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Articles by Abby Pender
El líder de los Tiguerones, alias “Willy”, vive en libertad en España
William Joffre Alcívar Bautista, alias “Willy”, presunto líder de los Tiguerones, una de las bandas criminales más poderosas de Ecuador designada por Estados Unidos como Organización Terrorista Extranjera (Foreign Terrorist Organization, FTO), vive en libertad en España, pese a que Ecuador mantiene vigente una orden de captura en su contra.
Tiguerones Leader ‘Willy’ Is Living Free in Spain
William Joffre Alcívar Bautista, alias “Willy,” the alleged leader of the Tiguerones, one of the most powerful gangs in Ecuador and a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), is living free in Spain, despite still being pursued by Ecuadorian authorities. Willy drew international attention after his gang took over a live broadcast of a television station in Guayaquil on January 9, 2024.
Extortion
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R1’s Arrest Exposes the CJNG’s Network of ‘R’ Commanders
After the murder of a mayor, Carlos Manzo, and influencer Valeria Márquez, Mexican authorities say they have their suspect in custody: Ramón Álvarez Ayala, alias “R1,” the alleged leader of the R’s, part of Mexico’s CJNG. R1 was arrested in July and has since been charged in the November 2025-murder of Manzo, then the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, in retaliation for Manzo’s public campaigns against organized crime.
La captura de “R1” expone la red de comandantes vinculados a la “R” del CJNG
Tras los asesinatos del alcalde Carlos Manzo y de la influencer Valeria Márquez, las autoridades mexicanas afirman tener bajo custodia a uno de sus principales sospechosos: Ramón Álvarez Ayala, alias “R1”, presunto líder de Los Rs, una célula del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). R1 fue detenido en julio y desde entonces ha sido acusado por el asesinato de Manzo, ocurrido en noviembre de 2025, cuando era alcalde de Uruapan, Michoacán.
Trafficking of Contraband Weight Loss Drugs From Paraguay to Brazil Spikes
Weight loss and diabetes medications are now one of the most smuggled contraband products in Brazil. Pharmaceuticals produced in neighboring Paraguay are being stolen and diverted into organized crime-controlled smuggling routes as social media drives spiking demand in Brazil.
Se dispara el contrabando de medicamentos para bajar de peso desde Paraguay hacia Brasil
Los medicamentos para bajar de peso y tratar la diabetes se han convertido en uno de los productos de contrabando de mayor crecimiento en Brasil. Fármacos producidos en Paraguay, su país vecino, son robados o desviados hacia rutas controladas por grupos criminales, mientras las redes sociales impulsan un fuerte aumento de la demanda en Brasil.
Trafficking of Contraband Weight Loss Drugs From Paraguay to Brazil Spikes
Weight loss and diabetes medications are now one of the most smuggled contraband products in Brazil. Pharmaceuticals produced in neighboring Paraguay are being stolen and diverted into organized crime-controlled smuggling routes as social media drives spiking demand in Brazil.
What ‘Euphoria’ Gets Wrong and Right About Border Crime
Euphoria’s third season just wrapped, closing a storyline steeped in the aesthetics and intensities of the criminal underworld along the US-Mexico border. It touches on several issues that are reshaping the contemporary criminal landscape, from fentanyl trafficking and firearms smuggling to online sex work, social media, and cross-border operations. While the series captures surface-level dynamics of these illicit economies, it often ignores the complexity of criminal operations.
5 cosas que la temporada 3 de Euphoria retrata bien —y mal— sobre el crimen organizado en la frontera entre EE. UU. y México
La tercera temporada de Euphoria acaba de llegar a su fin, cerrando una trama marcada por la estética y la intensidad de las dinámicas criminales en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México. La serie aborda varios de los fenómenos que están transformando el panorama actual del crimen organizado, desde el tráfico de fentanilo y el contrabando de armas hasta el trabajo sexual en línea, las redes sociales y las operaciones transfronterizas.
El Makabelico y la banda sonora de narcorap del Cartel del Noreste en México
“Soy narcotraficante del Noreste, mi cartel”, rapea El Makabelico. “Mi cuerno [AK-47] atravesado navego con el Komander. Mi súper 38 chetada con sus diamantes”. Esas y otras letras convirtieron a Ricardo Hernández Medrano, antes conocido como “El Makabelico”, en uno de los artistas más reconocidos de la escena del narcorap en México.
El Makabelico and the Narco-Rap Soundtrack of Mexico’s Northeast Cartel
“I’m a drug trafficker from the Northeast, my cartel,” raps El Makabelico. “With my AK-47 slung across my chest, I ride alongside El Komander. My souped-up .38 Super, encrusted with diamonds.” Those and other lyrics made Ricardo Hernández Medrano, formerly known as El Makabelico, a famous figure in Mexico’s narco-rap scene.
What a Drug Bust Involving a MrBeast Winner Says About LatAm’s Marijuana Trade
A private jet co-piloted by the winner of a MrBeast YouTube challenge was seized by Paraguayan authorities after more than 250 kilograms of premium marijuana were found on board, underscoring a little-noticed reversal in hemispheric trafficking patterns: Higher-value marijuana is now moving into South America from the North.
Lo que un decomiso vinculado a un ganador de MrBeast revela sobre el comercio de marihuana en América Latina
Un jet privado copilotado por el ganador de un desafío de YouTube organizado por MrBeast fue incautado por las autoridades paraguayas tras el hallazgo de más de 250 kilogramos de marihuana premium a bordo. El caso pone de relieve un cambio poco común en las dinámicas de tráfico de drogas en el continente: la marihuana de mayor valor ahora se mueve desde el norte hacia Suramérica.
La Jefa en las sombras: el rol de Rosalinda González Valencia en el CJNG
Las discretas detenciones de Rosalinda González Valencia, alias “La Jefa”, contrastan con la persecución y muerte de su esposo, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, fundador del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), uno de los hombres más buscados en ambos lados de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México. Pero González Valencia ya estaba profundamente vinculada al crimen organizado mucho antes que su ahora fallecido esposo.
The Boss in the Shadows: Rosalinda González Valencia’s Role in the CJNG
The low-profile career of Rosalinda González Valencia, alias “La Jefa,” stands in stark comparison to that of her husband, Nemesio Oseguerra Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. El Mencho was one of the most wanted men on both sides of the US-Mexico border before he was killed in February 2026. But González Valencia was entrenched in organized crime long before her now-deceased husband.
La Jefa en la sombra: el rol de Rosalinda González Valencia en el CJNG
Las discretas detenciones de Rosalinda González Valencia, alias “La Jefa”, contrastan con la persecución y muerte de su esposo, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, fundador del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), uno de los hombres más buscados en ambos lados de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México. Pero González Valencia ya estaba profundamente vinculada al crimen organizado mucho antes que su ahora fallecido esposo.
De traficante de drogas a mujer de alto rango del Cartel de Sinaloa
Cuando Guadalupe Fernández Valencia, alias “La Patrona”, fue fotografiada sentada en la parte trasera de una patrulla después de su arresto en 2016 en Culiacán, México, su expresión no decía demasiado. Vestía un cárdigan de estampado de leopardo y llevaba el cabello peinado con una trenza larga. La mujer, de unos sesenta años, tenía los brazos cruzados y mantenía un gesto inexpresivo.
From Drug Dealer to the Sinaloa Cartel’s Highest-Ranking Woman
When Guadalupe Fernández Valencia, alias “La Patrona,” was photographed sitting in the back of a cop car following her 2016 arrest in Culiacan, Mexico, her expression gave little away. Wearing a leopard-print cardigan, arms crossed, hair loosely braided, the 60-something’s expression was flat. She looked less like a kingpin nabbed for international drug trafficking charges and more like an annoyed abuela waiting in traffic.
¿Extraditará EE. UU. a presuntos contrabandistas de combustible a México?
El gobierno mexicano solicitó la extradición de varios ciudadanos estadounidenses acusados de coludir con grupos de crimen organizado para traficar combustible robado, lo que expone un persistente desequilibrio en la relación bilateral de seguridad entre Estados Unidos y México.
Will the US Send Alleged Fuel Smugglers to Mexico?
The Mexican government has requested the extradition of several US citizens accused of colluding with organized crime groups to smuggle stolen oil, exposing a persistent imbalance in the US-Mexico bilateral security relationship. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum made the extradition request for several members of an American family arrested last year for their alleged role in a fuel smuggling ring that trafficked crude oil from Mexico into the United States.
At Colombia-Venezuela border, vulnerable brace for Trump war
Featured Subscriber’s Comment: “I have been a reader from the beginning, but now that I have a few bucks to spare, yours is the first publication I am subscribing to. Keep up the necessary work!” By: Michael CÚCUTA, Colombia – The emergency room of Hospital Erasmo Meoz, just miles from the Colombia-Venezuela border, heaves with patients. Stretchers squeeze through narrow gaps. Dozens of Venezuelan migrants pack the hallways, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the floors.
‘Good Trouble’ protests around Charlotte region honor John Lewis’ legacy
Dozens of people gathered in midtown Thursday morning, toting handmade signs and American flags. The group, met with consistent honking from supporting traffic, waved signs reading “honk for democracy” and “stop ICE.” The gathering at the intersection of Kenilworth Avenue and Pearl Park Way was among 25 peaceful rallies taking place on July 17 around the Charlotte area organized by Indivisible Charlotte, one of many groups participating in the Good Trouble Lives On national day of action.
Crash leaves nine injured at Freedom Drive and Bradford Drive in Charlotte
Crash leaves nine injured at Freedom Drive and Bradford Drive in Charlotte A two-vehicle crash caused minor injuries to nine people on Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred around 1 pm at the intersection of Freedom Drive and Bradford Drive, according to MEDIC. Information from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police about the cause of the crash was not immediately available.
‘Enormous pressure.’ NC faith leaders react to IRS endorsement change
North Carolina religious leaders and congregations could face “huge pressure” because of a Internal Revenue Service ruling this week, said Temple Beth El Rabbi Asher Knight. The IRS said Monday in a Texas court filing that churches and other religious nonprofits can make political endorsements to their congregations without endangering their tax-exempt status, the New York Times first reported.
Chantal weakens as it heads through Carolinas, showers expected in Charlotte
Two to 6 inches of rain are expected in coastal areas and two to 4 inches just east and southeast of Charlotte, Tropical Storm Chantal rain maps produced by the National Hurricane Center showed. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall early Sunday morning and is moving through the Carolinas with rain and moderate winds expected east of Charlotte and dry conditions expected in westernf North Carolina.
'The ones suffering.' Federal cuts hit NC program that helps seniors get jobs
Seniors employed through the Senior Community Services Employment Program have been furloughed as the program awaits federal funding. This file photo shows the N.C. Department of Labor building on Edenton Street, facing the Capitol square in downtown Raleigh. dvaughan@newsobserver.com For Gaston County resident Diane Monico, a federal funding cut took away her grocery money. "My budget's gonna be tough," she said. "If I have food, I have food.
'Blindsided.' UNC Charlotte elementary school's abrupt closure displaces 116 students
In this file photo, Jessica Caro, an arts teacher, works with students at Niner University Elementary, a lab school with the University of North Carolina Charlotte's Cato College of Education. The school is now shutting down after Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said it wouldn't renew its contract. Ryan Honeyman, UNC Charlotte For many CMS teachers, students and families, the last day of school brought feelings of achievement, gratitude and joy.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Weigh Privacy Concerns With AI
The district discussed its AI plans during a year-end news conference Monday at the CMS Education Center. It is currently unclear how educators will use the technology. CMS plans to update its K-12 curriculum and staff trainings before releasing a document in August outlining changes. (TNS) — Dozens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools will embrace AI initiatives next academic year and become “AI champion schools” to help the district evaluate and shape its policies.
CMS 'very concerned' with data privacy as it plans to use artificial intelligence
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said it plans to update its policies around artificial intelligence and release a document in August outlining the changes. jcfitzhugh@sunherald.com Dozens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools will embrace AI initiatives next academic year and become "AI champion schools" to help the district evaluate and shape its policies. The district discussed its AI plans during a year-end news conference Monday at the CMS Education Center.
CMS ‘very concerned’ with data privacy as it plans to use artificial intelligence
CMS ‘very concerned’ with data privacy as it plans to use artificial intelligence Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said it plans to update its policies around artificial intelligence and release a document in August outlining the changes. Dozens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools will embrace AI initiatives next academic year and become “AI champion schools” to help the district evaluate and shape its policies.
Can Charlotte exclude Tesla from electric vehicles it plans to buy?
City councilwoman LaWana Mayfield wants to end Charlotte's relationship with Tesla, but it's not clear the council can exclude the company from its upcoming purchase. The city plans to buy 45 electric and 155 hybrid vehicles with $2.5 million allocated in the 2025-2026 budget to work toward reducing Charlotte's emissions. The vehicles will replace existing ones in the city's fleet and will be used by various city departments and agencies.
National Guard decision in LA 'very similar' to 2016 Charlotte protests, McCrory says Original
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers in riot gear stand in a haze of tear gas on Sept. 20, 2016 not far from where police shot Keith Lamont Scott. jsiner@charlotteobserver.com Former Gov. Pat McCrory this week compared his decision to send in the National Guard during protests in Charlotte to President Donald Trump's deployment in Los Angeles. There are key differences, but both occurred despite some local opposition.
Charlotte rally calls response to anti-ICE protests in LA 'state-sanctioned violence'
East Charlotte resident Vincent Kolb's grandmother crossed the border without documentation near El Paso,Texas more than 100 years ago. Her dream was simple: a better life for her children. "That's the real immigrant story of America - not the one that is being purposed and propagandized by the current administration," Kolb said.
From Track to Ice: Manteo Mitchell Targets Groundbreaking Dual Olympic Medals in 2026 ...Middle East
Story by Abby Pender Earbuds in. Minnie Mouse on. As the sun peeks out onto UNC Asheville’s track, Manteo Mitchell glides through the spring heat with powerful strides — not to the pulse of hip-hop or pop, but to the jingle of Minnie’s Bowtique. “Welcome to my new bowtique. Where each and every bow’s unique,” Minnie sings in his headphones. The peppy tune is actually a lullaby of sorts: A reminder of his 2-year-old daughter, which helps to slow his heart rate during his workout.
Fishermen, scientists differ on whale mortality, wind energy
At first glance, the stretch of coast near the Bennett Street beach access point in Kitty Hawk blends seamlessly with the rest of the coastline. It’s impossible to tell that, just a few months ago, this sand cradled the lifeless, 19,000-pound carcass of a humpback whale. Now, the soft tissue of the humpback lies below the sand.
Former trustees' political campaigns showcase wealth and connections
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue In November, two former trustees took their local influence into state-level offices, out-fundraising their incumbents by more than 500 percent. Dave Boliek, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2019, chaired the board from 2022-23 and was set to serve another term in 2024-25, won his election for N.C. state auditor.
No Experience, No Apologies: The Homeschooler Running for Superintendent
She presented herself with a huge smile, her words crisp and her gaze confident as she looked across the high school auditorium of prospective voters. In bedazzled shoes, a bright red dress, and a blonde blowout, she stood assured like a pageant queen. Friends and family donning T-shirts with the words “Make Education Great Again” sat in the front rows.
Beese’s Sales HQ Spins Co-Working Into “Co-Selling” For Extroverted Salespeople
From local stalwarts like American Underground and Raleigh Founded to national brands like WeWork, co-working spaces have spread across the Triangle in the last decade as places for collaboration and productivity. But Vince Beese, founder of Raleigh-based Sales HQ, doesn’t label his new space as a hub for co-working. He’s coined a new term to describe the hub—“co-selling”.
Pavilion RDU Chapter Offers Networking, Resources For Go-To-Market Execs
When you get stuck professionally, where do you go? Who do you ask for help? How do you find your community? The new RDU chapter of Pavilion—an international group of over 10,000 executives in primarily go-to-market roles at some the world’s fastest-growing companies—provides resources and meaningful connections to Triangle leaders seeking community.
Pavilion RDU Chapter Offers Networking, Resources For Go-To-Market Execs
When you get stuck professionally, where do you go? Who do you ask for help? How do you find your community? The new RDU chapter of Pavilion—an international group of over 10,000 executives in primarily go-to-market roles at some the world’s fastest-growing companies—provides resources and meaningful connections to Triangle leaders seeking community.
Blue Pencil Box Finds Exit In Less Than Two Years Via Fisher Phillips Acquisition
Less than two years after launching, Raleigh-based legal tech startup Blue Pencil Box has been acquired by Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment firm headquartered in Atlanta that has more than 600 attorneys across 41 offices. In August of 2022, attorney Jonathan Crook launched the startup as a subscription-based knowledge management system for restrictive covenant law. It was a finalist for one of NC IDEA’s $50K SEED grants last spring; we first profiled the startup last April.
Backed By $2M, Ex-JupiterOne Trio Leaves Stealth Mode With New Startup Opine
After four months of stealthy working—and fundraising—former JupiterOne employees Akash Ganapathi, Austin Kelleher and Charlie Duong have announced the launch of their new Durham-based startup, Opine. The startup aims to build trust between deep tech vendors and potential buyers by providing proofs-of-concept (POCs) for enterprise software transactions.
Durham Startup Offers New Video-Driven Twist On Job Hunting, Networking
Thomas Massey thought it would take him at least a year to raise his first $50,000 for his employment- and networking-inspired tech startup inquireaboutme. Turns out, he only needed two weeks.
Durham Startup Offers New Video-Driven Twist On Job Hunting, Networking
Thomas Massey thought it would take him at least a year to raise his first $50,000 for his employment- and networking-inspired tech startup inquireaboutme. Turns out, he only needed two weeks.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz officially accepts MSU presidency
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 Newsletters Latest print issue UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz will be the 22nd president of Michigan State University. The MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Guskiewicz as the next MSU president in an 8 a.m. meeting on Friday. According to a UNC campus-wide email, he will step down as UNC Chancellor Jan. 12 and assume MSU presidency on March 4.
2023 Year in Review: What fuels the fire
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 Newsletters Latest print issue From the University cafeteria workers’ 1969 strike to the student-sparked Franklin Street march against Apartheid, University members have consistently used their voices and campus to address injustices. 2023 was no different. UNC's chapter of March for our Lives rallied against gun violence following the campus shooting on Aug.
As Guskiewicz considers departure, some faculty are concerned over possible destabilization
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 Newsletters Latest print issue UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz is the only candidate in the running for Michigan State University's presidency and is considering the job. Some prominent campus figures say they are not surprised.
UNC Police investigating 15 reports of motor vehicle break-ins near campus
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, Oct.
Tensions rise at pro-Palestine demonstration, countered by supporters of Israel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 Newsletters Latest print issue UNC's Students for Justice in Palestine held a protest Thursday morning on the steps of Wilson Library to advocate for Palestinians amid the recent escalation to war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. SJP’s demonstration was met with counter-protests from some members of the University community who support Israel.
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