By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
California mining project near Wrightwood sparks community fight
Residents of Wrightwood, California, discovered a massive mining project planned 4.2 miles away, approved in 2019 with little public notice.
New York's largest data center plan faces local resistance in Alabama
Alabama, New York, a town of 1,800, is at the center of a $19.5B data center proposal. Local officials say the state's pause doesn't stop th
NYC nor'easter damage: how to report losses and seek aid
New York City residents and business owners can now report nor'easter damage through the official portal. The city and state have set up hot
Florida's Tax Haven Lure: How Billionaires Are Reshaping Miami, Palm Beach, and Naples
Florida's absence of state income and capital gains taxes is drawing billionaires to Miami, Palm Beach, and Naples. The influx is reshaping
Miami Beach e-bike and scooter rules bring $129 fines starting 2027
Miami Beach has approved new regulations for e-bikes and scooters, including mandatory helmets, lights, and brakes. Riders face a $129 fine
NYC nor'easter brings coastal flood alerts to Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island
Coastal flood alerts are in effect for low-lying NYC neighborhoods as a nor'easter brings heavy rain and strong winds. Officials urge reside
Super El Niño threatens California's coast with erosion, cliff collapses, and flooding
A Super El Niño is set to hit California's coast with a triple threat: beach erosion, cliff collapses, and coastal flooding. San Diego's ico
Hurricane Polo's California Threat: Coastal Risks Beyond the Storm's Path
Hurricane Polo, a Category 4 storm, is churning in the Pacific with a rare pressure band, raising concerns for California's coast. While the
Bill Gates urges federal oversight as AI autonomy raises fears of losing control
Bill Gates says corporate self-regulation is not enough to manage AI risks. He warns of rising unemployment and loss of human oversight. Gat
October 2026 Social Security: Three payments for some, early checks for others
Dual beneficiaries receive three Social Security payments in October 2026, including an early November SSI check. Retirement payments shift
DoorDash pays $131.5M to NYC couriers after wage errors
DoorDash will pay $131.5M to resolve NYC wage violations, with $115M going to 264,000 couriers. The settlement follows a city investigation
NYC driver turns shame sticker on sanitation truck in parking protest
A frustrated NYC driver peeled off a parking violation sticker and slapped it on a Sanitation Department car. The act highlights growing ang