International
Rapper Diddy appeals the judge’s decision to keep him in custody until the trial
Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appealed on Wednesday the decision of Judge Robyn Tarnofsky to keep him in custody in a detention center until the trial is held on the charges of sex trafficking, human trafficking and organized crime conspiracy for which he was charged on Tuesday in New York.
At an appeal hearing held today, District Judge Andrew L. Carter rejected the defense’s proposal, which called for Combs to be released on $50 million bail, and agreed with the prosecution that he should remain in a detention center until the trial.
Carter said the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence to show that Combs is a danger to society and that in his case there is a high risk of obstructing justice and harassing witnesses.
Combs is currently in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he was transferred after his appearance yesterday in a Manhattan court, where he pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
Judge Tarnofsky already rejected the request of Combs’ lawyers yesterday and argued that the accused could commit the crimes “behind closed doors, even when the preventive detention services are watching.”
Tarnofsky also said there is a high risk that Diddy will obstruct justice, since he has repeatedly contacted victims and witnesses to try to manipulate them.
The rapper’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated in a letter presented today in court that his client is “trustworthy” and again asked for release on bail, endorsed by Combs, his mother, his sister, his three adult children and the mothers of two of his daughters.
The defense also proposed limiting women’s visits to the rapper’s home and frequently subjecting him to drug tests.
Agnifilo defended his client by indicating that when he learned that he would be charged he left his home in Miami and traveled to New York, “where prosecutors and agents are investigating him.”
In addition, he alleged that the rapper has been wanting to sell his private plane for some time, with which he ruled out that there was a risk of escape.
The prosecutor’s office yesterday accused the musician of continuously participating “in a widespread scheme of abuse of women and other people” and revealed that Combs regularly organized forced sexual encounters between women and sex workers.
Combs is accused of being the head of a criminal company, Combs Enterprise, whose members were involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, human trafficking, drug-related crimes, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, among others.
International
Air Canada suspends JFK flights amid soaring fuel costs linked to Iran conflict
Air Canada announced on Friday that it will suspend its flights from Montreal and Toronto to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from June through late October, citing rising jet fuel costs driven by the conflict involving Iran.
“Since the beginning of the conflict with Iran, some routes and less profitable flights have become economically unviable, so we are making adjustments accordingly,” the airline said in a statement.
Despite the suspension, the carrier confirmed it will continue operating 34 daily flights from six Canadian cities to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Air Canada expects to resume its JFK operations after October 25.
Meanwhile, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid a temporary ceasefire in the region. However, jet fuel shortages could persist even if the truce holds.
Fuel accounts for between 25% and 30% of operating costs for most airlines, and carriers worldwide have responded to the crisis by raising fares and suspending select routes due to safety and profitability concerns.
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.
Air Canada suspends JFK flights amid soaring fuel costs linked to Iran conflict
Panama and OECD sign deal to boost investment climate and global integration
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
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
