By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
Federal judge halts border wall construction in Texas's Big Bend
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting border wall construction in Texas's Big Bend region. The ruling protects over 500 mi
Pneumonic plague in Siberia: Should the Americas be worried?
A worker at a Russian anti-plague institute died of pneumonia, but plague hasn't been confirmed. Here's what pneumonic plague is, how it spr
California's New DUI Laws: Stricter Penalties and Longer Suspensions
Governor Newsom signed a package of four DUI laws, including Braun's Law, named after a teen killed by a repeat drunk driver. Penalties now
New York counties shoulder heavier SNAP costs as federal share drops
New York counties will absorb a larger share of SNAP administrative costs starting October 2026, as federal funding drops from 50% to 25%. T
Arizona closes 56 miles of public land near border until 2029
A federal order closes 56 miles of public land in southern Arizona until January 20, 2029, citing construction hazards. The ban affects the
Florida's $15 minimum wage: a milestone that still falls short
Florida's minimum wage reached $15 an hour on September 30, 2026, following a voter-approved constitutional amendment. Yet with housing and
Miami's historic courthouse may get a 70-story neighbor to fund its future
After a failed auction, developer Russell Galbut proposes a 70-story tower beside Miami's historic courthouse. Tax revenue from the tower wo
U.S. passport applications go fully online by 2027
The U.S. State Department plans to let first-time passport applicants apply entirely online by 2027. The new system will use Login.gov, allo
NYC Rent Freeze Approved: What It Means for Your Lease
NYC's Rent Guidelines Board voted 7-1 to freeze rents for stabilized apartments, saving tenants an estimated $60 per month. The freeze appli
SpaceX and Nvidia plan orbital AI data centers by late 2027
SpaceX and Nvidia have formalized plans to deploy orbital AI data centers starting in late 2027. The network, powered by Nvidia's Vera CPUs
NYC tourist helicopter flights face legal challenge over noise and safety
Kearny, NJ, has filed a lawsuit against helicopter tour operators, citing widespread schedule violations and community noise complaints. An
New SNAP work rules put millions of Latino families at risk
New federal rules are pushing millions off SNAP, with older adults, parents of teens, and people with chronic illnesses hit hardest. Latino