Latin America in Short: Rodríguez Orejuela Dies | Germany Takes Rearmament Measure

In Latin American news, Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, famous Colombian drug lord of the Cali cartel, dies this week. On the global scene, Germany takes a historic rearmament measure in response to the invasion of Ukraine. In the environment, the international environmental meeting "Stockholm+" is taking place. In health news, a baldness pill appears to be close to commercialization. Finally, in sports, Argentina wins over Italy in a resounding finalissima.

One of the greatest Colombian capos in history dies

Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, one of the capos of the infamous Cali Cartel, died this week in a North Carolina medical center, according to information from the United States Federal Penitentiary Agency. Although the exact cause of his death was not disclosed, Rodríguez Orejuela had long suffered from colon and prostate cancer.

Whoever was one of the most powerful and millionaire men in Colombia had been serving a chain for drug trafficking since he was extradited from Colombia in 2004 and pleaded guilty to the crimes in 2006 in a South Florida court. He and his brother, Miguel, are guilty of exporting more than 200 tons of cocaine to the United States. The Cali Cartel was also known for its bloody operation, the declared frontal war against the Medellin cartel (commanded by Pablo Escobar) and for having a money laundering network that included an emporium of pharmacies and the América de Cali soccer team. .

Since 2020, Gilberto Rodríguez's relatives and lawyers have been asking for his early release due to his poor health. However, and despite the arguments made by the defense of the Colombian capo, justice had not granted this benefit.

Read also: Colombia Continues To Extradite Capos But Cocaine Production Increases

Germany takes historic rearmament measure

Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to cause consequences in global politics. One of the main protagonists of the European political map made a historic decision. Germany, which had maintained a highly conservative defense policy since the postwar period, made the historic decision to increase its defense spending and arms export policy. Germany, which historically had always represented a military power in Europe, left this speech due to the events of World War II and the Allied occupation. Subsequently, the Teutonic country focused mainly on its diplomatic and economic leadership.

However, after the recent crisis in Ukraine at the hands of the Russian army, the new German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, asked parliament for a historic turnaround. Now, the European country will increase defense spending to 2% of its GDP, which means an increase of 0.5%. This, because since 2010, according to official reports, the German army had been underfunded, with obsolete weapons and little maintenance.

“Stockholm+50” is being celebrated

This June 2 and 3, the international meeting "Stockholm +50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity" has been held. This is an event coordinated by the Government of Sweden, the Government of Kenya and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Fifty years after the Stockholm Conference of 1972, various States and organizations will come together to discuss sustainability and to create strategies in order to accelerate the fulfillment of the commitments established for the Decade of Action and results in favor of sustainable development.

Yale scientists created a pill that reverses baldness

It is a drug that could recover up to 80% of lost hair. It has been developed by the American pharmaceutical company Concert Pharmaceuticals Inc and researchers from Yale University. In phase 3 of the clinical study, this treatment was tested in a study with hundreds of patients. The results showed "statistically significant hair regrowth observed as early as eight weeks," notes a company statement. The next step is to obtain FDA approval to market the product so that it can be used with a treatment for alopecia.

Argentina won the 'finalissima' against Italy

This Wednesday Argentina and Italy faced each other in 'finalissima' between the champions of Conmebol and Uefa. The match took place at Wembley Stadium, in England, where the Albiceleste team was vastly superior and thrashed an Italy 3-0 that had no chance to shine. The first goal was by Laurato Martínez in the 28th minute, after a great individual play by Lionel Messi, who provided the assist. Then, Ángel Dí María made it 2-0 at the break in minute 45+1. Finally, Paulo Dybala scored the third goal, with a pass-goal from Messi, who was chosen as the star of the match.