International
Study shows facemasks could prevent “second wave” of COVID-19
While the world awaits a coronavirus vaccine, a study by the Cambridge University shows that the use of masks, combined with distancing measures, may be effective in preventing a second wave of the virus.
According to the study, in order for the measure to be successful it needs to be implemented by as many people as possible, even if they use a cloth mask.
Richard Stutt, researcher at the university, said the combination of physical distancing and the use of masks may offer an acceptable way to manage the pandemic before a vaccine is available. To date, there are over 7.5 million infections and over 400,000 deaths from COVID-19 worldwide.
International
Gabriel García Luna Pledges to Restore Public Trust in Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office
The new head of Public Ministry of Guatemala, Gabriel García Luna, announced during his first press conference that the institution will undergo a technical and legal review aimed at restoring public confidence in the country’s justice system.
García Luna also confirmed the closure of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity, known as FECI, a unit that handled several high-profile and controversial corruption cases during the administration of his predecessor, Consuelo Porras, who has been sanctioned by more than 40 countries.
Porras’ tenure was marked by actions aimed at preventing the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo in 2024, as well as legal proceedings against former prosecutors, anti-corruption judges, journalists, and Indigenous leaders, many of whom later went into exile.
Due to these actions, the 72-year-old former official faced sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, as well as countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Starting tomorrow [Monday], the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity enters a liquidation phase because, unfortunately, it has lost public credibility,” García Luna stated during his first appearance before the media.
International
Mexico City Mayor Invites U2 to Perform at Iconic Zócalo Plaza
Irish rock band U2, which spent Tuesday and Wednesday filming a new music video for its song Street of Dreams in the Historic Center of Mexico City, received an invitation to perform at the capital’s iconic Zócalo square from Mayor Clara Brugada.
Brugada shared the invitation through social media posts accompanied by photos and a video showing her meeting with the band members.
“This is an invitation for you to perform in our wonderful public square, the Zócalo. You are welcome here, and we would love to have you,” Brugada said in the video while handing a document to Bono, the band’s lead singer.
Bono responded by saying that the group would like “to begin its new tour in Mexico City.”
Referencing one of the band’s most famous songs, In the Name of Love, Brugada said she was greeting Bono along with The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr..
“Welcoming U2 to our capital means celebrating music, connection and the emotion that can be felt in every corner of this city,” Brugada wrote in one of her messages. “We are a city open to the world, vibrant and full of stories shared from the stage to the streets.”
She also described the Zócalo as “the country’s most important public square” and a cultural landmark for Latin America.
Over the years, the Zócalo has hosted massive concerts by internationally renowned artists and bands including Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, Manu Chao, Café Tacvba, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Los Tigres del Norte, La Maldita Vecindad, Silvio Rodríguez, Joan Manuel Serrat, Rosalía and Shakira, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans.
International
Marco Rubio Urges China to Help Restrain Iran Amid Gulf Tensions
Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington hopes to persuade China to take a more active role in stopping Iran from escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, arguing that the crisis directly threatens Asian commercial interests.
“It is in China’s interest to resolve this situation. We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to stop what it is doing now and trying to do in the Persian Gulf,” Rubio said during an interview with journalist Sean Hannity on Fox News while traveling aboard Air Force One.
The top U.S. diplomat said the conflict and concerns over the possible disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have already affected China’s interests.
Rubio noted that “a Chinese cargo ship was struck over the weekend,” referring to the exchange of attacks reported last Friday between Iran and the United States.
The remarks come amid growing international concern over rising tensions in the region and the potential impact on global trade routes and energy supplies.
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