Cuenca news today, written for expats

Cuenca's mobility agency says its controls are aimed at drivers offering paid passenger transport without legal authorization. The sanction listed by El Mercurio is steep: a $964 fine, 10 license points, and vehicle retention for at least seven days.

A May 19 event in Cuenca put autoimmune diseases in the spotlight, from delayed diagnoses to treatment costs. El Mercurio reports municipal buildings will be lit purple from May 21 to 24 as part of the awareness campaign.

Cuenca has a full holiday-weekend agenda around the Battle of Pichincha break. El Mercurio lists activities from May 21 through May 24, including a fear-film screening, a food tour, used-book fair, theatrical route, dance events and Parque Calderon festival.

A national yellow alert for possible El Niño impacts includes seven Azuay cantons and 12 susceptible points. In Cuenca, the parishes named by the risk agency are Chaucha and Molleturo.

Cuenca is preparing a mobility plan for the Mall del Alto opening on Thursday, May 21. El Mercurio reports agents, cones, bus access and a new pedestrian crossing will be part of the effort to manage heavy traffic.

INAMHI's May 19 forecast calls for clear skies and extremely high solar radiation across the Sierra. Ecuavisa reports the agency recommends avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM.