Medicine shortages, food queues and worthless piles of cash: What it's like living with hyperinflation in Venezuela

Venezuela's hyperinflation has led to severe economic challenges, making basic transactions nearly impossible. The banking system's collapse and cash shortages have forced citizens to resort to barter and black market solutions. Foreign journalists are somewhat insulated from the crisis, but most Venezuelans struggle to survive on meager salaries. The IMF projects hyperinflation to exceed one million percent, and the UN estimates that 1.6 million people have fled the country since 2015, approaching a migration crisis.

Mexicans and Ecuadorians return to their countries from Ukraine

Dozens of Mexicans, Ukrainians, Ecuadorians, and others celebrated their arrival in Mexico after fleeing Ukraine. A Mexican Air Force flight brought 81 evacuees, including Mexicans, Ukrainians, Ecuadorians, a Peruvian, an Australian, and a dog named Ramona. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard welcomed the evacuees and reiterated Mexico's condemnation of the invasion but ruled out unilateral sanctions against Russia. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated that Mexico would not send weapons to Ukraine. Meanwhile, 248 Ecuadorians arrived in Quito, with more expected to be evacuated from Europe. The evacuees shared mixed feelings of relief and concern for those left behind.

Mexicans and Ecuadorians return to their countries from Ukraine

Mexicans, Ukrainians, Ecuadorians, and others celebrated their arrival in Mexico after fleeing Ukraine. A group of 248 Ecuadorians also arrived in Quito, with a second plane in Europe to bring more. The Mexican Air Force flight carried 81 evacuees, including 44 Mexicans, 28 Ukrainians, and others. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard welcomed the evacuees and reiterated Mexico's condemnation of the invasion but ruled out unilateral sanctions against Russia, stating Mexico would only support UN Security Council-approved sanctions. President López Obrador denied plans to send weapons to Ukraine. The Mexican diplomatic missions will continue operations from the border due to worsening conditions in Kiev. In Ecuador, 248 citizens arrived in Quito, with around 100 still in Ukraine due to military attacks.

Zumba renews itself, gives instructors a new online opportunity

Zumba, the dance-based aerobic exercise program, has transitioned to virtual classes due to the coronavirus pandemic, creating a new revenue stream for its instructors globally. Since March 16, instructors have been able to offer live streaming classes, with hundreds of classes available online daily and over a million people participating weekly. Instructors, who pay Zumba for various benefits, now have varied income models, including donations or direct charges for classes. Zumba is supporting instructors with discounts and technology investments, despite the company's overall revenue being affected and continuing to pay all employees.

Zumba renews, gives instructors new online opportunity

The COVID-19 pandemic forced gyms worldwide to close, impacting the fitness industry. Zumba, a dance-based fitness program, adapted by offering online classes, providing a new income stream for instructors affected by social distancing measures. The company, led by co-founder Alberto Platman, supports instructors with streaming options and discounts, despite its own revenue challenges. Instructors like Loreta Bates and Henry Sandoval have found success with virtual classes, meeting increased demand from participants seeking stress relief during quarantine.

Zumba renews, gives instructors a new online opportunity

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing gyms and fitness centers worldwide to close, Zumba has transitioned its popular dance and aerobic exercise program to the virtual world. This shift has created new income opportunities for thousands of instructors globally, allowing them to conduct live streaming classes. Despite the challenges, Zumba is investing in technology and offering discounts to support its instructors. The move has been well-received, with significant participation from both instructors and participants, indicating a growing trend in online fitness classes.

Africans Caught in US-Mexico Migration Limbo

Hundreds of African migrants and asylum seekers from countries like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo are stranded in Tapachula, Mexico, after a perilous journey hoping to reach the United States. They are caught in limbo due to Mexico's permit system, which has become stricter following an agreement with the US to limit migrant crossings. The US's 'Remain in Mexico' policy and bilateral agreements with Central American countries further complicate their ability to seek asylum. Many migrants are reluctant to claim asylum in Mexico due to limited economic opportunities and potential racism. Asylum applications in Mexico have surged, with Chiapas state hosting 70% of applicants. The situation is exacerbated by the overwhelmed Mexican asylum system and the increased apprehension of African migrants in Mexico.

A paramedic and a sex worker describe what it's like to live through hyperinflation in Venezuela, where an estimated 90% of people are living in poverty amid a worsening economic crisis