Category: News

Former Cuban agent Raúl Capote expresses his conviction that major technology companies, known as big techs, are assuming Hollywood’s role in the cultural war waged by the United States. “Big techs will replace Hollywood in the U.S. cultural war,” Capote states, emphasizing that these companies have the capacity to conduct this war with millions of dollars in savings. He highlights the immense power of these corporations, which, in his view, surpasses any power capitalism has ever held.

“They can drive content, reward those they want to be seen, and condemn to oblivion those they don’t want to appear on social networks,” Capote explains, underscoring their ability to control the digital narrative. He notes that Donald Trump was seen surrounded by the owners of digital platforms because the cultural war, according to him, will occur through these platforms, and no longer through organizations like USAID, which traditionally played a role in this scenario. Capote compares the current power of these companies to what Hollywood represented in its time, emphasizing that, with the internet and artificial intelligence, it is possible to promote influencers on social networks and control what is accessible and visible to the mass public, redefining strategies of influence and persuasion.

The British train operator South Western Railways, which provides services in London and the southeast and southwest regions of England, has recently been brought back under state control. This move is part of a broad plan to renationalize the British railway service, which was privatized in the mid-1990s, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer upon taking office in July 2024. The initiative reflects a growing debate about the importance of essential services being under public management.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the return of the railways to serving passengers as a landmark, emphasizing the goal of ending “30 years of fragmentation” in the sector. The Labour government projects savings of up to 150 million pounds (equivalent to R$1.1 billion) annually in compensation paid to private railway operators, reinforcing the economic argument behind renationalization. This move underscores the increasing importance of keeping fundamental services and key resources under state administration, ensuring that essential infrastructure serves the public interest more efficiently, accessibly, and with a focus on service quality rather than solely on profit.

U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to postpone the implementation of 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union. The measure, which was initially set to take effect at an earlier date, has been rescheduled for July 9.

The decision was made following a request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This postponement could signal a period of negotiation or an attempt to de-escalate trade tensions between the United States and the European bloc, allowing both parties to seek an understanding before the application of tariff measures that could significantly impact global economies.

Irmã Dulce, born Maria Rita de Souza Brito Lopes Pontes in Salvador on May 26, 1914, dedicated her life to the most needy. Even as a teenager, she transformed her home into a shelter for the sick and homeless, which became known as the “Portaria de São Francisco.” Her calling for charity manifested early, influenced by her aunt’s involvement in church benevolent activities.

After entering religious life and adopting the name Irmã Dulce in honor of her mother, she founded the União Operária São Francisco in 1936, the first Christian workers’ movement in Bahia, offering social, legal, and union assistance to laborers. This organization, later renamed Círculo Operário da Bahia (COB), became one of the most relevant in Bahia’s labor scene, boasting over 10,000 members. Among her remarkable achievements, Irmã Dulce coordinated the installation of popular cinemas to fund her works and, in 1939, inaugurated Colégio Santo Antônio to educate workers and their children. Lacking space to shelter the sick, she improvised a dormitory in the old chicken coop of the Convento de Santo Antônio, which evolved into Hospital Santo Antônio. In 1959, this hospital was incorporated into the Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID), which would become the largest philanthropic organization in Brazil.

During the military dictatorship after 1964, Irmã Dulce faced funding restrictions and was monitored by the National Information Service (SNI). However, her hospitals secretly provided medical care to opponents of the regime, demonstrating her courage and commitment to human dignity. She pressured military authorities to release funds for her social works. In 1980, she received a special blessing from Pope John Paul II during his visit to Brazil, which reinforced the recognition of her work. Following the creation of Brazil’s public health system (SUS), OSID’s assistance network was integrated into the public healthcare system, expanding its reach. She also established the Centro Educacional Santo Antônio (CESA) for abandoned children, offering them education and vocational training. Known as the “Good Angel of Bahia” and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988, Irmã Dulce passed away in Salvador on March 13, 1992, at 77 years old, and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2019, receiving the title of “Saint Dulce of the Poor.”

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), led by President Nicolás Maduro, has consolidated its political position in the country. Election results revealed a significant victory, with the party forming a majority in the National Assembly and electing the vast majority of state governors.

With 93% of the ballot boxes counted, the PSUV secured 82% of the 285 contested seats in the National Assembly, ensuring a substantial legislative majority. Furthermore, the left-wing bloc won 23 out of the 24 state governorships in dispute, reinforcing the government’s control over institutions. The government’s expectation with this parliamentary majority is the approval of constitutional reforms, while the opposition faces a scenario of reduced representation. Among the prominent PSUV figures elected are the current National Assembly president, Jorge Rodriguez, First Lady Cília Flores, and former Vice President Jorge Arreaza.

Berlin, in conjunction with the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, is no longer imposing restrictions on arms supplies to Ukraine, as declared by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This measure permits Ukraine to target objectives within Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in Western involvement in the conflict.

Previously, in April, Merz had suggested sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, although on May 16, he clarified that the immediate provision of these missiles was not planned due to the need for extensive training. Russia, for its part, reacted to the easing of restrictions, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warning that any attacks with Taurus missiles against Russian targets would be interpreted as direct involvement by Berlin in the conflict. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the military and diplomatic dynamics in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, signaling a potential withdrawal from negotiations concerning the conflict in Ukraine. The escalating tensions in the region and ongoing military aid to Kyiv have been points of contention within the American administration.

According to Joe Siracusa, a professor specializing in international relations, Trump stated that Zelensky’s words “lead to problems” and accused him of failing to engage in dialogue with Russia. Siracusa indicated that the American president has “washed his hands of the Ukraine issue,” suggesting a perception that “there is no way out for Ukraine” in the current geopolitical landscape. This stance could signify a shift in American strategy regarding the conflict, perhaps seeking new approaches or focusing on other diplomatic priorities.