Minnesota United FC have acquired defender Nicolás Romero from Argentine top-flight side Atlético Tucumán The 21-year-old Argentine center back has signed a three-year contract through 2027 with an option for 2028 He'll occupy U22 Initiative and international roster spots While at Atlético Tucumán, Romero scored two goals in 78 matches. This move reunites him with DP midfielder Joaquín Pereyra, who Minnesota acquired last summer from Atlético Tucumán "Nicolás is an ambitious player who has the desire to make the next step in his career and we are excited to welcome him to Minnesota," said MNUFC chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad "We look forward to seeing Nicolás bring a strong work ethic athletic ability and versatility in the back as an added option to the back line this season and beyond." The Loons' 2025 season, their second under head coach Eric Ramsay, begins on Feb. 22 at LAFC (4:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass; FOX READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker presented by Avant Minnesota United announced today that the club has signed defender Nicolás Romero from Club Atlético Tucumán to a three-year contract through December of 2027, with a club option for 2028. Romero will occupy a U22 Initiative and international roster spot pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). “I am very happy to join Minnesota United and take this big step to Major League Soccer,' said MNUFC defender Nicolás Romero. "MLS is a super competitive league, constantly growing and full of great players. I know it will be a huge challenge, but I like challenges and I am going to give it my all for this club, for my new teammates and for the people who cheer for us in every game. Now a new phase begins and I am ready to defend these colors with pride. Let's go Minnesota United!” “Nicolás is an ambitious player who has the desire to make the next step in his career, and we are excited to welcome him to Minnesota,” said MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad. “We look forward to seeing Nicolás bring a strong work ethic, athletic ability and versatility in the back as an added option to the back line this season and beyond.” Romero arrives at Minnesota after having played for Tucumán’s senior team since the 2021 season. With Tucumán, the center back has made 78 game appearances across all competitions, and has scored twice in over 6,500 minutes of action on the pitch. The center back made his professional senior team debut on February 5, 2021 when he entered late in the match on the road against Independiente (Argentina), finishing out the final ten minutes of an eventual 1-0 victory. Notably, Nicolás Romero and current Loons midfielder Joaquín Pereyra were teammates from 2021-2024 at Club Atlético Tucumán. Transaction: Minnesota United signs defender Nicolás Romero from Club Atlético Tucumán to a three-year contract through December of 2027, with a club option for 2028. Romero will occupy a U22 Initiative and international roster spot pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). a 21-year-old center-back making waves at Atlético Tucumán their opening bid didn’t even make Tucumán blink Minnesota United has decided to climb a steep hill with a bold gamble that could be a game-changer The kid’s basically a blueprint for what American clubs dream about and with tons of room to grow in a less cutthroat league like MLS He’s not just another Argentine defender; he’s the kind who puts his soul into every tackle the kind of grit that makes every slide look like a war cry he’s got something money can’t buy: time to develop Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter). And they’re not about to trade a diamond for glass Selling him cheap would be like letting a treasure chest go for the price of a rusty lock The story kicked off with Minnesota United making their first move Tucumán knows how hot young talents are in today’s market They’ve seen other Argentine prospects leave for pocket change and blow up in bigger leagues but it’s not the Premier League or La Liga where clubs toss cash around like confetti Every signing needs to be a calculated risk Overpaying for a "gem" could backfire turning a golden opportunity into a dead weight on the roster Here’s the thing: Argentine clubs are masters at turning transfer talks into endurance tests And Atlético Tucumán’s playing this like seasoned pros can cough up more cash than they’ve shown so far Minnesota’s got their own reasons to push hard Let’s just say it had more holes than Swiss cheese Adding Romero wouldn’t just be about filling a gap; it’d be a statement a sign that the club’s serious about betting on the future And here’s the kicker: if Minnesota pulls this off More young South American players are eyeing MLS these days it’s got better paychecks and a lifestyle most can’t say no to Romero could be the poster boy for that shift should Minnesota United up their offer or walk away there’s always a chance they’ll spend too much on a guy who might not click in American soccer © 2025 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Minute Media or its affiliates and related brands All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER ","https://fansided.com/",{"alt":"77","src":"78","url":"79"},{"type":"76","value":"7a"},"link","Minute Media","https://www.minutemedia.com/",{"text":"7d","url":"7e"},{"type":"7c","value":"7f"},"All Rights Reserved Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Minute Media or its affiliates and related brands but Atlético Tucumán Plays Hardball","relatedPosts",[],[],[],4,0,"",{"next":"h7"},["57"],"semantic",{"articles":"h2","articlesQueryURLs":"h3","bySearchQuery":"4z","excludeProperties":"5r","excludedIDs":"h4","isFullPost":"gv","limit":"h5","offset":"h6","onlyQueryURLs":"gv","organization":"h7","pagination":"h8","properties":"h9","sourceType":"ha"},{"type":"h1","value":"hb"},{"postsList":"hc"},"Arthur Fernandes became a american soccer fan in 2014 after discovering the USL he’s covered CONCACAF teams as a sports journalist With a degree in Communications and Marketing Arthur worked at Boca Raton FC when the Florida squad was battling it out in the APSL and NPSL Arthur worked with Torcedores and Esportes News Mundo and Mexican versions of VAVEL before landing at Fansided Arthur’s a polyglot aiming to speak nine languages by 2030 Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter). The young Argentine center-back has caught the eye of MLS but negotiations show the Argentines won’t let him go for peanuts played center back for the same club in Argentina that produced Loons attacker Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United on Thursday announced its expected signing of Argentine defender Nicolás Romero after agreeing to a three-year contract with an option for 2028 the same club that produced Loons attacker Joaquín Pereyra The Loons said Romero will occupy a U22 Initiative and international roster spot once he receives his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate “I am very happy to join Minnesota United and take this big step to Major League Soccer,” Romero said in the news release constantly growing and full of great players but I like challenges and I am going to give it my all for this club for my new teammates and for the people who cheer for us in every game.” The Loons have also been negotiating potential deals for young midfielders Jeong Ho-yeon and Owen Gene, a source confirmed. And now they have Romero in the fold. “Nicolás is an ambitious player who has the desire to make the next step in his career, and we are excited to welcome him to Minnesota,” Loons Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad said in the news release. “We look forward to seeing Nicolás bring a strong work ethic, athletic ability and versatility … as an added option to the back line this season and beyond.” Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football. Loons the Loons turned to the 5-2-3 setup they used often in 2024 in effect moving Robin Lod and Joaquín Pereyra up the field against Austin The Loons controlled the game by stopping passes at midfield and they benefited from a goal that rolled between Austin goalie Brad Stuver‘s legs open spots on their roster and room for one or even two more designated players Minnesota United FC acquired defender Nicolas Romero from Argentina’s Atletico Tucuman on Thursday The 21-year-old Argentine center back signed a three-year deal with an option for 2028 He will occupy U22 Initiative and international roster slots Romero tallied two goals in 78 matches from 2021-25 with Atletico Tucuman where he played with current MNUFC midfielder Joaquin Pereyra “Nicolas is an ambitious player who has the desire to make the next step in his career and we are excited to welcome him to Minnesota,” MNUFC chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said “We look forward to seeing Nicolas bring a strong work ethic athletic ability and versatility in the back as an added option to the back line this season and beyond.” The Loons open the 2025 MLS regular season on Feb Trinity Armstrong bounced in a header in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time as the host San Diego Wave FC won their third straight National Women’s Soccer League match,… Sporting Kansas City became the first team in MLS history to win a match without a shot attempt as they defeated the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 on a… Julian Fernandez scored his second goal of the season early on and New York City FC held on for a 1-0 victory over visiting FC Cincinnati on Sunday Sporting Kansas City beats Galaxy without taking a shot New York City FC ends FC Cincinnati’s winning streak Stars keeper Alyssa Naeher preserves draw vs. Gotham Cristian Espinoza scores twice as Earthquake dump Timbers © 2025 Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved. is ready to trade the heated atmosphere of Argentine stadiums for the calculated cold of matches in the U.S securing 90% of the young defender’s economic rights from Atlético Tucumán in a deal that while the exact numbers haven’t been revealed makes it clear the club is taking this seriously this move seems more than just a regular signing Romero arrives carrying the weight of being one of the team’s big defensive hopes seasoned European vets looking for fresh challenges and young Latin American prospects aiming to make their mark the center-back made a name for himself with his steady presence and ability to command a defense despite his youth moving across the continent and adjusting to a completely different playing style he’ll have to adapt to a rhythm where mistakes are punished in a flash and the pressure only mounts as the paycheck grows Romero’s the kind of player who seems like he was born to lead and with that fiery “Argentine spirit” that blends grit and technique he’s what coaches like to call a “modern center-back.” Not only does he defend but he also knows how to build from the back He’s the type of guy who can break up attacks and immediately switch gears with a well-placed pass to start a counter And that’s exactly what Minnesota United needs right now their defense sometimes resembled a Swiss cheese and his experience at the top level is still somewhat limited and maybe even a tough transition to a new country Minnesota United might have landed one of the steals of the season at least the club has shown they’re committed to investing in young talent and thinking long-term Having South American players around also helps the MLS connect with its Latino fan base which is a smart move for growing the league eager to prove they can reach the highest levels whether in Europe or even becoming household names right here it all comes down to how Romero performs on the field and a contract that gives him the time he needs to develop ","https://fansided.com/",{"alt":"78","src":"79","url":"7a"},{"type":"77","value":"7b"},"link","Minute Media","https://www.minutemedia.com/",{"text":"7e","url":"7f"},{"type":"7d","value":"7g"},"All Rights Reserved He’s leaving Argentina's countryside to become an MLS prospect The Loons are working on signing Nicolás Romero from Atlético Tucumán — the same club in Argentina that produced Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said at the beginning of the offseason that the team would focus on bringing in younger players and the Loons may be about to acquire their first the Loons are close to signing Argentine center back Nicolás Romero from Atlético Tucumán — the same club from which Minnesota picked up attacker Joaquín Pereyra Between Argentina’s league and cup competitions the 21-year-old Romero has started 71 times at center back for Tucumán over the past two seasons Minnesota announced on Saturday that it had signed winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane to a three-year extension through 2027 with a club option for 2028 That moves Hlongwane out of one of the important U22 Initiative spots on the Loons roster Romero would fit the bill to occupy one of the spots especially since it would mean that any transfer fee paid by Minnesota — pegged by unconfirmed reports as around $2 million — wouldn’t count against Minnesota’s salary budget this season Pukki’s move would also clear an international roster spot, another limit the Loons have to manage, as they look to move on the Finnish forward, as well as English defender Ethan Bristow. The Loons have escaped the cold this week, with training scheduled for Santa Barbara, Calif., from today through Jan. 30. Minnesota will play a scheduled friendly against Real Salt Lake on Jan. 29. Jon Marthaler has been covering Minnesota soccer for more than 15 years, all the way back to the Minnesota Thunder. Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi will both start for Argentina Romero and Otamendi are going to start for Argentina against Paraguay on Thursday. According to Gastón Edul, they will start in front of Emiliano Martínez. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has not decided on if he will play with four midfielders or with three forwards. Why doesn’t he boost the confidence of the likes of Balerdi by putting them in the starting XI? Otamendi is not getting younger and his aerial defence has been exposed time and again in the last few years. Mundo Albiceleste is your home for all the latest news about the Argentina National Football team in English! 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POV Forward Thinking Review of the Year Jenny Brewer Olivia Hingley Ellis Tree Elizabeth Goodspeed Liz Gorny Extra Search CDs and scraps of food: Nicolás Romero Escalada paints the scenes of life over lockdownIn recent times the artist has turned towards neighbourhood walks and trips to the supermarket as his inspiration post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh returned home from the hospital after mutilating his own ear he decided to paint a self-portrait – bandage included This very image is what inspired the young and budding artist Nicolás Romero Escalada who suffered greatly with ear infections as a child I had the feeling that he painted them with the concept of ‘fever’ I had ear infections that made me suffer a lot I kept seeing Van Gogh’s self-portraits without an ear as a solution for ear infections.” Nicolás became interested in the graffiti scene in Buenos Aires which inspired him to pick up a paint brush and start creating his own pieces “Reconnecting” him with the landscape of art it wasn’t long until Nicolás found his feet later incorporating his love of graffiti in with the collage-inspired style of painting “I try to work around traces that are found in a space,” he tells It’s Nice That often turning towards symbols of everyday life as his muse This can range from a plastic bottle of a drink “that is 50 per cent cheaper than Coca-Cola,” or an orange from a school lunch he brings all of these strangely specific inspirations and twists them into one whole image building a compilation of human existence and the elements that surround him Nicolás starts the day off with a pretty standard routine: a good and hearty breakfast usually involving eggs or a Mexican breakfast sticking on a soundtrack of classical music and Reggaeton when he’s close to finishing a painting Everything he makes is based off something like a recent piece titled Robot – devised from a dream he once had of a giant robot “You know when you have a dream and you keep thinking about it Nicolás Romero Escalada: They told me not to talk politics at the table 90x70 oil and acrylic on linen 2020 (Copyright Nicolás Romero Escalada Nicolás was in Barcelona when the pandemic hit he decided to fill his days with walks around the neighbourhood and trips to the supermarket he noticed and consumed everything around him “I realised that I always ate the same thing: the same cookies “It was as if time had stopped and I could see myself Then I decided to combine the dream with reality and in a way I think that is the summary of how I protected myself during the quarantine.” The image itself is much like the rest of his portfolio: considered detailed and filled with various objects and ephemera loo rolls and cans are layered atop one another and cleverly composed into the shape of a robot It’s almost like one of those transformer bots that you see in the films – futuristic but at once littered with the diligent style of the artist They told me not to talk politics at the table is another recent piece this time blending a vase of (nearly wilted) roses a stack of CDS (like 2 Pac and Kendrick Lamar) vegetable scraps plus a couple of cats ripping to shreds an image of Donald Trump There’s also a shiny bauble-type object in the centre and you can see the figures of two people taking a photograph in the reflection Everything in this image is linked to the artist’s experience over lockdown from the mango he ate over quarantine to the leftovers of a dish he made the day before a state of alarm was declared in Spain “In the centre I made a self-portrait in a plastic pumpkin But also I painted it when I made the decision to live in Europe.” you might first guess that there isn’t much in the way of context or narrative in Nicolás’ work there seems to be a lot going on behind the imagery – even more so than the busy scenes that he’s building “I think what I’m looking for is to question the observer,” he responds when asked how he hopes his audience will interpret the work “I try to create a language that is an alternative to the one we always use since it is very difficult for me to communicate in the conventional way which is also dangerous due to the centralisation of information it is a fight with many tactics: manipulating the image 70x90cm oil and acrylic on linen 2020 (Copyright Nicolás Romero Escalada Nicolás Romero Escalada: Continente Americano Nicolás Romero Escalada: I miss you (but no so much) Nicolás Romero Escalada: Is this a political statement Nicolás Romero Escalada: Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe 100x140 oil and acrylic on linen (Copyright Nicolás Romero Escalada Nicolás Romero Escalada: Los ultimos dias de primavera oil and acrylic on linen 110x84cm 2018 (Copyright Nicolás Romero Escalada Nicolás Romero Escalada: Naturaleza muerta contemporanea III Nicolás Romero Escalada: once objetos y una ideologia 60x60 oil and acrylic on linen (Copyright Nicolás Romero Escalada Further Infowww.instagram.com/eversiempre Ayla Angelos Ayla is a London-based freelance writer After joining It’s Nice That in 2017 as editorial assistant she was interim online editor in 2022/2023 and continues to work with us on a freelance basis and she is also the managing editor of design magazine Anima Fancy a bit of It's Nice That in your inbox Sign up to our newsletters and we'll keep you in the loop with everything good going on in the creative world Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Pinterest About Careers at It’s Nice That Privacy Policy Insights Residence Creative Lives in Progress If You Could Jobs © It’s Nice That 2024 · Nice Face Logo © It’s Nice That Ayla is a London-based freelance writer The artist Hannah Lim took to the Nicer Tuesdays stage last month to share the many facets of her vibrant practice she demonstrated how she’s been unpacking the 18th Century aesthetic trend of Chinoiserie through the lens of her mixed Chinese Porous is a beautifully tender and tactile meditation on healing from sexual trauma The LA-based artist finds his greatest inspiration across his state’s local cityscapes busted-up signage and never pretty or pristine plaques The painter’s surreal portraits merge past and present figures – the familiar and fantasy – to connect stories of “exile The London-based painter’s earthy palettes swirl through surreal scenes that merge family archives and fiction to create new and imagined realities the illustrator shares a view of the city up close in amongst all the entanglements of a nostalgic but imperfect trip candles and cups all fall into place in Anjali Kamat’s playful analogue scenes Born in Thailand and raised between New Zealand and Portland Laney’s lively artwork is laced with humour and an adventurous approach Next month’s Nicer Tuesdays is sure to give you creative bunch a spring in your step with awe inspiring talks from: a design agency that’s building evolving brands a sculptor reclaiming colonial design trends from the 18th century a 3D design studio whose animation style capitalises on all things camp and a photographer exploring their Peruvian roots through the lens With an everyday ritual of painting the newspaper the artist’s project is a testament to what happens when we treat creativity as something as intrinsic as eating breakfast or brushing our teeth The renowned charity record sleeve auction is back with an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned artists including artworks for vinyl by: Antony Gormley takes the Nicer Tuesdays crowd through the development of his meticulously layered painting style from early creative influences to the different materials and methods he uses to create cinematic scenes with theatrical dynamics www.instagram.com/eversiempre The Barcelona-based visual artist is transforming reality into blotchy collaged forms that merge medieval and folkloric inspirations About Contact Advertising Opportunities Newsletters Insights + Opinion Creatives + Projects Advice + Resources Culture + Lifestyle Nicer Tuesdays The View From... POV Forward Thinking Review of the Year Jenny Brewer Olivia Hingley Ellis Tree Elizabeth Goodspeed Liz Gorny Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Pinterest Careers at It’s Nice That Privacy Policy Insights Residence Creative Lives in Progress If You Could Jobs firming up their back line with Argentine center-back Nicolás Romero The 21-year-old defender inked a deal through 2027 Minnesota United FC made another move in the market The club's investment in young South American talent is nothing new, having recently brought in Joaquín Pereyra from the same Tucumán. Their connection could be an advantage, but the big question is: what can Romero truly bring to Minnesota United is this signing enough to elevate the team's level in MLS Romero's arrival wasn't an accident Minnesota United has been betting on a model of scouting young talent from South America something slowly creeping into the actions of MLS clubs in general The center-back comes with very solid credentials from the top league of Argentina having played for Tucumán in 78 appearances and scoring two goals experience in an extremely competitive league like Argentina's would suggest he could be ready for a new challenge was quick to say Romero is the type of player that fits their mold-a defender with great work rate and ability to play across different spots in the backline These are traits head coach Eric Ramsay seems to be coveting heading into his second season leading the Loons as he seeks a more defensively sound 2025 outfit But signing a promising young player is one thing Helping him quickly adapt to MLS soccer is an entirely different challenge how well Romero adapts may be one of the major factors in his success in Minnesota The South American defenders coming into the league often have an adjustment period but that doesn't mean he won't struggle with it The fact that his former teammate from Atlético Tucumán is with him might soften the transition a bit a friendly face in the locker room does wonders in team dynamics and all-around integration But seriously: is he going to be a sure starter come through easily for opponents as many times Romero cannot solve all those issues himself but this might be the step in that direction he knows how to make precise tackles and recover possession at key moments If he can adapt quickly and establish himself in the lineup Minnesota United might have secured one of the most promising young defenders in MLS The club's investment in young South American talent is nothing new, having recently brought in Joaquín Pereyra from the same Tucumán. Their connection could be an advantage, but the big question is: what can Romero truly bring to Minnesota United The 21-year-old Argentine defender brings promise but can he handle the league’s intensity have also had their sights on Nicolás Romero Minnesota United has started the 2025 season carrying over a lot of the depth that it had to end 2024 — except “On account of some of the exits we’ve had we look a little bit light in the middle,” coach Eric Ramsay said It’s an area that Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad has been trying to improve — and the Loons are in negotiations with some players that could potentially help The Loons are negotiating potential deals for young midfielders Jeong Ho-yeon and Owen Gene, in addition to 21-year-old center back Nicolás Romero has been a regular in the lineup for Gwangju FC in South Korea’s first division and won the league’s Young Player of the Year award in 2023 He’s played once for the South Korea senior men’s national team and was on the gold medal-winning U23 side at the Asian Games late in 2023 — a big deal for him as winning a gold medal exempts all of the team’s members from mandatory military service who’s currently with Amiens in the French second division Gene — who is listed as 6-1 on his team’s official site — has already made 108 appearances for Amiens After switching to a 5-2-3 formation last season Ramsay depended almost entirely on Wil Trapp and Hassani Dotson to fill the two midfield roles with occasional cameos from Robin Lod — who fits better as a wide forward — and from Carlos Harvey who ended the year as an outside center back Minnesota also loaned out midfielder Alejandro Bran first to Burton Albion and then to Alajuelense in Costa Rica The Loons also let forward Franco Fragapane leave in free agency — thus removing the option to play him up front Combine that with the Loons’ sale of center back Miguel Tapias to Chivas Ramsay’s options in the middle start looking a little light “There’s definitely scope to bring in players there,” Ramsay said if we managed to strengthen the back line and we strengthen the midfield two-way central midfielder — a perfect fit for Ramsay’s system which often demands the most running from its two central midfielders Among Loons players who played regularly since Ramsay took over Trapp and Dotson led the team in distance covered per minutes played with each averaging just over 7 miles of running per 96 minutes Scouting reports peg Gene as a ball-winning defensive-minded midfielder — a role that’s almost completely fallen to Trapp over the past several seasons since the departure of Ozzie Alonso at the end of 2021 one that runs through the season and has a team option for next year Romero and Gene would likely be eligible for U22 Initiative roster spots Unconfirmed published reports from France have pegged Gene’s potential transfer fee around $2.1 million similar to the reports about a fee for Romero — but in an U22 spot neither’s transfer fee would count against the team’s salary budget The Loons currently have two vacant spots for U22 Initiative players, and would add another if they complete the transfer of Teemu Pukki, which would allow them to have two designated players (Joaquín Pereyra and Kelvin Yeboah) and four U22 players. Minnesota United might need to juggle things a bit to fit three more international players into its eight international roster spots, but has until Feb. 21 to get its roster compliant. Sie haben erfolgreich Ihre Einwilligung in die Nutzung von Transfermarkt mit Tracking und Cookies widerrufen Sie können sich jetzt zwischen dem Contentpass-Abo und der Nutzung mit personalisierter Werbung takes a plea deal Monday in state District Court in Taos in a 2021 fatal crash Joshua Maestas was sentenced to 10 years in prison for leading police on a chase that led to a crash that killed a Taos teen TAOS — A Ranchos de Taos man pleaded guilty Monday to leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in 2021 that led to a crash killing a passenger in his car 18-year-old Taos High School student Nicolas “Nico” Romero Joshua Maestas was sentenced to 10 years in prison in exchange for guilty pleas in three of six original counts: vehicular homicide aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer and possession of a controlled substance The three other charges — great bodily harm by vehicle reckless driving and failure to maintain traffic lane — were dismissed was scheduled to appear before a jury Monday but agreed to the plea offer before the trial began According to a statement of probable cause Maestas was driving a brown Ford Explorer on N.M when Taos County sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull him over and arrest him on at least one felony warrant he evaded several stop sticks placed by a deputy New Mexico State Police became involved in the pursuit causing the vehicle to roll onto its driver’s side Romero was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene According to results of Maestas’ blood tests methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system at the time of the crash Maestas responded: “There was not one person in the vehicle that didn’t agree to what I was doing State District Judge Jeffrey Shannon asked Martinez to describe her son “He should have never been associated with this individual.” “Your answer to the question was pathetic,” he said you will forever be known as the man who killed Nico Romero,” the judge continued “You may be out of prison in this case in five years This story first appeared in The Taos News a sister publication of the Santa Fe New Mexican Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning get a preview of The New Mexican's big Sunday stories and review highlights from the week Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online Stay up to date with news from the Capitol during the legislative session and follow New Mexico politics throughout the year A guide to outdoors opportunities and profiles on peoples' connections with places Keep up with what's going on in the local business scene Receive the latest episode of "Conversations Different" in your inbox every Tuesday.  Taking the temperature of New Mexico's environmental issues local prep sports and more every Wednesday Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is extremely common, affecting nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization HSV establishes a latent infection that periodically awakens HSV can also lead to dangerous eye infections and brain inflammation in some people and cause life-threatening infections in newborns Researchers have long known that the virus and the host immune system are in a perpetual competition but why does this battle reach a stasis in most people while causing serious infections in others Get more HMS news here precisely how does the battle unfold at the level of cells and molecules This question has continued to bedevil scientists and hamper the quest for treatments that prevent or cure infections A recent study by researchers at Harvard Medical School, conducted using lab-engineered cells and published in PNAS unveils the precise maneuvers used by host and pathogen in the fight for dominance of the cell the research shows how the immune system keeps the virus at bay in a battle taking place at the control center of the cell — its nucleus The research reveals a key role for a group of signaling proteins called interferons which recruit other protective molecules and block the virus from establishing infection HSV multiplies by making copies of itself inside the nuclei of cells the virus must outcompete the host’s immune system But many of the tactics the virus and the immune system use in this contest have remained a mystery making it challenging to design medicines to help patients defeat the virus Interferons — named for their ability to interfere with pathogens’ attempts to infect cells — are signaling molecules released when the immune system detects the presence of microbes The distress signals sent by interferons activate genes in that cell and other cells that produce proteins which in turn block viruses from establishing infection in the first place Several different mechanisms that interferons use to thwart viruses within the cytoplasm But how interferons work against DNA viruses — those launching their attack within the cell nucleus — has remained elusive Experiments pinpoint weak spot that can make the virus susceptible to gene editing New research reveals what enables the herpesvirus to lurk in nerve cells “We know a lot about how interferon and immune stimulants work against viruses in the cytoplasmic body of the cell, but up until now, we knew very little about how the immune system blocks viral infection in the cell’s nucleus,” said study senior author David Knipe the Higgins Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in the Blavatnik Institute at HMS “Our findings define the mechanisms of action of any treatment that induces interferons and how they can prevent and treat infections from HSV as well as other herpesviruses and nuclear DNA viruses.” Knipe said the insights from this work could also help researchers understand — and perhaps eventually develop treatments for — other nuclear DNA viruses including well-known troublemakers like the Epstein-Barr virus which causes mononucleosis; human papillomavirus; hepatitis B; and smallpox These results define the mechanisms of action of interferon treatments for herpesvirus diseases and other treatments such as toll-like receptor ligands that have been tested for herpes Other new activators of interferons such as cGAS agonists could also be used to induce herpes resistance through the newly defined mechanisms The researchers caution that any new potential therapies for HSV and other DNA viruses are purely conceptual at this point Any such approaches should be first tested in small animals such as mice an HMS PhD graduate now at the National Institutes of Health discovered that a host protein called IFI16 is recruited by interferon to help block the virus from reproducing in several ways One of the strategies used by IFI16 to fend off HSV involves building and maintaining a shell of molecules around the viral DNA genome This molecular “bubble wrap” prevents the virus from unfurling it can’t activate its DNA to express its genes and make copies of itself the virus produces molecules called VP16 and ICP0 that can remove the wrapping deactivate the host cell’s protective molecules Another mechanism used by IFI16 to fight HSV infection is to neutralize VP16 and ICP016 when the cell is not preparing to repel a viral invader there is some IFI16 present within the nucleus But this background level of IFI16 isn’t enough to fight off the viral helper proteins and keep the virus wrapped and restrained Without interferon’s call to the cell to send in more IFI16 the virus wins the arms race and infects the cell when interferon signals recruit higher levels of IFI16 This current study echoes similar findings that found elevated levels of IFI16 in clinical samples of tissues where the immune system appeared to be successfully controlling symptoms of the closely related HSV-2 virus providing crucial insights about the molecular machinery at work in staving off outbreaks of symptoms Knipe says he became interested in the biology of herpesviruses as an undergraduate while recovering from a bout of mononucleosis The Knipe lab studies what happens at the level of molecules and cells when HSV causes symptomatic and dormant infections He is particularly interested in how the host immune system responds to HSV Knipe has applied the insights gained by studying HSV to explore the possibilities of using genetic material from HSV to deliver vaccines for HIV “Solving the puzzles that underlie the basic biology of how these viruses interact with the host cell nucleus and immune system is endlessly fascinating and finding new ways to apply that knowledge to fighting diseases is endlessly rewarding,” Knipe said “The most exciting part is that we’re just scratching the surface of the deep knowledge we can tap into for this fight.” This research was supported by National Institutes of Health predoctoral fellowship F31 AI145062 and National Institutes of Health grant AI106934 Study solves riddle of how mutations in Integrator complex relate to neurodegeneration Study shows how spike protein changes determine the risk of viral outbreaks Surgery moves field closer to alleviating organ shortages Studies detailing brain-immune crosstalk could inform treatments for autism Scientists weigh in on the spread of H5N1 and highlight clues that portend what might come next Researchers recognized for accomplishments in biological sciences © 2025 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College or sign up for a new account to continue reading We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content Since you viewed this item previously you can read it again Unlimited access to the Taos News website for a full year!  Plan includes access to our e-edition print replica online.  Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period Unlimited access to the Taos News website for 30 days.  Plan includes access to our e-edition print replica online.  Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period Unlimited access to the Taos News website for 30 days.  Plan includes access to our e-edition print replica online.  This is a one-time purchase.  Your subscription will not renew The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! 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Miera explained that many factors are taken into account when deciding whether to initiate a police chase weather and traffic conditions and the present population density A reasonable possibility of apprehending the suspect is also required by the state's Safe Pursuit Act It was later discovered that Maestas was in possession of fentanyl Empty alcohol containers were also found on the scene A blood warrant was issued to test Maestas for substances but due to the possession of illegal drugs the presence of alcohol and the severity of the crime he has been charged with homicide by vehicle while under the influence (a second-degree felony) Maestas also faces charges of great bodily harm by vehicle (a third-degree felony); aggravated fleeing of law enforcement (a fourth-degree felony); and possession of a controlled substance (a fourth-degree felony) Maestas has a long rap sheet in Taos County and around the state and has been arrested and convicted on charges ranging from aggravated battery and negligent use of a deadly weapon to child abuse and a number of traffic violations He also has a history of violating probation and failing to appear in court The District Attorney's Office has filed a motion for a no-bond hold and pre-trial detention Maestas will appear before Judge Jeffrey Shannon on Thursday (Aug 26) for detention and preliminary hearings If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor The transfer window: It’s one of the most exciting parts of being a soccer fan From following all of the rumors to diving into the stories of your favorite club’s latest signing this is the time of year that all of the biggest fans get to engage in some gossip aside from actually being able to watch the team play While I can’t solve the lack of gameplay for you today I can help make the most of this glorious transfer window most Loons fans have probably heard that the club has signed two new players: Nicolás Romero and Hoyeon Jung I’ve taken the liberty of compiling some research for you in one easy article and more to tell you exactly who these new guys are and how they’re going to fit in with the rest of the Boys in Black and Blue The left-footed defender joins the Loons from Atlético Tucumán of the Argentine Primera División he brings experience and excitement beyond his years After making his professional debut with Tucumán in 2021 Romero established himself as a regular fixture in his club’s back four during the 2023 season He’s played primarily as a left center back while racking up more than 75 first-team appearances in one of South America’s most competitive leagues showing the kind of talent and maturity that are typically indicative of a long Romero’s large frame and wealth of experience at such a young age suggest that while he has the skills to slide into the left side of the Loons backline now and make an impact he will continue to grow in the coming years into an even more effective player Look to see him feature on the left or middle of the Loons’ back three or generally on the left side of the defense Fans may recognize Atlético Tucumán from MNUFC’s last inbound transfer from Argentina as Joaquín Pereyra joined from the very same club The two were teammates for the better part of four years bringing an added element of chemistry building to the current project The second signing of the window moves us up the pitch into the midfield where Loons fans will now have the privilege of watching Hoyeon Jung control the middle of the park The 24-year-old South Korean midfielder offers a flexible hardworking option to pair with an already effective midfield core with experience playing as both an eight and a six After more than 100 appearances for Gwangju FC in his native South Korea Jung brings a unique cocktail of experience with him to Minnesota appearing in 36 games in the second division and maintaining his spot when the club made the jump to K League 1 in 2023 but he also earned K League Young Player of the Year honors in his first season playing at the top level Add in several appearances in the AFC Champions League and a cap with the South Korean National Team in March 2024 and Jung’s résumé has all the makings of a future star a trait that Loons fans have had the privilege of benefitting from thanks to Hassani Dotson and Wil Trapp the last few seasons Jung will fit right in with the current crew adding an above-average ability to cover ground and connect the field through his movement and passing If that’s not the perfect recipe for a center mid Both players are joining MNUFC from the clubs they made their professional debuts with meaning that this will be their first experience in new environments It’s always worth maintaining some degree of cautious optimism when young international players make the jump to MLS If the respective starts to their soccer careers are anything to go by it seems likely that Romero and Jung will be able to make a difference once they get their feet under them in this exciting next step in their journeys Home » Gold & Blue Magazine » The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign supports academic and research distinction Find out how our students and faculty have followed their passions to find academic and research distinction with help from the gifts of The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign through the short story and quotes below a junior from San Antonio studying Physics and Mathematics gives thanks for the opportunities provided by those who have donated to improve research opportunities especially people of color in the sciences “Breaking the mold is something I don’t take for granted Doing that internship proved that I can research I can go anywhere in the world and be a good scientist.” The recently renovated Brother William Hamm Physics Lab is greatly enhancing courses “crucial in the preparation for future engineers and scientists,” said Richard Lombardini “I had never been exposed to research prior to coming to St The professors helped me understand that my work extends to thousands of lives The donors who funded much of our research and our renovated spaces have helped introduce us to our future callings.” — Alexis Salazar “Research as an undergraduate can be a transformative experience. As a mentor, I can see that transformation at work in my students. When students are in the research lab working on answering real questions that could impact health and disease, they learn biology in a whole new way.” — Verónica Contreras-Shannon “The Mechanical Engineering program has given me the skills required to work in an engineering-related industry right out of undergraduate school but with an emphasis on the importance of establishing interpersonal relationships and reflecting the characteristics of a Marianist education.” — Nicolas Romero Mechanical Engineering senior from California and member of the Marianist Leadership Program “Mechanical engineering does not make sense without facilities for the students to experience the engineering in a hands-on environment. Without the support that we have received to build labs, our program would be meaningless. It is great to be able to attract students who want to learn mechanical engineering in our Marianist community.” — Amber McClung Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering “Travel funding for students, such as through the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, incentivizes good work. Our students say these opportunities have allowed them to be better prepared than everyone else when they reach graduate school.” — Bradley W. Root “Thanks to the support I’ve received through the Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program Mary’s and give back to the community by sharing stories about San Antonio’s history I’ve had the opportunity to partner with the nonprofit Esperanza Center to produce a digital project on the history of the Missions and Tejano culture.” — Samantha Shine Trabucco Master of Arts in Public History student from Floresville The mission of the Law Success Program is to help prepare students for success in school data-driven approach to student growth by using assessments and data gathering to plan legal skills development bar exam initiatives and individual academic counseling Faculty excellence drives the successful outcomes for students and the St The short story and quotes below illuminate how faculty members continue to shine through gifts to The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign One gift alone can contribute to transformative educational opportunities — the defining moments that change a student’s trajectory from unsure to successful elevate a professor’s research into the national limelight and support the University community in its faith journey with Catholic and Marianist traditions The newly created Texas Business Court features two alumni from the St Culture meets communication  by Jennifer R ’16)  Public relations strategist and author Melissa Vela-Williamson (B.A ’02) isn’t afraid of the curve balls a career in PR can throw at professionals — either those new to .. This work, US Southern Command Showcases Strength in Diversity, by Capt. Marcie Mascaro, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright The slumping Sharks are in desperate search for victory when they host the SaberCats on Saturday evening Miami have lost four in a row and are coming off a season-worst performance against the Free Jacks Houston were also disappointed to lose in their last outing but despite the result moved up to top spot in the West thanks to bonus points and remain one of the league’s best outfits The loss of Davy Coetzer to injury is a blow to the Cats though it’s likely he would have been rested for this fixture anyway Wilton Rebolo is set for his club debut as part of a strong bench behind an even stronger starting pack For Miami it’s a complete reshuffle of the backline with captain Tomas Cubelli left among the reserves Without star openside Manuel Ardao on the flank it’s hard to see where their point of difference might come Tags Major League Rugby Two of the best teams in Major League Rugby will meet at Fort Quincy on … 2016United World has gathered the opinions of some of Ecuador’s most important business and political leaders on Guayaquil’s leading role and the inherent values and traits of people from the Guayas province What is the role of Guayaquil in the dynamics of Ecuador Servigroup: The most significant social plan a government can implement is one which helps people to find honorable which serves to promote dignity among individuals Guayaquil is the leading city in Ecuador for employment It is a city that thrives on the work of its people and it is that “the primary social responsibility of a company is to be profitable so that it can support employment and endure the test of time.” So the role of our city is this: to promote entrepreneurship and through these duties achieve a respectable standard of living for our citizens National Business Bureau: Guayaquil plays a paramount role this thriving city has historically been the driving force for development in the country regardless of the political leanings of the current government or of the money the central administration pours into the economy This city has always been an icon of freedom and progress in Ecuador generating confidence among the economic actors established in our city and encouraging them to continue contributing to progress and well-being through various economic activities and investments Former Political Chief of Guayas Province: Guayaquil plays a significant role in all aspects of Ecuadorian life As the most populated city and the driving motor of the country it naturally holds great influence in any political economic and cultural movements in Ecuador It is a thriving city characterized by the hard work of its citizens making it the first and foremost city in the country Its location on the port makes it a city open to everyone there is a natural chemistry between Guayacos and foreigners who work together with the same goal of helping the city to grow and become more beautiful We take pride in the growth and development Guayaquil has experienced in the last 25 years thanks to Mayor Jaime Nebot and León Febres-Cordero Ours is a city with much to offer and to share with newcomers and this is evidenced by our position as the most visited city by both native Ecuadorians and foreigners Guayaquil Airport Authority: Guayaquil has always been a leader in all the important revolutions that happened in Ecuador always ahead of all the fundamental changes that took place in the history of this country – starting with the port-city’s declaration of independence on October 9 and then the battle against foreign domination After that there was the Alfaro Revolution Alfaro’s Ecuador was one of the first countries to adopt the separation of church and state to institute women’s vote and equality and others.Guayaquil has always been the catalyst for the modern ideas that came from Europe against the conservative status quo which always shut itself inside the country While in the rest of the country the concept of “21st century socialism” is thriving in Guayaquil there is development and entrepreneurship Guayaquil Stock Exchange: Since I was born Guayaquil has been the financial and numerically speaking largest city of Ecuador due to a series of circumstances I think that it was the most important city in the country because here is where the most important revolutions in history occurred.From here came the most important leaders of history who were the most brilliant representatives of political movements without Guayaquil being the political capital of the country.With time and with great skill by the central government Quito began to acquire a very important position in being the financial part of the country because all the oil companies operating in the east had their head offices in Quito and The same thing happened with leading industrial companies that had settled in Guayaquil which over time installed their head offices in Quito although their production bases were in Guayaquil.Then if we intend to analyze which is the financial capital of Ecuador today we might get confused and point out that it is Quito but what is collected in Quito is not equal to what is produced there The oil is produced in the east but taxed in Quito The chocolate factories produce here but the main offices are in Quito.So The declarations that are given in both towns reflect the social economic aspects that each one has Mayor of Samborondon: I believe that Guayaquil is one of the cities that have developed the most in South America over the last few years; this is indisputable The people who know Guayaquil know that it has changed a lot; we are old enough to see the difference in the city over these past two decades It is a very big city with nearly 3 million inhabitants which for many years have been manhandled by politicians and this has caused many problems which have been gradually resolved We have four municipalities separated by a river By strengthening this greater Guayaquil area even though we have different political views it will turn Guayaquil into a center of really important development in Latin America Executive Director Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce: I believe that Ecuador is a varied country I think that this great concept enriches each and every region of the country in different ways Feeling that we are in fact different should not be a concept that separates us To be able to find that diversity or that wealth that exists according to the regions at no time should we use the term regionalist but rather we should just focus on the term diverse because Guayaquil imposes dynamics that are different to those of the country which means that effectively due to a number of other geographic elements this converts it into what it is – the country’s main port Guayaquil has been the leading city of Ecuador in all kinds of ventures in the private sector The shrimp and banana industries were started there cocoa and fishing are also very present here And thanks to its port it is the driving force for both imports and exports This is why private activity dominates over public activity The flower industry is currently being developed but it has not yet achieved the relevant volume in income of the private exporter sector ANECACAO: I always say that Guayaquil is a city of 4 million traders; it is the economic engine of the country powered by the small and large businesses and industries represented in Guayaquil I believe that Guayaquil has a natural commercial soul Anyone who comes to Guayaquil comes to do business at any scale and that makes it a unique city not only in Ecuador Very few cities that I know can be identified with the commercial soul that Guayaquil has; the people the day to day when you walk in the center you can identify yourself as someone from Guayaquil that is what Guayaquil produces and transmits What are the set of values and traits of the typical Guayaco Guayaquil’s citizens are experienced and self-respecting because they know what they have achieved is the product of their own work and effort and also that they don’t owe anything to anyone This feeling of being a free product of your own undertakings is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the people of Guayaquil We are likewise known for our charity and solidarity Guayaquil is the most populated city in Ecuador where both native-born residents and newcomers from other areas of Ecuador live and work together anyone can see that the model of our city rests on the essential nature of two-way communication between the local government and the private sector Guayaquil’s development model is based on the governance structure of public-private partnerships and both sectors work towards the same goals of progress Former Political Chief of Guayas Province: As my late uncle and former president of Ecuador Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy used to say: “Being Guayaco is an attitude towards life and a lifestyle in itself” The beauty of this charm is that our way of living is contagious and has led to great contributions to the city from everyone who comes here be they a foreigner or from the highlands of Ecuador Guayaquil Airport Authority: The people from Guayaquil are frank and direct; they don’t like wasting their time But at the same time they also have an important philanthropist side to them There is no other Latin American city with as many charities as Guayaquil We must not forget that the first hospital built by the state in Guayaquil was in 1971 it was the charity commission that was in charge of the General Hospital so the charity commission really took us from the cradle to the grave.When we opened the airport our major concern was thinking that the people would not take good care of the public restrooms and all the rest of the things we placed there And actually the ones who helped us the most in maintaining the airport’s facilities were the very same people from Guayaquil who are always interested in having an airport that is comfortable Omarsa: It seems to me that it is very easy to do business with the people in Guayaquil people from Guayaquil are transparent – they hide nothing – and are extremely hospitable We see these characteristics in the image that the more than 40 destinations with which we do business have of us and that distinguishes us from our competitors where some producers may receive different treatment to their counterparts United World has gathered the opinions of some of Ecuador’s most important business and political leaders on Guayaquil’s leading role and the inherent values and traits of people from the Guayas province industrial and financial news about global economies with a focus on understanding them from within — A 17-year-old murder suspect appeared in court for the first time Friday and he is being tried as an adult The family of 21-year-old Patrick Romero who was shot and killed told Action News he wasn’t in a gang such a good kid and such a good person," explained Blakley He was a dad of a beautiful two-year-old girl "She is the cutest little bundle of fire," said Blakley Just four days before Romero’s 22nd birthday police said a teen boy shot and killed him "In an instant our whole world crumbled around us with no warning and nothing we could do about it," said Blakley Kennewick Police arrested 17-year-old Stuart Bernard Walker and a 14-year-old suspect along with the alleged driver Raheem Mayberry in connection to Romero’s murder "They all should be charged accordingly they knew what they were doing," claims Blakley the suspects drove past Romero’s family members home firing a BB gun at the apartment but they came back a few minutes later on foot and brought a 40-caliber handgun that's when Walker allegedly shot and killed Romero before getting into a car with four others and leaving "We want him to be charged as an adult he made an adult decision and now he needs to face the adult consequences," said Blakley Romero’s dad said should be equal to their loss Isn’t that how that goes," said Patrick’s dad Nicolas Romero they're raising his little girl to know what a true superhero looks like "It will never be the same," said Patrick’s family Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Romero plans to spend time with his family before next career step Nicholas Romero is exiting his chef de cuisine position at Grace owner/general manager Michael Muser confirms we're excited to see him grow," Muser states in an e-mail Romero, who was previously at Avenues with both Muser and Grace's executive chef Curtis Duffy, has worked with the pair for more than six years "He's the closest thing either of us has to a little brother," Muser says Muser says that Grace has no urgency to fill Romero's shoes since Duffy is at the restaurant upwards of 15 hours a day but that they will bring in someone "at some point." For right now Muser indicates that Romero will take some time off to spend with his family before considering future employment. Romero, who has also spent time in the kitchens of Tru and L2O, also won best chef de cuisine at the seventeenth annual Jean Banchet Awards in 2014 (FOX26) — Traffic down Highway 41 was a bit heavier Thursday evening following a chase involving multiple agencies According to the California Highway Patrol a driver led officers on a chase that started in Oakhurst and ended near 22 Mile House in Madera County Officials say Fresno Eagle One was called in to help during the chase which resulted in multiple spike strips being used to stop the driver was seen dodging spike strips and running some over officers say he was also seen driving with his hands out of his sunroof while yelling law enforcement says he didn’t want to get out of the vehicle led to deputies shooting out the windows with less-than-lethal shotgun rounds and eventually arresting 29-year-old Nicholas Romero Both CHP and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office say this incident blocked heavy traffic down Highway 41 during rush hour It’s another home game for Utah on Saturday night as they welcome old rivals Houston to Zions Bank Stadium Both teams have won their last two outings with the Warriors holding off Old Glory last Friday and the SaberCats scorching San Diego last Saturday In their first meeting of the campaign back in Week 1 the SaberCats were convincing winners with two late tries salvaging a bonus point for the Warriors Since then it’s been mixed results for Utah while Houston are on top of the overall league standings The Warriors could hold the edge in the scrum with the SaberCats missing Maks van Dyk and they will put young Smith’s throwing to the test at the lineout This could be closer than some might predict whose strappo works preserve and transform Mexico’s urban fragments into poetic archives of memory reflecting on cultural loss amid constant city change Ayuuk leader Arnoldo Nicolás Romero, a municipal commissioner of the Buena Vista ejido in San Juan Guichicovi, a town and municipality in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, was found dead Jan His body was discovered with several bullet wounds on a private ranch near his community No arrests have been made or suspects identified “So far there are few elements that allow us to identify the perpetrators or the motive of the murder,” Carlos Beas Torres a coordinator of the Union of Indigenous Communities of the Northern Zone of the Isthmus (UCIZONI) told Mongabay over WhatsApp voice messages “It was apparently a direct attack because the body was found hidden among bushes about 50 meters [164 feet] from the road that connects the town of Buenavista with Santa Ana.” In October 2024, the El Universal newspaper identified 61 people from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec a narrow stretch of Mexican territory that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic who have one or more criminal charges against them filed by federal and municipal authorities spoke out against the Interoceanic Corridor Some features of the project are expected to be built later this year and in 2026 infertile land and widespread animal deaths On Jan. 5, at least 15 members of the Mixtequilla Civil Resistance were arrested during a blockade of Highway 185D toward Santa María Mixtequilla for alleged fire damage as well as obstruction and damage to communication routes The action was a protest against the construction of an industrial park that is part of the Interoceanic Corridor UCIZONI also reported the arrests of 24 additional land defenders Jan “There is still resistance and there is still confrontation,” Beas Torres said we continue to investigate the situation of Arnoldo 79% of killings in 2023 occurred in South America Indigenous peoples were the most targeted group overall “The situation in the Isthmus is an expression of what is happening in the country,” Citlalli Hernández Saad the national coordinator of the core group in Mexico of Indigenous Peoples Rights International “There is a dynamic of violence that is occurring in various territories of the country and that also has a special impact on Indigenous peoples specifically on those who are carrying out tasks that have to do with the exercise of rights.” Banner image: Military officials on patrol near one of the railway lines of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Court decision to stop Tren Maya comes too late for ecosystems, critics say FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […] This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page A Mass of Christian Burial for Bertha (Bert) Bermudez 91 2024 at St John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence She was born on September 30 1932 in Topeka KS the daughter of Victor & Austreverta (Alvarez) Rivera She married  Tony Bermudez on February 14th 1953 and then moved to Lawrence Bert was a bookkeeper for Scott Temperature Roys Gallery and Panchos Mexican Restaurant She retired from Scott Temperature in September of 2021 after 39 years Bert was an active member of St Johns Church She was honored to be a eucharistic minister and was a Charter Member of the Daughters of Isabella.  She was very proud that at a council meeting she suggested having a Mexican Fiesta to raise money for the church The first Fiesta was held in 1980 and is still going on after 44 years to the enjoyment of the church and the Lawrence community her husband Tony and her infant daughter Angela and most recently her sister Lupe Munoz Survivors include her daughters Loriann Romero ( Mark ) of Lawrence and Geriann Bermudez ( Donavon ) of Topeka and Amalia Soto; 10 grandchildren Angela Romero Keck & Alec Garcia of KC and Anya Martin from Topeka; 25 great grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rachel and Frank Lemus; sister-in Susie Bermudez and many many loved nieces and nephews Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church and may be sent to Warren McElwain The latest headlines from the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Kansas, LLC | https://www2.ljworld.com | 1035 N. Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 | 785-843-1000 | Terms of Service Houston made it three wins from three to start the season with a 30-19 result at home over the Miami Sharks on Saturday evening It was a stop-start affair hampered by high humidity that contributed to several knock-ons In the end the SaberCats forwards had the better of their opponents with the set piece proving the difference at the final whistle The Sharks found themselves under pressure when Marcos Young couldn’t handle a long kick ahead from AJ Alatimu After several phases on attack the midfield defense was out of sorts and left a cavernous hole for Sam Hill to run through for what appeared to be a try but it was waved off after the TMO had spotted dangerous play by Christian Dyer in the build-up More trouble with kicks pushed Miami back to their goal line and Andre Warner went quick from a penalty deep in Sharks territory There were men to meet him but with a little help from some forwards the scrumhalf was driven over the line and the grounding was good AJ Alatimu’s conversion attempt rang off the upright and the flags stayed down Felipe Etcheverry got the visitors on the board with a penalty goal soon after Tomás Inciarte was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle after a line break by Alatimu From the resulting lineout Keni Nasoqeqe broke from the maul and crashed over for Houston’s second try The SaberCats lost Maks van Dyk to injury on the scoring play with Pono Davis coming on at tighthead prop during the hydration break When play resumed the Sharks went on the attack A promising sequence ended with a knock-on but they were on advantage and Etcheverry landed the resulting penalty from straight in He would land a third goal from an identical spot just as Inciarte was returning to make it a three-point game Penalties continued to plague the SaberCats and Ezekiel Lindenmuth was caught delivering a shoulder charge to a Miami player landing the loosehead prop a 10-minute spell on the sideline As he trudged off the pitch Etcheverry lined up another shot at goal and made good on the opportunity but the even score lasted only a couple minutes as Alatimu landed a three-pointer of his own to leave it 15-12 to the home side at halftime That score would hold until just before the hour mark Warner spotted an overlap on the short side where Sam Hill connected with Louritz van der Schyff The big center barged through one defender and then freed Jeremy Misailegalu who in turn fended off Etcheverry on his way to the tryline Alatimu couldn’t convert but it was now a two-score game A 50-22 off the boot of Marcos Young put the SaberCats under pressure immediately following the second hydration break Sean McNulty was stopped short on a set move from a lineout Miami would get another chance from an attacking throw-in and this time they got the rewards when Ben Bonnaso wrestled over from close range The kick from Etcheverry closed the gap to just one point Miami replaced giant tighthead prop Reinaldo Piussi soon after and at the first scrum the change in power was evident Houston won the penalty and Alatimu put his team back out in front by four Another scrum penalty allowed the SaberCats to clear from their end and a third set the stage for an attacking lineout with time up on the clock When the drive collapsed the referee awarded a penalty try giving Houston a bonus point and at the same time denying one for the Sharks It’s a short turnaround for Houston who will now put their unbeaten record on the line in a challenging road game against the Seattle Seawolves on Friday night Miami return to their home base to take on Anthem Carolina on Saturday Posted in News on 15 December Autograph Collection: the inaugural property from a new lifestyle brand that merges business with pleasure vibrant dining venues and innovative meeting and wellness spaces pay homage to Rome’s rich culture and the hotel’s motto “A symbol of future nostalgia” Autograph Collection is the debut property from Cardo Hotels Joining Autograph Collection Hotels – the diverse and dynamic portfolio of distinctive hotels from Marriott Bonvoy – the resort is situated in Rome’s bustling Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) district Originally designed by famed architect Lucio Passarelli the extensively renovated hotel will feature 324 guestrooms and suites offering inventive business and leisure facilities The result is a creative hub for travellers seeking individual inspiring workspaces as well as meaningful experiences that connect them to the culture of their destination city explains the inspiration behind the brand’s name “The cardo was a north-south oriented street in Roman cities embodying a lively and energetic vision that inspired our new Cardo hotels uniquely adapt to the aesthetics and culture of their city making them the perfect fit for Autograph Collection Hotels blending personal well-being with business culture setting a new standard for next-generation hotel experiences.” Zafrir has seamlessly blended business and pleasure “We transformed a traditional conference hotel into an eclectic contemporary resort catering to both business and leisure travellers,” he says “The design incorporates the best elements of a business environment while offering a holistic atmosphere to leisure travellers complete with a range of enjoyable activities.” Perhaps the hotel’s biggest draw is its versatile meeting and event space spanning an impressive 3,100sqm This positions Cardo Roma as a leading destination for both local and international business and social gatherings All spaces are thoughtfully equipped with the latest technology while the modular setup allows every room to accommodate various configurations making them suitable for executive meetings or collaborative workshops 1,400-capacity ballroom: an ideal venue for large conferences Further choice comes courtesy of the various outdoor spaces Wellness is also integral to the overall concept At the heart of the hotel lies Olea Wellness and Spa: a generous 1,200sqm sanctuary dedicated to the rejuvenation of body and mind guests can indulge in a bathing experience reminiscent of ancient Rome; a therapeutic circuit that honours the age-old adage “mens sana in corpore sano” (meaning “sound in mind and body”) The spa offerings include a traditional sauna and hammam along with six treatment rooms for holistic body and facial treatments featuring products from the renowned French brand Cinq Mondes a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with Technogym gear underscores the hotel’s dedication to physical activity as a cornerstone of wellbeing The hotel will be joined later in 2024 by Cardo Brussels www.cardorome.com the acclaimed design studio behind iconic interiors such as the Burj Al Arab will further grow Ennismore’s network in North America... Mexico – Standing outside his new home sloped on a bumpy street Jorge Garcia turns his head and gazes down the block of a working-class city about an hour northwest of Mexico City Roving vendors hawk everything from tamales to gasoline yelling out the names of their products. A few houses down a rooster crows. His new neighbors glance at him warily.  his eyes taking in the valley and hills of the city of Nicolás Romero on a Friday morning in January Two weeks earlier, Garcia was deported from Michigan to Mexico after living in the U.S for 30 years, forced to leave behind his family the married father of two finds himself alone in an unfamiliar country I haven't had a good night's sleep," he explains fingers fidgeting with each other as he speaks but I'm not able to with all this thought I've got on my mind and the stress I start thinking about the whole situation and I lose my sleep." Garcia recites a Hail Mary and the Lord's Prayer every night before bed but it’s not enough to calm him down After the Free Press reported on his deportation on Jan Garcia became a symbol for immigrant advocates who say his removal is an example of the government's overzealous crackdown on illegal immigrants He was only 10 years old when an aunt brought him to the U.S he had lived his entire adult life in the U.S Garcia has no criminal record, but the U.S. now says that anyone without legal status can be removed. ICE has defended his deportation. Nicolás Romero is not an easy place to navigate for a newcomer It’s a challenge to get to and from Mexico City up and down winding hills with speed bumps and graffiti-strewn buildings that house people struggling to find jobs riots and looting broke out in Nicolás Romero after the Mexican government raised gasoline prices Garcia lives with his aunt on the second floor of a tidy house that's painted green with pet cats roaming around. While he’s glad to at least have a family member to stay with he relies on others to buy and prepare food He was unsure how to get his blood pressure medication until a cousin helped him figure out the bureaucracy in Mexico He misses his Michigan block, his dog Garcia's only connection to his American life comes through his cell phone — if it works He tries to keep in touch with his wife and kids, but phone service is spotty up in the hills.  Garcia mostly stays inside his spare bedroom. He only comes downstairs for meals or to watch TV if his aunt has it on He’s trying to make him himself get out more but he’s anxious about the neighbors wondering how they might perceive a transplant like him.  I just want to be in the room by myself.” and later moved with his parents to Nicolás Romero to a house that is just across the street from where he’s living now.  “there were just a handful of houses and the rest of it was nothing but empty land,” he says there’s no empty lots anymore.” The population of Nicolás Romero has jumped as people flock to an affordable area where they can commute to jobs in the Mexico City area The surge has created congestion and economic tensions at times.  announcing that garbage collection is coming soon Loud music blares from homes on this block a stark contrast to his quiet block in Lincoln Park in the U.S Garcia thought he might visit this place one day never imagining "I would be back here in this situation,” he says.  He graduated from middle school and high schools in Chicago When he started to apply for jobs and considered college citizen born to immigrants from Mexico.  "I was like the only one sitting down and she comes up to me and tells me you wanna dance?' So we started dancing and after that we started talking and basically after that we started going out the Garcias have been fighting for Jorge to obtain legal status spending more than $100,000 on attorneys and  fees The couple says that one of their previous attorneys had filed the wrong paperwork and Jorge was ordered removed in 2009 but he was repeatedly allowed stays of deportation until November 2017 Jorge feels that he is being punished despite being open with immigration officials about his status and working for years to gain U.S is on retired disability from a Dearborn truck plant after going through two C-sections and years of heavy lifting at work.  she says: “At least I have my children He is living with a family he has not seen for years He wakes up every day at three in the morning … it's going to eventually catch up to him.  "He's hurting his own self because he needs to get the rest But it's hard for him because he's all alone in a country he does not know What happened to Garcia has become increasingly common in recent years as Mexican immigrants living in the U.S are deported or move back to Mexico because of their undocumented status.  More Mexican nationals are returning to Mexico while the number of Mexicans moving to the U.S. is decreasing, according to a Pew Research Center report. From 2009 to 2014 about 1 million Mexican-Americans moved from the U.S Under President Donald Trump, the number of deportations has slightly decreased, but that’s largely because the numbers of those crossing the Southern border has decreased. The number of interior removals — targeting people like Garcia — increased over the past year, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) statistics on removals last year.  The stories of what happens to people like Garcia often get drowned out by talk of those who remain in the U.S The White House and Congress are currently debating what to do with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients the children of undocumented immigrants.  Garcia is one year too old to quality for DACA, and others like him who don't qualify are now back in Mexico.  an advocate who helps people who have been deported to Mexico says that the alienation that Garcia is feeling is common "One hundred percent of the people that I've interviewed over the years experienced depression after a deportation, or even after a return," says Anderson, co-founder of Otros Dreams en Acción (Other Dreams in Action) for people like Garcia. "It is so alienating and shocking where numerous media outlets reported on his removal from the U.S "I read about Jorge Garcia's case last week when it came out so devastated," Anderson says.  about 2 million people were deported or voluntarily returned to Mexico from the U.S. "Even knowing the numbers of deportation and detentions, we're talking about over 2 million families alone here in Mexico under Obama were deported or returned due to deportation or fear of deportation and they're increasing (with) families like Jorge So instead of deporting people who are in the process of crossing they're deporting people who have been there 10 years On a recent Saturday, Anderson helped inaugurate a new center created by Otros Dreams in Accion called Pocha House. a group of Mexicans who used to live in the U.S gathered in a circle at the center to share their stories of starting again in Mexico 30 — who was born in Mexico but lived in the U.S when he was deported from Indiana  —  kicked off the session A woman in a similar situation asked a legal adviser about whether she has a chance at returning to the U.S.  "Es muy dificil," the adviser said to her over speakerphone a sign reads  "De Aqui De Alla" (From Here referring to people with roots in both Mexico and the U.S The word "pocha" or "pocho" is often used as an insult by some Mexicans for Mexican-Americans who return to Mexico some face teasing for their accents or American ways help ease the transition and provide a support network and logistical help.  "Navigating the Mexican bureaucracy is very alienating," Anderson says "It's hard even for a Mexican citizen who's been there their whole lives Garcia ambled down a block next to his house that he had never traveled before He wore a hooded sweatshirt with the logo of the landscaping company he worked for in Wyandotte: “KS Landscaping: Landscape He has been in this place for almost two weeks On his left, he spots a purple shrine outside a home to Our Lady of Guadalupe the iconic Catholic image revered by millions of Mexicans Inside a glass-walled enclosure was a statue of her Jorge Garcia has become a spokesman for immigrant rights and while the attention can be overwhelming at times he says he hopes it can help others.  "If it's going to help somebody with anything that they're going through He tries to follow the latest news on the immigration discussions in the U.S One possible DACA bill could allow immigrants like Garcia to stay in the U.S "I just hope that they come to an agreement," he says they're going to be affected if they don't come to an agreement … help people that are trying to go to school or become better in life." Garcia's hoping that attempts by his wife and attorney to get him back home to Lincoln Park will succeed They’re currently filing paperwork with the U.S Embassy in Mexico to grant him a wavier to be admitted back in the U.S That process could take at least 18 months to even get an interview with the embassy to be considered.  when he looks out the window of his spare bedroom in his new home Garcia can see a wooded area and beyond that a hill on which sits the colorful homes of Nicolás Romero "I’ve been thinking about getting my own place but everything is going to depend when I get my interview" with the embassy He worries he can’t be there in person to help his teenage children.  "It’s sad because even … though I can talk to them on the phone … but I didn't think it was going to be this bad with cell phone reception." and I hope all of this goes through fast so we can meet pretty soon again." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or 313-223-4792. Follow him on Twitter @nwarikoo Toyota now ties early Gran Turismo World Series leader Subaru heading into the World Finals later this month Kicking off the third round of the Gran Turismo World Series racing esports competition was the Manufacturers Cup – this time at the remodelled Deep Forest Raceway.  11 of the best Gran Turismo 7 racers lined up for this event This was the last chance to secure Manufacturers Cup points ahead of the World Finals in Monaco later this month.  Volkswagen’s Seiya Suzuki shocked the field with the quickest time Subaru’s Kylian Drumont was equally surprised right at the back of the pack.  Suzuki and AMG’s Lucas Bonelli vaulted opting to use the soft compound of tyre in the opening stint Toyota’s Ryota Kokubun went for the slower medium compound and started to fall back.  The fourth-placed Nissan of Mehdi Hafidi was the only other driver on softs for the start and soon moved up to third.  Angel Inostroza and Nicolas Romero went side-by-side into the braking zone for the hairpin but the Porsche was too keen to outdo the Genesis and ended up hitting the hapless Mazda of Giorgio Mangano.  These three would then hold each other up with a ferocious battle the Mitsubishi driver hit the wall on the inside of the first corner trying to overtake Kokubun.  Bonelli caught and overtook Suzuki for the lead although the Toyota in fourth was still within striking distance and on the slower tyre type.  The AMG and Nissan both visited pitlane at the end of the sixth lap while Suzuki stayed out a lap longer.  The battle pack in the middle of the field simply became too heated Having thrown caution to the wind from the very first lap who ran wide on the grass trying to pass Romero before spearing off stage right and collecting Inostroza.  While the Porsche continued relatively unscathed the Mazada – in its Spirit Racing livery – was facing the wrong way.  Of those who had swapped softs for mediums still placed VW but all three were running closely and caught up to the BMW of Erik Cases Vazquez who was yet to stop.  Hafidi would benefit from a double slipstream to pull a similar move and with most of the field having completed their mandatory pitstops The action between the top three was frenetic the now soft-shod Toyota Supra was becoming ever-present.  The Japanese driver picked off Hafidi first Kokubun crossed the line moments later to take the second victory in a row for Toyota, following Igor Fraga’s win in September.  I was divided on whether to start on softs or mediums,” said the race winner.  “The cars in front were battling it out and [that] allowed me to drive at my own pace calmly both Toyota and Subaru have 10 points at the head of the table You must be logged in to post a comment.