Agents of the Lince Group arrested two youths in Luque on Saturday night after a stop in which they found a high-fidelity replica firearm and a motorcycle without documentation. Police are investigating a possible connection to robberies in the Maka’i region.
Paraguai
The Public Prosecutor's Office clarified that there is no confirmation that the 7-year-old boy, found dead alongside his mother in Lambaré, was a victim of sexual abuse, as alleged by the mother in a complaint filed in December 2024. A medical examination ruled out physical injuries and signs of sexual violence, and the child did not attend scheduled psychological interviews.
A fire destroyed two adjoining halls at the Municipal Market of Limpio on Sunday (17), with no injuries. Six volunteer fire companies controlled the flames, which consumed clothing and footwear. The lack of hydrants forced the use of water tanker trucks. Initial suspicion points to a short circuit.
The Paraguayan Medical Circle (CPM) warns that the disorderly increase in medical schools, with over 45,000 students in the country, overwhelms the services of the Social Security Institute (IPS), causing overcrowding and compromising the quality of care for beneficiaries. The union demands an urgent review of university agreements.
Two violent robberies were recorded over the weekend in the Department of Alto Paraná. In Juan León Mallorquín, a motel employee was held up by two armed men; in Ciudad del Este, five criminals invaded a residence and stole electronics and cash. Police seized ammunition at the scene of the second crime.
Relatives of a patient who died at the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) allege medical negligence, claiming the victim arrived minutes before the scheduled time for a procedure and did not receive adequate care, despite having purchased requested supplies.
On World Hypertension Day, celebrated on May 17, Paraguay's Ministry of Health and the Paraguayan Society of Cardiology reinforce the importance of regular blood pressure control. The disease, known as the 'silent killer,' affects 38.6% of Paraguayans and is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. Excessive salt consumption is identified as a critical factor.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marcos Riquelme, acknowledged that the sharp fall of the dollar (about 25% in one year) is compressing margins and competitiveness of local industries, especially exporters who bill in dollars but have costs in guaranis. The US currency exchange rate opened the week at G. 6,120 in the effective exchange and G. 6,096 in the interbank market.
Residents of an urban area in Pedro Juan Caballero report cracks, sinkholes, and suspected soil contamination, allegedly caused by a local plastic factory. They call for authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has launched the fourth edition of Expo eCommerce, to be held on May 21, 2026, focusing on reducing the digital gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). National Director of Entrepreneurship Romina Da Re highlighted that only 15% of MSMEs have their own e-commerce platform, despite the sector representing 70% of employment and 24% of the country's commercial activity. The event, organized by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce with support from the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, will offer training in digital sales, payment methods, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion.
The Paraguayan Ministry of Health reported a successful surgery at the General Hospital of Villa Elisa, where a nearly 4 kg fibroid was removed from a 42-year-old patient. The procedure was performed without complications, and the patient is recovering well.
On World Hypertension Day, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay warns that the condition already affects 38.6% of the population and is the leading preventable cause of premature death. This year's campaign emphasizes periodic measurement as an essential tool for early detection, given the high rate of underdiagnosis worldwide.
Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo finished as runner-up at the ATP Challenger 175 in Valencia, Spain, after losing the final to Serbian Miomir Kecmanović. With this campaign, Vallejo rose to 70th in the world ranking, the best of his career, and now prepares for Roland Garros.
Doctors at the Villa Elisa hospital successfully performed surgery to remove a 3.830 kg fibroid from a 42-year-old patient. The woman has been discharged and is recovering at home.
Cristian Martín Peralta Peralta, alias Pachigua, was recaptured by the National Police in the Obrero neighborhood of Asunción, after having escaped from the General Hospital of Luque on May 12. The alleged drug trafficker was under the custody of prison officer Héctor Raúl Rojas Rolón, who was arrested and charged. The recapture occurred without resistance.
Paraguay’s Comptroller General’s Office (CGR) has fined 27 former lawmakers — senators and deputies — for failing to submit their sworn asset declarations on time. The penalties range from 5 million to over 29 million guaranis, and three of the former legislators have yet to regularize their situation.
This Sunday, Asunción offers a varied program including guided tours of the Palacio de López, boat rides, craft fairs, and theatrical performances, such as the farewell of the comedy 'Nunca estuve en Dublín' and the return of the Ab Ovo group.
On the 80th anniversary of ICOM, International Museum Day (May 18) adopts the motto 'Museums uniting a divided world.' The date celebrates the transformation of these institutions from elitist temples to inclusive and participatory spaces, with emphasis on decolonization and the Paraguayan initiative 'Los museos se muestran.'
In the opening of the eighth round of the 2026 Women's Annual Tournament, Sportivo Luqueño and Rubio Ñu drew 1-1 at the CARDIF 1 Stadium in Luque. The result keeps both teams at the bottom of the table, but Rubio Ñu earned its first point in the championship, ending a streak of six consecutive defeats.
The Hospital Nacional de Itauguá (HNI) recorded 28,027 medical consultations, more than 17,000 imaging exams, and 1,000 high-complexity surgeries in April 2026, reinforcing its role as a reference in Paraguay's public health network.
José Luis Noguera Moreno, 25, turned himself in to police hours after running over and killing Aldo Vega Ramírez, 42, in the Três de Fevereiro neighborhood of J. Augusto Saldívar. A breathalyzer test was positive.
The Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (Minna) reported that the 147 Fono Ayuda hotline received 578 calls in April 2026, involving 1,110 children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. The main violations were failure to fulfill the duty of care (459 cases), mistreatment (406), social risk (192), street situation (125), and alleged sexual abuse (102). The Central department led the records with 266 cases, followed by Asunción (113) and Itapúa (38). The cases were forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Public Defender's Office, and CODENI.
The Directorate of Meteorology of Paraguay forecasts a Saturday, the 16th, with temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, scattered rain and electrical storms, especially in the north and east of the country. There is a risk of hail and winds up to 80 km/h. Instability should persist on Sunday, with a sharp drop in temperatures starting Monday.
The National Minimum Wage Council (Conasam) faces an impasse over the minimum wage adjustment, with employers advocating strict application of the law based on the CPI and workers demanding a 22% increase. The government is considering modernizing the basic basket, while unions accuse the Central Bank of manipulating inflation.