A leaked conversation involving businessman Daniel Sauer, lawyer Luis Hermosilla, and attorney María Leonarda Villalobos reveals discussions about Factop's operations, which are comparable to the Penta and Soquimich cases known for financial irregularities. They acknowledge the use of false invoices and straw men in companies, and the intention to create a slush fund to bribe public officials from the Servicio de Impuestos Internos and the Comisión para el Mercado Financiero. The scandal escalated with internal investigations by the implicated institutions and a criminal investigation by the Fiscalía Oriente. The conversation also touches on the potential involvement of other businessmen and the risk of the case becoming public, which could lead to significant repercussions for those involved.

QIX International has launched a new line of sneakers called QIX Chorão Park in tribute to Chorão from the band Charlie Brown Jr. The sneakers, which are part of a special edition, will contribute to the funding of the Casa do Chorão in São Paulo. The design features three initial colorways developed in collaboration with Luiz Mariano of Snkrheadbr, Lucas Machado of Sneakers do Pig, and Caio Victor, also known as The Vict. The sneakers blend original design elements with modern skate shoe features and will be available for pre-order at a special price before the regular price takes effect. The launch celebrates the partnership with Chorão since 2005 and includes a future skate park at the Casa do Chorão, which will also house a major exhibition and a studio for recording the PodCast Papo Reto.

Vert and Your ID have collaborated to launch the Matcha limited edition sneakers, a tribute to Asian culture and the art of preparing green tea. Limited to 300 pairs, the sneakers are priced at R$ 790 and feature the classic V-10 model from Vert, inspired by 90s basketball style with exclusive green colors and pink details. The sneakers are made with sustainable materials such as chromefree leather, Amazon rubber, rice waste, recycled rubber, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. They are available online and will be in Your ID physical stores.

The Nike App has launched in Brazil, aiming to offer a personalized experience to consumers with exclusive products, services, and benefits. Gustavo Viana, marketing director at Fisia, Nike's official distributor in the country, emphasizes the app's modern ecosystem and its role in connecting with the public. The app will provide exclusive access to the latest brand innovations, special discounts on holidays, and content related to training, health, well-being, campaigns, and athletes.

New Balance has unveiled the Levi's x New Balance 580 sneakers to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the iconic Levi's 501 jeans. The design combines black jeans with beige suede panels, blue and pink details, and printed laces, reflecting the world's most famous jeans brand's uniqueness. Inspired by 1970s mountain biking culture in Marin County, California, the sneakers feature exclusive Levi's red labels, ABZORB and ROLLBAR technologies, and special cushioning. Priced at R$ 999.99, the collaboration between New Balance and Levi's merges retro style with technological innovation, as highlighted by New Balance's brand director, Leandro Moraes.

Sultan Al Jaber, president of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in 2023, reportedly used meetings during the conference to promote oil business interests. Documents accessed by the Centre for Climate Reporting and the BBC reveal intentions to increase oil and gas exports from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) with member states and entrepreneurs gathered for COP28. Al Jaber, who also leads the renewable energy company Masdar, has faced criticism and calls for his resignation due to the conflict of interest with his roles in the oil industry. The leaks raise questions about the independence of the COP28 team from Adnoc and suggest that the UAE is using its role as organizer to advance its fossil fuel industry interests.

In January 2020, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, a group of millionaires, including then-Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, presented a petition calling for higher taxes on the super-rich and increased scrutiny of tax havens. The petition, titled Millionaires Against Pitchforks, went unnoticed in the region. A year later, Interferencia reported Piñera's involvement, which his government denied. Three years after the petition, the website is inactive, and the group has not advocated under that name. Archived internet history confirms Piñera's name was listed as a signatory until it was removed following Interferencia's article. The revelation stirred controversy in the Chilean Congress, with criticism from lawmakers and a failed attempt to seek official recognition of Piñera's subscription to the Davos declaration.

A new aspect of the scandal involving businessman Daniel Sauer, lawyer Luis Hermosilla, and attorney Leonarda Villalobos emerged on November 21, when a lawsuit was filed by Inversiones RAE SpA against several individuals implicated in the Factop case. The lawsuit, admitted in the 4th Guarantee Court of Santiago, accuses the Sauer brothers, the Topelberg siblings, Darío Cuadra, Bárbara Sabina, and Julia Aramayo of issuing 578 false invoices over 20 months totaling $6.7 billion for non-existent business transactions. The accused companies are Inversiones Guayasamín SpA, Comercial Textil Ziko Limitada, Asesorías e Inversiones ART SpA, and Inversiones DAS Limitada. The Factop case, under investigation for economic crimes, involves a factoring business owned by the Sauer brothers and the Topelbergs, with Cuadra as the legal representative. The lawsuit claims that Inversiones RAE, a passive investment company, was unaware of the false invoices, which were allegedly sold to third parties in the financial market to obtain funding or guarantee obligations.

Under Armour has launched the Tribase Cross SE, a training shoe designed to meet the intense demands of various training modalities such as gym, crossfit, and functional training. Developed and manufactured in Brazil by Vulcabras, the shoe aims to please those who lift weights but also enjoy a light run as a complement. It features TPU application on the toe for protection, a secure lacing system, Micro G cushioning for comfort and firmness, Tribase rubber technology for exceptional traction, and an anatomical EVA insole for foot stability. The shoe is available in three colors and sizes ranging from 34 to 44, retailing on the Under Armour website for R$ 549.99.

Crocs and renowned designer Salehe Bembury release new colors for their Pollex Clog and Pollex Slide footwear, marking the latest chapter of their successful collaboration that began in Brazil in 2022. The partnership has been significant in the streetstyle scene, with continuous launches of unique silhouettes and shades. The new releases include the Yoke color for the Pollex Clog and the Parnsnip color for the Pollex Slide, as well as the Stone Soup colorway for the Kids Pollex Clog. The products are available at various retailers and through the Crocs app, with prices ranging from R$ 349 to R$ 649. Additionally, Crocs has introduced the Echo Storm sneaker, part of the Echo footwear line, available in Kelp and Cirrus colors for R$ 549. Lucy Thornley, Crocs' Vice President of Global Trend & Design, discusses the brand's growth, creative freedom in collaborations, and future plans, including an extended partnership with Bembury through 2024.

Javier Milei, an ultra-right presidential candidate in Argentina, has been accused of plagiarism on 19 occasions, primarily by Revista Noticias. The accusations include plagiarizing works from economists of the Austrian School of Economics, a Mexican physicist, a Spanish physicist, a lawyer from Madrid, a Venezuelan thesis, and even the International Monetary Fund. Milei's response to these allegations has been limited, and he has not provided formal replies. The plagiarism extends to his books on economics and his autobiography, where he copied passages from anarcho-capitalist economist Murray Rothbard and Argentine economist Alberto Benegas Lynch. The article also mentions the resignation of economist Roberto Cachanosky from ESEADE after Milei was awarded an honorary doctorate by the institution, citing the loss of academic seriousness due to Milei's proven plagiarism.

The Coquimbo Regional Government, led by Governor Krist Naranjo, ordered the transfer of over $300 million to the community organization Teatro Puerto for the Ilumina 2023 Festival, despite warnings from the Legal Department that such a transfer would violate budgetary regulations. The Legal Department's concerns, which were based on the circular 20 of the Budget Directorate, were ignored, and the funds, which come from the National Fund for Regional Development, were allocated without public bidding or regional council voting. The decision has been met with criticism from regional councilors across the political spectrum, who are concerned about the legality and transparency of the process. Teatro Puerto defended their experience in organizing festivals and explained their need to subcontract services due to the scale of the event.

Swiss brand On, associated with Roger Federer, is launching the CloudEclipse running shoe in Brazil on November 2. Priced at R$ 1,049, the shoe features double-layer CloudTec Phase cushioning technology, a Helion superfoam midsole, and a flexible Speedboard for increased stability and control. The shoe is lightweight and utilizes a water-saving dope-dye coloring technique.

Asics and the Senna Brand have collaborated for the third time to release a limited edition Gel-Nimbus 25 sneaker in tribute to Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. The design is inspired by the colors of Senna's iconic McLaren and includes details reminiscent of his racing achievements, such as textures representing rain tires and colors from his helmet. The sneakers, which feature advanced technologies like PureGEL and FF BLAST Plus Eco, will be sold starting on the date of Senna's first world championship victory. The collaboration also includes an apparel collection. Alexandre Fiorati, CEO of Asics Latin America, and Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands and Ayrton's niece, both expressed the importance of the tribute to Senna's legacy.

Adidas has launched an exclusive collection to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band Korn, featuring two sneakers, two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, and a tracksuit. The collection includes the Campus and Supermodified sneakers, both priced at R$ 799.99, and incorporates design elements from the band's aesthetic and their album 'Life Is Peachy'. The collaboration highlights the long-standing connection between Korn and Adidas, dating back to the band's early days in the Californian metal scene.

Fila and Burger King have collaborated to launch the 'Grilled on Fire' collection, featuring the FX-33 sneaker, inspired by 1980s basketball shoes. The collection, which also includes accessories like socks and bags, will be available from October 18. The FX-33, priced at R$ 599.99, will be sold on Fila's website and at Artwalk stores. Adriana Magalhães David, head of marketing at Fila Brazil, expressed excitement about the collaboration, which creatively unites two iconic brands.

The On Cloudflow 4 is a running shoe designed for short to medium distances, such as five to ten kilometers and half marathons. It features a visually appealing design with integrated upper materials, improved aesthetics, and a dual-layer cushioning system combining an insole close to the foot and the brand's signature Cloudtec technology. The shoe also has a more compact tongue, a breathable and flexible upper made from 75% recycled polyester, and a heel support that is intense at the base and softer near the collar. Additionally, it includes a Speedboard for stabilization and an X-pattern traction sole for varied surfaces.

In 2021, Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter published findings by Chilean researcher Karen Alfaro, revealing operations to appease the Pinochet dictatorship by providing Sweden with at least 1700 Chilean children for adoption, many usurped from their biological families. The organization Hijos y Madres del Silencio, which supports victims of forced adoptions and child trafficking and has facilitated 294 reunions between illegally separated families, presented their case to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva. Carmen Rosa Villa Quintana, a regional representative for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the need for investigation to uncover the truth and seek justice. Despite initial fears, the committee was moved by the testimonies, recognizing the gravity of Chile's situation. The organization also visited Cerdeña, Italy, where many illegal adoptions occurred during Pinochet's dictatorship, to change perceptions and acknowledge the role of the Church in these adoptions. The Chilean ambassador in Rome, Ennio Vivaldi, was deeply affected upon learning the real extent of the illegal adoptions.

After two years of collaboration, Asics and the Brazilian streetwear brand Pace have launched The Brismo, a global sneaker based on the Quantum 360 VII model. The sneaker, which features a design inspired by the sand of Okinawa's beaches and Japanese sashiko craftsmanship, is priced at R$ 1,299 and is available on Asics' website, at a pop-up in São Paulo, and will be on Pace's e-commerce from October 2. Early buyers will receive an exclusive collab t-shirt. The Brismo will also be sold in Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and at the Atmos store in Japan. Felipe Matayoshi, founder and creative director of Pace, expresses fulfillment of a professional dream with this global launch.

After two years of collaboration, Asics and the Brazilian streetwear brand Pace have launched The Brismo, a global sneaker based on Asics' performance model Quantum 360 VII. The sneaker, which incorporates design elements inspired by the sand of Okinawa's beaches and Japanese sashiko craftsmanship, is priced at R$ 1,299 and available on Asics' website and at a pop-up in São Paulo. It will also be sold in Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and at the Atmos store in Japan. Felipe Matayoshi, founder and creative director of Pace, expresses fulfillment of a professional dream through this collaboration.

The Partido Republicano, with veto power, led the approval of a water privatization amendment in Chile's new Constitution, potentially benefiting the families of Beatriz Hevia Willer, president of the Consejo Constitucional, and José Antonio Kast, founder of the party. The amendment allows for unrestricted private water rights, raising concerns of conflict of interest as Hevia's relatives own significant water rights. The Kast family also holds substantial water rights, enough to supply a city of 153,000 people. The issue of water rights was prominent in the 2021 presidential election, with Kast's family's holdings scrutinized, while current President Gabriel Boric's family does not own any water rights.

The Partido Republicano, with veto power, led the approval of water privatization in Chile's new Constitution, potentially benefiting families of the party's founder José Antonio Kast and Council President Beatriz Hevia Willer. The Hevia family holds water rights sufficient for over 54,000 people, while the Kast family's rights could supply 100,000 people. The amendment allows unrestricted privatization of water rights, raising concerns of conflict of interest, especially since Hevia's relatives have significant water rights. The article also notes that during the 2021 presidential election, water usage was a contentious issue, and while Kast's family has extensive water rights, candidate Gabriel Boric and his family do not.

Brazilian sneaker brand Yuool launches the Yuool D100 to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary. The limited edition sneakers feature iconic phrases and characters from Disney's legacy, such as Mickey and Yoda, in a minimalist design with a color palette of white, silver, and gray. The sneakers are part of a sustainable line with a green EVA sole made from sugarcane and rubber, antifungal lining with aloe vera scent, and packaging from recycled PET bottles. Available from October, the Yuool D100 will be sold for R$ 649 on Yuool's website and in their stores in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre.

Brazilian sneaker brand Yuool launches the Yuool D100 to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary. The limited-edition sneakers feature iconic phrases and characters from Disney's legacy embossed on the upper, such as Mickey and Yoda. The design includes a minimalist construction with a white, silver, and gray color palette and introduces Yuool's new Urban silhouette. The Yuool D100 emphasizes sustainability with a green EVA sole made from sugarcane and rubber, an antifungal lining with aloe vera scent, and PET finishes from recycled bottles. Available from October, the sneakers are priced at R$ 649 and can be purchased on Yuool's website and physical stores in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre.

Converse has collaborated with Rick Owens' DRKSHDW to release the DBL DRKSTAR Chuck 70 in Brazil, featuring a bold reinvention of the classic Chuck 70 silhouette with a double sole and unique elements reflecting Owens' vision. The sneakers, available in high and low-top versions, are priced at R$ 899.90 and R$ 879.90 respectively. Rick Owens, a Southern California native, has been a rebellious and influential figure in fashion since 1962. The Converse x DRKSHDW sneakers maintain minimalist and contemporary design aesthetics with neutral color palettes and are part of Converse's Max Grind plan, which includes up to 40% of recycled rubber waste from their manufacturing process.

The Club de Huasos y Rodeo Gil Letelier, responsible for inaugurating Chile's Military Parade since 1952, is embroiled in controversy due to an investigation into the misappropriation of at least 78 million Chilean pesos in 2019. The club's financial irregularities were detected by its own Accounts Review Commission, leading to accusations against the board by club members. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the club is expected to open the event as usual. The Army has declined to comment until a judicial ruling is made. The case is currently being investigated by the Economic Crimes Brigade of the PDI.

Bioestimulants in banana cultivation improve crop nutrition and reduce the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on yield. An experiment with six treatments was conducted to evaluate the effect of radical bio-stimulation on banana production. Significant differences were observed, with the combination of root stimulator and humic acids (T5) showing superior results in cluster mass, rachis mass, number of hands per cluster, caliber of the second hand, and net mass of the harvested cluster. The study concludes that root stimulation with bioestimulants enhances the productivity of banana cultivation.