By Rafael Quintero
Senior political reporter with bylines from Caracas, Bogota and Washington, focused on the new Latin American diplomacy.
Texas food trucks face new state permits and possible CDL rules
Texas mobile food vendors will need a state permit from July 2026. Some drivers may also require a commercial driver's license. New rules ai
Measles outbreak in US costs billions as cases hit 35-year high
The US is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with 2,777 cases reported this year. Each patient costs an average of $43,204 in med
California heat wave: where to cool off and when relief arrives
California is under an extreme heat warning with temperatures up to 112°F in some valleys. Cooling centers are open across dozens of countie
New Jersey real estate fraud leaves 2,000 investors out of millions
Federal authorities say National Realty Investment Advisors defrauded 2,000 investors of more than $650 million. The FBI is offering a $150,
SNAP soda limits cut purchases but fuel stigma for Latino families
Recent federal limits on sugary drinks in SNAP have cut soda purchases by 12%, according to University of Chicago and MIT research. But advo
Florida restricts cash assistance purchases for families
Florida's new rules bar cash assistance recipients from buying tobacco, drugs, adult content, and entertainment. The state says the focus is
Long Beach raid nets 23 illegal guns, fentanyl, and $100K in cash
FBI and local police arrested Charles Burns after seizing 23 illegal guns, ghost guns, ammunition, drugs, and $100K in cash from a Long Beac
Venice, Los Angeles weighs fines for long-vacant properties
Venice, Los Angeles is considering fines for owners of properties vacant over six months. The proposal aims to ease the housing crisis and r
NYPD probes mysterious manhole appearances near Penn Station
NYPD is investigating footage of individuals emerging from a manhole near Penn Station in Manhattan. Authorities suspect they're searching f
Brooklyn Bridge vendors push out licensed veterans amid city inaction
Nearly 42 unlicensed vendors crowd the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, blocking pedestrians and bike lanes. Licensed disabled veterans say they can
Florida's coast gets a climate-resilient makeover
Florida is deploying 3D-printed living seawalls, elevated housing, and sponge parks to combat rising seas. These projects aim to protect coa
California families can erase up to $8,000 in electric debt with this plan
Southern California Edison's Arrearage Management Plan can wipe out up to $8,000 in past-due electric bills for qualifying households. To be