International

Strike paralyzes the north of the Dominican Republic

Photo: Listin Diario

November 14 |

A 24-hour strike, promoted by the coalition of Popular and Social Groups of the Cibao region, Dominican Republic, paralyzed this Monday the north of the country, where the call of local leaders is to stay at home and thus stop productive work in the region.

This strike has the objective of calling the attention of the Dominican Government to attend to the demands regarding the improvement of medical services, the construction of schools and the completion of public works, lowering the price of the basic food basket and fuels, as well as improving the country’s electricity service.

The spokesman of the popular coalition, Osvaldo Brito, declared that the support of the population for this strike has been “overwhelming” and that, in spite of the government’s intimidation, “we will continue with our demand”, he added.

Through local media, Brito called on the population “to continue supporting, staying at home, giving a clear message to the Government that it must change the economic policy which affects the great majority”. Last April this organization called a strike for the same causes.

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The social leader declared that the Dominican Police arrested several leaders of the organization in the hours prior to the regional strike. The Dominican media reported that most of the businesses are closed and that the city of Santiago de los Caballeros is militarized.

So far there are reports of burning of tires in sectors such as Los Ciruelitos, Licey Al Medio, Navarrete and other points of the region.

On the other hand, the president of the Dominican trade organization Detallistas Unidos, Ricardo Rosario, declared that he believes that “dialogue and collaboration are the key to solve the common problems affecting the population”, thus urging that the parties return to the negotiating table and work together “to find constructive solutions”.

Central America

Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React

U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.

“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.

The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.

Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.

“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.

International

Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom

Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.

Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).

Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.

Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”

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He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”

International

Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.

In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.

Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.

“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”

In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.