saturday, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported another supertanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after striking a naval mine. The announcement came hours after authorities reported a similar incident in this strategic maritime passage.

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“This morning, a second supertanker, which was navigating in an irregular manner, caught fire violently after colliding with a naval mine,” the military force stated in a release circulated by the Tasnim news agency.

According to Iranian authorities, the vessel was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil; a powerful explosion occurred in the engine room following the collision, leaving the ship immobilized. The Revolutionary Guard did not identify the tanker’s flag.

The organization claimed that the ship attempted to traverse an unauthorized route after the U.S. military, through deception, induced it to turn off its positioning and radar systems. There is no response from Washington included in the available information regarding these claims.

Earlier in the day, Iran had reported a fire on another crude-laden supertanker—also following a collision with a naval mine—while it was navigating with its navigation systems switched off. With this latest incident, Iranian authorities have reported at least six collisions involving vessels and naval mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz over the past week.

The Revolutionary Guard reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, warning that vessels failing to comply with its navigation rules risk striking naval mines and catching fire. This statement comes as the United States attempts to re-establish maritime transit along a route near Oman.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, and any disruption to traffic there can ripple through global oil markets.

A fresh wave of drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, an alternative shipping route to the disrupted Strait of Hormuz, is deepening insecurity along the EU’s eastern flank and compounding pressure on a stretched global shipping network.https://t.co/uE3eUcAjWf

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 16, 2026

On Saturday, demonstrations in France against the rising cost of living turned violent in Paris and Lyon, with further unrest reported in other locations, according to the Police Prefecture and sources from the Ministry of the Interior.

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In Paris, the day began with clashes at the Place de la République. The Prefecture reported that several hundred individuals, identified as members of far-left groups, threw projectiles at police officers and gendarmes. Some participants also damaged building facades, prying loose stones.

Security forces responded with tear gas and moved to disperse the violent groups. Despite these incidents, the march began its route at 2:15 p.m. local time (12:15 GMT), moving from the Place de la République toward the Place de Clichy, even as police operations continued in the area.

By 2:00 p.m. local time, authorities had made 133 arrests in Paris—primarily for alleged participation in groups organized to commit acts of violence or cause property damage, as well as for assaults on law enforcement officers. Additionally, police conducted 1,046 preventive security checks throughout the day.

Protests in #Paris and #Tunis put rising prices and deteriorating living standards in focus, as demonstrators demand economic relief and social rights. #France #Tunisia https://t.co/IlS12uwV3G

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 17, 2026

In Lyon, in southeastern France, a group of protesters smashed the windows of a tourist office located in the central Place de Bellecour and set it on fire, according to footage broadcast live by BFM TV.

The French government had previously warned of a high risk of unrest during the protests across various cities in the country. Sources close to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez indicated that, by midday, 140 protest actions and 32,800 participants had been recorded across the provinces, while the total number of arrests throughout France had reached 166.

“There is a very high probability that the far-left will cause the afternoon demonstrations to turn violent,” the same sources stated, also reporting targeted acts of violence in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, and Angers.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the incidents included attempted looting, attacks on security forces, the setting of fires to street furniture, and actions directed against institutions and media outlets.

In Marseille, several businesses were vandalized, and a municipal police station sustained damage. Additionally, a group forced open the doors of City Hall and briefly entered the lobby before being stopped.

Thousands of French people continued to protest and block educational centers just hours before student organizations held a new meeting with the Education Ministry, the third since the protests began more than two weeks ago.

Among the blocked institutions is the Paris School of… pic.twitter.com/yjld03PtLt

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 15, 2026

Katie Zacharia stepped down from her role as White House press secretary this Friday, after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested she resign following criticism she faced during her first week on the job, an official confirmed to EFE.

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She is in the process of leaving the position of press secretary, the source stated, without specifying whether she resigned or was dismissed. Her departure comes just five days after she assumed the role on Monday, October 12, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August to focus on her family.

The president indicated that he would leave that decision up to her and noted that he would speak with the press secretary. The White House did not officially announce the departure, although government sources confirmed it to outlets such as CNN and Fox News.

Zacharia’s first appearance before the press, on Tuesday, October 13, lasted barely 14 minutes. During the press briefing, she read much of her statement and answered only three questions—all of which came from conservative media outlets.

New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia opened her first briefing by praising President Donald Trump and his midterm campaign. Zacharia, 41, is a conservative commentator who previously worked as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media & Technology Group, the… pic.twitter.com/BK2X1XSwII

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 13, 2026

The official also struggled to answer certain questions, including one regarding the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine. Her performance drew criticism and led to increased scrutiny of her professional background.

Her appointment came as a surprise in Washington, following weeks of speculation about who would succeed Leavitt. According to an official cited by CNN, the White House faced challenges in recruiting higher-profile figures, as several potential candidates had previously been critical of Trump.

Presidential aides repeatedly narrowed down the list of candidates, ruling some out after discovering past unfavorable comments they had made about the president—which automatically disqualified them.

Zacharia’s departure marks one of the shortest tenures in the White House press office in recent memory, leaving the position of presidential press secretary vacant once again.

#UnitedStates | Trump is reviving unsubstantiated election fraud claims ahead of the November 3 midterms, targeting mail-in voting while encouraging supporters to vote early.
Polls suggest the cost of living remains voters' top concern.#Midterms2026 #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/wHdgdHaT1J

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 9, 2026

On Friday, Egyptian Foreign Ministry summoned Colombia’s chargé d’affaires in Cairo to express its objection to the opening of the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, a ministerial source told the official news agency MENA. Egypt described the relocation of the diplomatic mission from Tel Aviv as a unilateral and unacceptable move.

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During the meeting, Cairo conveyed a strong protest and categorical rejection of the relocation of the Colombian diplomatic mission to Jerusalem. According to the source, Egypt stated that the decision contradicts the established legal and historical status of the city.

The Egyptian Ministry warned that such irresponsible actions would have negative repercussions for international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, adding that they would only serve to fuel tensions in the region.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasized the need to respect the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem and urged that all parties refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the prospects for peace based on a two-state solution.

A Palestinian source indicated to EFE that the summons was in response to a resolution adopted last week by the Arab League Council. The resolution urged member states of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to summon the Colombian ambassadors accredited to their respective governments.

“Colombia está con nosotros”. Las palabras de nuestro primer ministro @netanyahu en la recepción organizada por el @IsraelMFA por la inauguración de la Embajada de Colombia en Jerusalén 🇮🇱🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/9znJgegzu5

— Israel en Colombia (@IsraelinCol) October 14, 2026

The text reads, ““Colombia is with us.” The words of our prime minister @netanyahu at the reception organized by @IsraelMFA for the inauguration of the Embassy of Colombia in Jerusalem”

The objective is to lodge a formal protest against what Arab nations describe as an illegal decision by Colombia, as well as to assess the impact of this move on bilateral relations with Bogotá.

On Friday, the foreign ministers of 19 Arab and Islamic nations—including Egypt—issued a joint statement strongly condemning the opening of the Colombian diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. The opening of the embassy followed the rise to power of Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella, who announced in July that the diplomatic mission would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move is part of the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel, which had been severed by the previous president, Gustavo Petro.

According to the UN and the majority of the international community, East Jerusalem is Palestinian territory that has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Israel annexed it in 1980 through a law declaring it its “eternal and indivisible” capital—a decision that the UN Security Council deemed a violation of international law.

The controversy centers on the impact of this diplomatic relocation on the status of Jerusalem, the rights of the Palestinian people, and the prospects for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1525, a measure that facilitates police repression by broadening the definition of “violence” during popular protests.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara warned that the new regulation will take effect before demonstrations… pic.twitter.com/YYfouyRGyt

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 14, 2026

A fire at Unit 1 of the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Thermal Power Plant—located in Santa Cruz del Norte, in the western province of Mayabeque—was brought under control this morning. The incident took the unit offline and increased the projected impact on the National Electric Power System (SEN) during peak hours.

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The Electric Union (UNE) reported that the fire began at 06:55 local time and affected the plant’s Unit 1. “Unit 1 of the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Thermal Power Plant in East Havana is currently offline due to a fire that broke out in the unit,” the organization stated on its social media channels.

According to a report by journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, the fire was caused by an oil leak at the front of the rotor, which was detected by the operator on duty. The swift intervention of emergency responders and the implementation of safety protocols allowed the fire to be extinguished without any loss of life or injuries.

Following the fire, the area remains under preventive surveillance. Authorities indicated that Units 2 and 3 of the power plant are being prepared to resume operations, while the efforts of the workers and emergency teams who responded to the scene have been acknowledged.

Luego de extinguido el incendio se implementan los protocolos establecidos para el restablecimiento y la evaluación de los daños.
Muchas gracias a todos los que participaron en sofocarlo.#loqueNOSUNEcompromiso https://t.co/H03yZ34A77

— CTE Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (@CteEGSerna) October 16, 2026

The first text reads, “Once the fire was extinguished, established protocols for recovery and damage assessment were implemented. Many thanks to everyone who helped put it out.”

The second text reads, “Thanks to the urgent actions of the fire department—in coordination with the Electric Union and with the participation of workers, all directed by the provincial and municipal Defense Councils—the fire was successfully extinguished, with no impact on the remaining units.”

The loss of this unit has exacerbated the country’s power generation deficit. For the period of peak demand, the UNE anticipates an available capacity of only 740 megawatts (MW), against a peak demand of 2,900 MW.

In addition to the damaged unit, eight other thermal power units—out of the 16 that make up the country’s total generation capacity—remain out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. Cuba is experiencing an energy crisis with social repercussions—manifested in prolonged daily blackouts—stemming from an obsolete electrical system and a decline in power generation capacity.

The National Electric System (SEN) is under strain as a result of the blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba for more than six decades, which prevents the country from acquiring spare parts.

Compounding this is the energy blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump via an executive order in January, which threatens any country that trades fuel with the island.

🇨🇺 Cuba says U.S. economic pressure is worsening shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies as Washington continues to tighten sanctions and restrictions on the Caribbean island.

Cuban authorities say the measures are disrupting foreign trade and worsening… pic.twitter.com/qrUDnUYmi9

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 16, 2026

On Friday, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) called for menopause to be recognized as a workplace issue within European Union (EU) legislation, linking its effects to the gender pay and pension gaps.

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The request was made on the occasion of World Menopause Day, observed on October 18. The trade union organization warned that this life stage remains largely unrecognized in European policies, due to the lack of harmonized legislation and the fact that the European Commission has no plans to develop a specific strategy.

According to the ETUC, nearly 30% of women experience symptoms that affect their ability to work, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, hot flashes, joint pain, and anxiety.

Citing various studies, the confederation noted that women’s earnings decline by 7.4% in the four years following the onset of menopause. This drop is attributed to reduced working hours, medical leave, and the loss of promotion opportunities.

“The taboo surrounding menopause at work must end. The loss of wages, missed promotions, and lower pensions are the price millions of women pay because workplaces have not been adapted to menopause,” stated Isabelle Schömann, Deputy General Secretary of the ETUC.

Semana Europea para la Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo: Avancemos. Compromiso con la Prevención de los Riesgos Psicosociales@EU_OSHA #SemanaEuropeaRESST #SemanaEuropeaSST_JCyL #Euhealthyworkplaceshttps://t.co/qQ1RZOp7yQ pic.twitter.com/3TIH5xJKxo

— Trabajo y Prevención Castilla y León (@prevencionjcyl) October 7, 2026

The text reads, “European Week for Safety and Health at Work: Let’s Move Forward. A Commitment to Preventing Psychosocial Risks”

Proposed measures

The ETUC has put forward a set of measures to adapt workplaces to the needs of women going through this stage. These include:

1- Workplace risk assessments that take into account temperature, ventilation, and facilities.

2- Flexible working hours and remote work.

3- Training for managers, human resources staff, and the broader workforce.

4- Policies agreed upon with trade unions, which are then implemented and monitored.

5- Physical adjustments to the workplace. Paid leave for symptoms, with no penalty for the employee.

6- Free menstrual and menopause-related products in the workplace.

Schömann pointed out that too many women have to lose wages or leave their jobs because very little consideration has been given to an experience shared by half the population.

The organization highlighted that many labor unions are already negotiating collective agreements that include temperature adjustments and flexible work arrangements. It also called for labor regulations—currently “geared toward male-dominated jobs”—to be adapted to the reality of the entire workforce.

#Belgium | At least 50,000 workers marched through Brussels against PM Bart De Wever's austerity plans, rejecting proposed cuts and demanding greater taxes on large fortunes.
Unions warn of further strikes.#WorkersRights #Austerity #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/2ITyaadSGG

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 9, 2026

Cuba has stated that, despite recent contacts with Washington, it sees no progress toward a serious dialogue, while denouncing U.S. restrictions on oil supplies as a form of collective punishment against the island’s population. This statement was made by Tanieris Diéguez, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Cuban Embassy in the United States, in an interview with EFE.

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Diéguez explained that Havana has maintained contact with the administration of President Donald Trump, but that it perceives no movement toward substantive negotiations. “We truly do not see any progress toward a serious dialogue—which is what we are willing to engage in,” the diplomat stated.

In March, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that talks were taking place with the U.S. government. Since then, Washington has pushed for political and economic changes in Cuba.

When asked about potential threats of U.S. military intervention—like to the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Venezuela—Diéguez noted that Cuba takes any statement from U.S. authorities seriously, given that the United States is the world’s foremost military, nuclear, and economic power.

When asked about potential threats of U.S. military intervention—similar to the operation that took place in Caracas—Diéguez noted that Cuba takes any statement from U.S. authorities seriously, given that the United States is the world’s foremost military, nuclear, and economic power.

Nevertheless, she emphasized that Havana considers the defense of its independence to be its highest priority. “Our people will never allow that to be sidelined or subjugated under any circumstances,” she affirmed.

As has become customary, the US government has imposed a new aggressive measure against Cuba, this time against BICSA, an absolutely legitimate bank whose transactions in Cuba and the world are also absolutely legitimate.

It is an evidence of the criminal determination to apply… pic.twitter.com/fRs6onus4a

— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) October 15, 2026

Impact of energy restrictions

The diplomat linked the worsening of Cuba’s energy crisis to the restrictions imposed by Washington on oil supplies—a situation exacerbated following the events in January involving Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the island’s primary fuel supplier.

According to Diéguez, fuel shortages and power outages are affecting essential services, including hospital care and surgical procedures. “This is a form of collective punishment; it is entirely contrary to international law and directly harms the Cuban people,” she denounced.

The official presented figures attributed to the impact of the situation: infant mortality has reportedly risen to nine deaths per 1,000 live births; 96,500 people are awaiting surgery, and 32,000 pregnant women are waiting for an ultrasound.

Diéguez also rejected U.S. criticisms regarding Cuba’s economic management. “It is not a matter of ineptitude; rather, we have managed to put our scarce resources to work thanks to our organization,” she maintained.

🇿🇦 At the Human Rights Council, #SA delegate highlighted harmful impact of unilateral coercive measures against #Cuba & warned of its humanitarian consequences.

Delegation also addressed the extraterritorial & deterrent effects of the #blockade, which hinders trade & investment. pic.twitter.com/70wM404eyO

— Southern Africa Eye (@eye_southern) September 10, 2026

International support

The Cuban representative expressed confidence that the international community will once again support the lifting of the U.S. blockade during the annual vote at the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for late October.

“Cuba does not feel alone. We have received the support of the vast majority of the international community,” Diéguez stated, noting that for more than three decades, resolutions against the blockade have secured overwhelming majorities.

In 2025, the Cuban-sponsored resolution received 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions in the General Assembly—though the text is non-binding.

Diéguez further asserted that the restrictions also harm U.S. citizens by limiting their access to products from the Cuban biopharmaceutical industry. “Cuba deserves to live in peace,” she concluded.

The World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam begin with the absence of Russia’s Angelina Melnikova—who was denied an entry visa by Dutch authorities—at a time when the first qualification spots for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are up for grabs.

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The absence of Melnikova, the reigning world and European champion, will significantly impact the course of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam, which begin this Saturday in the Netherlands. The competition will award direct Olympic qualification spots to the three countries that reach the podium in the team event, in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Russia’s participation will be severely limited; in addition to Melnikova, the team will be without Anna Kalmykova—the all-around runner-up at the most recent European Championships—and Viktoria Listunova, a member of the gold-medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics. All three gymnasts were denied entry visas.

The Russian Gymnastics Federation described the decision as discriminatory and a violation of the principles of equality that should govern any sporting competition. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands accused Dutch authorities of deliberately denying the visas to weaken the Russian team.

The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport rejected these accusations, stating that athletic performance plays no role whatsoever in the evaluation of visa applications, which are governed by the European Union’s Visa Code.

Welcome to #Rotterdam2026 ❤️‍🔥

🎥 A little taste of the action on the first day of Podium Training at the Ahoy Arena.#WorldGymnastics #Gymnastics pic.twitter.com/222XeJkdM6

— World Gymnastics (@gymnastics) October 15, 2026

At the same time, attention will also be focused on the return of Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, a four-time medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This will be the gymnast’s first major international competition since stepping away from the sport over the past year to recover—both physically and mentally—from the previous Olympic cycle.

Her return will be gradual: Andrade plans to compete, at least initially, on the balance beam and vault. The Brazilian—a silver medalist in the all-around at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games—leads the Brazilian team alongside Flavia Saraiva; the squad earned a bronze medal in the team event in Paris.

The absence of Melnikova and American Simone Biles—the most decorated gymnast in history, who has not competed since the Paris Games—positions Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour as the top contender for the all-around title.

Nineteen-year-old Nemour won the Mediterranean Games this summer with a total score of 57.750, the highest mark recorded by any gymnast this season. However, she will face stiff competition from 16-year-old Qinqin Ke of China, the reigning Asian champion, and 18-year-old American Hezly Rivera, who will be making her World Championship debut.

In the men’s competition, Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto will aim for his fourth consecutive world all-around title. Should he succeed, the 25-year-old gymnast will move closer to the record held by his compatriot Kohei Uchimura, who won six consecutive gold medals between 2009 and 2015.

His primary rival may well be his teammate Shinnosuke Oka, the reigning Olympic champion. Also in the mix is ​​Croatia’s Illia Kovtun, the current European champion and a world medalist in 2021 and 2023. China’s Boheng Zhang—an Olympic and world silver medalist—will not participate due to a last-minute injury.

Japan enters as the favorite for the men’s team gold, led by Hashimoto and Oka, though they will face a strong challenge from the Chinese squad. The United States and Great Britain—the latter having won the European title in Zagreb—emerge as the top contenders for the third spot and Olympic qualification.

In the women’s division, a revamped United States team will aim to secure its eighth consecutive world team title. Italy—an Olympic silver medalist in Paris—and Brazil, which took bronze at the same event, will be their main rivals

#Sports | Olympic champion Angelina Melnikova will lead the Russian women’s artistic gymnastics team at the European Championships in Zagreb following Croatia’s last-minute reversal of her visa ban, amid an administrative dispute and neutrality protocols.https://t.co/ky7mmLCXdJ

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) August 12, 2026

A mission of experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will visit Honduras in late 2026 to evaluate protection, management, and conservation efforts in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve—the country’s largest protected area and a site currently inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

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The announcement was made this Friday by Ángel Prado, Deputy Director of the Institute for Forest Conservation (ICF), who explained that the visit will aim to review activities undertaken to preserve the territory and to update the biosphere’s management plan for the next ten years.

Located in the Mosquitia region of northeastern Honduras, the Río Plátano Biosphere spans approximately 350,000 hectares and preserves one of the few remaining tracts of tropical rainforest in Central America. The site was added to the World Heritage List in 1982 and is home to indigenous communities that have maintained their traditional ways of life.

UNESCO placed the reserve on the List of World Heritage in Danger in June 2011, citing illicit land occupation. At the time, the organization also pointed to a breakdown in law and order in the area, the presence of drug traffickers, and the state’s limited capacity to manage the site effectively.

🚨#HechosEstelar | “Es necesaria la visita de la UNESCO a la Biósfera del Río Plátano”, expresó Mario Pinel, de la Plataforma Jóvenes contra el Cambio Climático, al destacar la importancia de proteger esta reserva natural y señalar que su conservación debe ser una misión de… pic.twitter.com/uegF3aKs3i

— TV Azteca Honduras (@aztecahonduras) October 16, 2026

The text reads, “A visit by UNESCO to the Río Plátano Biosphere is necessary,” stated Mario Pinel, of the Youth Against Climate Change Platform, as he highlighted the importance of protecting this natural reserve and noted that its conservation should be a mission for everyone.”

The ICF is coordinating efforts with the Secretariat of Natural Resources and the Honduran Armed Forces to address these risks. Authorities are also working with indigenous communities on organization and training initiatives aimed at strengthening the conservation of natural resources.

The protection of the Río Plátano area is linked to other natural areas in northeastern Honduras, such as the Tawahka Asangni Biosphere Reserve and Patuca National Park. These territories connect to the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua and form part of one of the largest contiguous forest blocks in Latin America.

The UNESCO visit will allow for a review of the site’s management and the definition of actions that will guide its conservation over the next decade.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Following the approval of the law to strengthen and promote the agro-industrial sector in Honduras, there has been a rise in evictions of communities resisting dispossession. pic.twitter.com/R4T1NaqHAR

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 7, 2026

The Cuban Book Institute (ICL) has formally endorsed the candidacy of Cuban writer María Elena Llana Castro for the 2026 Miguel de Cervantes Prize for Literature in the Spanish Language, through a letter sent to the competition’s jury. The institution highlighted her career spanning more than six decades and her contribution to contemporary Cuban narrative.

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In the letter, the ICL—the governing body for the publishing, marketing, and promotion of books and serial publications, which operates under Cuba’s Ministry of Culture—described Llana Castro as one of the country’s most significant narrative writers. It noted that she received the 2023 National Literature Prize in recognition of her originality, stylistic skill, keen observation of the social environment in Havana, and her use of irony and humor.

The document underscored the author’s standing within the realm of Cuban fantastic literature and cited more than 15 published books. Among these, it highlighted La reja (Ediciones Revolución, 1965) and Casas del Vedado (Letras Cubanas, 1983)—a work that, according to the ICL, explored the fantastic dimension of the remnants of the former Cuban bourgeoisie.

The ICL also highlighted her work for younger audiences, including titles such as Sueños, sustos y sorpresas (Gente Nueva, 2011), Desde Marte hasta el parque (Gente Nueva, 2014), and Cuentos de viejos (Ediciones Aldabón, 2024).

La escritora María Elena Llana ha sido propuesta al Premio Cervantes 2026. Con esta nominación, se une Fina García Marruz,Dulce María Loynaz quien lo obtuvo en 1992 las únicas cubanas en ser postuladas al galardón constituye una conquista para la cultura cubana y su literatura. pic.twitter.com/Bk6WZNXiFA

— Roberto Jimenez (@Roberto196801) October 11, 2026

The text reads, “The writer María Elena Llana has been nominated for the 2026 Cervantes Prize. With this nomination, she joins Fina García Marruz and Dulce María Loynaz—the latter of whom won the award in 1992—as one of the few Cuban women to be put forward for the honor; this represents a significant achievement for Cuban culture and literature.”

The ICL noted that Llana Castro’s short stories have been included in international anthologies and translated into other languages. Furthermore, it pointed out that her body of work has been the subject of academic study in Cuba, Spain, the United States, and Mexico.

Between 1959 and 1992, the candidate carried out extensive work across newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the news agency Prensa Latina. According to the letter, this experience enabled her to develop a meticulous command of language—a quality evident in her body of work, which is rooted in philosophical, anthropological, and cultural themes.

The institute also highlighted her contributions to national radio, where she adapted works of world literature for the radio medium. Llana Castro has served as a professor of journalism and the Spanish language in Vietnam, Angola, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States; she is also a founding member of both the Union of Journalists of Cuba and the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.

The ICL asserted that the 2026 Cervantes Prize would be a fitting tribute to her more than six decades of literary work, and urged that the significance of her legacy be taken into account.

#Literature | Canadian poet Anne Carson wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for her inventive approach to poetry, fiction and classical storytelling.#AnneCarson #NobelPrize2026 #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/lFTqCRomaA

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 9, 2026

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has described the approval of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC 221/2019) as a historic achievement. The amendment puts an end to the 44-hour workweek, establishing a new maximum of 40 hours per week, distributed over five working days and two paid rest days.

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The constitutional reform—a key commitment of the Brazilian government—will directly benefit approximately 22 million workers who were previously employed under a “6×1” schedule, consisting of six days of work followed by one day of rest.

Brazil’s Senate ratified the amendment in two rounds of voting, with 75 votes in favor and one against—the latter cast by Senator Hamilton Mourão. This decision comes five months after the Chamber of Deputies initially approved the proposal, and 11 days ahead of the presidential runoff, scheduled for October 25.

Far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, who had initially opposed the measure, shifted his position and voted in favor remotely from Porto Alegre. Progressive senators, including Teresa Leitão, labeled this move as opportunistic and warned of the need to remain vigilant against any potential attempts to overturn the new regulation.

A escala 6×1 acabou! ❤️🇧🇷

Uma conquista histórica para milhões de trabalhadores e trabalhadoras, que agora terão mais tempo para descansar, estar com a família, cuidar de si e viver.

Quem constrói o Brasil todos os dias também merece tempo para viver.

É o Brasil pronto para… pic.twitter.com/5Nq7a9xKZk

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 15, 2026

The text reads, “The 6×1 schedule is over! A historic achievement for millions of workers, who will now have more time to rest, be with their family, take care of themselves, and live. Those who build Brazil every day also deserve time to live. It’s Brazil ready for more!”

Timeline and safeguards

The transition to the “5×2” model will not be immediate. According to the established timeline, 60 days after the official publication of the amendment—expected in February 2027—the maximum weekly working hours will be reduced from 44 to 42.

Subsequently, 14 months after the amendment is enacted—in December 2027—the limit will be set at 40 hours per week. The regulation also establishes a maximum daily limit of eight working hours. The constitutional text expressly prohibits any reduction in wages—whether proportional or affecting the minimum wage—across professional categories.

Furthermore, it delegates the organization of rest periods to collective bargaining agreements, prioritizing Sundays, while allowing for flexibility in sectors such as healthcare, security, and public transport.

While labor unions supported the measure, business sectors expressed their opposition, arguing that it could lead to higher costs per hour worked and the risk of a contraction in employment. The right-wing opposition also signaled its intention to revise the legislation should it gain control of the executive branch.

For individual micro-entrepreneurs and small business units, the reform provides for a supplementary law that includes state support mechanisms designed to cushion the impact of the transition and sustain formal employment targets.

Within the public administration, existing service contracts will have a period of up to 12 months to adjust their operational and financial frameworks to the new limits on working hours.

With the approval of PEC 221/2019, Brazil has begun a restructuring of its labor market aimed at reducing precarious working-hour arrangements in Latin America’s largest economy.

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Una publicación compartida por teleSUR English (@telesurenglish)

The Maison de l’Amérique Latine (MAL) celebrated its 80th anniversary this Thursday against a backdrop of uncertainty: the Bank of France has put up for sale the two 18th-century mansions that have housed the institution since 1965, with a valuation of 100 million euros.

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The 6,791-square-meter property consists of the hôtels particuliers of Varengeville and Amelot de Gournay, located on Boulevard Saint-Germain in the heart of Paris. The bidding process could be concluded before the end of 2026, and the future buyer will be under no obligation to maintain the MAL’s cultural activities at the site.

According to reports from French media, potential interested parties include businessman Xavier Niel and Bernard Arnault, owner of the LVMH group.

A Call from Latin America

La Maison de l'Amérique latine ne doit pas disparaître ! – Signez la pétition ! https://t.co/dbyIjq5dOI via @ChangeFrance

— Stéphanie LAVIGNE (@lunedemoins) October 11, 2026

Several Latin American embassies in France have launched a public petition to ensure that the Latin America House does not cease its operations. The diplomatic missions emphasized that the institution is particularly vital for smaller embassies, which lack the resources to organize exhibitions or cultural events in a city with such high real estate costs.

Mexico’s Ambassador to France, Blanca Jiménez Cisneros, and Panama’s representative, Joanna Villarreal, attended the event commemorating the MAL’s 80th anniversary.

The petition has garnered over 25,000 signatures, including those of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and former French Prime Ministers Dominique de Villepin, Bernard Cazeneuve, and Jean-Marc Ayrault.

“It would be a tragedy for the institution to disappear in the very year we mark our 80th anniversary. We will fight until the end,” stated the institution’s president, Jean-Marc Laforêt. Cultural and Diplomatic Space

Founded in 1946 on the initiative of then-French President Charles de Gaulle, the House of Latin America (in spanish Casa de América Latina) was established in recognition of the support provided by Latin America and the Caribbean to Free France during the Second World War.

For eight decades, the institution has served as a meeting point between France and the region, hosting exhibitions, conferences, and cultural activities. Among the notable figures it has welcomed are former Bolivian President Evo Morales and Commander Hugo Chávez.

Former French ambassador Alain Rouquié, the long-standing president of the House of Latin America (in spanish Casa de América Latina), has championed the entity’s autonomous and independent nature. He noted that while the institution receives public funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its primary source of revenue comes from renting out the rooms within its historic mansions.

“We have sought to remain free, and that has required significant effort,” stated Rouquié, who considers it essential to remain in the current premises and maintain the model of renting out space to ensure the institution’s continuity.

Rouquié reported that the Bank of France has been attempting for 23 years to evict the institution from the premises it has occupied since 1965. He recalled that in 2003, the then-president Jacques Chirac intervened to halt a sale, requesting that Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin stop the transaction.

Latin American art specialist Christine Frérot compared the situation of the MAL (Latin American House) to that of the Arab World Institute, which receives greater support from public funds. According to 2025 data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Latin American House receives an annual subsidy of 25,000 euros.

Former French-Argentine deputy Paula Forteza, founder of the collective Artivistas, linked the defense of the institution to the international political climate. “As the far-right grows globally, spaces like this become especially important,” she stated.

Bolivian visual artist Kenia Almaraz Murillo also voiced her support for the continued existence of this cultural space, joining Frérot and other prominent figures from the artistic and diplomatic spheres.

#LaMercè | Barcelona is celebrating its biggest annual festival with five days of culture and tradition, featuring castells, giant figures, traditional music and the iconic correfoc fire runs across the city.#Barcelona #Spain #Culture #Tradition #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/Xou0byuaf6

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 24, 2026

Forest fires in the Peruvian region of Cusco have resulted in six deaths and one serious injury, official sources reported on Thursday. Authorities have bolstered response efforts by deploying aerial assets and have urged the public to refrain from burning grasslands and agricultural waste.

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The most recent fatality was a 75-year-old man who attempted to extinguish a fire that broke out in a locality within the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco. According to the official news agency Andina, the death was confirmed by officers from the Peruvian National Police (PNP), who notified the Public Prosecutor’s Office to facilitate the recovery of the body and its transport to the morgue.

Meanwhile, the Cusco Regional Health Department (Geresa) reported that a 65-year-old man sustained burns over more than 90% of his body while trying to escape a forest fire in the community of Santo Domingo, located in the Acopía district of Acomayo province. The patient has been admitted to the Cusco Regional Hospital, where his condition is described as critical.

Andina further reported that five other people have died in forest fires across various locations in the Cusco region this year, including the districts of Yanatile (Calca), Colquepata (Paucartambo), and Yanahuara (Urubamba). Additionally, two siblings—aged 11 and 18—perished in a separate incident in the Pomacanchi district of Acomayo.

La sierra peruana vive una de sus temporadas de incendios forestales más críticas. El 13 de octubre, el Serfor reportó más de 50 incendios activos en 14 regiones y 334 focos de calor. La falta de lluvias, las altas temperaturas y los vientos, agravados por el fenómeno El Niño,… pic.twitter.com/um5MxfkXrv

— Revista Lima Gris (@Limagris) October 15, 2026

The text reads, “The Peruvian highlands are experiencing one of their most critical wildfire seasons. On October 13, SERFOR reported more than 50 active fires across 14 regions, along with 334 heat hotspots. A lack of rainfall, high temperatures, and strong winds—exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon—led SENAMHI to issue a red alert, effective until October 16, for regions including Cusco, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Arequipa, and Puno. Cusco has been hit the hardest, with over 16,000 hectares affected this year and at least five deaths reported. Rural families are losing grazing lands, crops, and livestock—their primary means of subsistence. Experts warn that the state’s response is focused solely on extinguishing fires, while a coordinated prevention system remains conspicuously absent. In this video, a local resident records himself in front of the flames to denounce this neglect and call for action from the authorities.”

Authorities have advised the public not to attempt to extinguish fires on their own and have reiterated their call to avoid the burning of grasslands and agricultural waste. They also requested that any instances of fires being left unattended in local areas be reported to the authorities.

The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) deployed a C-27J Spartan aircraft and an MI-17 helicopter this week—both equipped with firefighting systems—to address active blazes in the Cusco region. Nationwide, 35 active forest fire emergencies were reported.

On Tuesday, President Keiko Fujimori took part in an overflight of the town of Calca to oversee response efforts and assess the situation in the affected areas.

Following the inspection, she confirmed that two fires had already been brought under control and stated that the aerial units would remain in Cusco until this coming November.

Brazil has launched joint operations to track down those suspected of deliberately setting fires in the Amazon rainforest, as a sharp rise in blazes blankets Manaus with toxic smoke and pushes air pollution to critical levels for the city’s 2.3 million residents.

Authorities… pic.twitter.com/fMwYcgpg8h

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 15, 2026

An international team of researchers has identified that cabergoline—a drug used to halt the production of breast milk—may reduce the risk of breast cancer when administered at the end of the lactation period. The findings, published this Thursday in the journal Cancer Discovery, combine evidence from animal models with an analysis of the medical records of more than 150,000 women in Spain and Norway.

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The research involved scientists from several countries, including specialists from the Cancer Research Center in Salamanca—a joint facility of the University of Salamanca and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

In studies involving mice, the researchers found that a dose of cabergoline administered at the end of lactation reduced the proportion of animals that developed breast cancer by approximately half. The models used carried mutations in the BRCA1 and TP53 genes, which are linked to DNA repair, the elimination of damaged cells, and aggressive forms of the disease.

According to the team, the drug reduced potentially precancerous tissue, decreased the ductal area, inhibited cell growth, and increased the presence of immune cells involved in defending against tumors.

The study focuses on mammary involution—the natural “clearing” process that occurs after weaning. During pregnancy, hormone levels rise and milk-producing structures branch out; once lactation ends, these cells are no longer needed, and the breast eliminates the excess tissue.

“It’s like a fruit tree; in spring and summer, the breast develops branches and produces flowers and fruit, but when involution occurs—which is the mammary equivalent of winter—the structures required for pregnancy and lactation are reset in preparation for the future,” explained Christopher Maxwell, a professor at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine in Canada and a researcher at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

💊Un fármaco podría reducir el riesgo de #CáncerDeMama postparto

🔬Cabergolina se receta para frenar la lactancia tras el parto

👩‍🔬@ciccancer muestra en ratones que reduce los tumores 

🔎Un ensayo evaluará su eficacia en mujeres tras dejar de amamantar
➡️https://t.co/FqTffmBrvm pic.twitter.com/AahOcNLZyX

— CSIC (@CSIC) October 15, 2026

The text reads, “A drug could reduce the risk of #BreastCancer postpartum. Cabergoline is prescribed to halt breastfeeding after childbirth. @ciccancer shows in mice that it reduces tumors. A trial will evaluate its efficacy in women after stopping breastfeeding”

The researchers discovered that in mice with mutations in the BRCA1 and TP53 genes, this cleanup process can remain incomplete. In such cases, cabergoline appears to help complete the involution process following weaning.

To explore the effect in humans, the team reviewed medical records from Spain and Norway, focusing specifically on young women in the years following pregnancy. In total, the studies included data on the use of cabergoline in more than 150,000 women.

The results showed that women who received the drug to suppress lactation after childbirth—whether due to a medical recommendation, following the loss of a pregnancy, or because breastfeeding was not possible for medical reasons—had an approximately 70 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not take it.

This association was observed in women under the age of 50 during the years following pregnancy—a period when the risk of this disease can increase.

Cabergoline is a prescription medication used only when medically necessary to stop milk production. It is not currently approved for the prevention of breast cancer; therefore, the authors emphasize that these findings should not be interpreted as a recommendation for its use as a preventive measure.

The next step will be a prospective clinical trial involving women who will receive the drug only after breastfeeding has ended. The goal is to determine whether cabergoline might, in the future, offer a less aggressive alternative to current preventive measures against breast cancer, such as surgery or hormone therapy.

#Science | A new Science special feature is putting the spotlight on major gaps in women’s health research beyond reproduction, from chronic pain and menopause to sex chromosomes and the immune system.

Researchers say significant gaps remain in understanding how diseases affect… pic.twitter.com/NXoaaRa3h5

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 2, 2026

The 2026 Women’s Copa Libertadores kicked off this Thursday, October 15, in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Sixteen South American football clubs are participating, competing for the continental title through October 31.

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Organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the tournament serves as a premier stage for women’s football in South America, featuring clubs from the organization’s ten member national associations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

This marks the third time the competition has been held in Ecuador, following editions in 2019 and 2022—both also hosted in Quito. Matches will take place at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado and Banco Guayaquil stadiums, the latter located in the Los Chillos Valley, southeast of the capital.

Ecuador is represented by two teams: the national champions, Dragonas IDV, and Guerreras Albas (from Liga de Quito). Both sides will look to leverage their home-field advantage to advance to the knockout stages of this top-tier South American women’s club tournament.

Dragonas IDV has been drawn into Group B alongside Belgrano (Argentina), Universitario (Peru), and Palmeiras (Brazil). Meanwhile, Guerreras Albas will compete in Group C against Cruzeiro (Brazil), Olimpia (Paraguay), and Bolívar (Bolivia).

🤩 ¡Ya llegó el momento de vivir la edición de 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣! ¿Quién se llevará el trofeo? 🏆

😎 Mais uma jornada da CONMEBOL #LibertadoresFEM! Já tem palpite para quem vai ficar com a taça? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EbLLKazUf2

— CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina (@LibertadoresFEM) October 15, 2026

The text reads, “The time has come to experience the 2026 edition! Who will take home the trophy?”

Having two local teams gives Ecuador the chance to vie for the title on home soil, backed by their fans. The participating squads arrived in the capital in early October to finalize their preparations and acclimate to Quito’s high altitude—a factor that could influence the course of the tournament.

The competition retains its format of four groups, each consisting of four teams. In the initial phase, the teams will compete in a round-robin format, with each side playing every other team in their group once. After three matchdays, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

From that stage onward, the competition will follow a single-elimination format, with one-off matches in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. A third-place play-off will also be held before the champion is crowned.

The organizers will implement VAR technology for all matches, in line with the modernization standards promoted by CONMEBOL. Local authorities and the organizing committee are finalizing logistical details at the stadiums to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

Corinthians enters the competition as the reigning champion and will look to defend the title it won in the previous edition.. The Brazilian side leads Group A, alongside Chile’s Colo-Colo, Venezuela’s Caracas FC, and Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe.

Palmeiras—also from Brazil—will aim to reclaim the trophy they won in 2022, when they defeated Argentina’s Boca Juniors in the final. The team is in Group B, joined by Dragonas IDV, Belgrano, and Universitario.

#Sports | Venezuela won the gold medal in women’s football at the 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe after defeating Chile 4-2 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.https://t.co/VasPMsSm5M

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 25, 2026

The fifth Federal University March is taking place this Thursday, October 15, across Argentina. Participants are mobilizing toward the National Congress to demand compliance with the University Financing Law (No. 27.795), the restoration of salaries for both academic and non-academic staff, and the definitive rejection of the Javier Milei administration’s Emergency Decree (DNU) 70/23.

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Under the slogan Without funding, there is no science or education, the university community is calling for the immediate implementation of regulations that mandate the adjustment of operating funds, salaries, and scholarships in line with inflation. The protest was organized by the National Interuniversity Council (CIN), the Argentine University Federation (FUA), and the National Universities Trade Union Front.

Organizers report that academic and non-academic staff have seen their purchasing power decline by more than 32 percent so far this year. This action follows a judicial ruling that upheld injunctions and imposed financial penalties on the national government for failing to adjust funds and wages as required by law.

In the City of Buenos Aires, the main contingent—led by the University of Buenos Aires (UBA)—will gather at 1:00 p.m. at Plaza Houssay (at the intersection of Córdoba and Junín streets). Labor unions and social movements will begin assembling at 1:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the National Congress.

At 2:00 p.m., the march will proceed along Avenida Córdoba to Callao, then continue via Corrientes and Cerrito toward the parliamentary district. At 4:00 p.m., a joint statement from rectors, students, and labor unions will be read at Plaza del Congreso.

[AHORA] Estudiantes tomaron la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales en la previa de la Quinta Marcha Federal Universitaria.

Sumate a 'Diario de la noche' con @analiaargento, @eduardoprensa_ y @cotyvile 👉https://t.co/A3pv6QUv5q pic.twitter.com/H07gWnXj2U

— Argentina|12 (@argentina12ok) October 15, 2026

The text reads, “[NOW] Students took over the Faculty of Social Sciences ahead of the Fifth Federal University March.”

The protest coincides with a debate in the Chamber of Deputies regarding Emergency Decree (DNU) 70/23—a measure that has already been rejected by the Senate. The organizing groups aim to exert pressure to ensure the Lower House rejects the measure definitively.

The decree—viewed by the organizers as a cornerstone of the government’s ultraliberal agenda—impacts numerous sectors beyond education. Although the Supreme Court reversed its position, leaving the Land Law in effect following legal back-and-forth regarding its Article 154, universities have maintained their call to action due to the broad scope of the regulation.

Consequently, the day’s events bring together social, labor, political, and student organizations. The initiative also has the backing of the CGT, both branches of the CTA, ATE, and various scientific organizations—representing a coalition of workers and students united in defense of public education.

The protest movement spans the entire country. In Córdoba, the National University has suspended classes and is holding a march through the city center. In Santa Fe and Rosario, demonstrations are planned in response to disruptions in institutional operations, scholarship programs, and research activities. Higher education institutions across all provinces are staging strikes and protests.

This mobilization follows a series of strikes, open-air classes, and awareness-raising events. The organizers maintain that the implementation of Law 27.795 is essential to guarantee the continued operation of universities, sustain scientific research, and restore wages within the education sector.

🇦🇷 Argentine students have occupied the Education Secretariat to demand increased funding for public universities amid growing concerns about the future of higher education.

The student mobilization underscores the struggle to defend public education and secure the resources… pic.twitter.com/VGBlC1pZK0

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 9, 2026

Scientists in Bolivia have identified a new species of wild feline, named Leopardus tilcayo, following genomic studies that revealed evolutionary differences from other South American tiger cats. The discovery was made in the cloud forests of the Yungas, in the department of La Paz.

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The tilcayo—a name used by local communities in the region—is a small animal, similar in size to a domestic cat. It is brown in color, with rounded ears, a bushy tail, and a spotted coat. Its identification was made possible through genetic analyses conducted by a scientific team that contributed to the discovery in September.

Biologist Enzo Aliaga, a member of the research team, warned that the species faces risks that could lead to its extinction. Among the primary threats, he highlighted habitat destruction caused by gold mining, the clearing of vegetation for agriculture, and the capture of individuals to be kept as pets.

“It is imperative to protect this unique species,” Aliaga stated to the digital news outlet Erbol, noting that the feline’s habits and reproductive patterns remain unknown.

🔵 #GrupoFides | #ANF Un equipo internacional de científicos identificó en los Yungas de Bolivia una nueva especie de felino silvestre, el Leopardus tilcayo o gato tilcayo. Se trata de la primera descripción de un nuevo gato salvaje en más de un siglo, hallado a partir del… pic.twitter.com/H9TgaSzNcl

— Agencia de Noticias Fides (@noticiasfides) September 17, 2026

The text reads, “An international team of scientists identified in the Yungas of Bolivia a new species of wild feline, the Leopardus tilcayo or tilcayo cat. This is the first description of a new wild cat in over a century, discovered through DNA analysis and described this Thursday in the journal Current Biology.”

The specialist also raised concerns regarding the trafficking of young animals: to obtain a young tilcayo, individuals might kill the mother, while the offspring could subsequently die in captivity due to malnutrition or other diseases.

To date, experts have not determined the total population of tilcayos in the Yungas forests, nor have they fully mapped their distribution. Consequently, researchers are pushing for further studies to expand knowledge about the species and strengthen the protection of its habitat.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Luis Montaño has temporarily assumed the role of Acting Attorney General. The official announced the news to the nation from the Public Prosecutor's Office in Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia. pic.twitter.com/sEfVVSKKIH

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 4, 2026