By Mateo Restrepo
Colombian journalist focused on Latin American politics, opinion and the diaspora across the Americas.
New York declares Legionnaires' outbreak contained after seven deaths
New York City's Health Department has declared the Legionnaires' outbreak under control after two weeks without new cases. The outbreak clai
California loses its luster: affordability crisis drives families elsewhere
California ranks third-worst state to live in 2026 due to housing costs. Only 22% of households can afford a median-priced home, vs. 44% nat
Wisconsin's political divide turns every debate into a battleground
Wisconsin remains the nation's most closely contested state, with margins under one point since 2000. Over half of voters see the other side
New York's Luxury Towers Face Safety Scrutiny After Midtown Collapse Scare
A column failure at 235 East 42nd Street forced evacuations and street closures. Inspections at 432 Park Avenue found thousands of cracks, w
Inside Ceuta: What really awaits Moroccans after crossing into Spain's enclave
For many Moroccans, reaching Ceuta feels like arriving in Europe, but the real journey begins with a complex legal process. Most do not stay
US new home sales hit lowest level since 2017 as high rates bite
New home sales in the US dropped to their lowest annual pace since 2017 in June 2026. High mortgage rates and delayed household formation ar
New York's One Fair Price Act targets algorithmic pricing based on personal data
New York's One Fair Price Act aims to stop companies from using personal data to set individual prices. Supporters say it protects consumers
Lake Tahoe pays second-home owners to rent to local workers
South Lake Tahoe's new program pays homeowners up to $4,500 to rent out second homes to local workers. Rent caps and tenant requirements aim
Los Angeles' San Vicente Park plan targets the city's toughest intersection
The San Vicente Park Foundation wants to replace a notorious six-way intersection with a 3.2-mile greenway. The plan would cut vehicle lanes
New York's second-home tax: who pays and who escapes the surcharge
New York City's new second-home tax, effective July 1, 2026, targets high-value properties, but exemptions exist for primary residences and
Florida redirects $197M from EV chargers to flying taxi infrastructure
Florida's DOT proposes shifting $197M from EV charging stations to build 32 landing platforms for electric aircraft. Critics say the state n
LA County rents hit four-year low, but new graduates still struggle to afford housing
Los Angeles County rents have dropped to a four-year low, offering some relief in a notoriously expensive market. However, new graduates sti