Latest News

Government sets limits for water usage in Bogotá as reservoir levels decline

By The City Paper Staff - September 11, 2024

Bogotá is implementing stricter water consumption limits as reservoir levels drop to 47%. New regulations lower the threshold for surcharges on residential and commercial users. The city urges conservation, warning of penalties and extended rationing if consumption patterns don’t improve.

Colombia remains deadliest country for environmental defenders, reveals Global Witness

By The City Paper Staff - September 10, 2024

Colombia was named the deadliest country for environmental defenders with 79 killed in 2023 according to a report by the UK conservation watchdog Global Witness.

Colombia’s Ministry of Culture faces backlash over 500th anniversary of Santa Marta’s founding

By Richard Emblin - September 6, 2024

Colombia’s Ministry of Culture faces a backlash after downplaying Santa Marta’s 500th anniversary. Local leaders, including the mayor and the Academy of History of Magdalena, criticized Minister Juan David Correa for dismissing the event’s national significance.

Petro orders closure of Andrés Carne de Res after tragic accident

By The City Paper Staff - September 5, 2024

The Colombian government of President Petro has temporarily closed Andrés Carne de Res, a famed restaurant near Bogotá, after a fire accident severely injured 28-year-old performer Laura Villamil. Labor Minister Gloria Ramírez cited safety violations and worker protections.

Gulf Clan ready to “take control” of Quibdó in Colombia’s Chocó

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

In a dire announcement from Colombia’s High Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño, the Gulf Clan is ready to “take control” of the departmental capital of Chocó, Quibdó.

Global uncertainty is affecting the emerging markets.

Foreign Direct Investment in Colombia plunges 28% in the first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

Colombia’s foreign direct investment fell by 28% to USD 6.7 billion in the first half of 2024. The decline reflects growing economic and security challenges, including recent attacks on energy infrastructure. The data was released by the Central Bank.

Colombia impacted by nationwide transport strike over diesel price hike

By The City Paper Staff - September 3, 2024

A nationwide transport strike in Colombia has paralyzed key routes and stranded travelers, following the government’s sudden diesel price hike. Major disruptions hit Bogotá and four departments, with blockades and protests escalating. Transport Minister María Constanza García called for emergency talks amid rising concerns over food distribution and mobility.

Fake Colombian Basketball team scandal rocks Russia tournament

By The City Paper Staff - September 2, 2024

A fake Colombian national basketball team, orchestrated by a student, played in a Russian tournament, suffering a 102-point loss. Russian Basketball Federation President Andrei Kirilenko is under scrutiny. The Colombian Basketball Federation vows legal action for misuse of its name and logo in the international embarrassment.

Bogotá’s water crisis worsens as reservoir levels remain stagnant

By The City Paper Staff - September 2, 2024

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may tighten water rationing as reservoir levels drop below 50%. The anticipated rainfall in August failed to materialize, despite forecasts from the national meteorological agency, Ideam, predicting La Niña would boost water levels.

The gold raft exhibited in the Gold Museum of Bogota.

Bogotá’s Gold Museum to temporarily close its legendary “Offering” Room

By The City Paper Staff - August 28, 2024

Bogotá’s Gold Museum will temporarily close its iconic “Offering Room,” home to the Muisca Raft, for renovations starting October 7, 2024, with a planned reopening in mid-December, promising an enhanced visitor experience.

Colombian Army confirms ELN behind oil pipeline attack in Arauca

By Richard Emblin - August 27, 2024

The Colombian Army confirmed that the ELN guerrilla perpetrated a major attack against the Caño Limon-Coveñas oil pipeline in Arauca, raising fears of escalating violence in the department and large urban centers, including Bogotá.

Colombia’s Jet Fuel shortage leads to widespread flight cancellations

By The City Paper Staff - August 26, 2024

Colombia faces widespread flight cancellations as a jet fuel shortage, triggered by a refinery failure, impacts major airports across the country. Ecopetrol announced addtional A1 supplies will be delivered to aiports nationwide.

Colombia al Parque: Bogotá festival showcases a nation of music talent

By The City Paper Staff - August 23, 2024

Bogotá is set to host the Colombia al Parque festival (August 24 and 25) at Parque de los Novios, showcasing Colombia’s diverse musical heritage. The free event features six national acts, three international artists, and eight local performers, celebrating rhythms from the Pacific and Magdalena River regions. The festival, themed “When the River Sounds,” highlights the cultural significance of Colombia’s waterways.