By Rafael Quintero
Senior political reporter with bylines from Caracas, Bogota and Washington, focused on the new Latin American diplomacy.
SSI couples can receive up to $17,892 in 2026 after COLA boost
The Social Security Administration raised the maximum SSI payment for couples to $1,491 per month in 2026, totaling $17,892 annually. This f
Hurricane Polo's remnants bring flood threat to Texas and Arizona
Hurricane Polo's remnants are triggering heavy rainfall and flood warnings across the Southwest. Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado fa
California's CalHeatScore tool maps extreme heat risk by ZIP code
California's new CalHeatScore tool lets residents check extreme heat risk by ZIP code. It's part of the state's updated Extreme Heat Action
Hurricane Polo's moisture targets California: flood risks and emergency response
Hurricane Polo is moving toward Baja California, with tropical moisture expected to drench California and the Southwest. Up to 10 inches of
Texas counselor convicted in $26M military insurance fraud scheme
A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted Kevin Curry of nine counts of healthcare fraud, kickbacks, and money laundering. Curry billed TRICARE
New York faces twin climate threats: rising seas and rural drought
New York is battling two climate crises at once: rising sea levels threatening coastal communities and severe droughts hitting rural farms.
Staten Island woman earns $4K reward for reporting illegal dumping
A Staten Island woman received a $4,000 reward for reporting illegal dumping in her neighborhood. The city's tip program, active since the 1
USDA recalls 167,000 pounds of meat over fake inspection labels
The USDA has issued a Class I recall for more than 167,000 pounds of raw meat distributed without federal inspection. The products may still
California's Tulare Lake returns after 130 years, then fades again
Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, vanished in the 1890s. In 2023, extreme storms brought it back, cover
Singapore's Leader Earns More Than Six World Powers Combined
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earns $2.85M a year, more than the combined salaries of leaders from the US, Canada, and other majo
California's Farm to School program becomes permanent with new law
California's school meals are getting a permanent upgrade. Governor Newsom signed SB 172, making the Farm to School program a lasting fixtur
SNAP benefits rise Oct. 1: What Latino families can expect
Starting Oct. 1, SNAP maximum benefits rise, with a family of four eligible for up to $1,023 a month. Actual amounts vary by income and expe