Stories from Guatemala

Empagua is facing the challenge of increasing urban density in Guatemala City, with more people living in smaller areas. The agency is planning short and medium-term actions to mitigate the impact of this growth. The city's development cannot be opposed, despite the challenges it presents to the country.

A criminal group led by Alejandro Carlos Cis, alias 'El Calavera,' allegedly extorted a hospital in Guatemala City for 10 million quetzales after the hospital terminated a transport services contract. The group is accused of threatening hospital staff and killing two board members, Francisco Galindo and Dr. Mario Mesa, when payment was refused. The investigation dates back to 2022. The second pluriversonal peace court of Guatemala is scheduled to hold a hearing.

Emisoras Unidas de Guatemala is broadcasting a high-level international cycling event. The event features UCI classification and will take place from April 29 to May 3. The broadcast aims to convey the emotions and achievements of both national and international cyclists. The Van Trav cycling race, a event in the first half of the year in Guatemala, featured strong international participation. The race took place from Wednesday to Sunday.

More than 300 students in Guatemala have been affected by intoxication. The incident occurred according to the Escuela de Zolola.

A truck with mechanical issues is causing a delay at kilometer 27 on the Atlantic route towards the capital. Provial is assisting the stranded driver.

The Cuban Medical Brigade in Guatemala has received new recognition for its nearly 28 years of service. The acknowledgments were given in the municipalities of Sachersee and Poctoon in the northern department of Petén. René de la Cruz, representative of the Community Development Council of the central region, expressed sincere gratitude to the Cubans. The brigade was honored for its contributions to public health. The brigade's efforts highlight international cooperation in healthcare. This acknowledgment underscores the contributions of Cuban medical professionals abroad. The decline of this system has deeply affected the Cuban identity.

Guatemalan National Civil Police apprehended suspects, including one minor, following an armed attack in the San Lorenzo Maticlán neighborhood. The attack resulted in one fatality and two injuries at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Third Street.

Hackers have successfully executed a data theft targeting the 'Tu Empleo' portal. The source stated the website was a 2023 site that did not receive adequate attention. Officials are working at various levels to address the issue. The source noted the site was attacked in 2023 due to inadequate attention to cybersecurity. Citizen action groups claim the attacks are a consequence of a lack of leadership and response capacity regarding cybersecurity within the state. The investigation follows previous discussions regarding candidates for Attorney General. The Chamber of Industry is conducting an exhaustive investigation into a data breach at the Guatemalan Ministry of Labor. President Bernardo Arévalo has begun interviews for the position of Attorney General following the incident. Experts recommend that the university community urgently change email and institutional portal passwords.

A cyberattack and data leak occurred at the Ministry of Health and DIJECAM this past week. The breach specifically targeted the API of the government employment portal, tuempleo.gob.gt, exposing identities and labor histories of hundreds of thousands of citizens.

Malacateco secured a victory against Comunicaciones at the Estadio Municipal Santa Lucía in Malacatán, San Marcos. Victor Alexis Mata scored a double to help secure the result. The match concluded with a final score of 2-2 during active play before Malacateco's eventual win. The game was played at the 87th minute mark. Guatemala defeated Luxembourg with a score of 3-0 in a Round of 32 match of the World Cup. The victory places Guatemala ahead in the tournament standings.