On this edition of Tiempo, we take a closer look at the escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The U.S. launched Operation Southern Spear -- a major military campaign to try and dismantle drug trafficking networks. It also began a naval mission to intercept tankers transporting Venezuelan oil. Anxious uncertainty hangs over many Venezuelan Americans as they watch the escalation of force against their home country. More than 6.8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, and the exodus continues. Joining us to discuss further on what happening in Venezuela is Niurka Meléndez from Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid. Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid is a volunteer organization that helps Venezuelan migrants who fled their country and came to the U.S. The organization was previously featured on Tiempo a few years ago during the influex of asylum seekers, many of them from Venezuela. (Note: This episode of Tiempo was recorded prior to the capture of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a U.S. military operation on Saturday.) Also on our program, we talk to Dominican novelist Cleyvis Natera about her book "The Grand Paloma Resort." The book combines fast-paced suspense, class distinctions and colonial history in a memorable seven-day trip to La Republica Dominicana. The author dedicates the book to the workers. ad laborers who keep Caribbean tourism thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the findings of a new report on how arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be disproportionately impacting the Latino community. A new report released by the New York Immigration Coalition finds that agents with ICE unfairly target Latinos. According to research from the coalition and the University of Colorado, nearly 3 in 4 people arrested by ICE agents are Latino. The report say approximately 70% of those arrested by ICE have no criminal conviction or previous record. The report also found that an increase in immigration enforcement makes it harder for businesses to hire workers and limits potential growth for those businesses. Joining us to discuss is Mario Bruzzone, vice president of policy at the New York Immigration Coalition. Also on our program, catching up with Queens Councilman Francisco Moya. The councilman joins us to discuss a new development that he pushed in Queens designed to bring affordable housing to the borough. Moya also gives us the latest updates on the new soccer stadium that will serve as the permanent home for the New York City Football Club (NYCFC). Naturally, we will ask him about the impact of the FIFA World Cup coming to our area next summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with the Hispanic Federation about its goals for the new year and its latest initiatives to promote maternal health. The umbrella organization started in 1990 with a network of over 650 nonprofits. Its focus has always been to strengthen the Latino community through education, economic empowerment, immigration, health and much more. Speaking of health, the Hispanic Federation is encouraging women to sign up for free maternal health workshops and to showcase their plans for the new year. Joining us to discuss is Frankie Miranda, president of the Hispanic Federation, and Maria Lugo, senior director for health initiatives at the Hispanic Federation. Also on our program, we speak to Dominican novelist Cleyvis Natera about her book "The Grand Paloma Resort." The book combines face-paced suspense, class distinctions and colonial history in a breathless seven-day trip to La Republica Dominicana. The book is also dedicated to the workers and laborers who keep Caribbean tourism thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with one local school that is on a mission to mentor the next generation of licensed caregivers. The Ideal School of Allied Health Care on Long Island prepares people for jobs like medical assistants and much more. The school offers classes in Spanish, and Tiempo has featured the institution before. The institution was founded more than a decade ago by a registered nurse who saw a shortage of caregivers, which impacts the quality of service for patients. School administrators collaborated with Local 1199 to create the Community Pathways Training Program. The program pays for nearly all the tuition at the school. Joining us to discuss is Nicole Laborde, CEO and founder of the Ideal School of Allied Health Care, and current students Karla Rubio and Leandro Rodriguez. Also on our program, more on "¡Wepa!: Puerto Ricans in the World of Comics." It's an exhibit that highlights the great Boricua legends in comics history. Three decades of comic book collections are currently on display at the New York Public Library. The exhibit is the largest collection of Puerto Rican comic book creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we learn more about a recent state-led international trade mission to Mexico by officials in New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy alongside the statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit Choose New Jersey recently spent a three-day, business-oriented trip to Mexico. The mission focused on deepening economic, educational and cultural partnerships between the Garden State and Mexico. There are more than 2 million Latinos who live in New Jersey, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Joining us to discuss the trip are Carlos Medina from the statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and Mariana Diaz Nagore, head consul from the consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. Also ahead, a return visit to the show by a Latina educator born and raised in the South Bronx. La Doctora Elaine Ruiz Lopez founded a charter school in the Bronx. She also wrote a book about the struggles and challenges she faced to open that school. The book has received lots of recognition and several prestigious awards. We catch up with Dr. Ruiz Lopez about her book coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one local nonprofit organization is helping families in need of food aid amid the government shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, has been put in jeopardy since the shutdown. The lapse in funding has put more pressure on food pantries and afterschool programs to alleviate hunger for students and families in underserved communities. In a major development last Wednesday night, President Donald Trump signed a funding bill ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown lasted 43 days. According to the latest data from Feeding America, about 1.4 million New Yorkers are facing food insecurity. The nonprofit New York Edge has food pantries and afterschool programs across the city to help with the ongoing issue of food insecurity. Joining us is Rachael Gazdick from New York Edge to discuss what the nonprofit has been doing to help during these tough times. Also on our program: We'll tell you about a new independent film, "The Veteran." The movie follows the story of a U.S. Marine who faces significant challenges after returning home from deployment in Afghanistan. The film tackles the many struggles veterans face after deployment overseas. We'll talk with the filmmaker about the work and its significance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one local higher education institution is supporting the diverse needs of its Latino student community. Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey has a dedicated center to help Latino and first-generation students. In fact, the Hispanic Center has been around for two decades. The center helps students take advantage of educational opportunities, with programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of Latino students. More than 20% of the student population is Latino at the school's Teaneck campus. Joining us to discuss is Irene Ojo, Luz Elena Flores and Arianne Alvarez from the Hispanic Center at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Also on our program, celebrating Puerto Rican pride. November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month, which honors the many contributions that Boricuas have made in the United States. To kick off the festivities, the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA) has scheduled several special events. One of the events is the Puerto Rican Artisans and Authors Fair that celebrates 20 years. We speak with members of PRIDA about the organization and the special programming in honor of Puerto Rican Heritage Month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss a new poll that shows President Donald Trump's approval amongst Latinos has fallen since the beginning of 2025. According to an October 2025 poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the president's favorability has significantly declined among Hispanic adults since he began his second term in January. The poll points to a drop on key issues like the economy and immigration, which were major factors in his 2024 election victory. The poll was conducted between October 9 and October 13. It samples more than 1,200 adults across the country, and nearly 380 participants identified as Hispanic. Joining us to discuss is Renata Castro, immigration attorney and founding member of the USA4ALL law firm. Castro says optimism among her Latino clients has changed. Also ahead, we catch up with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Tiempo has featured the organization many times, and now Catholic Charities has a new leader who is Latino himself. Catholic Charities is a national network of independent agencies that provide a wide range of support to people in need. We'll have more on the organization and hear from their new leader on this program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss raising awareness about domestic violence in the Latino community. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and many in the Latino community often cite fear of deportation or family separation as reasons why they don't seek help. Many cases are often not reported due to stigma or lack of culturally-competent resources. Families and advocates recently walked the Mario Cuomo Bridge to raise awareness of domestic violence at the annual "Shine the Light" walk. The event was supported by Goya Gives and was led by the nonprofit Center for Safety and Change. Joining us to discuss is Stefany Ovalles from the Center for Safety and Chance, as well as actress and domestic violence survivor April Hernandez. Also on our program: The New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar and Lounge Association recently distributed $100,000 in grants to local Latino-owned restauranteurs. The nonprofit partnered with Grub Hub to help fund those Latino business owners with staffing, equipment upgrades, marketing, and other essential needs to help the restaurants thrive. We'll have more on the event and partnership coming up from the organization and one of the grant recipients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we break down what students and families need to know about this year's federal student aid form and its new changes. The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available. The form is a critical first step for students hoping to receive federal aid, grants and educational loans as well as work study programs. Technical problems with the form and delays led to major headaches in recent years. This year, administrators streamlined the form to make it easier to fill out. Here to help guide us once again through the form and some of the new changes is James Rodriguez from UFT's College and Career Resource Fairs and Francisco Garcia-Quezada from the NYC Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network. They have several FAFSA completion events specifically designed to help students and families successfully submit the application. Also on our show: The Dominican American Distinguished Awards takes place later this month in New York City. The inaugural event will honor Dominican leaders and visionaries for their cultural, entrepreneurial and social impact. We'll hear more about the prestigious event coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we learn more about a local nonprofit organization on a mission to bring fresh produce and food education to residents. Connected Chef is a Queens-based nonprofit that will open a new fresh market and community food hub in Woodside later this month. The organization is on a mission to ensure people in Queens have access to local, nutritious food and education on health eating. Joining us to discuss are Kim Calichio and Omar Bravo-Pavia, the co-founders of Connected Chef. Meanwhile, we continue to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Tiempo, where we recognize the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture. Today, we share the story of a Latino family that owns a pastelito/empanada shop in Brooklyn. The family hails from the Dominican Republican and they make authentic meat pies. We have a report on the family-run Bushwick restaurant, Pastelitos Elys, coming up. Also on our program: Before Lincoln Center, there was San Juan Hill -- a neighborhood that was home to so many Black people and Puerto Ricans. San Juan Hill was an epicenter of music creativity, and Lincoln Center has several events to keep that rich history alive. We take a look at those events that honor that history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss a unique tool allowing people to monitor and be aware of immigration enforcement activity on Long Island. The organization Islip Forward launched the ICE Tracker in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The online tool allows community member to track and report sightings of immigration and customs enforcement agents in real time to help keep immigrant families informed. Joining us to discuss is Brian Delgado of Islip Forward. Meanwhile, we continue our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Tiempo recognizes the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture. Today, we share the inspiring story of a Latina who traveled from the Dominican Republic with a single suitcase and a dream, and now runs a media empire. Also on our program: Catching up with the Latino leader of New Jersey City University. The school has a large Latino population and it supports its Latino students through partnerships with various Hispanic organizations and businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one organization is addressing the often overlooked subject of Latino mental health. The mental health stigma is a pervasive issue in many Hispanic communities, often preventing individuals from seeking the care they need. On Long Island, the Hispanic Counseling Center is working hard to break that stigma. The center provides bilingual health programs for Hispanic families in Nassau and Suffolk counties. They also offer afterschool programs for children, and they've been around for nearly 50 years. Joining us to discuss is Claudia Boyle, CEO of the Hispanic Counseling Center. She shares with us all the support services they offer to the Latino community. Meanwhile, we are in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Tiempo recognizes the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture. This time, we travel to Staten Island, where many Mexicans live. Several groups there are making sure the culture and love of Mexican heritage thrives. We have a special report on that coming up. Also on our program, honoring a pioneer of the Latin music industry. Ralph Mercado transformed the promotion, management and production of salsa and tropical music. His record company was responsible for staging major Latin music events around the world. In honor of his legacy, a street in Brooklyn will be renamed after him next month. We talk to Mercado's family about the recognition and how they are keeping his legacy alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with the chancellor of CUNY, the City University of New York. CUNY has 26 colleges and professional schools spread throughout the five boroughs, serving nearly 240,000 students. According to CUNY's official statistics, Latino students represented approximately 31% of the total student body last year. Joining us to discuss is CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, the first Latino to lead the nation's largest urban university. Rodriguez has been an outspoken advocate for Hispanic students. On a related note, it's Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month! Throughout the month, we will recognize the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture. One of the best places to experience the arts and culture of Latin Americans is in New York City at El Museo del Barrio. We'll have a special report on the museum coming up. Also on our program, more on the East Harlem School at Exodus House. It's an independent, nonprofit middle school designed to provide a holistic education and prioritize low-income families in East Harlem. We'll talk with the leaders of the school about its mission and goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we highlight a brand-new restaurant that just opened in the heart of the South Bronx, and detail what's new at this year's New York Latino Film Festival. The non-profit organization, Oyate Group, started the restaurant Nourish, which is located in the South Bronx. It's not your typical money-making venture. One hundred percent of the profits will go to scholarships and community-based programs. Oyate Group focuses on fighting poverty. The team also wants to create job opportunities with the new operation. Joining us to discuss is Oyate Group Founder Tomas Ramos. Meanwhile, the New York Latino Film Festival is back, celebrating its 25th anniversary. The festival is currently underway and features more than 100 films! We have details on where you can watch the movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we speak with New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos about the academic year ahead. About 42% of New York City public school students are Latino, and they represent the largest demographic in the nation's largest public school system. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos, the current leader of the city's public school system, is also Latina herself. Aviles-Ramos is a lifelong educator, having worked inside the NYC Department of Education for nearly two decades. She joins Tiempo to discuss resources for Latino students and their families. Also on our program, a first look at "Clemente," a new documentary about the life of the late legendary baseball player Roberto Clemente. The film features a who's who on prominent baseball stars. Clemente's sons produced the film in hopes of extending the legacy of the Boricua baseball great. We speak with the film's director and one of Clemente's sons about the significance of the documentary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we count down to the 2025 National Dominican Day Parade in New York City. A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off festivities in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday, and the parade is sure to be a good time for all. The annual event celebrates Dominican culture and the many triumphs of Dominicans in the city. In fact, Dominicans represent the largest Hispanic population in the five boroughs, making up nearly 35% of Latinos in New York City. Joining us with a preview of the event is National Dominican Day Parade Chair Cristina Contreras and La Madrina Mayra Linares-Garcia. Also ahead, a teenage Latino artist who paints custom cleats. And he doesn't paint just any cleats. Several Major League Baseball players, including the Mets' Pete Alonso and the Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. feature his artwork on their shoes. We speak with the young entrepreneur about the inspiration behind his artwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Tiempo" we are gearing up for the National Dominican Day Parade next month. The owner of "Don Carvajal Café" joins "Tiempo" to talk about brewing authentic Dominican Cafecito in Westchester County. Also, a look at the lawsuit Nassau County is facing regarding its partnership with ICE. Earlier this year the county became the second in New York to deputize local police to carry out immigration enforcement, meaning detectives can arrest immigrants without legal status. The New York Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit. The union claims the partnership violates state law and will lead to racial profiling. Ify Chikezie, the lead counsel on the case from the New York Civil Liberties Union, joins "Tiempo" to explain the case further. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with our friends from El Museo del Barrio. Located in East Harlem, the museum has been around since 1969 and features an extensive, permanent collection of pieces from Latin America and the Caribbean. But that's just part of the story. El Museo del Barrio also offers bilingual public programs, educational activities and festivals. Joining us to discuss the museum's latest exhibitions and programming is El Museo del Barrio Assistant Curator Zuna Maza. Also ahead, we talk to Bobbito Garcia, who does a little bit of everything. Garcia is a DJ, radio host, member of the Rock Steady Crew, New York City street basketball guru and now an author. Garcia recently wrote a memoir about his life playing hoops on the streets of NYC. We speak with Garcia about his new book and the inspiration behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Tiempo, we get to know the pioneer making history as the city's new parks commissioner. Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is the first Latina to hold the post of New York City parks commissioner. City officials made the announcement last month at an event also celebrating the completion of a project to renovate playgrounds and some NYCHA complexes. Up Close sits down with Rodriguez-Rosa to discuss her appointment, what it means for the community and what she hopes to do during her tenure as parks commissioner. Meanwhile, La Borinqueña, our favorite comic book heroine, is back with an exhibit in Puerto Rico. She also has a new book coming out called "VG1GANTE" coming out, and La Borinqueña Creator Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez joins our program to enlighten us on the super heroine's latest adventures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices