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CNN: US is conducting covert drone missions in Mexico

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

The CIA has reportedly conducted covert MQ-9 Reaper drone missions in Mexico since 2017 to monitor drug cartels and locate fentanyl labs, with an escalation under the Biden administration. These operations are part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and the fentanyl crisis. The drones, unarmed but capable of precision strikes, gather intelligence without directly engaging in lethal actions. Though unauthorized for strikes, the U.S. shares the gathered intelligence with Mexican authorities to help dismantle drug labs.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths in the U.S., prompting the government to intensify its efforts against cartels, including designating some as foreign terrorist organizations. This could open the door to future military actions. Mexican officials have expressed caution, with President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissing reports of drone flights as political, emphasizing that Mexico’s sovereignty must be respected.

While U.S. drone missions avoid lethal action, the growing U.S. involvement raises concerns about escalating tensions. Some officials warn that military actions, including special forces, could destabilize cooperation between the two countries. The CIA’s role is expanding, including intelligence sharing, training local units, and conducting covert operations to disrupt cartel networks. The U.S. is also considering a multinational task force, which could involve Mexico, Colombia, and other countries.

In addition to drones, the U.S. is increasing the use of spy planes and satellite surveillance. Despite the risks of backlash from Mexico, the U.S. remains committed to curbing the flow of fentanyl. Tensions may rise as the U.S. continues its operations, and the international community is watching closely to see if these efforts lead to success or provoke diplomatic challenges.

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Italy’s health ministry summoned to court after man disabled by COVID vaccine files lawsuit

by Gaetano Masciullo

An Italian man disabled by the COVID-19 vaccine has obtained recognition of the causal link between the vaccination and his serious health condition. Now, for the first time, the Italian government has been directly called to respond in court.

In addition to being a human tragedy, this unprecedented legal case represents a potential turning point in vaccine damage jurisprudence, with implications that could extend far beyond the case itself. As highlighted by La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana, this case prompts reflection on the consequences of a possible historic ruling.

A man residing in the province of Reggio Emilia developed interstitial pneumonia immediately after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. He was subsequently diagnosed with a disorder characterized by the abnormal growth of cells belonging to the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, causing severe impairment of blood and lymphatic balance. This condition forces him to constantly take immunosuppressants and biological agents to manage his health condition, and to undergo frequent medical checks to monitor the progression of the disease.

In recent days, following a worsening of his condition, the man fell into a medically induced coma and is currently in intensive care. The situation is particularly delicate, and doctors have expressed serious concerns about his chances of recovery. Even in the best-case scenario, according to doctors, the man will have to live with a permanent disability, relying on oxygen therapy 24 hours a day and facing a significantly compromised quality of life.

The Medical Commission of La Spezia, the competent authority for the province of Reggio Emilia, conducted an analysis of the case and determined that his permanent disability can be attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. This verdict, which went almost unnoticed in the Italian media, has not reignited public discussion on the possible adverse effects of vaccines as much as it should have, although various associations are now demanding greater transparency on data related to adverse events, such as Comilva (Coordination of the Italian Movement for Vaccine Freedom of Choice).

Following recognition by the La Spezia commission, the man applied for and obtained compensation under Law 210/92, which protects individuals harmed by compulsory or recommended vaccinations, transfusions, and administration of blood products. This law provides economic compensation for those who are recognized as having a causal link between their illness and received medical treatment. The recognition of this link has paved the way for further legal actions which could have significant implications for others in similar conditions.

After obtaining compensation, the man decided to take civil action with his lawyers to seek damages for the harm suffered. However, the local health authority refused any form of conciliation and did not intend to proceed with a settlement agreement. This refusal further exacerbated the dispute, making a long and complex legal process inevitable.

On Feb. 5, in Reggio Emilia, Judge Elena Vezzosi scheduled a hearing for September 9, 2025, officially initiating the civil lawsuit filed by the man. For the first time in Italy, the proceedings do not involve the local health authority as the defendant, but Italy’s Ministry of Health and the Italian Medicines Agency (Aifa). This legal choice represents a significant turning point, as it could establish a precedent that would require the state to respond more clearly and directly to the possible negative consequences of recommended or mandatory vaccinations.

There are not many Italian judges who have so far held the state accountable for vaccine damages, even when the causal link has been confirmed by medical examinations and competent commissions. Therefore, this trial could constitute a significant legal precedent regarding the attribution of liability in similar cases, opening a new perspective for those who, despite suffering vaccine damage, fear they may not obtain justice. The outcome of the trial could have significant consequences for all those who intend to seek compensation for the harm suffered after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Mexican president warns against US military action against cartels

President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and President of United States Donald Trump.

by the El Reportero staff and news agencies

In response to the recent designation of several Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the United States against any military intervention in Mexico.

“This cannot be a pretext for the United States to invade our sovereignty,” Sheinbaum said. “With Mexico, it is about collaboration and coordination, never about subordination, interventionism or invasion.”

Sheinbaum’s statement followed the announcement by the U.S. State Department to include Mexican cartels such as Jalisco Nueva Generación and Sinaloa, as well as the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, on the list of foreign terrorist organizations. This measure fulfilled a promise by former President Donald Trump in 2024, aimed at confronting the influence of these cartels within the U.S. and abroad.

The designation opens the door to more aggressive measures, including military interventions. Following the announcement, Trump adviser Elon Musk suggested that cartels would be “eligible for drone strikes.” Despite this, Sheinbaum was firm in her opposition to unilateral military intervention. “The Mexican people will never accept foreign interventions, intrusions or any action that undermines the sovereignty of our nation,” she declared.

The president reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and resisting external influence on internal security issues. While her government has authorized the use of US surveillance drones to monitor cartel activity, she clarified that this authorization does not include military operations, but is limited to intelligence gathering.

Reports have also emerged about the use of unarmed MQ-9 drones by the CIA and RC-135V aircraft by the US Air Force for intelligence missions within Mexican airspace. These activities have raised concerns in Mexico about violations of its sovereignty.

Recently, the Mexican Senate Commission authorized the presence of U.S. Special Forces for “training missions” in Mexico, fueling debate over U.S. involvement in the country’s internal security. Sheinbaum has advocated cooperation based on mutual consultation and shared responsibility, not unilateral U.S. actions.

In addition to opposing the terrorist designation, Sheinbaum warned that this move could lead to further violations of Mexican sovereignty. She expressed concern that the U.S. could use the fight against terrorism as a pretext for military action inside Mexico. She also threatened to expand a lawsuit filed by Mexico against U.S. weapons manufacturers if the cartels are recognized as terrorist groups.

The lawsuit claims that much of the weapons used by Mexican cartels come from the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 74 percent of weapons seized from Mexican criminal groups come from U.S. manufacturers. “If these cartels are declared terrorists, we will expand the demand to include arms manufacturers and distributors, who could be seen as complicit,” Sheinbaum said.

Trump’s pursuit of the terrorism designation began with an executive order on his first day in office, ordering the State Department to evaluate the possibility. Trump justified the move by claiming that cartels had engaged in violent and destabilizing actions in the Western Hemisphere, which not only threatened U.S. interests but also flooded the country with drugs and violent gangs.

While the immediate response to the designation will likely focus on legal and financial measures, Sheinbaum’s opposition highlights the complexity of the issue, particularly regarding the balance between U.S. anti-narcotics policies and Mexico’s sovereignty. As tensions between the two countries rise, the future of bilateral cooperation to confront cartel violence remains uncertain.

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California city makes ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ a homeless camp illegal

Un campamento de personas sin hogar cerca de la esquina de Osgood Road y Washington Boulevard en Fremont el 6 de febrero de 2025. - A homeless encampment near the corner of Osgood Road and Washington Boulevard in Fremont on Feb. 6, 2025. Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group.

by Marisa Kendall

CalMatters

The Fremont City Council gave final approval this week to an ordinance that bans camping throughout the entire city, while also making anyone “aiding, abetting or concealing” a homeless encampment guilty of a misdemeanor.

The aiding and abetting clause has sparked alarm from local outreach workers who worry they could be targeted for helping people living in camps, and experts in homelessness law who say they’ve never seen anything quite like it in California. Council members considered changing that part of the ordinance Tuesday night, but ultimately passed it as-is 6-1.

“Our public spaces belong to the entire community and it’s really not compassionate at all to cede our public spaces to a select few individuals at the expense of everyone else in the general public,” said Councilmember Raymond Liu, who voted in favor. “Families should be able to take their children to the parks, to the libraries, without fear, and all residents should be able to use our public spaces without encountering any unsafe conditions.”

Council members discussed the camping ban at length in a five-hour meeting Tuesday, where nearly 200 people lined up to speak for and against the measure during public comment. It was an unusual amount of fanfare for an ordinance that the city council already passed once earlier this month – Tuesday’s vote was a “second reading,” which typically is just a formality that warrants no discussion.

But the controversy surrounding the ban, which prohibits camping on all sidewalks, streets and parks in Fremont and makes anyone who aids or abets such a camp subject to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, prompted the City Council to reevaluate the ordinance.

Three council members, plus the mayor, expressed interest either in removing the aiding and abetting clause or adding language to specify that it wouldn’t be used to punish people for handing out food, water and other essentials in homeless camps.

That change seemed likely to go through until minutes before the final vote. But after City Attorney Rafael Alvarado said multiple times that the aiding and abetting clause would target people who help unhoused people set up illegal camps, not people who give out food, council members changed course. Ultimately, they passed the measure as-is.

Changing the language would have forced council members to re-introduce the ordinance, meaning they’d have to go through two more votes. By the time the City Council voted Tuesday, it was almost midnight.

The text of the ordinance doesn’t specify what qualifies as aiding, abetting or concealing a homeless encampment. That leaves some uncertainty as to how the ordinance will be enforced, despite Alvarado’s assurances, UC Berkeley Law professor Laura Riley told CalMatters.

“That might be their stance at the time of adoption,” she said, “but there’s nothing in the language of the ordinance itself that prevents targeting people from doing things as humane as giving unhoused people tarps when it’s raining.”

In practice, local police often determine how they will enforce an ordinance, Riley said. How the Fremont aiding and abetting clause is interpreted could change when the city’s leadership changes, she said.

The city attorney’s statements were small comfort to Vivian Wan, CEO of Abode Services, which provides food, tents, clothing and other services to unhoused people living in camps.

“We worry about the ‘concealing’ portion, as PD/City staff in Fremont have been known to pressure us to share confidential information, including where a participant is staying,” she said in an email to CalMatters. “I think this ordinance may be used to compel such information, breaking the trust with folks that often takes years to build.”

The measure also puts the city of Fremont at odds with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern and Southern California, which, in a letter to council members signed by several other aid and human rights groups, said the aiding and abetting clause is “patently unreasonable and will expose the City to legal liability.”

More than two-dozen California cities and counties have either passed new ordinances or beefed up old ordinances banning camping in recent months, after the U.S. Supreme Court gave them more freedom to do so. But none of those bans appear to include specific language that makes it a crime to aid or abet a camp.

In a statement to CalMatters, the Fremont city attorney’s office said the aiding and abetting language is nothing new – it’s already illegal in Fremont, as in many cities, to aid or abet any crime. When asked about that by council members during Tuesday’s meeting, Alvarado said even if the new camping ban didn’t have that specific clause, “in theory,” someone could still be penalized for aiding and abetting a homeless encampment.

But Riley said it’s significant that the new camping ban explicitly makes it a crime to aid and abet an encampment – language she’s never seen in any other active camping ban in California.

“This does seem to be going further,” she said. “Because by making it explicitly tied to this section of the code, to me, it signals that there is intent to prosecute under this section.”

Legal experts CalMatters spoke with said this is extremely unusual. No other city, to the best of CalMatters’ knowledge, has attempted to use general municipal code in the fashion this ordinance would.

 

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Flamenco in Nicaragua: Passion and dedication of an adopted tradition

Left-Right: Eduardo Rocha, Miguel Ángel Oviedo, Tesalia Cáceres, Kathya Martínez, Eduardo Aráica.

by Marvin Ramírez

Flamenco, an art deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, has found fertile ground for its development and expression in Nicaragua. Over the decades, various schools and teachers have been fundamental pillars in the dissemination and teaching of this dance in the country.

Pioneers of flamenco in Nicaragua

In the 1970s, teacher Lelia González emerged as a key figure in the promotion of flamenco in Nicaragua. After studying in Seville with leading exponents of the genre, González returned to the country to share her knowledge. She founded the Ballet Español Lelia González in 1972, offering training in classical Spanish and flamenco dance. Her dedication laid the groundwork for future generations of dancers and teachers in the country.

Another notable name is Heriberto Mercado, a choreographer and dancer who, starting in 1978, made a significant contribution to the Nicaraguan dance scene. Mercado not only focused on flamenco, but also integrated elements of classical ballet and other dances, enriching the country’s cultural offering. Among his outstanding students is Tesalia Cáceres Vega, who began practicing flamenco periodically since her adolescence.

“I have been practicing flamenco for 22 years. I am from Diriamba, a city full of art in Nicaragua, the land of Guegüense and Diriangén. In my city, learning the different arts of Nicaraguan culture and folkloric ballet is highly promoted,” Cáceres Vega shares.

Schools and academies dedicated to flamenco

The formal teaching of flamenco in Nicaragua has been possible thanks to various institutions and academies that have kept this tradition alive:

  • Nicaraguan Academy of Dance: Located in Managua, this academy offers a variety of rhythms, including flamenco, allowing students to explore different dance styles and maintain an active and healthy life.
  • Eduardo Rocha Flamenco Academy: Also in the capital, this academy specializes in in-person flamenco classes for different levels. Rocha, Tesalia Cáceres Vega’s teacher, has been a fundamental influence on her career:
  • “My first teacher, Heriberto Mercado, taught me to express myself, to feel, to transmit, and my second teacher, Eduardo Rocha, has taught me the structure of the dance, the beat, the meter,” she explains.

The flamenco scene in Nicaragua today

Flamenco in Nicaragua is not only limited to dance, but also has outstanding musicians who have contributed to the development of the genre in the country. “In Nicaragua there are guitarists like Eduardo Araica, Nicaraguan, and Cornelius Holzer, an Austrian, who play very well. There is also Eduardo Rocha, my teacher, and my rehearsal partners, who are excellent. Lenin Triana is the singer and Miguel Ángel Oviedo is the percussionist,” Cáceres Vega explains.

About her experience on stage, Tesalia expresses with passion: “It is indescribable. Strength, passion, fire, rapture.” Her dedication is reflected in the reaction of the public: “People like it a lot and are familiar with the music,” she comments.

Challenges and future of flamenco in Nicaragua

Although it has achieved recognition, flamenco in Nicaragua faces challenges for its development. “I have been very blessed, since I have worked in the creation of shows with some of the most influential families in my country, and with event organizers and owners of prestigious restaurants and hotels in my country,” Cáceres Vega shares.

Regarding the future of flamenco in the country, Tesalia highlights the importance of education from home: “Parents have to plant that seed of love and admiration for the art.” She also mentions that her work does not stop: “We are always presenting our show in different places.”

Inspiration for the new generations

For young people interested in flamenco, Tesalia Cáceres Vega offers clear advice: “Patience, dedication and perseverance.” Her career is a testament to how passion and effort can open paths and consolidate flamenco as a vibrant artistic expression in Nicaragua. With figures like her and the growing flamenco community, this art has a promising future in the country.

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Financial considerations for multigenerational households 

multi generational hispanic family portrait

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

For many Black, Hispanic and Latino families, as well as other cultures, multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home life. It can also be good for your family’s overall wellbeing.

Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can potentially help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness for older adults and bolster educational outcomes for children.[1]

While multigenerational living has many positives, it also comes with a unique set of financial matters and planning needs. From saving and budgeting to dividing costs and estate planning, navigating the financial landscape of a multigenerational home calls for foresight and strategy.
Below are some financial considerations for people living in multigenerational households and those considering moving in with family members.

Helping to build family wealth
In a 2022 study, the Pew Research Center found people in multigenerational households were less likely to live in poverty,[2] and some multigenerational households had more earners than the non-multigenerational households, which can help provide a safety net in case someone loses a job. It can also encourage homeownership — 14% percent of all home buyers in the study said their purchase was motivated by a desire to accommodate multiple generations in their family.

Having diverse financial needs

Savings and budgeting plans can be more complicated because of the wide range of ages among family members. Seniors might require more for health care and retirement, for example, while children can bring daycare and tuition costs. Be flexible with your planning to accommodate different saving and budgeting needs and set short- and long-term goals for your savings with all generations in mind.

Expenses should be handled with fairness and equity

Multigenerational households have to ensure fairness by dividing costs such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries and household expenses based on each member’s financial capacity and usage. A sense of transparency can be maintained among family members by openly discussing financial contributions and expenses.

Find balance between cultural values and financial health

Cultural traditions and familial structures can also play a significant role in money management, and it’s important to consider how multigenerational living can impact family wealth. Cultural heritage can shape financial attitudes and practices within multigenerational households, including saving habits, investment strategies and perceptions of wealth. Understanding how your cultural values connect to your beliefs and practices related to money can be essential for effective financial management within diverse family structures.

Communication is key to managing conflict and disagreement

The more people living in a home, the more likely they’ll face conflicting financial priorities. Navigating disagreements over spending habits and adapting to changing income levels or unexpected expenses are necessary to maintain financial stability in multigenerational households.

Future planning is vital

Estate plans should be tailored to accommodate the financial needs and goals of each generation within the household and strategies should be developed for transferring ownership of businesses or properties to ensure continuity and preserve the family’s legacy. Make sure to compile essential legal documents — including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives — to outline the distribution of assets and clarify end-of-life wishes.

The bottom line

Multigenerational households can foster financial harmony and wellbeing by accounting for their individual financial goals and their shared responsibilities. Family members should be clear about plans, needs and expectations to promote financial stability and satisfaction for all. Communicating about these issues early can help avoid tension later on.

By addressing these considerations holistically and prioritizing open discussion and collaboration, multigenerational households can build a solid financial foundation, helping them achieve prosperity and security for their family members now and in the future.

Read more about financial considerations for multigenerational households here on chase.com/theknow.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

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“SF School District to lay off over 500 employees amid budget crisis, impacting teachers and students”

Mission High School - SF

by the El Reportero staff

San Francisco’s Board of Education is set to vote next week on issuing preliminary layoff notices to 559 employees in a bid to address a $113 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. The proposed layoffs would impact 395 teachers and other certified staff, as well as 164 classified staff, including office workers, custodians, and bus drivers. The move is part of a broader strategy to bring fiscal solvency to a district facing severe financial challenges.

This difficult decision, while necessary from a financial standpoint, raises significant concerns about the potential effects on teachers, students, and the overall educational experience. Teachers are at the heart of the educational process, and the loss of such a large portion of the teaching workforce could have a direct, negative impact on the quality of instruction students receive. With fewer educators, class sizes are likely to increase, making it harder for teachers to give individual attention to students and potentially leading to a decrease in overall academic performance.

Furthermore, the district’s reliance on seniority-based layoffs may disproportionately affect newer teachers, who often bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a deep commitment to student success. This dynamic could create uncertainty and stress within the workforce, with teachers left wondering about their job security as they focus on meeting the academic needs of their students.

For students, the ripple effects of these layoffs could be felt in multiple ways. Larger class sizes and a reduced number of available teachers could hinder personalized learning and support for students, particularly those who need additional help or face academic challenges. Specialized programs that cater to students with unique needs may also be scaled back or eliminated, further widening educational disparities.

The reduction in classified staff—such as custodians, office workers, and bus drivers—could also disrupt the daily operations that students depend on. Custodians play an essential role in maintaining clean and safe learning environments, and the loss of these staff members could lead to deteriorating school facilities. Office staff often provide critical administrative support, ensuring that everything from attendance records to communication with families runs smoothly. Without them, other employees may be burdened with additional responsibilities, potentially slowing down essential processes.

The elimination of bus drivers poses another unique challenge. Students who rely on school transportation to get to class might experience longer wait times or disruptions in their daily routines, impacting their overall educational experience and attendance rates.

Superintendent Maria Su expressed the district’s commitment to its staff, emphasizing that the decision to issue layoff notices is difficult but necessary to achieve fiscal solvency. Yet, this decision highlights the broader challenges that school districts across California are facing in terms of balancing budgets while maintaining quality education. As the Board of Education moves forward with these tough choices, it will be crucial to ensure that the most vulnerable—students—do not bear the brunt of these financial decisions.

In the coming months, the district plans to issue final layoff notices in May. It remains to be seen how these layoffs will shape the educational landscape in San Francisco, but one thing is clear: the impact on teachers and students will be profound, potentially altering the educational experience for years to come.

– Bay City News contributed to this report.

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Casa Circulo Cultural invites you to its fundraising dinner

by Magdy Zara

In order to raise funds to continue its work, Casa Circulo Cultural celebrates the month of love with an evening that combines the charm of theater, the magic of live music and an exquisite gastronomic selection.

Círculo Cultural is a multidisciplinary community-based arts organization dedicated to creating cultural programming that reflects the experiences of Latino communities in the San Francisco Bay Area while promoting leadership development for both children and adults.

This organization is committed to serving low-income and vulnerable families by providing them with social, economic, health and wellness, and cultural elements for the present and future well-being of each family member.

Its activities include classes in music, art, theater and dance, martial arts, chess, literature, multimedia and more. Classes are taught primarily in Spanish to develop, preserve and foster the Latino and Hispanic language and culture.

This is a great opportunity to share a special night with friends, family or that special someone and help a worthy cause.

The reception will be this Saturday, February 22, at 6 p.m., at 3090 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, the cost is $50.

CultuCuba prepares for Carnival 2025

To celebrate its 20 years, CultuCuba invites the Cuban community in San Francisco to be part of its comparsa for this year’s San Francisco Carnival 2025.

The doors are open for new dancers and percussionists who want to join the contingent of the CultuCuba Carnival 2025.

The deadline to register is March 30, 2025. If you want good music, incredible dancers, joy and lots of energy, you can’t miss it.

The cost to participate in the comparsa is a $50 registration fee, $200 for the full series or $25 per rehearsal session.

The choreography and live music will be provided by Susana Arenas, Manuel Suárez and Ramón Alayo.

For more information, please email cultucuba@gmail.com or cubanmusicanddance@gmail.com.

Rehearsals will be every Sunday starting this Sunday, February 23 at 11 a.m., at the Peruvian Tradition Cultural Center, 2815 23rd St, San Francisco.

Moon Azteca Dance and Art School opens its doors

After not having a headquarters, the Moon Azteca Dance and Art School finally has a home and wants to share with all its students, family members and followers the celebration of this new beginning. This dance school has 10 years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for Aztec culture and is excited to announce that they are moving into their new dance studio at The Mira Theater Guild.

Their teacher, who they lovingly call “the teacher,” affirms that this has not been an easy journey, but it has been filled with love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their students and traditions.

To commemorate this unforgettable moment, they invite you to the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony, which will be completely free on February 27, 2025, starting at 4 p.m. at The Mira Theater Guild in Vallejo.

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Miguel Ríos, Rock en Español legend, soon to tour the US with “A Todo Pulmón”

Miguel Ríos, leyenda del Rock en Español - Miguel Ríos, legend of Rock in Español.

“Rock is still my form of expression, and as long as I have a voice, I will continue singing for those who make it their own,” said Miguel Ríos about his long-awaited return to the stage

by El Reportero news services

The iconic pioneer of Spanish rock has confirmed that his A Todo Pulmón tour will take him to several cities in the United States in the coming months. This tour marks a new chapter in the career of an artist who has transcended generations and borders, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures of the genre in the Spanish-speaking world.

Miguel Ríos, born in Granada, Spain, began his career in the 1960s, at a time when rock was still viewed with suspicion in Spanish-speaking countries. However, his talent and perseverance led him to challenge the norms and open paths for future generations of musicians. In 1970, he achieved global recognition with his rock version of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, entitled Hymn to Joy, which sold more than seven million copies and placed him at the top of the charts in the United States and Europe.

Throughout his career, he has released more than 20 studio and live albums, consolidating himself as one of the most emblematic voices of rock in Spanish. Songs such as Santa Lucía, Directo al corazón, Bienvenidos and El rock no tiene la culpa have left an indelible mark on the collective memory of fans of the genre.

The A Todo Pulmón tour is a celebration of his musical legacy and a recognition of the loyalty of his audience. In each performance, Ríos promises to offer a tour of his most memorable hits, combined with the energy and passion that have characterized him over the years. Furthermore, the tour comes at a time when rock in Spanish is experiencing a resurgence, with new generations discovering the pioneers of the genre and claiming its importance in musical history.

For the Latino community in the United States, Miguel Ríos’ tour represents a unique opportunity to reconnect with the music that marked their lives. In cities like San Francisco and the Bay Area, where rock in Spanish has had a significant cultural impact, his legacy is still present in festivals, radio stations and gatherings of music lovers who continue to celebrate his songs.

Although no dates have been confirmed in California, the enthusiasm among his fans is evident. For decades, Ríos has maintained a close relationship with the Latino public in the U.S., who have accompanied him throughout his career and have witnessed his musical evolution. His ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant shows that his impact goes beyond time and fashion.

As Miguel Ríos prepares to tour stages in different cities, his message remains the same: rock in Spanish is more alive than ever, and his music continues to be the sound of a generation that has never stopped singing A Todo Pulmón.

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South Florida lawmakers propose bill to allow Venezuelans to avoid deportation, remain in U.S.

Migrantes venezolanos deportados de Estados Unidos llegan al Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar en Maiquetía, Venezuela, el lunes 10 de febrero de 2025. -- Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States arrive at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

by the El Reportero’s wire services

A battery of South Florida lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have teamed up to re-introduce a bill in Congress that would give hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. a path to legal residency.

U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, María Elvira Salazar, R-Miami and Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens, announced this week they are sponsoring the re-introduction of H.R. 1348, the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, for Venezuelans who entered U.S. before or on December 31, 2021.

The legislation faces a steep hill to climb on Capitol Hill, where the House and Senate are moving swiftly to back President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

“The Venezuelan Adjustment Act will give security and peace of mind to tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have fled a murderous, totalitarian regime,” Wasserman Schultz, whose congressional district includes one of the nation’s largest Venezuelan-American communities, said in a statement.

“As Trump closes off legal pathways for migrants, we need this legislation to re-open the door for those who should have the opportunity to become permanent legal residents as Cubans have been able to for years,” she said referring to the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allowed Cubans to flee the communist island nation.

Salazar said the regime of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has forced millions of Venezuelans to leave the country because of decades of economic and political upheaval.

“As long as Maduro forcibly remains in power, this crisis will only get worse,” said Salazar in a statement. “I am proud to reintroduce the Venezuelan Adjustment Act to provide refuge for those who have endured incredible suffering, so they do not have to return home to face the wrath of the dictatorship.”

Said Wilson in a statement: “Sending [Venezuelans] back isn’t just wrong — it’s inhumane. I’m proud to support a legal pathway for certain Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. because abandoning them in their time of need is not an option.”

The proposed legislation specifically benefitting Venezuelans comes only weeks after the Trump’s administration said it was ending protections that shielded roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation, leaving them with less than two months before they lose their right to work in the U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s order affects 348,202 Venezuelans living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, which is slated to expire in April. That’s about half of the approximately 600,000 who have TPS. The remaining protections are set to expire at the end of September.

The decision by the administration is among the latest actions targeting the immigration system, as officials work to make good on Trump’s campaign promises of cracking down on people illegally living in the country and to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.

In making its decision, the Department of Homeland Security said conditions had improved enough in Venezuela to warrant ending protective status.

“The sheer numbers have resulted in associated difficulties in local communities,” the secretary’s decision says. She cited members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as among those coming to the U.S.

The gang originated in a lawless prison in the central state of Aragua more than a decade ago but has expanded in recent years as millions of desperate Venezuelans fled Maduro’s rule and migrated to other parts of Latin America or the U.S.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly hammered at dangers posed by the gang, sparking criticism that he was painting all immigrants as criminals.

More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their home country since 2013, when its economy unraveled and Maduro took office. Most settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, but after the pandemic, migrants increasingly set their sights on the U.S.

The country’s protracted crisis obliterated the middle class and pushed millions into poverty.

Politically, the country is at an impasse after Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term last month despite credible evidence that former diplomat Edmundo González, who represented the U.S.-backed opposition coalition in the July election, defeated him by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

Immigration advocates and Venezuelan activists in South Florida dispute Noemi’s assessment of Venezuela, saying conditions have not improved and that it’s not safe to send people back.

In the waning days of the Biden administration, Noem’s predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, extended the protections for Venezuelans until October 2026. Noem revoked that decision.

– The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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