By Rafael Quintero
Senior political reporter with bylines from Caracas, Bogota and Washington, focused on the new Latin American diplomacy.
NYC invests $284M in quantum tech hub to train thousands of students
New York City is investing $284 million in a quantum technology hub at 770 Broadway. The facility will train thousands of CUNY and NYU stude
New York measles outbreak spreads silently in rural communities
New York's measles outbreak is spreading in rural counties with low vaccination rates, and health officials say official case counts may mis
Massive crack threatens California's Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach
A massive crack has opened in the cliffs above the Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, prompting emergency lane cl
New Jersey homeowners face Nov. 2 deadline for property tax relief
New Jersey homeowners have until Nov. 2, 2026 to apply for property tax relief through ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze. Eligible resident
Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis revives questions about his past
Pope Leo XIV underwent emergency surgery for lung cancer in Rome. The Vatican says he never smoked, but the diagnosis raises questions about
NYC debt relief program wipes out interest on unpaid fines
NYC's Debt Demolisher program offers 100% interest forgiveness and steep discounts on unpaid fines. Eligible property owners and small busin
New York's $1,800 newborn benefit: act within 90 days
New York's BABY benefit offers $1,800 per newborn, but parents must apply within 90 days of birth. The payment applies to babies born on or
US health alert: drug-resistant shigella spreads through sex, CDC warns
The CDC reports a rise in extensively drug-resistant shigella, a sexually transmitted infection causing severe diarrhea. Over a third of cas
El Niño Winter Forecast: Big Weather Surprises Across the US
NOAA forecasts an 83% chance of a strong or very strong El Niño by early 2027. Expect heavy snow in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, but rain
California coast braces for record El Niño waves and dangerous rip currents
The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings for California's coast as El Niño drives 16-foot waves and dangerous rip currents. O
California's Scott River runs dry during salmon run, sparking water war
The Scott River in Northern California is drying up at the worst possible time for salmon. Farmers and tribes clash over water use as regula
California's economy outpaces Texas, Florida, and New York in 2025 growth
California's real GDP grew 3.5% in 2025, outpacing Texas and Florida (2.8%) and New York (2.5%). Manufacturing alone contributed $391 billio