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HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Cuban national is charged with murder in Harris County after surveillance video shared with KPRC 2 News captured him fatally shooting his ex-brother-in-law at point-blank range Sunday on Whittingham Lane
Andres Fernandez De La Paz allegedly shot 34-year-old Ediesky Incencio Pineiro in the chest
He was a good father and friend,” said Raiza Cedeño Sosa
the victim’s wife said in Spanish translated to English
Her sister was staying at the house and used to be in a relationship with Fernandez De La Paz
Court records reveal he had previously threatened to kill the family and flee to Mexico
Three law enforcement sources told KPRC 2 News that Fernandez De La Paz was under FBI investigation connected to a credit card skimming scheme prior to his arrest for murder
FBI Houston would not confirm or deny any investigations involving him
which is a standard response from the law enforcement agency if no charges have been filed
The suspect’s criminal history includes a previous murder case from 2016
Prosecutors dismissed that case the next year
writing in records that it couldn’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and citing self-defense issues
Fernandez De La Paz has allegedly led a credit card skimming operation across Texas
The Sour Lake Police Department arrested him in June 2023 after discovering skimming devices during a traffic stop in Hardin County
The police chief said officers stopped him just after he and two others had placed one at a gas pump
The FBI took over the investigation days later
The three suspects were released from custody
a surveillance image shared exclusively with KPRC 2 News captured him allegedly using stolen credit card information to make high-value purchases through a retail chain’s app
records show ICE lodged immigration detainers
which means he should have been taken into immigration custody after being released from county jails
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirm Fernandez De La Paz had been paroled into the U.S
but he didn’t leave the country when he should have
He has been in the country illegally since 2016 and an immigration judge ordered him removed in 2019
“the Cuban government refused to accept his return at that time preventing ICE from carrying out his removal,” according to an ICE statement
Federal regulations prevent ICE from holding deportees longer than six months when their home countries refuse to accept them
forcing their release back into the community
the Cuban government refused to accept his return at that time preventing ICE from carrying out his removal," a spokesperson
A Harris County District Court Judge denied bond for Fernandez De La Paz on Wednesday
Records show he once again has an ICE detainer
Incencio Pinero’s family had worried Fernandez De La Paz may execute his threats
“What I ask now from the justice system is justice for my husband’s death
Give him the maximum penalty they can give,” said Cedeño Sosa in Spanish translated to English
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the Cuban accused of murdering another person in Houston?Cuban Andrés Fernández De La Paz is accused of murdering Ediesky Piñeiro in Houston
The crime was recorded by the security cameras at the victim's home
By CiberCuba Editorial Team
the Cuban accused of shooting Ediesky Inocencio Piñeiro at the door of his home in Houston
is a man with a criminal record and family ties to the victim
is currently being held in the Harris County jail and faces a formal charge of murder
According to statements from acquaintances
the relationship between the two was tense and marked by episodes of threats
as the suspect had said he would kill his ex-wife
the detained individual has a criminal record in the United States
including charges for fraudulent use of credit cards and a migration detention order issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 28
Police sources revealed to Click 2 Houston that Fernández had been under investigation by the FBI since 2022 for leading a credit card cloning operation in Texas
The Cuban was arrested in 2023 for placing devices at gas stations and was also linked to fraudulent purchases using stolen credit cards
he had already faced a murder charge in 2016
which was dismissed due to doubts about authorship and an alleged self-defense claim
His immigration history also complicates the case
in 2014 with a temporary parole that expired without him leaving the country
and he has multiple immigration detention orders issued by ICE following previous arrests
The murder took place in the afternoon of Sunday
at a residence located at 11200 Whittingham Lane
The police explained that Fernández arrived at his victim's house
Everything was recorded by the security cameras
The images show how the assailant approaches down the hallway
Although Piñeiro managed to lock the door after being shot
Inside the home was the wife of the deceased
witnessing the crime was a traumatic experience for the girls
by the Houston police at his residence in Katy
he appeared in the 482nd court of Harris County
where he was officially informed of the charges against him
several sisters of the victim were present
The family has demanded justice for a crime that has shocked the Cuban community in Houston
Both Ediesky Piñeiro and Andrés Fernández are originally from Manzanillo
The victim had arrived in the United States less than a year ago and was trying to make a way for himself as a father and provider for his family
not only due to its brutality but also because it was witnessed by the deceased's closest loved ones
leaving a mark of pain and fear on the family
Andrés Fernández De La Paz is a Cuban citizen accused of murdering Ediesky Inocencio Piñeiro in Houston
He is currently being held in the Harris County jail and faces a formal charge of murder with a bail set at $500,000
Fernández has a criminal record in the United States and an immigration detention order issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The murder occurred on April 27 at the front door of Piñeiro's house in Houston
Andrés Fernández shot Piñeiro in the chest after knocking on his door
Everything was captured on security cameras
showing Fernández approaching and firing without saying a word
Piñeiro was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital
Andrés Fernández De La Paz was Ediesky Piñeiro's former brother-in-law
The relationship between Fernández and Piñeiro was tense and marked by episodes of threats
Fernández had previously threatened to kill his ex-wife and her family
The murder has shocked the Cuban community in Houston due to its brutality and because it was witnessed by close relatives of the victim
which also includes a daughter who became an orphan in Cuba
and the case has left a deep mark of pain and fear on their loved ones
A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest
we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis
2025 1:39AMWatch Eyewitness News and ABC13 originals around the clockHOUSTON
Texas (KTRK) -- Houston police have arrested a man accused of killing a 34-year-old man in a southwest Houston home
is charged in the shooting death of the man at 11203 Whittingham Lane at around 4 p.m
whose identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
Three school districts in Yuma and La Paz counties have missed an April 24 deadline to certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
which prohibits discrimination based on race
color or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance
A recent letter from the Department of Education expanded its interpretation of Title VI to indicate Diversity
Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programming violate Title VI
School districts were directed on April 3 to certify their compliance with Title VI if they wish to continue receiving federal funding
Although the latest federal court ruling prevents enforcement of such certification, the Arizona Department of Education’s (AZED) website listed compliant and non-compliant school districts on Tuesday
the Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY)
Western Arizona Vocational District #50 (WAVE) and the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office were listed as ‘out of compliance.’
This doesn’t mean the districts are violating Title VI
It only means they haven’t submitted their certification
Although some may consider the inaction to be political
none of the districts in Yuma and La Paz intentionally failed to certify
the inaction was the result of unawareness
STEDY Superintendent Tom Tyree explained that the district didn’t know it was being asked to certify compliance
“We couldn’t find the message that actually came from Grants Management in the Department of Education,” he said
“By 1:30 (Tuesday) afternoon after learning about it mid-morning
we found the form that we were supposed to fill out
and we submitted it to the Department of Education.”
Tyree is still trying to figure out why STEDY wasn’t aware of the issue to begin with
but he suspects that communications on this matter may have been sent to his old email address from his time as Yuma County School Superintendent
He also noted that other Career and Technical Education Districts (CTEDs) faced the same situation
we didn’t know anything about it,’” he said
“The other thing is that it came from Grants Management
and so that wouldn’t have been on our radar.”
Superintendent Amy West shared that the district doesn’t receive any federal money either
“It's not a not a political statement,” she said
“One of my employees had gone to a conference
some people are taking it to their boards and some people are getting legal advice,’ and so we just hadn't taken it to our board yet
So it'll be on our May 8 meeting just to get direction
like—I’m not even sure what they’re thinking that we would be doing wrong.”
The La Paz County Sheriff’s Office was even less certain why it was listed as a district
responded to an inquiry from KAWC explaining that the office was listed because “their entity in GME (Grants Management Enterprise) is a public district that is annually allocated IDEA dollars.”
Medina also noted that as a non-compliant district
it can still send in its form as “the federal court injunction has put everything on pause for the moment.”
The story actually began on Feb. 14, when the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a “Dear Colleague Letter” to K-12 and higher education institutions nationwide
It expanded its interpretation of Title VI and the ruling for SFFA v
Harvard to consider any decisions based on race
color or national origin to be Title VI violations
The guidance has been criticized by some and praised by others because of its stance on DEI initiatives
In the same AZED communication from April 3
Equity and Inclusion programs does just the opposite and promotes racial discrimination
and I have been working diligently to get it out of schools in Arizona.”
but it does recommend districts continue to follow Title VI requirements and to thoroughly document decisions behind curriculum and program decisions
and I thought these were interesting enough to share with everybody
because we’re basically like a mind-commune of cool cars
I have long believed that South America is one of the most under-appreciated car markets in the world
with a lot of really interesting variants and excitingly-mutated versions of cars from other parts of the world
and all sorts of fascinating indigenous carmakers
and while there’s not anything super-exotic here
there’s a certain charm to a lot of these hard-working rides
there’s one of my favorite South American-market Volkswagens
I love these! We’ve talked about Brasilias here before
but I think the key thing to know about these is that they were the only true VW Beetle replacement that was actually built on the Beetle chassis
These were essentially Beetles re-bodied with a more modern wagon-type body that offered a front trunk and hatch-accessible cargo area at the rear
These were clever and practical little cars
and I’m excited to see this green fella out there tooling around LaPaz
I especially like that white car with the red stripes – I’m having trouble identifying it – it’s close to a lot of early ’70s Japanese cars – Mazda Capella
Mitsubishi Galants – I just can’t quite place it
They were also called Datsun 160Js in other markets
There’s plenty of other good stuff in there – a Mustang II
and that looks like an early Nissan Patrol on the right there– but I especially like this flame-jobbed Peugeot 504:
I think there’s some word inset into the flames over the rear quarter
This very-open Land Rover Series 1 or 2 or 3 here is also pretty sweet:
The other side of the street also has some interesting things; look at this Ranchero with those interesting cargo rails:
Behind it I think we have a Ford of Brazil Del Rey
I’m not entirely sure it’s a DelRey
but I am sure this rear window mural thing is awesome:
living in a world filed with flying scorpions
I’m kind of amazed that vinyl top is in as good a shape as it is
I know we don’t consent to these Google Earth photos and there’s likely some ethical issues there
but I have to say I love being able to snoop in little neighborhoods all over the world and geek out about their cars
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I believe you may have found David’s secret stash
What would possess somebody to paint flames on it
I knew I had to share with Torch once I saw that mix of vehicles
with a lot of extraneous aero glued on plus decals of random things
What struck me the most was prevasive number of secondhand JDM vehicles being imported in Bolivia on the cheap
Bolivia prohibits the right-hand-drive vehicles from being registered for public use
the cottage industry of converting them to left-hand-drive
Many of those JDM vehicles still have the headlamps pointing to the left and wipers at “wrong” position (wiping to the right rather than to the left)
I had ridden a few of them and noticed that the cottage industry would use the LHD dashboard from one Toyota model to fit almost all of the JDM Toyota vehicles except smaller ones
That dashboard didn’t really fit well
causing lot of squeaks and rattles as well as showing lot of gaps
Even the automatic gearbox selector wasn’t reoriented to the left side (release button and label still on the right side)
and the medium-sized bus that we rode from La Paz to the drop-off point was JDM Nissan Civilian (W40
1982–1999) that was converted to left-hand-drive
Even the Kanji and Hiragana characters were still left on the body
The passenger door was still on the left side
leading to the interesting and awkward boarding and disembarking
The rare case where the car was both driven home and Towed
I don’t know what the SUV without roof or doors is yet
but I don’t think it’s a Land Rover
I don’t think any of them had so square fenders
and the top of the side of the body is not rounded off enough
I just can’t make out the forward-leaning fenders
but that could be the angle the photo was taken from
Too bad we can’t see the telltale lower rear fenders too
I could tell it wasn’t a Series Land Rover
next time I say let’s go someplace like Bolivia
Sundance Kid: Do they make you wash your cars in Bolivia
Sundance Kid: Sounds kind of sketchy to me
Sundance Kid: But… Bolivia is quite a long way from here
Sundance Kid: I just don’t want to get there and realize that it stinks
Sundance Kid: All right… I’ll think about it
Without reading the headline I thought the picture was of a Trader Joe’s parking lot from the 1970’s
Mural is a tribute to the Scorpian King movie
But those sure look like VW/Audi taillights on that green car….
But then I thought they might have been Euro spec Ford Granada lights
Then I say the side view and thought it looked like a Nissan Stanza or Bluebird and then I got confused and just read the comments
Del Rey was completely designed in house by Ford do Brasil
including engines (which was derived from Renault engine)
but your beloved beaters only made it to La Paz
I feel like Carmen Sandiego was always hiding in La Paz
Move to the most remote location possible away from prying eyes
When I lived in another city in Bolivia 20(!!)-some years ago I really enjoyed that the taxis and buses were mostly Japanese market cabs/minibuses imported used
many of them still with orginal-but-faded livery
Unlike other places where used JDM vehicles wash up in droves
they swapped the steering over to the other side
you looked straight at a functioning speedometer with a hole where the wheel was which was a bit disconcerting
but usually not as disconcerting as the driving…no idea if it’s still the case
Bolivia is/was a quirky transportation wonderland in general
I recall they used to have stripped DC-3 planes that would fly beef from the lowlands to La Paz and you could fly along if you paid the equivalent of your weight in meat
I don’t think there’s any vinyl left on that roof
I think that back glass mural is a movie poster for the scorpion king with the Rock
Dwayne Johnson where he was horribly CGI’d to be a strange scorpion centaur-like creature
It does not deserve a window mural so it only brings up more questions
But really interesting wedge shape under that cover in the topshot
And that green… Bronco(?) to the right of it
I’ve seen a few old vinyl tops replaced with truck bed coating and the result is – OK
Actually makes more sense if the car is being driven with any regularity
The Scorpion King DelRey absolutely needs to be paired with the Nairobi “Jean Claude Van Damn Van” from Sense8
“everything has some devoted fans,” I don’t know what does
You’re thinking of The Mummy Returns
where The Rock’s Scorpion King character first shows up
he’s not CGI’d into looking like a PS2 character
Maybe… I don’t really remember (or want to) in that level of detail
It’s amazing how Paramount screwed up the series that badly after the explosive reception the ’99 remake had
The Mummy Returns basically threw out all of Evie’s character that everyone liked
The Scorpion King previewed the curse of all Dwayne Johnson movies where he can’t play anyone but The Rock
and Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor came out long after everyone stopped caring and was stuck in development hell for so long it missed the martial arts zeitgeist of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Kill Bill that it wanted to ride the coattails of
And then nine years later we had Tom Cruise Screaming On A Plane
Did you know that the Brazil Del Rey had an upmarket edition with an interior completely upholstered in wool
When the eponymous American singer heard about this
she immediately collaborated with Glenn Danzig on a track called Scorpions in our Midst and they immortalized the single with a custom series of murals and vinyl wraps
I think the LeSabre’s roof may be painted now
and not the OG vinyl… but WHAT is the small fastback under the tarp between the Mustang II and the red pickup
I’m thinking 240-280 Datsun Z based on the distinctive top of door cut line
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_King
I think I recognize that barbarian couple…
https://www.ebay.com/itm/315558948183
With the 12,000 foot elevation and 50 years of wear and tear sapping power from that already malaise-choked Buick
it would be a wonder if it could even move under its own power
Yup, that unfortunate car didn’t make it to the “sea level” from El Alto
This is a place where I would probably insist on a turbo
I used to drive between Dallas and Denver with my Chevrolet Celebrity a several times
It would lose lot of power when climbing up on I-70 between Raton
the carburettor took longer to readjust to the sea level altitude
That led to fast and furious acceleration and great grunting noise
the needle in the fuel gauge moved to the E quicker
and lot of diesel-like smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe
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affectionately known as Abby to her grandchildren
passed away at the age of 88 on February 3
She was widowed after 33 years of marriage to her loving husband
Patricia”Patty” and the late Cirito and their spouses Lazarro
and their large loving extended families that mostly reside in Southern Louisiana and Southern Florida
she began a relationship with her loving late partner
which enriched our lives for 25 more years.
in order to help earn enough to live in a better neighborhood
mom went to work at a geological laboratory
she worked at the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 9 years ministering to the Hispanic community with the goal of improving the quality of their lives
Mom made a huge sacrifice to leave all her belongings and her beloved home country of Cuba to immigrate with her husband and kids to New Orleans
The bond with the family that was left behind was never severed
It was 17 years before she was able to see any of her family again in a visit to Cuba
much of her family has immigrated to the U.S.
and we have great family gatherings.
Mom’s home was always the center of our family gatherings
She nurtured another home in southern Louisiana full of love
where most of her kids and grandkids reside
largely because mom was an attractive force that drew everyone towards her
She was a source of happiness and vitality for most of her life that made others want to be with her
She was a resilient and great role model for all of us that left a positive legacy
She was a spiritual and charismatic person with a strong faith in God
The gates of heaven were opened for a new angel
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Mothe Funeral Home
Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00am until 1pm
She will be laid to rest next to her husband and our dear father
the late Ciro de la Paz at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com
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The alert comes after several reports of shootings and clashes between civilians and police throughout last week
Three passenger buses were also set on fire in Los Cabos on April 24
🔴 Link: https://t.co/6nxjnNTomG pic.twitter.com/lwqtgSZsE2
— U.S. Consulate Tijuana (@ConsuladoUSATJ) April 25, 2025
separate attacks in the area surrounding Los Cabos claimed the lives of three high-ranking law enforcement officials
including two soldiers and the commander of the Narcotics Unit of the Baja California Sur Attorney General’s Office
Both incidents are presumably related to the recent appearance of “narcomantas,” or banners announcing cartel threats in La Paz and at the Los Cabos International Airport
head of the prosecutor’s office of the state of Baja California
said a comprehensive investigation is being carried out
and cartridges were seized in the operation
A travel advisory is also in place for Mazatlán and other areas in Sinaloa, due to an ongoing internal dispute within the Sinaloa Cartel
arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024
April 7 was the most violent day of 2025 in Sinaloa
nine of which occurred at a rehabilitation center in Culiacán
Authorities have also reported threats against public officials and increasing criminal activity in the area
Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution
monitor local media for official updates and follow instructions from local authorities while visiting Baja California Sur and Sinaloa
With reports from El Heraldo de Saltillo, Infobae and Pax News
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The Colorado Rapids have rounded out their first leg of preseason in Querétaro, Mexico, with a 3-0 victory over Club Atlético La Paz. A brace from Rafael Navarro and a free kick goal from Djordje Mihailovic within the first 30 minutes of the match were enough to seal the victory before the club headed back home to Colorado. Strong performances in net from both Adam Beaudry and Zackory Campagnolo led to the Rapids’ first clean sheet so far this preseason.
Similarly to the club’s last preseason match against Querétaro F.C., today’s match was 120 minutes total, with two 45-minute periods followed by a 30-minute period. This allowed for just about every player on the preseason roster to get some form of game action, making the 3-0 result a complete team performance.
Colorado got to work right away and had their press working early, even on a hot day in Mexico. That press proved to be beneficial as it has throughout this entire first leg of preseason, directly leading to the match’s first goal. After putting pressure on the La Paz goalkeeper, Navarro managed to scoop up a loose ball and calmly place a finish into the back of the net.
That goal wouldn’t be all for the Brazilian, as he would add to his tally less than five minutes later. The play started around midfield, with Mihailovic collecting the ball and surveying his options in the attack. The Olympian then dinked a pass over the opposition’s backline to find a streaking Navarro, who made no mistake with his finish to double the lead. The forward has now logged three goals within his last two preseason matches as he prepares for the 2025 season.
After notching an assist, Mihailovic was looking for more in the early stages of the match. With a foul being drawn for Colorado around the 30th minute, the midfielder stepped up to take the free kick from around 25 yards out. From a spot he is incredibly comfortable in, Mihailovic sent a curling shot in with pace around the right side of the defending wall and beat the goalkeeper to net the club’s third and final goal of the match.
While the attack was strong throughout the match, the defense and goalkeeping cannot be overlooked. As they showed in their previous contest, the Rapids backline put in a strong shift and limited the high-quality chances from their opposition. When the occasional chance did come through, Beaudry and Campagnolo were there to clean things up and make multiple strong saves each.
With the first portion of preseason wrapped up, the Rapids will head back home to Colorado before travelling to Florida for leg two. There, the club will face off against familiar MLS opponents in D.C. United on February 7 and Toronto FC on February 11.
Adam Beaudry, Jackson Travis, Chidozie Awaziem, Andreas Maxsø (Ian Murphy 25’), Reggie Cannon, Cole Bassett (Wayne Frederick 60’), Oliver Larraz, Connor Ronan, Djordje Mihailovic (Sam Bassett 45’), Calvin Harris, Rafael Navarro
Zackory Campagnolo, Keegan Rosenberry, Ian Murphy (Michael Edwards 91’), Daouda Amadou, Anderson Rosa, Wayne Frederick, Sam Bassett, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Sydney Wathuta, Noah Strellnauer, Alex Harris
Natasha Decker•May 1
The United States Embassy & Consulates in Mexico has advised travelers to take precautions in several hotspot destinations south of the border
The authority shared the travel alert on April 25
noting violent incidents that travelers should be aware of
The embassy detailed that local and social media sources had been circulating news regarding the “emerging security situation in Baja California Sur,” one of Mexico’s over 32 states
On April 22, a law enforcement officer was killed, along with three other individuals, in separate incidents. The embassy didn’t disclose exactly where. On April 24, three buses were allegedly set on fire in La Paz and Los Cabos. The following day, a shootout reportedly occurred throughout multiple Cabo San Lucas neighborhoods
The travel alert reported that cartels have made threats against officials
and La Paz should “expect to see increased security presence [and] public transportation restrictions.” The source added that “other actions” are also being taken “to manage the situation.”
The Embassy & Consulates in Mexico recommends fleeing the scene and seeking “secure shelter” if the vibe of your location suddenly changes. Standard travel safety tips in the notice were to “be aware of your surroundings” and regularly update a loved one on your safety
Embassy & Consulates In Mexico should they need assistance
The State Department encourages Americans going abroad to register their trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
It helps authorities locate you in case of a crisis or natural disaster while abroad
the program provides relevant travel updates regarding safety and need-to-know news
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United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace are co-organizing the launch of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law”
an initiative that aims to amplify a condemnation against war while fostering a message of peace and upholding respect for international law
The launch will take place in the symbolic and historic town of Gernika in Basque Country
The event will feature the participation of high-level officials
as well as other key stakeholders committed to the cause of peace
The programme will also include cultural performances and a solemn tribute to the victims of the Gernika bombing
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Eos
The Landslide Blog is written by Dave Petley
who is widely recognized as a world leader in the study and management of landslides
AFP has posted a very good overview of the hazards posed by landslides in the capital city of Bolivia, La Paz (unfortunately it cannot be embedded)
characterised by steep slopes and with very active geological and geomorphological processes
the terrain in La Paz is highly susceptible to landslides
The video articulates the ways in which socio-economic circumstances
and in particular well-meaning government policies
the government seeks to provide land ownership to people occupying land illegally
people are incentivised to remain living in dangerous locations
There are two good examples of the impact of landslides in La Paz. Back in 2011, a major failure occurred in the Callapa district, which destroyed about 400 homes
Google Earth has good imagery before and after the failure:-
And this is an image compare of the site:-
Twenty years ago, O’Hare and Rivas (2005) concluded their article as follows:
“In view of the attempts to reduce hazard risk in the south of the city
there is a real need to seek new approaches to hazard mitigation and to policies of sustainable development for the poor and marginalized groups living in the northern city
Strategies will need to embrace the examination of possible future changes in the frequency
duration and intensity of the landslide event …”
“Also under scrutiny are the technical resources available to raise the region’s or community’s ability to cope with the effects of the landslide hazard
This may take the form of greater locally based support
such as sharing strategies adopted by thecommunity in the face of the disaster
There may also need to be greater municipal and national assistance to help victims set up new livelihoods when they are displaced to new areas in the aftermath of the landslide
there needs to bereal and long-term structural solutions offered by governments from the richer nations with regard to hazard management and preparedness
with theinstallation of physical structures such as drains
Unless the La Paz municipal authorities can raise the adaptive capacities
of those living in the most unstable areas of the city
landslides will continue to damage lives and livelihoods
and thus the long-term development prospects of the poorest communities and groups”
it is likely that I will be writing about landslide crises in La Paz on this blog for many years to come
O’ Hare, G. and Rivas, S. 2005. The landslide hazard and human vulnerability inLa Paz City, Bolivia. Geographical Journal, 171 [3], 239-258. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4959.2005.00163.x
Bolivia’s La Paz has the highest altitude of any administrative capital of any country in the world
And it boasts having a world class public transportation system
But this is no metro — it’s the longest and highest cable car system in the world
An hour and a half: That’s how long it used to take Juan Carlos Plata to travel to and from work along the winding
You couldn’t expect anything like this before.”
The cable car, or teleferico, was a pipe dream for years. But then, with the financial boom of the late 2000s and early 2010s, then-President Evo Morales made it a priority. It was inaugurated in 2014. And now, 200,000 people use it each day
“You’ve seen the geography of La Paz,” said Jose Victor Choque
It’s kind of like catching a gondola ride at a ski resort
There are somelines during rush hour but they move quickly
A new car leaves the station every 12 seconds
which translates to transporting roughly 50 people per minute
The cable cars slow down so people can walk on safely at the station and everyone can find a seat
It’s almost like a place of meditation or reflection
Flying high over the busy streets and mass of cinderblock homes
even though they’re muffled by the distance and the glass
who only gave her first name before running to catch a ride
Protests aren’t the only thing the cable cars help people get around
The streets of La Paz flood often during the rainy season
One half-hour downpour in late January overflowed worn out sewage systems
choking traffic and sending water shooting up from manholes
The cable cars and their passengers rolled on like nothing happened
“I love my cable car,” said lawyer Olivia Espejo
who uses it to travel back and forth from work each day
it’s raining and you would never find a minibus on the street,” Espejo said
There are some negative consequences to the cable car system. According to anthropologist Carlos Revilla, from the La Paz-based Institute of Research and Action for Integral Development
and developers had to raze properties to build it
But on the other hand, Revilla said the cable cars have had another completely unexpected effect: They are breaking down walls in the city between the rich and the poor
“Working class people from El Alto can go to the malls,” he said
and “upper class people from the southern region can go to the July 16th market and feel safe
there’s been this beautiful process of rupturing urban segregation.”
In a country where political divisions are strong
particularly with a presidential election five months out
the cable car is just about the one thing everyone can agree on
I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like the cable car,” 17-year-old high school student Ignacio Crespo said
but it’s innovative and helpful in so many ways.”
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Event: Local media and social media report an emerging security situation in Baja California Sur
Reports include a shootout that spread through several neighborhoods in Cabo San Lucas in the early hours of April 25
three buses set on fire in La Paz and Los Cabos on April 24
the killing of a law enforcement officer and three other homicides on April 22
and the posting of threats against officials by cartels
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When a beneficiary’s (the beneficiary is the person on whose behalf the petition was filed) priority date appears about to become current
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Family-based immigrant visas are divided into two broad groups
immediate relative cases and preference cases
An immediate relative family-based petition is filed by a U.S
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Because the law does not limit the number of immediate relative visas
the priority date is normally irrelevant in such cases (please see the 9 FAM 502.1-1(d)(1) for the notable exception
related to the Child Status Protection Act)
the Immigrant Visa Unit may begin processing the approved petition upon receipt from the Department of State’s National Visa Center or the Department of Homeland Security
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As Embassy La Paz celebrated this special chancery anniversary, it was clear that the chancery building is more than just a physical structure—it is also a symbol of U.S. diplomacy and a vibrant hub for cultural exchange.
Scott Stewart is the facilities manager at Embassy La Paz.
and the police arrested Fernández for murder
A Cuban father who had arrived in the United States less than a year ago was murdered this Sunday by a man
who shot him directly in the chest when he opened the door of his home in Houston
The victim is Ediesky Piñeiro, 34 years old and the father of two young girls, and his aggressor has been identified as Andrés Fernández de la Paz, 36, according to police reports cited by the channel Univision 45
Authorities confirmed the arrest of Fernández this Monday on the charge of murder. According to news reports
he was located and apprehended in the afternoon
According to the Houston Police Department, around 4:40 p.m. on April 27, a shooting was reported at a residence located at 11200 Whittingham Lane
The murder was captured by a surveillance camera. The video shows the moment when Fernández walks down a hallway toward the house
supposedly gestures to someone through a window
and desperate screams can be heard from inside the home as the attacker retreats
kicks the door—apparently intending to break in and continue shooting—and when he can't open it
they found Piñeiro with a gunshot wound to the chest
The homicide detective Dustin Davis told Univision 45 that the victim's wife was inside the house at the time of the shooting
who knew Piñeiro and was present when the police arrived
was the one who confirmed that the victim had been residing in the U.S
for less than a year and that the suspect was said to have been in a relationship with his wife's sister
He also revealed that, during the tragic event
both their wives and their two young daughters were in the house
"May he be captured and justice be served," Navarro then requested
both Piñeiro and his killer are originally from Manzanillo
The victim of the murder in Houston was Ediesky Piñeiro
a 34-year-old Cuban and father of two young girls
He had arrived in the United States less than a year before being killed in his home
The suspect in the murder is Andrés Fernández de la Paz
also of Cuban nationality and supposedly the former partner of the sister of Piñeiro's wife
The murder occurred when Fernández de la Paz shot directly at Piñeiro's chest after he opened the door of his house
The attack was captured by a surveillance camera
The community has expressed dismay and called for justice
The murder of Ediesky Piñeiro has been a devastating blow for his family and friends
especially since his daughters and wife were at home during the attack
La Paz is seeing robust tourism numbers, with 194% more international arrivals in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024
suggesting a strong year is underway for the capital of Baja California Sur
After record numbers in recent years, Los Cabos continues to draw plenty of visitors in 2025. However, slight decreases have been noted, with visitors down 1.6% in January compared to the previous year and hotel rates slipping 5% over the 2024 average— albeit still expensive at US $508 per night
Los Cabos’ increased popularity in recent years has been made possible by enhanced connectivity to U.S
Mexican low-cost Volaris is the latest airline to bring tourists to San José del Cabo International Airport with daily flights from Oakland
The new route began on March 20 and will continue indefinitely
Two flights leave Oakland Airport every afternoon and return daily from SJD at 5:09 and 8:30 p.m
“This new service makes travel to Cabo more convenient and affordable than ever for millions of Bay Area travelers,” confirms Craig Simon, Port of Oakland’s Aviation Director
Notably, California provides more Los Cabos tourists than any other U.S. state. In 2024, 32% of all U.S. visitors to the destination originated in the Golden State. This is reflected in the level of connectivity, with eight airports in the state servicing Los Cabos
2025 hasn’t brought a great spring break season for Cancún, which has seen its numbers drop from an all-time high of 120,000 to the 30,000–35,000 projected for this year. This downturn, coinciding with decreased numbers in the other popular Mexican destinations, has allowed Los Cabos to assert itself as the nation’s premier spring break spot
An estimated 50 to 55,000 students were expected this year
the two-mile stretch of golden sand filled with bars and restaurants
it shouldn’t be surprising that visiting students have been clustered in 14 resorts in and around Médano Beach
the urban image problems plaguing the CSL nightlife scene aren’t all gone
A hotel survey notes that spring break visitors still find Cabo San Lucas a little dirty and smelly— not the adjectives the tourism industry would hope for
It’s perhaps the nation’s most spectacular beach
it’s also one of the few tourists have to pay to visit
Playa Balandra has been a Protected Natural Area (ANP) since 2012. As such, a maximum tally of visitors has since been instituted to ensure clean conditions and sustainability. There are now two timeframes to visit the beach, morning and afternoon, each capped at 450 visitors. As of 2025, tourists must make reservations, paying 120 pesos for a digital bracelet through the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp)
The bracelets should be purchased before arriving at the beach as you can’t buy them there
While prospective travelers are online planning a Balandra visit, they’ll also want to check out the new digital initiatives unveiled by the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (Fiturca)
including virtual reality tours of hotels and activities
The destination became the first in Mexico to enter the Metaverse, thanks to a collaboration with Duba-based company Nostra. Now, using Oculus VR headsets, potential visitors can experience what it feels like to catch a marlin or play a world-class golf course in Los Cabos before they book a trip. To find out how to access the Los Cabos Metaverse, click here
This new technology is expected to boost Los Cabos’ profile in countries outside North America — where it is already a popular vacation destination — increasing visits from places like the United Kingdom
Fiturca has also partnered with AudioEye to make accessing its new digital features easy for everyone, including those with disabilities. Even without VR headsets, the new Los Cabos 360 tool provides stunning 360-degree views of the top local attractions and offers easy-to-click
Chris Sands is the Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best
writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook and a contributor to numerous websites and publications
His specialty is travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food
Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford
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Maryland’s most beloved restaurants will close its doors for the final time on Sunday
La Paz owner Graham Baker decided it was the right time to retire
it all started (after) a skiing accident in ’77,” Baker said
While Baker was resting up after shoulder surgery
he noticed there weren’t any Mexican restaurants in Frederick
He said he chose the name “La Paz” after seeing the seaside city on a map of southwestern Mexico and from how easy it’d be to write on checks
the idea presented itself and kind of blossomed into this
As people lined up outside waiting for the restaurant to open
Known as “Bubbles,” Lisa Cromwell has worked for La Paz for 16 years
Cromwell told WTOP that at least 10 couples have gotten married after meeting each other while working at La Paz
“Who knew tacos could bring so many people together?”
“My mom worked here and that’s how they met.”
no me or my brother,” Lindsay said with a laugh
and my wife came like two weeks after we opened
and we got married in 1980 and we’re still going strong.”
Not only have all of Baker’s children worked at La Paz
and the children of different couples that met as employees
which Baker described as “heartwarming.”
Asked if he had a message for his customers
he choked back tears and said: “Thank you for a great run
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Jimmy Alexander has been a part of the D.C
media scene as a reporter for DC News Now and a long-standing voice on the Jack Diamond Morning Show
Alexander brings those years spent interviewing newsmakers like President Bill Clinton
Join BMI for a reading and conversation with poet Oliver de la Paz
with 2024-25 Shearing Fellow Monica Macansantos.
Oliver de la Paz is the author and editor of several books and serves as the Poet Laureate of Worcester
His latest collection of poetry, The Diaspora Sonnets
It was a winner of the 2023 New England Book Award and was longlisted for the 2023 National Book Award
he teaches at the College of the Holy Cross and in the Low-Residency MFA Program at PLU
Parking/getting there: Parking on UNLV’s campus is free and open to all after 7 p.m.; reserved parking spots are enforced 24 hours a day
To find the Rogers Literature & Law Building
please turn onto East Harmon Ave and take it as far as you can into campus
We encourage you to park in Lot I or Lot J as they’re closest to our building.
Questions? Please email blackmountaininstitute@unlv.edu or call (702) 895-5542.
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A blog of the Latin America Program
This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the troubled US relationship with Bolivia
The new US administration has promised to shake things up in domestic and foreign policy
a deep economic crisis under President Luis Arce will likely lead to political change following the August elections
Better ties would bring rewards to both countries
Its vast lithium resources–the largest in the world
at 23 million metric tons–are in high global demand for batteries for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles
But it has struggled to attract significant foreign investment
Bolivia is important not only as a potential source of minerals
but as a battleground in US competition with China and Russia
There are already signals that the new administration will prioritize Latin America in efforts to recover lost ground
The president-elect’s choice of secretary of state
and his choice for deputy secretary of state
do not guarantee closer ties between the United States and Bolivia
there are indications that the new administration might adopt hawkish policies toward leftist governments in the region
That might be a stumbling block for at least the first six months of the year
Arce’s Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party
and has roots in indigenous left-wing ideologies
It was led from 2006 to 2019 by Evo Morales
a critic of the United States and admirer of China and Russia
and the two countries have repeatedly clashed over Bolivia’s role in the global cocaine trade
Arce’s wing of the MAS is mostly interested in maintaining power and managing a range of crises
including the rapid decline of natural gas production that had paid for generous subsidies and social-welfare programs
leading to fuel shortages and higher consumer prices that are worsening poverty in cities like La Paz and rural areas such as Potosí and Uyuni
Bolivia’s deep economic troubles could provide a window for better relations with the United States
Bolivia welcomed significant Spanish and French investment
Arce promised to open the lithium sector to Western companies
though he later showed a preference for Russian and Chinese firms
including the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL
a significant foreign policy realignment is possible
and the fracturing of the indigenous movement
have increased the possibility of an opposition victory
stands to benefit the most from the MAS implosion
he would likely adopt pro-market reforms and take steps to welcome Western investment
More than half of Bolivians are indigenous and generally critical of free-market principles
These are the inhabitants of the highlands
due to high migration levels from the Altiplano
largely ignored for 150 years until Morales’s rise to power
the new US authorities might need to coexist with yet another MAS government
they would be odd bedfellows. Tesla CEO Elon Musk
is a key supporter of the US president-elect and has an especially complicated relationship with the MAS
after a controversial Twitter post in 2020 that celebrated Morales’s ouster following a disputed election and public uprising
But Musk also represents the promise of closer US-Bolivia ties
is emblematic of the global scramble for lithium and other critical minerals that are abundant in Latin America
President-elect Trump is famously pragmatic in his foreign policy and could be eager to start a new chapter in US-Bolivia relations
should it offer benefits to US businesses and help elbow China out of the Andes
the new US president would have to coexist with Russian and Chinese interests in Bolivia
even left-leaning Bolivians would likely favor a more normal relationship with the United States
with both sides downplaying ideology in favor of economic cooperation
regardless of who wins its August elections
to move past its decades-long wariness towards Washington
Bolivia — On a recent mission to Bolivia organized by the Alliance for Global Justice
I scheduled a couple of free days before our group activities began—to acclimate myself to the elevated Andean atmosphere
Our hotel was just a couple of blocks away from the main central plaza of the city
where Bolivians of all classes come to stroll
On a nearby corner sits the lovely National Museum of Art
housed in what was once the mansion of a colonial Spanish grandee
The museum is the main repository for Bolivia’s artistic heritage
with many paintings and artifacts from the pre-Columbian
and the time (200 years in 2025) of Bolivia’s national independence
The principal exhibition on view now featured a historical retrospective of women’s art—painting mostly
as well as galleries filled with contemporary women artists responding to current issues and demands
Andean religion and mythology naturally have a modern overlay of Christian—Catholic—beliefs and imagery
But underlying it is a still extremely strong consciousness of the source of all life in Pachamama
a personalized interpretation of the concept of Mother Earth
emphasizing woman and her inseparable connection to the land
In Pachamama resides the complete unity of origins and time
Fertility and nurturance emanate from Pachamama
who is a palpable inheritance of all the many Indigenous rural nations that populate Bolivia
Her presence can be seen in the design of textiles that are crafted with mathematical precision and in a strict unity of being and making
both academically trained and self-educated
or in many cases the inheritors of millennia-old traditional arts
all moved by the wisdom and handiwork of their ancestors
have created in their turn works that reflect their sense of wonder and love for the earth and for life
It is no surprise that in the national campaign to save Bolivia from ecological destruction at the hands of global corporations—in agriculture
for example—they call on Pachamama as the unifying spirit of the land
The struggle of women for recognition of their rights and the exercise thereof is central to the continuity of healthy life
Some of the statements and slogans associated with the modern women’s movement emerge out of the basic impulse to preserve the life-giving force
“We don’t care if it’s beautiful or pretty
Our task is to be political and disable and denounce the injustices.”
We have no other option than to put ourselves in debt in order to live.”
“Working women don’t have time to visit museums because they’re trying to survive capitalism.”
“Be thankful we’re asking for justice and not revenge.”
An essay by D. Jackeline Rojas Heredia on “Creative women artists of Bolivia: Dismantling the process” can be read (in Spanish) here. Readers can also explore the Museo Nacional de Arte website
wrote a biography of radical American composer Marc Blitzstein and co-authored composer Earl Robinson’s autobiography
He has received numerous awards for his People's World writing from the International Labor Communications Association
He has translated all nine books of fiction by Manuel Tiago (pseudonym for Álvaro Cunhal) from Portuguese
available from International Publishers NY
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The Bureau of Land Management today released the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Jove Solar Project
which if approved could generate up to 600 megawatts of clean energy
A Notice of Availability will publish in the Federal Register. Project information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states
The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation
and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations
An official website of the Department of the Interior
located at 51 South Market Street in Downtown Frederick
has announced it will close its doors on Sunday
the restaurant is known for its margaritas and outside patio seating along the Carroll Creek
La Paz will be replaced by a new concept set to open in 2025.|
The restaurant issued the following on Thursday: “Since April 4
La Paz has been a staple in Downtown Frederick
We’ve been a part of celebrations and gatherings of all kinds
We’ve served the Frederick community well over a million margaritas
and have had over one thousand employees throughout the years
We are so thankful and proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of your lives for so long
Since it was first reported that La Paz was on the market
we know that everyone has been curious about the status of the sale
We can now share that we have an official signed contract for the sale of 51 South Market Street
and the place where La Paz will serve its final margarita
A restaurant with a new concept will open in the location in 2025
This time is certainly bitter sweet for us
but we are excited for what the future holds
A post shared by La Paz Mexican Restaurant (@lapaz_frederick)
Arizona lawmakers are pushing for more solar development in the state
even as the Trump administration advocates moving away from “intermittent” renewable energy
Republicans and Democrats have introduced at least two bills promoting solar and wind energy in Arizona since the new Congress started work in January
Lawmakers say the bills promote economic development in rural parts of the state while boosting the country’s power supply
“Solar developments create jobs and power Arizona homes with affordable
One of the bills would transfer federal land in western Arizona to local control
while both could bring more money to local governments from renewable energy projects
Solar projects are controversial in western Arizona communities
offering economic opportunity while transforming local landscapes
The La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act would sell 3,400 acres of federal land to La Paz County to allow the expansion of a large existing solar park there
The transferred acres cannot include any “significant cultural
Solar projects: Federal funding will help tribes expand electric service, irrigation
The bill has been introduced in both the House and Senate
The House version is sponsored entirely by Republicans
The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by both of Arizona’s Democratic senators
is designed to encourage solar projects on federal lands across the country
including the vast areas of public land in Gosar’s district
The bill would also use revenues from those solar projects — fees and rents collected by the federal government — to fund local governments and conservation efforts
This is Gosar’s eighth time introducing the legislation
which he has put forward in various forms since he was elected in 2010
The previous bills have never reached a House floor vote
though they had strong support from Republicans and Democrats
Gosar’s office says components of the bills have passed through other legislation
“Congressman Gosar has led this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill for years and while much of the bill was passed in previous years
this legislation will finish the job Congressman Gosar started,” a spokesperson from Gosar’s office said in an email
Federal officials are considering eight solar projects that would be located in Gosar’s district or just outside of it
making up the vast majority of solar projects proposed on federal land in Arizona
these projects would produce a combined 4.7 gigawatts of electricity
enough to power almost 800,000 homes when operating at full capacity
renewable energy sources like wind and solar should be an integral part of the United States’ all-of-the-above energy strategy
Our nation’s public lands can play a critical role in lowering energy prices and can help meet our nation’s growing energy demand,” Gosar’s office wrote in a press release
Mohave County proposal: A solar ban, a gas power plant and the rural retirees firing back at dirty energy
Solar is 'key' to the county's strategic planSolar was the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S
sunny expanses and high concentration of federal land
is seen as an ideal location for solar projects
Western Arizona communities are divided on solar
but local officials in conservative counties seem supportive of the bill
“This vital legislation is key to our strategic plan for La Paz County to be home to the largest solar project in the nation," La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin said in a press release
Mohave County Supervisor Travis Lingenfelter echoed support for energy development in western Arizona
so long as the projects are far from towns and cities
“If we can work together to get the siting of these projects right and far enough removed from our rural population centers
I think there could be some big wins for everyone,” Lingenfelter said
“Mohave County citizens support responsible and diversified energy solutions … but strongly believe that federally-managed lands close to our rural population centers should not be prioritized for industrial-scale renewable energy development.”
The bills seem to align with the Trump administration’s push to boost the national energy supply at a time when growing data centers and electric cars are straining power grids in some areas of the country
the bills are pushing for a form of “intermittent” power that Trump officials seem hesitant to support
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate in January
“We need baseload in order to allow renewables to be part of the system … we’ve stacked the deck
where we are creating roadblocks for people who want to do baseload and we’ve got massive tax incentives for people who want to do intermittent.”
Solar vs. gas: In sunny Arizona, a relocated gas plant ignites questions over who profits and who pays
'intermittent' sourcesTrump essentially paused any renewable power projects on federal lands during the administration’s first days in office
Trump also excluded renewables from the projects he would support through his “energy emergency,” which he declared in January to strengthen the national power grid
reduce energy prices and boost fossil fuel production
So-called “baseload” power usually means fossil fuels
and nuclear power that can provide energy at all times of the day
which produce power according to the movements of the sun and air
argued that solar and wind can become baseload power sources when their electricity is stored in batteries for later release
a technology her state is advancing through research
“Isn’t the combination of renewables plus battery storage baseload?” Cortez Masto asked Burgum
“That’s certainly the future,” Burgum responded
Austin Corona covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to austin.corona@arizonarepublic.com
Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
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is a leading advocate for Bolivia's criolla grapes
A building by the iconic Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani
where homestyle dishes are cooked over open fire; the offerings include tachacá
a little-used spiny whitefish from the Amazon
which fishermen catch to order using traditional nets
keep your eyes peeled for a stall slinging anticuchos
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In compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the Record of Decision for the Jove Solar Project
The Record of Decision signed on January 3
as approved by the Department of the Interior
Read the announcement
After spending his childhood in Tanzania and then moving to London, Alnoor Dhanani expected small-town Chattanooga would be a two-year stopover. Yet, 45 years later, he's still proud to call ... more
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In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of different types of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI language models (or “chatbots”) have become a tool for many students (Impact Research, 2024), whereas companies like Boston Dynamics have been showcasing their human-like robots that can perform tasks no machine could before (Boston Dynamics
As we approach what the World Economic Forum dubbed the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” we must have a framework that gives us the tools to analyze the possible effects of AI and how to best use AI in an emancipatory way (World Economic Forum
With funding from the McNair Scholars Program
I conducted research on the possible effects of AI using the philosophical framework of historical materialism
I will discuss this framework and how it provides a perspective from which to look at AI in a positive light
Historical materialism is a philosophy of history that sees history as the development of the “productive forces” (i.e.
stage) of history is made possible by a development in technology
we organized ourselves in hunter-gatherer economies (Gowdy
the development of agriculture allowed us to leave that lifestyle behind to move towards new forms of social organization (Carey
Every time there is a major development in technology
emancipatory for humanity as it allowed us to increase our quality of life by a great margin (Josh Swan
that does not mean that this stage is the “end of history,” as history keeps moving forward and technological development will certainly not halt either
I compiled a list of readings on the philosophy of history
These included reports from organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the American Economic Association; books such as Automation and the Future of Work (Benanav
Capitalism and Freedom (Friedman & Friedman
1962); and various relevant passages about automation from works such as The Grundrisse (Marx
I used the app Notion to take notes throughout each reading
I implemented a color-coding system to highlight my notes based on their relevance to either AI or history
I approached these texts through the framework of historical materialism
consistently asking whether AI is powerful enough to create historical change and
I reflected on how technology has historically been the primary driver of change within economic systems
that technology must be revolutionary—something entirely unprecedented
I concluded that AI possesses the potential to create such historical change
have already been felt as we have seen a decline in one of the main drivers of employment growth within the U.S
all the labor lost from manufacturing has been absorbed by the service industry
which now contains 74 percent of all workers in high-income countries and 52 percent worldwide (Benanav
AI threatens to eliminate such a substantial number of jobs that it would be improbable for the same amount to be created in other industries
While these predictions about AI may sound negative
I believe this technological automation has the capability to eliminate many jobs that are usually seen as “bad” jobs or outright inhumane; for example
jobs that cause long-term damage to the physical or mental health of workers (e.g.
not to mention the horrible reality of child labor which is still very present in some parts of the world (UNICEF
I believe this elimination of jobs will force us to reconsider the way we think about work and how to earn a living
many people become “unemployable,” then we must create more social safety nets (e.g.
Universal Basic Income) for everyone who cannot simply “get a job” to survive (Harari
following 20th-century economist John Maynard Keynes
that this technology will allow for enough productivity for society to produce all our basic needs more easily such as food
it will allow us to do so while working less for it (or not at all)
thus giving us more leisure time to spend with our family
AI can be an emancipatory technology for our society
It is important to acknowledge that just because historical materialism argues that history has this forward momentum
We must take our circumstances and struggle to build a better future for ourselves
We must fight for social safety nets that do not leave people who lose their jobs due to AI on their own; we must propose guidelines for the use of AI in such a way that it works for the benefit of all
My research led me to believe that the answer to the question of “What type of society does AI give us?” is a more egalitarian one; but we must take this task upon ourselves to use AI to build this future
There are many people without whom I could not have done this
thank you so much to Professor Nick Smith for being my McNair Research Advisor and the person who sparked my interest and passion in philosophy
You have helped me grow since the day we met
I would also like to thank the UNH Philosophy Department
with special thanks to Professor Subrena Smith and Professor Laure Barillas
for guiding me this semester and encouraging me to grow and learn more as a student and a philosopher
I would like to extend my gratitude to the McNair Scholars Program and the U.S
Department of Education for supporting my research; programs like this are the reason everyone has the chance to grow and learn regardless of their backgrounds
I would like to thank my family and friends for being there for me and supporting me throughout this process
for always being there for me and putting up with my rants about philosophy
Boston Dynamics. (2023, January 18). Atlas gets a grip | Boston Dynamics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e1_QhJ1EhQ
Carey, J. (2023). Unearthing the origins of agriculture. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(15). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304407120
Gowdy, J. M. (2021). Our Hunter-Gatherer heritage and the evolution of human nature. In Cambridge University Press eBooks (pp. 41–63). https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108974264.005
Harari, Y. N. (2024, July 25). The rise of the useless class. ideas.ted.com. https://ideas.ted.com/the-rise-of-the-useless-class/#:~:text=In%20the%2…
Harris, K. (2020, November 20). Forty years of falling manufacturing employment. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-9/forty-years-of-falling-manufactur…
Impact Research. (2024). AI Chatbots in Schools Findings from a Poll of K-12 Teachers, Students, Parents, and College Undergraduates. https://8ce82b94a8c4fdc3ea6d-b1d233e3bc3cb10858bea65ff05e18f2.ssl.cf2.r…
Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
Josh Swan. (2020). Capitalism and its impact on global living standards – City-REDI blog. https://blog.bham.ac.uk/cityredi/capitalism-and-its-impact-on-global-li…
Keynes, J. M. (2010). Economic possibilities for our grandchildren. In Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks (pp. 321–332). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-59072-8_25
Marx, K. (1859). Economic Manuscripts: preface to a contribution to the critique of political economy. https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1859/critique-pol-economy/p…
Grundrisse: Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy
The wealth of nations: The Economics Classic - A Selected Edition for the Contemporary Reader
UNICEF. (2024, July 25). Child Labor Statistics - UNICEF DATA. UNICEF DATA. https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/child-labour/#data
World Economic Forum. (2024, September 10). The Fourth Industrial Revolution: what it means and how to respond. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/01/the-fourth-industrial-revolutio…
Jesus LaPaz is a 2024 UNH McNair Scholar with a dual major in philosophy and justice studies
Jesus is also a Trio Scholar and Paul Scholar
He plans to apply for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research in 2025 and is applying to the accelerated master’s program in English literature at UNH
Jesus intends to pursue a career in academia
ultimately becoming a professor of philosophy
He is most interested in exploring the philosophical and literary aspects of how capitalism oppresses human subjectivity and creativity.
is a professor of philosophy and has been teaching at the University of New Hampshire since 2002
Smith has published I Was Wrong: The Meanings of Apologies in 2008 and Justice through Apologies: Remorse
and Punishment in 2014 (both with Cambridge University Press)
He has been interviewed or appeared in many major news outlets
Smith has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers and Inquiry authors.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR >
To learn more about Fondomonte and the history of Saudi Arabia in Arizona go to AZPM's water podcast Tapped
A lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General's office claims that a foreign-owned alfalfa farm in a rural part of the state is pumping of groundwater at an excessive rate and causing a public nuisance
Fondomonte owns 45,000 acres that sit atop the Renegras Plain Basin
an aquifer that supplies water to residents in the central part of La Paz County
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said the farm last year pumped more than 31,000 acre-feet of water from the basin
"Enough to support 93,000 Arizona households for an entire year
and they came to Arizona to grow alfalfa because doing so was banned in Saudi Arabia," she said
The lawsuit repeatedly refers to Fondomonte's pumping as excessive
Mayes said she thinks the term is accurate
Excessive is causing subsidence in a way that potentially damages the infrastructure
Excessive is pumping so much water that it damages the quality of the water that remains."
“Fondomonte remains committed to progressive
efficient agricultural practices on all its operations
Fondomonte is a proud supporter of Arizona Agriculture and the farming community for the last 10 years
The company has invested significantly to bring the latest conservation technology and applies environmentally sustainable practices on these long-established farms
Fondomonte has continued to develop responsibly during its time farming in the state and the company complies with all state regulations
We find the allegations of the Attorney General totally unfounded
and we will defend any potential action against Fondomonte and our rights vigorously before the competent authorities.”
That statement about not violating state law is something that bothers Holly Irwin
a longtime La Paz County Supervisor who has been fighting this issue for almost a decade
She said the fact that the state's water laws have not been updated in more than 40 years is a big part of the issue
"The laws that were created in 1980 just frankly don't work anymore and we need an alternative but we need the legislature to work with us and allow us to create something for the betterment of the people that that we all serve."
Irwin has been part of a group of rural county supervisors that have fought for reform to water regulation
The group has tried to introduce reforms in the past
"We can't even get a hearing down there in front of the Natural Resources Committee down there
and it's been extremely frustrating for all of us
sit down at the table and get some good quality water groundwater reform," she said
This lawsuit gives her hope that some progress can happen
"It gives a little sense of hope that maybe we can finally get something done
the governor's already expressed to use her authority to use the tools in her toolbox if we can't get something passed
But we definitely need some sort of alternative," said Irwin
and said this fight will continue until reform happens
"I will continue to file these lawsuits to protect rural Arizona
but ultimately this needs to be something that the legislature does," she said
La Paz County is not the only place this issue will be taken up
Her office is looking into another alfalfa grower, this one in Cochise County
She said more on that situation will come later.