El Nacional

Operation Omega, a coordinated action among nine countries, resulted in the arrest of a lawyer in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, suspected of being part of an international network for the sale and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that used cryptocurrencies for transactions. Prosecutor Ruth Karina Benítez led the execution of a search and seizure warrant, which seized electronic equipment, documents, and digital storage devices. Investigations are underway to determine whether the scheme also involved local production of the material and money laundering.

Paraguay's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock issued an agrometeorological alert due to the forecast of a sharp drop in temperatures, recommending protection of crops and animals with covers, nighttime irrigation, and controlled use of smoke.

The president of the Paraguayan Congress, Basilio “Bachi” Núñez, announced he will present an electoral reform bill to allow each voter to vote for up to two candidates from the same party list, expanding the current system of open closed lists. The proposal will first be debated in the Governing Board of the Colorado Party.

The angiography equipment at the IPS Central Hospital is out of service, delaying urgent catheterizations and prompting complaints from family members who fear preventable deaths. The social security institute has not informed when the system will be repaired.

A protest sign was installed in Asunción demanding the resignation of José Emilio Argaña, an IPS advisor, after he requested full paid leave during the World Cup period, sparking public outrage.

Paraguay's Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC) issued a warning about the growth of digital fraud, such as phishing and identity theft, and released recommendations to prevent citizens from falling victim to cybercriminals.

A 26-year-old woman killed her 7-year-old son and hanged herself in a boarding house in Lambaré. In a letter published on Instagram, she accused her ex-partner of sexually abusing the child since age 3 and stated that the complaint filed with the police and the Public Prosecutor's Office was never investigated. The case is under the responsibility of prosecutor Nora Cubilla.

Liberal senator Celeste Amarilla harshly criticized the reliability of the electronic voting system and the open-list model, warning of possible fraud in internal elections and advocating a return to closed lists.

On World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day, experts warn about delayed diagnosis and the need for access to biological treatments in Paraguay. The condition, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affects quality of life and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

INE data show that 85.4% of Paraguayans aged 10 or older used the internet in the past year, up from 81.6% in 2024. Young people lead, women outpace men, and Asunción has the highest rate (90.9%). Despite progress, inequalities persist between urban and rural areas.

The city of Pedro Juan Caballero, in the department of Amambay, was the scene of three notable events in May 2026: a fire that destroyed the home of an 85-year-old woman, the death of the city's oldest woman at age 110, and the shooting murder of a Brazilian mechanic, in a case treated as possible contract killing.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Brazilian government, and Embrapa are preparing to launch a center of excellence in Georgetown to transfer technology and knowledge to the Caribbean and Central America, focusing on family farming and climate resilience.

Security cameras captured two suspects stealing electrical cables at the main beach resort of Carmen del Paraná, leaving Playa Pirayú partially without lighting. The local municipality filed a complaint and the National Police are investigating the case, which reignites concerns about tourist safety and the recurrence of wire theft in the region.

A Brazilian mechanic was shot dead on Monday (18) in the María Victoria neighborhood of Pedro Juan Caballero, Amambay Department. The forensic report confirmed that the victim sustained 10 bullet impacts, fired from a 5.56 mm rifle and a 9 mm pistol. The case is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Police.

Research with nearly half a million people in the UK reveals that sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours per night is associated with accelerated biological aging in 17 body systems, including the brain, heart, and lungs.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced on Monday the 26 players called up for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, with Neymar's return as the main highlight. The team will play friendlies against Panama and Egypt before their opening match against Morocco on June 13.

Paraguay's Financial Development Agency (AFD) issued 2,600 guarantees backing US$ 55 million in credits for women, according to President Stella Guillén. The initiative aims to reduce barriers such as informality and lack of credit history, promoting economic autonomy and family impact.

Deputy Lilian Samaniego (PLRA) denied assaulting anyone during an incident in Quyquyhó, stating that he returned to the scene to calm a fight after being informed that one of his aides was being attacked. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, but so far no formal complaints have been filed.

Senator Derlis Maidana (Colorado Party) came to the defense of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) amid questions about the reliability of voting machines. He classified allegations of fraud in past elections as "absolutely unfounded" but supported the carrying out of audits on the system.

A lawyer was detained this Monday (18) in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, during Operation Omega, an international action against child sexual exploitation. He is suspected of storing, distributing, and selling child sexual abuse material, receiving payments in cryptocurrencies. The investigation, which began in 2019, analyzed over 35,000 files and may lead to further arrests abroad.

Presidential pre-candidate Arnoldo Wiens, from the Colorado Añetete movement, attacked sectors of cartismo during a rally in Villarrica, accusing them of remaining "bolted to power" and using public office for personal gain. He also questioned the government's economic management and recalled the narrative of the "true colorados," amid the internal dispute of the ANR.

The General Comptroller's Office of the Republic (CGR) of Paraguay has initiated an administrative proceeding against former senator Javier “Chaqueñito” Vera for failing to submit his sworn declaration of assets and income after leaving office. The fine may reach 100% of the salary he received.

Rocío Ojeda, former director of the Animal Care and Protection Commission of the National Congress of Paraguay, reported being dismissed on April 17 without an administrative process or formal explanation, despite suffering from multiple sclerosis. She alleges that her position was assigned to a political operator linked to Senator Rocío Abed, raising suspicions of partisan criteria in legislative administration.

The Holy See has initiated a progressive digitization process in Catholic parishes and dioceses around the world, aiming to modernize pastoral and administrative management, focusing on sacramental records, communication with the faithful, and virtual catechesis, without replacing in-person work.