By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
FDA probes salmonella outbreak as 84 fall ill, source unknown
The FDA is investigating a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 84 people nationwide. The source of the contamination remains unknown, and
Two men sentenced in New York staged crash scheme exposed by viral video
Jaime Huricocha and Víctor Murillo pleaded guilty to orchestrating staged collisions in New York. Their scheme, which involved fake injuries
SNAP overhaul leaves millions without food aid across the U.S.
SNAP enrollment dropped from 42.2 million to 36.6 million in a year. New work requirements and digital verification are behind the sharp dec
Texas school closures surge as COVID wave hits southern states
COVID cases are surging across southern states, prompting school closures in Texas and Louisiana. Wastewater data shows high viral activity.
Los Angeles moves to restrict phenibut sales to minors
Los Angeles is moving to restrict sales of phenibut, a brain booster linked to dependency risks, to people under 21. The push follows a high
Florida watches Invest 96L as hurricane season intensifies
Invest 96L, a tropical disturbance near the Cape Verde islands, has a 70% chance of forming into a cyclone. Florida officials are reviewing
Find your NYC hurricane evacuation zone before the next storm
New York City's six hurricane evacuation zones rank flood risk from highest to lowest. Use the official zone finder to check your address an
California's San Andreas and San Jacinto faults show alarming stress buildup
A new study finds critical segments of California's San Andreas and San Jacinto faults are under unusually high stress. The research, based
El Niño reshapes hurricane season, putting Hawaii at unexpected risk
El Niño is altering hurricane season, with two systems already hitting the Big Island of Hawaii. Saturated soil and steep terrain heighten f
Social Security 2027 COLA: Retirees Could See 3.5% Boost
The 2027 Social Security COLA could hit 3.5%, adding roughly $73 a month for average retirees. The final figure depends on third-quarter inf
Florida homeowners can skip permits for minor repairs under new law
Florida's House Bill 803, effective July 1, 2026, exempts minor home repairs under $7,500 from building permits. Homeowners still must follo
DMV text scam spreads across US states: how to spot fake toll and fine alerts
Scammers are sending fake texts about unpaid tolls and traffic fines to drivers across multiple states. Officials say they never request pay