“Those who exercise authority also have the duty to act with prudence,” he said, calling on leaders to place the interests of the wider community above all else.

The Pope also addressed Argentina's economic challenges, expressing concern for families struggling with uncertainty and unemployment.

“The economy must be at the service of the person and not the person at the service of the economy,” he declared.

Leo XIV emphasised the importance of education, urging greater investment in universities, vocational training and research to create opportunities for young people .

He also highlighted Argentina's vast natural resources, including water, energy and minerals , calling for responsible development that protects communities and the environment. On regional relations, the pontiff encouraged Argentina to maintain dialogue with neighbouring countries and pursue peaceful solutions to disagreements.

He dismissed claims that Israel was attempting to control Mexico's water resources, infiltrate the southern state of Chiapas through former soldiers or colonise parts of the country.

“It is clear that the campaign is well orchestrated and well funded,” Magen said, describing the accusations as baseless.

Addressing concerns over water management, the ambassador explained that Israeli companies had been invited to share expertise in irrigation and wastewater recycling in Yucatán, although he could not confirm the status of any agreements.

Magen also defended the presence of young Israelis in Chiapas, explaining that many travel abroad after completing compulsory military service, with some participating in volunteer activities coordinated with local authorities.

He maintained that Israel's involvement in Mexico focused on cooperation and knowledge-sharing rather than interference.

His remarks come less than two weeks after an independent United Nations fact-finding commission reiterated its finding that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, alleging that the violations continued despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025.

Senate President Basilio Núñez announced the verdict, declaring that Peña had been removed from office in accordance with the impeachment vote.

During closing arguments, Deputy Rocío Vallejo accused Peña of prioritising private interests over public responsibility and alleged his involvement in a scheme to divert public funds through weakened financial controls.

She claimed the banking crisis had affected approximately three million people and accused the former president of helping establish a system that attracted public resources while compromising financial safeguards.

Deputy Raúl Benítez defended the impeachment proceedings, arguing that the Paraguayan state had abused its citizens.

Following Peña's removal, Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as Paraguay's new president, while Antonio Barrios was appointed vice-president.

Meanwhile, Paraguayan police detained Peña at his residence in Asunción under an order from prosecutors investigating alleged breach of trust connected to the Ueno Bank scandal.

The government says its education policy prioritises early childhood education, while Education Minister María Paz Arzola acknowledged that the sector’s budget would not increase in real terms in 2027. Teachers have also criticised the planned end of a computer programme for seventh-grade students and cuts to public education support. The College of Teachers has called another demonstration for 14 November.

With neither acceptance nor rejection of the resignation, Peña formally remains president. The Senate subsequently opened impeachment proceedings and summoned him to present his defence on Friday, a request he agreed to. At least 30 of the Senate’s 45 votes are required to remove him. The crisis follows the Central Bank’s intervention in Ueno Bank, which reportedly had solvency below half the legal minimum, freezing deposits belonging to around 2.9 million customers and between US$800 million and US$850 million in public funds .

Lawmakers accused the president of misconduct and conflicts of interest linked to the troubled bank, whose collapse has left millions unable to access their savings.

Deputy Carlos Núñez Salinas argued that the allegations constituted poor performance of presidential duties and justified Peña's removal.

Opposition lawmaker Raúl Benítez accused the president of using his office to benefit associates, while Deputy Rocío Vallejo warned that the scandal had severely damaged public confidence in Paraguay's financial system.

Senate President Basilio Núñez confirmed that Peña would be summoned to present his defence and evidence at an extraordinary session on Friday at 10 a.m.

The impeachment trial will involve five sessions before a final vote. Removing Peña requires at least 30 votes in the 45-member Senate. The president has confirmed he will appear.

The crisis began on Tuesday when Paraguay's Central Bank intervened in Ueno Bank after its solvency reportedly fell below half the legal minimum.

The intervention froze deposits belonging to approximately 2.9 million customers, alongside an estimated $800 million to $850 million in public funds , according to the bank.

“I want to apologise to the people if at any point I failed. It was never my intention to betray the trust you placed in me,” he said.

His resignation follows a vote by Paraguay's lower house of Congress to pursue impeachment proceedings over allegations of conflicts of interest and misconduct linked to the bank's collapse.

Peña, who reportedly held shares in the company that owned Ueno Bank until last year, has denied any wrongdoing.

The crisis erupted after the bank entered insolvency proceedings, freezing operations and leaving millions of customers unable to access their savings.

Ueno Bank says it serves approximately three million customers, equivalent to about 60% of Paraguay's adult population, and holds pension funds and other public deposits.

Paraguay's central bank subsequently took control of the digital lender, while angry depositors took to the streets demanding access to their money and Peña's resignation.

The president announced that he had met with leaders of both chambers of Congress to fast-track legislation aimed at returning depositors' savings.

“We are working to return to each saver what is theirs as soon as possible,” Peña said, adding that the proposed measures would cover 98% of the bank's depositors.

However, the crisis has sparked widespread protests in the capital, Asunción, as citizens demand answers over the bank's collapse and the handling of their savings.

Peña is also facing scrutiny over alleged business connections to a financial company linked to Ueno Bank.

Opposition lawmakers have accused his administration of irregularities involving the institution's operations and financial management, with some pushing for possible impeachment proceedings.

“I looked at his face and said, ‘Dad, the persecution has begun,’” Bolsonaro said, claiming Brazil was operating under a “state of exception”.

The defeated candidate also accused electoral authorities of allowing irregularities during the presidential run-off, alleging that his opponents had violated electoral rules.

Bolsonaro said he received a court order requiring him to surrender his passports and prohibiting him from leaving Brazil.

Despite the order, he departed Brazil on Tuesday and arrived in Miami on Wednesday after travelling through Argentina and Ecuador.

The senator is under investigation for alleged money laundering and corruption but has not been charged. He denies wrongdoing and maintains that the proceedings are politically motivated.

Bolsonaro lost the presidential run-off to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by more than 4.4 million votes but has refused to concede defeat, alleging electoral irregularities.

His complaints include extended voting hours at some polling stations following transport disruptions and severe weather.

Martin’s presence has also brought comfort to the hospital community, with some visitors bringing their pets so patients can see them. Although no one can know for certain why he stayed, locals see his story as a reminder of unconditional love, and some hope a monument will one day honour the much-loved bird.

Addressing students, she described Venezuela's democratic transition as “irreversible” and expressed support for a roadmap outlined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“My presence in Venezuela shows that the three-phase plan put forward by President Trump is moving forward,” Machado said, adding that the proposed transition included presidential elections in 2027.

She called for reforms to Venezuela's judicial and electoral institutions, including the appointment of new Supreme Court judges and National Electoral Council officials.

Although Machado confirmed she was not participating in ongoing talks between the government and other political groups, she expressed hope that the negotiations would produce meaningful reforms.

“We are not taking part in this table, and as we warned at the time, we are not only not obstructing it, but we are very interested in it succeeding,” she said. Machado also welcomed acting President Delcy Rodríguez's acknowledgement of the need for elections but questioned her ability to oversee institutional reforms.

The opposition leader, who returned to Venezuela on October 25 after nearly ten months abroad, said she would focus on building civic networks and encouraging public participation to ensure a peaceful political transition.

Justice and Peace Minister Gabriel Aguilar Vargas described the operation as a historic milestone, saying the transfers were carried out on the instructions of President Laura Fernández. “It is a historic day for all the people of Costa Rica. We are already, just as we promised, transferring the first prisoners,” Aguilar said.

Authorities said the operation took place under strict security measures, with inmates undergoing identity checks and security scans to detect prohibited items, including weapons, drugs and mobile phones.

Pablo Bertozzi, Director General of the Penitentiary Police , said experienced officers had been selected to oversee the facility and prevent criminal activities from continuing behind bars.

The prison, located within the La Reforma complex in Alajuela, was inaugurated on October 14 by President Fernández.

With a capacity of 5,100 inmates across five modules, CACCO is designed to ease prison overcrowding and strengthen authorities' control over members of organised criminal groups.

“I didn't endorse in Brazil. I thought I'd stay out of that one,” Trump said. “The end result, you know, it's fine, the end result. But the way they got to the end was terrible.”

Trump also expressed support for defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro and his family, describing them as “fine people” and saying he would approve their entry into the United States .

Washington has already confirmed plans to grant US visas to Bolsonaro and his family, amid growing uncertainty over the senator's whereabouts.

Brazilian electoral authorities declared Lula the winner with 51.79% of valid votes, compared with Bolsonaro's 48.21%, a margin exceeding 4.4 million votes.

Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat, alleging electoral fraud. He also faces investigations into alleged corruption , money laundering and tax evasion, accusations he denies.

Voters were seen arriving at the embassy, undergoing registration checks and casting their ballots electronically, while others gathered outside after voting.

Erasto Santos Cruz, who has lived in China for nine years, expressed concern that a Bolsonaro victory could weaken relations between Beijing and Brasília. “If Lula wins, it's a guarantee that China's relationship with Brazil will keep getting better and better, because Lula is an old friend of China,” he told Viory.

Hernandes Miguel, who travelled from Wuhan to vote, warned that a change in leadership could threaten progress in public education and social programmes introduced under previous administrations.

Another voter, Wagner Lacerda Dantas, described the election as crucial for Brazil's environmental policies , particularly the protection of the Amazon rainforest, and its international partnerships.

Meanwhile, Lara Vidal said she believed Lula's re-election would help Brazil resist political pressure from Washington and strengthen Latin America's independence.

The run-off follows a narrow first-round vote on October 4, when Bolsonaro secured approximately 47% against Lula's 45%.

The political landscape across the Americas has undergone a significant transformation since 2023, with a growing number of countries now governed by right-leaning administrations after a period in which left-wing leaders dominated much of the hemisphere.

The shift is most visible in North America and parts of South America, where recent elections have brought conservative or centre-right governments to power. Political analysts say concerns over inflation, economic growth, crime, migration and public dissatisfaction with incumbents have helped fuel the trend.

The United States returned to a right-leaning administration following the 2024 presidential election, while Argentina's election of President Javier Milei in late 2023 marked one of the region's most significant political realignments. Milei's libertarian agenda represented a sharp break from the country's long tradition of Peronist politics.

Elsewhere, Ecuador, Paraguay and several Central American nations have also been led by governments generally considered centre-right or conservative. The result is a noticeably different political map from just a few years ago, when left-leaning governments held power across much of the hemisphere.

Despite the shift, the political picture remains mixed. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile continue to be governed by left-leaning administrations, preserving the influence of progressive politics in some of the region's largest economies.

According to data from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and regional election authorities, economic challenges have remained a dominant issue across the Americas. Inflation spikes following the COVID-19 pandemic, slower growth and concerns over public security have influenced electoral outcomes in several countries.

Political scientists caution that the traditional left-right divide often oversimplifies Latin American politics, where leaders frequently combine policies from different ideological traditions. Nevertheless, election results since 2023 point to a broader trend of voters seeking alternatives to incumbent governments.

The changing political balance comes as countries across the hemisphere face major challenges, including economic competitiveness, migration pressures, organised crime and energy transition policies .

Footage released by the Attorney General's Office showed the mutilated shark fins packed into sacks.

“Evidence indicates that the fins came from more than 1,000 sharks,” prosecutors said in a statement posted on X.

According to police , the shipment was intended to pass through Ecuador before reaching the illegal market in Hong Kong, where shark fins are sought after for their perceived aphrodisiac properties.

Authorities said the seized fins included those of threatened species such as hammerhead and thresher sharks.

Police arrested William Leonardo de la Cruz, suspected of being one of Colombia's leading shark fin traffickers. Prosecutors charged him with the illegal exploitation of natural resources and wildlife trafficking.

Illegal fishing offences can carry prison sentences of up to nine years in Colombia.

Cleaning worker Jehova Pessoa de Lima, 64, criticised Bolsonaro's perceived ties to US President Donald Trump and Argentina's Javier Milei, saying they had undermined his confidence in the candidate.

Gabriela Ribeiro Viana de Araujo, 29, said her concerns centred on protecting social policies and preventing what she feared could become a dictatorship.

However, cook Igor de Assis Coutinho, 42, argued that Brazil needed political change after years of governance by Lula and his allies.

“I think this is the time for a change,” he told the AFP, adding that although Bolsonaro was not his preferred candidate, he would support him over Lula.

Meanwhile, cleaning worker Damião da Silva, 69, praised Lula's commitment to poorer Brazilians, describing him as a president who prioritised low-income communities.

The run-off will take place on October 25, 2026.

Participants also highlighted Venezuela’s economic hardship and failing public services, including problems with healthcare and transport and the low value of pensions. Meanwhile, interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s government and the administration of US President Donald Trump are holding talks on the political transition and future elections, although no date has been set.

Thousands of supporters joined the march, calling for continued mobilisation in the final days of the campaign.

Journalist Merrina Delgado expressed concern about Brazil's political future, accusing the Bolsonaro camp of threatening democratic progress. “We still have a few days to win votes,” Delgado said, urging Lula's supporters to remain active until polling day.

Influencer Fernando Saldanha also expressed confidence that Lula could reverse the first-round result in the state, describing the election as a broader struggle against what he called fascism.

Lawyer Laura Xavier said she joined the demonstration over concerns about foreign economic influence, particularly from the United States , and the future of Brazil's political left.

The rally formed part of Lula's final campaign push in Minas Gerais, where both candidates are seeking to secure crucial votes ahead of Sunday's election.

“Do we want a Brazil that kisses the Brazilian flag, or do we want a Brazil that goes on all fours before the American flag?” Lula asked.

The president has made national sovereignty a central theme of his re-election campaign, repeatedly questioning the Bolsonaro camp's ties with Washington.

Lula also urged supporters to intensify their campaign efforts both on the streets and online, describing the final days before the election as a decisive political battle.

“Lula's army cannot leave the streets, cannot leave the digital networks,” he declared, describing his supporters as an “army of dignity” and democracy .

The president also challenged Bolsonaro to disclose his financial and telephone records before agreeing to another televised debate, following a heated exchange over corruption allegations during their first debate on Sunday.

The operation was conducted by the National Police's Anti-Narcotics Directorate (DIRAN) under the Esmeralda Strategy.

Authorities said traffickers had mixed the cocaine with powdered panela, an unrefined cane sugar product, to evade security checks.

President De La Espriella said the seizure dealt a financial blow of more than 42 billion Colombian pesos, approximately $13.2 million, to criminal organisations and prevented over 19 million doses of cocaine from reaching the streets.

“There will be no let-up in the fight against narco-terrorism!” he declared, warning traffickers that authorities would continue targeting their operations and finances.

The president also praised the officers involved, describing the seizure as a significant victory against organised drug trafficking .

The candidates also discussed public healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic under the presidency of Flávio Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro. Flávio acknowledged shortcomings in his father’s handling of the crisis, saying: “I’ll offer a mea culpa here.”

The debate took place as both candidates sought to attract undecided voters ahead of the second round. Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote in the first round on 4 October, compared with Lula’s 45%.

A second televised debate is scheduled for 23 October, two days before Brazilians go to the polls .

The dispute began after Lula's campaign accused Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, of restricting the reach of its political content and limiting its ability to promote posts. The campaign also raised concerns after tests suggested that Meta AI generated election-related images for Flávio Bolsonaro but refused similar requests involving Lula.

On 15 October, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ordered Meta not to reduce the distribution of posts related to presidential candidates, block recommendations or restrict search results. The decision also required equal treatment for both campaigns and established a daily fine of R$500,000 (approximately US$99,000) for non-compliance

The following day, the court confirmed the order, which included measures to prevent unequal treatment of the candidates' content during the final stage of the campaign. Meta said it had temporarily prohibited recommendations of candidates and the generation of images of them in line with Brazilian electoral rules.

However, the court later found the company's explanations insufficient. On 18 October, Bellizze gave Meta 24 hours to provide clear reports in Portuguese detailing the measures it had taken and distinguishing those required by the court from those introduced by the company itself.

Meta has denied political bias, attributing the issues identified on its platforms to technical problems. The court's proceedings concern the platform's handling and distribution of electoral content, rather than the legality of the candidates' own campaign messages.

With the run-off scheduled for 25 October, the case has brought renewed attention to the role of social media platforms and artificial intelligence in Brazil's electoral process.

For more information, read the full article on Global South World Brazil.

Luka Franca, an electoral lawyer and co-director of the Feminist Institute Kuira, said women’s demands must be part of the presidential debate, noting that women represent more than half the electorate. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro are competing in the run-off, in which women’s votes could play a significant role.

During the event, Lula celebrated a constitutional reform ending Brazil's six-day working week with one day off, known as the 6x1 system.

Under the reform, maximum weekly working hours will gradually fall to 42 in December 2026 and 40 in December 2027, without salary reductions.

Lula described the changes as a victory for workers, particularly women who balance paid employment with family responsibilities.

Supporters welcomed the reform and expressed confidence in his re-election campaign. “I am very happy and I have faith that we are going to achieve this victory,” said supporter Ana Luiza Santana.

The president also urged older voters and those who abstained in the first round to participate in the October 25 vote. Lula warned against a return of Bolsonarismo, arguing that the election would determine the future of labour rights and social policies in Brazil.

During the visit, Fernández inspected the prison’s armoury and one of its detention pavilions, observing inmates in their cells, undergoing medical examinations and participating in physical activities.

The visit followed Wednesday’s inauguration of Costa Rica’s High-Containment Centre against Organised Crime (CACCO) in San Rafael de Alajuela.

Built with Salvadoran assistance under a project initiated during former President Rodrigo Chaves’ administration, the $35 million facility can accommodate up to 5,100 inmates.

The new prison is intended to strengthen Costa Rica’s response to organised crime and rising violence linked to drug trafficking .

Fernández is also scheduled to meet President Bukele to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional security issues.

Protesters accused the government of undermining public universities through inadequate funding, low salaries and insufficient financial support for students.

“Lecturers are earning poverty wages, when they get paid at all. Researchers are leaving the country,” said Julia, a Brazilian student participating in the demonstration.

The protesters demanded the implementation of legislation aimed at improving salaries for university staff and expanding student grants. Student demonstrator Lautaro accused Milei's administration of refusing to enforce the law despite its approval a year earlier.

He also criticised rising transport costs, expensive study materials and worsening employment opportunities, arguing that financial pressures were forcing students to abandon their education.

Demonstrators additionally called for the repeal of Emergency Decree 70/2023, which they argued threatened Argentina's sovereignty.

According to local reports, at least 25 protesters were detained during the clashes, while eight security officers were injured.

According to the Navy, the seizure followed intelligence work coordinated with the National Police's Anti-Narcotics Directorate and an interagency force supported by the US Southern Command.

“The Colombian Navy achieved the seizure of 1.4 tonnes of illicit substances, valued at 15 million dollars,” said Lieutenant Commander Andrés Felipe Henao Morales.

Authorities discovered 47 packages aboard the vessel, which were transferred to the Buenaventura Coastguard Station for inspection.

Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of 1,460 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and 407 grams of marijuana.

The Navy estimated that the operation prevented approximately 3.6 million doses of drugs from reaching international markets. The three suspects were handed over to judicial authorities to face alleged drug-trafficking offences.

Colombian authorities said maritime surveillance and interdiction operations would continue to disrupt criminal networks operating along Pacific trafficking routes.

Although the Azcatitlan manuscript has returned temporarily through a cultural exchange, community members say this is not enough. Mexico and France are holding talks on the possible repatriation of the Codex Borbonicus, which is held by the French National Assembly. Indigenous representatives say bringing the manuscripts home would strengthen cultural identity and help younger generations reconnect with their heritage, ahead of the New Fire ceremony scheduled for 2027.

Lula has presented the proposal as a victory for workers, arguing that two days off would allow people to spend more time with their families and care for their children . At the rally, supporters urged voters to back his re-election, while Janja said ending the 6x1 rota would be a major achievement, particularly for women.

“He will get better. For God, nothing is impossible,” said Magdalena, one of the worshippers.

The Pope's hospitalisation has also raised concerns over his planned visit to Peru in November, with some devotees fearing his recovery could affect the trip.

“We believe that the Pope's health comes first, that he should recover, get better, and later be able to visit us,” said Maria, another attendee.

Pope Leo XIV, who holds Peruvian citizenship and previously served in Chiclayo, has strong ties to the country. Some worshippers expressed hope that he would still be able to visit once his health improves.

According to the Vatican, the Pope underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on October 13. The operation was successful and without complications, and he was reported to be recovering under medical supervision.

His South American tour is scheduled for November 6–17, with stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican has not announced any changes to the itinerary.

“Protesting is a right that every Colombian, every citizen in the world has, and we must value rights,” demonstrator Daniel Morales said, urging authorities to respect freedom of expression and assembly.

Another protester, Wilmer Caicedo, expressed concern over possible intervention by riot police, insisting that citizens should be allowed to demonstrate without intimidation. “We are protesting freely. It is the right to protest freely,” he said.

The demonstrations followed an October 12 announcement by President De la Espriella that his government would uphold the constitutional right to peaceful protest but authorise proportionate police intervention in cases of violence .

While the government maintains that the measures are intended to protect public safety, trade unions and civil society groups have raised concerns about their potential impact on the right to protest.

“There are many people who have indeed committed crimes, but those crimes were of collaborating with the gangs,” Bukele said, arguing that gang involvement had once been widespread in Salvadoran society .

The president estimated that around 50 per cent of prisoners who collaborated with gangs could qualify for early release, depending on the extent of their involvement.

Bukele also expressed his intention to eventually lift the state of exception, which has remained in force since March 2022, but warned that criminal organisations could regroup if security restrictions were removed too soon.

“The state of exception is like chemotherapy,” he said, defending the continued use of extraordinary security measures.

The emergency powers, introduced during the government's crackdown on gangs, have allowed arrests without some ordinary procedural safeguards, drawing criticism from human rights organisations.

According to a 2025 report by the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University, El Salvador had approximately 118,369 people in detention, equivalent to 1,963 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants.

Protesters voiced concerns over workers' rights, women's rights and Brazil's sovereignty, warning against what they described as the growing influence of the far right.

Camila Lisboa, a member of the Socialism and Freedom Party's feminist caucus, criticised Bolsonaro's candidacy, accusing him of being disconnected from the realities of working-class Brazilians.

Another demonstrator, Taisa, expressed frustration over labour conditions and warned against potential threats to women's rights and what she viewed as growing US influence.

Other participants called for stronger political mobilisation among workers and young people ahead of the vote. “We want to defeat the far right that is coming on strong and does not represent the rights of workers, students and the Brazilian people,” demonstrator Julia said.

The rally followed Brazil's October 4 first-round election , in which Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of the vote against Lula's 45.16 per cent. The two candidates will face each other in the October 25 run-off.

De la Espriella defended the decree, saying it protects peaceful protest while allowing authorities to act against violence and destruction. The demonstrations will test how his government balances the constitutional right to protest with its commitment to respond to violent acts.

When large amounts of Sargassum reach the coast, they can accumulate in thick layers that block sunlight and reduce oxygen in marine ecosystems, affecting local biodiversity and fish populations.

“Those heavy volumes remove the oxygen and block the sunlight from that local marine ecosystem,” said Andrés Bisonó, founder and CEO of BlueGea Group, which includes SOS Carbon , SOS Biotech and Fundación Terra & Marre. The seaweed can also obstruct sea turtles trying to reach the ocean, while decomposing Sargassum releases carbon, methane and other substances that can create risks for human health.

The impact also reaches the tourism industry. Beaches covered by large amounts of seaweed can become less attractive to visitors, particularly in destinations known for clear waters.

Bisonó said published data estimates that Sargassum can reduce tourist visits to affected destinations by between 7% and 30%, with the direct and indirect economic impact potentially reaching between $2 billion and $10 billion. “This is a battle that is not going away”, he said, pointing to increasing volumes and a longer Sargassum season.

The problem is no longer limited to the Caribbean. Bisonó said invasive seaweed is also affecting places such as Florida and parts of Europe, while warmer oceans, pollution and mineral runoff from synthetic fertilisers are among the factors associated with its increase.

BlueGea Group's work on Sargassum began in 2018 at MIT's mechanical engineering department, with the aim of addressing the invasive seaweed crisis while developing new opportunities for a Caribbean blue economy.

Turning an unwanted problem into a resource

Rather than relying only on beach clean-ups, BlueGea's SOS Carbon has developed the Littoral Collection Module , or LCM, a system that can be installed on local boats to harvest Sargassum in the ocean before it reaches the coast. According to the company, one boat can collect up to 70 tonnes of fresh Sargassum per day.

The model is also built around local communities, particularly fishermen who know the affected coastal areas. By working with them, SOS Carbon creates formal jobs while using their local knowledge to identify where and how the seaweed can be safely collected. Bisonó said communities have shown a strong willingness to participate, describing their involvement as an important part of making the model scalable.

The collected seaweed can then be used as a raw material for products in agriculture, cosmetics, biomaterials and animal feed. Bisonó said the organisation has developed industrial-level, modular biorefineries and is building a containerised biorefinery in Grenada.

Its technologies and operations have already been scaled across six countries, including the Dominican Republic, Mexico , Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Barthélemy, Puerto Rico and Grenada. “We have already validated and showcased that the technologies that we have developed are fully scalable and transferable to other locations,” Bisonó said.

For now, however, the industry still depends partly on funding from those affected by the problem. Bisonó said more Sargassum is currently arriving than can be used in value-added products, meaning governments, tourism businesses, power-generation companies and other partners still help pay for mitigation and environmental sanitation. The longer-term goal is to change that balance by turning Sargassum into a raw material for the blue economy, including biostimulants, a market Bisonó said is already worth approximately $3 billion globally.

“We have not slept. We spent the night sitting out there in the middle of the street,” a resident of Los Santos said, describing the aftershocks as frequent and sometimes intense.

The disaster also threatened cultural heritage sites, including a 103-year-old property in La Villa de Los Santos used for film and educational activities.

“Unfortunately, we now have irreparable, irrecoverable damage,” filmmaker Irina Ruiz said, warning that the area's architectural and cultural heritage was at risk.

Local musician Eduardo Villareal described widespread destruction in his community but expressed relief that no fatalities had been reported.

“In my house many things collapsed, many friends, many neighbours. We have been through an experience that will never be forgotten,” he said.

Nearly 24 hours after the earthquake, authorities continued assessing damaged buildings. Panama's Civil Protection agency reported more than 100 aftershocks and at least 27 injuries, with no confirmed deaths.

Speaking to the congregation, Bolsonaro accused his political opponents of spreading lies and portrayed the country's political divisions as part of a spiritual struggle.

“Facing this spiritual war that Brazil is going through at this moment is not easy,” he said.

Bolsonaro also linked his presidential ambitions to his religious beliefs, expressing faith in what he described as God's plan for Brazil.

“I cling to what I believe is God's plan for our nation,” he told worshippers, adding that he hoped God's will would ultimately prevail.

The candidate also voiced support for his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result.

“President Bolsonaro will be set free and Madureira will be there. Brazil will have a new president and Madureira will be there,” he declared.

The appearance forms part of Bolsonaro's efforts to consolidate evangelical support before his run-off contest against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on October 25.

“The car was moving and that's when I realised I was in an earthquake,” resident Oliver Cordoba recalled, describing scenes of panic as people rushed out of high-rise buildings.

Authorities continued inspecting damaged structures and monitoring affected areas, urging residents to remain calm and follow official safety guidance.

However, some residents criticised the emergency response, particularly traffic management during evacuations.

“What we are seeing right now is enormous chaos with the traffic,” teacher Ricardo de la Cruz said, expressing concern over the lack of police coordination.

The earthquake has also renewed concerns about buildings constructed on unstable ground and the country's preparedness for major seismic events.

“What is lacking is more preparation; much more preparation is needed,” student Lester Brown said. Authorities are continuing damage assessments as repeated aftershocks leave residents on edge.

“We are aligned to declare war, from January next year, on the narco-terrorists of Comando Vermelho, of the PCC, and on the militias,” Bolsonaro said, outlining their proposed security agenda.

The senator also urged supporters to mobilise on the streets and social media ahead of the October 25 presidential run-off, calling on them to counter what he described as misinformation about his campaign.

Beyond security, Bolsonaro proposed vocational training programmes aimed at improving economic opportunities for poorer Brazilians.

The meeting came amid uncertainty over Rio de Janeiro's governorship election . A court ruling concerning annulled votes and a revised tally could potentially allow Ruas to be declared governor-elect without a run-off against rival Eduardo Paes.

The shooting took place on Thursday in Marble Hill. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said an ICE agent fired seven rounds at the man’s vehicle, hitting him in the neck, while the child was unharmed. ICE claimed the driver had rammed two agency vehicles and accelerated towards officers. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident.

The earthquake damaged buildings, churches and roads in several provinces, including Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas. In Penonomé, images showed homes collapsed onto vehicles, while a church in Coclé lost one of its towers and a historic government building suffered serious structural damage. A tsunami warning was later lifted, while authorities continued monitoring aftershocks and urged residents to avoid damaged structures.

Resident Sonia Rocha described how hail was followed by a sudden rush of muddy water that swept through her home, overturning furniture and forcing her family to rescue their pets.

“It was something terrible, terrible and very fast,” she recalled, describing how water, mud and branches rapidly filled the house.

Authorities reported six injuries, including a baby under one year old who suffered a fracture. Firefighters, police, military personnel and municipal teams were deployed for rescue operations.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast declared a state of catastrophe in Las Condes to mobilise emergency resources.

The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) also issued a red alert for landslide risks across ten municipalities in Santiago, with classes suspended in affected areas.

“Brazilian youth is here today because we are not going to accept the rise of the far right,” demonstrator Maia said, accusing Bolsonaro's political movement of threatening the rights of Black people , women and LGBT+ communities.

Other protesters expressed confidence in Lula's chances, while raising concerns about US influence in Latin American politics. Demonstrator Gustavo said Washington's policies had a significant impact on the region.

Students also called for greater voter participation, with demonstrator Alexandre urging those who abstained in the first round to vote in the run-off.

The protest followed Sunday's election, in which Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against Lula's 45.16 per cent. Neither candidate won an outright majority, sending the presidential race to a second round.

“I am celebrating because Chávez was a very good, humble man and he deserves it,” demonstrator Fidelina Rivero said. “If Chávez got wet, I am getting wet too.”

Supporters also recalled Chávez's final campaign rally on October 4, 2012, when crowds filled seven avenues in Caracas as he delivered a speech during heavy rainfall.

Demonstrator Carlos Castillo praised the former leader and called for the release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are detained in the United States .

Chávez defeated opposition candidate Henrique Capriles in the October 2012 presidential election , securing his final mandate before his death on March 5, 2013.

The vigil, organised by anti-occupation group Israelis for Peace, honoured Israelis killed in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and Palestinians killed during Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza.

Some attendees welcomed Mamdani's presence, thanking him for his statements and actions. Tensions later escalated as protesters shook barricades and clashed with vigil participants, prompting police to separate the groups.

The confrontation comes amid a dispute between Mamdani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani previously pledged to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu but later acknowledged he lacked the legal authority to do so.

Netanyahu accused Mamdani of antisemitism and supporting Hamas during his September address to the UN General Assembly. Mamdani rejected the accusations, maintaining that his criticism targets Israeli government policies rather than Jewish people.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The United States rejects the court's jurisdiction in the case.

“I believe that division is what is harming Brazilian politics ,” voter Felipe Pilissari said. “There is a prevailing sense of hatred and resentment between both sides. We need to find a balance.”

The comments followed a narrow first-round lead for Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 45.16 per cent. Neither won more than half, triggering an October 25 run-off.

While conservative voter Santos Neto welcomed the result, others expressed concern about the country’s political direction. Daiane Alves said political disagreements were fuelling hatred, while Heitor Albuquerque raised concerns about attacks on institutions.

Bolsonaro also gained ground in municipalities that backed Lula in 2022, while his Liberal Party secured 121 of the 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. The run-off comes four years after Lula narrowly defeated Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, in the 2022 presidential election .

Bolsonaro also invoked his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest over the alleged coup plot following the 2022 election .

The Liberal Party candidate pledged tax and bureaucracy cuts alongside tougher security measures, including more than half a million additional prison places and sentences of up to 80 years for leaders of criminal organisations. He also vowed to designate the PCC, Comando Vermelho and militias as terrorist groups.

Bolsonaro criticised Lula and presented himself as an alternative to the incumbent. “You look at Lula and you see the past; you look at Flavio and you see the future,” he said.

Bolsonaro won 47.03 per cent of valid votes in the first round, ahead of Lula on 45.16 per cent. The two will face each other in the October 25 run-off.

The comments came as the US suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday, citing unspecified security concerns. Washington did not link the decision to Sunday’s election.

Another resident, Roberto, said he believed the timing of the closures was intended to influence voters, describing it as “foreign interference”. His claim has not been established by US authorities, which have said the suspension was for security reasons.

Brazil’s role in BRICS was also among voters’ concerns. Resident Andre said he believed a Bolsonaro victory could significantly alter Brazil’s position within the bloc, while a Lula victory would maintain its current direction.

More than 158 million Brazilians are eligible to vote on Sunday. If no candidate receives more than half of valid votes, a second round will be held on October 25.

“Today we are holding a march to commemorate the 2nd October 1968 massacre,” protester Tamara Darmi said, adding that the demonstration was also about defending the right to education .

Some protesters also raised allegations about links between Mexican officials and US intelligence during the administration of then-president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz. Protester Jesús Sebastian alleged that Díaz Ordaz and his interior secretary, Luis Echeverría, had ties to the CIA, while historian Aleida criticised what she described as longstanding US involvement in Latin America .

Authorities said 18 people were treated for minor injuries, while a 17-year-old was taken to hospital after an explosive device he was carrying detonated and injured his hand.

The annual march commemorates the events of October 2, 1968, when security forces violently repressed a student gathering at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, days before the opening of the Mexico City Olympic Games.