Tiempo with Joe Torres

Spotlight on Mary Louis Academy in Queens and a new cultural hub in East Harlem

Catholic schools in New York City have long served working- and middle-class families, including Black and Latino families. This week on Tiempo, we highlight The Mary Louis Academy, a Catholic school in Jamaica, Queens, that focuses on empowering young Latina women. The Mary Louis Academy is described on the program as a premier, all-girls Catholic college-preparatory school. The school dates back to 1936 and serves a diverse student body drawn from a wide range of socioeconomic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. "LATINAS" make up 23-percent of the student population. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

New Jersey hosts summit on safety measures for 2026 World Cup

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how the Tri-State area is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. New Jersey recently hosted a summit on public safety surrounding the colossal event. The Garden State's MetLife Stadium is one of several U.S. sites hosting matches. The conversation touched on crowd behavior, security readiness and community coordination. The event was held at Seton Hall University in South Orange and brought together leaders across professional soccer, global event security, small business development and law enforcement. The focus: to ensure the region is ready to safely welcome the soccer competition. The public summit is part of a docuseries called "Kicking it to 2026" that will document how the World Cup will impact the communities surrounding it. Joining us to disucss is Giovanna Aguilar, director of "Kicking it to 2026," and Kelly Brozyna from the New Jersey Small Business Development Center. Also ahead, a new program offers free libraries inside bodegas in the Bronx. The program is the mission of a nonprofit that wants to address the absence of bookstores and low literacy rates. They also want to expand children's interest and curiosity in books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Impact of US trial against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the impact of the U.S. trial against ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The former president of Venezuela and his wife Cilia Flores faced a judge in a New York court last month after their dramatic capture by U.S. forces in Caracas back in January. There were demonstrators outside the courthouse. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains in a state of major political transition. Joining us to discuss is Alejandro Velasco, a professor at NYU and native of Venezuela. [h3]RELATED COVERAGE: [url HREF="https://abc7ny.com/post/ousted-venezuelan-president-nicholas-maduro-set-return-manhattan-federal-court/18777739/" TARGET="_blank" REL=""]Ousted Maduro returns to court, judge says he won't dismiss case[/url][/h3] [media ID="18782172" /] Also ahead, New Jersey law now bans ICE agents and police from wearing masks on the job in the Garden State. It's one of three new laws signed recently by Gov. Mikie Sherrill in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. We'll have more details on the new pieces of legislation coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Importance of home-based child care businesses in the Latino community

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the importance of family-owned, home-based day care businesses in the Latino community. Over 85% of Latino infants and toddlers in low-income households depend on these home-based businesses, according to the Hispanic Research Center. The Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a nonprofit organization helping to address that need. One of their many programs is to help home-based day care owners successfully run their businesses. The organization offers extensive training opportunities for home-based child care providers. The nonprofit is based in the South Bronx and was founded in 1992 and serves over 40,000 people annually. Joining us to discuss is Davon Russell, president of WHEDco, and Ana Escoto, who owns a home-based day care. They talk about the critical role home-based child care businesses play in the Latino community. Also ahead, a closer look at the new off-Broadway production, "Public Charge." It's an autobiographical play that chronicles the life of a Latina powerhouse who rose through the ranks of the U.S. government to become a high-level diplomat and ambassador. The production explores the principled use of power and the belief that government can be a force for good. We'll have details on the play and where you can catch it coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Humanitarian crisis in Cuba amid energy shortage

On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba after the island nation ran out of fuel. The energy shortage follows the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which was the island's main source of crude oil. To make matters worse, there are also shortages of food, medicine and clean water. The Cuban people have suffered through widespread blackouts, and it appears that the island nation has run out of allies willing to supply the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of fuel needed to power the economy. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said Cuba's days are numbered. Joining us to discuss is Alina Camacho, professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at St. John's University. Also ahead, details on the nonprofit organization, New York Junior Tennis and Learning. The organization engages youth in tennis while prioritizing academic excellence and scholastic support. Students in the program have a 100% acceptance rate to a four-year college. We talk to the founder of the organization and a Latino high school student who has benefitted greatly from the program. The student is an elite tennis player and academic wizard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]