Trump said the initiative would help remove what he described as unqualified migrant drivers from US highways, claiming they had been involved in reckless driving that caused preventable deaths.

He also said more than 24,000 driver's licences issued to non-English speakers had been revoked, while over 28,000 licences issued to what he described as "illegal aliens" had been cancelled.

According to the White House, the programme will be jointly run by the Departments of Transportation , Veterans Affairs, Labour and War.

"Tell him how a president of a country that is not as rich as the United States can guarantee every Brazilian citizen the same health treatment that the president of the Republic will receive," Lula said.

The United States formally left the WHO on 22nd January 2026, a year after Trump ordered the withdrawal on his first day back in office. The WHO said Washington halted its funding and left about $260 million in unpaid contributions, warning the move leaves "both the United States and the rest of the world in a less safe situation."

Lula also highlighted his government's healthcare policies and the expansion of public health services in Rio de Janeiro during the hospital visit.

“We do not believe that this is going to have an impact on the diplomatic side of the two countries,” Ravier told reporters at the Casa Rosada.

He added that Argentina had no intention of allowing the dispute to affect trade between the two “brotherly peoples”, noting that both countries are major trading partners and members of Mercosur.

“It is part of the game,” Ravier said, adding that insults had come from both sides in the past but had not been taken to the diplomatic level by Argentina.

Milei called Lula a “thief” and a “criminal” during a Liberal Party event in Sao Paulo on Saturday, where he backed Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential candidacy.

Lula later responded that Brazil would not accept anyone “sticking their nose where it does not belong”.

Brazil subsequently recalled its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, for consultations.

Milei added that his government sees it as a mission to warn other countries to change course before facing similar consequences.

Several protesters voiced strong accusations against the foreign missions. One demonstrator claimed that those involved in the rescue efforts were not genuine humanitarian actors but part of a broader agenda tied to geopolitical interests.

"We are paying tribute to all the fallen neighbours who could not get out on June 24, placing a light for them so they can climb a step and so that God may keep them in a very beautiful place up there," said survivor Adriana Velasco.

Velasco reflected on how the disaster changed her life in a matter of seconds.

"I really have no words; there are no words to describe how one feels after having had everything and in 39 seconds for everything to end and for you to have nothing left," she told Viory.

Describing the emotional impact of the tragedy, she added, "You see sadness, a deep pain, and at least my soul torn apart and shattered to pieces." "They are from the neighbourhood association here in our building, OPP 33C. And they organised this mass for those who died in our building," survivor Yordan Pina said.

One month after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, official figures show more than 5,300 people have died, 16,740 have been injured, 6,462 rescued, 17,907 displaced, and 190 buildings have collapsed nationwide.

"Bolivar's five republics are in the process of losing their independence and becoming a viceroyalty again. Perhaps Colombia more than Venezuela ," he said.

Petro alleged that De la Espriella was aligned with US interests rather than the Colombian electorate.

"Here in Colombia, the presidency of the one who is going to arrive on August 7 [Abelardo de la Espriella] is owed not to the people of Colombia, who voted mostly for another person, but rather he obeys the United States Department of State directly," he said.

De la Espriella narrowly defeated left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda in the 21 June presidential run-off, securing 49.66 per cent of the vote against Cepeda's 48.70 per cent, according to the initial official count. US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed De la Espriella during the campaign.

Petro also criticised plans to hold the 7 August presidential inauguration at a military or police facility in Cauca, insisting such installations would remain under his authority until the end of his term.

"That president is innocent of everything he is accused of and there is no material evidence that can prove that Nicolas Maduro is guilty of any of the crimes he is accused of," Maduro Guerra said. "Our task here is to resist."

He also called for national unity, saying Venezuelans wanted peace , prosperity and respectful relations with other countries, while urging the return of both Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro Guerra argued that lifting international sanctions was key to the country's economic recovery. "A broad national consensus is that they have to remove the blockade and sanctions so that we can take off as an economic power," he said.

Grassroots leader Gloria Lopez also addressed the rally, describing the legal proceedings against Maduro as a pretext to prolong his detention. She alleged the United States was motivated by Venezuela's oil and gold resources and said sanctions had worsened poverty.

The protest coincided with the third court hearing for Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores in New York , where Judge Alvin Wallerstein proposed 1st June 2027 as the start date for their trial.

"We are demonstrating with this Sovereign Brazil III that there is no crisis that prevents Brazil from continuing its path, from continuing with a growing economy ... We are going to finish the term growing by almost 3 percent in the three years of government," Lula said.

He criticised Washington for imposing the tariffs without consultation, arguing that countries were increasingly diversifying their trading partners and currencies .

"The abrupt decision of the US government to think that by applying the tariffs it applied without informing anyone, without speaking to anyone, the world was going to collapse," he said.

Lula added that the dispute had helped accelerate trade negotiations with other partners, including the conclusion of the long-delayed Mercosur-European Union agreement. "We have the conditions to emerge stronger from this crisis," he said, adding that Brazil was also pursuing new trade opportunities with other countries.

The additional 25 percent US tariffs on Brazilian imports took effect on Wednesday, with some products exempted.

Solano said the shortage of essential medicines had forced some patients to seek supplies on the black market.

"As ironic as it sounds, we have to go as far as the black market to be able to get supplies," he said. He also alleged that treatment disruptions had cost lives, saying he had seen fellow dialysis patients die because of a lack of medical monitoring.

Wilmer Bazurto, who is living with kidney disease and HIV, said the closure of his clinic affected hundreds of patients and warned that shortages of immune-system supplements were putting lives at risk.

"It is leading us to death little by little, and I do not know how much longer we will live," he said.

A video from Viory also showed patients waiting outside public hospitals for hours, with some elderly people seated in wheelchairs under the sun as they sought medical care. Patients accused the government of failing to respond to the worsening healthcare crisis.

The institute challenged the international narrative that portrays El Salvador as a “miracle” or a model to replicate, arguing that the country’s reality is shaped by a series of deeper challenges, including the erosion of democratic safeguards, restrictions on civic space and the use of communication strategies to influence public perception.

From democracy to autocracy

According to IDHUCA, El Salvador has moved away from democratic consolidation since 2019 and towards what it describes as an autocratic model, characterised by the weakening of institutional independence, restrictions on civic participation and the criminalisation of independent journalism and human rights defenders.

The institute acknowledged the significant reduction in violent deaths in recent years but argued that “less violence does not mean greater security”, pointing to concerns over legal uncertainty, weakened guarantees and the distinction between public safety and respect for the rule of law.

IDHUCA also questioned the idea of an economic “miracle”, arguing that current growth in areas such as tourism and commerce does not necessarily represent sustainable development, particularly in the absence of stronger redistributive policies .

The end of an unfinished democratic transition

The presentation examined El Salvador’s post-war period following the 1992 Peace Agreements, which ended more than a decade of civil conflict and established institutions designed to prevent abuses of state power, including the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence of Human Rights (PDDH).

However, IDHUCA argued that the country never achieved a fully consolidated democracy. The institute identified longstanding weaknesses from previous administrations, including the influence of sectoral interests in public policy, the persistence of militarised approaches to security and policies focused on addressing immediate problems rather than their structural causes.

2019–2026: The consolidation of an authoritarian model

From 2019 onwards, IDHUCA described the country’s trajectory as a process of “democratisation in reverse”. The institute argued that key democratic institutions, including electoral authorities, the Legislative Assembly and the judiciary, have lost independence due to increasing concentration of power within the Executive Branch.

A central concern raised during the presentation was the prolonged use of the state of emergency, first introduced in March 2022 following a surge in homicides.

IDHUCA stressed that, under El Salvador’s Constitution, emergency measures are intended to be temporary. However, repeated extensions have transformed the suspension of certain rights into a long-term policy, according to the organisation.

The institute warned that this has weakened due process guarantees, allowing arrests based on suspicion, extending pre-trial detention periods and limiting access to legal defence. It also argued that the measure has expanded beyond addressing gang-related crime and has contributed to pressure against journalists, human rights defenders and other critical voices.

Pressure on civil society and forced exile

IDHUCA described the period between 2025 and 2026 as a stage of further consolidation of what it considers an authoritarian system, with civil society organisations operating in an increasingly hostile environment.

The institute cited the arrests of figures including lawyer and researcher Ruth Eleonora López Alfaro, constitutional lawyer Enrique Anaya and other community defenders as examples of what it described as the criminalisation of human rights work and public criticism.

According to IDHUCA, these actions have contributed to the forced exile of more than 40 journalists and at least 30 human rights defenders due to threats against their safety or that of their families.

For many in Tigray, the situation is creating a growing sense of insecurity, with communities caught in the middle of political uncertainty. Analysts caution that sidelining the structures set up after the conflict risks eroding the fragile balance achieved through the agreement. Should this trajectory continue, the stability that followed the end of the war may begin to deteriorate, casting doubt over the region’s path forward.

"Do you realise that I spoke at great length and did not mention tariffs ? I am not going to talk about that because the news has to be the SUS. The news has to be our mobile units. The news has to be care for women," he said.

Lula added that he would respond only after Trump personally commented on the measure. "When Trump speaks, I will speak. As long as he does not speak, I will not speak," he said.

"We are going to prove that no one beats Brazil by lying. Either they are more sincere than us or they will not deceive Brazilian society ," Lula added.

The additional tariffs are set to take effect on July 22 and are expected to affect about 18 percent of Brazilian exports to the United States, although coffee, beef, orange juice and some aeronautical components have reportedly been exempted.

"I think it is a choice that makes a lot of sense," said BioParque biologist Cayo Souza, noting that Poty came from an institution in Foz do Iguacu, close to the Argentine border.

Souza said the prediction reflected the jaguar's curious personality.

"She chose Argentina, but then she took a look at Spain, and went back to Argentina again," he said.

He also predicted a closely contested final, suggesting it could be decided by a late goal or even a penalty shootout. The event attracted families and football fans to BioParque do Rio, while also raising awareness about jaguar conservation.

Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

CGTP Secretary General Geronimo Lopez warned that workers would not accept reforms that undermine labour protections, while highlighting the gap between the minimum wage and the cost of living. Union representatives also raised concerns over possible cuts to benefits such as bonuses and Compensation for Time of Service (CTS), as well as recent legal developments that could allow the executive to challenge public spending measures. The union signalled that Thursday’s protest marks the beginning of further mobilisation ahead of the new administration taking office on 28 July.

"It seems to me that the DEA has a lot of work in the United States. Normally the DEA devotes most of its work outside the United States, but within the United States it has a lot of work and should be dedicated to work mainly within its own country," she said.

Sheinbaum cited the television series Breaking Bad, arguing that it reflects a real problem in the United States, which she described as the world's largest drug market.

"The largest drug market in the world is in the United States. Who sells it? How do they sell it, how do they distribute it, how do they launder the money? That is something the DEA should be investigating," she said.

She also referenced former senior DEA official Nicholas Palmeri, who was removed over improper contacts with lawyers representing drug traffickers, saying the agency should focus on issues within its own organisation rather than making political statements.

Despite rejecting the allegations, Sheinbaum said Mexico remained committed to cooperating with the DEA in combating cross-border drug trafficking .

Speaking after receiving the credentials, Fujimori described her election as a historic milestone.

"Today I also want to express the immense honour that it represents for me to become the first woman elected by popular vote to hold the office of President of the Republic," she said.

She also paid tribute to generations of Peruvian women who paved the way for her election.

"I assume this historic fact with enormous pride. I understand it as an immense responsibility toward millions of Peruvian women who for generations paved the way with effort, sacrifice, and courage," Fujimori said.

The Fuerza Popular leader, who previously lost presidential run-off elections in 2011, 2016 and 2021, is set to be sworn in on July 28 for a five-year term.

"Yes, we do intend to restore the relationship with Peru. We did not break off that relationship; they did, they decided to. It is good that the president-elect today wishes... to restore the relationship," Sheinbaum said.

She added that she had instructed Mexico's foreign minister to begin discussions with Peru's incoming administration.

"Given her statements, I asked the foreign minister to establish communication with the new team that is going to govern in order to look at the specifics of restoring that relationship," she said.

Peru cut diplomatic relations with Mexico in November 2025 after the Mexican government granted political asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chavez.

Chavez and former president Pedro Castillo were later sentenced to 11 years and five months in prison over Castillo's failed attempt to dissolve Congress and govern by decree in December 2022. Castillo is serving his sentence at the Barbadillo prison complex inside a police base in Lima.

Uzcanga explained that his aim is simply to help those in need during a difficult time, ensuring that victims can be laid to rest with dignity. His actions have resonated widely on social media , with many praising the initiative as a sign of solidarity amid the ongoing recovery efforts.

"That gold belongs to our people , and that gold must be available to address the terrible, tragic consequences of this double earthquake," she said.

Rodríguez also said she had spoken with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva about accessing Venezuelan resources blocked at the IMF and renewed calls for international sanctions to be lifted.

According to Venezuelan authorities, the June 24 earthquakes have killed at least 3,811 people, injured more than 16,000 and left thousands homeless.

"So what made us angry? That when Orlando Gill... offers his hand with all the humility of a Paraguayan... this son of a bitch refuses his hand and shouts in his face. That is not French," she said.

The senator also dismissed criticism from French supporters on social media and urged Mbappe to "stop crying like a woman."

The dispute began after Amarilla posted comments about Mbappe on social media that he described as racist. Mbappe accused the senator of "brazen racism," while the French Football Federation filed a complaint and French prosecutors opened an investigation.

During Wednesday's session, Senator Juan Carlos "Nano" Galaverna also criticised Mbappe over an on-field exchange with Paraguay defender Juan Jose Caceres and made comments about the player's personal life. Senator Yolanda Paredes described the France captain as "arrogant" and "ill-mannered."

Paraguay's government has distanced itself from Amarilla's remarks, saying they reflect her personal views rather than those of the state. French authorities said President Santiago Peña had also written to French President Emmanuel Macron condemning the senator's comments.

The controversy began after Mizrachi shared the decision on social media , saying the device was intended to track the delivery of aid to affected communities. Cabello responded by stressing that humanitarian assistance should not be politicised, particularly during a national emergency. Panama is among several countries that have provided aid to Venezuela after the earthquakes struck the country’s northern region.

Developers said the climb was designed to test the robot’s balance, mobility and communication systems in challenging environments. While it was not able to complete the entire ascent on its own, the team described the mission as a key step towards more ambitious goals, including future climbs on Mount Everest and potential applications in space exploration . The project could also support the use of humanoid robots in rescue operations, scientific research and environmental monitoring in remote areas.

De Ogum is part of a community of pais and mães de santo - priests and priestesses of Afro-Brazilian religions - who regularly hold ceremonies to support Brazil during major football tournaments.

"We are Brazilians, so first of all, we have to support ourselves and pull things a little in our favour. And there is also the player who was born here in my neighbourhood, Vinicius Junior, who lived in the same neighbourhood as me, here in Portão do Rosa, in São Gonçalo. This is very important to us," he said.

The priest said his support for Vinicius Junior also reflects pride in the forward's stand against racism in football. "The greatest pride is honouring our Black people ," he said.

Brazil take on Norway on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in the Round of 16. It will be only the second World Cup meeting between the two sides. Their only previous encounter came at the 1998 World Cup in France, when Norway defeated Brazil.

During the ceremony, Venezuela awarded the "Hero of Venezuela" and "Canine Heroes of Venezuela" decorations to international teams that participated in search and rescue operations.

Among those recognised was the Bolivian rescue delegation. Lieutenant Colonel Ibar Gálvez Lazo thanked the Venezuelan government for the honour but said the true recognition belonged to those affected by the disaster.

"As a Bolivian, part of the South American region, we feel honoured to support the people who are suffering from this natural disaster situation, such as the earthquake, and always committed to contributing and supporting the population ," he told Viory.

He added that, in his view, "the ones who should be recognised are the affected people."

The honoured delegations came from Europe, Western Asia and Latin America . Teams from Jordan, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Spain and Portugal were recognised for their work with search-and-rescue dogs, while rescue personnel from Germany, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic were also honoured for assisting in the emergency response.

"We knew that we were facing a major natural catastrophe and that La Guaira, the state of La Guaira, had become a disaster zone. The first hours involved immediate response, with the deployment of 4,000 civilian and military personnel, which increased the following day and reached 14,000 personnel," she said.

Rodríguez also accused what she described as "media laboratories" of encouraging people to travel to the disaster zone, saying the influx complicated rescue operations.

"There are those who, humanly and rightly, went down to look for a relative, went down to look for a friend, went down to look for a worker, but media laboratories were activated, I have to say that responsibly," she said.

The acting president thanked countries for supporting Venezuela's relief efforts, including the United States , the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Israel.

She also announced an initial $200 million reconstruction fund and said the government was seeking to recover additional funds through discussions with the International Monetary Fund and the US State Department.

A spokesperson for Jordan's Public Security Directorate said the team found the child alive beneath the debris with stable vital signs. "The team found a three-year-old child alive under the rubble of one of the houses, and his vital signs appeared to be in good condition," the spokesperson said.

"The team worked for hours to remove debris while monitoring the child's vital signs using thermal imaging devices, before reaching him and extracting him without any harm," he added.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, also confirmed the rescue on social media , identifying the child as Klieber Moran.

"Three-year-old Klieber Moran was rescued alive in La Guaira state after six days trapped under the rubble," Rodríguez wrote. "Klieber's life is hope for our people ," she added.

Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude on June 24, just moments apart, causing widespread destruction in several regions.

Edgar Martinez, a canine handler with the Mexican Red Cross, said rescue teams have been working in difficult conditions but remain committed to the mission.

"We are here in Venezuela, in La Guaira, working on search and location efforts for live people in quite difficult scenarios, with quite high temperatures, but with a great willingness to help," he said.

Martinez explained that the dogs are trained to identify survivors by detecting carbon dioxide released through human breathing.

"The dogs are trained to locate people through breathing, specifically through the carbon dioxide that we emit when we exhale; that indicates that a person is alive," he said.

He added that preparing the dogs for rescue operations depends heavily on volunteers who simulate being trapped during training exercises.

"People are literally used, and we are very grateful in advance to everyone who helps us in Mexico by hiding from the dogs... when I send the dog to search, there has to be a person pretending to be buried so that the dog can be locating them," Martinez said.

Mexico has reportedly deployed 22 canine teams to Venezuela to assist with search-and-rescue operations. Eighteen of the teams are from the Emergency Response Battalion of the Secretariat of Defence, while the remaining four belong to the Mexican Red Cross, including Orly, Balam and Kenai.

The three internationally certified dogs have previously taken part in major disaster response missions, including search efforts following the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey.

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have killed 1,943 people and injured 10,571 others, according to updated figures released by Venezuelan authorities on Tuesday.

In the tourism sector, the downturn has been immediate and severe. Edson Muraña, an Indigenous leader and tour guide from the Lipez community in Potosí—home to the well-known Salar de Uyuni—explained that “tourists stopped coming” from the very first week. Widespread cancellations disrupted travel plans and agency operations, triggering a ripple effect across the sector, especially for those whose income depends directly on visitor flows.

In La Paz, the tourism and hospitality sector reflects the scale of the crisis. According to Helga Cisneros, president of the Departmental Hotel Chamber, occupancy rates have dropped dramatically. The sector had already declined from around 70% occupancy in 2019 to approximately 35–38% in recent years. However, the situation worsened significantly during the blockades. At the beginning of June, hotel occupancy fell to as low as 4%, recovering only slightly to 7% in the following weeks, highlighting the near paralysis of tourism activity in the city.

The economic losses have been substantial. Cisneros reported that, at a national level, accumulated losses in the sector are estimated at around 2.7 billion bolivianos, equivalent to roughly 270 million US dollars at the current official exchange rate. While this figure reflects the broader national picture, La Paz—one of the country’s main tourism hubs—accounts for a significant share of these losses due to high cancellation rates and reduced visitor flows.

Cancellations have been particularly severe in recent months. “June has seen cancellations of around 95%,” Cisneros noted, adding that May had already been marked by widespread disruptions. This sharp decline in demand has left many businesses without revenue during what would typically be a key recovery period.

Beyond financial losses, the employment situation has become increasingly fragile. The hospitality sector, which employs large numbers of women and young people, has already been forced to send workers on leave due to the lack of activity. With high operating costs, including wages, utilities and taxes, many businesses are now considering layoffs as a necessary measure to remain viable.

At the same time, informal workers in local markets report unstable conditions affecting their daily trade. Vendors describe irregular supply and fluctuating prices, noting that availability can vary significantly from one day to the next. Despite these challenges, many emphasise that their priority is simply to continue working, as their livelihoods depend on daily income.

At a national level, business sectors estimate that the overall economic damage could reach as much as 3 billion US dollars, equivalent to approximately 5.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Confederation of Private Business Owners of Bolivia has called on the government to implement an emergency support plan for struggling companies, as well as to approve legislation aimed at preventing road blockades.

Although the blockades have gradually been lifted, the government also declared a state of emergency, ordering military and police forces to clear the roads. After nearly two months of disruption, Bolivia now faces the challenge of stabilising its economy , as workers across sectors continue to call for conditions that allow them to resume their activities and recover their livelihoods.

Emergency teams have assisted tens of thousands of families, distributing food and providing medical care both locally and in the capital, Caracas. International support has also played a key role, with foreign rescue teams, search dogs and humanitarian supplies arriving to aid the response. Despite ongoing relief efforts, many people remain missing as authorities race against time to find survivors.

Juan Mujica, one of the survivors, said the response had been difficult because of the scale of the disaster and Venezuela’s wider challenges.

“It is still difficult because, as a state, we do not have a response capacity high enough to be able to reach people , due to the complicated situation Venezuela is facing. But to the extent possible, both private actors and a small part of the state are making efforts to get this food delivered,” Mujica said.

He added that specialised assistance remained inadequate for the number of people affected.

“Precarious because, as I mentioned, it does not have the response capacity for this irregular situation. It is a crisis. As a crisis, it overwhelms us, and we do not have the capacity to respond,” he said.

Residents are also facing severe communication difficulties, making it harder for affected communities to seek help or share information.

“There is no fully complete distribution of information and people are cut off. We have no signal, we have no type of communication, neither internal nor external. So we try to reach the media by walking or hitching a ride or something like that,” Mujica added.

Authorities said on Saturday that the death toll had risen to 1,430, with 3,238 people injured. The official missing persons registry has also recorded more than 78,000 reports, with an estimated 50,668 people still unaccounted for, Viory reports.

The mission comes as rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit regions, where homes and infrastructure have been severely damaged. Colombian authorities said the deployment is part of a humanitarian response aimed at assisting Venezuela’s emergency services and helping locate those still missing.

Organiser Agustin Arellano described the ritual as a millennia-old tradition that has been gradually revived since the 1990s. As part of the ceremony, participants carried out the ‘wilancha’, a ritual sacrifice of llamas, offering blood along with the heart and head to Pachamama as a sign of gratitude and in hopes of a prosperous planting season. Within the Andean worldview, the practice symbolises renewal and the continuity of natural cycles.

Cape Verde took the lead through Kevin Pina’s stunning long-range free kick, marking the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. Uruguay responded before half-time with strikes from Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio, but Cape Verde showed resilience as Hélio Varela equalised in the second half. With the group still open, Cape Verde now heads into its final match against Saudi Arabia with a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stage.

Footage from Viory showed police and soldiers removing stones, concrete blocks and mounds of earth from roads as vehicles slowly resumed movement. The deployment began in El Alto, passed through Senkata and continued to the Achica Arriba checkpoint on the main highway linking La Paz with Oruro.

In Senkata, some residents expressed support for the operation, saying the roadblocks had severely disrupted daily life.

"I agree with this roadblock clearance because it has caused a lot of harm. I live in Samo. How far do I have to walk to the minibus? .. We are harming ourselves," said resident Izana Apaza.

Authorities said the operation also enabled more than 150 trucks stranded in the Confital, Sayari and Bombeo sectors to resume their journeys after drivers spent more than 30 days with limited access to food and fuel.

Fernández de Kirchner was sentenced to six years in prison and banned for life from holding public office after being found guilty of fraudulent administration linked to public works contracts. She denies any wrongdoing and maintains the case is politically motivated. A federal court later allowed her to serve the sentence under house arrest, while supporters continue to demand her release and a reversal of the ruling.

The president also called on remaining protesters to stand down, warning that authorities would act to re-establish control. The announcement marks a significant escalation after weeks of tensions that have affected transport, trade and daily life across Bolivia, with the government insisting the emergency is aimed at protecting stability rather than limiting civil liberties .

"I have been censored even on social media. The owners of social media platforms have put in place an algorithm so that if my face appears or if my voice appears, it is not distributed and does not reach a larger audience," he said.

The Colombian leader linked the alleged censorship to his outspoken criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, arguing that those opposing what he described as genocide were increasingly being silenced.

“Simply because I opposed a friend of theirs, the genocidal maniac who killed 20,000 babies in Gaza,” Petro said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Petro warned that the issue extended beyond Colombia, claiming that growing control over digital platforms by private technology companies posed a broader threat to democracy .

“When the private owners of artificial intelligence , and therefore of social media platforms, come together to censor someone who has opposed a genocide, we may be heading toward fascism once again, but this time on a global scale,” he stated.

The president also drew parallels between violence in Colombia and the conflict in Gaza, while criticising what he described as rising racism around the world .

Lula said Trump was free to support the Bolsonaro family but should refrain from attempting to influence Brazil's democratic process.

"As for me, he can keep sympathising with Bolsonaro, with the father, the son, or the grandson. There is no problem at all. That is his business. But do not interfere in Brazil's elections ," Lula said.

The remarks come amid scrutiny over Eduardo Bolsonaro's contacts with US officials. According to Brazil's Supreme Court, the congressman sought support from the US government to influence legal proceedings involving his father and to encourage sanctions and international pressure against Brazil and members of its judiciary.

"If there is anyone who needs to learn from civilised elections in Brazil, it is my friend Trump," Lula said. "I only hope he does not violate the code of ethics among nations that want their sovereignty to be respected," he added.

Lula said he briefly met Trump during the G7 gathering and stressed that relations between the two countries should be based on mutual respect and respect for national sovereignty.

"The only thing I want is the same respect for Brazil that I have for the United States ," he said. The Brazilian president also revealed that he handed Trump a document outlining alleged links between organised crime in Brazil and the United States, arguing that both countries could cooperate more closely to combat criminal networks.

"I gave him everything in writing because I do not want to limit myself to talking; President Trump talks a lot and listens little," Lula said.

[This article was corrected on June 19th, 2026 to remove incorrect details about the upcoming election.]

“If a photo of me or my voice appears in any of the videos, the platform has an algorithm to restrict the dissemination of that information,” Petro said. “That is silencing a president of the Republic elected by popular vote.”

His remarks came amid a political dispute involving Gloria Arizabaleta, chair of the House Accusations Committee, who signed a controversial resolution proposing Petro’s provisional suspension over allegations that he improperly intervened in the presidential campaign.

Constitutional experts challenged the move, arguing that only the Senate has authority to suspend a sitting president. Within 24 hours, Colombia’s Inspector General suspended Arizabaleta for allegedly exceeding her powers.

In May, Colombia’s Council of State ordered Petro not to use official channels to support or oppose political parties, after ruling that some of his statements breached rules governing public officials during election periods.

Petro rejected the allegations, saying he had a duty to report alleged crimes against him or members of his administration. Colombia is due to hold the second round of its presidential election on June 21, after no candidate won an outright majority in the first round on May 31.

Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who is backed by Petro’s political movement. Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and is expected to leave office on August 7.

The agreement, expected to be signed in Geneva, would see Iran commit to renouncing the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons in exchange for support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The deal follows nearly four months of conflict involving the US and Israel, which has resulted in over 7,000 deaths, according to official figures, and has raised concerns over regional stability and energy markets .

For many, the result was secondary to the achievement itself, as the small Caribbean nation marked a milestone in its sporting history . Supporters highlighted pride, resilience and global recognition, with Curacao also earning a Guinness World Record as the smallest country to ever compete in a World Cup.

Speaking to Atlantico , Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire said:

Hilaire is confident of retaining his island's precious visa-free access to Europe, as a result of upgrades to its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). The European Union has taken a tougher stance on citizenship-by-investment schemes, with its latest Visa Suspension Mechanism report arguing that the operation of such programmes could itself become grounds for suspending visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The report specifically highlighted Caribbean countries operating citizenship programmes, including Saint Lucia.

Hilaire says he is working to convince the EU of the importance and justification for retaining their in-depth partnership.

"The dialogue we maintain with Brussels is real, continuous and conducted in good faith," he said in an interview.

The debate is about more than passports. For Saint Lucia, it is also about preserving one of the benefits that have made Caribbean citizenship programmes attractive: visa-free access to Europe. The issue has become even more sensitive after the European Union pointed to Vanuatu as an example of a country that lost its visa-free status over concerns related to investor citizenship schemes.

However, Hilaire argues that Saint Lucia's programme has changed significantly in recent years.

"Following the Caribbean memorandum of understanding signed in early 2024, we have raised the minimum thresholds, strengthened due diligence, harmonised our standards with our four regional partners and introduced, from 2026, a five-year initial passport, a mandatory orientation programme, a thirty-day stay in the country and full biometric registration."

Hilaire, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment and Commerce, among others, says the debate goes beyond technical requirements.

"Saint Lucia is a sovereign democracy of 180,000 people, facing climate vulnerability, debt constraints and limited fiscal space. We are not asking Europe for charity: we are asking for a partnership grounded in facts. The conversation must be about evidence, not only about fears."

Zone of peace

Beyond the debate over investment migration, Saint Lucia is also responding to a changing geopolitical landscape. Increased military activity, diverging positions within CARICOM and competition among global powers have brought renewed attention to the Caribbean.

Hilaire believes the region's traditional approach remains relevant.

"Saint Lucia's position is one of quiet diplomacy. We have always regarded the Caribbean as a zone of peace, and we continue to do so," he said.

He argues that small states can play an important role in an increasingly multipolar world, serving as what he calls "honest brokers" in international affairs.

The government is also looking to strengthen ties with France through Martinique and Guadeloupe. Hilaire describes the relationship as "one of the most underestimated in the Atlantic" and sees opportunities for deeper cooperation on climate resilience, security and culture.

Tourism remains central to Saint Lucia's economy, but the government is seeking new markets. While North America remains the island's largest source of visitors, Hilaire believes France offers untapped potential, particularly through Saint Lucia's shared Creole heritage and creative industries. The key challenge, he says, is improving air connectivity with Europe.

Despite concerns about climate change, debt pressures and shifting global alliances, Hilaire remains optimistic.

"Small states have one underestimated asset: agility," he said. "We can move faster than the major powers on regulation, on partnerships, on positioning."

Image from Depositphotos.com

Interpreter Omar Martinez explained that the project was designed to ensure that fans with disabilities could fully participate in the excitement of the tournament.

“What we are doing today is interpretation for deaf people and for a deaf-blind person, in which we use tactile sign language, where the deaf person touches the hands and can understand the interpretation and what is happening in the match,” Martinez said.

Among those attending was Jose de Jesus Loera, who was born deaf or hard of hearing and later lost his sight completely. He described the experience as his first World Cup match.

“I feel more emotions, with the vibration, with the speakers and the screen. I feel that it is much more exciting,” he said.

Another fan, Manuel Martinez Garcia, said the initiative allowed people with disabilities to enjoy the event without communication barriers.

“It gives me more emotions to see that there are many people and to be with all the people so that we are not excluded,” he said. “It's very exciting to feel it, and I hope Mexico wins.”

FutFest 2026 was created to bring the World Cup closer to local communities through free public screenings, cultural activities and inclusion programmes aimed at making the tournament accessible to a wider audience.

This ranking was developed using data from HypeAuditor , an AI-powered platform that measures influencer performance through its Audience Quality Score (AQS) . By analysing engagement, audience authenticity, and growth patterns, AQS helps identify creators who stand out not just for their reach, but for their real connection with audiences.

If you haven’t read parts  one  and two  of this series yet, be sure to catch up.

Now, let’s move on to the final round, positions 25 to 1.

25. Cleber Rosa (Brazil)

Blending rural storytelling with stand-up, Cleber Rosa is a Brazilian comedian best known for his character “Chico da Tiana”, which draws on countryside culture and traditions. He first gained popularity through viral internet videos before taking his work to theatres across Brazil. His humour often celebrates regional identity, using simple language and familiar situations to connect with audiences. In recent years, he has successfully transitioned from online fame to large-scale live performances, attracting diverse crowds nationwide.

Check out his Instagram account.

24. Igor Guimarães (Brazil)

Recognised for his surreal and unconventional humour, Igor Guimarães is a Brazilian comedian who has gained prominence through stand-up, television, and podcast appearances. He first reached wider audiences with shows like Pânico na Band and later became known for his distinctive presence on programmes such as The Noite com Danilo Gentili.

Check out his Instagram account.

23. César EAA (Mexico)

Building his career through social media, César EAA is a Mexican comedian and content creator known for developing viral characters and humorous commentary online. His rise began with short-form videos, where his expressive style and recurring personas quickly gained traction among audiences. He has expanded his presence beyond digital platforms, appearing in podcasts and aiming to transition into television.

Check out his Instagram account.

22. Álvaro Salas (Chile)

A veteran of Chilean comedy, Álvaro Salas first rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the duo Pujillay, before establishing a long-standing solo career. He became a regular figure at major events such as the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, where his clean, joke-driven style earned widespread popularity. Over decades, he has maintained a presence on television, radio, and live stages, becoming one of Chile’s most enduring entertainers.

Check out his Instagram account.

21. Thalyta Almeida (Brazil)

Coming from Brazil’s emerging stand-up scene, Thalyta Almeida has appeared in live comedy shows such as Santo Riso , performing alongside other comedians in dedicated comedy venues. Her work is rooted primarily in stage performance rather than large-scale media exposure, reflecting a career built through the independent circuit. While still developing her public profile, she represents a new wave of performers gaining experience through collaborative shows and local audiences.

Check out her Instagram account.

20. André Flores Venancio (Brazil)

Emerging from Brazil’s digital comedy scene, André Flores Venancio first gained attention through TikTok, where his short sketches and parody videos attracted millions of likes. His content often features costume-based characters and fast-paced storytelling, appealing especially to younger audiences online. Building on this popularity, he has taken his humour beyond social media, performing stand-up shows in major Brazilian cities as part of touring productions.

Check out his Instagram account.

19. Juan Diego (Brazil)

Operating under the persona “Dom Sincero”, Juan Diego is a Brazilian digital comedian who has gained traction through sharp, reaction-based humour on social media. His content often centres on analysing viral trends and controversial opinions, using sarcasm and direct commentary to challenge them. His rise reflects a growing wave of Latin American creators who blend comedy with commentary on current cultural debates.

Check out his Instagram account.

18. Luis Aravena Carrillo (Chile)

Originally trained as a nurse, Luis Aravena Carrillo is a Chilean comedian who transitioned into stand-up after years working in the healthcare system. His routines draw heavily on his experiences in hospitals, where he observed everyday situations that later became comedic material. He began performing while still working in medicine, gradually building a following through live shows and social media content. Today, he performs across Chile with shows such as En Práctica , reflecting his journey from healthcare professional to full-time comedian.

Check out his Instagram account.

17. Oscar Tito (Peru)

Better known to audiences simply as Tito, Oscar has become a familiar face in Peruvian comedy through his work in television and live performance. He gained recognition as part of the popular comedy programme El Wasap de JB , where his character work and timing helped him stand out within an ensemble cast. Over the years, he has combined sketch comedy with stage appearances, building a steady presence in Peru’s entertainment industry.

Check out his Instagram account.

16. Mariano Núñez (Argentina)

Known online as "Rulombo", this Argentine comedian has built a following through internet-based humour that blends absurdity, satire, and digital culture. Rather than emerging from traditional stand-up, his work is primarily rooted in social media, where he shares sketches and commentary shaped by meme aesthetics and contemporary trends. His style often plays with randomness and irony, appealing strongly to younger audiences.

Check out his Instagram account.

15. Agustina Aguilar (Argentina)

Starting out in Buenos Aires in 2011, Agustina Aguilar has developed a solid career within the Argentine stand-up scene over more than a decade. She trained with well-known comedians and gained early exposure at the Ciudad Emergente festival, which helped launch her trajectory. Her work has taken her beyond Argentina, performing in Spain, Chile, and Uruguay, while her solo shows such as Metanoia explore personal experiences through irony and dark humour.

Check out her Instagram account.

14. Emilio González Moreira (Argentina)

Unlike many traditional comedians, Emilio González Moreira has carved out a niche by combining stand-up with video game culture and history. Based in Argentina, he is recognised as a key figure in the Buenos Aires comedy circuit, performing regularly in theatres and festivals such as Ciudad Emergente. His solo show Reset blends humour, storytelling, and gaming references, showcasing his ability to create characters using voices and sound effects.

Check out his Instagram account.

13. Dalia Castella (Mexico)

Dalia Castella is a Mexico-based comedian, musician, and content creator known for her sharp, provocative style and dark humour. Originally from Spain, she has developed her career within Mexico’s contemporary stand-up scene, performing live shows such as A mí la comedia me da igual , which has toured multiple cities. Her work often blends sarcasm with social commentary, addressing topics like identity and prejudice through an intentionally confrontational tone.

Check out her Instagram account.

12. Relson Cardoso (Brazil)

Originally from Brazil, Relson Cardoso has built his reputation through stand-up performances that mix high-energy delivery with observational humour. He is recognised for engaging directly with audiences during his routines, often improvising based on real-time reactions. His career has developed through appearances in comedy clubs and collaborative shows within the Brazilian circuit.

Check out his Instagram account.

11. Natan Barros (Brazil)

Natan Barros is a Brazilian comedian associated with the country’s expanding stand-up comedy movement. He has built his career through live performances, appearing in comedy clubs and collaborative shows alongside other emerging acts. His humour tends to draw from personal anecdotes and contemporary social themes, creating a connection with younger audiences. In addition to the stage, he has developed an online presence that supports his growing visibility within Brazil’s comedy scene.

Check out his Instagram account.

10. Michael Steve (Ecuador)

Michael Steve, also known as “Asimon”, is an Ecuadorian comedian and digital content creator who has built a strong presence through social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok. His content focuses on humorous sketches, memes, and relatable situations, often delivered with an expressive and energetic style.

Check out his Instagram account.

9. Fran Mendes (Brazil)

Fran Mendes is a Brazilian comedian known for his sharp, relatable humour and strong presence on social media. His content blends everyday observations with expressive storytelling, allowing him to connect easily with audiences. His most famous character is “Tia Fran,” a teacher who reflects the realities of education through humour. Over time, he has built a growing following, establishing himself as a rising voice in Brazil’s digital comedy scene.

Check out his Instagram account.

8. André Assunção (Brazil)

André Assunção is a Brazilian comedian who has developed his career within the contemporary stand-up scene, performing in comedy clubs and independent circuits. His material often explores personal experiences and social behaviour, delivered with a conversational and reflective tone rather than purely exaggerated humour. Over time, he has also built a presence online, using digital platforms to reach wider audiences and promote his shows.

Check out his Instagram account.

7. Agustín Andrada (Argentina)

Agustín Andrada is an Argentine comedian and content creator who gained recognition through social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram. He is known for his observational humour and relatable sketches that portray everyday situations and social interactions. His online popularity has allowed him to transition into live performances, including stand-up shows in theatres across Argentina. As part of a new wave of digital comedians.

Check out his Instagram account.

6. Paco de Miguel (Mexico)

Paco de Miguel is a Mexican comedian and digital content creator who rose to prominence through social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram. He became widely known for his character-based comedy, especially his portrayal of “Miss Lety”, a satirical depiction of a school co-ordinator. His videos, which humourously reflect everyday Mexican life and social archetypes, quickly gained millions of followers.

Check out his Instagram account.

5. Jorge Luna (Peru)

Jorge Luna is a Peruvian comedian and content creator who rose to prominence through stand-up comedy and digital media. He is best known as co-host of the popular YouTube show Hablando Huevadas , where his improvised humour and audience interaction have attracted millions of viewers. Luna began performing in small venues before gaining national recognition, eventually selling out large theatres across Peru.

Check out his Instagram account.

4. Lucas Lauriente (Argentina)

Beginning his career in Buenos Aires at just 19, Lucas Lauriente has become one of the most recognised voices in Argentine stand-up. He gained major visibility through festivals such as Ciudad Emergente and later reached wider audiences with a Comedy Central special and his Netflix show Todo lo que sería . His work combines introspective humour with a distinctive, personal take on everyday life.

Check out his Instagram account.

3. Andrés Molinares (Colombia)

Andrés Molinares is a Colombian stand-up comedian and digital content creator from Bogotá, known for his satirical and politically themed humour. He gained visibility through social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where his sketches often parody current events and public figures. His work includes creating multiple comedic characters and viral videos that critique both left- and right-wing political groups. Alongside his online presence, he has performed live stand-up shows across Colombia, building a growing reputation in the national comedy scene.

Check out his Instagram account.

2. André Gropo (Brazil)

André Gropo is a Brazilian stand-up comedian and digital content creator known for his original and unpredictable humour. He built his audience through viral online videos before transitioning into live performances, including his solo show Mesmo Se Ninguém Vier . His comedy often blends absurd ideas with sharp observations about the struggles of performing and everyday life. As part of a new generation of comedians, he combines social media presence with stage work, performing in comedy clubs and cultural venues across Brazil.

Check out his Instagram account.

1. Braulio Rodriguez (Mexico)

Braulio Rod is a Mexican digital comedian and content creator from Tijuana who gained prominence through TikTok. He began posting videos in 2022, quickly building a large audience with comedic sketches, original characters, and exaggerated everyday situations. His content often uses filters and rapid transitions, which he refers to as “time-lapse comedy”, helping him stand out online. With millions of followers and viral videos reaching tens of millions of views, he represents a new generation of Mexican comedians emerging through social media rather than traditional media.

Check out his Instagram account.

This list was created with the help of  HypeAuditor  and is based on the  Audience Quality Score (AQS) . In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to determine the order. The keywords used in our search were 'comedian, 'humorist', and 'standup' in all Latin American countries.

Ayrton Condorhuayra, president of the National Multisectoral Committee of Bolivia, urged President Rodrigo Paz to use emergency powers to address the crisis.

“To the president, I say: Rodrigo, you have the people's approval. Declare a state of emergency,” Condorhuayra told the crowd.

He also called for the resignation of Vice President Edman Lara and demanded the arrest of former president Evo Morales, accusing him of being behind the protests and road blockades that have disrupted transport and supply chains across the country.

Participants at the rally said the blockades were causing shortages of food, medicine , oxygen and other essential goods.

“As a citizen of La Paz, we are not willing to continue with these critical days,” said Eva Oporto. “We cannot continue with this lack of food, health supplies and oxygen.”

Another resident appealed to authorities to act, citing growing hardship among families and concerns over access to healthcare.

The demonstration came a day after President Paz signed legislation regulating states of emergency, granting authorities powers that include deploying the military to clear blocked transport routes.

Bolivia has faced weeks of protests and road blockades that have disrupted the movement of goods and fuel in several regions. Despite mounting pressure, Paz has reaffirmed his intention to remain in office until the end of his term in 2030.

The measure is intended to ease pressure on the city's roads as large crowds are expected for the start of the tournament.

“To avoid traffic and problems on the day of the World Cup,” Sheinbaum said when explaining the decision.

The president stressed that the decree does not require all private businesses to close or suspend operations. “It is not an obligation,” she said.

According to the government, industrial production, manufacturing activities and essential services will continue operating as normal. Restaurants, shops and other businesses will also remain open.

Exemptions from the remote-work directive include healthcare services, national security agencies, transport operations, social programmes and activities directly linked to the organisation of the World Cup.

Educational institutions in Mexico City will also suspend classes on June 11, including public pre schools , primary and secondary schools, as well as upper-secondary and higher education institutions under the Public Education system.

Mexico is one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.