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The Radio Bilingüe Latino Public Radio Network is proud to announce that today Harvard University conferred an honorary doctorate to Hugo Morales, co-founder and executive director of Radio Bilingüe, in recognition and celebration of his lifelong achievements. During the commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard president, Lawrence Bacow said of Morales: “An impassioned pathbreaker in public media, creating new spaces for voices unheard, he awakens the airways to inform and inspire, making service to others his station in life.”

Abortion has emerged as a significant factor in the midterm elections. Thanks to the Supreme Court's ruling against abortion, women's reproductive rights and the ability to decide about their bodies, many women have mobilized, and it is impacting the electoral prospects for Republicans in November, including the wives of some Republicans.

The atmosphere inside the Allen House is easygoing as residents circulate freely through the hallways, meet in group sessions, or gather on a large outdoor patio that features a dirt volleyball court with an oversize net.

Despite extraordinary snowfall this winter in the mountains that feed the Colorado River, all indications suggest that the river basin will continue to dry up, exacerbated by the climate crisis. In response, the Colorado Water Conservation Board unanimously approved a comprehensive plan following a year of public discussions. However, some Latino and indigenous leaders feel that the plan fails to include the ancestral ways of life of the region's communities. Rossana Longo-Better brings us the details from Boulder, Colorado.

In Mexico, the formerly hegemonic Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI in Spanish) lost its grip on power in the State of Mexico this week after having governed there for more than 90 years. Voters chose Delfina Gómez, a candidate from Mexico's current ruling party at the federal level, who will become the first woman to lead the most populated state in the country and one of the engines of the national economy. In other state elections, PRI candidate Manuel Jiménez swept the governorship of the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. What do these contrasting results mean? Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico...

The race for the Republican presidential nomination is once again an anti-immigration competition. Front-runners Donald Trump and Ron De Santis are vying for the title of who will be the toughest in stopping the supposed threat they say is posed by thousands of migrant families coming to the US. Latino leaders and advocates condemn the rhetoric as dangerous. José López Zamorano joins us with the details from Washington.

Thousands of Haitian immigrants have decided to make a life in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, forming a community known locally as Little Haiti. The community comprises hurricane refugees who sought asylum in the United States but were turned away as immigration policies tightened. Despite initial hostility from some Tijuanans, Haitians have become integrated into the region's labor, business, and social life. Marco Vinicio González spoke with two small businesspersons and brings us their story from Tijuana.

Three weeks after U.S. asylum laws changed, hundreds of migrants from Latin America and other regions are seeking to obtain an asylum interview appointment through an online application promoted by U.S. immigration authorities. Tired of the delays and difficulties in accessing applications, some families are considering changing their plans to live in the U.S. instead of legalizing their residency in Mexico. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez visited two shelters and reports from the border city of Tijuana.

A bipartisan agreement in the House of Representatives to raise the debt ceiling for two years is seen as a triumph for Democrats and moderate Republicans. The compromise, criticized by progressive Democrats and radical Republicans, freezes public spending levels, expands requirements for social programs, and will use unspent funds earmarked to address the pandemic, among others. The Senate has ratified the agreement and it is set to be signed by President Biden. José López Zamorano joins us with details from Washington.

The state of Colorado has just passed a pioneering law that will allow farmers to repair their farm machinery without having to rely on parts and service from the companies that sold them. This requirement, which is still in force in other states in the country, causes delays and economic losses in the agricultural sector. Yesenia Robles spoke with a farmer from the agricultural valley of San Luis who was hopeful about the benefits of the new law. She brings us this report from Denver, Colorado.

SACRAMENTO — When Gov. Gavin Newsom took office four years ago, the Democrat went after Republicans on the national stage as they sought to gut the Affordable Care Act. Key to his ambitious health care agenda: Reinstating the fine on Californians who don’t have health coverage, which had been eliminated at the federal level.

Will the Nation be Able to Pay its Bills on Time? Amid disagreements over the size of government spending cuts for the next few years, the White House and Republican congressional leaders continue to engage in frantic negotiations over the debt ceiling. As the deadline for the debt default approaches, there is still no deal in sight. José López Zamorano reports from Washington with the details on the key points of contention.

This week marked the one year anniversary of the massacre of children and teachers, most of them Latinos, at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. A year after the tragedy, grieving families are complaining about slow progress in investigations and inaction in the state legislature to impose controls on assault weapons. Feeling ignored, many in Uvalde are beginning to speak publicly for the first time, transforming their personal pain into social activism. Gerardo Guzmán reports.

The Radio Bilingüe Latino Public Radio Network is proud to announce that today Harvard University conferred an honorary doctorate to Hugo Morales, co-founder and executive director of Radio Bilingüe, in recognition and celebration of his lifelong achievements. During the commencement ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard President, Lawrence Bacow said of Morales: “An impassioned pathbreaker in public media, creating new spaces for voices unheard, he awakens the airways to inform and inspire, making service to others his ‘station’ in life.”

Studies show that gas stoves generate toxins that can cause asthma, allergies, and other illnesses. Despite concerns and strong opposition from the natural gas industry, local governments in several states have banned or suggested not installing gas access in new building construction. The federal government is also taking alternative measures. Heidi de Marco, a housewife with health problems that she says are due to indoor pollution, tells her story from Bell Gardens, California.

Nearly 100 detainees in two private immigration detention centers in California's Central Valley have been on a hunger strike for almost two weeks. The detainees are protesting against mistreatment by guards, unsanitary conditions, and labor exploitation. Lawyers and civil rights activists are calling on immigration authorities to free the detainees and address their complaints. Ruben Tapia shares the testimony of one of the hunger strikers.

COVID-era food support programs for the populations most vulnerable to starvation are being withdrawn now that the public health emergency has been declared over. In some states, political leaders are proposing that local governments continue providing food benefits for those excluded under federal law. In Oregon, legislator Ricki Ruiz, who says he has experienced the scourge of hunger, is pushing for a food-for-all law. He discusses the proposal with Chelis López. You can hear the full interview in the archives of Línea Abierta for Thursday, March 2 at radiobilingue.org.

California’s Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, serves a whopping 15.4 million people, offering care from cradle to grave: Half of all births are covered by Medi-Cal, as are more than half of all stays in nursing homes.

For three years, Bertha Embriz of San Francisco has gone without health insurance, skipping annual wellness exams and recently tolerating a broken molar by trying not to chew with it. As an immigrant without legal status, the 58-year-old unpaid caregiver knew that California’s Medicaid program was closed to her.

LGBTQ activists from across the country are gathering in San Francisco to discuss the challenges faced by this historically highly stigmatized community. Despite some successes, they currently face a national wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation in conservative states, as well as an increase in hate crimes and discrimination. Organizer Mayra Hidalgo Salazar spoke with Chelis López about these challenges and how activists are preparing overcome them. This is a summary of their conversation. You can listen to the full interview in the archives of Línea Abierta for Thursday, February 23rd, at radiobilingue.org.

The Biden administration has proposed its most radical policy to restrict access to asylum in the U.S. by those who have passed through a third country and facilitate their deportation. The plan, which must go through a period of public consultation, has sparked a wave of outrage among Democratic lawmakers, activists, and immigration lawyers. They call it a repetition of the anti-immigrant policies of the Trump era. José López Zamorano joins us with the details from Washington.

Por conspiración, tráfico de estupefacientes y mentir al gobierno estadunidense declaran culpable a Genaro García Luna, Secretario de Seguridad del entonces presidente Felipe Calderón. De 20 años de cárcel hasta cadena perpetua pudiera ser la sentencia, en un juicio que develó las corruptelas al más alto nivel de la llamada guerra contra el narcotráfico. Marco Vinicio González registró las primeras reacciones de unas familias víctimas de los carteles, y sobre la demanda para que continúen las investigaciones en ambos países y nos reporta desde Nueva York.

The “polycrisis” is an emerging term working its way into the parlance of lawmakers and global decisionmakers, from elite universities to the meeting rooms at Davos. The term is broad in its definition; almost amoeba like, it morphs to envelop the many challenges confronting humanity, from climate catastrophe to poverty, hunger, war, mass migration and the decline of democracy.

All day and sometimes into the night, buses and vans pull up to three state-funded medical screening centers near California’s southern border with Mexico. Federal immigration officers unload migrants predominantly from Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, and Peru, most of whom await asylum hearings in the United States.

Union-aligned Democrats were set to introduce legislation Wednesday mandating a statewide $25 minimum wage for health workers and support staffers, likely setting up a pitched battle with hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis clinics.

After a month of trial for conspiracy, drug trafficking, and lying to the U.S. government, the fate of Genaro Garcia Luna, the security strategist for the administration of Felipe's Calderón, is in the hands of a jury of seven women and five men. If convicted, he could face 20 years to life in prison, but if the jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict, Garcia Luna could be released from his sentence. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez spoke with Mexican experts about the trial and its implications for anti-drug efforts in Mexico and the United States. He reports from the scene of...

In the northwestern state of Washington, a bill is being discussed that would modify recent overtime pay rules for its farm workers. The initiative, led by a Republican legislator, proposes that for 12 weeks a year, employers pay time and a half after 50 hours of work per week. The initiative is opposed by worker's rights advocates who negotiated with employers that next year they would pay overtime after 40 hours per week. Johanna Bejarano reports from Richland, Washington, with the details on this heated debate.

Almost one billion dollars of public and private funds will be invested in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, according to a recent announcement by Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke to a group of businessmen in the capital city of Washington. The investment is the second phase of a mega-million dollar plan to develop the impoverished Central American region and reduce migration to the United States. The announcement was greeted with caution by academics in the region who urge oversight of resources and recommend listening to the voices of migrants. Maria Martin joins us from Guatemala with the details.

When covid-19 vaccines became available, Colorado public health officials initially relied on mass vaccination events publicized through Facebook, email, and texts, and required Coloradans to book appointments online. But when that go-big strategy drove large disparities in who was getting vaccinated, public health departments in the Denver area decided to go small instead.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing an initiative to ensure that all students in the state's public schools have access to free, healthy meals. The Healthy School Meals for All bill is currently under discussion. Education official Dr. Peacock Villada shares some details of the proposal, which seeks to help working families with food insecurity. You can listen to the full interview in the archives of Linea Abierta for Thursday, February 9 at radiobilingüe.org.

Every year, California sprays millions of pounds of pesticides on its agricultural fields that are harmful to health. Farm workers and rural residents are the most exposed to the chemicals, and primarily Latinos and other ethnic groups. But next year the risks could be reduced when a system of virtual alerts is deployed before spraying. Such a system is the result of activism by affected individuals like farm worker Zaydee Sanchez, whose health was harmed by pesticide exposure. This research report on pesticides is part of the Palabra project and Environmental Health News.

In his second State of the Union address and amid boos from some Republicans, President Biden highlighted his economic accomplishments and called on Republicans to embrace a common agenda, but made it clear that he will not allow cuts to Social Security or Medicare. Subsequent polls gave Biden high marks and breathing room for his possible run for a second term. However, "Dreamer" immigrant activists were disappointed by the scant attention he paid to the issue of immigration. José López Zamorano joins us with the details from Washington.

States are preparing to remove millions of people from Medicaid as protections put in place early in the covid-19 pandemic expire.

175 years ago, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially ended the Mexican-American War, doubled the size of the U.S. territory, and forever changed the lives of Mexicans north of the Rio Grande. On this anniversary of the treaty, veteran Chicano intellectuals and activists reflect on the significance and validity of the treaty's guarantees for the Mexican people in the occupied territories. Writer Armando Rendón, author of the seminal book Manifiesto Chicano, says the treaty is still a living document and puts his argument to the test by taking it to the United Nations Human Rights Council. In contrast, pioneering civil...

In the deserts of Southern California, an unprecedented alliance is forming to make better use of water in times of extreme drought. Organized farmworkers and Native American leaders are joining forces with a private nonprofit to serve communities deprived of clean water and find new ways to farm amid the threat of climate change. Maria Echaveste, head of the water management company Cadiz, says they are using new technology to harness the water that is being lost. The FIELD institute for farm workers will provide training on better soil and water management and alternative planting methods. Adonis Galarza is its...

With less than two years to go before the 2024 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump has announced his candidacy for president by criticizing the Biden administration for its handling of immigrants at the border with Mexico. Republican lawmakers and governors have echoed Trump's campaign message. Latino activists and members of Congress are kicking off this election season with new efforts to register Latino voters. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

Durante las próximas semanas, los republicanos de la Cámara de Representantes de los comités Judicial y de Supervisión lanzarán su nueva andanada de agresiones como parte de su teatro político para mostrar cuán intensos son sus intolerantes y antinmigrantes ataques. Si bien algunos consideran estas audiencias como un simple acto para las cámaras, la realidad es que se deberían atender con mucha más seriedad.

Guatemala is beginning an electoral process amid doubts about the independence and credibility of the electoral authority in this impoverished Central American country. Campaigning will go on for five months as dozens of political parties, mainly conservative, compete for the presidency, seats in congress, and numerous local posts. Top campaign issues include insecurity, unemployment, corruption, and voting abroad. María Martin reports from Guatemala.

Gun deaths are on the rise in the country and Latinos are suffering some of the worst consequences. Although California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, residents continue to be rocked by mass shootings. A recent survey shows that while immigrants are concerned about gun violence, few express a desire to buy guns while others see gun ownership as an option to protect their families. Heidi de Marco of Kaiser Health News reports on the debate from Los Angeles.

The police killing of a young activist who was protesting the construction of a huge police training center in Atlanta has sparked violent demonstrations in the city. Authorities claim that the slain environmental activist, Manuel Esteban Páez, a Venezuelan immigrant fired a gun as police were clearing out the camp where they were protesting. His fellow activists are demanding an independent investigation. Gerardo Guzmán joins us with the details from Atlanta.

This week, the United States reached its national debt ceiling, and if Congress fails to reach a deal, the economy could go into crisis. Congress usually authorizes raising the debt limit. But this time, Republicans who control the House are demanding deep cuts in government spending, including Social Security. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

Los republicanos de la cámara baja preparan un juicio de destitución contra el secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Alejandro Mayorkas. Además, el secretario Mayorkas anunció nuevas protecciones contra la deportación para los trabajadores víctimas de abuso laboral. Sobre estos oportunos temas nacionales comentó el líder de feligresías cristianas de Estados Unidos, Gabriel Salguero (GS), en plática con Chelis López (CL).

The recent waves of winter storms in California plunged numerous Latino farmers who rent plots of land into flooding and devastation. Despite an early presidential declaration for the affected counties, emergency aid will take time to arrive. In the meantime, what will happen to the affected farmers' fields? Rubén Tapia brings us this report.

Mike Thomson’s friends refuse to stay over at his house anymore.

President Biden declared a state of emergency in California due to the onslaught of succesive winter storms. The state continues to suffer from torrential rains, overflowing rivers, towns under water, downed trees, massive power outages, and mudslides. So far, 19 deaths have been reported. Millions of inhabitants are still at risk of flooding and under evacuation warnings. Ruben Tapia reports on the weather disaster.

The annual commemoration of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr began this week in Atlanta with a call for more fraternity and solidarity in communities throughout the world. Gerardo Guzmán spoke with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the celebrated hero, who is keeping her father's message of equality alive as director of the King Center.

Migration, security, environment and the fight against fentanyl production and trafficking were some of the issues addressed by the heads of state of Mexico, the United States and Canada at the tenth North American Leaders' Summit this week in Mexico City. Aside from the cordial exchanges, what were the real agreements? Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico City.

With the arrival of the new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Hispanic caucus of congressional Democrats warn that an "anti-Latino" agenda is on the horizon. According to Latino lawmakers, that agenda includes cutting social programs to finance raising the debt ceiling and tightening immigration and asylum policies. José López Zamorano reports from Washington.

A year ago, fierce winds unexpectedly unleashed the most destructive fire in Colorado's history. The fire started in the forest and quickly spread to the urban area, causing the evacuation of thousands, two deaths, the destruction of more than a thousand homes and structures, and multi-million dollar losses. A year after the disaster, only a handful of victims have managed to rebuild their homes. What obstacles are they facing? Rossana Longo-Better reports from Boulder, Colorado, the disaster zone.

Faced with a backlog of millions of political asylum cases and pressure from a wave of new immigrants arriving at the southern border, the Biden administration has taken special measures. Federal authorities have given more decision-making power to border agents and prosecutors in immigration courts. These measures were described as “bittersweet” by specialist Ariadna Rentería on our program Línea Abierta. You can listen to the full interview in the archives of Línea Abierta from Tuesday, January 3rd, at radiobilingue.org.

Mexican freelance journalist Laura Castellanos was recognized this fall with the Maria Moors Cabot Award. The award, given by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York, is the oldest international journalism prize in the world. It was presented to the Mexican writer and reporter for "her courage in doing her work under conditions of adversity and violence." Raúl Silva has this report from Mexico City.

A young blogger has become a social media sensation for his traditional recipes and pastries from the land of his Mexican grandparents. With that encouragement, Esteban Castillo has written two books of the recipes and tips he publishes in his blogs with photo illustrations. Castillo was interviewed by Melissa Montalvo, a reporter for the Fresno Bee and part of the Central Valley News Collaborative. This report was prepared by Ruben Tapia.

The Democratic-controlled Congress is ending its term without passing permanent immigration relief for immigrants with DACA and TPS status and farmworkers. The chances of passing immigration reform are more remote now that Republicans are in control of the House of Representatives. Still, some say that all is not lost for the undocumented. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

"Corrido de amor y gloria" (A Ballad of Love and Glory) is the title of a new historical novel set in the mid-19th century, when the United States invaded Mexico and took over more than half of its territory. Its author, the Mexican-Californian writer Reyna Grande, a native of Guerrero, delivers a love story between a young Mexican healer who served as a nurse on the battlefield and an Irish soldier who deserted the U.S. Army and went to fight on the side of the Mexicans. Raúl Silva spoke with Reyna Grande about the novel.

In a packed auditorium on a rainy day, Congresswoman and community activist Karen Bass was sworn in as Mayor of Los Angeles, becoming the first woman to lead the city. In a sign of the national importance of the event, Vice President Kamala Harris swore Bass into office. In her inaugural address, Bass promised to declare a state of emergency in the city over the homeless crisis. Ruben Tapia has this report from Los Angeles.

In California's Central Valley: Although more than half of Fresno County's residents are Latino and many students have difficulty speaking English, its public libraries have a very low inventory of Spanish-language books. Officials from the Mexican Consulate are offering to lend a hand to address the shortage of literature and educational materials. Lucia Diaz, a news reporter for The Fresno Bee and part of the Central Valley News Collaborative, reports.

In a historic move, President Biden has signed into law a bill shielding same-sex and interracial marriage rights. The law provides federal protections for these marriages to guard against challenges by the conservative majority of the Supreme Court. It also prohibits discrimination against same-sex marriages. This comes at a time when the LGBTQ community is recovering from the trauma of a nightclub massacre in the state of Colorado that is considered a hate crime. Mayra Hidalgo Salazar, deputy director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, speaks with Chelis Lopez about the landmark law.

Faced with the alarming increase of hate crimes in Los Angeles County, authorities have launched a campaign to counteract it. Through the "Los Angeles Against Hate" campaign, leaders are encouraging citizens to call a confidential hotline and file complaints. In addition, through virtual sessions, the organizers are urging those affected, mostly from non-white and gender diverse communities, to actively participate in defusing and preventing such violence. Ruben Tapia reports from Los Angeles.

Up to two million immigrants known as Dreamers could be legalized if ten Republican senators support the proposal agreed upon by Democrat Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Thom Tillis. The bill— negotiated behind closed doors—proposes to increase border security, speed up deportations, and expedite asylum applications, among other things. With few days left in the current legislative session, the authors of the agreement are urgently seeking support on both sides of the aisle. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

Historic voter turnout in Georgia's big cities handed the last contested U.S. Senate seat to Democrat Raphael Warnok. Some attribute this narrow Democratic victory in a Republican-dominated state to the sweep of new coalitions among communities of color. Gerardo Guzmán reports from Atlanta on the role that Latinos played in the Democratic victory in this special runoff election.

In a festive atmosphere, more than a million supporters of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador flooded the capital city's central plaza and surrounding streets to hear his fourth government report. During his speech, AMLO detailed his social and infrastructure programs. He also gave a new name to his style of government: Mexican Humanism. Meanwhile, his opponents claimed that the mass mobilization was a reaction to another big recent march in defense of the electoral institute. Citlalli Saenz reports from Mexico City.

With less than a week to go before the runoff election in Georgia's Senate race, the state is again seeing historic levels of enthusiasm among voters. The mobilization has been highest among those 55 and older in Democratic areas, but turnout has been lower for independents and younger voters. What are Latino activists and Democrats doing to get these constituents to the polls, and who will benefit if they go out and vote? Reporting from Atlanta, Gerardo Guzman explores these questions.

Under intense pressure to act before the House of Representatives gets a Republican majority in January, Democratic legislators and activists are mobilizing to pass a bill in December that would provide relief to Dreamers, TPS beneficiaries, and farm workers. To do this, Democrats need to win the support of ten Republican Senators in a matter of days. Although there is some optimism after a bipartisan measure was passed to protect gay marriages, immigration could be put on the back burner due to the urgency of avoiding a government shutdown. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

The recognition is granted by Radio Educación on each anniversary of its founding by the then Secretary of Education José Vasconcelos in 1924 to individuals and institutions "that have contributed, in a consistent and relevant way, to the construction of public service in radio broadcasting... through initiatives that have been of notorious influence or relevance for the development of public media in Mexico or the world.”

A man armed with a high-powered rifle and handgun stormed into an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs last week, killing five and wounding at least 18. He was eventually subdued by two unarmed patrons. The massacre, perpetrated while patrons were enjoying a show on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, is widely seen as an attack inspired by political hate speech. Ruben Tapia reports on the vigils and other reactions in Colorado and across the nation.

A man armed with a high-powered rifle and handgun stormed into an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs last week, killing five and wounding at least 18. He was eventually subdued by two unarmed patrons. The massacre, perpetrated while patrons were enjoying a show on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, is widely seen as an attack inspired by political hate speech. Ruben Tapia reports on the vigils and other reactions in Colorado and across the nation.

Control of the US Congress and President Biden’s agenda for the next two years, as well as dozens of governorships, are at stake. Amid threats of violence and incidents of voter intimidation, almost 40 million votes were cast nationwide up to this weekend. Pre-election voting is exceeding the 2018 levels in key states. Latinos’ growing power in this election is fueled by the record number of young citizens who turn 18 and the newly-naturalized citizens. News correspondents give an overview of the last efforts to mobilize and defend the Latino vote in the most critical states, including Georgia, Arizona, Nevada...

The crucial races in Arizona for the U.S. Senate and the governor's office are at a virtual tie on the eve of the election. The Latino vote is widely seen as the key vote, and groups of young activist "Dreamers" are out in the neighborhoods encouraging undecided voters to head to the polls. Maritza Felix reports from Phoenix.

In Georgia, as in other critical states, a dirty war of disinformation has emerged ahead of the mid-term elections. Just days before Election Day, a Spanish-language campaign targeting Latino voters circulated in that southern state with messages full of transphobic myths. Gerardo Guzmán reports on who is behind this toxic strategy and how Latinos have embraced early voting, exceeding expectations for turnout despite the confusion.

With the midterm elections just days away, polls show that Nevada, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia could define not only which party controls the Senate, but also the governorships and the balance of power ahead of the 2024 presidential election. According to polls, while Latino support for Democrats is now higher than ever, in some states, that support has been eroding, causing some campaigns to ramp up their appeals to this electorate in their closing events. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

In the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, two incumbent members of congress are facing off in a tight race to represent a newly created district. Representative Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat twice re-elected to office, faces Republican Mayra Flores, the first Mexican immigrant woman in Congress, who has been in office for just four months after winning a special election and was endorsed by former President Trump. With big money and dirty tactics in their campaigns, both candidates are vying for the increasingly critical Latino vote. Mariana Pineda reports from Houston.

To address the critical shortage of affordable housing, Colorado voters will weigh in on a ballot measure known as Proposition 123. If it it passes, a small portion of property taxes will be dedicated to building rental units and helping low-income people with down payments. The few opponents of Prop 123 argue that the private sector should take care of the problem. Rossana Longo-Better reports from Boulder, Colorado.

In California, the drought, which has been exacerbated by climate change, has triggered alarming levels of valley fever cases. This is a dangerous disease caused by an infectious fungus that affects mostly residents of the US Southwest, and particularly farm workers. This was revealed by a recent study by university researchers and California health authorities. Bringing us the details is Heidi de Marco, a reporter for Kaiser Health News.

In the final stretch of the Los Angeles mayoral race for Los Angeles, the nation’s second largest city, Congresswoman Karen Bass is hoping to become the first African American woman to hold this office and her rival, real estate billionaire Rick Caruso, announces that his record as a Republican, then Independent and now Democrat positions him as an outsider. Issues that candidates have addressed in local debates include policing, and the homelessness crisis. In Los Angeles, Ruben Tapia visited both campaigns and reports on this close race.

The increase in newly naturalized U.S. voters from Venezuela, Colombia, and other countries in Latin America could be decisive for a Republican victory in Florida, according to a recent poll. Gerardo Guzmán tried to find out what’s bringing these voters to the polls and spoke with a new U.S. citizen from Venezuela who will soon vote for the first time. Meanwhile, citizens’ groups are stepping up their efforts, especially in areas devastated by Hurricane Ian.

With the general election nearly two weeks away, polls show a catastrophic scenario for the Democrats. The Republicans are aiming to secure control of the House and Senate, with the help of conservative Latino candidates and robust advertising campaigns. How do observers explain the threat of failure that is looming over Democrats? José López Zamorano reports from Washington, DC.

Initiatives that will be put before voters in the California ballot this Nov. 8 include enshrining abortion as a right in the California state constitution and having the wealthy foot the bill to boost purchases of electric cars and help fight fires. These are just two of seven proposals. Rubén Tapia reports from Los Ángeles on the pros and cons of these two proposals, which have sparked national interest.

Los Angeles is shaken by political upheaval because of a leaked audio recording in which three influential Latino City Council members can be heard making racist comments insulting African-Americans, Oaxacan Indians, gays, Jews, and Armenians. In the meeting, secretly recorded a year ago, the councilpersons were discussing the apportionment of the city's political map and appear to be trying to dilute the strength of Black districts.

With less than a month to go before the midterm elections on Nov. 8, Latino leaders are launching a campaign to identify and counter messages that are aimed at misinforming Latino voters. Organizers warn that there are shady interests that are spreading misleading messages, mainly on social networks, that try to confuse citizens and prevent them from voting. José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision that overturned the landmark case guaranteeing abortion rights, Los Angeles County has unanimously approved a resolution aimed at preserving that right. The measure creates a pilot project to expand reproductive services and abortion to women in California and other states, including undocumented women. Rubén Tapia reports from Los Angeles and brings us the details.

Immigration, abortion rights and gun violence were the hottest issues that opened the first and only debate between candidates for governor in Texas. The race between Republican Greg Abbott, who is seeking re-election, and his Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke, is the closest in decades. Gerardo Guzmán presents a summary of the highlights of the debate.

The aftermath of the intense hurricane and wildfire season will be on the minds of voters during the midterm elections in November. Latino voters report that climate change became one of their top five issues of interest. What does this mean for the candidates' agenda in the regions most affected by recent climate disasters? José López Zamorano brings us the details from Washington.

With just over a month to go before the November elections, the major political campaigns in Texas are turning their gaze to Latino voters. Democratic strategists are focusing their attention on new young voters. Meanwhile, Republicans have managed to get Latina candidates on the ballot in important congressional races. Just how sizable are these last-minute attempts by campaigns to win the attention of Latinos? Mariana Pineda reports from Houston.

Every year, the United States declares National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the culture and contributions of Latinos to the nation. However, a recent survey shows that a large number of Latinos in the country, including millions of essential workers, are living on the brink of bankruptcy. In response, economists and activists are calling on the government and banks to improve access to credit and financial counseling. José López Zamorano brings details from Washington.

Hurricane Ian has passed through Florida, leaving in its wake a trail of destroyed homes, streets, powerlines, and trees. Large areas remained without power, Internet, water, and sewer services. Local governments and community groups are managing overcrowded shelters and beginning to count the number of dead and injured. President Biden called Ian the most devastating hurricane in the state's history and pledged all federal aid, after declaring the affected counties a disaster area. Rubén Tapia brings us this report.

Scientists, doctors, and pathologists are questioning the Sacramento County coroner’s conclusion that Lori McClintock’s death was related to white mulberry, a plant that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries — and one that the coroner’s botanical consultant called “not toxic” in a letter to her office.

As California's wildfires become more frequent and intense, many children are experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety. To address this, officials plan to offer mental health services in shelters during emergencies. Heidi de Marco, a reporter for Kaiser Health News, spoke with two teenage sisters who went through this dramatic experience and brings their story from Sonoma, a city north of San Francisco.

To reduce the risk of wildfires, the city of Boulder, Colorado, has built a solar garden for a mobile home park for low-income residents located near the forest. Meanwhile, the neighboring city of Denver is funding a pilot program of solar energy cooperatives in neighborhoods affected by pollution. Rossana Longo-Better reports from Boulder.