Joe Biden's State of the Union address, which touched on the need to reform cannabis policies, resonated beyond the US, sparking debate in Mexico. Biden's stance that 'nobody should be in jail just for using it' aligns with Mexico's recent shift towards legalization, including the 2017 legalization of medicinal cannabis and the 2021 Supreme Court ruling deeming the prohibition of recreational use unconstitutional. Biden's speech is seen as potentially increasing pressure on Mexico to implement legalization and address criminal justice and public health issues. The impact of the speech has fueled hopes for a more liberal approach in Mexico, while the cannabis industry observes policy developments in the US with interest. The future of cannabis policy in both countries remains to be seen, with opportunities and challenges ahead.

A latent historical conflict has escalated into open warfare, with over a month of violence and horror. Since Hamas's surprise breach of Israel's aerial defense on October 7, there have been 1,400 deaths and over 200 abductions. Israel's ground incursion into Gaza has resulted in over 10,000 casualties. Journalist Bárbara Ayuso reports on the burial of the dead, often foregoing religious rituals due to the dire circumstances. Latin American responses vary, with Bolivia severing diplomatic ties with Israel, a stance previously taken under Evo Morales. Iran's influence in the region is significant, aligning with Venezuela and Nicaragua. Left-leaning governments have expressed diverse views, with some condemning Israel's actions as violations of international law. The U.S. remains a firm ally of Israel, though President Biden faces division within his party. France initially supported Israel's right to self-defense but now calls for a ceasefire. The international community is increasingly taking concrete actions, with some countries withdrawing ambassadors from Israel. The war's coverage has been challenged by misinformation and the deaths of journalists, highlighting the difficulty of conveying the true cost of war.

The mARTadero, once a municipal slaughterhouse in Cochabamba's Villa Coronilla neighborhood, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center for art and sports. Directed by Fernando García, the self-managed project hosts year-round activities, including art exhibitions, book presentations, theater, concerts, and workshops. The transformation has positively impacted the community, with colorful murals and new facilities like a skateboarding track and a skating rink. Technology has been integrated into the arts, with augmented reality and AI being used to create interactive experiences, such as Violeta Ayala's AI-generated portraits of indigenous women. The mARTadero has become a unique cultural management initiative in Bolivia, involving over 120 art collectives and receiving contributions from across Latin America.

Meteorologists estimate that September and October are recording the highest temperatures in the last three decades in Bolivia, with growing concern over the lack of rainfall across the country.

In Bolivia, nearly 28,000 families are affected by drought. La Voz de América visited one of the most affected municipalities, Tarata, which has over 12,000 inhabitants. The extreme drought there has caused substantial losses to farmers and puts at risk the lives of thousands of animals.

In a trial in the United States, former Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and his then-minister Carlos Sánchez Berzaín agreed to compensate relatives of protesters killed in 2003.

Bolivia's gas production, a key economic pillar, is at a critical level. New scenarios are being sought for the coming years amidst a tense political climate and international commitments.

New data on the impact of mercury pollution on indigenous peoples raises awareness about the reality of illegal mining in Bolivia. Fabiola Chambi from Voz de América reports on the actions being taken.

After 13 years, the Bolivian newspaper Página Siete announced the end of its print and digital editions, a move that sparked discussions about media conditions and democracy in Bolivia. The closure, attributed to economic crisis, judicial harassment, and low digital subscriptions, was exacerbated by the government's systematic blocking of advertising, according to the newspaper's board president, Raúl Garafulic. Approximately 70 employees are affected, with hopes of receiving owed wages from the sale of the newspaper's brand. The situation also impacts indirect jobs, such as newspaper vendors. Human Rights Watch and the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia expressed concern over the reduction of public debate plurality due to the closure.

Bolivia is experiencing the effects of severe frosts that have damaged crops in various regions of the country, leading to rising food prices. National and regional aid has been activated.

Bolivia is exploring the possibility of trading with China using the yuan instead of the dollar, following similar moves by Brazil and Argentina, to address regional trends and its own currency crisis. President Luis Arce and Santa Cruz business leader Oscar Justiniano have expressed interest in this shift, which includes the potential establishment of a Chinese bank in Bolivia. However, economists and opposition figures criticize the government's economic management and question the yuan's viability as an international currency due to its restrictions and lack of transparency. Despite the challenges, bilateral trade between Bolivia and China has grown, with China being South America's main trading partner. The article suggests that while the dollar's dominance is unlikely to be challenged in the short to medium term, some progress in bilateral trade with China using the yuan is feasible.

Pedophilia allegations are increasing in Bolivia following the exposure of a case with several victims that has shocked society and has now led to a fiscal investigation and public scrutiny of the Catholic Church.

The article by Fabiola Chambi discusses the issue of disinformation, highlighting the importance of doubt and verification as tools to combat it. It traces the history of 'fake news' from World War I to its resurgence in the 2016 US elections, where it was used by Donald Trump. Experts from various fact-checking organizations in Latin America, such as Chequeado Argentina, Verificado, Colombia Check, Comprova, Desconfío, Bolivia Verifica, and Chequea Bolivia, share their insights on the challenges of fighting disinformation and the need for public education. The article emphasizes the role of social media in spreading disinformation and the efforts made by these organizations to educate the public and provide verification tools.

The preparation for the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia, has been fraught with challenges, including delays in infrastructure construction, lack of transparency in budget execution, and administrative changes within the organizing committee. President Evo Morales has been under pressure to fulfill international commitments, with the event set to host over 4,500 athletes. Allegations of corruption and influence peddling involving the Minister of Sports, Tito Montaño, have surfaced, casting a shadow over the event. The government has resorted to direct contracting to expedite the process, raising concerns about transparency. The article details the complexities and controversies surrounding the organization of the games, the infrastructure projects, and the potential legacy of the event.

The transaction for the purchase of Elfec shares by the Cochabamba company Comteco in April 2008 has been shrouded in doubts and allegations, particularly after the involvement of Mossack Fonseca in creating three offshore companies linked to this financial operation was revealed following the Panama Papers leak in 2016. The investigation in Cochabamba focused on unraveling the formation of these offshore companies. Comteco shareholders argue that the purchase was legal as it occurred in Bolivia, not abroad. However, the Constitutional Tribunal Plurinational (TCP) rejected Comteco's action against Supreme Decree 1178, which registered the shares of Luz del Valle in favor of the National Electricity Company of Bolivia (ENDE) following nationalization. The Panama Papers investigation found indications of illicit enrichment in the transfer of Elfec to Comteco, recommending that the case be referred to the Public Ministry and the Attorney General. The intermediary law firm in Bolivia, Criales, Urcullo & Antezana, now known as Criales & Urcullo, managed the transaction with Mossack Fonseca, which has faced significant setbacks since the Panama Papers revelations, including the arrest of its founders for money laundering in the Lava Jato case.

At 4 a.m., people gather at Viedma Hospital in Cochabamba, Bolivia, to get medical attention, a routine driven by necessity. However, a strike by healthcare workers demanding a bonus has halted services, leaving many frustrated. The healthcare system faces a crisis with overcrowded facilities, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of personnel and supplies. Despite the resignation of several health officials and the evident collapse, Governor Iván Canelas denies a crisis. The region's hospitals struggle with patient overflow, and new facilities remain unused due to construction issues or staffing shortages. The healthcare system's challenges are exacerbated by political disputes over funding and responsibilities, leaving citizens, families, and medical professionals to cope with the limitations.