Shell plc has announced its withdrawal from gas projects in Colombia, specifically from operations in the southern Caribbean region. The company has been involved in several blocks including Col 5, Purple Angel, and Fuerte Sur, overseeing gas discoveries such as Kronos1, Purple Angel 1, Gorgon 1 and 2, and Glaucus 1. This move marks Shell as the sixth major oil company to exit Colombia in the past five years and the last world-class multinational to remain in the country’s oil and gas sector. The departure has raised concerns about the future of Colombia's gas and oil industry offshore. According to the Banco de la República, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Colombia's oil and gas sector fell by 25.9% to US$692 million as of March 2025. Economic forecasts for Colombia remain cautious, with JPMorgan highlighting ongoing challenges due to limited fiscal space, fiscal risks, and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to weigh on the country's GDP growth prospects in the second half of 2025.

Italian biologist Alessandro Coatti was killed in Colombia after being lured by a gang specializing in robbing tourists. Investigations revealed that Coatti was targeted through a dating app, reportedly Grindr, where he was drugged before being murdered and dismembered. Authorities have identified the perpetrators as a criminal group that uses such apps to trap victims for robbery. The case has drawn international attention as details about the method of the crime have emerged.

Colombian military forces suffered a deadly ambush in the department of Guaviare, southeast Colombia, carried out by disidences of the former FARC guerrilla group. The attack resulted in the deaths of six soldiers, including a sergeant viceprimero and five professional soldiers, with additional personnel reportedly kidnapped. The armed group responsible has been identified as the Jorge Suárez Briceño faction, a residual structure of the FARC. The incident occurred in a rural area of Guaviare, specifically in the corregimiento of Guanapalo. The Colombian Army has condemned the attack and attributed it to disidences led by the alias 'Calarcá'. Videos have emerged showing the captured soldiers and the weapons seized by the attackers. The event has sparked national outrage and calls for peace and stability in the region. This attack follows other violent incidents involving armed groups in Colombia, including an earlier ambush in Córdoba department where one police officer was killed and three others injured. The government continues to pursue peace negotiations with some factions of the FARC, although violence persists in certain areas.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended Colombia's access to its $8.1 billion Flexible Credit Line (FCL) as of April 26, 2025, citing concerns over the country's rising public deficit and debt, which have exceeded the fund's expectations. The suspension is conditional and depends on the outcome of two technical evaluations, including the Article IV consultation. Colombia's budget deficit has widened to 6.8% of GDP, contributing to fiscal doubts. The IMF's decision has led to a decline in Colombian assets, including a drop in dollar bonds and a weakening peso. The Colombian government has responded to the IMF's conditions amid growing concern over the nation's fiscal accounts. President Gustavo Petro has publicly addressed the IMF's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, following the suspension. Experts emphasize the urgency of implementing fiscal measures to address the deficit and debt challenges. The suspension of the FCL, a financial instrument designed to provide emergency economic support, marks a setback for Colombia's economic stability. The situation has also sparked political reactions in the region, including criticism directed at the IMF's leadership.

Luis Díaz played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, scoring a key goal in their 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This marked Liverpool's championship win in the English top-flight league for the season. Díaz is the second Colombian to win the Premier League, following Juan Guillermo Cuadrado's 2014-15 success with Chelsea, but he is recognized as the first Colombian to do so as a leading figure. With this victory, Díaz has become the first Colombian to win all major domestic English tournaments with Liverpool, including the League Cup (2022, 2024), FA Cup (2022), Community Shield, and the Premier League. Liverpool fans celebrated the achievement at Anfield, where the Colombian forward's goal, confirmed by VAR, secured the title. The season was notable for Liverpool, with several memorable goals contributing to their successful campaign.

Spanish writer Javier Cercas spent a week in Mongolia following Pope Francis, resulting in his new book "El loco de Dios en el fin del mundo," which portrays Jorge Mario Bergoglio rather than the pope as an institution. Cercas, who has studied Pope Francis for two years but does not consider himself a specialist, highlights in the book that Francis was a challenging figure for conservative sectors within the Church. The pope’s acceptance of his pontificate was marked by a simple affirmation, reflecting his personal approach. Some within the Church have even labeled Pope Francis a heretic and the Antichrist, underscoring the controversies surrounding his papacy. This discourse was presented during the 2025 Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo).

The Jesuit order in Colombia publicly apologized to the Llano Narváez family for sexual abuses committed by the late priest Darío Chavarriaga Jaramillo. The abuses affected several members of the family, including one victim who studied at a Jesuit educational institution. Father Hermann Rodríguez, the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Colombia, described the acts as "abominable" and formally asked for forgiveness in a public act of reparation. The Llano Narváez family, represented by Luis Fernando Llano, accepted the apology and announced plans to create an initiative in response to the events. The apology was widely covered by Colombian media outlets, emphasizing the Jesuits' acknowledgment of the abuses and their commitment to addressing the harm caused.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has initiated committees advocating for a 'yes' vote in an upcoming popular consultation on labor reform, emphasizing that the initiative is not aimed at seeking re-election. The event took place in Soledad, Atlántico. Petro has publicly criticized Efraín Cepeda, president of the Senate, calling him a derogatory term for obstructing the consultation process. Cepeda, in turn, accused Petro of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies and defended the independence of the legislative branch from the executive. The consultation, which Petro plans to present on May 1, has sparked controversy, with opponents arguing it could lead to increased unemployment and informal labor, citing concerns from the Bank of the Republic about the labor reform's potential to destroy around 450,000 jobs. The political tension has escalated with Petro also targeting former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, accusing him of contradicting the constitution by advising re-election, which is prohibited. Internal divisions within Petro's administration have been highlighted by Leyva, who claimed Petro is influenced by members of his team. The opposition parties, including the Partido de la U and the Conservative Party, have condemned Petro's recent statements. The situation has raised concerns about the consultation becoming a polarizing referendum centered on Petro himself.

The Procuraduría General de la Nación has opened a preliminary investigation into Colombia's Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, following an incident at a public hospital in Puerto Gaitán, Meta. During a recent visit, Jaramillo reportedly addressed the manager of the ESE Departamental with disrespectful language, prompting public indignation and criticism from regional authorities, including the governor of Meta, Rafaela Cortés. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the reprimand, and the investigation focuses on the minister's conduct during the visit. President Gustavo Petro commented on the broader issue, noting that patient referrals are funded by the public treasury, which affects healthcare service delivery. The case has attracted significant attention from the media and government oversight bodies.

The Constitutional Court of Colombia has ordered the suspension of the investigation initiated by the National Electoral Council (CNE) into President Gustavo Petro and his 2022 presidential campaign. The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in campaign financing and possible violations of electoral spending limits. The suspension was a provisional measure in response to a legal challenge filed by President Petro. While the court's decision halts any direct actions involving the president himself, the investigation into the campaign's financing continues. President Petro characterized the court ruling as a move to prevent a "coup d'état." The decision has been widely reported and marks a significant judicial intervention in the ongoing scrutiny of Petro's campaign finances.

The Colombian government has lifted the state of internal commotion previously declared in the Catatumbo region, including the metropolitan area of Cúcuta and parts of the Cesar department, amid ongoing violence. Despite ending the state of emergency, 11 decrees issued during the period remain in effect to ensure continued attention to the affected population. The decision comes amid persistent attacks by armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo and ELN dissidents. Recent incidents include the killing of several members of the security forces: soldier Luis Carlos Vargas in Segovia, Antioquia, allegedly by the Clan del Golfo; patrol officer Aldair Urango and professional soldier José Espitia in Córdoba, reportedly targeted in a 'plan pistola' by the same group; and two police officers killed and one injured in an armed attack on the police station in Simití, Bolívar. Additionally, police and army explosives units neutralized a truck rigged with improvised explosive devices near the Batallón de Ingenieros Coronel Agustín Codazzi of the Third Brigade. The National Army also reported an attack by ELN members on a food transport convoy in Chocó, which was repelled by security forces. The government’s move to lift the state of commotion has raised questions about public order and legal and political risks, as the security situation remains fragile in these regions.

Several animal adoption efforts are underway across the United States and internationally, highlighting both individual pets and large-scale rescues. In Ogden, Utah, more than 150 dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation and transferred to shelters throughout northern Utah, including 45 dogs taken in by the Humane Society of Utah. Most of these dogs are now available for adoption after receiving medical care and vaccinations, with none euthanized for medical or behavioral problems. The Ogden hoarding case remains under investigation by local authorities.

Read more

Luis "Lucho" Herrera, a renowned former Colombian cyclist, has denied allegations made by former paramilitaries accusing him of involvement in the disappearance and murder of four farmers in 2002. The accusations have sparked public outcry, leading to protests and the vandalism of a statue honoring Herrera in Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca. Herrera confronted demonstrators who painted the statue, which was targeted due to claims linking him to forced displacement. The allegations have drawn significant attention as they implicate a prominent sports figure in serious crimes related to Colombia's armed conflict.

Swedish rock band Ghost released its sixth studio album, 'Skeletá', on April 25, 2025. The album features tracks such as 'Satanized', 'Lachryma', 'Peacefield', and a full tracklist of ten songs, continuing the band's blend of theatricality and hard rock influences. Tobias Forge introduces his latest stage persona, Papa V Perpetua, who was unveiled in February.

Ghost's 'SKELETOUR World Tour' began on April 15, 2025, in Manchester, England, and will include a North American arena leg starting July 9 in Baltimore. The tour enforces a no-cellphone policy at concerts, as part of Forge's effort to encourage fans to experience the shows without distractions.

Read more

Authorities in Cartaya, Huelva, Spain, are searching for the ex-partner of Rocío, a 55-year-old woman who was killed by a blow to the head in an apparent case of gender-based violence. The government has issued an international alert for the suspected femicide perpetrator. Meanwhile, in Colombia, Interpol has issued an orange alert to prevent the medical professional Tatiana Hernández, who disappeared in Cartagena on April 13, from leaving the country. Colombian authorities have also activated a yellow circular to locate Hernández both domestically and internationally. Additionally, a reward of 200 million Colombian pesos has been offered for information leading to her whereabouts.

Colombia is currently facing its worst outbreak of yellow fever in two decades, prompting President Gustavo Petro's administration to declare a nationwide health emergency. The outbreak has resulted in 83 confirmed cases and 37 deaths between 2024 and 2025. Tolima is the most affected department, with reinforced preventive measures also implemented in Valle, Cauca, and other regions. The government has launched mass vaccination campaigns and mobility restrictions to contain the spread of the disease. Health authorities emphasize vaccination as a critical tool in controlling the outbreak and have established new vaccination centers, including in Ibagué, Tolima. The Ministry of Health has advised travelers to receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before visiting risk areas. Meanwhile, the national weather institute Ideam reports an unstable general health panorama, especially in the Pacific, Andes, and Amazon regions. Outside Colombia, Ecuador has confirmed an isolated death from yellow fever, which authorities do not consider part of a broader outbreak.

Felipe Bayón, the former president of Ecopetrol who led the company to its best historical results, has been appointed as the new CEO of GeoPark. He will also join GeoPark's board of directors. Bayón is set to assume the role on June 1, succeeding Andrés Ocampo. This leadership change marks a significant transition for GeoPark as it brings in an executive with a proven track record in the energy sector. Additionally, Manuel Peña Suárez has been named interim director of Colombia's Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME), replacing Adrián Correa, who stepped down due to academic and family reasons.

The 37th edition of the Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogotá (FILBo) commenced on April 25 and will run until May 11, 2025, at Corferias in Bogotá, Colombia. Spain is the guest of honor for this year's event, which is expected to attract over 600,000 attendees and feature more than 500 exhibitors, including a strong presence of Spanish writers. The fair offers free access and special discounts to encourage broader participation. It is projected to generate at least $6.1 million in revenue. The event includes a diverse program of conversations, conferences, workshops, and tributes, such as a tribute to Alfredo Molano Bravo and discussions on topics like the Catatumbo conflict, which has caused one of Colombia's largest humanitarian crises in recent decades. Media outlets such as El Espectador and El Tiempo are actively covering the event with special programming and live transmissions. The Minister of Culture of Spain highlighted the importance of words during the opening ceremony, where Spanish author Javier Cercas was also present. The fair consolidates Bogotá as a key literary hub in Latin America. Concurrently, the 49th Feria Internacional del Libro de Buenos Aires began on April 24, 2025, featuring a controversial speech by Argentina's Secretary of Culture, Leonardo Cifelli. Additionally, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) launched its Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa, inspired by the Spanish tradition of gifting books and roses. The literary community also mourned the recent passing of Mario Vargas Llosa, the 2010 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, who died at age 89 in Lima. Colombian book sales increased by 28.5% in 2024, with the United States as the leading international buyer.

Tatiana Hernández, a young medical student, has been missing in Cartagena for 11 days, prompting family and friends to offer a reward of 200 million Colombian pesos for information on her whereabouts. Authorities and witnesses have presented three hypotheses regarding her disappearance, with a key witness stating that she left voluntarily. Her boyfriend has also spoken about possible scenarios surrounding her disappearance. The Procuraduría (Attorney General's Office) has requested information from the Cartagena Mayor's Office and the local police about actions taken in response to the case. In a separate matter, the Procuraduría has opened a preliminary investigation into Colombia's Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, following an incident at a public hospital in Puerto Gaitán, Meta. The minister reportedly insulted the hospital's manager during a visit, an act that has drawn public indignation and criticism from the Meta governor, who said the manager was seriously affected by the abuse of authority. The Ministry of Public Affairs is investigating the minister's conduct. Additionally, the Procuraduría has initiated an inquiry into the police and council members of Santa Marta for forcibly removing councilman Miguel Martínez from a session.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing a political controversy following a letter from his former foreign minister Álvaro Leyva, who accused Petro of having a drug addiction. Leyva alleged that he personally confirmed Petro's drug problem during an official trip to Paris in June 2023, where Petro reportedly disappeared for two days and had to be rescued by French intelligence. The letter also criticized some of Petro's closest ministers, including the interior minister and foreign minister, accusing them of hijacking the government. Petro has denied the allegations, responding that he is "addicted to love" and dismissed the accusations as slander. The controversy has sparked calls within Colombia's Congress for investigations into the claims. Meanwhile, the political landscape is also seeing the announcement of former ICT minister Mauricio Lizcano's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, who positions himself as neither left nor right. In addition, Petro confirmed that the Trump administration revoked his U.S. visa ahead of his planned meetings at the IMF and World Bank, a move that has drawn international attention. The government is preparing to present a popular consultation with twelve questions to Congress on May 1, which has generated divided opinions among political parties. The political turmoil has raised concerns about Colombia's institutional stability and international image.

Shell plc has announced its withdrawal from gas projects in Colombia, specifically from operations in the southern Caribbean region. The company has been involved in several blocks including Col 5, Purple Angel, and Fuerte Sur, overseeing gas discoveries such as Kronos1, Purple Angel 1, Gorgon 1 and 2, and Glaucus 1. This move marks Shell as the sixth major oil company to exit Colombia in the past five years and the last world-class multinational to remain in the country’s oil and gas sector. The departure has raised concerns about the future of Colombia's gas and oil industry offshore. According to the Banco de la República, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Colombia's oil and gas sector fell by 25.9% to US$692 million as of March 2025. Economic forecasts for Colombia remain cautious, with JPMorgan highlighting ongoing challenges due to limited fiscal space, fiscal risks, and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to weigh on the country's GDP growth prospects in the second half of 2025.

Italian biologist Alessandro Coatti was killed in Colombia after being lured by a gang specializing in robbing tourists. Investigations revealed that Coatti was targeted through a dating app, reportedly Grindr, where he was drugged before being murdered and dismembered. Authorities have identified the perpetrators as a criminal group that uses such apps to trap victims for robbery. The case has drawn international attention as details about the method of the crime have emerged.

Colombian military forces suffered a deadly ambush in the department of Guaviare, southeast Colombia, carried out by disidences of the former FARC guerrilla group. The attack resulted in the deaths of six soldiers, including a sergeant viceprimero and five professional soldiers, with additional personnel reportedly kidnapped. The armed group responsible has been identified as the Jorge Suárez Briceño faction, a residual structure of the FARC. The incident occurred in a rural area of Guaviare, specifically in the corregimiento of Guanapalo. The Colombian Army has condemned the attack and attributed it to disidences led by the alias 'Calarcá'. Videos have emerged showing the captured soldiers and the weapons seized by the attackers. The event has sparked national outrage and calls for peace and stability in the region. This attack follows other violent incidents involving armed groups in Colombia, including an earlier ambush in Córdoba department where one police officer was killed and three others injured. The government continues to pursue peace negotiations with some factions of the FARC, although violence persists in certain areas.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended Colombia's access to its $8.1 billion Flexible Credit Line (FCL) as of April 26, 2025, citing concerns over the country's rising public deficit and debt, which have exceeded the fund's expectations. The suspension is conditional and depends on the outcome of two technical evaluations, including the Article IV consultation. Colombia's budget deficit has widened to 6.8% of GDP, contributing to fiscal doubts. The IMF's decision has led to a decline in Colombian assets, including a drop in dollar bonds and a weakening peso. The Colombian government has responded to the IMF's conditions amid growing concern over the nation's fiscal accounts. President Gustavo Petro has publicly addressed the IMF's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, following the suspension. Experts emphasize the urgency of implementing fiscal measures to address the deficit and debt challenges. The suspension of the FCL, a financial instrument designed to provide emergency economic support, marks a setback for Colombia's economic stability. The situation has also sparked political reactions in the region, including criticism directed at the IMF's leadership.

Luis Díaz played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, scoring a key goal in their 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This marked Liverpool's championship win in the English top-flight league for the season. Díaz is the second Colombian to win the Premier League, following Juan Guillermo Cuadrado's 2014-15 success with Chelsea, but he is recognized as the first Colombian to do so as a leading figure. With this victory, Díaz has become the first Colombian to win all major domestic English tournaments with Liverpool, including the League Cup (2022, 2024), FA Cup (2022), Community Shield, and the Premier League. Liverpool fans celebrated the achievement at Anfield, where the Colombian forward's goal, confirmed by VAR, secured the title. The season was notable for Liverpool, with several memorable goals contributing to their successful campaign.

Spanish writer Javier Cercas spent a week in Mongolia following Pope Francis, resulting in his new book "El loco de Dios en el fin del mundo," which portrays Jorge Mario Bergoglio rather than the pope as an institution. Cercas, who has studied Pope Francis for two years but does not consider himself a specialist, highlights in the book that Francis was a challenging figure for conservative sectors within the Church. The pope’s acceptance of his pontificate was marked by a simple affirmation, reflecting his personal approach. Some within the Church have even labeled Pope Francis a heretic and the Antichrist, underscoring the controversies surrounding his papacy. This discourse was presented during the 2025 Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo).

The Jesuit order in Colombia publicly apologized to the Llano Narváez family for sexual abuses committed by the late priest Darío Chavarriaga Jaramillo. The abuses affected several members of the family, including one victim who studied at a Jesuit educational institution. Father Hermann Rodríguez, the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Colombia, described the acts as "abominable" and formally asked for forgiveness in a public act of reparation. The Llano Narváez family, represented by Luis Fernando Llano, accepted the apology and announced plans to create an initiative in response to the events. The apology was widely covered by Colombian media outlets, emphasizing the Jesuits' acknowledgment of the abuses and their commitment to addressing the harm caused.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has initiated committees advocating for a 'yes' vote in an upcoming popular consultation on labor reform, emphasizing that the initiative is not aimed at seeking re-election. The event took place in Soledad, Atlántico. Petro has publicly criticized Efraín Cepeda, president of the Senate, calling him a derogatory term for obstructing the consultation process. Cepeda, in turn, accused Petro of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies and defended the independence of the legislative branch from the executive. The consultation, which Petro plans to present on May 1, has sparked controversy, with opponents arguing it could lead to increased unemployment and informal labor, citing concerns from the Bank of the Republic about the labor reform's potential to destroy around 450,000 jobs. The political tension has escalated with Petro also targeting former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, accusing him of contradicting the constitution by advising re-election, which is prohibited. Internal divisions within Petro's administration have been highlighted by Leyva, who claimed Petro is influenced by members of his team. The opposition parties, including the Partido de la U and the Conservative Party, have condemned Petro's recent statements. The situation has raised concerns about the consultation becoming a polarizing referendum centered on Petro himself.

The Procuraduría General de la Nación has opened a preliminary investigation into Colombia's Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, following an incident at a public hospital in Puerto Gaitán, Meta. During a recent visit, Jaramillo reportedly addressed the manager of the ESE Departamental with disrespectful language, prompting public indignation and criticism from regional authorities, including the governor of Meta, Rafaela Cortés. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the reprimand, and the investigation focuses on the minister's conduct during the visit. President Gustavo Petro commented on the broader issue, noting that patient referrals are funded by the public treasury, which affects healthcare service delivery. The case has attracted significant attention from the media and government oversight bodies.

The Constitutional Court of Colombia has ordered the suspension of the investigation initiated by the National Electoral Council (CNE) into President Gustavo Petro and his 2022 presidential campaign. The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in campaign financing and possible violations of electoral spending limits. The suspension was a provisional measure in response to a legal challenge filed by President Petro. While the court's decision halts any direct actions involving the president himself, the investigation into the campaign's financing continues. President Petro characterized the court ruling as a move to prevent a "coup d'état." The decision has been widely reported and marks a significant judicial intervention in the ongoing scrutiny of Petro's campaign finances.

The Colombian government has lifted the state of internal commotion previously declared in the Catatumbo region, including the metropolitan area of Cúcuta and parts of the Cesar department, amid ongoing violence. Despite ending the state of emergency, 11 decrees issued during the period remain in effect to ensure continued attention to the affected population. The decision comes amid persistent attacks by armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo and ELN dissidents. Recent incidents include the killing of several members of the security forces: soldier Luis Carlos Vargas in Segovia, Antioquia, allegedly by the Clan del Golfo; patrol officer Aldair Urango and professional soldier José Espitia in Córdoba, reportedly targeted in a 'plan pistola' by the same group; and two police officers killed and one injured in an armed attack on the police station in Simití, Bolívar. Additionally, police and army explosives units neutralized a truck rigged with improvised explosive devices near the Batallón de Ingenieros Coronel Agustín Codazzi of the Third Brigade. The National Army also reported an attack by ELN members on a food transport convoy in Chocó, which was repelled by security forces. The government’s move to lift the state of commotion has raised questions about public order and legal and political risks, as the security situation remains fragile in these regions.

Several animal adoption efforts are underway across the United States and internationally, highlighting both individual pets and large-scale rescues. In Ogden, Utah, more than 150 dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation and transferred to shelters throughout northern Utah, including 45 dogs taken in by the Humane Society of Utah. Most of these dogs are now available for adoption after receiving medical care and vaccinations, with none euthanized for medical or behavioral problems. The Ogden hoarding case remains under investigation by local authorities.

Read more

Luis "Lucho" Herrera, a renowned former Colombian cyclist, has denied allegations made by former paramilitaries accusing him of involvement in the disappearance and murder of four farmers in 2002. The accusations have sparked public outcry, leading to protests and the vandalism of a statue honoring Herrera in Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca. Herrera confronted demonstrators who painted the statue, which was targeted due to claims linking him to forced displacement. The allegations have drawn significant attention as they implicate a prominent sports figure in serious crimes related to Colombia's armed conflict.

Swedish rock band Ghost released its sixth studio album, 'Skeletá', on April 25, 2025. The album features tracks such as 'Satanized', 'Lachryma', 'Peacefield', and a full tracklist of ten songs, continuing the band's blend of theatricality and hard rock influences. Tobias Forge introduces his latest stage persona, Papa V Perpetua, who was unveiled in February.

Ghost's 'SKELETOUR World Tour' began on April 15, 2025, in Manchester, England, and will include a North American arena leg starting July 9 in Baltimore. The tour enforces a no-cellphone policy at concerts, as part of Forge's effort to encourage fans to experience the shows without distractions.

Read more

Authorities in Cartaya, Huelva, Spain, are searching for the ex-partner of Rocío, a 55-year-old woman who was killed by a blow to the head in an apparent case of gender-based violence. The government has issued an international alert for the suspected femicide perpetrator. Meanwhile, in Colombia, Interpol has issued an orange alert to prevent the medical professional Tatiana Hernández, who disappeared in Cartagena on April 13, from leaving the country. Colombian authorities have also activated a yellow circular to locate Hernández both domestically and internationally. Additionally, a reward of 200 million Colombian pesos has been offered for information leading to her whereabouts.

Colombia is currently facing its worst outbreak of yellow fever in two decades, prompting President Gustavo Petro's administration to declare a nationwide health emergency. The outbreak has resulted in 83 confirmed cases and 37 deaths between 2024 and 2025. Tolima is the most affected department, with reinforced preventive measures also implemented in Valle, Cauca, and other regions. The government has launched mass vaccination campaigns and mobility restrictions to contain the spread of the disease. Health authorities emphasize vaccination as a critical tool in controlling the outbreak and have established new vaccination centers, including in Ibagué, Tolima. The Ministry of Health has advised travelers to receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before visiting risk areas. Meanwhile, the national weather institute Ideam reports an unstable general health panorama, especially in the Pacific, Andes, and Amazon regions. Outside Colombia, Ecuador has confirmed an isolated death from yellow fever, which authorities do not consider part of a broader outbreak.

Felipe Bayón, the former president of Ecopetrol who led the company to its best historical results, has been appointed as the new CEO of GeoPark. He will also join GeoPark's board of directors. Bayón is set to assume the role on June 1, succeeding Andrés Ocampo. This leadership change marks a significant transition for GeoPark as it brings in an executive with a proven track record in the energy sector. Additionally, Manuel Peña Suárez has been named interim director of Colombia's Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME), replacing Adrián Correa, who stepped down due to academic and family reasons.

The 37th edition of the Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogotá (FILBo) commenced on April 25 and will run until May 11, 2025, at Corferias in Bogotá, Colombia. Spain is the guest of honor for this year's event, which is expected to attract over 600,000 attendees and feature more than 500 exhibitors, including a strong presence of Spanish writers. The fair offers free access and special discounts to encourage broader participation. It is projected to generate at least $6.1 million in revenue. The event includes a diverse program of conversations, conferences, workshops, and tributes, such as a tribute to Alfredo Molano Bravo and discussions on topics like the Catatumbo conflict, which has caused one of Colombia's largest humanitarian crises in recent decades. Media outlets such as El Espectador and El Tiempo are actively covering the event with special programming and live transmissions. The Minister of Culture of Spain highlighted the importance of words during the opening ceremony, where Spanish author Javier Cercas was also present. The fair consolidates Bogotá as a key literary hub in Latin America. Concurrently, the 49th Feria Internacional del Libro de Buenos Aires began on April 24, 2025, featuring a controversial speech by Argentina's Secretary of Culture, Leonardo Cifelli. Additionally, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) launched its Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa, inspired by the Spanish tradition of gifting books and roses. The literary community also mourned the recent passing of Mario Vargas Llosa, the 2010 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, who died at age 89 in Lima. Colombian book sales increased by 28.5% in 2024, with the United States as the leading international buyer.

Tatiana Hernández, a young medical student, has been missing in Cartagena for 11 days, prompting family and friends to offer a reward of 200 million Colombian pesos for information on her whereabouts. Authorities and witnesses have presented three hypotheses regarding her disappearance, with a key witness stating that she left voluntarily. Her boyfriend has also spoken about possible scenarios surrounding her disappearance. The Procuraduría (Attorney General's Office) has requested information from the Cartagena Mayor's Office and the local police about actions taken in response to the case. In a separate matter, the Procuraduría has opened a preliminary investigation into Colombia's Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, following an incident at a public hospital in Puerto Gaitán, Meta. The minister reportedly insulted the hospital's manager during a visit, an act that has drawn public indignation and criticism from the Meta governor, who said the manager was seriously affected by the abuse of authority. The Ministry of Public Affairs is investigating the minister's conduct. Additionally, the Procuraduría has initiated an inquiry into the police and council members of Santa Marta for forcibly removing councilman Miguel Martínez from a session.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing a political controversy following a letter from his former foreign minister Álvaro Leyva, who accused Petro of having a drug addiction. Leyva alleged that he personally confirmed Petro's drug problem during an official trip to Paris in June 2023, where Petro reportedly disappeared for two days and had to be rescued by French intelligence. The letter also criticized some of Petro's closest ministers, including the interior minister and foreign minister, accusing them of hijacking the government. Petro has denied the allegations, responding that he is "addicted to love" and dismissed the accusations as slander. The controversy has sparked calls within Colombia's Congress for investigations into the claims. Meanwhile, the political landscape is also seeing the announcement of former ICT minister Mauricio Lizcano's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, who positions himself as neither left nor right. In addition, Petro confirmed that the Trump administration revoked his U.S. visa ahead of his planned meetings at the IMF and World Bank, a move that has drawn international attention. The government is preparing to present a popular consultation with twelve questions to Congress on May 1, which has generated divided opinions among political parties. The political turmoil has raised concerns about Colombia's institutional stability and international image.