On Colombia's Independence Day, widespread protests against President Iván Duque's government took place across major cities, including Bogotá and Cali. The protests, largely peaceful but occasionally clashing with police, were a continuation of the National Strike that began in April against neoliberal policies and police brutality. The government presented a new tax reform and police reform, both met with public skepticism. The National Strike Committee introduced ten legislative proposals addressing social and economic issues, while the police detained several protest leaders. The article underscores the ongoing discontent with Duque's administration and the demand for significant reforms.

Following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the Cuban protests, describing Cuba as a 'failed state' repressing its citizens. He proposed technological solutions to restore internet access in Cuba and expressed willingness to provide COVID-19 vaccines through an international organization, while refusing to lift restrictions on remittances due to concerns over regime confiscation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez advocated for internet connectivity alternatives for Cubans. The Biden administration also has contingency plans for a potential surge in maritime migration from Cuba, with a strong presence off the Florida coast.

Haitian Police Chief León Charles refuted claims by Colombian news outlet Noticias Caracol that interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph was involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Charles stated that the investigation has not revealed any links between Joseph and the suspects. Colombian President Iván Duque commented on the involvement of Colombian nationals in the assassination plot. The investigation is ongoing, with 23 people arrested so far, including 18 Colombians and 5 Haitian-Americans. The head of Moïse's security, Dimitri Hérald, has been detained and is under investigation.

Argentina has surpassed 100,000 Covid-19 deaths with a current ICU occupancy rate of 62.2%. The country, which implemented strict quarantines early in the pandemic, has faced challenges with compliance and the timing of the second wave. Economic crises have forced people to work despite lockdowns. With 4.6 million infections, Argentina has a high per capita infection rate. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with 25.7 million doses received and 5.1 million people fully vaccinated. The Russian Sputnik V, AstraZeneca/Oxford, and Chinese Sinopharm vaccines are in use, and an agreement for Moderna doses has been made. Local production of Sputnik V is starting to accelerate the campaign. The hope for overcoming the crisis lies in vaccinations, as the country continues to grapple with the pandemic's impact.

Over 10,000 species of flora and fauna in the Amazon are at high risk of extinction, with 8,000 endemic plants and 2,300 animals affected. The SPA report highlights the critical need to halt deforestation and forest degradation to mitigate catastrophic climate and biodiversity crises. The Brazilian government under Jair Bolsonaro has exacerbated the crisis by promoting mining and agriculture in protected areas, leading to record deforestation. The report calls for increased restoration efforts and protection of existing vegetation. A separate study indicates that parts of the Amazon now emit more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to deforestation and increased tree mortality from severe droughts and high temperatures.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that most British troops have left Afghanistan, with all NATO-assigned troops on their way home. This follows the U.S. withdrawal from Bagram Air Base, marking a significant step in the Western military exit. The UK, a key NATO ally, played a major role in Afghanistan, losing 457 soldiers. The withdrawal has allowed the Taliban to regain control in parts of the country, raising concerns of a potential civil war. British military chief Nick Carter warned of possible ethnic factionalism and the rise of new warlords.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be held without spectators due to a state of emergency declared in the capital to address rising COVID-19 infections. The decision was confirmed by Minister for Tokyo 2020 Tamayo Marukawa, marking the first time in Olympic history that events will be held behind closed doors. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the state of emergency, which will be in effect from the following Monday until August 22, while the Olympics are scheduled from July 23 to August 8. The Delta variant is cited as a cause for the increase in infections. Only a quarter of Japan's population has received at least one vaccine dose, and medical associations have been calling for the cancellation of the Games. The absence of spectators is expected to impact the Olympic budget, with an estimated loss of around $815 million in ticket revenue.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) has raised concerns about the excessive and disproportionate use of force by Colombian authorities during recent protests against President Iván Duque's government. The CIDH's report, based on a visit to Colombia, highlights numerous human rights violations, including the use of lethal force by police, gender-based violence, and the need for accountability and justice for victims. The report recommends separating the National Police from the Ministry of Defense and emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights to protest and freedom of expression. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, urge the Colombian government to implement the CIDH's recommendations and halt violent repression.

Afghan troops are responding to the sudden abandonment of Bagram Air Base by US and NATO forces, which has left the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to manage the complex. The withdrawal, part of President Joe Biden's plan to have all US troops out by September 11, 2021, has led to concerns about the Afghan military's ability to hold off Taliban advances. The Taliban have made significant gains, capturing numerous districts and preparing to target provincial capitals. The situation has caused Afghan troops to flee to neighboring Tajikistan, though efforts are being made to return them to combat. Diplomatic efforts continue, with the Taliban indicating a willingness to present a peace agreement, though past negotiations have stalled.

Colombian authorities are investigating an attack on a helicopter carrying President Iván Duque Márquez and other high-ranking officials. The incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in Colombia, with concerns about the vulnerability of the government's security measures. Two rifles, including one with markings from the Venezuelan Armed Forces, were found near the attack site. The attack follows a recent car bomb explosion at a military base in Cúcuta. Various political figures and analysts have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the country's security apparatus.

Seuxis Pausias Hernández Solarte, known as 'Jesús Santrich', a former FARC-EP leader and peace negotiator, is reported dead by Colombian media following an attack in Venezuela. His death is surrounded by conflicting reports, with some attributing it to a Colombian Army operation. Santrich, who returned to arms in 2019, was previously accused of drug trafficking, leading to his brief imprisonment and subsequent formation of a FARC dissidence. The situation highlights ongoing conflicts and power struggles involving various armed groups along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

The Tokyo Medical Association, representing about 6,000 primary care physicians, has publicly called on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to cancel the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the city's hospitals being overwhelmed amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases. With a record number of severe cases reported and a slow vaccination campaign, there is significant public and expert pressure to cancel the Games. The Olympics, postponed from last year due to the pandemic, are scheduled to start on July 23, 2021, without foreign spectators, and a decision on local attendance is pending.

Even if the Paris Agreement targets are met, 10% of glacier ice will melt by 2050, equivalent to 13,200 cubic kilometers of water. Studies by 'The Guardian' and 'Nature' show accelerated glacier melting, contributing to a 0.74 mm annual sea level rise. The melting rate has increased since 2015, with significant impacts on coastal populations and water resources in regions like Alaska, Iceland, the Alps, and the Himalayas. Experts emphasize the irreversible nature of some glacier loss but highlight that current decisions can influence future outcomes. The IPCC projects a sea level rise of over a meter by 2100. A commemorative plaque was placed on the extinct Ayoloco glacier in Mexico, acknowledging the known causes and necessary actions.

Massive demonstrations have erupted in Colombia against President Iván Duque's proposed tax reform, which includes controversial measures such as VAT on funeral services. The reform has faced opposition even from Duque's own party, Centro Democrático. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Colombian Medical College has advised against public gatherings, and a magistrate has prohibited protests. Clashes with the police have been reported in cities like Cali, where indigenous Misak toppled a statue of the city's founder. The protests also address grievances such as the government's failure to comply with the 2016 Peace Agreement, systematic killings of social leaders, and concerns over health guarantees for schools.

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under investigation by the Electoral Commission for the funding of renovations to his official residence at Downing Street. The investigation follows allegations from his former advisor Dominic Cummings and comes just days before local elections. The controversy includes accusations of unethical behavior and potential legal violations, with significant criticism from Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. The situation raises questions about the transparency and integrity of Johnson's actions and the potential influence of Conservative Party donors.

The Escazú Agreement, Latin America's first environmental treaty, enters into force on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. It aims to address the alarming rate of environmental leader killings in the region, with 60% of such crimes occurring in Latin America. The agreement, promoted by ECLAC and supported by organizations like Global Witness and Amnesty International, seeks to increase transparency, citizen participation, environmental justice, and protection for environmental defenders. Despite its significance, key countries like Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, which face severe environmental challenges, have not ratified the agreement. The lack of international jurisdiction for enforcement and concerns over national sovereignty are among the challenges faced by the treaty.

India has been reporting over 200,000 daily Covid-19 cases for a week, with a record 314,835 new infections in 24 hours and 2,104 deaths. The health system is overwhelmed, with a severe oxygen shortage in New Delhi. The government faces criticism for easing restrictions and allowing large gatherings. Vaccination efforts are challenged by supply issues, with the Sputnik V vaccine's arrival delayed until the end of May. The country plans to expand vaccine eligibility to all adults over 18 from May 1, despite concerns about vaccine availability.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the withdrawal of troops from the western and southwestern borders after weeks of military tension with Ukraine and the West. The decision follows a significant military buildup that raised concerns in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. EU's Josep Borrell noted the mobilization of around 100,000 Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski welcomed the de-escalation but remains cautious. The NATO-led Defender Europe military exercises were cited as a reason for Russia's readiness to respond to potential threats.

Over 1,000 people were detained in Russia during protests demanding the release and medical attention for imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is on a hunger strike. Key figures like Lyubov Sobol and Kira Yarmysh were also detained. The European Union and the United States condemned the detentions, with the latter threatening further sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his annual address, warned Western countries against crossing Russia's 'red lines,' amidst ongoing tensions over Ukraine and other issues.

Colombia has extended restrictions in cities with high ICU occupancy from April 20 to May 3 to curb the third wave of COVID-19. Measures include nightly curfews and entry limits to businesses based on ID numbers. Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali are among the most affected cities. The country has reported over 2.66 million cases and 68,748 deaths, with a slow vaccination rollout of 3.7 million doses administered so far.

A US Navy doctor shot two people at a business park in Maryland before driving to Fort Detrick, where he was killed by security personnel. The incident was confirmed by police and Navy officials on April 6. The two victims are in critical condition. The shooter was identified as the same person who opened fire at Riverside Tech Park. Fort Detrick spokesperson Lanessa Hill detailed the doctor's escape and subsequent confrontation with security. Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando noted the uncertainty of the exact location of the initial shooting.

Brazil has set a new record with 4,195 daily Covid-19 deaths, highlighting the severe strain on its healthcare system. The surge is attributed to a variant from the Amazon. Argentina also reported a record 20,800 daily cases, prompting new restrictions. Haiti rejected AstraZeneca vaccines due to safety concerns, while the U.S. aims to vaccinate all over 16 by April 19. The EMA is investigating AstraZeneca vaccine safety, and France is setting up mass vaccination centers. Brazil resumed economic subsidies amid the pandemic, and Colombia reintroduced restrictions in major cities.

Russia, through Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has declared that US and EU sanctions in response to the poisoning and imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny are ineffective and absurd, but stated that Russia will respond in a manner that suits its interests. The sanctions target high-ranking Russian officials and entities, which the Kremlin argues are already restricted by Russian law. The sanctions are seen as damaging to Russia's relations with the US and EU. Navalny, who was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent and later imprisoned upon his return to Russia, has faced numerous legal challenges and claims his charges are fabricated. The West continues to call for his release.

Countries that have started vaccination cannot rely solely on this strategy to combat the pandemic, warns Mike Ryan of the WHO. Chile leads Latin America in vaccination, having inoculated 19.15% of its population, while other countries like Colombia and Argentina lag behind. Venezuela has detected the Brazilian variant of the virus, prompting targeted vaccination efforts. Germany extends its lockdown but eases some restrictions, while the U.S. President criticizes states lifting mask mandates. Brazil and Colombia report high daily death tolls, and Spain urges caution despite a decline in cases.

The US and EU have imposed coordinated sanctions on Russia in response to the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The sanctions target several high-ranking Russian officials and entities. The US government, under President Joe Biden, has taken a firmer stance against Russia compared to the previous administration. Western powers accuse Russia of poisoning Navalny with a nerve agent, which Russia denies. The Russian government has stated it is prepared to respond to these sanctions, arguing they will harm relations with the West.

Iran rejected informal talks with the United States and European powers on February 28 to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, insisting that the US must first lift sanctions imposed after its withdrawal from the pact in 2018. The response maintains tension over who should take the first step to revive the agreement. The White House expressed disappointment but remains ready to engage in diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Germany has declared the French department of Moselle a risk area due to a South African coronavirus variant, leading to suspended public transport and required negative COVID-19 tests for private travelers, though without strict border control. France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune is in talks with Germany to ease measures. The UK has confirmed six cases of the Brazilian variant, and the US CDC has recommended Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. Chile faces high COVID-19 cases ahead of school reopenings, while Mexico reports new cases and deaths. Brazil continues to experience high death rates, and Nigeria expects COVAX vaccine deliveries. New Zealand's Auckland enters a second lockdown due to the UK variant, and Israel agrees to vaccinate Palestinian workers.

On February 26, 2021, 317 female students were kidnapped by unidentified armed men in Jangebe, northwest Nigeria. The attackers abducted the students from the Government Girls Science Secondary School and possibly took them to a nearby forest. Unicef's Nigeria representative, Peter Hawkins, condemned the attack and urged for the girls' release. This incident is the second mass kidnapping in Nigeria in over a week and the third since December, with previous kidnappings linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The Nigerian government denies negotiating with kidnappers, despite reports of ransom payments. President Muhammadu Buhari recently replaced top army generals to address escalating violence and insurgent control in the northeast.

The Syrian government condemned a US airstrike in eastern Syria targeting Iranian-backed militias, warning of potential consequences. The attack, which the US described as limited, aimed to prevent regional tensions while addressing recent militia attacks on US bases in Iraq. The Russian government called for respect for Syria's sovereignty, warning of possible regional escalation. The airstrike comes amid uncertainty over US-Iran relations and the potential revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia rejects a US intelligence report accusing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of approving the operation to kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Saudi government claims the report contains false information and asserts that it has taken judicial measures against the perpetrators. The US report, supported by the UN and other international actors, suggests high-level Saudi involvement in the crime. Despite calls for sanctions, the Biden administration opts for a balanced approach to maintain strategic relations with Saudi Arabia. The article highlights ongoing international demands for justice and transparency in the Khashoggi case.

France has become the first country to recommend a single vaccine dose for those who have already had Covid-19, citing the development of immunological memory from infection. This contrasts with the EU's two-dose approach. Meanwhile, Brazil has reported over 237,000 deaths, Colombia has surpassed 57,000 fatalities, and Argentina has exceeded 50,000 deaths. The US has identified a new variant in Southern California, and Victoria, Australia, has entered a five-day lockdown. Spain's infection rates have decreased, but caution is still urged.

Yoshiro Mori, the head of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, resigned following backlash over sexist comments he made about women. His resignation adds to the challenges faced by the organizers, who are under scrutiny for insisting on holding the Olympics amid the pandemic. The International Olympic Committee remains committed to the event, while the Japanese government is involved in selecting Mori's successor, with Seiko Hashimoto being a potential candidate. The new leader is expected to embody the principles of diversity and inclusion.

Protests in Myanmar against the military coup have entered their fourth day, with reports of live fire being used against demonstrators. The military, which seized power on February 1, has imposed a curfew and arrested numerous protesters. The international community, including the United Nations and the U.S. Department of State, has called for the restoration of democratic institutions and the release of detained leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite the crackdown, protests continue, with demonstrators demanding a return to democracy.

As Europe and China face increasing COVID-19 cases, countries are advancing their vaccination campaigns amidst warnings from the WHO about unequal distribution. Trump's administration announced lifting travel restrictions from Europe and Brazil, which Biden's team intends to reverse due to worsening pandemic conditions. The WHO criticized the moral failure of vaccine distribution, with only a tiny fraction reaching poor countries. Brazil began its vaccination campaign with Sinovac's vaccine, while Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Spain reported significant COVID-19 figures. The US called for a transparent investigation in China, and the UK faces vaccine distribution challenges. China is on high alert for a potential outbreak ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities.

Around 9,000 Honduran migrants have entered Guatemala since January 15, with approximately 6,000 stranded near Vado Hondo due to a blockade by Guatemalan police and army. Migrants, including children and pregnant women, are running out of provisions and face difficult choices between returning to Honduras or finding alternative routes to the United States. The migration is driven by violence, unemployment, and recent natural disasters in Honduras. The Guatemalan authorities, supported by the National Civil Police and the army, are coordinating voluntary returns, while Mexico's Guardia Nacional is prepared to intercept migrants at the border.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on November 5th the doubling of police forces at the country's borders to 4,800 officers in response to a growing terrorist threat. This follows a terrorist attack in Nice by a Tunisian national, which has led to calls for a reevaluation of the Schengen Agreement. Austria, along with other European countries, is urging the EU to strengthen anti-terrorism efforts after a recent attack in Vienna claimed by the Islamic State.

The Latino vote in the 2020 United States elections showed significant diversity, with different Latino communities supporting different candidates. In Florida, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Colombian communities leaned towards Trump, influenced by his anti-socialist rhetoric. However, Puerto Ricans in Florida and other Latino groups in New York, Arizona, and Texas showed strong support for Biden. The article highlights the complexity of the Latino vote and the impact of Latino communities on the election results, with a particular focus on the shift in Arizona and the influence of Puerto Ricans in Florida. It also discusses the challenges of viewing Latinos as a monolithic group, emphasizing their diverse backgrounds and political views.

On October 29, 2020, a man killed three people at the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice, France, in what was described by officials as an Islamist terrorist attack. French President Emmanuel Macron and Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi responded to the attack, with Macron denouncing it and announcing increased security measures, including deploying 7,000 soldiers. The attacker, a 21-year-old Tunisian who entered France from Italy, was not previously known to intelligence agencies and was seriously injured by police. The attack follows the recent murder of teacher Samuel Paty, leading to heightened tensions and security concerns in France.

Tensions between France and the Muslim world, particularly Turkey, have escalated following a controversial caricature of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The Turkish government has condemned the publication and threatened legal and diplomatic actions. French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the magazine, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression. Protests have erupted in several Muslim-majority countries, and France has called for EU sanctions against Turkey. The situation is further complicated by the recent murder of French teacher Samuel Paty, who was killed for showing a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad in a class on freedom of expression.

Following the murder of French teacher Samuel Paty, several Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, have joined a boycott against France. The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, has defended freedom of expression and condemned radical Islamism. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been particularly vocal, calling for a boycott of French products and criticizing Macron. Saudi Arabia condemned the caricatures but refrained from joining the boycott. Protests have erupted in various countries, and the French government has advised its citizens in Muslim-majority countries to avoid demonstrations. European countries like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have expressed support for France.

In Poland, protests erupted after the Constitutional Court declared abortion illegal in cases of fetal malformations, leading to near-total abortion prohibition. Demonstrations, involving thousands, targeted both political leaders and the Catholic Church, accusing them of contributing to the restrictive laws. The ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), denies influencing the court's decision. Protests included disruptions of church services and graffiti on church walls. The Catholic Church, represented by Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, defended its stance on protecting life from conception to natural death. Protests are set to continue.

France experiences a significant increase in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, with 258 deaths and 1,307 new hospitalizations reported, the highest since April. The French government is considering stricter measures to control the virus spread, including extending curfews. The US sees a rise in daily deaths and infections, with experts attributing it to pandemic fatigue, disbelief in the virus's threat, and colder weather. Spain enforces a state of alarm to combat high infection rates, while Germany prepares for a critical meeting to discuss containment measures. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shows promising results in older adults, with the EU securing 300 million doses.

India surpasses seven million COVID-19 cases with over 74,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The World Health Organization reports a global daily record of over 350,000 cases, bringing the total to 36.6 million. Mexico sees a slight decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths, with 139 new deaths and 3,175 new cases reported. Venezuela records 684 new cases and six deaths, totaling 83,137 cases and 697 deaths. The United States remains the most affected country with nearly 215,000 deaths and over 7.7 million cases. Brazil surpasses 150,000 deaths with over 5 million cases. Germany adds more regions to its high-risk list amid a second wave of infections.

On January 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers attacked the 'Charlie Hebdo' office in Paris, killing 12 people. Two days later, Amedy Coulibaly, an associate of the Kouachi brothers, took hostages in a kosher bakery, killing four before being killed by police. The attacks were claimed by Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Fourteen suspects will stand trial on September 2, 2020, for their roles in the attacks. 'Charlie Hebdo' will republish the controversial Muhammad cartoons that sparked the attacks. The trial will be broadcast live, featuring testimonies from survivors and victims' families. The French judicial system aims to honor the 17 victims and address the broader implications of the attacks on freedom of speech and terrorism.

Lebanon marks its centennial amidst little celebration, reflecting on a history of civil war, Israeli invasions, and political instability. The country's complex sectarian power-sharing structure, established post-civil war, is now under scrutiny. Hezbollah's role and the recent Beirut port explosion add to the nation's challenges. Lebanon faces a severe financial crisis, with one of the world's highest debt-to-GDP ratios, exacerbated by the pandemic. Historians and writers like Johnny Mezher and Alexandre Najjar suggest prioritizing national identity over sectarian loyalties to address Lebanon's deep-rooted issues.

Mustapha Adib has been appointed as Lebanon's new Prime Minister, succeeding Hassan Diab. Adib, who has served as Lebanon's ambassador to Germany since 2013, was backed by key political figures including Saad al-Hariri and Najib Mikati. His appointment comes amid severe economic and political crises, exacerbated by the recent Beirut port explosion. Adib's immediate tasks include forming a government and initiating reforms to engage with the International Monetary Fund. The appointment follows pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron, who is set to visit Lebanon again. The country faces its worst crisis since the end of the civil war in 1990.

After three days of discussions, the ECOWAS delegation and the military junta in Mali, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, failed to reach an agreement on transitioning power to a civilian government. The junta proposed a three-year transition led by a soldier, but later denied discussing the duration. The former president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, detained since the coup, may be released but will not return to power. The central debate now focuses on the duration and nature of the transition. This situation mirrors Mali's 2012 coup, which led to elections after 18 months.

Negotiations between ECOWAS and the military junta in Mali, which led the coup on August 18, are progressing. ECOWAS leaders demand the release and reinstatement of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, while public support for the coup remains strong. The ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, met with the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, headed by Colonel Assimi Goïta. Keïta, detained since the coup, is reported to be in good condition. Neighboring countries have imposed sanctions, and the junta has responded by suspending livestock exports. The outcome of the negotiations is awaited as ECOWAS leaders prepare to decide on further actions.

The article discusses the ongoing challenges and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need to adapt to living with the virus. Experts like Rodrigo Córdoba and Fernando de la Hoz Restrepo highlight the importance of public health measures such as social distancing, hygiene, and the use of masks. The article also draws parallels with past pandemics, noting the advancements in scientific understanding and medical responses. The focus is on the necessity of education and awareness to mitigate risks and the importance of supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children.

The European Parliament elections commenced with voting in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The UK's participation was unexpected due to the anticipated Brexit, which was delayed by Theresa May's inability to secure parliamentary support for her deal. The Dutch nationalist leader Thierry Baudet, advocating for a 'Nexit', is challenging the EU establishment. The Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, is favored to win, potentially triggering a crisis for May's government. The elections are expected to increase far-right representation in the European Parliament.

The delivery of humanitarian aid to Venezuela has become a point of contention between the government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition led by self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaidó. While aid waits in Cúcuta on the Colombian-Venezuelan border, Maduro has blocked the Tienditas bridge and dismissed the aid as unnecessary 'crumbs' for the Venezuelan people. In contrast, Guaidó considers the obstruction of aid a 'crime against humanity.' France 24 interviewed government representative Esther Quiaro and opposition lawmaker Gaby Arellano, who provided contrasting views on the necessity and potential impact of the humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan children are crossing the border daily to attend school in Cucuta, Colombia, due to the impact of the Venezuelan crisis on education and teacher strikes over pay. The border is a focal point in the political crisis, with Juan Guaido setting February 23 for US aid entry, which Nicolas Maduro rejects as a conspiracy. Over two million have fled Venezuela's hyperinflation and shortages.

Tensions rise at the Simón Bolívar Bridge in Cúcuta following the announcement of a humanitarian aid shipment waiting in Colombia to enter Venezuela. The bridge, a crossing point for Venezuelans to buy basic goods in Colombia, became a site of political unrest with increased anti-Maduro sentiment and skepticism towards Juan Guaidó's self-proclamation as interim president. The political standoff intensifies as Maduro rejects the 'show of false humanitarian aid' and Guaidó calls for national mobilization on February 12. Meanwhile, five representatives of Guaidó in Cúcuta await secret orders to deliver the aid, with National Assembly deputy Gaby Arellano stating their commitment to the cause. The upcoming mobilization could be decisive for the future of both Guaidó and Maduro.

Ronal Rodríguez, a researcher at the Venezuela Observatory of the Universidad del Rosario, analyzes the political situation in Venezuela, focusing on the legitimacy of Juan Guaidó's claim to the interim presidency and the constitutional arguments surrounding it. The article discusses the sanctions imposed by the US on PDVSA, the internal embargo that Guaidó claims started with Maduro's government, and the international support for Guaidó's transition government. It also covers the challenges faced by opposition leaders like Leopoldo López and Henrique Capriles, who have been imprisoned or disqualified, and the potential for a military shift in support of Guaidó's amnesty offers. The article concludes with the uncertainty of the transition's direction and the role of international community in supporting Venezuela's path forward.

Since Donald Trump's campaign in 2015, his hostile rhetoric towards journalists has raised concerns among press freedom advocates. The shooting at the Capital Gazette in Maryland by Jarrod Ramos, resulting in the deaths of five employees, is seen as part of a broader adversarial environment for journalism in the United States. The White House denies responsibility for the climate, while organizations like the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press express concern for the First Amendment and press freedom. UNESCO's International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the press.

The Serranía de las Quinchas, a natural park in Colombia, is facing threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and illicit crops, despite being recognized for its environmental importance by Corpoboyacá since 2008. The region's troubled past with paramilitary funding and public order issues has delayed environmental protection efforts. Multinational companies are showing interest in the area's resources, and the lack of an environmental management plan has left the park vulnerable. Local communities and environmental activists express concern over the ongoing economic interests and the lack of effective state presence, which undermines conservation efforts.