By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
Las Vegas pedestrian bridges now enforce strict photo bans with jail time
Las Vegas has enacted a municipal ordinance that makes stopping on pedestrian bridges a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and up
Mexican tourist in Illinois loses limbs to infection after family visit turns tragic
Eloida Hermenegildo, 63, traveled from Michoacán to Elgin, Illinois, for a family visit, but a severe bacterial infection led to the amputat
New Jersey ANCHOR property tax relief: Nov. 2 deadline nears
New Jersey's ANCHOR program offers up to $1,500 for homeowners and $700 for renters, but the deadline is Nov. 2, 2026. Seniors and disabilit
Miami Beach developer withdraws three tower plans after community pushback
Developer Russell Galbut withdrew applications for three towers in Miami Beach after intense community opposition. Local officials are now p
California schools see modest gains, but deep gaps remain for Latino students
California students made small gains in reading, math, and science, but proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Latino and Black stud
Kansas town offered $1,000 per household to accept data center
Digital Realty proposes paying each household in De Soto, Kansas $1,000 per year for ten years to win support for a 1,400-acre data center.
Compton family's husky found dead after being lured away; suspect sought
Ruso, a 9-year-old husky, vanished from his Compton home on October 4. Surveillance shows a suspect leading him away; his body was later fou
Florida's new social media age limits for minors take effect after court ruling
Florida's social media restrictions for minors under 14 are now in effect after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction. Teens aged 14
Florida detention center accidentally releases two detainees, quickly recaptures them
An administrative error at a Florida immigration detention center led to the accidental release of two detainees. They were quickly recaptur
Florida's $10M small business loan program: what you need to know
Florida has activated a $10 million emergency loan fund for small businesses recovering from Hurricane Isaias. The loans are 0% interest but
Texas contractor sentenced to 30 years for $300K home fraud
Jeremy Jerod Zeno pleaded guilty to first-degree felony theft after scamming homeowners out of more than $300,000. He continued his fraudule
Brentwood brush fire contained as Santa Ana winds threaten Los Angeles
A fast-moving brush fire in Brentwood was contained within an hour, but red flag warnings and Santa Ana winds keep Los Angeles on high alert