Antioquian congress members received over 7.506 billion Colombian pesos in donations and credits from individuals and companies, excluding financial entities. The Conservative Party received the most funds, followed by the Democratic Center and the Historical Pact. Distracom was the top donor with 100 million pesos, mainly to Senator Paola Holguín. Other notable donors include Kenworth de la Montaña, Cromática Publicidad Exterior, and prominent individuals like Andrés Bernal and Juan Esteban Calle. The financing raises potential conflicts of interest in legislative activities. The information was extracted from the Clear Accounts application reports submitted to the National Electoral Council.

The campaigns of Senator Álex Flórez and Representative Alejandro Toro Ramírez, both from the Pacto Histórico party in Antioquia, were the most expensive among their peers. A significant portion of their funding came from private donations, including a controversial contribution from Brands Ad Business S.A.S, a company with no recorded income since its establishment. The company's owner, Henry de Jesús Saldarriaga Pareja, has ties to other more successful businesses and claims to have provided extensive digital strategy services to the campaign. The article raises questions about the legitimacy of the campaign's financing, given the lack of transparency and the discrepancy between reported services and actual expenses.

Residents like Mariana Pérez have faced sleepless nights due to noises from groups stripping the evacuated Continental Towers building in El Poblado, Medellín. The building, along with Asensi, was evacuated in 2013 due to structural risks identified after the Space building collapse. Despite efforts to secure the building, looting continues. The constructor, Alsacia CDO, lacks funds for security or restoration, having been liquidated by the Superintendency of Companies. Coproprietors have urged the mayor's office for demolition, but legal and financial constraints complicate the situation. The local government is assessing the risks and potential actions, but the building's fate remains uncertain between abandonment and collapse.

Campo Elías Galindo Álvarez, a retired professor from Universidad Nacional and member of the Colombia Humana movement in Medellín, was found dead in his apartment, apparently murdered with a bladed weapon. His sister Doris Galindo suspects the murder may be politically motivated. Medellín's mayor, Daniel Quintero Calle, has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Galindo was known for his academic work and social activism, including his blog Cambalache XXI, where he discussed public issues.

The Mayor's Office and the Government of Antioquia are finalizing administrative modernizations, with the Mayor's Office of Medellín being more advanced. The process is supported by the Department of Public Function (Dafp) at no additional cost. New key departments such as IT secretariats are being created, aligning with state demands. The Mayor's Office will have two new secretariats, a sub-secretariat, two managements, and a special administrative unit, increasing the payroll by $2.372 million annually. The creation of bureaucratic positions at the expense of middle-class jobs has been criticized. The Secretariat of Non-Violence and the Secretariat of Digital Innovation are among the new entities. The latter is expected to be led by Juan Sebastián González Flórez or a trusted individual. The article also mentions a controversy involving Luz María Múnera, who criticized the mayor's decision to authorize Esmad's entry into the University of Antioquia, which she claims cost her a position.

Health authorities in Antioquia are investigating four cases of potential COVID-19 reinfection, with concerns rising about the possibility of contracting the virus twice. Governor Luis Fernando Suárez, who is also an epidemiologist and contracted the virus in July, mentioned that current literature suggests immunity lasts three months. Leopoldo Giraldo, manager for coronavirus containment in Antioquia, noted that while reinfections have been documented globally, they are not common. In May, the Health Secretariat reported nine recurrence events, which Juan Pablo Hernández from the National University clarified are different from reinfections. Two of the four reported reinfection cases in Antioquia have been dismissed, and one involves a deceased woman whose case is still under investigation. The authorities are closely monitoring reinfections, especially with the reopening of borders and potential exposure to different strains. Andrés Rangel from the University of Antioquia highlighted the risk of transmission from reinfections. The experts emphasized the importance of continued precautions such as mask-wearing and handwashing.

A roof collapse occurred at the main park of Ciudad Bolívar, Antioquia, affecting a restaurant, a pharmacy, and a liquor store, with adjacent businesses also impacted. Mayor Mauricio Márquez reported no fatalities but several injuries, and evaluations are underway to determine if nearby structures need evacuation. Franklin Zapata, the risk management coordinator, confirmed five injuries due to the poor condition of the roof. The area has been cordoned off, and emergency services are managing the situation.

The brutal murder and subsequent desecration of 14-year-old Anyeli Alejandra Úsuga's grave in Segovia, Antioquia, has shocked the region. The Antioquia Secretary of Women, Natalia Velásquez Osorio, and the acting governor of Antioquia, Luis Fernando Suárez, have expressed their condemnation and called for justice, treating the crime as a femicide rather than a homicide. The region has seen a high number of suspected femicides and sexual crimes against women this year. While institutional efforts are being made to address the violence, the investigation into Anyeli's murder faces challenges due to recent rains and a lack of significant leads. A pamphlet by the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, claiming responsibility for targeting those involved in Anyeli's murder, has surfaced, but its authenticity remains unconfirmed.

In Medellín, two separate incidents involving alleged police abuse have resulted in the deaths of a man and a baby. Paula Andrea Gómez reported that her husband, Jhonatan Meneses, died after being detained by police following a domestic dispute. Despite claims of a heart attack, Gómez noted visible bruises and injuries on his body. An investigation is underway, but the family has not received the forensic report. In a second case, a viral video featured a woman, Erika Yesenia Tabares, claiming a police officer killed her baby during a protest. However, the child in the video was identified as the son of Vanessa Ramírez, who confirmed her child is alive and well. The police have urged the public not to stigmatize officers based on the video, which has been discredited.

Aníbal Gaviria Correa, the suspended governor of Antioquia, maintains a strategy of silence regarding his legal process since the Supreme Court of Justice denied lifting his house arrest on July 15. The legal code in effect when the process began allows for provisional freedom after 120 days without a decision, a term that will be completed on October 3. The National Electoral Council validated a list of candidates for an interim governor, and Alicia Arango, the Minister of the Interior, confirmed Luis Fernando Suárez in the role. Suárez has stated he has autonomy in decision-making but communicates with Gaviria occasionally. There is no possibility of new elections unless there is a definitive vacancy, which could occur only if Gaviria resigns, is convicted, or passes away. Meanwhile, Gaviria has been active on social media, showing support from various mayors and political figures.

Antioquia faces the challenge of updating its territorial planning and cadastral systems, with 48 municipalities having outdated plans and only 32 up to date. The Department of Planning of Antioquia (DAP) and the Governor's Office aim to update these systems, especially in indigenous territories, and create a multipurpose cadastral system. The initiative includes the Taller Antioquia tool, which will integrate information from various departments to improve project formulation, territorial planning, tax collection, and risk management. The urgency of proper planning was highlighted by the 2018 Hidroituango contingency, which exposed the lack of planning in Valdivia, where many homes were in high-risk areas.

After more than a month of implementing the 4-3 strategy, which involved four days of commercial and industrial activity followed by three days of closure, the 10 mayors of the metropolitan area unanimously decided to end this approach due to a flattened COVID-19 infection peak and significant economic impacts. Instead of strict quarantine, the Valle de Aburrá will enforce a two-digit ID system and maintain controls in areas of gatherings or parties. The strategy reportedly reduced the weekly increase in cases by about 40%. However, Fenalco Antioquia highlighted substantial economic losses and job cuts due to the closures. The acting governor of Antioquia, Luis Fernando Suárez, respects but disagrees with the mayors' decision, citing concerns about ICU bed occupancy, health worker fatigue, and potential spikes in infections.

The Government of Antioquia has issued decrees establishing strict quarantine measures for the regions of Urabá, Oriente, and Valle de Aburrá, with specific schedules and exceptions. The quarantine in Urabá will be in effect from the evening of August 15 until the morning of August 18, 2020, covering several municipalities. In Oriente, the quarantine will last from the start of August 15 until the start of August 18, with a 'pico y cédula' system allowing one person per family to buy essentials on designated days. Valle de Aburrá will follow the same schedule as Oriente. Exceptions include essential services such as healthcare, emergency services, food and medicine supply chains, and public service operations. The decrees also outline permitted activities, including public and private port operations in Urabá and various services and industries that are essential to the public health and safety during the COVID-19 emergency.

A coronavirus outbreak has been detected at a migrant shelter in Necoclí, where 297 stranded foreign migrants are housed, with 68 active infections found. The acting governor of Antioquia, Luis Fernando Suárez, announced mass testing and measures to ensure the rights of the migrants while they recover. The local government has agreed to send food kits for the next two weeks and enforce strict isolation at the shelter. The National Police will provide a Portuguese translator to aid communication with migrants from various countries. Pregnant women at the shelter will receive medical attention after one suffered a miscarriage. The migrants, who were aiming to reach Panama, are stranded due to quarantine measures and closed borders, with no maritime transport available.

Antioquia is launching a campaign named 'Adopt a Horse, Transform a Life' to end the use of animal-drawn vehicles by exchanging horses for motor cargo vehicles or other productive units. The initiative, led by the Secretary of Environment Carlos Ignacio Uribe, aims to improve the quality of life for over 500 horses. The Turbo municipality, with Mayor Andrés Felipe Maturana, has signed a contract to adopt out the first 42 horses from Currulao. Interested citizens can apply to adopt through a dedicated email, and the government will ensure the animals are well-treated with education and follow-up teams. The campaign complements a rural road improvement program to support the new vehicles and businesses.

An indigenous family in Antioquia, Colombia, suffered a tragedy when Nevardo Bailarín died and his wife and daughter were injured by a landmine. The incident occurred in the indigenous community of Antadó-Arenera, between Frontino and Dabeiba. The Organización Indígena de Antioquia (OIA) reported the event, highlighting the ongoing danger of landmines in the area, which has been exacerbated by disputes between the Eln and the Clan del Golfo over control of a crucial drug trafficking route. Local leader Gloria Domicó expressed the fear that women in the community feel due to the presence of armed groups. The OIA issued a statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of all armed actors from indigenous territories and calling for genuine guarantees for the construction of a stable and lasting peace.

A forest fire in the San Silvestre sector of Bello prompted an emergency response on Saturday night. The Bello Fire Department dispatched three crews with 13 personnel and three fire engines to combat the vegetation layer fire near Serramonte. Wber Zapata Lopera, director of the municipal risk management office, reported the emergency at 7:40 p.m., suggesting a sky lantern as the possible cause. The flames reached up to four meters high, but the fire was 50% contained by 9:30 p.m. with no damage to homes or people.

The Valle de Aburrá area has launched the Línea 123 Mujer Metropolitana, staffed by professionals including lawyers, psychologists, and social workers, to assist and advise women who are victims of gender-based violence. The service, which received over $1.099 billion in funding from the Gobernación de Antioquia, will not take reports but will guide victims on where and how to file them and provide protection if necessary. The initiative addresses the high rates of gender violence and femicide in the region, with 72 women murdered in the first six months of the year, 12 classified as femicide. The service also includes specialized attention for adolescent girls over 14 and operates alongside existing services like Salud para el alma and Línea vida libre de violencias.

The Comptroller of Antioquia issued a warning to 12 municipalities, three municipal councils, and two ombudsman's offices for exceeding the spending limit set by Law 617 of 2000. The most critical cases are El Bagre and Turbo, where both the mayoralty and the council spent beyond their legal limits. Past financial mismanagement and corruption have exacerbated the situation. The Comptroller's figures are based on the 2019 fiscal year and exclude Medellín, Bello, Itagüí, and Envigado. The Institute for the Development of Antioquia is providing financial relief and technical support to municipalities to prevent further financial deterioration.

The article reports on the findings of the Contraloría General de la República regarding three failed infrastructure projects in Medellín, Colombia, which are seen as a waste of public funds and a source of community frustration. The projects include the unbuilt Hospital General del Norte, the Parque Biblioteca España, which is closed due to legal disputes and requires costly repairs, and a collapsed bridge in Guaduas. The Contraloría has highlighted these projects as examples of potential mismanagement and has warned of fiscal responsibility processes. The Hospital General de Medellín's northern branch was particularly noted for its abandonment despite significant investment. The community's concerns about access to health services and the lack of response from authorities are also discussed. The article mentions that the Contraloría will continue to review other problematic works throughout the department.

Édgar Augusto Gallego Arias, the current mayor of Barbosa, is facing trial for alleged irregularities in a $150 million contract aimed at addressing the COVID-19 emergency in the municipality. Despite the trial, he remains free and in office. His cabinet, however, has been impacted, with the Health Secretary and Planning Secretary under house arrest. This follows a corruption scandal involving the previous mayor, Edison García. The controversial contract, signed on March 17, has been questioned for overpricing and the contractor's suitability. The Antioquia's Comptroller Office suggests a potential detriment of approximately $29.3 million, or 19.51% of the contract value. The Prosecutor's Office is investigating, while the mayor's advisor, Wilson Buitrago, defends the contract's legitimacy, citing market conditions and regulatory changes that affected pricing.

In Antioquia, Colombia, where ICU demand is surging, a new healthcare model called Ucre, or special respiratory care units, has been developed to prevent COVID-19 patients from needing ICU beds. The model, initiated by the Centro de Inmunología y Genética (Cige), provides intermediate respiratory care with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, allowing patients to receive up to 90 liters of oxygen without intubation. This has resulted in a significant number of patients recovering and returning home, reducing the need for ICU beds and ventilators. The model is scalable and can be implemented in smaller towns with limited medical staff. Antioquia's government plans to expand this model to other municipalities to alleviate the healthcare system's strain.

In Antioquia, Colombia, six mayors, the acting governor Luis Fernando Suárez, and 219 public officials have tested positive for COVID-19 among the 11,009 active cases in the region. The affected include Medellín's mayor Daniel Quintero and officials from various municipalities such as Hispania, San Carlos, Puerto Nare, Ciudad Bolívar, Entrerríos, and Puerto Triunfo. Measures such as teleworking and restricted access to government buildings have been implemented. The most critical situation is in Sopetrán with 55 cases, and Nechí with 24 active cases among municipal employees. The article details the response and current status of the officials and municipalities involved.

Antioquia is considering declaring a red alert due to high ICU occupancy rates, which have exceeded 70% for several days. The declaration, which could occur between Thursday and Friday if trends continue, would result in the department assuming regulation and operation of ICU and special care beds, prioritizing those in need. It may also lead to the closure or suspension of some health services to reduce patient mobility and allow professionals to focus on critical care. Additionally, social distancing measures such as the accordion system (work Monday to Thursday with closure Friday to Sunday) may be implemented to reduce person-to-person contact.

Antioquia is on the verge of declaring a red alert due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and ICU bed occupancy. Governor Luis Fernando Suárez indicated that the region might transition to red alert next week, depending on the evolution of the situation. The threshold for declaring a red alert is over 70% ICU occupancy for three consecutive days. As of the latest report, 71% of the 664 beds designated for COVID-19 patients are occupied. While not all measures that would accompany the declaration are defined, it is clear there will be increased restrictions. Despite the rise in occupancy, investments in new ICU units continue, with 100 more beds expected soon and discussions on a new model called Ucre, special respiratory care units.

Acting Governor of Antioquia, Luis Fernando Suárez, and three other government officials tested positive for COVID-19. Suárez believes he was infected during a lunch meeting where masks were removed to eat. Following the confirmation of cases, all employees working on the 12th floor of the government building, where Suárez's office is located, were tested, resulting in 35 tests with only three positives. Precautionary measures have been increased, and less than 500 of the 3,000 employees are currently going to the office, with restricted movement between floors and limited external visits. A previous round of testing had been conducted after a meeting with presidential advisor Federico Hoyos, which returned negative results.

Three officials from the Government of Antioquia, including the acting governor Luis Fernando Suárez, have tested positive for coronavirus. Henry Horacio Cháves, head of the Office of Communications, and Claudia García Loboguerrero, director of Planning, are also infected. Additionally, two members of the Assembly of Antioquia, Rogelio Zapata Alzate and José Luis Noreña Restrepo, have contracted the virus. The Assembly's president, Rubén Darío Callejas, stated that the legislative sessions will continue virtually, ensuring that the infected members can still participate.

A construction accident at the Vías del Nus project resulted in one fatality and four injuries when steel bars fell from a bridge under construction. The injured were transported to Hospital San Antonio in Cisneros, where two were in cardiac arrest. One was revived and transferred to a more complex center in Medellín, while the other unfortunately passed away. The remaining three are under observation with stable prognoses. The incident is under preliminary investigation. The 4G Vías del Nus project aims to improve connectivity in Antioquia with significant investment and is considered crucial for the region's industrial zone and cargo movement to Caribbean ports.

The decision to continue the curfew for the upcoming weekend caused division among the leaders of the Aburrá Valley and Antioquia. Medellín's mayor, Daniel Quintero, referenced the Ministry of Health's recommendations for a 4-3 quarantine (four days open, three days closed). Despite the Antioquia government's refusal to decree a quarantine, nine out of ten metropolitan mayors sought the National Government's support and decreed a regional quarantine. The Metropolitan Area confirmed the quarantine from Friday at 00:00 a.m. to Sunday at 23:59 p.m. Governor Luis Fernando Suárez emphasized the balance between economic reactivation and pandemic containment, while Quintero stressed the importance of prioritizing life with the region approaching the peak of cases. Envigado's mayor, Braulio Espinosa, supported the quarantine to prevent hospital collapse. Constitutional lawyer Esteban Hoyos highlighted issues of coordination and communication among authorities and the trend of governing through social media.

The Island of the Sun in El Peñol, Antioquia, survived the creation of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir and was later rented out to Madela Asociados for tourism exploitation, despite being a protected area. The rental agreement, signed by former mayor José Cirilo Henao, is fraught with alleged irregularities, lacking prior studies and legal reviews. Current mayor Sorany Marín and environmental watchdogs are concerned about the island's conservation, as it houses endangered species and undocumented flora. The regional environmental authority, Cornare, and the University Católica de Oriente have highlighted the island's ecological importance. Actions are being taken to negotiate with the company or revoke the contract to ensure the island's protection as a botanical garden.

Antioquia is planning to reactivate its railway through a project divided into three phases, with the first phase stretching from La Pintada to Caldas. The project's biggest challenge is financial, requiring participation from the National Government, which is not currently prioritized in national transportation plans. The Governor of Antioquia, Luis Fernando Suárez, has acknowledged the region's complex financial situation. The project, now known as Tren del Río, has been further divided, with priority given to the segment between Bello and Industriales. The cost of this segment is estimated at $1.4 trillion COP, with funding to be split between the nation and the region. The Promotora Ferrocarril de Antioquia is still structuring regional resources, considering various funding options. The project is expected to contribute to economic dynamism post-pandemic, and technical teams are working on adjustments, including a potential underground section near the University of Antioquia.

The government of Antioquia has published a decree regulating a strict quarantine in the Aburrá Valley, effective from midnight on July 17, 2020, to midnight on July 21, 2020, to combat COVID-19. The quarantine affects 10 municipalities, including Medellín, and outlines 28 exceptions for essential services and situations, such as healthcare, emergency services, food and medicine supply chains, and public service operations. Individuals must carry documentation to justify their need to be outside, and adherence to biosecurity measures is mandatory.

AngloGold Ashanti's donation of 11 computers to the Jericó Town Council and 9 to the Mayor's Office sparked controversy due to the company's interest in mining in the area. The donation occurred days before the municipal Development Plan was debated and approved. Councilman Juan Felipe Espinosa raised concerns about the potential compromise of the council's independence, while Council President Diego Castañeda and Mayor David Toro defended the donation as a response to technological needs. A complaint was filed by Fernando Jaramillo to the Procuraduría, alleging the mayor bypassed legal requirements in the Development Plan's approval.

The Assembly of Antioquia approved Ordinance No. 07 of 2020, establishing an analytics center for security, coexistence, and human rights, attached to the Secretariat of Government. The center will unify and analyze data from eight security and justice agencies to provide real-time information on criminal activities. Governor (e) Luis Fernando Suárez, who promoted the project, aims to reduce the homicide rate in Antioquia, which is currently higher than the national average. The center will also address environmental threats and support vulnerable populations. This initiative follows a previous data analysis project created under Governor Sergio Fajardo and later archived during Luis Pérez's administration due to high costs and lack of proprietary software.

The government of Antioquia will submit a project to the Assembly seeking special powers to change the legal status of the Fábrica de Licores de Antioquia (FLA) into a public industrial and commercial company (Eice). This move, explained by acting governor Luis Fernando Suárez, comes after expert analysis and studies from the previous administration. The change, recommended by the Council of State two years ago, aims to make FLA an independent entity with its own board and operations, similar to the successful transformation of EPM in 1996. The project, if approved, will allow the creation of an independent company that would contribute taxes to the nation.

Around 40 of the 297 migrants stranded since March 30 in a shelter in Necoclí, Antioquia, protested to demand continuation of their journey to Panama. They expressed lack of food and hospital services. Local officials stated that the migrants have been receiving attention and resources from the municipality, Antioquia's government, and international cooperation. The border closure and suspended maritime passenger transport prevent their travel. The shelter provides food, water, and medical attention, including prenatal care. The situation involves migrants from Haiti and various African countries, with over 1,000 cases in El Darién and 2,500 stranded migrants in Panama according to the UN.

The municipality of Envigado announced that there will be no dry law or curfew during the weekend of July 4 and 5, 2020, despite Medellín's decision to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol from the evening of July 3 to the night of July 5. The secretary of Security, Rafael Alejandro Betancourt, stated that there will be special attention in the municipality for the tax-free day but no additional measures like dry law. Other municipalities in the area are still considering whether to implement similar measures. For the tax-free day in Envigado, there will be restrictions such as pico y cédula, only virtual sales of appliances and technology in large stores, and no extended hours for commercial establishments, along with specific reinforcements in public force.

Medellin's Mayor Daniel Quintero has announced new restrictions due to a rise in COVID-19 cases and ICU occupancy, including a dry law every weekend and a curfew during upcoming holidays. The measures aim to curb the spread of the virus, with additional testing to strengthen epidemiological barriers. Quintero emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical help, warning of difficult weeks ahead with potential increases in ICU occupancy and infections.

After 106 days, a group of 740 students at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, out of 12,000, have resumed face-to-face classes for specific subjects requiring practical hours in laboratories, such as Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Architecture, and Social Communication. Strict biosecurity protocols are in place, including health surveys, temperature checks, and physical distancing by dividing students into subgroups. The return has been emotional for students like Camilo Herrera, and teachers like Alexis García have adapted to the new conditions, including reduced theoretical components and marathon practical sessions. Some students have opted not to attend due to fear or being outside the city, with plans to reopen practical components at the end of the year for them. The possibility of extending this blended system into the next semester is being considered.

The Jardín Botánico Joaquín Antonio Uribe in Medellín is set to reopen on July 1st for research, education, and conservation activities, with new safety protocols due to the pandemic. The garden will operate under limited hours and capacity, and will feature a new attraction, the 'Álvaro Cogollo Pacheco' prehistoric plants trail. The In Situ Restaurant will offer takeout service, and the Forjas Bolívar butterfly house will provide guided tours.

The Fábrica de Licores de Antioquia (FLA), currently a dependency of the Secretaría de Hacienda de Antioquia, is facing a transformation to comply with a directive from the Consejo de Estado issued two years ago. The directive requires FLA to adopt a legal and organizational structure suitable for its industrial and commercial activities. Javier Ignacio Hurtado, manager of FLA, and acting governor Luis Fernando Suárez are working on a proposal, with a session scheduled for July 9 to discuss the impacts of the change. Andrés Guerra, a deputy from the Centro Democrático, emphasizes the importance of FLA's revenue for Antioquia and the need to consider the financial implications, especially given the current pandemic.

In Medellín, stagnant water from recent rains has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising concerns about diseases like dengue, with 450 of Antioquia's 1,600 cases reported in the city. Health officials have implemented ovitraps to monitor and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses. However, the program is currently limited to educational institutions. The situation is compounded by halted infrastructure projects due to archaeological findings and the pandemic, leading to uncontrolled stagnant waters. Additionally, the return of street vendors to the Prado metro station area, ignoring coronavirus precautions, poses another public health risk. Local authorities are working on economic support alternatives and distributing biosecurity kits while awaiting the resumption of infrastructure works.

Medellín is facing new COVID-19 outbreaks at police stations and the Fourth Brigade's headquarters, with nine cases confirmed at each location. The outbreaks began at El Poblado police station, and mass testing is underway. Overcrowding and sanitary conditions are concerns, with 2,000 detainees across 24 stations designed for 250. Measures include a 14-day isolation protocol for detainees and preventive actions by the Health Secretary. Previous outbreaks in Antioquia's public forces and the critical situation in Villavicencio's prison are noted. The Defense Ministry did not respond to inquiries about additional measures for soldiers.

The coronavirus pandemic has imposed a quarantine that has significantly altered the lives of the inhabitants of Antioquia's municipalities, including Ramiro López, a farmer who now stays at home, and Juan Carlos Posada, a teacher who has switched to remote education. The pandemic has silenced social life and impacted the economy, with concerns over internet access for education and the closure of businesses due to high rents. Maritza López, Antioquia's Secretary of Productivity, discusses the stable yet challenging economic situation, with a contagion rate between 1 and 1.2 and new daily cases ranging from 30 to 40. The region's economic impact is estimated at a 5-7% reduction in GDP, with a loss of 120,000 jobs. Luis Fernando Suárez, the acting governor of Antioquia, emphasizes the need for economic recovery. Despite the hardships, there is optimism as microenterprises show versatility, with some shifting to produce goods like face masks.

After a nine-hour debate, the Medellín Council approved the city's development plan with a budget of $22.7 trillion for the next four years, with 19 votes in favor and two against. The plan, which was developed in partnership with public universities and discussed virtually, focuses on education, social line, and environmental sustainability as the largest budget items. Significant changes were made to the budget allocations just before the final debate, with additional funds directed to the Secretaries of Culture, Women, Participation, Youth, Housing, and Sports. Despite the approval, some council members criticized the plan for not fulfilling government promises, lacking technical rigor, and not being transparent in contracting.

Due to confusion surrounding Decree No. 0540 of 2020, which prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and decrees curfew hours in Medellín, it has been clarified that during the curfew, only delivery workers transporting pharmaceutical materials, medications, and health sector items are exempt. Other delivery services are not permitted during the curfew hours, which are from 7:00 p.m. Saturday to 5:00 a.m. Sunday, and from 7:00 p.m. Sunday to 3:00 a.m. Monday. Other delivery workers can work for 19 hours on Saturday and 14 hours on Sunday outside of the curfew times.

A humanitarian corridor from Medellín to Venezuela has been opened to facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants. The first group departed on Friday afternoon, with the collaboration of the city's ombudsman, the mayor's office, and Migración Colombia. William Vivas, the city's ombudsman, reported that private buses are being used to transport migrants to the border after a profiling process. Due to border restrictions allowing only 300 people to cross daily, migrants are advised to contact the Secretary of Social Inclusion to schedule their travel. The decision to return is driven by the pandemic's impact on employment and the inability to afford rent and food, with the hope of facing hardships together with family in Venezuela.

The mayors of the ten municipalities in the Valle de Aburrá, including Medellín, have implemented a dry law and curfew for the upcoming Mother's Day weekend to prevent violence and public order disturbances historically associated with increased alcohol consumption. The dry law will be in effect from May 9 at 5:00 p.m. to May 11 at 5:00 a.m., while the curfew will have varying times across the weekend. Medellín's Mayor Daniel Quintero cited statistics from Medicina Legal indicating a spike in violence during Mother's Day. The measures also aim to keep hospital ICU units available for severe COVID-19 cases. Essential workers registered on the Medellín Me Cuida platform are exempt. The article also mentions the adjustment of the 'pico y cédula' policy and the impact of COVID-19 on commerce, with some opting to postpone celebrations and others turning to digital means to connect with their mothers.

Hugo Álvarez, a chemical engineer by training, has been the master distiller at Licores de Antioquia for over a decade, dedicating at least eight hours a day to creating and testing spirits. He is the sole keeper of the Antioquian aguardiente recipe and has been instrumental in transforming the company's product line, including the introduction of sugar-free aguardiente and a solera system for rums. Álvarez's work requires discipline and passion, as he regularly tastes various liquors without ingesting them to maintain his discerning palate. His innovations have led to a dominant market share for the sugar-free aguardiente and the introduction of new products annually.

In Medellín, councilors do not receive salaries but earn honoraria based on their attendance at the 190 ordinary and up to 40 extraordinary sessions per year, as explained by Diana Cristina Tobón, the council's general secretary. Each session pays 409,367 pesos, equivalent to a day's salary of the municipal mayor, with deductions for pension and occupational risk management, while the municipality covers health insurance. Councilors also receive a cellphone, a vehicle with paid gasoline, and an office. Fabio Rivera, the current council president, noted that session limits are fixed and that committee sessions are unpaid. Councilors, as public officials, cannot hold contracts or positions in public entities but may work in the private sector.

Medellín's recent launch of the Ayacucho Tramway, part of its integrated public transportation system, contrasts with Bogotá's struggles to consolidate a similar system. Medellín's system includes a metro, cable cars, rapid bus transit, and public bicycles, all using a unified payment card. Bogotá's Transmilenio bus system faces development issues and a lack of integration. Experts attribute Medellín's success to political and business will, a backbone of transportation, public policies, technical expertise, private sector involvement, multimodal orientation, a unified payment system, and investment in culture. Bogotá's challenges include ideological divisions, stalled projects, and unsuccessful private sector engagement.

Street thefts have increased by over 48 percent in the last year in Medellín, with 5,575 cases reported between January and September. The city center is the most affected area, followed by Laureles Estadio and Castilla. The Secretary of Security, Sergio Vargas Colmenares, acknowledges the issue and highlights efforts to combat it, including the online reporting tool 'Seguridad en Línea'. The Mayor of Medellín, Aníbal Gaviria, calls for better communication of security strategies to the public. Investments in security cameras and targeted interventions in high-crime areas are part of the response to the rising theft rates.