Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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Mexico leads Latin American charge as World Cup enters decisive stage

Erik Chávez battles for the ball and builds the play; in the inset, the ball crosses the line for Mexico's opening goal against the Czech Republic. Video capture: El Reportero/Fox Sports/FIFA. México encabeza el avance latinoamericano mientras el Mundial entra en etapa decisiva

by the El Reportero staff

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached a turning point, and for millions of Hispanic fans, the tournament is delivering drama, pride and a clear reason to keep watching.

Host nation Mexico has become one of the tournament’s biggest stories. El Tri opened the World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, then defeated South Korea 1-0 on June 18 before closing Group A with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on June 24. Mateo Chávez opened the scoring in the 55th minute, Julián Quiñones doubled the lead in the 61st minute, and Álvaro Fidalgo added a stoppage-time goal to complete Mexico’s perfect group-stage campaign. The unbeaten run sent El Tri into the Round of 32 without conceding a goal and revived national hopes that this team can finally break its long “fifth game” barrier.

Colombia has also given its fans plenty to celebrate. Los Cafeteros opened Group K with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on June 17 at Mexico City Stadium, then secured its place in the last 32 by beating DR Congo 1-0 on June 23 in Guadalajara, with Daniel Muñoz scoring the decisive goal in the 76th minute.

Julián Quiñones (16) taps the ball into the net for Mexico’s second goal as Mateo Chávez (2), who scored the opener, follows the play against Czechia at Estadio Azteca.

Argentina, the defending champion, advanced after defeating Austria 2-0 on June 22 at Dallas Stadium, where Lionel Messi again became the center of attention with another historic performance. Brazil, after a slow start, responded with authority, beating Haiti 3-0 on June 19 and Scotland 3-0 on June 24 to finish first in Group C.

One of the most emotional Latin American moments came June 25, when Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 at the New York/New Jersey stadium. After falling behind in the second minute, Ecuador answered through Nilson Angulo and won it with a late goal from Gonzalo Plata, earning a place in the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams.

The tournament now moves from survival to elimination. Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador remain alive, while Uruguay faces Spain on June 26 (when this edition is published) and Colombia meets Portugal on June 27 in matches that could reshape the bracket.

For Hispanic fans across the Americas, the World Cup has become more than a scoreboard. It is a rolling celebration of identity, rivalry and hope — with Latin America still very much in the fight.

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Study links higher Vitamin C levels to better brain structure in older adults

by Coco Somers

A study published in PLOS ONE has identified an association between higher blood levels of vitamin C and healthier brain structure in older adults, according to researchers. The observational study, led by Tomohiro Shintaku of Hirosaki University, examined 2,044 participants in Hirosaki City, Japan, with an average age of 69.

Researchers measured vitamin C concentrations from blood samples taken after an overnight fast, then used MRI scans to assess gray matter volume and structural connectivity of the default mode network, a brain system involved in memory and cognitive function. The analysis adjusted for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and other lifestyle variables.

Methods and key findings

The data came from the Iki-Iki Health Promotion Project, a community-based study of dementia and heart disease risk factors in Hirosaki City, according to the report. Participants were 61 percent female, and the final sample included just over 2,000 residents who met all criteria.

The researchers found that lower vitamin C levels correlated with lower brain tissue volumes and weaker structural network patterns, even after controlling for potential confounders. The study reported that older adults with higher vitamin C levels had greater gray matter volume and stronger connectivity in the default mode network.

The association remained significant after accounting for factors such as age, smoking habits, and diabetes, according to the report. The researchers noted that measuring vitamin C in blood provided a more accurate assessment than relying on dietary surveys.

Limitations and expert caution

The study is observational and cross-sectional, meaning it cannot establish cause and effect, Shintaku noted. Limitations include reliance on a single blood measurement per participant and the potential influence of unmeasured factors such as body mass index and socioeconomic status.

Dung Trinh, an internal medicine physician and founder of the Healthy Brain Clinic, commented to Medical News Today that the study “does not prove that vitamin C prevents cognitive decline or that taking supplements will improve brain health.” He said it is “best viewed as a signal that vitamin C status may be one piece of a much larger brain-health picture.”

Broader context and dietary implications

The researchers emphasized that humans cannot synthesize vitamin C and must obtain it from diet. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables, according to the study authors. Previous research has linked dietary patterns to brain health. The MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizes such foods and has been associated with reduced dementia risk.

Other studies have examined individual nutrients. One large UK Biobank analysis with over 9,000 participants suggested vitamin C is one of several factors influencing brain health, according to the researchers. Additionally, research on mushrooms has found that older adults who consume more mushrooms have a significantly lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Lifestyle factors such as meditation have also been associated with preserved gray matter volume, according to research cited in the book 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Age-Related Memory Loss. Similarly, UCLA researchers have reported that people who meditated regularly had larger volumes of gray matter in brain regions related to memory and emotions. The reviewers of the current study cautioned that the findings may not generalize to other populations because the participants were almost all older Japanese adults.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking nutrition to brain aging, but further research is needed to clarify any causal role. The study authors indicated that maintaining adequate vitamin C intake through diet may support brain health in older age. The researchers suggested that maintaining optimal vitamin C levels through consumption of fruits and vegetables could be a simple yet powerful way to support brain health as we age.

Source: Food.news

 

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A timeless bolero: How “Sabor a Mí” became a Latin American classic

Álvaro Carrillo toasts with singer Eydie Gormé. The performer helped popularize the bolero “Sabor a mí” internationally. Álvaro Carrillo brinda junto a la cantante Eydie Gormé. La intérprete ayudó a popularizar internacionalmente el bolero “Sabor a mí."

The romantic song written by Mexican composer Álvaro Carrillo continues to captivate audiences more than six decades after its creation

by the El Reportero staff

Few songs have achieved the enduring popularity of “Sabor a Mí” the celebrated bolero composed by Mexican songwriter Álvaro Carrillo. More than 65 years after it was first written, the song remains one of the most recognized and beloved pieces in the Latin American musical repertoire.

Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Carrillo was not only a gifted composer but also an agricultural engineer who eventually dedicated his life to music. During his career, he wrote more than 300 songs, many of which became standards of the bolero genre. Yet none reached the international acclaim of “Sabor a Mí,” a romantic ballad that has been recorded by hundreds of artists around the world.

The song was registered in 1958 and released in 1959. According to accounts shared by Carrillo’s family, the title originated during a conversation with his fiancée, Ana María Incháustegui. After a series of affectionate kisses during a social gathering, she reportedly joked that she could still taste the liquor he had been drinking. Carrillo responded that what she tasted was not whiskey, but “sabor a mí” — “a taste of me.” The phrase inspired one of the most memorable songs in Latin music history.

The bolero quickly became a sensation throughout Mexico and Latin America. Early recordings by artists such as Los Tres Ases helped popularize the song, while later versions by Los Panchos and Eydie Gormé introduced it to international audiences. In subsequent decades, performers including Luis Miguel, José José, Javier Solís, José Feliciano, Los Lobos and many others recorded their own interpretations.

What makes “Sabor a Mí” endure is its poetic expression of love and emotional connection. Rather than focusing on possession or jealousy, the lyrics celebrate the lasting imprint one person leaves on another. Its message has resonated across generations, languages and cultures.

The song’s cultural impact was so significant that it inspired the 1988 Mexican biographical film Sabor a Mí, starring the late singer José José as Carrillo. Today, the bolero continues to be performed by trios, mariachi groups, jazz ensembles and contemporary artists, proving that true classics never fade.

Sources: México Desconocido; UCLA Frontera Collection; Wikipedia; historical music archives.

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PG&E warns customers about a new “barcode scam.” Here’s what you need to know

Scam Victims Have Lost an Average of $969 So Far This Year

OAKLAND, California — So far this year, monetary losses from scams affecting Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers are on track to surpass those of 2025, with customers having suffered losses exceeding $211,000 by mid-year. To help customers spot the signs of a scam and avoid falling for it, PG&E is sharing important tips and warning customers about an emerging scam that may be contributing to this increase.

The most common scam continues to involve fraudsters calling PG&E customers and demanding immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. In 2026, that scam has evolved: Now, scammers call customers to threaten service disconnection and then send them a barcode or QR code via text message or email. The customer is then instructed to take the barcode or QR code to a store or business to present it to a cashier and make the payment.

“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to defraud customers, and the latest ‘barcode scam’ is a prime example. What hasn’t changed is that they still demand immediate payment of your bill to avoid disconnection. If you receive a call of this nature, hang up. If someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, close the door. Then, call our toll-free number or log in to your PGE.com account to verify your billing information,” said Matt Foley, director of fraud research at PG&E.

“Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone, request payments via barcode, QR code, prepaid debit card, or money transfer services like Zelle, and we will never ask you to show us your bill at your doorstep,” he added.

In Numbers
In 2025, PG&E received nearly 24,000 reports from customers who were targeted by scammers impersonating PG&E, resulting in losses of more than $301,000 in fraudulent payments, with an average loss of $590.

By mid-2026, customers had already reported more than $211,000 in losses due to utility scams, representing a nearly 30% increase in financial losses by year-end, with an average loss of $969.

Unfortunately, this amount is likely just the tip of the iceberg for overall scams, as many go unreported.

Small and medium-sized businesses are also targeted. Scammers concentrate their efforts during peak business hours, taking advantage of business owners’ sense of urgency to keep their doors open and lights on. In 2026, in less than six months, PG&E received nearly 656 reports of attempted scams targeting business customers. That’s on track to easily surpass 2025, which saw 846 reports of scammers targeting businesses.

Signs of a Potential Scam

  • Threat of Disconnection: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment of a supposedly overdue bill.
  • Asking to See Your Bill: If someone shows up at your home and asks to see your bill, they are not PG&E staff.
  • Demanding Immediate Payment via Prepaid Debit Card or Money Transfer Service: Scammers may instruct you to purchase a prepaid debit card and call them later to arrange payment, or request payment via a money transfer service like Zelle.
  • Offers of Refunds or Discounts: Scammers may tell you that the utility company overcharged you and owes you a refund or that you are entitled to a discount, and then ask for your banking information.

Customer Self-Protection Measures

Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or termination. PG&E does not specify how customers should pay their bills and instead offers a variety of bill payment options, including online, telephone, automatic bank drafts, mail, or in person.

If a scammer threatens immediate service disconnection or termination without prior notice, customers should hang up, delete the email, or close the door. Customers with past-due accounts receive advance disconnection notice, usually by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.

If someone knocks on your door claiming to represent PG&E, it is important to know that PG&E personnel always carry identification and are willing to show it upon request. If you still have doubts, you can call 800-743-5000 to confirm whether the person is indeed an official company representative. And remember: if someone asks to see your bill, they do not represent PG&E and you must refuse them entry.

Please note that PG&E will never notify a customer less than one hour before a service interruption, and will never ask a customer to make a payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment apps such as Zelle or Venmo.

Signing up for an online account at PGE.com is another form of protection. Customers can not only log in to check their balance and payment history, but they can also sign up for recurring payments and receive e-bills and helpful alerts.

Scammers impersonating trusted phone numbers: Scammers can now create seemingly authentic 800 numbers that will appear on your phone screen. However, these numbers do not connect to PG&E if you return the call, so if you have any doubts, hang up and call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM. If customers feel they are in physical danger, they should call 911.

Customers who suspect they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission website is also a good source of information on how to protect your personal information.

For more information about scams, visit pge.com/scams or consumer.ftc.gov.

You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.

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Powerful earthquake strikes Venezuela; buildings collapse as rescue efforts continue

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck north-central Venezuela just 39 seconds apart, causing building collapses, trapping people beneath the rubble, disrupting electricity and communications, while authorities continue to assess the scale of the disaster.

by the El Reportero staff

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela experienced one of the most dramatic days in its recent history on Wednesday after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s north-central region just 39 seconds apart, causing buildings to collapse, damaging public infrastructure, triggering widespread power outages and communication failures, and prompting a massive emergency response.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2 and was followed just 39 seconds later by a second, even stronger quake measuring 7.5. Both earthquakes were centered near Morón, in Carabobo state, west of Caracas.

The earthquakes were felt across much of Venezuela as well as throughout the Caribbean, including Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and other parts of northern South America.

Panic in Caracas

In Caracas, thousands of residents evacuated apartment buildings, office towers, hospitals, shopping centers and Metro stations as structures swayed violently for several long seconds.

Videos shared across social media showed residents rushing into the streets, families embracing in open spaces and bystanders attempting to help those trapped inside damaged buildings.

One of the most significant incidents occurred in the Los Palos Grandes neighborhood in eastern Caracas, where a residential building partially collapsed. Images distributed by Getty Images showed firefighters, rescue crews and police officers searching through the rubble for survivors.

Structural damage was also reported in Altamira, another Caracas neighborhood historically affected by seismic activity.

People trapped beneath the rubble

Within hours of the earthquakes, reports began emerging of people trapped inside collapsed buildings.

Firefighters, Civil Protection personnel, police officers and volunteers launched search-and-rescue operations while heavy equipment was brought into the hardest-hit areas.

As of publication time, Venezuelan authorities had not released an official death toll or casualty figures because rescue operations remained underway and several affected areas were still difficult to reach.

Airport, power and communications affected

Among the reported damage were impacts at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, where part of a roof structure was reportedly damaged during the earthquake.

Several Venezuelan states experienced widespread power outages, internet disruptions and cellular service failures, making it difficult for families to contact one another during the hours following the disaster.

Authorities also began inspecting highways, bridges and other infrastructure for possible structural damage.

Authorities warn of aftershocks

Venezuela’s Interior Ministry urged residents to leave buildings showing visible structural damage and remain in open areas because of the continuing risk of powerful aftershocks.

The USGS warned that additional earthquakes could continue over the coming hours and even days.

The agency also cautioned that there is a significant risk of landslides and soil liquefaction in some areas. Liquefaction occurs when water-saturated sediments temporarily lose their strength during an earthquake, causing the ground to behave like a liquid and increasing the risk of structural collapse.

Tsunami warning canceled

Shortly after the earthquakes, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued precautionary alerts for parts of Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.

After analyzing seismic and ocean monitoring data, however, officials canceled all tsunami alerts, concluding that there was no longer any threat to the region.

Even so, several coastal residents reported seeing what appeared to be an unusual retreat of the sea immediately following the earthquake, raising fears of a possible tsunami.

Memories of the 1967 earthquake

Wednesday’s disaster revived memories of one of Venezuela’s deadliest earthquakes.

The July 29, 1967 earthquake, which measured 6.6 in magnitude, killed more than 200 people and injured approximately 2,000 others while destroying numerous buildings in Los Palos Grandes and Altamira.

Following that tragedy, Venezuela strengthened its building codes to improve earthquake resistance.

Many Caracas residents compared Wednesday’s earthquake with the devastating 1967 disaster.

A national holiday

The earthquakes occurred on Venezuela’s national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo, fought on June 24, 1821, under the leadership of Simón Bolívar.

Because it was a public holiday, many more people than usual were at home with their families when the earthquakes struck.

Eyewitness account

Katty Arangua, graphic designer for El Reportero and a resident of Venezuela, experienced the earthquake firsthand.

“Thank God nothing happened to us. We were in the backyard, but the house moved like it was made of paper. It lasted a long time. It was horrible. The walls, the roof… everything was moving.”

Later she described the conditions facing many communities.

“Buildings also collapsed here. Part of the roof at Maiquetía airport collapsed. We still have no electricity in several states, there is no local cell phone service, and then an aftershock came. We were terrified.”

Arangua added that she was only able to remain online because she had an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) keeping her internet connection operating.

She also said many residents remained outside their homes for fear of additional aftershocks and that reports of a possible tsunami circulated during the first few minutes after the earthquakes.

An unfolding emergency

The USGS said that, because of the earthquakes’ intensity and the dense urban population near the epicenter, there is a significant probability of widespread damage and numerous casualties. However, the agency emphasized that these are scientific estimates based on preliminary modeling and do not replace official casualty reports.

As rescue efforts continue, Venezuelan authorities are urging residents to rely only on official information, avoid spreading rumors and follow instructions from Civil Protection and other emergency agencies.

The full extent of the damage has yet to be determined. Nevertheless, images emerging from Caracas and other affected cities suggest that Venezuela is facing one of its most serious natural disasters in decades.

Sources: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Tsunami Warning System, Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News Mundo and eyewitness testimony collected by El Reportero.

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Fresno authorities seek relatives of man who died in hospital

Inosencio Pérez Hernández

FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the family members of Inosencio Pérez Hernández, 44, who recently died at a local hospital.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno County Coroner’s Office, efforts to identify and contact next of kin have so far been unsuccessful despite searches of available records and other investigative efforts.

Officials said locating family members is essential to complete the necessary legal procedures and ensure that Pérez Hernández receives a dignified farewell.

Anyone with information about relatives, friends, or other individuals connected to Inosencio Pérez Hernández is encouraged to contact the Fresno County Coroner’s Unit at (559) 600-3400 or email coroner@fresnosheriff.org.

Authorities said that a phone call or sharing the information with others could help reunite family members and allow the appropriate arrangements to be made.

Source: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Fresno County Coroner’s Office.

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Beat the heat: PG&E offers customers simple steps to save energy this summer

Smart tools, myth-busting tips, and assistance programs can help homes and businesses manage seasonal cooling costs

Oakland, California. As warmer temperatures increase energy use, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is connecting customers with the resources they need to stay safe and cool, and keep energy costs down this summer.
Managing cooling costs is especially important this summer, with above-average temperatures forecast by PG&E Weather Operations and increased air conditioning use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners spend $29 billion annually on energy for their air conditioners.

“We know that warmer temperatures can increase household energy costs, and we want customers to know they’re not going through the summer months alone,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president of Customer Experience. “By making it easier for families to find discounts, energy-saving tools, and available assistance, we’re helping customers take meaningful steps to manage and reduce their energy bills this summer.”

To help customers cope with the summer heat, PG&E shares some simple steps that can reduce energy use and bills, while clarifying common energy myths and realities so they can make informed choices.

Myths and realities about energy

Summer Resources
Customers are encouraged to check if their home qualifies for the lowest-cost rate plan. Customers can find the lowest rate by logging into their PG&E online account and using the Rate Compare tool. Savings vary based on customer type and energy usage.

Customers can also avoid bill surprises by enrolling in the free Budget Billing program and signing up for Bill Forecast Alerts. Budget Billing spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year, while Bill Forecast Alerts notify customers via email, text message, or phone if a bill is expected to exceed a customer-set amount.
The HomeIntel program offers free one-on-one help from a personal energy advisor, and customers can save an average of $350 per year. Customers can also enroll in PG&E SmartRate™, which offers a reduced rate for using less electricity between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. m. when “SmartDays” begin.

For a holiday-ready energy checklist and additional ways to improve energy efficiency, visit pge.com/summer.
Energy Efficiency Support Programs

  • The Switch Is On: A statewide online resource designed to help renters and homeowners interested in switching from gas to electric appliances by connecting them with available incentives and qualified contractors.
  • GoGreen Home Financing: A state program that offers affordable financing for energy efficiency improvements and helps homeowners and renters reduce their energy consumption.

Assistance programs for eligible households
PG&E is committed to helping eligible customers, based on their income, reduce and manage their monthly bills:

  • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Offers a monthly discount of 20% on gas bills and 35% or more on electricity bills (compared to customers not enrolled in the CARE program).
  • Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: Offers a monthly discount of 18% on electricity, regardless of the number of people in the household.
  • PG&E’s Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) Program: Offers eligible customers, based on their income, a one-time credit of up to $800 on past-due bills.
  • PG&E’s Match My Payment Program: Offers a matching payment, up to a maximum of $1,000, to eligible low- to moderate-income customers with past-due bills. Low-Income
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded, state-administered assistance program that provides a one-time payment of up to $1,500 based on past-due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling. Payments may vary depending on location and fund availability.
  • Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): A debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.
  • Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): Offers energy-saving upgrades at no charge.

Customers may also qualify for Medical Baseline, which offers an additional energy allowance at the lowest reference rate or a discount on rate plans without reference levels, and priority service disconnection notifications for those who rely on electricity for certain medical needs. Enrollment requires certification by a qualified medical professional.

To learn more about PG&E’s assistance programs, use the free Savings Finder tool or visit pge.com/billhelp.

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Abelardo de la Espriella Claims Victory and Promises a “New Era” for Colombia

De la Espriella hablando ante la multitud en Barranquilla después de conocerse los resultados. -- De la Espriella speaking to the crowd in Barranquilla after the results were announced.

by the El Reportero staff

Attorney and businessman Abelardo de la Espriella claimed victory in Colombia’s presidential runoff election held on June 21, after obtaining a narrow lead over left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda in one of the most polarized elections in the country’s recent history.

With 99.9 percent of polling stations reporting, De la Espriella received approximately 49.7 percent of the vote, while Cepeda secured about 48.7 percent. The margin between the two candidates was slightly more than 250,000 votes, reflecting the deep political divisions that continue to shape the nation. Although preliminary results favor the conservative candidate, the official vote certification process is still underway and election authorities have yet to declare final results.

Many analysts viewed the election as a referendum on the administration of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Cepeda, a political ally of Petro, campaigned on continuing the social reforms and peace initiatives pursued by the current government. De la Espriella, meanwhile, focused his campaign on public security, fighting organized crime, strengthening the armed forces, and stimulating economic growth.

As preliminary results became known, thousands of supporters celebrated in cities across the country, while Cepeda’s campaign requested a detailed review of election records and urged Colombians to wait until the official count is completed before considering the race settled.

Celebración con simpatizantes ondeando banderas colombianas en Barranquilla. AP publicó una galería fotográfica completa de la jornada electoral y las celebraciones. — Supporters waving Colombian flags celebrate in Barranquilla. The AP published a full photo gallery of the election day and the celebrations.

Among the first international reactions was a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated De la Espriella on his electoral victory. According to the president-elect, Trump reiterated his support for the incoming administration and expressed interest in strengthening relations between the two countries.

“I have received congratulations from major world leaders who support the path Colombia begins today,” De la Espriella said while referring to the calls and messages received following the preliminary results.

In his first public remarks from Barranquilla, where he addressed a crowd of supporters, the president-elect said the country is entering a new political chapter and called for national reconciliation.

“With what happened this Sunday, a new era begins for Colombia. The confrontation ends and service to the nation begins,” he said. He also pledged to respect democratic institutions and assured citizens that his administration would not be marked by political persecution.

“I swear to defend the Constitution with utmost consistency to prevent its destruction. I swear to defend it against those who seek to replace it with tyranny,” De la Espriella declared. The president-elect added that he would work toward national unity and reiterated that there would be no persecution of political opponents.

If officially confirmed, De la Espriella will take office on Aug. 7 for the 2026–2030 term. His arrival in power would represent a significant shift to the right in Colombian politics and mark the end of the progressive agenda pursued during the last four years. However, he is expected to face a divided Congress, which could make it difficult to advance some of his key policy proposals.

With reports from Reuters, El Colombiano, Colprensa and other international media outlets.

Suggested caption:

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella addresses supporters in Barranquilla after preliminary results from Colombia’s presidential runoff election showed him holding a narrow lead. Photo: Colprensa.

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Father’s Day: In Memory of Dr. and Captain Fernando Cedeño Flores

En este Día del Padre, sus hijos recuerdan con amor a Fernando Cedeño Flores. On Father’s Day, his children lovingly remember Fernando Cedeño Flores.

Assassinated on April 13, 1970, for defending truth and justice

by Marvin Ramírez

June 18, the anniversary of his birth, provides an opportunity to honor the memory of Dr. and Captain Fernando Cedeño Flores, a man whose integrity and sense of duty left a lasting mark on Nicaragua’s history.

As a captain in the National Guard and a forensic physician, Dr. Cedeño participated in the autopsy of two murdered young militants. Faithful to his professional responsibilities, he reported his findings and identified then-Major Oscar Morales Sotomayor as responsible.

His testimony had historic consequences. Oscar Morales Sotomayor was subsequently tried and convicted by eleven members of the National Guard who served on the General Court-Martial Council. After reviewing the evidence presented, they found him guilty of the crimes for which he was prosecuted.

At a time marked by political pressures and personal risks, Dr. Cedeño remained faithful to his conscience and his duty. His commitment to truth and justice cost him his life. On April 13, 1970, he was assassinated at the age of 38 according to media reports, becoming a symbol of integrity, responsibility, and moral courage.

More than five decades later, his name continues to be remembered by those who recognize the importance of acting with honesty and responsibility in the face of injustice. His story stands as a reminder of the duty of those who choose conscience over fear.

He is remembered with special affection by his children, Fernando, Carlos, Carmen, and Doris Cedeño, who have lived in the United States for many decades. Together with family and friends, they honor the memory of a man whose example continues to hold a place of respect in Nicaragua’s history.

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Election integrity and public trust

Funcionarios electorales procesan boletas por correo durante el conteo en California. Election workers process mail ballots during California’s official vote count.
Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

Trust is the foundation of every democracy. Citizens must have confidence that elections are conducted fairly, that every legal vote is counted, and that only eligible voters participate in choosing those who govern. When that confidence begins to erode, the legitimacy of democratic institutions comes under scrutiny.

That is why recent reports that the FBI and federal prosecutors are investigating allegations of election fraud in California should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation. An investigation is not proof that wrongdoing occurred. However, federal agencies do not typically devote time, personnel, and resources to election-related matters without first receiving information, complaints, allegations, or evidence they consider serious enough to examine.

For many citizens, the very existence of such investigations raises important questions. What prompted federal authorities to become involved? What information led them to believe a formal investigation was warranted? And what will they ultimately find?

The public deserves answers.

At the same time, reports have surfaced regarding voter registration rolls that contain deceased individuals, duplicate registrations, and other irregularities. Election officials often argue that outdated records do not necessarily mean illegal votes were cast. That may be true. Yet many Americans reasonably ask why such problems continue to exist in a modern election system.

Public confidence is not strengthened by dismissing concerns or labeling questions as politically motivated. Confidence grows when authorities respond with transparency, accountability, and facts.

California’s election process has also become a source of frustration for many voters. While numerous countries and states are able to produce final election results within hours or a few days, California often requires weeks before results are officially certified. Officials point to mail-in ballots, provisional ballots, signature verification, and other safeguards as reasons for the delay.

Those explanations may be legitimate. Nevertheless, a process that takes several weeks naturally creates doubt and suspicion among portions of the electorate. In an age of advanced technology and instant communication, citizens wonder why counting votes should take nearly a month.

Another issue generating debate is voter identification and proof of citizenship. Most Americans are required to provide identification for countless routine activities. It is therefore understandable that many voters believe verifying eligibility before casting a ballot is a reasonable safeguard rather than a burden.

Others disagree, arguing that stricter requirements may discourage participation by eligible voters. That debate should be welcomed, not suppressed. Democracies are strengthened when competing ideas can be discussed openly and respectfully.

The larger concern extends beyond any individual election. For decades, the United States has largely operated under a two-party system that many citizens feel no longer reflects the diversity of political views across the nation. When concerns about election procedures are added to existing dissatisfaction with government, public trust suffers further.

A healthy democracy should not fear scrutiny. It should welcome it. If investigations determine that allegations are unfounded, the public deserves to know that. If weaknesses are identified, they should be corrected. Either outcome serves the public interest.

The goal is not to weaken democracy but to strengthen it.

Americans should be able to agree that elections must be secure, transparent, accountable, and worthy of public trust. The FBI’s involvement does not prove guilt, but it does signal that serious questions have been raised. Those questions deserve honest answers. Without public confidence, democracy itself becomes vulnerable. With transparency and accountability, it becomes stronger.

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