By Rafael Quintero
Senior political reporter with bylines from Caracas, Bogota and Washington, focused on the new Latin American diplomacy.
Six US hospitals halt gender-affirming care for minors after federal deals
Six major US hospitals, including NYU Langone and UPMC, have agreed to end gender-affirming care for minors. The deals with the Justice Depa
California HOA fees may rise under new reserve fund bill
California's Assembly Bill 2050 would require HOAs to conduct 30-year reserve studies and maintain fully funded accounts. Starting in 2032,
California declares emergency as Super El Niño looms for winter
California has declared a statewide emergency ahead of a potentially historic Super El Niño. Forecasters see a 75% chance of record strength
Texas secures $12B in Medicaid funds, but distribution challenges loom
Texas has secured nearly $12 billion in federal Medicaid funding after months of negotiations. The funds aim to expand coverage and moderniz
Florida grocery store faces penalties after inspectors find pests and unsafe temperatures
A routine inspection at a Winn-Dixie in Hallandale Beach uncovered live cockroaches near the seafood section and dairy units running above s
NYC West Nile cases surge past last year as officials step up mosquito control
New York City has confirmed over 30 West Nile virus cases this season, exceeding last year's total of 18. Brooklyn leads with 11 infections,
New York's $200 energy rebate checks start arriving in mailboxes
New York is mailing $200 energy rebate checks to eligible residents starting September 21. Payments continue through December, and no applic
Amy's Kitchen closes Santa Rosa plant, cutting 207 jobs in phased shutdown
Amy's Kitchen is closing its Santa Rosa factory, affecting 207 workers. Production will shift to Oregon and Idaho, with layoffs beginning in
FBI warns of tradwife dating app scheme targeting ICE agents
An FBI memo warns that fake tradwife profiles on dating apps may be used to expose ICE agents. The scheme allegedly aims to dox federal offi
Texas homeowners get relief as Abbott bans price optimization
Texas home insurance premiums have surged 79% in six years, straining families. Governor Greg Abbott's new measures ban price optimization a
California classic car owners get relief under Jay Leno's new law
Governor Newsom signed SB 1392, exempting classic cars from smog checks. The law phases in from 2028, covering models up to 1985 by 2033. Ow
Antarctic ozone hole shrinks to historic low in 2025, WMO confirms
The Antarctic ozone hole reached one of its smallest sizes on record in 2025, according to the WMO. This marks the second consecutive year o