Cuenca news today, written for expats

Cuenca’s next major interchange project is moving toward a July bidding process, with the 12 de Octubre crossing following the Monay-IESS work already underway.

Cuenca airport officials are trying again to open a direct air link with northern Peru, starting with charter flights between Cuenca and Chiclayo if demand supports it.

Juan Pablo Ordonez, a 2007 Bienal de Cuenca winner, says the city’s signature art institution opens doors but does not yet provide enough follow-up for local artists. His critique lands as the Bienal approaches forty years.

Local political groups have begun their internal primaries for Cuenca and Azuay races. Pedro Palacios and Raul Delgado were selected by Nueva Generacion, while Unidad Popular named Sebastian Cevallos and Natalia Arpi for the Azuay prefecture ticket.

Cuenca officials say an overnight operation in the Historic Center ended with two closures, three provisional suspensions and several notifications. The practical takeaway: nightlife venues are being checked for permits, hours and contingency planning.

FASEC and Hospital Santa Ines renewed a five-year agreement to support palliative care in Cuenca. The foundation says its unit has capacity for 25 patients and is the only palliative-care unit in the Austro.