ABC Color

In the early hours of Tuesday, a car fell into a deep hole on Pozo Favorito Street in the Central neighborhood of Mariano Roque Alonso, Central Department. The driver, Medardo Olmedo, was unharmed, but the vehicle had to be removed by a tow truck. Residents attribute the asphalt collapse to the rupture of Essap pipes and recent rains, and criticize the administration of Mayor Carolina Aranda for lack of maintenance.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) monitors the advance of a new cold front that could cause agrometeorological frosts in soybean and second-crop corn producing regions, especially in the south and southeast of the country. So far, no damage has been recorded, but temperatures near 3°C already pose a risk to sensitive crops.

Flaminio Franco, 38, a former employee of the victim, was detained during an operation in Trinidad, Itapúa, on suspicion of participating in a home robbery that occurred on May 12 in Bella Vista. Police seized clothing and cell phones that match images from the crime.

The National Directorate of Health Surveillance (Dinavisa) has banned the sale of products from the brands USA PEPTIDES, BIOGENESIS, SYNEDICA - ALLUVI HEALTHCARE, OXIGEN, and VELTRANE because they lack health registration and pose a serious risk to public health. The public is advised to immediately stop using them and report any irregular sales.

A group of activists met with the president of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) to discuss the recovery of the house of Serafina Dávalos, Paraguay's first female lawyer. The property, ceded to the Attorney General's Office (PGR) for restoration, was never renovated and lies in ruins, with thefts of stained glass and ironwork. The proposal is an agreement among several institutions to transform the site into a cultural space.

New IPS board member Mirtha Arias promises to combat medical supply shortages and employer evasion, but faces distrust from insured member associations questioning her independence.

The ANR Party Electoral Court confirmed that 2,804,546 voters are eligible for the June 7 municipal primaries, with 479 polling stations in 263 districts. The election will feature 16,848 pre-candidates competing for 5,921 municipal positions.

The Association of Internal Transport Operators of Paraguay is pressuring the Luque Municipal Board to approve a bus fare increase to 3,400 guaranis, less than 20 days before the internal elections. The request comes after a unilateral increase earlier this year, which led to an administrative proceeding that remains unresolved.

The Government of Alto Paraná awaits the closure of the Regional Penitentiary of Ciudad del Este to build a new National Police headquarters on the site, addressing complaints from residents of the Boquerón neighborhood about security and contamination.

With temperatures below 10°C, the National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) reopened its shelter in Bañado Sur, sheltering four men on the first night. Three other people refused shelter and received mattresses and blankets.

QR code payments already account for 68.1% of electronic transactions in Paraguay, with 20.2 million operations in April 2026, up 61% from 2025. The technology boosts financial inclusion for micro and small businesses.

The Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) has called for this Monday (19) an expanded meeting of the Political Committee, amid allegations of internal movements regarding supposed irregularities in the electoral process of the internal elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. Opposition sectors claim exclusion of proxies and audit technicians from voting machines and announce their own parallel vote counting system.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) will formalize the transfer of the medium and low voltage electrical grid of Costanera Sul to the National Electricity Administration (ANDE), while the Asunción Municipality will take over ornamental lighting. The decision was made in a strategic meeting among authorities from the three institutions, who also discussed improvements in lighting for priority areas such as La Victoria Avenue and the Asunción Bus Terminal.

Ministry of Health and IPS expand partnership to share infrastructure and specialists in critical regions, with a non-monetary compensation mechanism and autonomy for pharmacies and laboratories.

The president of Paraguay's Congress, Basilio 'Bachi' Núñez, stated that the country should adopt runoff voting and presidential reelection, advocating for a constitutional reform. He also proposed a 'double unblocking' system for electoral lists and criticized calls for a new audit of voting machines.

While Mercosur recorded an 8% increase in beef exports between January and April 2026, Paraguay saw a 25% contraction, the largest relative decline in the bloc. The average price per ton rose 17%, but shipped volume fell to 87,899 tons.

Three men were detained by police after robbing two gas stations in Limpio on Sunday night. Among those arrested is a retired non-commissioned officer of the Armed Forces and a suspect known as 'Freddy Mercury'.

President Santiago Peña now attempts to deny ties with Juan Roberto “Jimmy” Villaverde, identified as an operator of a dirty campaign that spent over half a million dollars on digital platforms. However, a 2023 interview and official documents show that Peña praised him and appointed him to the government's digital communications.

President Santiago Peña is accused of denying ties to a digital communicator who received an official credential, while allegations of a smear campaign against government critics grow. The head of Mitic is pressured to resign for allegedly concealing data, and Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez faces corruption accusations from the United States.

Deolinda Torres de Dick, 67, died on Monday night, May 18, on Route PY19 in Villeta after falling from the motorcycle where she was riding as a passenger and being run over by a truck. The motorcycle driver, Evelin Catalina Pérez Núñez, 20, and the truck driver, Luis Ángel Candia Giménez, 24, were unharmed. Breathalyzer tests for both drivers came back negative. The truck driver was placed in pretrial detention on suspicion of negligent homicide.

In an exciting game, San José defeated Olimpia Kings 79-74 on the road in the 11th round of the National Basketball League, avenging a loss from the first round. The victory puts the team in contention for the lead, while the Kings remain at the top.

In a ceremony at the Argentine Embassy in Asunción, high-ranking military and diplomatic authorities from both countries celebrated the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Montevideo, highlighting friendship, cooperation, and bilateral integration in the defense area.

This Saturday, RC4 Acá Carayá hosts an inter-school equestrian competition with obstacles from 0.30 to 1.20 meters, while awaiting the next stage of the Official Ranking of the Paraguayan Equestrian Sports Federation.

Associations of retirees from the Social Security Institute (IPS) announced they will request the resignation of board members José Emilio Argaña and José Jara Rojas, while expressing support for the institution's president, Isaías Fretes.

The Municipality of Asunción reminds that the deadline to renew driver's licenses expires on May 31. The Centro Paraguayo Japonés (CPJ) and a post in the Sajonia neighborhood are authorized for the service. Drivers aged 65 or older must undergo mandatory annual medical exams, according to Ordinance 113/17.

Technicians from the Tekorenda program identified the presence of Nyctinomops mbopicuare, a rare bat species, in the Temple of San Buenaventura de Yaguarón. The discovery is part of heritage and natural conservation efforts, with plans to relocate the colonies to external boxes called 'Mbopirógas'.

The 2026 Campeonato Apertura Femenino de Futsal FIFA begins this Tuesday, May 19, with the participation of four clubs. Current champion Sport Colonial faces Universidad Americana in Tacumbú, while Exa Ysaty and Tte. Rojas Silva meet in Barrio San Pablo. The tournament will have three phases: round-robin, semifinals, and a single final, with defined tie-breaking criteria.

A worker died in an accident at the SpaceX factory in Starbase, Texas. OSHA is investigating the case, which occurs months after fines for safety violations. The company has not commented.

In Presidente Franco, Alto Paraná department, a father refused to vaccinate his three children against measles, raising concern among health authorities. The director of the Tenth Health Region, Federico Schrodel, and the head of the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), Sergio Cetrini, warn that misinformation can lead to outbreaks of the disease, which is highly contagious and has already been reported in neighboring countries. The Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Codeni) was notified and may sue the father for breach of duty of care.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (Mitic) issued an alert about fraudulent text messages promising a fake 'Bono Mujer' of G. 600,000, aiming to steal victims' personal and financial data.

Lawyers Juan José Bernis and María Muñoz filed a criminal complaint against the former president of the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS), Jorge Brítez, and other former directors, for alleged irregularities in five tenders totaling G. 391,574,472,965. The action was filed with the Public Prosecutor's Office and points to breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds.

The strong appreciation of the guarani against the dollar, with the exchange rate near G. 6,000, is reducing the tax base on imports and pressuring revenue for the National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNIT). Director Óscar Orué states that although import volume grew 5.2% in dollars through April, the 20.5% depreciation of the US currency caused the taxable base in guarani to fall 16.2%, mainly affecting the customs component. DNIT maintains its revenue projection for 2026, betting on strengthened oversight and better performance of internal taxes to offset losses.

Mirtha Arias, the first woman to represent workers on the IPS Board of Directors in 80 years, took office with a promise to humanize medical care, speed up maternity payments, and protect hospital shelters.

The Asunción Stock Exchange (Bvpasa) is working with the Central Bank of Paraguay to enable the trading of currency futures (forwards) on the stock market as a hedging tool for importing and exporting companies amid exchange rate volatility. Bvpasa President Pablo Cheng also highlighted the potential of the Investor Pass program to attract foreign capital and provide liquidity to the market.

President Santiago Peña and Vice President Pedro Alliana have asked Horacio Cartes to consider a new candidacy for the presidency of the Colorado Party in 2028, according to the general agent of the ANR, Eduardo González Báez. The request was made during a meeting of the Honor Colorado Command at the former president's residence.

Frente Guasú, the left-wing coalition led by former President Fernando Lugo, has again stated that electronic voting machines represent a direct threat to the popular will and democracy in Paraguay. The party criticizes the Electoral Justice for allegedly preventing independent audits and demands transparency in the electoral process.

The Specialized Environmental Crimes Prosecutor's Office of Villarrica is investigating alleged irregularities in drainage works on a rural property in the San Agustín community, Paso Yobái district, which may have caused damage to a protected wetland. The action was prompted by complaints from residents and indicates that the work may have exceeded the environmental license granted by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mades).

Mirtha Arias, a union leader with three decades of experience, has become the first woman to sit on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS) in eight decades. She promises to prioritize the humanization of healthcare, speed up maternity leave payments, and protect the hospital's shelters.

Paraguay's Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) fell to 40.17 points in April 2026, the lowest level since the series began, reversing the slight improvement seen in March. The decline occurs despite the depreciation of the dollar, reflecting internal and external uncertainties, including the so‑called 'war economy' announced by the former Minister of Economy.

Edson Álvarez, Jorge Sánchez and Mateo Chávez joined the Mexican national team's training camp on Monday, preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The trio will participate in the last three friendlies before the debut against South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca.

A delegation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was in Pilar, capital of Ñeembucú, for an international security cooperation agenda, which included visits to historical sites in the region and meetings with local and police authorities.

Paraguayan athlete Lars Anthony Flaming, 23, won the silver medal in the javelin throw at the Continental Tour Halle 2026 in Germany with a mark of 81.19 meters. The result reinforces his consistency and his chances of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Deputy José Rodríguez (ANR, HC) stated he fully trusts the Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE) and denied that dissident Colorados were prevented from auditing the voting machines, despite the Colorado Party's own Electoral Party Tribunal (TEP) having acknowledged the issue and requested measures to resolve the doubts.

Third-year students at the Colégio Técnico Nacional (CTN) finally began in-person classes this Monday, after nearly three months of delay due to infrastructure works financed by Itaipú and executed by the MEC. The works, still incomplete, sparked protests and reports of theft of materials. About 500 students returned to classrooms, while 1,000 first- and second-year students continue with virtual learning.

Villa Hayes, capital of the Presidente Hayes department, will have five aspirants to the mayoralty in the Colorado Party primaries. The cartismo faction is divided between current mayor Luis López, backed by Congress President Basilio “Bachi” Núñez, and councilwoman Karina Zárate, supported by the Roussillón and Zárate groups. Two other Colorado candidates and an opposition alliance complete the scenario.

The Asunción City Hall closed a section of Presbítero Justo Román Street for 45 days for storm drainage works in the Santo Domingo basin. The measure further isolates the Manorá and Santo Domingo neighborhoods, which already suffer from traffic collapse. The work, promised by former mayor Óscar Rodríguez with funds from G8 bonds, is delayed and marked by allegations of fund diversion.

Hernán Adolar Schlender, former mayor of Jesús de Tavarangüé (ANR), has been a fugitive since October 2025, accused of using Fonacide funds to launder drug trafficking money. Former accountant Zenón Cáceres Duarte was sentenced to four years in prison, with the sentence confirmed in March. The estimated loss to the municipality is G. 7.418 billion.

Prosecutor Andrea Vera requested on Monday (18) the conviction of former sports executive Ramón González Daher to 6 years in prison for perjury during the closing arguments of the trial. González Daher, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated usury, money laundering, and false accusation, is accused of lying about the reasons for his departure from the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) in testimony given in 2021.

César Adrián Medina, 31, was arrested by the National Police in downtown Asunción after a report of theft of car emblems. Four Toyota logos and two table knives, allegedly used to remove the accessories, were found with him. Police are investigating the origin of the objects and possible receiving of stolen goods.

Peace Judge of La Encarnación, Analía Cibils, and former Peace Judge of La Catedral, Nathalia Garcete, have been charged again by the Paraguayan Public Prosecutor's Office for alleged malfeasance and use of false documents, as part of the scheme known as the 'Promissory Note Mafia'. The accusations also include actuaries, court clerks, and representatives of credit companies.

Pumas UNAM, with Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, visit Cruz Azul on Thursday in the first leg of the Mexican Clausura final. The return leg will be on Sunday at Estadio Ciudad Universitaria. Pumas seek their eighth title, while La Máquina aims for its tenth.

Arnaldo Andrés Lezcano Ramírez, 20, was detained by the National Police after punching referee Jorge Junior Villalba Ortíez in the face, causing a cheekbone fracture. The assault occurred at the end of a match of the Liga Caaguazú de Futebol, at the Club 8 de Diciembre field in the Santa Isabel neighborhood. The player attempted to flee but was captured a few blocks away and remains at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS) activated a contingency plan due to shortages and transferred the definition of the formulary to doctors, after finding that only 200 medications (45% of the total) consume 95% of available resources. The measure seeks efficiency and elimination of unnecessary supplies.

The National Police of Paraguay arrested Daniel Pereira Medina, 31, as the fifth suspect in the homicide of German citizen Olga Brodkorb, which occurred on April 26, 2026, in the Planchada community, Paso Yobái, Guairá department. The arrest was carried out this Monday (18) by agents of the Guairá Regional Crime Investigation Department, under the order of prosecutor Rocío Raquel Rivas. With this capture, the number of detainees in the case rises to five, including Juan Alberto Rodas García, Eleno Fonseca, Venancio Trinidad González, and Darío Aguilar Saucedo. The investigation indicates that the group, described as amateur criminals, allegedly planned a robbery at the victim's residence, but the plan went wrong when Brodkorb unexpectedly returned, resulting in a fatal confrontation. The victim was killed with a gunshot to the head. After the crime, the suspects fled with the victim's car, a white 2023 Chevrolet Onix Joy, which was found incinerated on a rural road near Arroyo Morotí. During previous searches, police seized more than 17 million guaranis in cash, a .22 caliber rifle, cell phones, motorcycles, and clothing. Authorities do not rule out further arrests.

Right-back Gonzalo Montiel suffered a left quadriceps strain during the Torneo Apertura semifinal and may arrive just in time for the 2026 World Cup. The injury worries River Plate, which plays the final on Sunday, and coach Lionel Scaloni, who has few consolidated options for the position.

Paraguayan Sebastián Galeano, 13, national karting champion, traveled to Genk, Belgium, where he will compete in the first round of the 2026 FIA Karting Academy Trophy, a competition bringing together young talents from over 40 countries.

Photographer Teresita Noemí González launches 'Hospital de Caridad', a photobook documenting daily life, change, and transformation of the former Hospital de Clínicas between 2007 and 2014, with support from FONDEC.

Paraguay's Attorney General, Emiliano Rolón Fernández, removed Jorge Sosa García from the position of deputy prosecutor for Area X of the Alto Paraná department after three years of performance considered inefficient. The measure, formalized by Resolution No. 1652, aims to reorganize the Public Ministry and takes effect on May 26, 2026. The replacement will be Celso José Sanabria González, who previously served in Ñeembucú. The decision comes less than a month after Rolón Fernández's visit to Ciudad del Este, where he participated in an international prosecutors' meeting and met with local authorities. The Alto Paraná Regional Prosecutor's Office faces a backlog of cases, lack of infrastructure, and complaints from lawyers about slow investigations.

Paraguay's Minister of Interior, Enrique Riera, denied rumors that he would return to the Senate, stating that President Santiago Peña asked him to remain in office. Riera also commented on the upcoming internal municipal elections and the ministry's stance of party neutrality.

Research led by Iowa State University, published in PNAS, indicates that cultivated cotton was domesticated in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, from perennial forms that gave rise to modern annual varieties.

The Chamber of Commerce and Services of Ciudad del Este sent a letter to President Santiago Peña requesting the full opening of the Puente de la Integración as of July 1, 2026, amid the impasse in negotiations with Brazil, which maintains restrictions on light vehicle traffic.

Facing a record harvest of 29.5 million tons in the 2025/26 campaign, Argentina is experiencing a decline in wheat protein quality and is studying imports of Paraguayan wheat, recognized as an 'improver grain'. Capeco warns that the planting area in Paraguay could shrink by 10% to 15% due to lack of profitability.

IPS President Isaías Fretes announced the exclusion of 817 obsolete surgical supplies from the vademecum, but the National Association of IPS Insured expresses distrust and demands criminal investigations into past purchases, in addition to declaring a state of health emergency.

Senate President Basilio 'Bachi' Núñez rebutted criticism from dissidents of the ANR and PLRA regarding the reliability of the electronic voting system, calling it an attempt to 'open the umbrella' in the face of a possible defeat. He defended the TSJE and announced a bill to allow voters to choose up to two candidates within the same list (double unlocking).

The Public Ministry of Paraguay requested information from the National Police on the investigation into the disappearance of Pabla Beatriz Pereira Jara, 16, which occurred in the early hours of May 16 in the Tacumbú neighborhood of Asunción.

On June 7, in addition to choosing candidates for mayors and councilors, ten Paraguayan political groups will hold internal elections for president and other party authorities. The PLRA, the largest opposition party, has seven candidates for the presidency; the PEN has two. Most parties present a single slate.

Paraguay's Attorney General Emiliano Rolón created two new specialized cybercrime units and assigned prosecutors Lorenzo Lezcano and Federico Delfino to them, amid controversies over Lezcano's conduct, who is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the Jury for the Prosecution of Magistrates for alleged ties to the late congressman Eulalio Gomes.

A 38-year-old lawyer will face trial for allegedly installing a GPS device on his ex-wife's car and hidden cameras at her residence. Prosecutor Irma Llano warned that such actions represent dangerous control that can escalate to extreme violence, including femicides, and lamented the low penalties for digital privacy violation crimes.

The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) has started Operativo Canindeyú 1, mobilizing over 50 employees in four cities of the department to combat energy theft and reduce delinquency. The goal is to execute 2,000 service orders and recover about G. 1 billion in debts, under the threat of up to 10 years in prison based on Law No. 7300/24.

The Departmental Directorate of the National Police in Itapúa sent 30 agents from the Special Operations Group (GEO) from Asunción to reinforce bank security in the northeastern region of the department, following a thwarted robbery attempt on Friday, May 15, in Capitán Meza. The preventive action comes after intelligence indicated a possible attack on a bank branch during the extended Independence and Mother's Day holiday.

Deputy Luis “Tiki” González Vaesken, of the dissident Colorado movement Añeteté, defended the need to strengthen oversight systems at polling stations for the upcoming elections, amid doubts about the reliability of voting machines supplied by the Comitia-MSA Consortium, which had previously been disqualified in an earlier tender.

On May 30, Calle Palma will host the second edition of the Palmear ‘Sem Fronteiras’ Fair, featuring cuisine, dances, and music from 17 countries, promoting integration between immigrant communities and Paraguayan society on the eve of National Immigrant Week.

The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) forecasts that the cold will continue in Paraguay this Tuesday, May 19, with lows of 6°C in some regions and highs between 18°C and 20°C. The sky will be partly cloudy, with no rain forecast. The National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) maintains the Jaho'i operation to shelter homeless people.

Paraguay's Ministry of Health has vaccinated more than 420,000 children aged 1 to 5 against measles and rubella, reaching 90% of the national target. While Ñeembucú and Paraguarí achieved 100% coverage, the departments of Central, Asunción and Alto Paraná register the lowest rates, between 83% and 85%, threatening herd immunity. The campaign ends on May 29.

Seven siblings, aged 3 to 17, were rescued after repeated reports of abandonment by their mother in Concepción. They are under the care of their paternal grandmother, who reports a lack of clothes, shoes, beds, and mattresses, as well as the sale of the children's belongings by the mother. None of the minors have identity documents.

More than a year after President Santiago Peña and Minister María Teresa Barán promised a comprehensive overhaul of the Caacupé Regional Hospital, the facility remains in a state of abandonment, with deteriorated infrastructure, lack of essential medicines, and insufficient resources.

The Tripartite Command, a division of the National Police of Paraguay that integrates security forces from Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, completed 30 years of operations in the Triple Frontier. In a ceremony in Ciudad del Este, authorities highlighted cooperation in combating transnational crime, and the presidency was transferred from Paraguay to Argentina.

Pope Leo XIV created a Vatican commission for artificial intelligence; in Paraguay, religious leaders warn about risks and priests already use the technology with caution.

The Sentencing Tribunal was recused by the defense of one of the accused, and the new trial is suspended until a decision by the Court of Appeals. The victim's father criticizes the delay and announces a protest.

Patients report that for over a month, the Regional Hospital of Caacupé and health units in the Cabañas and Daniel Escurra districts have been without amlodipine and enalapril, essential medications for controlling high blood pressure. The shortage exposes weaknesses in the public health system in Cordillera.

Prosecutor General Emiliano Rolón replaced Deputy Prosecutor Soledad Machuca as head of UDEA with Nancy Salomón. Machuca, accused of shelving a complaint against former Senator Hernán Rivas, faces proceedings before the JEM and was called a "black monk" by Senator Yolanda Paredes.

Amid complaints from pre-candidates for councilor about alleged parallel cash funds at Mercado 4 and the Asunción Bus Station, the market director, Alejandro Buzó, classified the accusations as 'urban legends' and stated that revenue collection is completely transparent. He challenged the whistleblowers to present concrete evidence.

The Social Security Institute (IPS) of Paraguay announced a comprehensive inspection of its properties and medication stock, after the General Audit of the Executive Branch found that the previous management, led by Jorge Brítez, complied with only 2.5% of the recommendations issued. The new president, Isaías Fretes, promised to correct irregularities and cut 817 items from the formulary.

Residents of the San Pablo district in San Pedro began the second week of mobilization by setting up a 'resistance tent' and carrying out intermittent blockades on the Jejuí River bridge, protesting delays in the Corredor Norte project and the lack of responses from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).

Senator Derlis Maidana (Honor Colorado) called on the political class to support institutions and downplayed the delay in the technical audit of voting machines, while dissident Senator Lilian Samaniego (Causa Republicana) denounced failures in the schedule and lack of transparency.

Asunción's microcenter faces a road crisis with destroyed manholes, disintegrated asphalt, and stagnant water, while the city hall spent US$ 18.2 million on pothole patching in 2025 with no visible results. The administration of Mayor Luis Bello (ANR-HC) is criticized for inheriting the model of predecessor Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez, who diverted G. 512 billion from bonds to current expenses.

Ñemby Mayor Tomás Olmedo (ANR-FR) obtained another postponement of his preliminary hearing, which would decide whether he would stand trial for the alleged embezzlement of over Gs. 700 million. The suspension occurred due to a pending decision in the Court of Appeals. Olmedo also faces a municipal intervention request frozen in the Chamber of Deputies since 2024.

A violent incident in Quyquyhó, Paraguay, left a man shot and with facial injuries, allegedly involving the bodyguard of Deputy Esteban Martín Samaniego. The victim filed a complaint in Quiindy, citing distrust of the local police. Witnesses claim the deputy himself assaulted a cameraman.

The National Police of Paraguay identified Gustavo Rubén Goncalvez Vera, 31, as the main suspect in the double homicide that occurred on May 16 in Colônia Paraná, district of Cambyretá, department of Itapúa. The victims are Francisco Alcides Saucedo Quiñónez, 28, and Brian Ariel Lugo, 24. After searches in Encarnación, the suspect was not located, but police seized cocaine, weapons, and ammunition at his residence.

Inhabitants of the Chako’i community in San Juan Bautista, Misiones, have been requesting for years the restoration of a 4 km stretch that connects the community to the city. The narrow road, lacking proper drainage, prevents vehicle traffic and hinders the transport of agricultural products for 25 families. The city government states that work will begin this week.

After 31 days of isolation, volunteers and the MOPC reopened the route between Fuerte Olimpo and Bahía Negra, but the lack of earthworks and drainage caused water to return with new rains. The Chamber of Deputies is set to vote on a departmental emergency declaration, criticized as late and electioneering.

Senator Celeste Amarilla (PLRA) strongly criticized the Senate Board for dedicating time to symbolic projects, such as declaring the 'National Day of Vori Vori', while the country faces a public health crisis, lack of medicines, and corruption allegations, especially at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).

Paraguay's Comptroller General's Office has initiated a summary proceeding against former Senator Javier 'Chaqueñito' Vera for failing to submit his sworn asset declaration within the legal 15-business-day deadline after leaving office. Vera claims forgetfulness and says he is organizing the documentation, while the Comptroller's Office warns that the fine could reach 100% of his salary, depending on the days of delay.

The Specialized Court for Organized Crime has set June 3, 2026, as the start date for the oral trial of Alexandre Rodrigues Gomes, accused of international drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association. The defendant was arrested in August 2024, on the same day his father, Congressman Eulalio “Lalo” Gomes, died in a confrontation with police during simultaneous operations.

A 26-year-old woman suffocated her 7-year-old son and hanged herself in a tenement in the Santa Luísa neighborhood of Lambaré. In a letter on Instagram, she stated that the report of sexual abuse against the child's biological father, filed in 2024, was never thoroughly investigated. The Public Prosecutor's Office reported that medical exams ruled out physical violence, but the director of Forensic Medicine, Pablo Lemir, highlighted that not all sexual abuse leaves physical marks.

The 2026 calendar in Paraguay includes 12 official holidays, including the new National Constitution Day on June 20. Law No. 7,544 allows the Executive Branch to decree up to three additional holidays, which may be used if the Paraguayan national team advances in the 2026 World Cup.

The Social Security Institute (IPS) launched a contingency plan to address the chronic shortage of medical supplies, promoting changes in the purchasing system and transferring the responsibility for defining the vademecum from the administrative sector to the doctors.

Residents of the Santa Librada neighborhood in Asunción denounce that the clothing factory Ñamopu'ã Paraguay dumps paint waste into Cateura Lagoon, causing fish kills. They claim that despite repeated complaints, the Asunción City Hall and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mades) have not taken effective measures.

A fire hit two stalls at the Limpio Market, reigniting traders' concerns about outdated wiring and the absence of hydrants in the area. Firefighters controlled the flames, but the lack of infrastructure hampered the response.

A lawyer was detained this Monday (18) in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, during Operation Omega, an international action against child sexual exploitation. He is suspected of storing, distributing, and selling child sexual abuse material, receiving payments in cryptocurrencies. The investigation, which began in 2019, analyzed over 35,000 files and may lead to further arrests abroad.

Paraguay's maquila regime recorded exports of US$471 million in the first four months of 2026, an increase of US$83 million compared to the same period in 2025. The sector generated 1,154 new jobs and approved 24 new investment programs. Additionally, brands such as Fila, Umbro, Nike, ASICS, and Champion are already producing in the country, with emphasis on the partnership between Grupo Texcin and Grupo Dass.

A traffic accident on the morning of this Monday (18) left a 22-year-old young man injured on Avenida Médicos del Chaco in Asunción. The driver lost control of the vehicle after a tire blowout and collided with a tree on the median strip, being rescued and taken to the Trauma Hospital.

Amid the debate over the adjustment of the legal minimum wage (SML) in Paraguay, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marco Riquelme, suggested that any change to the calculation formula should only be applied next year, so as not to surprise businesses. The National Council of Minimum Wages (Conasam) will meet again this Wednesday.

Pre-candidates for councilor of the Municipal Board of Asunción denounce the existence of an irregular collection system in municipal markets and the Bus Station, which allegedly diverts funds for electoral campaigns. Ever Escalante, from the Colorado Añetete movement, claims that only in Market 4 around 100 million guaranis would be collected per day.

The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts a cold week in Paraguay, with minimum temperatures between 9°C and 12°C and highs not exceeding 19°C. Isolated rain is expected only in the Chaco and northern Eastern Region.

The Departmental Directorate in Itapuã of the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) confirmed that works at the National Technical College of Encarnación were suspended due to administrative and contractual issues, and committed to resuming them in the second half of May. The school community, which had reported the abandonment since August 2025, awaits the fulfillment of the promise.

Senator Lilian Samaniego, from the Causa Republicana movement, publicly asked the president of the Colorado Party, Horacio Cartes, and the president of the Party Electoral Tribunal, Santiago Brizuela, to carry out the audit of the voting machines before the internal elections on June 7, arguing that the procedure, scheduled for February, was not fulfilled and is essential to guarantee transparency and equal opportunities.

Agents of the Lince Group arrested two youths in Luque on Saturday night after a stop in which they found a high-fidelity replica firearm and a motorcycle without documentation. Police are investigating a possible connection to robberies in the Maka’i region.

Documents obtained show that the Presidency of the Republic of Paraguay issued an official credential to Juan Roberto “Jimmy” Villaverde, identified as responsible for the Sucia Política page and a network of pro-government websites, in July 2025. The revelation contradicts the version of President Santiago Peña and Mitic authorities, who denied any formal link with Villaverde.

The pre-presidential candidate of the Colorado Añetete movement, Arnoldo Wiens, ended his campaign in Villarrica with harsh criticism of leaders and public employees who, according to him, remain 'bolted' to their positions to defend private interests. Wiens also questioned the resistance of IPS board members to reforms proposed by the institution's new president, Isaías Fretes, and highlighted the rising cost of living affecting the population.

The president of the Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal (TSJE), Jorge Bogarín, stated that criticism of electronic voting is part of a campaign to discredit the institution. Less than a month before the simultaneous party primaries on June 7, the TSJE defended the system's security but acknowledged failures in communication with the public.

A joint operation by the 5th Metropolitan Police Station and the Tourist Security Department in the Ricardo Brugada neighborhood, known as La Chacarita, in Asunción, resulted in the arrest of Josías Daniel Aranda Santacruz, 20, wanted for aggravated theft. Additionally, six people were detained for identity verification and two motorcycles were seized.

The Paraguayan government vehemently condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates, which occurred on May 17, 2026. The incident, which caused a controlled fire outside the facility's inner perimeter, takes place amid escalating tensions between Iran and Gulf countries.

With Olimpia already champions, three clubs – Nacional, Cerro Porteño and Sportivo Ameliano – dispute second place in the final round of the 2026 Torneo Apertura this Sunday.

Vehicle movement increased significantly this Sunday on Route PY02, especially at the Ypacaraí toll booth, with a large flow of travelers returning to Asunción and cities in the Central Department. The Highway Patrol reports that, despite queues, traffic is steady and there are no major blockages.

Racing Strasbourg pulled off a historic comeback, beating Monaco 5-4 from behind, with three assists from Paraguayan Julio Enciso. The forward ends the season with 12 goals and 9 assists and now joins the Paraguayan national team for the 2026 World Cup.

A fire destroyed two adjoining halls at the Municipal Market of Limpio on Sunday (17), with no injuries. Six volunteer fire companies controlled the flames, which consumed clothing and footwear. The lack of hydrants forced the use of water tanker trucks. Initial suspicion points to a short circuit.

A red macaw (gua'a pytã) was rescued by volunteer firefighters in Concepción on Sunday night. The bird is under protection at the fire station, awaiting a decision from the environmental prosecutor.

The return to the metropolitan area of Asunción occurs without congestion on the Luque-San Bernardino route, with three toll booths open for entry into Ecovía and stable vehicle flow.

Senator Lilian Samaniego, leader of the Causa Republicana movement, demands an audit of the voting machines for the Colorado Party primaries, scheduled for June 7. The Honor Colorado movement, led by former President Horacio Cartes, supports a potential audit but considers the request untimely and rejects postponing the electoral schedule.

Belgrano de Córdoba eliminated Argentinos Juniors on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time and secured a spot in the 2026 Apertura Tournament final against River Plate. Paraguayan Alcides Benítez watched from the bench.

1° de Marzo, from Fernando de la Mora, and 29 de Setiembre, from Luque, each earned three points on Sunday, maintaining the former's lead and moving up the table in the seventh round of the Primera Divisional B. The round will conclude on Monday with the match between 24 de Setiembre and Martín Ledesma.

Paraguay's Ministry of Justice confirmed this Sunday (17) the successful conclusion of Operation Umbral 2.5, which transferred women deprived of liberty to the Emboscada prison. The operation proceeded without altercations, with security protocols and respect for human rights. A press conference is scheduled for Monday to detail the results.

The Paraguayan Medical Circle (CPM) warns that the disorderly increase in medical schools, with over 45,000 students in the country, overwhelms the services of the Social Security Institute (IPS), causing overcrowding and compromising the quality of care for beneficiaries. The union demands an urgent review of university agreements.

In a match valid for the penultimate round of the Torneo Apertura, San Lorenzo and Sportivo Luqueño drew 0-0 in Capiatá. The result does not ease the situation for either team in the fight against relegation. The most controversial moment was a disallowed goal by Iván Torres after a VAR review.

Two U.S. Air Force fighter jets collided on Sunday (17) during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Emergency teams are on site and the base remains closed. Investigation underway.

Conmebol transferred to Asunción, Paraguay, the games of Always Ready, Independiente Petrolero and Blooming, which would play as home teams in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, due to the blockades and protests that paralyze Bolivia.

The national highway PY04, linking Ñeembucú to San Ignacio, is in a critical state of deterioration, with deep potholes forcing drivers into dangerous maneuvers. Users and transporters denounce abandonment after the end of the maintenance contract with Topografía y Caminos SA, while the MOPC announces repairs that have not materialized.

The community of Isla Pucú, in the department of Cordillera, celebrated its 85 years as a district this Sunday with a student parade that brought together around 30 educational institutions. Mayor Stacy López (PLRA) thanked the massive participation of the population, highlighting the city's growth.

The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) is advancing three tenders to acquire over 159,000 electronic meters, while studying the feasibility of purchasing up to 1 million AMI smart meters. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on in-person readings, currently performed by only 400 employees for 1.8 million customers, and to curb overbilling complaints.

Mirtha Arias, the new IPS councilor, plans to reduce contribution evasion in border cities using technology and partnerships with DNIT and Mitic, aiming to increase revenue and improve insured members' health.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marcos Riquelme, acknowledged that the sharp fall of the dollar (about 25% in one year) is compressing margins and competitiveness of local industries, especially exporters who bill in dollars but have costs in guaranis. The US currency exchange rate opened the week at G. 6,120 in the effective exchange and G. 6,096 in the interbank market.

The National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education (Aneaes) requested the Ministry of Education and the National Council for Higher Education (Cones) to intervene in more than 100 law courses that have never undergone mandatory accreditation. The request, made on May 4, has been ignored so far, while the scandal involving former senator Hernán Rivas exposes weaknesses in the diploma registration system.

Colorado deputy Esteban Samaniego is again at the center of a violent episode. On Saturday night, his bodyguard assaulted a man after a minor collision in Quyquyhó. As of Sunday noon, no formal complaint had been filed, but local police drafted a memo about the fight.

While the European Union restricts imports of Brazilian beef due to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, Paraguay claims to have already complied with the regulation since 2023/2024, ensuring the continuity of its exports to the bloc.

INE data released on World Telecommunications Day show that 85.4% of Paraguayans aged 10 or older used the internet in 2025, with highlights for women, young people, and urban areas.

The Itaipú Binational Entity completes 52 years since its formal constitution, consolidated as the world's largest clean energy generator, responsible for about 90% of Paraguay's electricity consumption and holder of the Guinness record for the largest accumulated hydroelectric power generation.

A photograph of former goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert alongside Cartist candidate Hugo Farías has sparked speculation about a possible withdrawal of Chilavert's candidacy for mayor of Luque. Chilavert denies leaving the electoral race, but the episode has reignited criticism of his role in the opposition.

The Unit for Older Adults of the Municipality of Asunción has released a calendar of free activities for the elderly, including traditional dances, singing, Latin rhythms, physical exercise, and tai chi, held at the CAMA Hall.

Leaders of indigenous communities in the departments of San Pedro, Caaguazú, and Canindeyú are organizing an indefinite protest to demand greater assistance from the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Affairs (Indi) and other institutions. The measure may include intermittent road blockades.

Minister Juan Carlos Baruja and Chamber President Raúl Latorre intensify their campaigns in the Paraguayan interior, aiming to be Pedro Alliana's running mate in the 2028 elections. Baruja is said to have the supposed support of Horacio Cartes, while Latorre seeks alliances with governors. The dispute unfolds amid the municipal internal elections on June 7.

With a fictive sanction date of May 21, the Chamber of Deputies must vote on a bill aimed at curbing the so-called 'Promissory Note Mafia,' a scheme that executes multiple collections with the same document. The proposal, drafted jointly with the Supreme Court, includes the custody of original titles in the courts and automatic return to the debtor after payment.

Starting tomorrow, Calle Presbítero Justo Román, between Avenida Roa Bastos and Comandante Luis González, will be closed for 45 days for storm drainage works in the Cuenca Santo Domingo. Residents and merchants denounce chaos and neglect, with open sewers and poor asphalt.

Under the motto 'Let's Clean Our Costanera', the Taiwan Embassy and the Asunción City Hall organized a large cleanup drive along the Paraguayan capital's waterfront. The action, which involved volunteers and local entities, highlighted the severe pollution of the Mburicaó, Antequera, and Las Mercedes creeks, which dump tons of garbage and sewage into Asunción Bay. Experts point out that without basic sanitation and enforcement, such drives are merely palliative.

With the drop in temperatures, families of inpatients at the General Hospital of San Lorenzo (Calle’i) face cold nights in an improvised tent, with leaks and wind. Despite the difficulties, solidarity among the companions helps them endure the wait.

Rafael Antonio García Aguayo, 42, was shot in the abdomen upon arriving at his business on Saturday night (16) in San Antonio, Central Department. The criminals, who acted with privileged information, fled without taking anything. The victim is hospitalized at the Trauma Hospital of Asunción, out of danger.

With the end of the extended holiday, the Patrol Caminera reinforces inspection on highways and asks drivers for caution.

The Japanese government offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies to Paraguayans, covering housing, academic fees, and airfare. Applications are open until May 29.

The president of the Paraguay Importers Center (CIP), Iván Dumot, stated that the fall of the dollar has already led to price reductions in some sectors, but that the impact on the basic basket is limited due to the predominance of domestic products in the consumption of lower-income families.

Recipe for a savory tart with cooked ham and blue cheese, ideal to serve with salad. Simple and quick preparation with accessible ingredients.

The former mayor of San Pedro de Ycuamandyyú, Gustavo Rodríguez (ANR-HC), and nine other individuals return to court this Monday for the second day of oral trial for alleged breach of trust. The case involves the embezzlement of G. 2.269 million during his administration (2021-2022).

In a homily at the Basilica of Caacupé, Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela questioned the honesty of authorities and society, warned against hasty judgments, and highlighted the risks of artificial intelligence, citing a message from Pope Francis.

In the early hours of Sunday, Paraguay's Ministry of Justice executed Operation Umbral 2.5, transferring 109 women deprived of liberty from the Juana María de Lara Women's Penitentiary Center in Ciudad del Este to the Emboscada Women's Penitentiary Complex (COMPLE). The action, which lasted just over an hour, involved a strong security scheme and is part of the reorganization of the prison system, which also includes the relocation of pregnant women and mothers with young children to the Serafina Dávalos Penitentiary Center in Coronel Oviedo.

Dissident Colorado deputy Roberto González (ANR-Añeteté) accused fellow Cartists, their satellites, and liberals functional to HC of preventing interventions in municipalities with mayors suspected of corruption, degrading the image of the National Congress. He cited the case of former senator Hernán Rivas, who reached the presidency of the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados with a fake degree, and other mayors who have been prosecuted or convicted.

Preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal death in Paraguay, has no initial symptoms. Specialists and the Rassmuss Foundation emphasize the importance of prenatal care from the first weeks, with actions in 12 hospitals and training in obstetric emergencies.

The Paraguayan Ministry of Justice completed Operation Umbral 2.5, transferring 361 women from six mixed prisons to the Emboscada Women's Penitentiary Complex, which now becomes the country's main female prison unit. The measure aims to separate men and women, reduce overcrowding, and improve detention conditions.

Doctors at the Villa Elisa hospital successfully performed surgery to remove a 3.830 kg fibroid from a 42-year-old patient. The woman has been discharged and is recovering at home.

In the early hours of Sunday, 56 women deprived of liberty were transferred from the Regional Penitentiary of Misiones to the Emboscada Prison Complex, as part of Operation Threshold 2.5, under heavy police and military escort.

Over the weekend, the National Police of Paraguay transferred women deprived of liberty from six mixed-gender penitentiaries to the Emboscada Women's Prison Complex as part of Operation 'Umbral 2.5'. The transfer occurred without incidents, with support from the Armed Forces and police escort in stages. The Ministry of Justice has not yet disclosed the exact number of detainees transferred.

Cristian Martín Peralta Peralta, alias Pachigua, was recaptured by the National Police in the Obrero neighborhood of Asunción, after having escaped from the General Hospital of Luque on May 12. The alleged drug trafficker was under the custody of prison officer Héctor Raúl Rojas Rolón, who was arrested and charged. The recapture occurred without resistance.

A 26-year-old woman killed her 7-year-old son and hanged herself in a boarding house in Lambaré. In a letter published on Instagram, she accused her ex-partner of sexually abusing the child since age 3 and stated that the complaint filed with the police and the Public Prosecutor's Office was never investigated. The case is under the responsibility of prosecutor Nora Cubilla.

A police pursuit in Mayor Otaño, Itapúa, turned deadly early Sunday as officers exchanged gunfire with suspects in two vehicles. One man was killed, another arrested, and a large quantity of marijuana was confiscated.

Paraguay's weather service forecasts a cool Sunday with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially in the Chaco and northern/eastern regions. Temperatures will range from 13°C to 22°C, with south winds. Conditions are expected to improve gradually, but a cold air mass will bring even cooler temperatures early next week.

It's not a lack of willpower: many food decisions are shaped by the brain's reward system. Understanding the role of dopamine helps reduce cravings, eat more calmly, and build habits that work in real life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has already totaled eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 deaths in Ituri province, DRC, plus two cases in Kampala, Uganda, with one death. The measure does not constitute a pandemic emergency under the 2005 International Health Regulations, but requires global coordination to contain the spread.

Paraguay's Financial Development Agency (AFD) reported that since the launch of the Women's Guarantee Fund (FOGAMU) in 2022, more than 2,600 guarantees have been issued, resulting in US$ 55 million in credits for women. AFD President Stella Guillén will participate in a panel at the Constructecnia 2026 Fair to discuss the role of women in the construction sector and economic development.

Between April 2025 and April 2026, the Social Security Institute (IPS) expanded its protected population by 63,456 people, totaling 1,666,595 insured individuals. Asunción, Central, and Alto Paraná concentrate more than 80% of the insured, reflecting the formalization of employment in the country's main economic hubs.

Discover three traditional European soups that combine flavor, nutrition, and comfort: Eastern European borscht, Scottish cock-a-leekie, and Italian zuppa toscana. Ideal for sharing with family on cold nights.

Gynecologist Raúl Fanego conducted an exclusive gathering in honor of mothers, with specialists in dermatology, nutrition, and rheumatology offering advice on physical and emotional self-care. The event concluded with a toast of honor, highlighting the maternal role and women's health.

General Motors presented the new Chevrolet Sonic in Brazil, an urban SUV with a coupe style that will be produced in Gravataí and arrives in Paraguay in June. GM's president for South America, Thomas Owsianski, highlighted that every market counts, including Paraguay, where the model will be sold starting at US$ 19,990.

Paraguayan attacker Ramón Sosa was forced off the field with an ankle injury during Palmeiras' 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão. The injury, which occurred in the first half, has raised significant concerns for the Paraguayan national team as they prepare for their World Cup debut on June 12th against the United States. Sosa's absence would be a major blow to the squad managed by Gustavo Alfaro.

Authorities are investigating the discovery of a charred body inside a burned-out car in Cambyretá, Itapúa. The vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Auris, was found engulfed in flames on a local road on Saturday afternoon. The identity of the victim and the cause of the fire remain unknown.

Bolivia's Ombudsman's Office reported 47 detained and 5 injured after a joint police and military operation to unblock highways in the La Paz department. Clashes between protesters and security forces left injured, including assaulted journalists. The Bolivian Workers' Center and the Federation of Peasants of La Paz demand the resignation of President Luis Arce.

Paraguay's weather service warns of severe storms in five departments, with heavy rain, strong winds, and possible hail expected through Monday.

The Norwegian capital reinvents itself with an urban landscape that blends water, wood, and glass. From the Opera House to the new Munch Museum and the Sørenga boardwalks, the city invites a contemporary and walkable tour.

For the second consecutive week, the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies includes on its agenda a bill declaring bull runs (torín) as traditional and cultural heritage. The initiative, already approved by the Senate, faces strong opposition from the National Directorate for Animal Defense, Health and Welfare and civil organizations, which consider it incompatible with the law recognizing animals as sentient beings.

The Paraguayan Senate approved a bill modifying the commuter train law, allowing execution via a direct agreement with the United Arab Emirates and excluding the application of concession, PPP, and public procurement laws. The text now goes to the Chamber of Deputies amid opposition criticism over transparency and costs.

In Villarrica, a Saturday in May marked the National Day of the Paraguayan Pedagogue and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ramón Indalecio Cardozo. The celebration included the inauguration of the first street library in the department of Guairá, installed in Plaza de los Héroes, with books donated by the community. Basic School No. 114 Ramón Indalecio Cardozo participated with artistic performances, and director Ada Marlene Bogado highlighted the educator's legacy as a tool for social transformation.

Mixing garlic with extra virgin olive oil may bring heart health benefits, thanks to compounds like allicin and polyphenols. However, homemade preparation requires attention to avoid the risk of botulism. Experts recommend moderate consumption and refrigeration.

More than 50 dogs paraded in downtown Asuncion to celebrate 215 years of Paraguay's independence at the 'Jagua Patriota' event, which also promoted responsible pet ownership and combating animal abuse.

President Santiago Peña and Public Works Minister Claudia Centurión inspected the works on Avenida Avelino Martínez in San Lorenzo and defended the structural intervention amid criticism over the high cost, which reaches US$ 6.6 million per kilometer.

The IX Health Region – Paraguarí released its April 2026 balance with 63,412 consultations, 5,904 imaging exams, and 266 surgeries, reinforcing the decentralization of care.

On the third Saturday of May, World Whisky Day is celebrated. The date is an opportunity to prepare the classic whisky sour, a cocktail that originated in Iquique, Chile, in 1872, by the hands of English sailor Elliot Stubb. The recipe is simple: whisky, lemon juice, and sugar.

The Hospital Nacional de Itauguá (HNI) recorded 28,027 medical consultations, more than 17,000 imaging exams, and 1,000 high-complexity surgeries in April 2026, reinforcing its role as a reference in Paraguay's public health network.

José Luis Noguera Moreno, 25, turned himself in to police hours after running over and killing Aldo Vega Ramírez, 42, in the Três de Fevereiro neighborhood of J. Augusto Saldívar. A breathalyzer test was positive.

About 180 families in the Yvype colony, in the Lima district, have been waiting for over 50 years for land regularization of their plots. Local leaders will meet on Monday with the president of Indert to unlock housing and infrastructure projects.

Economist Arnold Benítez says the sharp drop in the dollar pressures revenue and the 2026 budget, while delays in payments to suppliers create a chain of problems that make the state itself more expensive. He advocates prioritizing spending quality and using mechanisms such as factoring to regularize the debt.

The classic recipe for pepas, the traditional Paraguayan cookies filled with guava paste, is revived as an option for a homemade and tasty snack.

Under a dirty, torn tarp, with old mattresses and broken chairs, dozens of relatives face the cold and humidity while accompanying patients at the General Hospital of San Lorenzo, known as Calle'i. The situation, denounced by those who spend days and nights there, exposes the lack of infrastructure from the Ministry of Public Health.

Arnaldo Aveiro Solís, brother of Senator Guadalupe Aveiro (ANR), was appointed to Itaipu Binacional in April 2026, receiving a monthly salary of G. 21 million, despite not having a university degree. Previously, he worked as a receptionist in the Chamber of Deputies, where he already earned G. 16.35 million. The appointment occurred one month after the senator took office, replacing the convicted Erico Galeano.

President Santiago Peña acknowledged knowing Juan Roberto 'Jimmy' Villaverde, identified as an operator of a network of pages that attack journalists and opponents, but denied that he works for the government or has an office at Mburuvicha Róga. Public records show Villaverde managed Peña and Alliana's social media during the campaign and held public positions.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski confirmed, in an Instagram post, that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the 2025/26 season. In four years, he scored 119 goals and won three La Liga titles.

Residents of Luque demand authorities intervene over a clandestine dump operating behind the city hall building, with reports of nighttime dumping, unbearable odors, and pest proliferation.

The educational community of Colegio San Francisco de Asís, from Ypané, was one of the most talked-about after its participation in the student parade held in Ñemby. The elegant attire of the chiroleras generated hundreds of compliments on social media, where many users highlighted the sobriety and good taste of the presentation.

After days of heat, Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts a sharp drop in temperatures starting Sunday, with lows of 10°C in Ñeembucú and Paraguarí on Monday.

Pablo Daniel Irala Barrios, 47, is intubated at the Regional Hospital of Paraguarí with end-stage liver cirrhosis. The family requests an ICU bed, but all eight intensive care beds in the hospital are occupied. The director of the 9th Health Region states that public ICUs are saturated.

The Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (MINNA) and the National Police are intensifying prevention campaigns against child sexual abuse, with emphasis on family education, the school environment, and online safety. The new strategy includes educational guides, stricter penalties, and a proposal to regulate children's access to the internet.

Residents of Yabebyry, Misiones, blocked the road connecting San Ignacio and Yabebyry on May 16, 2026, to demand immediate repairs due to severe deterioration, including deep potholes that pose safety risks for drivers and motorcyclists. The protest follows prolonged inaction by municipal, departmental, and national authorities.

A man with a prior record allegedly stole tools and a battery from a Ypané home early Friday, then returned hours later. Recognized by the victim, he fled into a private residence where residents subdued him until police arrived.

Uruguayan Gianina García Troche, charged with money laundering in the framework of Operation A Ultranza, gave her second investigative statement on May 12, just days before the deadline for the Public Prosecutor's Office to present its conclusive request. The proceeding was carried out at the Emboscada prison by prosecutor Deny Yoon Pak, who investigates the alleged creation of companies to conceal drug trafficking funds obtained by her partner, Sebastián Marset.

The Specialized Economic Crimes Trial Court postponed to August 24 the trial of former Peace Judge of La Catedral, Nathalia Guadalupe Garcete Aquino, accused of misconduct in the scheme known as the 'promissory note mafia'. Pending appeals and a challenge against the appellate judges motivated the new postponement.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts a hot day for this Saturday (16), with highs between 22 and 27 °C, before the arrival of severe storms that could bring winds up to 80 km/h and hail. From Sunday (17), the weather remains unstable in the north of the country, and on Monday (18) a cold front drops temperatures, with lows below 11 °C and highs not exceeding 19 °C.

The Superior Electoral Justice Tribunal of Paraguay (TSJE) acknowledged that it relaxed the rules of a tender for the rental of voting machines, after canceling a first call in which the Consórcio Comitia MSA was disqualified for replacing the screen of an equipment during the technical test. The change allowed the consortium, which had been disqualified for an alleged attempted fraud, to win the new tender and close a contract of nearly US$ 35 million for the upcoming internal and municipal elections.

Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS) recorded an increase of 49,005 contributors in the General Regime between April 2025 and April 2026, totaling 835,280 contributors, driven mainly by formal salaried employment and the livestock sector.

The Embassy of Japan inaugurated the exhibition “Netsuke: Miniature Sculptures Carved in Wood” at the Carlos Colombino Cultural Center, in Manzana de la Rivera, Asunción. The show, sponsored by the Japan Foundation, brings together pieces that blend Japanese tradition and contemporary carving, open to the public until June 13.

Cerro Porteño coach Ariel Holan stated that left-back Blas Riveros will hardly return to the pitch before the end of the Apertura 2026, contradicting the expectation generated by the player's social media posts and his inclusion in the Paraguayan national team's preliminary list for the World Cup.

After losing to Sportivo Trinidense in the Apertura 2026, coach Ariel Holan justified fielding starters as a form of training and criticized the physical disparity of the squad inherited from the previous management, aiming for qualification to the Libertadores round of 16.

Opposition councilors of J. Augusto Saldívar denounce the Comptroller General of the Republic, Camilo Benítez, and the Deputy Comptroller, Augusto Paiva, for unblocking royalties without payment of overdue allowances. They filed an impeachment request in the Chamber of Deputies, which summoned the authorities for explanations.

A 35-year-old Brazilian man, resident in Cascavel, was robbed by eight hooded and armed criminals in the San Rafael neighborhood of Ciudad del Este after arranging a date through the Grindr app. The thieves took an iPhone 17 Pro Max and forced the victim to transfer 45,000 reais via Pix. In a separate case, authorities are investigating another robbery with hostages in which 28 million guaranis in cash and 29 million guaranis in transfers were stolen.

President Santiago Peña posted a Mother's Day message on social media, praising his mother and wife and extending his embrace to all Paraguayan mothers.

Carolina González, a Lambaré councilor under investigation for money laundering and wife of former deputy Orlando Arévalo, announced that mayoral hopeful Cynthia Santacruz has withdrawn in her favor, less than a month before the June 7 internal elections.

Hundreds gathered in Pilar's Barrio Obrero for a patriotic parade honoring Mother's Day, followed by a free evening serenade featuring local and international artists.

On Mother's Day, 78 residents of Bañado Tacumbú—including 38 women—received certificates and toolkits after completing courses in electrical work, painting, and plumbing, organized by Sinafocal.

While most Paraguayan families celebrate Mother's Day at home, dozens of women spend the holiday at the Hospital Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu, living in the shelter and supporting each other as they wait for their children to recover from serious illnesses.

The Paraguayan guaraní has strengthened sharply against the US dollar, reaching its lowest level in over seven years. Economists Martha Coronel and Arnold Benítez discuss whether the Central Bank should act, warning of impacts on exporters and the agricultural chain.

New IPS president Dr. Isaías Fretes, in office less than a month, has revealed that key laundry equipment at the central hospital has been broken for years, including a four-year-old nonfunctional ironing machine and two of five washing machines. He criticized the lack of accountability and announced urgent measures to address a monthly deficit of $20–26 million.

With World Cocktail Day approaching (May 13), a simple and striking recipe for a Pink Drink — a pink cocktail — is the perfect choice for those who want to celebrate with flavor and style.

With Mother's Day approaching, Paraguayan retail is seeing strong movement, led by household appliances and boosted by demand for technology, especially TVs for the 2026 World Cup. Consumers prioritize price and financing, and e-commerce complements physical stores.

Preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in Paraguay. With global statistics indicating significant annual deaths of mothers and infants due to this condition, health authorities and organizations are emphasizing the critical importance of timely prenatal care. The Fundación Rassmuss is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare to enhance prevention and management strategies in 12 key hospitals across the country.

A sunflower field in the Cabañas district of Caacupé, Paraguay, became a popular Mother's Day destination on May 15, 2026, drawing families for flower picking, photos, and outdoor celebrations. The site remains open through the weekend, boosting local tourism.

Police in Amambay suspect a child was used to slip through a broken window and steal 22,000 Brazilian reais (about $4,000) from a Real supermarket in Bella Vista Norte. The cash was left overnight for supplier payments. Investigators are reviewing security footage.

On Mother's Day, Paraguay's Public Ministry released data showing that 80% of domestic violence victims are women, with most attacks occurring in homes and perpetrated by partners or ex-partners.

A 31-year-old man with a criminal record and under house arrest was found dead in the patio of his home in Presidente Franco. Authorities are investigating the homicide, which occurred in the Santa Librada settlement.

Paraguay's Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano says the government is still waiting for a formal request from the United States to receive a new batch of 25 migrants rejected by the US under the controversial Third Safe Country agreement. The first group of 16 migrants arrived in April and all voluntarily returned to their home countries.

The Municipality of Valenzuela has been ordered to pay G. 115 million after issuing two checks without funds, signed by José Flores, the cemetery caretaker and occasional ambulance driver. Mayor Mirtha Fernández faces ongoing legal troubles, including a trial for alleged embezzlement of G. 1,999 million.

At the 17th Regional Geohistory Conference in Minas, Uruguay, historians praised 'Suenan los Secretos de Santiago' by Paraguayan authors Jorge Benítez Cabral and Stella Bogarín Frutos for its recovery of the Guaraní-Jesuit history of Santiago, Misiones. The book is part of a broader movement to preserve the heritage of the 30 Jesuit reductions.

Ciudad del Este sees a significant commercial uptick as Paraguayans and Brazilian tourists flock to the city for last-minute Mother's Day gifts, with traders reporting brisk sales and urging the opening of a second bridge to ease future congestion.

Lindomar Reges Furtado, once Brazil's most wanted drug trafficker and a key figure in the network dismantled by Paraguay's Operation A Ultranza, was sentenced to 37 years in prison by a federal court in Rio de Janeiro. The conviction stems from his role in smuggling 6.68 tons of cocaine to Europe and Africa, and his escape from a luxury condominium in Paraguay in 2022.

Olimpia, already crowned Apertura 2026 champions, defeated Recoleta FC 1-0 on Friday at Estadio Erico Galeano in Capiatá. Eduardo Delmás scored the only goal in the first half. Both teams fielded reserve lineups ahead of their respective international fixtures: Olimpia faces Vasco da Gama in the Copa Sudamericana, while Recoleta prepares for La Gran Conquista against Deportivo Cuenca.

The microcenter of Asunción was left covered in food and beverage waste after the May 14 Independence Day celebrations, with the Plaza de Armas particularly affected. Around 50 municipal workers began cleanup at 6 a.m. on May 15.

Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano stated that Paraguay sought diplomatic talks with China, but Beijing's demand to sever ties with Taiwan halted progress. He emphasized that Paraguay will not accept such conditions, reaffirming its alliance with Taiwan based on shared democratic values.

In Cabañas, Caacupé, three mothers—Deisy Guerrero, Mercedes Colmán, and Rosalba Ortíz—embody the strength and dedication of Paraguayan mothers. Through personal challenges, including caring for a child with multiple health issues, working multiple jobs, and prioritizing family, they demonstrate unwavering love and hope for a better future.

Paraguayan television host Tere Franco, known for her work on Cardinal Romance and the program Vitaminas, marked Mother’s Day on May 15, 2026, with a family gathering. In an interview with ABC Color, she described motherhood as “the greatest miracle and gift” from the Creator and shared her joy in spending time with her children Marilyn, Andrés, Mateo, and Darián.

Deputy Daniel Centurión (ANR-Añeteté) has proposed eliminating the entire Administrative Council of the Social Security Institute (IPS), calling it a corrupt and patronage-ridden body. He advocates strengthening oversight agencies instead.

Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo will take on Belgian Zizou Bergs in the quarterfinals of the Challenger 175 in Valencia, scheduled for Friday as the third match on center court.

Pachuca defeated Pumas 1-0 at home in the first leg of the Clausura 2026 semifinals, with Oussama Idrissi scoring the decisive goal. Pumas, led by Paraguayan Robert Morales, must win the return match to advance.

Ricardo Torres Peña, a resident of Mariano Roque Alonso, Paraguay, faced a criminal complaint from Mayor Carolina Aranda after demanding municipal transparency. After three years, he was acquitted and now seeks 850 million guaraníes in damages for alleged persecution.

During the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's independence, pickpockets exploited large crowds in Asunción's microcentro to steal phones and wallets, forcing many victims to spend the night filing police reports. Witnesses cited low police presence as a contributing factor.

Seven of twelve Luque councilors are running for re-election, while three aim for mayor. ABC Color reports that most now campaign as pro-citizen, but critics say they enabled Mayor Carlos Echeverría's lack of transparency over the past four years.

Rosalina Barreto Viuda de Gómez, a 69-year-old mother in Pedro Juan Caballero, raised six children alone after her husband's death, working on farms and in a school canteen. She now sells empanadas and advises new mothers to educate their children with discipline.

At 72, Evelia Silva, a well-known tereré vendor in Encarnación’s Plaza de Armas, shares her story of resilience as a single mother who raised eight children after leaving two abusive relationships. She credits dialogue, hard work, and faith for her family’s success.

ABC Color shares a recipe for waffles with dulce de leche and nuts, perfect for celebrating Mother's Day with a homemade breakfast or snack.

Paraguay's Mother's Day on Friday, May 15, 2026, will bring fresh morning temperatures, afternoon highs of 21–25°C, mostly cloudy skies, and scattered showers with possible thunderstorms in the north and east, according to the Dirección de Meteorología e Hidrología (DMH).

A 15-year-old Palestinian, Fahd Zaidan Awais, was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Al Lubban Al Sharquiya, northern West Bank, after allegedly throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the death, while the Israeli military labeled the boy a 'terrorist.'

The fourth date of the Circuito Nacional de Golf 2026 took place at the Yacht y Golf Club Paraguayo, producing winners across juvenile, pre-juvenile, and scratch categories for both women and men, as reported by ABC Color.

Paraguay's electoral court (TSJE) did not execute a $4.6 million guarantee after the Consorcio Comitia MSA allegedly tampered with samples in a canceled 2025 tender. The consortium later won a $35 million contract for voting machines in upcoming elections.

Paraguay’s Tax Administration (DNIT) reports 963 companies enrolled in the Régimen de Turismo de Compras (RTC), a special VAT scheme for foreign buyers. Ciudad del Este hosts two-thirds of the firms, highlighting the border-city dominance of this trade-driven sector.

Prince Akishino, heir to Japan's throne, will visit Paraguay in August with Princess Kiko to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration. The week-long trip includes a meeting with President Santiago Peña and events with the Nikkei community, highlighting enduring bilateral ties.

Precandidate Soledad Núñez (Unidos por Asunción) calls Arnaldo Samaniego and Camilo Pérez 'more of the same,' denounces inflated municipal payroll and political use of city hall, and says intervention findings are just the tip of the iceberg.

Paraguay's national team coach Gustavo Alfaro published an emotional open letter on Instagram for the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's independence, blending patriotic sentiment with a rallying cry for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He thanked fans for their unwavering support, highlighted the values of 'garra' and 'temple,' and paid tribute to Paraguayan mothers.

The legal representative of the construction workers' union at the Aña Cua hydroelectric project has denounced a new ban on photography and video at the site, alleging it is an attempt to conceal irregularities. The consortium managing the project issued a circular prohibiting images, citing intellectual property, and threatening dismissal for violators. The union calls on the government and the Yacyretá Binational Entity to intervene.

A pedestrian was killed Thursday night on Route PY02 in Caaguazú when struck by a vehicle in which Senator Silvio “Beto” Ovelar was a passenger. The driver was detained, and the investigation is ongoing.

President Santiago Peña led the military-police parade on Paraguay's Independence Day, reversing an earlier cancellation that had sparked controversy. The event featured 3,000 troops along the Costanera in Asunción.

The Expo Madera Paraguay 2026, organized by the Paraguayan Federation of Timber Producers (Fepama), will take place from September 10 to 12 at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, under the motto 'Forests in expansion, industries with value'. The event aims to consolidate Paraguay as a strategic player in the regional forestry-industrial sector, highlighting the more than 380,000 hectares of forest plantations, the potential for job creation, and the emphasis on sustainability and certification of origin.

Enrique Duarte, president of the Unión Industrial Paraguaya (UIP), urged the National Minimum Wage Council to expand the minimum wage discussion beyond income, incorporating worker expenses, family dynamics, and Paraguay's competitiveness. He defended the current calculation system and the credibility of the Central Bank, while calling for deeper structural reforms and respect for existing labor laws.

Paraguay's state electricity company ANDE detected energy theft at an ice factory in Areguá and a mini-market in Capiatá, both owned by Mirtha Elizabeth Gamarra. Manipulated meters avoided recording 33% of consumption, causing losses of G. 57 million. The case has been referred to prosecutors, with potential penalties of up to 10 years under new anti-theft legislation.

In a social media post during Paraguay's independence celebrations, Deputy Rodrigo Gamarra (ANR, HC) suggested that fellow cartista Deputy Jazmín Narváez could be a candidate for governor of Central Department in 2028. The speculation comes despite internal party divisions and the fact that municipal elections have not yet taken place.

A recent analysis by ABC Color highlights how Latin America continues to miss opportunities to harness economic competition as a driver for growth and development, drawing on a new BID publication that underscores the virtuous cycle of competition.

The Paraguayan Old Fashioned recipe transforms the traditional American cocktail into a local version, using Paraguayan caña and simple ingredients. Ideal for celebrating Patriot Days, the drink combines caña, sugar, Angostura bitters, orange peel, and ice, with an optional maraschino cherry for garnish.

Paraguay's National Directorate of Public Procurement (DNCP) has initiated an administrative inquiry into the Qatari firm Doha Holding Group LLC and several of its representatives following the rescission of a multi-million dollar gasoil supply contract with Petróleos Paraguayos (Petropar). The firm failed to deliver any fuel despite multiple extensions, leading Petropar to terminate the agreement and execute a performance bond.

Paraguay's digital payment consumption rose 24% in the first four months of 2026, driven by everyday purchases via QR and mobile phones, with debit cards outpacing credit and supermarkets accounting for 28% of transactions.

In an interview with ABC Color ahead of Mother's Day, Paraguayan radio host Gaby Mallorquín shares her joy and challenges of raising her two children, Rubén Darío and Gabriela Natalia, and her close bond with her own mother, May Giardina.

Fiorella Migliore, 37, is expecting her second daughter, Melia, due in October, while leading environmental education and regenerative agriculture initiatives at her family's 'Sitio Tereré' in San Bernardino, Paraguay.

ABC Color shares four traditional recipes—two for sopa paraguaya and two for chipa guazú—perfect for Fiestas Patrias and Mother's Day, highlighting the importance of fresh Paraguay cheese and offering a low-calorie chipa guazú option.

From Ireland's Ashford Castle to Spain's Castillo de Oropesa, several European fortresses have been transformed into luxury hotels, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in history while enjoying modern comforts. ABC Color highlights top picks and tips for booking these unique accommodations.

US President Donald Trump said he discussed Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in Beijing but made no commitments. He will decide on arms sales to Taiwan soon. The meeting reflects broader US-China rivalry and economic pressures.

The Asunción Stock Exchange (BVA) saw a 1% drop in trading volume in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by bank liquidity recovery and unclear interest rate trends, according to broker Cadiem and reported by Ultima Hora.

Coomecipar organized a gala concert titled “Homenaje a la Madre y a la Patria” at the Teatro Lírico del Banco Central del Paraguay, featuring performances by Susana Zaldívar, Alcides Ovelar, Andantinos, Karai Tereré, and Los Alfonso. The event celebrated Paraguayan identity and the role of mothers, drawing a family audience.

One month before the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay celebrates Diego Gómez's confidence in his squad but worries about Omar Alderete's injury in the Premier League.

The MOPC clarifies that the first stage of the commuter train from Asunción to Luque will cost US$400-450 million, contradicting earlier Fepasa statements. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has disbursed US$100 million to suppliers as part of a broader debt payment plan.

Paraguay's ambassador to the US, Gustavo Leite, disclosed that the government offered American Airlines $5 million in subsidies for the Asunción-Miami route, a deal that fell through. After a subsequent agreement with GOL also stalled, Senator Rafael Filizzola accused President Peña and Leite of secret negotiations, while Dinac denied having budget authority for such payments.

ABC Color shares an easy recipe for chocolate ganache, ideal as a finishing touch for Mother’s Day cakes. The method is simpler than it seems, promising a glossy, rich topping.

Miles of people attended the latest edition of Teletón’s ‘La Comilona’ in Asunción, blending gastronomy, live entertainment, and family activities. The event, reported by ABC Color, reaffirmed its status as one of Paraguay’s most iconic solidarity gatherings.

A small, light-colored dog was rescued near República Argentina and Charles de Gaulle streets in Villa Morra. The dog, described as sad and cold, is now in temporary care. Contact numbers are provided for owners.

An opinion piece in ABC Color recounts the recent disappearance of longtime newspaper vendor Don Damián and his wife Ña Olga from their stand on Avenida Brasilia in Asunción. The story mourns the broader decline of print media and the loss of community gathering spots, as digital consumption erodes traditional news habits.

Bancop hosted a celebration for its employees and executives at Cervecería Sacramento to mark Workers' Day, featuring music, camaraderie, and recognition of the team's commitment, as reported by ABC Color.

An opinion piece in ABC Color uses the metaphor 'all roads lead to Rome' to argue that a coordinated disinformation campaign against journalists and independent media in Paraguay originates from the government and the ANR. The article cites alleged financing, fake profiles, and AI-generated attacks but provides no corroborating evidence.

With Paraguay’s internal party elections set for June 7, an ABC Color opinion piece laments the lack of substantive debate, transparency in campaign spending, and the prevalence of superficial tactics over real proposals.

Recurrent flooding in Ñeembucú, Paraguay, highlights a persistent failure in preventive maintenance of waterways, with producers and officials at odds over resource allocation and coordination, according to ABC Color.

An opinion piece in ABC Color urges Paraguayans to build unity through Christian principles, warning against greed, pride, and selfishness, and linking personal and family harmony to national development.

The Integral Aesthetic Medicine Center CorppoLive in Paraguay was the venue for the official launch of a partnership between anti-aging specialist Teguh Tanuwidjaja and the Paraguayan Association of Aesthetic Medicine, highlighting knowledge exchange and innovation.

A clandestine garbage dump has been reported at the intersection of José Berges and Avda. Perú in Asunción, with piles of branches and boxes accumulating, according to ABC Color.

Paraguayan women in leadership roles are balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities, while the nation's political landscape faces institutional disarray and a lack of clear governance. Nine executives and entrepreneurs shared their experiences, highlighting the constant negotiation required to manage businesses, raise children, and maintain personal well-being. Meanwhile, political analysts point to a breakdown in the separation of powers and a chaotic governmental approach, with a focus on internal party politics rather than public administration.

As the 2024 Lula-Peña Itaipú agreement expires on December 31, 2026, Paraguay faces uncertain electricity revenues and unfulfilled transparency promises. Meanwhile, the business sector, through FEPRINCO, offers conditional support to President Peña, demanding structural reforms and criticizing state inefficiency, creating a complex political and economic landscape.