By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
California turns prison firefighting into a real career path for inmates
California has signed AB 2483, creating a certification program for formerly incarcerated firefighters. The law removes barriers to Cal Fire
Texas man faces $2.3M fee for police camera records
A North Richland Hills resident requested police camera records and got a $2.3 million bill. The city says it reflects 14 years of review wo
Tropical Storm Isaias Gains Strength, Gulf Coast Prepares for Landfall
Tropical Storm Isaias is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall. Florida and Louisi
Bobby Pulido trades Tejano stardom for a run at Texas Congress
Bobby Pulido, known for 'Desvelado,' has left the stage to run for Congress in Texas's 15th district. He's campaigning at quinceañeras and c
Arizona court overturns sentence after AI-generated victim statement
The Arizona Court of Appeals overturned a 10-year manslaughter sentence after the victim's family used AI to create a digital avatar that de
Panama City Beach scraps stormwater project as costs triple
Panama City Beach has abandoned a major stormwater drainage project after contractor bids tripled the original budget. The city will return
Queens building probes Legionnaires' cases amid elderly residents' concerns
Two Legionnaires' disease cases at North Shore Towers prompt a city investigation. Officials focus on the hot water system, ruling out a bro
Florida's dengue outbreak triggers emergency in three counties
Florida has declared a state of emergency in three counties after surpassing 250 local dengue cases, including one fatality. The outbreak is
Trump stimulus checks: what's arriving now and what's still pending
Some federal stimulus payments are already arriving, like the $500 Obamacare rebate and the $90 Medicare Part B check. Others, like the prop
El Niño's Coastal Defenses in California Bring Hidden Ecological Costs
California's emergency coastal defenses during El Niño protect homes but accelerate beach erosion. Experts warn of ecological costs and push
California's new law lets renters plug into solar power
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Plug-and-Play Solar Energy Act, allowing renters and apartment dwellers to use compact solar devices via wa
California bans child marriage, setting a new national standard
California has banned child marriage without exceptions, joining 17 other states. The law takes effect in 2027, while 32 states still allow