International
Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, who has a gastrostomy, is operated on
The former president of Uruguay José Mujica was operated on this Saturday in the sanatorium where he was hospitalized, where he had a gatrostomy for feeding.
This was indicated in a press conference by his personal doctor, Raquel Pannone, who stressed that the procedure was carried out in the morning hours, its result was “excellent” and the former president is recovering accompanied by his wife, Lucía Topolansky.
“The situation, as I told you 48 hours ago, was to try to achieve oral feeding in the best conditions, with the right preparation. We tried to do it and the result was not entirely satisfactory,” said the doctor, who added that that led them to make the decision to climb a new step and do a gastrostomy for feeding.
What is the purpose of the intervention with former President Mujica?
“This gastrostomy allows us safe access for food and hydration, with a good flow and to be able to allow, while this happens, the esophagus can be repaired naturally. That’s what we bet on: to have it better nourished, well hydrated and give the esophagus time to fulfill the natural stages of recovery,” Pannone said.
He added that it is not known how long this process will take and that it will depend on its nature and evolution. He also added that when it ends, Mujica will return to a normal diet.
Meanwhile, the doctor explained, the former president will be fed with certain preparations or with foods with an adequate consistency.
“Progressively, we will continue to test oral tolerance and as soon as this is okay he will eat normally again,” Pannone reiterated, who added that Mujica will remain hospitalized for a few more days.
Boarding since Thursday
The former president who arrived this Thursday at a sanatorium in Montevideo, has been under rehydration due to the little liquid intake he was receiving.
This was explained that day by Pannone in a press conference in which he indicated that the former president has a fibrosis in the esophagus as a result of the radiotherapy treatment he received in that area, which generates difficulties in feeding.
“’Pepe’ is back in the sanatorium. The cause of the transfer to the sanatorium this time has to do with the fat that he was receiving very little liquid intake at home by oral route and he was not receiving enough food. That was the reason for moving it,” the doctor pointed out.
He added that he was tested and he began to be rehydrated intravenously.
Last week, the former president had already entered the sanatorium after having difficulties feeding himself due to the radiotherapy treatment he received months ago, as a result of a malignant tumor in the esophagus.
International
Colombia to Send High-Level Delegation to Ecuador to Ease Trade Tensions
Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that, at the instruction of President Gustavo Petro, a high-level delegation will travel to Ecuador in an effort to normalize bilateral relations, which have deteriorated following the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.
“In line with Colombia’s policy of good neighborliness and the spirit of cooperation and integration that guides its foreign policy,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that the delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio and Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez.
“Following instructions from the Presidency of the Republic, and as has been publicly reiterated, the Colombian delegation expects to reaffirm Colombia’s offer of support to the Republic of Ecuador to strengthen control over phenomena stemming from transnational organized crime,” the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry noted that the delegation will attend the meeting with a full willingness to engage in dialogue and to seek concrete solutions to the unilateral measures that have affected the longstanding relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Trade tensions between Ecuador and Colombia escalated on January 21, when Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboaimposed a 30% tariff on Colombian products, citing a lack of cooperation in anti-drug efforts. Colombia responded with similar measures and the suspension of energy exports, while Ecuador increased transportation costs for Colombian crude oil.
Business associations in both countries have warned that the dispute is harming both economies and have called on the governments to resolve their differences through dialogue.
International
Super Bowl Halftime Show Puts Bad Bunny—and Immigration Politics—Back in the Spotlight
The long-standing argument that sports and politics should not mix may be put to the test on Sunday during the Super Bowl halftime show, which will be headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, a choice that has sparked backlash from segments of the U.S. right wing.
Just one week after his headline-making appearance at the Grammy Awards—where he sharply criticized the United States’ anti-immigration policies—Bad Bunny will once again take center stage on the global spotlight with his performance at the NFL final in Santa Clara, California.
Beyond the expectations surrounding the show itself, speculation has grown over whether the artist could again use the platform to protest policies associated with the administration of former President Donald Trump, in front of an audience expected to exceed 120 million viewers in the United States alone.
In fact, one of the most popular Super Bowl prop bets this year revolves around whether the Puerto Rican singer will deliver a direct message against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), similar to the one he delivered at the Grammys last Sunday.
While few expect Bad Bunny to repeat such a pointed statement, the mere speculation highlights the delicate balance the NFL must manage during the most-watched broadcast of the year.
The world’s most powerful sports league has drawn criticism from the MAGA movement since announcing in September that Bad Bunny would headline a halftime show largely performed in Spanish.
Trump himself declined to attend the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, despite having made history last year as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. He described the musical lineup—which also includes outspoken critics such as Green Day—as “a terrible choice” that would “sow hatred.” In response, his supporters have organized an alternative event dubbed the “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring like-minded artists such as Kid Rock.
International
Venezuela Debates Broad Amnesty Law Covering 27 Years of Chavismo
Venezuela’s Parliament began debating on Thursday a sweeping amnesty bill that would cover the 27 years of Chavismo in power, while explicitly excluding serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity.
The proposed legislation, titled the “Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence,” was introduced by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following the capture of Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation.
The legislative session was convened for Thursday afternoon, with lawmakers holding an initial discussion focused on the general principles of the bill. This phase precedes a consultation process with civil society, after which the proposal will move to a final debate examining each article individually.
According to a draft of the bill obtained by AFP, the amnesty would apply to individuals accused of crimes such as “treason,” “terrorism,” and “incitement to hatred,” charges that were frequently brought against political prisoners over the past decades. The scope also includes offenses ranging from acts of rebellion to punishments imposed for social media posts or messages sent through private messaging services.
The bill’s explanatory text emphasizes reconciliation, stating that it seeks to move away from “vengeance, retaliation, and hatred” in favor of “opening a path toward reconciliation.”
However, the proposal explicitly excludes from its benefits crimes such as “serious human rights violations, crimes against humanity, war crimes, intentional homicide, corruption, and drug trafficking.”
These exclusions, the text notes, are based on strict compliance with the Venezuelan Constitution, which already prohibits granting amnesties or pardons for such offenses.
Guatemala isolates Barrio 18 leader after attacks that killed 11 police
Shakira ignites El Salvador with near sold-out residency at Mágico González Stadium
Salvadoran fans plan birthday surprise for Shakira at historic show
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
-
International4 days agoDelcy Rodríguez Takes Control of Chavismo as Venezuela Enters a U.S.-Supervised Transition
-
Central America3 days agoPanama Will Not Be Threatened, President Says Amid Rising Tensions With China
-
International4 days agoHRW Warns Trump’s Influence Has Weakened Human Rights in Latin America
-
International3 days agoDíaz-Canel Calls for Talks With Washington Without Pressure as U.S. Tightens Oil Sanctions
-
International3 days agoVenezuela Debates Broad Amnesty Law Covering 27 Years of Chavismo
-
International2 days agoColombia to Send High-Level Delegation to Ecuador to Ease Trade Tensions
-
Central America1 day agoSalvadoran fans plan birthday surprise for Shakira at historic show
-
Central America3 days agoBukele’s Approval Rating Climbs to 91.9% in El Salvador, Survey Shows
-
Sports1 day agoShakira ignites El Salvador with near sold-out residency at Mágico González Stadium
-
Central America5 hours agoGuatemala isolates Barrio 18 leader after attacks that killed 11 police
-
International2 days agoSuper Bowl Halftime Show Puts Bad Bunny—and Immigration Politics—Back in the Spotlight