About Nicaragua
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, captivates with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, expansive lakes, and rich cultural heritage. However, its global news coverage is significantly shaped by an authoritarian government that has systematically suppressed independent media, leading to a severely restricted press environment. This dynamic means that information flow is tightly controlled, impacting the diversity of narratives available.
Visiting Nicaragua
Media landscape
The media environment in Nicaragua is extensively controlled by the government, which has closed independent outlets, confiscated their assets, and imprisoned journalists. Consequently, there are no openly operating independent newspapers, TV channels, or radio stations within the country, forcing many journalists into exile.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, seek out news from independent digital platforms and journalists operating from exile, as domestic media is largely state-aligned.
Sources we track 1
Virologist Develops Beer-Based Vaccine Concept to Combat Needle Phobia
- A US virologist is developing a beer-based vaccine to overcome needle phobia. - Chris Buck's unconventional method uses genetically modified yeast to deliver vaccines. - Health authorities have rais…
6G antennas could 'see' us: How to prevent being spied on
- The upcoming 6G technology will not only transmit data but also possess radar-like capabilities to 'see' the environment, detect movement, and monitor individuals' status. - A European research proj…
Up to 20 hours without drinking water: the daily reality for many Nicaraguan families
- Residents in Managua, Nicaragua, face prolonged and irregular water outages, often lasting up to 20 hours daily. - Families report waking in the early morning to complete household chores before wat…
New fabric mimics cotton's softness, regulates heat, and repels water
- Chinese researchers developed an ultralight synthetic fiber that mimics cotton's softness and regulates heat. - The new material is water-repellent and performs better than cotton in both cold and w…
Nearly 83,000 students abandoned secondary school in 2025
- Nearly 83,000 students dropped out of regular secondary education in Nicaragua in 2025. - Official data analyzed by CONFIDENCIAL reveals this significant figure. - An education specialist warns this…
Colombia's president-elect De la Espriella promises 'miracle homeland' with 'iron fist'
- Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella declared himself president-elect of Colombia following a narrow preliminary victory. - De la Espriella, a lawyer with no prior government experience, fou…
Ramiro Valdés, Historic Cuban Revolution Commander, Dies at 94
- Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, a historic commander of the Cuban Revolution, has died at the age of 94. - Valdés was a key figure in the revolution, participating in pivotal events like the Moncada Barrack…
Colombia Election: Voters Choose Between Peace and Hardline Security
- Colombia faces a pivotal presidential election on June 21, with voters choosing between left-wing human rights advocate Iván Cepeda and far-right businessman Abelardo de la Espriella. - The election…
Nicaragua Army seizes 475 cocaine packages near Costa Rica border
- Nicaragua's Army seized 475 packages of cocaine near the Costa Rican border. - Suspects fled in a boat, abandoning the drugs on the riverbank. - The seizure is part of Nicaragua's 'Containment Wall'…
Costa Rica fears "invasion" of illegal miners due to Nicaragua's concessions to China
- Costa Rica's president expressed concern about an "invasion" of illegal miners from Nicaragua due to Chinese mining concessions near the border. - Nicaragua has granted extensive mining concessions …
Nicaragua Orders Mass Transfer of 36 Properties to Social Security Institute
- Nicaraguan authorities have ordered the mass transfer of 36 properties to the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS). - The properties, located in eight departments, were authorized for transfe…
Nicaragua paid millions extra for oil amid opaque pricing
- Nicaragua paid significantly more for oil in January and February 2026 than international market prices, incurring an extra $26.9 million. - The government has not disclosed who received this differ…
Red Card for Femicide in Latin America Amidst World Cup Distractions and Official Indifference
- Protests against femicide occurred in Mexico during the World Cup, highlighting state-sanctioned violence. - In Argentina, the murder of a 14-year-old girl sparked outrage and feminist activism. - O…
US-Iran deal reached without fanfare, mediated by Pakistan
- The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end the war, mediated by Pakistan. - The agreement, named the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,' was signed electronically without a formal ce…
Americas is world's top region for forced displacement, UNHCR says
- The Americas is the region with the highest number of forcibly displaced people globally, reaching 22.8 million by the end of 2025, according to UNHCR. - Colombia hosts the largest number of displac…
Costa Rican president seeks 'fraternal' ties with Nicaragua on trade, borders
- Costa Rican President Laura Fernández seeks a "fraternal" relationship with Nicaragua focused on trade and border management. - Fernández stated that recent remarks about Nicaragua were taken out of…
Nicaragua regime approves reforms to boost economic surveillance and control
- Nicaragua's National Assembly, controlled by the Ortega-Murillo regime, approved economic reforms increasing surveillance and control. - The reforms allow for automatic freezing of assets of individ…
Laura Fernández Backs Trade With Nicaragua Amid Criticism
- Costa Rican President Laura Fernández affirmed her commitment to maintaining commercial relations with Nicaragua. - Fernández stated that Nicaraguans "have the government they elected" and that the …
27,000 layoffs in free trade zones: "There is a lot of fear," say workers
- Thousands of workers in free trade zones face job losses, with one worker describing the situation as "a lot of fear." - Many workers, like Adolfo, who assembled shirts for seven years, lost their j…
United States and Iran reach peace agreement
- The US and Iran have reached a preliminary peace agreement, ending three and a half months of war. - The deal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the US lifting its maritime blockad…
AI chatbots vie with animal oracles for World Cup prediction supremacy
- AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude predict Spain will win the FIFA World Cup, while others favor France or Argentina. - These AI predictions are compared to the accuracy of Paul the Octopus, a famo…
European Funds Linked to Berta Cáceres Assassination and Widespread Corruption
- European funds intended for development projects have been diverted to finance human rights violations, including the assassination of environmental activist Berta Cáceres. - A syndicated loan from …
G7 Summit in France to Tackle Ukraine, Iran Amid Global Shifts
- France will host the G7 summit in Évian from June 15-17, 2026, with Ukraine's future and Iran as key topics. - The summit format, excluding China, is debated, but experts argue it reflects the origi…
Mathematical model simulates World Cup 2026 one million times: Who wins the final?
- A mathematical model simulated the 2026 World Cup one million times to predict the winner. - Spain emerged as the slight favorite with a 15.8% chance of winning, closely followed by France and Argen…
EU toughens asylum rules
- The European Union has implemented a significant reform of its asylum system, the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), aiming for stricter border controls. - The new system introduces preliminary …
Pope Francis Criticizes Europe's Migration Policy, Calls Seas 'Cemeteries'
- Pope Francis criticized Europe's handling of migration, calling the seas "cemeteries" for those seeking a better life. - He highlighted the dire situation at the Arguineguín dock in Gran Canaria, on…
Exile: A Debate on Pain, Sadness, and Individual Experience
- The article discusses the nature of exile, contrasting the idea of infinite exile with a finite experience. - The author reflects on their personal experience of exile following Argentina's 1976 mil…
Costa Rica charges suspects in assassination of Nicaraguan ex-politician Roberto Samcam
- Costa Rican prosecutors have charged suspects in the June 2025 assassination of Nicaraguan former politician Roberto Samcam. - Samcam, a retired Nicaraguan Army major, was shot and killed at his hom…
SICA Overcomes Ortega Blockade, Elects New Secretary General
- The Central American Integration System (SICA) has elected Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas of Costa Rica as its new Secretary General, ending a period of institutional paralysis. - The paralysis was caused …
Prada designs inner garment for NASA astronauts
- Italian fashion house Prada, in collaboration with Axiom Space, has unveiled an inner-layer garment for NASA astronauts designed to regulate body temperature during space missions. - This high-tech …
Tropical Storm Cristina Stalls Off Nicaragua, Causing Widespread Damage
- Tropical Storm Cristina has stalled off Nicaragua's coast, prolonging heavy rains, high waves, and strong winds along the Pacific coast. - The storm is causing significant damage in western Nicaragu…
Anti-immigrant raids are a laboratory for authoritarianism in the United States
- Journalist Jonathan Blitzer argues that anti-immigrant raids in the U.S. serve as a testing ground for authoritarianism. - Blitzer, a reporter for The New Yorker, has spent over 15 years researching…
Rights Commission Grants Protection to Nicaraguan Political Prisoner
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to Nicaraguan political prisoner Beyker Ferreti Hernández, detained since October 2022. - The IACHR cited risks t…
Storm Cristina Grounds Boats, Floods Businesses on Nicaragua's Pacific Coast
- Tropical Storm Cristina caused damage along Nicaragua's Pacific coast, grounding fishing boats and flooding businesses. - Strong waves, known as "mar de fondo," inundated coastal areas in Rivas, Leó…
US imposes visa bans on 100 Nicaraguan officials for complicity with regime
- The United States has imposed visa restrictions on over 100 Nicaraguan officials and their families for complicity with the Daniel Ortega regime. - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused ele…
Bishop Báez: 'Irrational and Aged Power' Deprives Nicaragua of Freedom and Future
- Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez denounced an "irrational and aged power" that is stripping the country of its freedom and future. - Speaking from exile in the United States, Báez compared Nicaragua's …
Pope Leo XIV draws 1.2 million to Madrid mass
- Approximately 1.2 million people attended Pope Leo XIV's mass in Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles on June 7, 2026, marking the largest event of his visit to Spain. - The Pope encouraged dialogue between so…
"Casa Calala": A Cultural Haven Created by a Nicaraguan in San José
- Jopsan Espinoza, a young Nicaraguan, created "Casa Calala," a cultural space in San José, Costa Rica. - The space, which started as a plant exchange club, now fosters culture, entrepreneurship, and …
WHO launches $518 million plan to curb Ebola outbreaks in Africa
- The World Health Organization and Africa CDC launched a $518 million plan to combat the Ebola epidemic in central Africa. - The plan, running from June to November, targets outbreaks in the Democrat…
Nicaragua's oil bill surges 70% amid Iran war fallout
- Nicaragua's oil import bill surged by 70.3% between February and March 2026, reaching $173.2 million. - This increase is attributed to the global supply chain disruptions caused by the war between t…
30 Ibero-American ex-presidents demand international probe into Ortega-Murillo regime over indigenous leader's death
- Thirty former Ibero-American presidents urged an international criminal investigation into Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo for alleged crimes against humanity. …
U.S. Senate approves funding for immigration offensive
- The U.S. Senate approved $70 billion in funding for Donald Trump's immigration initiative. - This funding is designated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. - The bil…
Nearly Half of Young Adults See AI Relationships Improving Happiness, Survey Finds
- Nearly 50% of young adults believe AI relationships will improve human happiness in the next decade, a global survey found. - The study, surveying nearly 10,000 people across the US, Japan, Germany,…
Nicaraguan indigenous leader died in custody; daughter denounces government
- Tininiska Rivera denounces the Nicaraguan government for the death of her father, indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera Bryan, who died in state custody. - Rivera states her father was arbitrarily impri…
Nicaraguan-American boxer “Lupe” Medina signs with Jake Paul’s promoter
- Nicaraguan-American boxer Guadalupe “Lupe” Medina signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). - Medina, 22, is ranked second by the WBO and IBF and will join MVP's new women's boxing pla…
Billions in forgotten bank accounts lie dormant in Germany
- Billions of euros remain in inactive bank accounts in Germany, with heirs often unaware of their existence. - Germany lacks a legal framework for managing these abandoned accounts, leading banks to …
Delcy Rodríguez arrives in India to strengthen oil sales
- Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to boost oil sales. - The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and increase Venezuela's cr…
Nicaragua dictatorship keeps six relatives of Brooklyn Rivera in 'forced disappearance'
- Six relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera remain forcibly disappeared after traveling to claim his body following his death in state custody. - Rivera, who died after over 970 days of illeg…
US Working to Create Conditions for Free Elections in Venezuela, Says Rubio
- The U.S. is working to create conditions for free and democratic elections in Venezuela, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated. - Rubio outlined necessary steps, including free media, political part…
UN warns of 80% chance of strong El Niño event
- The UN warns of an 80% probability of an El Niño event occurring this year. - The phenomenon could manifest with strong intensity, exacerbating existing climate risks. - Potential impacts include in…
Pope Should Have Gone Further on AI, Article Argues
- Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming communication, information access, work, income distribution, and warfare. - Public debate on AI remains narrowly focused on competition between AI la…
Costa Rica revives migration pathway for Nicaraguans with pending asylum
- Costa Rica has reactivated a special migratory category for Nicaraguans whose asylum claims are pending or have been denied. - This measure, effective September 1, 2026, allows eligible individuals …
Rubén Blades' Legacy Entrusted to Instituto Cervantes' Box of Letters
- Panamanian artist Rubén Blades has deposited his legacy into the Instituto Cervantes' Caja de las Letras (Box of Letters) in Panama City. - The Caja de las Letras preserves cultural heritage, includ…
U.S. and Cuban military leaders meet at Guantanamo amid strained relations
- U.S. and Cuban military officials met at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay on May 29, 2026. - The meeting, between U.S. General Francis Donovan and Cuban General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, focused on op…
Nicaragua: Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera shown in critical condition, sparking calls for release
- The daughter of Miskito indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera and the U.S. government demand his immediate and unconditional release from Nicaraguan authorities. - Rivera, arbitrarily imprisoned since S…
Nicaraguan Salsa Star Luis Enrique Releases First New Album in 13 Years
- Nicaraguan salsa singer Luis Enrique has released his first album of new material in 13 years, titled "El alma en clave." - The album, recorded across Miami, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, marks his re…
FIFA to be investigated by U.S. over 2026 World Cup ticket sales
- FIFA is under investigation by U.S. authorities in New York and New Jersey over ticket sales practices for the 2026 World Cup. - Prosecutors allege FIFA artificially inflated prices and misled fans …
Maná to Open 2026 World Cup in Mexico
- Mexican rock band Maná will open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. - The band will perform an original two-minute song during the opening ceremony on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium. - Lead sing…
Brooklyn Rivera's condition reveals 'cruel and inhumane' treatment of political prisoners
- Nicaraguan political prisoners, human rights groups, and women's movements expressed outrage over photos showing indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera in a severely weakened state. - The government rele…
Nicaragua: Silence Becomes Deadly as Indigenous Leader's Plight Demands Global Action
- Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera has appeared gravely ill after being detained by Nicaraguan authorities. - His prolonged detention and deteriorating health are described as a potential forced disa…
Brooklyn Rivera's daughter rejects regime's health claims, demands release
- Tininiska Rivera rejected a Nicaraguan government statement about her father, indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera's health. - She claims the government falsely stated his prior health conditions and d…
Spanish Poet Jaime Siles Wins Prestigious Reina Sofía Prize for Ibero-American Poetry
- Spanish poet and philologist Jaime Siles has been awarded the prestigious XXXV Reina Sofía Prize for Ibero-American Poetry. - The award recognizes Siles's entire body of poetic work, highlighting hi…
Cuba accuses U.S. at UN of 'genocide' over blockade
- Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused the U.S. at the UN of committing "acts of war and genocide" through its energy blockade on the island. - Rodríguez also denounced U.S. charges against…
Migrants Continue Strike at New Jersey ICE Center Amid Clashes
- Dozens of migrants at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey are on their fifth day of a hunger and work strike. - The strike began Friday amid complaints about unsanitary conditions and de…
Rubén Blades Donates Maracas and 'Patria' Manuscript to Instituto Cervantes
- Panamanian singer-songwriter Rubén Blades donated his salsa maracas and a manuscript of his song 'Patria' to the Instituto Cervantes' Caja de las Letras. - The donation was made during the closing o…
WHO: Ebola Epidemic in DRC is 'Extremely Serious'
- The World Health Organization declared the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo "extremely serious and difficult," urging neighboring countries to act immediately. - Late detection, in…
Chernobyl's Exclusion Zone Emerges as Thriving Wildlife Sanctuary
- Despite its reputation as a dead zone, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has become an unexpected sanctuary for wildlife, supporting diverse and dense populations. Scientists have observed more wildlife,…
Sergio Ramírez's New Noir Novel 'La Maldición de Ramfis' to Debut in June 2026
- Sergio Ramírez's fourth noir novel, "La maldición de Ramfis," will be released on June 11, 2026, at the Madrid Book Fair. - The novel features Inspector Dolores Morales investigating the murder of a…
Mining, Logging, and Monocultures Devour Indigenous Territories in Nicaragua's Pacific
- Extractive and productive activities like mining, logging, and monocultures are severely degrading the environment in eight indigenous territories in Nicaragua's Central-North Pacific. - These activ…
“Super El Niño” or “El Niño Godzilla”: What is the threat of this climate phenomenon?
- There is an 82% probability that El Niño will emerge between May and July 2026, with a 96% chance of it persisting until February 2027. - Scientists are concerned about the potential for a historica…
Nicaraguan Cartoonist Px. Molina Earns International Acclaim in Exile
- Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina, an internationally recognized artist exiled in the United States, has won multiple awards for his work. - Molina's cartoons are published on Confidencial.digital in…
Bad Bunny Launches 'Benito Antonio' Collection with Zara, Infused with Puerto Rican Style
- Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has collaborated with Zara to launch a new clothing collection named 'Benito Antonio'. - The collection, inspired by the artist's personal style, features summer pie…
Hospitals in DRC Ebola Epicenter Are 'Overwhelmed'
- Health centers in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, the epicenter of a recent Ebola outbreak, are overwhelmed with suspected cases. - Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF) reported that facil…
Caricature of the day
- This article is a caricature by Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina. - Molina is an exiled illustrator with a long national and international career. - His work is published in confidencial.digital (Ni…
How China Became Russia's Economic Lifeline Amidst War and Sanctions
- Russia's economic reliance on China has grown significantly since the Ukraine invasion, creating a one-sided partnership. - Russia exports large volumes of discounted fossil fuels to China, providin…
Venezuela's oldest political prisoners released
- Three of Venezuela's longest-serving political prisoners, former Metropolitan Police officers Erasmo Bolívar, Héctor Rovaín, and Luis Molina, have been released after 23 years. - Their release follo…
Influential Nicaraguan Philosopher Alejandro Serrano Caldera Dies at 87
- Nicaraguan philosopher and jurist Alejandro Serrano Caldera, recognized as one of the world's 100 most influential thinkers, has died at age 87. - Serrano Caldera was known for his work on Nicaragua…
Weekly Cartoon: Between Excuses and Evasions
- Nicaraguan cartoonist and illustrator Px Molina, an internationally recognized artist living in exile in the United States, continues to publish his work. - Molina's cartoons appear on confidencial.…
Nicaraguan Cartoonist Px. Molina Garners International Acclaim
- Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina, an internationally recognized artist exiled in the United States, has received numerous awards for his work. - Molina's cartoons are published in Nicaragua's confid…
2026 "Super El Niño" Threatens Extreme Wildfire Season
- Researchers warn of a severe wildfire season in 2026, fueled by climate change and a potentially strong El Niño phenomenon. - Global wildfire acreage has exceeded previous records, with unprecedente…
Nicaraguan Cartoonist Px. Molina Honored for International Work
- Nicaraguan cartoonist and illustrator Px. Molina, now in exile in the United States, is recognized for his extensive national and international career. - Molina's work is published on confidencial.d…
Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina garners international awards from exile
- Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina, now exiled in the US, has received international recognition for his work. - Molina's career spans national and international platforms, including publications in N…
United States Exempts World Cup Ticket Holders from Visa Bonds
- The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, will exempt World Cup ticket holders from visa bond requirements. - This measure eases entry for fans from specific nationalities who previously fa…
These Are the World's Ten Most Dangerous Viruses
- The Marburg virus is identified as the most dangerous virus globally, with a 90% mortality rate. - Ebola virus, with multiple strains, also poses a significant threat, particularly the Zaire strain …
Cartoon of the Day: The Narco-route by Px. Molina
- This article is a placeholder for a cartoon by Nicaraguan cartoonist Px. Molina. - Px. Molina is an exiled Nicaraguan cartoonist based in the United States. - He has received multiple awards for his…
Russia Recruits Foreigners as 'Cannon Fodder' for Ukraine War, Investigation Finds
- An investigation by three international organizations reveals Russia has recruited approximately 27,000 foreign nationals from over 130 countries to fight in Ukraine since late 2022. - The recruitme…
Defenestrated Magistrate Alba Luz Ramos Reappears to Deny Rumors
- Nicaragua's former Supreme Court President Alba Luz Ramos has issued a statement denying rumors of her clandestine departure from the country or detentions of her family. - Ramos, who was removed fr…
Mass judicial appointments fail to halt chaos and delays in Nicaragua
- Nicaragua's Judicial Branch is facing ongoing chaos and delays despite recent mass appointments of judges and magistrates. - Lawyers report that cases are being stalled, and new judges lack adequate…
William González in Víznar: The poet who traded bullets for books
- Nicaraguan poet William González Guevara, who escaped a life of gang violence, read his poetry at the La Colonia de Víznar in Spain. - González Guevara's work often explores themes of violence, iden…
Met Gala: Celebrity, Power, and Art Unfold Without Criticism
- The Met Gala, themed 'Fashion is Art,' proceeded without significant controversy despite expectations of a critical tone, with a brief security incident being the only disruption. - Notable attendee…
Exiled Nicaraguan Political Prisoner Releases Debut Poetry Book
- Nicaraguan political prisoner Carlos Bojorge has published his first poetry book, "Me duele hasta el aire" (It Hurts Me Even to Breathe), while in exile in California. - Bojorge was among 135 politi…
World Cup: Trump Agrees to Let Iran Play in the US
- President Donald Trump has agreed to allow Iran to play its World Cup soccer matches in the United States. - FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the World Cup despite t…
US Warns Allies Against Supporting Gaza Aid Flotilla, Calling It a 'Stunt'
- The United States has warned European allies against supporting a Gaza aid flotilla, calling it a 'stunt'. - US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that allies should deny port access …
Dancing Robots and Glasses-Free 3D: New Jersey Tech Showcase Dazzles with Innovations
- The New Jersey Spring Tech Showcase featured over forty interactive technological demonstrations, highlighting advancements from robotics to AI. - Popular innovations included a "perreo" dancing rob…
Reporters Without Borders: Nicaragua's Media Landscape 'In Ruins'
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks Nicaragua 168th out of 180 countries for press freedom, citing systematic repression. - The media landscape in Nicaragua is described as "in ruins" due to deter…
US Halves Green Card Approvals, Triples Migrant Arrests Under Trump: Report
- The U.S. has seen a nearly 50% decrease in green card approvals since early 2025, coinciding with a tripling of immigration arrests. - A report by the Cato Institute suggests the Department of Homel…
Jury Selection Begins in Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI
- The legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI, co-founded by Sam Altman, has begun in California with jury selection. - Musk accuses Altman of betraying OpenAI's original mission of developing AI fo…
The Sins of Luis Cañas, Operator of the Exile Machinery
- Luis Cañas Novoa, Nicaragua's Vice Minister of the Interior, is identified as a key figure in the regime's repressive apparatus and has been sanctioned by the U.S. government. - He allegedly operate…