By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
Melania Trump's White House absence: What's behind the distance?
Melania Trump has reportedly not stayed overnight at the White House during her husband's second term. Author Michael Wolff calls it an 'abd
New York's housing crisis demands 700,000 new homes, but hurdles remain
New York City must build 700,000 homes over the next decade to stabilize rents. But high costs, office conversion challenges, and legal figh
Tesla's Las Vegas Robotaxis Debut with Strict Limits and No Airport Pickups
Nevada approved just 10 of Tesla's 5,000 requested robotaxis for Las Vegas. The fleet is capped at 45 mph and barred from airport pickups. H
El Niño forecast signals a wet 2026–27 winter for Southern California
NOAA estimates over 90% probability of a powerful El Niño for 2026–27, with a 69% chance of a historic event. Southern California could see
US warns travelers: valid visas in expired passports may not be enough
US officials warn that a valid visa in an expired passport may not guarantee entry. Travelers must meet the 6-month validity rule and keep d
LA County reports first West Nile virus death of the season
Los Angeles County has confirmed its first West Nile virus death of the season. A San Fernando Valley resident died after severe neurologica
SNAP September 2026: payment dates and maximum amounts by state
SNAP payments for September 2026 will be distributed on state-specific schedules, with amounts up to $994 for a family of four. New work req
Screwworm outbreak halts Texas pet adoptions and strains shelters
Texas animal shelters are overwhelmed after a screwworm outbreak halted pet adoptions and interstate transfers. Facilities like the Gulf Coa
Banned Weapons of War: How International Law Limits Devastating Arms
International law bans weapons that cause indiscriminate harm, from chemical gases to blinding lasers. Treaties like the Ottawa Convention a
Palm Beach County rejects AI data center over Everglades risks
Palm Beach County commissioners rejected a massive AI data center proposal near the Everglades after experts warned of heat pollution and wa
LA County opens public housing waitlists: how to apply before they close
Los Angeles County opened 16 public housing waitlists on August 17, 2026. Applications close September 16 or when each list hits 1,000 submi
Texas faces $826M SNAP penalty as federal rules shift
Texas could face $826 million in annual penalties under new federal SNAP error rate rules. The state's 9% error rate exceeds the 6% cap, ris