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The importance of epistemology, ontology, and critical thinking in defending democracy

Por
Impacto
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To gain a deep understanding of political systems such as fascism and democracy, it is essential to turn to epistemology, ontology, and critical thinking. Epistemology allows us to question how political knowledge is constructed, which sources are valid, and how beliefs are justified. Ontology helps us understand the nature of power, the State, and political institutions. Critical thinking, in turn, is fundamental for analyzing discourse, identifying biases, and making informed decisions as citizens. These philosophical tools strengthen the understanding and defense of democratic systems and help us recognize the dangers of authoritarian regimes.

Political violence is undermining our democracies

Political violence has been spreading across many nations in the Americas, leaving deep scars on our democracies. It is no longer a distant phenomenon; it has become a tragic and recurring element in our political landscapes. Each act of violence sends a chilling message: that fear and hatred can replace dialogue, and that bullets can silence the voices meant to protect the ballot box. Democracy cannot flourish where violence becomes a political tool, and we are witnessing the high cost this imposes on societies striving to remain free and open.

Colombia offers a painful example of this tragedy. The recent assassination of candidate Miguel Uribe is not an isolated incident, but part of a long history of violence against political leaders in that country. To make this loss even more heartbreaking, his mother was also murdered when he was just four years old. A family marked twice by the same violent forces shows how deep and generational the wounds of political terror can be. This is not just the silencing of a candidate: it is the interruption of a legacy, a dream, and a democratic promise.

Sadly, political violence does not begin with a weapon; it starts with words. Across the Americas, including the United States, political rhetoric has become increasingly toxic. Hatred has seeped into the language of our leaders, normalizing contempt, defamation, and division. When public discourse is steeped in anger and dehumanization, it fosters a climate in which violence is justified and normalized.

In these times, it is imperative not only to wish for peace but to educate for peace. Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best achievement we have conquered as societies. We need to defend it.

Words as bullets or as water: you decide

Por
Uriel Rendón
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(Foto: Ilustrativa/Pexels)

As we watch the news today, I think most of us scratch our heads at how much anger and hatred is coming out of the media. The amount of anger, cynicism, and hate spilling from our screens can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, we now have more control over what we consume—social media, podcasts, and independent outlets give us the power to “click” our way toward our version of the “truth”.

So, as we pick up the pieces and try to re-arrange what we all used to call “normality”, the question remains: Can we still create a world where conversations are centered on love, kindness, and hope?

I read somewhere that “words are like bullets”. This African proverb emphasizes the impact and lasting nature of words. Once spoken, words—like bullets—can’t be taken back. They pierce, the hit, they wound, and can leave damage that lingers for years. But what if we flipped the analogy? What if, instead of bullets, our words were like water, that can be nourishing?

Water nourishes. It takes a seed in fertile soil and, with patience, turns it into a thriving plant. Words can do the same. They can help someone grow into their fullest self, nurture their confidence, and encourage resilience. Just as water sustains life, positive language can sustain hope.

The challenge is that in our current political and cultural climate, negative words seem to carry more weight. Demeaning comments dominate headlines. (The 2024 election results revealed that we took reality TV’s lessons to heart – Opinion). Unfortunately, people pay more attention to «negative» harmful language. So how do we stay the course? …with some patience and persistence, I believe. Just as watering a seed in fertile ground requires patience and discipline, using positive words consistently also requires sustained effort and intentionality. And while the results may not be immediate, the growth is real.

This idea of using positive words all the time is nothing new. Educators have long understood this. Teachers use positive language as the foundation for learning and personal growth. As children’s book author Alicia Ortego notes, the words parents use can shape a child’s self-esteem and emotional resilience. Encouraging phrases plant the belief that challenges can be overcome with effort and determination.

Science backs this up. Research shows that positive words can literally change brain chemistry—releasing feel-good hormones, lowering stress, and even strengthening the immune system.  Smiling Mind Blog points out that something as simple as choosing kind, affirming language in daily conversations can lift moods and improve overall well-being.

That’s why I’m offering not a white flag of surrender, but a white flag of peace—a commitment to be mindful of how we speak to one another. Let’s choose our words as if they were water: refreshing, life-giving, and sustaining.

And in times like these, choosing nourishment might be the most radical act of hope we have left. That every word we use be building blocks and columns of hope, kindness and empathy. 

ECCS an excellent educational alternative for challenging times 

Por
Redacción Impacto
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Philadelphia, PA – Not all students in Pennsylvania have the same opportunities. All too often, the quality of education they receive depends on their zip code. However, there are alternatives, especially for those who feel they are losing hope. 

Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) employs around 160 education professionals in Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, including administrative and teaching staff, half of whom are bilingual. They serve nearly 1000 students, many of whom have faced challenges in traditional in-person schooling, and others who are simply looking for another high-quality alternative for their education. 

Among them are young mothers who have found the support they need in virtual education to continue their studies, bullied students who now have a safe space to learn, and neurodivergent students—about 20% of the student body—who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and receive comprehensive education tailored to their development. 

Founded in 2012 by the Esperanza organization, Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) was created in response to a growing need: to offer high-quality public education in a flexible and accessible format. Located in the heart of North Philadelphia, ECCS serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, combining technology, personalized support, and a strong commitment to the statewide community

All of this takes place in a culturally responsive environment, where newly arrived immigrants or children of immigrants feel embraced by teachers and staff who work with passion and a deep understanding that every student deserves help in overcoming the barriers they face. 

ECCS responds to challenges stemming from discrimination, unsafe environments, and mental health issues—problems that have increased across the population and affect many young people. 

On August 18, just one week before ECCS students return to class, staff from both Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico gathered for a training session led by  by the school’s CEO, Dr. Jon Marsh.  
The meeting served to train teachers, share ideas, and address questions, all with the shared goal of helping students achieve their goals and prepare for the real world. 

Among those at the training was Yanluis Figueroa, who, like other graduates, returned to work at ECCS after completing his studies. 
His teachers are proud of him for giving back, and describe him as tenacious, courteous, and hardworking. Yanluis is grateful for the life skills training he received alongside his academic preparation. 

Esperanza Cyber Charter School represents a commitment to educational equity in the digital age. 
In a world where technology is redefining learning, ECCS opens the door for those seeking a second chance, a new way to learn, and a path to success—education at your own pace

Other ECCS students have taken advantage of the opportunity to earn credits from Esperanza College, saving up to two years of higher education and graduating with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. 

Jasmina Campos-Rivera, daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and ECCS’s Executive Director of Operations, shares that enrollment is open year-round. She emphasizes that staff are committed to ensuring that students from across Pennsylvania complete their studies and earn their diplomas. However, ECCS’ mission extends beyond that: they aim to prepare students for success in life and provide various resources to support them in achieving this goal. 

Ivan Estevez, Chief Academic Officer at ECCS and originally from the Dominican Republic, discusses the importance of supporting parents, particularly by helping them understand virtual learning in their own language and guiding them through the necessary technology and resources.

The ECCS educational model is designed for students who need an alternative to the traditional classroom. Whether due to personal, work-related, or health reasons, many young people find in cyber education an opportunity to continue their studies without physical barriers

The training event also featured Rev. Luis Cortés, founder and CEO of Esperanza, who delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of educating a generation facing significant challenges by fostering critical thinking.

He encouraged educators to make the most of the Esperanza ecosystem, which offers a wide range of opportunities for students and their families through its educational, recreational, and advancement programs. Parents interested in exploring ECCS for their child or children can visit esperanzacyber.org at any time.

The Epstein and Maxwell cases: Truth, power, and the broken scales of justice

Por
Magdaleno Rose-Avila
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Ghislaine Maxwell, cómplice de Jeffrey Epstein, aseguró que el financiero no tenía una lista de clientes durante una entrevista de dos días con el Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU, cuya transcripción fue entregada hoy a un Comité del Congreso que estudia el caso del millonario.

It is incredible to hear all the lies used by Trump and his team to try to dismantle the truth about Trump, Epstein, and especially super-groomer and minor abuser, Ghislaine Maxwell.

For years, Trump and the right demanded that the Epstein files be made public, claiming this would prove how the Democrats groomed and abused children. But after being elected for the second time, Trump went silent on the matter.

The fire had already been lit, and even within the MAGA world, many wanted to know what was in those files, hoping to continue proving that the villains were the Democrats. In many circles, it is believed that in those files, photos, and videos, there are participants from all sides and political leanings. And to this da,y more images and videos continue to surface, suggesting that at least Trump knew what was happening and did nothing to protect the minors.

As is well known, he was tried and convicted of sexual assault against a woman, and many more have accused him of sexually assaulting them.

The current Department of Justice reviewed the files to see if Trump was mentioned, and they found more than 50 references. Then the president began to say that Obama and former FBI director Comey invented those lies and that there was nothing true in those reports. But if Trump were correct, then Obama must have spent far too many nights editing photos of Trump with Jeffrey and the minors.

Now the FBI could be redacting the files. At some point, some of the agents who worked on this matter will write their books to make money and will reveal part of the truth about how the Trump Administration tried to cover it up.

What is even more troubling is that the DOJ’s number two, Todd Blanche, spent two days interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell, and then they sent her to a minimum-security prison in Texas with better amenities. This is an abuse of the letter of the law and must be investigated.

Many victims and their lawyers are protesting this action, because it sends the wrong message to criminals and could be the first of many steps Trump takes to move toward a pardon or commutation. Trump has said he knew nothing and had nothing to do with Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to the Texas prison. But many suspect Trump is lying and that she would not have been transferred without his approval. We have a president who comments on comedians’ monologues, but now says he doesn’t know what is happening with the hottest matter on his desk.

Other predators and abusers are probably wondering why they don’t have the right to go to Texas. By treating Maxwell this way, the White House is doing the “Taco-tango,” trying to dodge the truth from coming out. TACO was a nickname given to Trump on Wall Street, saying that “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

We need everyone who has a story to tell to bring it to the media, so that we can trip Trump up while he tries to dance fast and make us forget the long and dirty history he had with Epstein, Maxwell, and the other men who were part of that cesspool of humanity.

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is trying to obtain disclosure of the grand jury testimony, hoping to show he was not implicated. But, as many know, the grand jury information is only about Epstein and Maxwell.

Federal judge Paul Engelmayer showed no sympathy for the attempt at “damage control” by the Administration, and even suggested that the DOJ’s request “did not seek ‘transparency,’ but distraction; did not seek full disclosure, but the illusion of it.”

“Contrary to the Government’s description, Maxwell’s grand jury testimony is not a matter of significant historical relevance nor of public interest… It consists of routine testimony summarized by two law enforcement agents. And the information it contains has long since been, almost entirely, a matter of public record,” said Engelmayer. “Without needing to review the grand jury materials, the public can assess for itself the bases the Government claims for making this motion.”

At the same time, the Department of Justice holds thousands of pages of damaging information that could be released. And those evangelicals who still support Trump should be asked why they say they are pro-life and defenders of family values, yet support a man who was likely part of one of the largest pedophile abuse networks, and do not confront this abuser and his followers.

The pedophilia industry is widespread and must be dismantled, and those who participate must be convicted and imprisoned. And this “Taco-tango” must come to an end.

We need your help, and in the meantime, think about this:
What would you do if your son or daughter had been abused by Epstein and his group of wealthy white men?

Feliz Filadelfia “Play to Win” in Philly’s Olney Section – and in Puerto Rico

Por
Michael Collazo
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Filadelfia
Feliz in Paradise: A Puerto Rico Baseball Adventure. (Photo: Courtesy/Feliz Filadelfia)

Jose Rivera leads maintenance crews for a living, but his real passion is coaching baseball.

He has been coaching for 21 years. In 2015, the Hunting Park native and current Olney resident started an organization called Play to Win to get a baseball league established at Hammond Avenue fields in Tacony Creek Park. Rivera began with six teams, all known as the Olney Angels.

Not long after, more teams were formed. But once this baseball project started to gain momentum, there was one problem.

“The clubhouse had fallen in. It was out of use,” remembered Dan Gordon, the board chair of  Feliz Filadelfia, the non-profit organization established in 2022 to build off the work Play to Win began. “If the kids had to go to the bathroom, they had to run up to the shopping center that was a block away.”

This inspired Gordon to help Rivera fix this. With the help of foundation money and then-City councilwoman Cherelle Parker, clubhouse was completely renovated.

Feliz Filadelfia coaches mostly young Latinos and Latinas, ages 4 through 19, in baseball and softball, as well as a newly formed soccer program. The organization’s teams compete in the Phillies RBI and Philadelphia Department of Recreation leagues, travelling throughout the city. Since 2015, the Olney Angels have won six baseball championships and one girls’ softball title.

Feliz Filadelfia Battles at “Back To Basics” Tournament in Reading, PA. (Photo: Courtesy/Feliz Filadelfia)

“Batter up!” – Playing in Puerto Rico

“The coaches came up with the idea – and the kids,” recalled Rivera. “We did some traveling, like Virginia and Allentown. Coach (Jose) Romero asked, ‘what do you think about Puerto Rico Jose, he doesn’t play around, so, you know what?” That turned on a lightbulb. They always say “think big, so I thought, let’s give it a shot. Let’s make it happen.’”

Indeed, Feliz Filadelfia made it happen. They started a  GoFundMe, parents and players staged a car wash, and Dan Gordon donated his own money. In less than six months, they accomplished their fundraising goal, raising over $10,000. On July 6, the U19 Olney Angels flew out of Philadelphia International Airport to La Isla Del Encanto.

Travelling was both familiar and a brand-new experience for players and coaches alike. Though Rivera’s parents are from Puerto Rico, he had only visited the island once before. Most of the players are children of Puerto Rican migrants and Dominican and Venezuelan immigrants living in neighborhoods like Olney, Hunting Park and Mayfair (“about 80 percent of the kids speak Spanglish,” Rivera said). Still, many had never been to the island, or had not been there for many years.

Also new to the team: taking a bus through the mountains to play in two rural towns – Cidra and Yabucoa, PR – not in big-city San Juan, where they stayed during the trip. Both games were hosted in mini-stadiums with real ballpark seating. If the environment was new to all of them, the baseball vibes were not.

“You can smell the game of baseball there,” Rivera said. “You felt the vibe.”

The only bad news from this trip: the Angels lost two, close games – one in each stop. Still, it was a trip both coaches and players will never forget. 

When asked what the feedback from the players was about the trip, Rivera quickly replied:

“When are we going back?”

If you want to learn more about Feliz Filadelfia, visit their website at www.felizfiladelfia.org/. Fall ball begins in September. Donors and sponsors are welcome.

*Michael Collazo is CEO of Dahday, LLC. Follow his Substack at dahdaytix.substack.com.

Philadelphia Mosaic: Immigrant Film Showcase, stories of resilience and activism

Por
Leticia Roa Nixon
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¿Cómo sería un mundo si no existiera ICE?. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)

In these times of shifting immigration policies under the current presidential administration, Peruvian American filmmaker and journalist Kristal Sotomayor created the program Philadelphia Mosaic: Immigrant Film Showcase, which aims to celebrate and amplify the voices of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities through a presentation of short documentaries followed by a public discussion. The first screening took place on August 16 at Fleisher Art Memorial in South Philadelphia.

Kristal Sotomayor presentando el programa. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)
La proyección de filmes fue en Fleisher Art Memoria. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)

The program featured a short film by Costa Rican filmmaker María Luisa Santos titled A Film is a Goodbye that Never Ends, a 13-minute piece about her wait for a visa to reunite with her husband in the United States, accompanied by her loyal companion, Turbo.

AmaRA Pedrero Montes repartió información sobre Juntos. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)
El público estuvo atento a los filmes. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)

The second film, Room 140 by Priscilla González Sainz, runs 12 minutes and shares the reflections of five undocumented immigrants recently released from detention centers, who are temporarily housed in Room 140 of a motel in Oakland, California. The third film, Expanding Sanctuary, directed and produced by Kristal Sotomayor, is a 21-minute documentary centered on Mexican activist Linda Hernández from the organization Juntos, who also participated in the post-screening discussion.

En el conversatorio Kristal y Linda respondieron preguntas. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)
El restaurante “Mole Poblano” preparó la comida mexicana. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)

Linda is an immigrant mother who became a community leader during a historic campaign to end the sharing of Philadelphia’s police database with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She now facilitates healing circles in collaboration with Philatinos, while continuing her work with Juntos.

Las hijas de Linda Hernández ayudan a la venta de productos. (Foto: CortesíaThien Dinh)
El público participó en un ejercicio contra el estrés dirigido por Linda. (Foto: Cortesía/Thien Dinh)

Following the film presentations, a Q&A session allowed attendees to learn more about the struggles of undocumented immigrants fighting for their rights.

All three documentaries are in Spanish with English subtitles and will be screened for free in other Latino neighborhoods across the city. Upcoming dates include September 6 at 6 p.m. at Making Worlds Bookstore and Social Center (210 S. 45th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104), and October 23 at 6 p.m. at Esperanza Art Center (4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19140).

Kristal founded her film production company to work at the intersection of investigative journalism and community media, challenging extractive narratives and reimagining who gets to tell the story. Her team is dedicated to creating films that promote social justice and amplify the voices of immigrant, queer, and underrepresented communities.

SEPTA announce safety plan amid service cuts affecting over 50,000 students

Por
Haydeé Rosario
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Many routes will be altered — staying informed helps keep things calm. (Photo: Haydeé Rosario/Impacto/Staff)

This Friday, August 22, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) held a press conference to present its Back-to-School Safety Plan, in response to a 20% service reduction that will begin this Sunday and directly affect more than 50,000 students.

The event featured the participation of SEPTA’s General Manager, Scott Sauer; Transit Police Chief, Charles Lawson; Deputy General Manager, Frank Brandis; and Chief Operating Officer, Chris Valentin.

Back to School with Fewer Buses and More Safety Measures

With the start of the new school year and the implementation of service cuts, SEPTA has developed a comprehensive safety plan to ensure secure and organized transportation, especially during peak student travel times.

Key components of the plan include:

Increased police presence: All available personnel will be deployed throughout the city, especially during critical hours.

Reinforcement during peak times: Officer presence will be doubled at the start and end of the school day.

Intensive patrolling: Focused on key transit hubs such as Frankford, 69th Street, and Olney.

Officers on board: Police officers will be assigned to buses and subway lines with high student ridership.

Real-time monitoring: The Virtual Patrol Unit will oversee security cameras and dispatch officers immediately if necessary.

Interagency coordination: SEPTA is working closely with the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department to address specific safety needs.

Using the SEPTA Key card makes the process faster. (Photo: SEPTA Philly)

Recommendations for Students and Families

During the press conference, SEPTA officials shared several recommendations to help students and families prepare for the new school year:

Allow extra time for daily commutes.

Have an alternate transportation plan.

Use the SEPTA Key card for fare payment.

Stay behind the yellow line on platforms and form lines when necessary.

Don’t hesitate to speak with SEPTA officers — they are trained and available to help.

Additionally, the public was reminded that they can submit concerns or suggestions anonymously through the Transit Watch app.
Spanish-language customer service is available by calling 215-580-7800, or via X (formerly Twitter) at @SEPTASocial.

Ya llega la temporada de gripe. ¿Deberías vacunarte? ¿Lo cubrirá el seguro?

Por
KFF HEALTH NEWS
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vacunarte
Foto ilustrativa. Gustavo Fring. Pexels

Para padres de niños en edad escolar, la lista de cosas para hacer en el otoño puede parecer interminable. Comprar útiles. Completar largos formularios. Agendar la charla con los maestros. ¿Ya les quedan chicas las zapatillas?. En algún momento, puede que recuerden las vacunas contra la gripe. Vacunarte. Vacunarlos. ¿Debería hacerlo? ¿Puedo hacerlo? ¿Sigue vigente?

En medio de las polémicas políticas sobre las vacunas y las entidades del gobierno que las supervisan, es comprensible preguntarse qué ocurre con la vacuna contra la gripe de la temporada 2025-26.

En resumen: Sí, la vacuna contra la gripe sigue vigente. Y cuatro médicos con los que hablamos recomendaron vacunarse este año.

Las siguientes son respuestas a algunas preguntas frecuentes:

He oído que la Administración Trump podría estar cambiando las recomendaciones sobre vacunas. ¿Aplica esto a la vacuna contra la gripe?

No ha habido cambios sustanciales en la recomendación del gobierno federal sobre la vacuna contra la gripe: los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) siguen diciendo que las personas de 6 meses en adelante deberían vacunarse contra la gripe cada año.

Esto significa que la mayoría de las aseguradoras la cubrirán y que pronto estará ampliamente disponible.

El Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., quien se ha opuesto a las vacunas, coincidió en que la mayoría de las personas deben vacunarse contra la gripe. Siguió una recomendación de la junta que asesora al gobierno federal sobre políticas de vacunación; el que él mismo reemplazó por completo.

El panel votó en contra de recomendar las vacunas multidosis contra la gripe que contenían timerosal, un conservante que ya se había eliminado de la mayoría de las vacunas, incluidas la mayoría de las vacunas contra la gripe.

¿Quiénes no deben vacunarse contra la gripe?

Los médicos reconocieron que siempre hay excepciones a las directrices generales. Por ejemplo, las personas con alergias graves a los componentes de la vacuna contra la gripe no deben vacunarse con dosis que contengan esas sustancias.

Deberías hablar sobre tu estado de salud con tu médico.

¿La vacuna contra la gripe de esta temporada es diferente a la de la temporada pasada?

Sí. La vacuna contra la gripe se actualiza siempre para la próxima temporada de gripe, pero los cambios no fueron drásticos. Al igual que la del año pasado, la vacuna de este año se conoce como una vacuna de tres componentes o trivalente que protege contra tres virus de la gripe: dos virus de la gripe A y uno de la gripe B.

Esta vez, la vacuna se modificó para combatir una cepa específica del virus de la gripe A/H3N2 que se prevé que circule esta temporada, explicó Ryan Maves, profesor de medicina en la Universidad de Wake Forest y miembro de la Infectious Disease Society of America. Estos cambios se alinean con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).

¿Cuál es el mejor momento para vacunarse?

Septiembre, octubre o principios de noviembre. Esto le da tiempo al cuerpo para desarrollar sus anticuerpos protectores al comienzo de la temporada de gripe y garantiza que la protección no disminuya antes de que termine.

En el país, la infección por influenza suele alcanzar su punto máximo en febrero, por lo que conviene asegurarse de estar vacunado y de que la protección se mantenga sólida durante febrero y marzo, según explicó William Schaffner, profesor de enfermedades infecciosas en el Centro Médico de la Universidad de Vanderbilt.

¿La vacuna contra la gripe de esta temporada garantiza la protección contra la cepa de influenza que circula?

¿Garantiza la protección total? No.

¿Reduce el riesgo de muerte? Sí.

Al igual que la vacuna contra covid-19, las vacunas contra la gripe son las más eficaces para “protegernos de las consecuencias más graves de la influenza”, afirmó Schaffner. Esto significa que son eficaces para prevenir que una persona tenga que ser hospitalizada a causa de la gripe, y para rprevenir la muerte.

“Una vacuna contra la gripe puede no garantizar una protección perfecta contra la gripe, pero omitirla simplemente garantiza que no se tendrá ninguna protección”, afirmó Benjamin Lee, pediatra especialista en enfermedades infecciosas del Hospital Infantil de la Universidad de Vermont y profesor asociado de la Facultad de Medicina Larner de la universidad.

¿Estará disponible la vacuna contra la gripe este año?

Todo indica que sí.

La Administraci’on de Drogas y Alimentos (FDA)  emitió sus recomendaciones sobre la fórmula a utilizar a los fabricantes de vacunas el 13 de marzo, con la suficiente antelación como para que la agencia esperara que hubiera un suministro adecuado y diverso. Las personas y los lugares que administran las vacunas contra la gripe deberían recibirlas pronto, normalmente a partir de septiembre, según Flor Muñoz, profesora asociada de pediatría y enfermedades infecciosas del Baylor College of Medicine.

He oído que Kennedy canceló $500 millones en financiación para el desarrollo de vacunas. ¿Podría esto afectar a futuras vacunas contra la gripe?

Kennedy anunció que cancelaba la financiación para el desarrollo de la vacuna de ARNm. Algunas empresas han estado investigando vacunas combinadas de ARNm contra la gripe y covid-19, pero actualmente no hay vacunas de ARNm contra la gripe aprobadas.

Aun así, expertos afirmaron que los cambios del gobierno federal —recortes de financiación, purgas en el comité de vacunas, desviaciones de los procedimientos existentes— están aumentando la incertidumbre.

KFF Health News es una redacción nacional que produce periodismo en profundidad sobre temas de salud y es uno de los principales programas operativos de KFF, la fuente independiente de investigación de políticas de salud, encuestas y noticias.

SEPTA anuncia plan de seguridad ante recortes de servicio que afectarán a más de 50,000 estudiantes

Por
Haydeé Rosario
-
SEPTA
(Foto: Haydeé Rosario/Impacto/Staff)

Este viernes 22 de agosto, la Autoridad de Transporte del Sudeste de Pensilvania (SEPTA) ofreció una conferencia de prensa para presentar su Plan de Seguridad para el Regreso a Clases, en respuesta a la reducción del 20 % en el servicio que comenzará este domingo y afectará directamente a más de 50,000 estudiantes.

El evento contó con la participación del gerente general de SEPTA, Scott Sauer; el jefe de Policía de Tránsito, Charles Lawson; el subgerente general, Frank Brandis; y el director de Operaciones, Chris Valentín.

Un regreso a clases con menos buses y más seguridad

Con el inicio del nuevo año escolar y la implementación de los recortes de servicio, SEPTA ha diseñado un plan integral de seguridad para garantizar traslados seguros y organizados, especialmente durante las horas de mayor afluencia de estudiantes.

Principales medidas del plan:

Mayor presencia policial: Se desplegará todo el personal disponible en las calles, con especial enfoque en horarios críticos.

Refuerzo en horas pico: Se duplicará la dotación de oficiales durante el inicio y final de la jornada escolar.

Patrullaje intensivo: En zonas clave como los centros de tránsito de Frankford, 69th Street y Olney.

Agentes a bordo: Se asignarán oficiales en autobuses y líneas de metro frecuentadas por estudiantes.

Monitoreo en tiempo real: La Unidad de Patrulla Virtual supervisará cámaras de seguridad y responderá de inmediato ante incidentes.

Coordinación interinstitucional: SEPTA trabajará de forma conjunta con el Distrito Escolar de Filadelfia y el Departamento de Policía para atender necesidades específicas de seguridad.

Recomendaciones para estudiantes y familias

Durante la conferencia, las autoridades de SEPTA ofrecieron una serie de recomendaciones para facilitar el regreso a clases:

Calcular tiempo adicional en los trayectos diarios.

Tener preparado un plan alternativo de traslado.

Utilizar la tarjeta SEPTA Key para el pago del pasaje.

Mantenerse detrás de la línea amarilla en los andenes y formar filas cuando sea necesario.

Hablar con los oficiales de SEPTA ante cualquier duda o situación; el personal está capacitado para apoyar a los estudiantes.

Además, se recordó a la comunidad que pueden enviar preocupaciones o sugerencias de forma anónima a través de la aplicación Transit Watch, y que el servicio al cliente en español está disponible llamando al 215-580-7800 o escribiendo a @SEPTASocial en X (anteriormente Twitter).

Éxodo silencioso: cómo las políticas migratorias y los recortes federales están transformando las aulas

Por
Virginia Esteban-Somalo
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La Fiesta 2 el día de su inauguración en 2023. (Foto: José Somalo)

Emely. E tiene 8 años y está impaciente por regresar a la escuela. Este año cursará 3er grado en la escuela elemental de Georgetown, DE.

Anhela volver, sobre todo, para reencontrarse con sus amigos.

Sin embargo, aunque ella no lo sabe, puede que no todos sus compañeros, se reincorporen a clases este año.

El centro público al que la pequeña asiste cuenta con un 54.2% de estudiantes hispanos. Algunas familias inmigrantes, anunciaron la pasada primavera a los maestros que no iban a matricular a sus hijos en la escuela este curso. Miss Susan fue una de las docentes a la que los padres dieron la noticia.

“Hubo padres que me contactaron y me compartieron que no matricularían a los niños este curso porque las familias habían decidido regresar a sus países de origen”.

Y es que algunas familias decidieron autodeportarse conforme al programa CBP Home. Otras, regresaron a sus países tan calladamente como llegaron. O como la familia de Katy, prefirieron emigrar a estados aledaños al Primer Estado, en un intento de que se perdiese su rastro, tras recibir cartas citándoles a comparecer en tribunales de inmigración.

Al padre de Mía, de 9 años, acaban de deportarle a México tras varias semanas de permanecer en un centro de detención en Pensilvania.

Su madre se debate entre salir del país con su hija para reunirse con su esposo, o permanecer viviendo bajo el miedo a ser detenidas.

A estas y similares situaciones se unen ahora más circunstancias adversas.

Por un lado, el recorte de fondos federales para Head Start y otros programas educativos, que entrará en vigor el 11 de septiembre y que ha provocado que el 15 de agosto los gobernadores de Pensilvania y Kentucky, junto con la fiscal general de Delaware hayan interpuesto una demanda contra el Gobierno federal que se unirá a una demanda anterior presentada el 21 de julio por una coalición de 20 estados (incluyendo Maryland y New Jersey), argumentando que el Gobierno federal actuó ilegalmente al emitir cambios en la financiación educativa sin seguir los procedimientos requeridos por la Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo (PRWORA) y que aplicó incorrectamente esta ley a programas completos en lugar de a beneficios individuales.

Se estima que estos recortes tan solo en Delaware afectarán a más de $11 millones en subvenciones federales, que apoyan más de 250 programas educativos y atienden a más de 50,000 residentes de Delaware (incluyendo estudiantes adultos, niños en hogares de acogida y niños sin hogar). (Para consultar resto de estados ver reporte del National Institute For Early Education Research).

Por otro lado, la presunción de que Delaware, esté optando por aplicar restricciones federales a programas financiados por el estado, incluso cuando no exista mandato legal para hacerlo.

Directora ejecutiva de LACC, María Matos. (Foto: Cortesía/LACC)

La voz de alarma ha sido dada por María Matos, directora ejecutiva del Centro Latinoamericano (LACC) ubicado en Wilmington, DE, del que dependen entre otros los centros de educación temprana La Fiesta 1, 2 y 3 y que ha recibido en estos días una carta del Departamento de Educación de Delaware que ha motivado su urgente preocupación.

La Fiesta 2 el día de su inauguración en 2023. (Foto: José Somalo)

En la carta se anunciaba que debido a una directiva reciente del departamento se les exigía revocar la inscripción de los niños nacidos fuera de Estados Unidos en su programa de cuidado y educación temprana financiado por el estado en el centro La Fiesta 2. La justificación es que el centro también recibe fondos federales a través de Early Head Start.

Gráfica correspondiente a Pensilvania del reporte “El estado de Head Start y Temprano Early Head Start: buscando equidad” producido por el Instituto Nacional para la Investigación de la Educación Temprana.
 

Matos se lamenta en una comunicación que refleja su preocupación “¿Por qué se utilizan las directrices federales, pensadas para solo 27 niños financiados con fondos federales, para negar servicios a los otros 77 niños que reciben apoyo únicamente de fondos estatales?”.

La Fiesta 2 es un centro de educación temprana dependiente del LACC y que acoge a estudiantes desde 24 meses a 4 años. Más que una simple guardería, ofrece educación dual en inglés para los niños mayores e inmersión en español para los bebés y niños pequeños. Son elegibles para aplicar al centro, hijos de familias cuyos ingresos son iguales o inferiores al nivel federal de pobreza, familias con niños en hogares de acogida, familias con niños sin hogar y familias con niños con retrasos o discapacidades documentadas (IFSP y IEP).

La veterana directora ejecutiva ha instado a las autoridades oportunas a una aclaración urgente ya que la directiva del Departamento de Educación (DOE) mencionada en la misiva, podría dejar sin acceso a oportunidades de aprendizaje temprano financiado por el estado a niños inmigrantes en todo Delaware.

“¿Está Delaware optando por aplicar restricciones federales a los programas financiados por el estado, incluso cuando no existe un mandato legal para hacerlo?”, se pregunta Matos.

“¿Deberá ahora cualquier organización que reciba fondos estatales y federales aplicar las directrices federales de elegibilidad de forma generalizada, simplemente porque los servicios se prestan bajo el mismo techo?”.

Escuelas de educación temprana con estudiantes inmigrantes como La Fiesta II esperan aclaraciones y respuestas e iniciarán el curso escolar bajo un efecto de tristeza, shock e incredulidad.

“Se trata de una cuestión de justicia, equidad y bienestar”, señala Matos.

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