International
Kamala Harris debuts as a presidential candidate and highlights the work of Joe Biden
The US vice president, Kamala Harris, praised on Monday in her debut as a presidential candidate the “deep love” for the United States of President Joe Biden and stressed that he has done more in one term than other predecessors in two.
“Joe Biden’s legacy of achievements over the last three years is unparalleled in modern history. In one term she has already overcome the legacy of most of the presidents who have served two terms in office,” she said in her first act as a candidate after the end of Biden’s electoral campaign, who supported her to face former President Donald Trump in November.
In the southern garden of the White House and with dozens of journalists, television cameras and photographers with the focus on it, Harris also praised Biden’s “honesty” and “integrity,” as well as his “deep love” for the United States, which in his opinion have guided him when making the decision to end his campaign.
“His honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his great heart, and his love, his deep love for our country, I witness it every day. Our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people and we are deeply grateful for his service to our nation,” Harris said.
They were Harris’ first public words since Biden announced on Sunday his resignation to seek re-election and his support for the vice president to be elected by the party as his successor.
Harris spoke at an event at the White House to recognize the season of the teams of the National University Sports Association (NCAA), the organization that brings together the majority of American university sport.
Although the most famous teams in the NCAA are usually football or basketball, from which most NFL, NBA or WNBA stars come out, such as Caitlin Clark this year, the association groups 24 sports disciplines.
The vice president already participated last year in the same event, which was attended by more than 1,000 athletes from fifty university teams at the White House.
International
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.
According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.
Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.
The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.
“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.
While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.
To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
Guatemala court overturns arrest warrants against former CICIG officials
Honduras police launch high-impact operations amid security concerns
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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