A tragic incident at the Rio Grande involving a mother and her two children highlights the harsh immigration policies of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. US Border Patrol agents were reportedly denied access by Texas Military Department soldiers to assist the struggling migrants, leading to their deaths. Democratic representatives and federal officials criticize Abbott's policies as cruel and inhumane, drawing parallels to former President Trump's family separation initiative. The article underscores the need for humane asylum policies and federal authority over immigration.

The article investigates the severe human cost of the Honduran spiny lobster industry, focusing on the Indigenous Miskito lobster divers who face dangerous working conditions. Despite the industry's $46.7 million value, divers suffer from decompression sickness and other injuries due to lack of safety measures. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has held Honduras accountable for these conditions, while U.S. organizations like the Walton Family Foundation and Darden Restaurants have been criticized for not addressing these safety issues. The article highlights the disparity between the industry's portrayal as a success story in the U.S. and the grim reality for the divers.

Alice Driver, a certified divemaster, explores the dangerous working conditions of indigenous Miskito lobster divers in the Gracias a Dios region of Honduras. Despite the multi-million-dollar spiny lobster industry, many divers end up disabled or paralyzed due to lack of training and equipment. The story, supported by Civil Eats and a dedicated team, aims to shed light on the human cost of the Honduran lobster industry from the divers' perspective.

The article discusses the human cost of lobster diving in Honduras, highlighting the dangers faced by divers and the lack of support for those injured in the process. It examines the role of fishery improvement projects (FIPs) funded by organizations like the Walton Family Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the controversy surrounding the privatization of fisheries. Despite efforts to improve traceability and sustainability, the article reveals that dive-caught lobster is still being sold as trap-caught, and the exploitation of divers continues. Personal stories of divers, such as Rosendo Teodoro Calderón, illustrate the dire consequences of decompression illness and the absence of adequate government assistance.

Walmart and the Walton family exert significant influence over the American food system, affecting producers, policymakers, and critics alike. This investigative series explores the depth of their impact and the complex relationships they maintain within the industry.

Alice Driver reflects on the commitment and curiosity involved in writing book manuscripts, highlighting the extensive research, interviews, and consultations required. She embraces the process's imperfections and looks forward to a kind and curious 2024.

Próspera, a private tech city on Roatán island in Honduras, is being promoted by cryptocurrency investors as a futuristic development. However, the local Afro-Indigenous Garifuna community in Crawfish Rock has raised concerns about land acquisition practices and the lack of local and female representation on Próspera's board. The community is organizing to protest actions such as the privatization of water. The article questions the involvement of two men from Mississippi, including a state legislator, on Próspera's board and plans to further investigate this angle. The author, Alice Driver, aims to explore the implications of cryptocurrency investments on equality and inclusion for women and indigenous populations in Latin America.

Lab-grown meat, recently approved for sale in the US, is touted as an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to factory-farmed meat. However, the article argues that the hype is largely illusory, citing high costs, scalability issues, and biological challenges. Major meatpacking companies like Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill have invested in lab-grown meat, raising ethical concerns given their history of labor violations. Studies suggest that lab-grown meat may have a higher environmental cost than traditional meat. The article concludes that lab-grown meat is an expensive distraction from the pressing issues of industrial animal agriculture and climate change.

A tragic incident at the Rio Grande involving a mother and her two children highlights the harsh immigration policies of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. US Border Patrol agents were reportedly denied access by Texas Military Department soldiers to assist the struggling migrants, leading to their deaths. Democratic representatives and federal officials criticize Abbott's policies as cruel and inhumane, emphasizing the need for humane asylum policies instead of militarizing the border. The incident underscores a power struggle between Abbott and the Biden administration over immigration enforcement.

A tragic incident at the Rio Grande involving a mother and her two children highlights the harsh immigration policies of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. US Border Patrol agents were reportedly denied access by Texas Military Department soldiers to assist the struggling migrants, resulting in their deaths. Democratic representatives and federal officials criticize Abbott's policies as cruel and inhumane, drawing parallels to former President Trump's family separation initiative. The article calls for humane asylum policies and criticizes the power struggle between Abbott and the Biden administration over immigration control.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's harsh immigration policies are criticized following the tragic drowning of a woman and her two children in the Rio Grande. US Border Patrol agents were reportedly blocked by Texas Military Department soldiers from aiding the migrants. Democratic representatives and federal officials condemn Abbott's actions, describing them as cruel and inhumane. The article highlights the ongoing power struggle between Abbott and the Biden administration over immigration control, emphasizing the need for humane asylum policies.

Alice Driver shares practical advice from a visual storytelling workshop in Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of concise pitches, building relationships, and understanding editorial preferences. Key tips include the need for clear communication, the significance of having connections, and the value of presenting a well-organized package to editors. The article also highlights the collaborative nature of editorial decisions and the importance of new voices in the field.

Tyson Foods workers in Green Forest, Arkansas, face significant challenges in receiving adequate medical care for work-related injuries. The company's in-house nursing model is criticized for prioritizing cost reduction over proper medical treatment, often delaying or denying necessary care. Workers like María and Rosa suffer from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive tasks, with their requests for medical attention frequently ignored or inadequately addressed. Critics, including former OSHA officials and labor rights advocates, argue that Tyson's practices obscure the true extent of workplace injuries and prevent workers from receiving timely and effective treatment. Tyson denies these allegations, asserting their commitment to employee health and safety, but the experiences of the workers and findings from various investigations suggest systemic issues in the company's approach to occupational health.

The article describes a visit to an ICE office in Little Rock, Arkansas, highlighting the agency's reliance on Google Translate to communicate with Spanish-speaking asylum seekers. The author criticizes ICE for not hiring Spanish speakers or providing language classes, arguing that speaking the language is a basic form of respect and humane interaction. The narrative includes interactions with asylum seekers from Honduras and El Salvador and mentions the supportive role of Casa de Colores, an organization run by trans asylum seekers in El Paso, Texas.

Chef Andrew Zimmern explores the traditional pre-Hispanic cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico, focusing on the use of insects like chicatanas in local dishes. He discusses the sustainability and future of food, including the potential role of products like Soylent in addressing global hunger. Zimmern emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional food practices and the stories of the people behind them, while also reflecting on the challenges posed by modernity and changing lifestyles.

Alejandro Cartagena's photographic book 'Suburban Bus' documents the daily commutes of workers in Monterrey, Mexico, capturing the intimate yet impersonal nature of their journeys. The images reflect on urban planning, the prevalence of sexual harassment on public transportation, and the socio-economic implications of affordable housing on the city's outskirts. Cartagena's work is both poetic and political, offering a detailed observation of the lives of commuters and the environments they navigate.

Alice Driver reflects on her unique upbringing without a TV, which left her disconnected from mainstream pop culture. She shares personal anecdotes from high school and her childhood in Oark, Arkansas, highlighting how this lack of exposure shaped her creativity and sense of strangeness. Despite never owning a TV, she has recently started exploring popular shows like 'The Sopranos' but still feels out of touch with the world of movies and TV. Her family's continued rejection of commercial culture is also mentioned.

Alice Driver shares her personal experiences during the pandemic, focusing on running, composting, and writing grants to navigate the financial challenges faced by freelance journalists. She highlights the support received from the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, National Geographic, and the Fuller Project, emphasizing the importance of these grants in continuing her work. Driver also offers insights into the grant application process and encourages others to find joy in small daily activities.

Authors are responsible for the costs associated with fact-checking, photography, and copyright issues for their books. Fact-checking a non-fiction book can cost around $10,000, which some authors cannot afford. Alice Driver will spend $20,000 to fact-check her two upcoming books, 'The Life and Death of the American Worker' and 'Artists All Around.' She has learned about copyright law and has sought permissions to quote various individuals, though some costs are prohibitive. Driver values the creative freedom and support she has for her projects.

An in-person conversation between a climate change denier, an Arkansas state senator, and a climate change believer, an organic farmer, highlights the polarized political environment in the US. The discussion covers climate change, solar energy, and the impact of social media disinformation on democracy. The author, Alice Driver, reflects on her decision to quit Twitter and Facebook due to their role in spreading disinformation, despite the potential risk to her freelance journalism career.

Alice Driver reflects on her journey writing about labor conditions in the meatpacking industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges she faced, including contracting the virus and financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, she continued her work, driven by the resilience and faith of the workers she interviewed. Her forthcoming book, 'The Life and Death of the American Worker: The Immigrant’s Taking on America’s Largest Meatpacking Company,' has won the $25,000 Lukas Work-in-Progress Award from Columbia Journalism School and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard.

The author reflects on the pressure to network in New York City and expresses a preference for more genuine, personal activities such as enjoying poetry, photography, and local treats. The narrative emphasizes the value of following one's own path and finding inspiration in everyday experiences rather than adhering to conventional networking strategies.

Alice Driver reflects on the profound impact that Mexican photographer Julián Cardona had on her life and career. Meeting Cardona in 2010 during her Ph.D. research in Juárez, Mexico, shifted her path from academia to a more creative and journalistic pursuit. Driver recounts their collaboration on the book 'Abecedario de Juárez' and the deep personal and professional bond they shared. Cardona's death in 2022 left a significant void, but his influence continues to shape Driver's work and life.

Alice Driver recounts her experiences with bats in her room, which was once occupied by Truman Capote in 1946 at Yaddo. Capote had complained about the bats, but Driver finds them charming despite taking measures to keep them away. She feels the presence of Capote's ghost and the bats has helped her gain clarity on the moral universe of her book about the meatpacking industry.

Lab-grown meat, recently approved for sale in the United States, is being promoted as a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to factory-farmed meat. However, the high cost, scalability issues, and biological challenges make it an impractical solution for mass consumption. Major meatpacking companies like Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill have invested in lab-grown meat, raising concerns about their influence and the ethical implications. Studies suggest that lab-grown meat may have a higher environmental cost than traditional meat, necessitating further research before it can be considered a viable alternative.

Alice Driver reflects on her love for letters and postcards, emphasizing the intimacy of handwriting and the joy of communication. Growing up in rural Arkansas, she dreamed of exploring the world through letters. During the pandemic, she feels a similar yearning for adventure and connection. She mentions an upcoming talk on migration and highlights a charitable print sale organized by photographer João Velozo to support families in Recife, Pernambuco.

Alice Driver shares her journey into the world of translation, which began accidentally after completing her Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies. She recounts her experiences translating a non-fiction book documenting the lexicon of Juárez with her friend, photojournalist Julián Cardona. Driver reflects on the literary nature of translation, drawing parallels with Jorge Luis Borges' work and discussing the collaborative process between authors and translators. She also mentions her upcoming conversation with Chinese neorealist painter Liu Xiaodong and the pre-order of her book 'Abecedario de Juárez: An Illustrated Lexicon.'

In the wake of personal and global challenges during the pandemic, Alice Driver reflects on the importance of meaningful long-term work and shares a list of introspective questions to consider before starting new projects. Upcoming events include a panel discussion at the Harvard Kennedy School Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and a lecture at Cornell University.

Alice Driver reflects on her journey as a writer, translator, and editor, sharing her experiences such as working as an interpreter for a Chinese neorealist painter and interviewing notable writers like Elena Poiniatowska for the Library of Congress. She expresses her admiration for Poiniatowska and the influence of her work on Driver's upcoming manuscript, 'The Life and Death of the American Worker.' Driver also announces her acceptance to the Yaddo artist retreat and her upcoming workshop for journalists in El Salvador through Arizona State University.

Alice Driver interviewed Mexican writer Elena Poniatowska in Mexico City for the Library of Congress, discussing Poniatowska's dedication to writing about women's lives and her unique interview experiences. The interview, accompanied by photos from Jacky Muniello, highlights Poniatowska's influence on Driver. Additionally, Driver collaborated with Arizona State University to conduct workshops on gender-based violence for journalists in El Salvador.

The article criticizes former President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policies, particularly the family separation policy and Title 42, which expelled many asylum seekers under the guise of COVID-19 prevention. It questions why President Joe Biden has not made significant changes to these policies despite his previous criticisms. The article highlights the ongoing challenges and legal battles faced by the Biden administration in attempting to reform immigration policies, including stricter asylum restrictions for certain nationalities. It emphasizes the need for humane and respectful treatment of immigrants and the importance of reuniting separated families.

The article criticizes both the Trump and Biden administrations for their handling of immigration policies, particularly focusing on the family separation policy and Title 42. It highlights the cruel impact of Trump's policies and questions why Biden has not made significant changes despite his earlier criticisms. The piece underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and asylum seekers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration policies that respect the dignity and humanity of those fleeing danger.

Irma Chávez, a Rarámuri woman from the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico, embodies a powerful, community-oriented approach to life and running, contrasting with individualistic and consumerist cultures. Chávez, who began running at age five, views running as a way to support her community and preserve Rarámuri traditions. She also works to educate women in her community about reproductive rights. The author, Alice Driver, reflects on how the pandemic has reshaped her perspective on running, emphasizing resistance and community over competition.

Alice Driver shares her experience being mentored by Mark Bowden as part of the Logan Nonfiction Program. Bowden's advice to focus on detailed, vivid descriptions of workers' actions rather than passive interviews led Driver to a deeper understanding of poultry processing workers' tasks. This mentorship has significantly influenced her approach to writing her forthcoming book, 'The Life and Death of the American Worker'.

Daniela, a Guatemalan immigrant working at Tyson Foods in Arkansas, endures grueling labor conditions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights the struggles of meatpacking workers, many of whom are immigrants, and the efforts of organizations like Venceremos and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to advocate for better labor rights. Tyson Foods is criticized for its handling of the pandemic and labor practices, while the narrative underscores the resilience and solidarity among workers fighting for their rights.

Driver Substack is offering three free 1-month gift subscriptions to its paying subscribers to share with family and friends, as a token of appreciation for their support.

Alice Driver is collaborating with the social reading platform Threadable for a three-month reading circle titled 'On Labor Rights,' focusing on meatpacking, mining, and manufacturing labor conditions. The circle will feature discussions on worker organization against disposability, drawing from Driver's upcoming book 'The Life and Death of the American Worker' and other works. The first reading is a chapter from 'Dirty Work' by Eyal Press, with additional readings from authors Yuri Herrera, Jason Strange, and Tricia Hershey. The initiative is currently available as an iOS app.

Alice Driver details her professional process for reporting and publishing articles in both English and Spanish. She discusses applying for funding for translation, hiring Spanish-speaking photographers, recording and transcribing interviews, translating quotes, preparing fact-check materials, hiring Spanish-speaking fact-checkers, legal review, and finding publications for Spanish-language articles. Driver highlights her use of technology such as iPhones and H4NPro for recording, and Trint for transcription. She also mentions her collaboration with photographers like Jacky Muniello and translators like Maria Itaka and Julie Schwietert Collazo, as well as her partnership with publications like Civil Eats and Gatopardo.

Ninety percent of animals grown for food in America are raised in CAFOs, which are becoming larger and more automated, leading to reduced federal OSHA protections for workers. Agricultural work ranks third in fatal injuries, and CAFO workers face significant health risks. Government incentives for renewable energy have increased CAFOs without expanding worker protections. Large corporations like Tyson Foods use risk management models to limit liability, often at the expense of worker safety and health. The article criticizes the lack of oversight and the outsourcing of risk in the industry.

Ninety percent of food animals in America are raised in CAFOs, which are becoming larger and more automated, leading to reduced federal OSHA protections for workers. A 46-year-old budget rider exempts 96 percent of animal-ag operations from OSHA oversight, despite agricultural work being one of the most dangerous occupations. The government incentivizes CAFOs for biogas production without expanding worker protections. Large corporations like Tyson Foods adopt risk management models that limit liability and potentially reduce OSHA oversight, complicating injured workers' access to healthcare and compensation.

Alice Driver reflects on the transformative power of writing and the meaningful relationships and advice that have emerged from her creative journey. She shares memorable guidance from friends and mentors, such as embracing creativity in the mundane, capturing the essence of subjects through portraits, and staying true to one's art despite external opinions. Driver concludes with a personal anecdote about Maurice Sendak, highlighting the solace found in the creative work of others.

In 2017, Alice Driver reported from Illopango prison in El Salvador, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by women imprisoned for abortion and miscarriage. The prison's 'Yo Cambio' rehabilitation program offers various activities, but the overcrowded and poor conditions persist. The article discusses the broader issue of women's reproductive rights in El Salvador, including the stigmatization and violence faced by women accused of abortion. Advocates like María Rosa Cruz and Morena Herrera work to support these women and fight for their rights, emphasizing the need for societal change and decriminalization of abortion.

The National Geographic Storytellers Summit, held virtually, offered a respite from the pandemic and provided valuable insights into pitching and grant writing. Key takeaways include keeping pitches concise, providing lead time, demonstrating reporting, and including statistics. The summit also emphasized the importance of visuals and having a website for grant applications. Personal anecdotes from Alice Driver and photographer Robbie Shone highlighted the sacrifices made in the pursuit of storytelling and exploration. Alice Driver announced an upcoming book and a speaking engagement at Arizona State University.

The article highlights the support network for LGBTQ asylum seekers, emphasizing personal stories of individuals like Marveny, who received letters from her sponsor Diana while in detention. It showcases the emotional and practical support provided to asylum seekers, allowing them to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams despite the challenges faced in detention centers.

The article discusses the impact of the Delta variant on meat processing workers, highlighting the lack of response from companies like Tyson and the severe labor conditions faced by workers. The author shares personal experiences, including testing positive for the Delta variant, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of lives during the pandemic. Upcoming publications and events related to labor rights and journalism are also mentioned, along with a call to action for vaccination and collective truth.

The article discusses the real migration crisis, focusing on the labor shortage in the U.S. exacerbated by restrictive immigration policies. It highlights the plight of Central American migrants fleeing poverty, violence, and natural disasters, and criticizes the Biden administration's handling of the situation. The author argues for the need to recognize the essential role of immigrant labor in the U.S. economy and calls for legal pathways for migrants to work in the country. The article also sheds light on the harsh working conditions faced by immigrant workers in industries like meat processing.

The article discusses the real immigration crisis in the United States, focusing on the labor shortage exacerbated by restrictive immigration policies. It highlights the plight of migrants from Central America, many of whom are fleeing dire conditions and seeking work in the US. The author criticizes the Biden administration's handling of the crisis and calls for legal options for migrants to work in the US. The piece also sheds light on the harsh working conditions faced by immigrant workers in industries like meat processing, emphasizing the need for policy changes to address labor and safety issues.

Alice Driver reflects on a conversation between photographers Lynn Johnson and John Stanmeyer about the elusive nature of balance in creative work. She shares her own obsession with creative work and suggests that finding meaning in the process might be her form of balance. The text is a personal exploration of work-life balance and creativity.

The meat and poultry processing industry in Arkansas faces a labor shortage, which companies like Tyson attribute to workers preferring unemployment or returning to their home countries. The article highlights the industry's reliance on immigrant labor, the impact of COVID-19 on workers, and the low vaccination rates in Arkansas. It criticizes Tyson for not improving wages or safety conditions and for making workers bear the brunt of the labor shortage. The piece argues that the labor shortage could be mitigated by offering better pay and working conditions.

The article highlights the plight of immigrant workers in the U.S. meatpacking industry, focusing on the story of Ángela Pacheco and her late husband, Plácido Leopoldo Arrue, who died from Covid-19 contracted at a Tyson Foods plant. It criticizes Tyson Foods for inadequate safety measures and the broader systemic issues that leave workers vulnerable, including legal protections for companies and insufficient worker compensation. The narrative underscores the significant impact of corporate influence on legislation and the ongoing struggle for worker rights and justice.

The article by Alice Driver, published on April 27, 2021, in The New York Review of Books, investigates the impact of COVID-19 on meatpacking workers, focusing on Tyson Foods in Springdale, Arkansas. It highlights the story of Ángela Pacheco and her husband, Plácido Leopoldo Arrue, who died from COVID-19 contracted at a Tyson Foods plant. The piece reveals systemic issues such as workplace injuries, the high percentage of immigrant and nonwhite workers in the industry, and the lack of adequate safety measures during the pandemic. It also discusses the political influence of meatpacking companies, the Trump administration's designation of meatpacking workers as essential, and the limited liability executive orders that protect companies from litigation. The article underscores the human cost of these policies, with families facing medical bills and evictions, and calls attention to the bipartisan failure to protect meatpacking workers.

The article discusses the upcoming release of 'Red Flag,' a photo book documenting the COVID-19 pandemic across Latin America by the COVID LATAM collective. The book features work from 19 photographers, including intimate projects like Argentine photographer Pablo Piovano's documentation of his father's last months and Costa Rican photographer Gloriana Ximendaz's pandemic pregnancy. The book will be published in 2021, and a discussion with the contributing photographers will be moderated by Alice Driver at the New York Art Book Fair on February 27th.

Alice Driver reflects on interviews with 18 photographers from 14 countries about their experiences and projects during the pandemic. She discusses the quarantine diary of Chilean photographer Tamara Merino and the Amazon fires captured by Brazilian photographer Victor Moriyama. The pandemic is portrayed as a time of resilience and community, with a hopeful outlook on emerging with creative ways to coexist with nature.

Alice Driver reflects on her experience attending the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C., amidst the backdrop of the pandemic and recent political unrest. She highlights the inspiring impact of Amanda Gorman's poetry and the significance of Harris's historic role. The article underscores the hope and joy felt by many, particularly women and activists, as they witness a new era of leadership and the power of words to heal and unite.

In August 2020, reporting from Reynosa, Mexico, Alice Driver highlights the compounded trauma faced by asylum-seeking mothers during the pandemic. These women manage daily survival tasks while grappling with their own and their children's trauma. The article underscores the importance of reproductive choice and criticizes societal failures in supporting women and mothers, noting that the pandemic has worsened existing inequalities and domestic violence.

Alice Driver reflects on the concept of balance in life and creativity, particularly during times of chaos and uncertainty. She recounts a discussion between photographers Lynn Johnson and John Stanmeyer, who agree that balance is elusive. Driver shares her own experience of anxiety during the election and her realization that there are no perfect conditions for creativity. She recalls working with Chinese painter Liu Xiaodong, who responded to being caught in New York City during the pandemic by painting. Driver emphasizes that creativity is not about productivity and finds beauty in imperfect efforts.

Photographer Lynn Johnson, in a virtual talk with John Stanmeyer, shares her experiences and reflections on creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of turning off the overwhelming news cycle to focus on personal projects and the need to treat people with dignity. Johnson discusses the challenges of creating without an audience or financial support and the necessity of self-awareness. She calls for engagement and using one's talents to contribute to societal transformation, highlighting the trauma and transformation the country is undergoing.

Alice Driver reflects on her personal experiences and coping mechanisms during the last days of summer in Oark. She discusses her routine of running with her parent's dog, Ernesto, and jumping in the creek to manage anxiety. Alice also shares her efforts to stay connected by writing letters and her work interviewing immigrants affected by COVID-19. Despite the overwhelming sadness she feels, she continues to find ways to cope and connect with others.

Alice Driver reflects on her return to Arkansas to document her father's construction of his tomb on their family land, contrasting it with her mother's preference for composting. The essay, published in Oxford American, gains a poignant relevance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the importance of discussing end-of-life choices with loved ones.

Alice Driver shares her approach to prioritizing personal projects over low-budget journalism assignments and unsolicited requests. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect creativity and personal time, especially during the summer. Driver provides examples of diplomatic responses she uses to decline offers, highlighting the need for women to be cautious when saying 'no'.

In 2018, Nicaraguans protested social security reforms by President Daniel Ortega, leading to violent crackdowns by pro-Ortega forces. The author draws parallels between these events and the recent arrest of CNN journalist Omar Jimenez and the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. The text criticizes authoritarian governments for inciting violence against those seeking justice and highlights the importance of protesting against injustice and practicing journalism. The narrative is deeply personal and empathetic towards victims of state violence, both in Nicaragua and the United States.

Alice Driver reflects on the profound relationships she has built with editors and photographers throughout her creative journey. She expresses deep gratitude for the photographers who have shared their vision and time, and acknowledges the artistic influence of her grandparents. Driver emphasizes the importance of working with individuals for whom creation is paramount, and sends love to those who have supported her projects.

Alice Driver recounts her journey and process of writing op-eds for CNN, initiated by her former editor Yaffa. Initially hesitant, she reflects on her experiences and the transition from academic writing to contributing to a major news outlet.

The article details the harrowing journey and experiences of migrants, including single fathers, who have traveled from countries like Honduras and Venezuela to the U.S.-Mexico border, seeking asylum in the United States. It highlights the challenges they face, including the Trump administration's family separation policy, and the slow processing of asylum requests at locations like the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge. Personal stories of migrants like Rubén España and Alfredo Hernández are shared, illustrating their fears and hopes. The article also touches on the perspectives of law enforcement and support organizations, such as the Maverick County Sheriff's Office and Casa de Misericordia, and their responses to the immigration policies and the needs of migrants. The International Women's Media Foundation supported this reporting project.

The article provides a vivid portrayal of daily life and tourism in Cuba, highlighting the scarcity of basic goods, the warmth and hospitality of the locals, and the unique cultural experiences. It touches on the challenges faced by Cubans, such as limited food rations and economic hardships, while also celebrating their resilience and vibrant spirit. The narrative includes personal anecdotes and interactions with locals, offering a nuanced view of Cuban society.

The narrative recounts a journey to Atafu, an atoll in Tokelau, highlighting the cultural and culinary experiences of the author. The story includes vivid descriptions of local life, such as the capture and preparation of coconut crabs, and reflections on the impact of modern food habits on traditional lifestyles. The author also touches on the political aspirations of Tokelau to gain independence from New Zealand. The article blends personal anecdotes with observations about the local environment and customs.

In Mexico, where 11 people disappear daily, absence is a daily reality, with the missing's faces visible in newspapers and city streets. The author, Alice Driver, shares her experiences in Juárez, Mexico, where she researched her book 'More or Less Dead' about the disappearance and murder of women. She highlights a campaign by graffiti artists and activists to raise awareness of disappeared girls by painting their faces on city walls. The photo essay captures life in Juárez among the disappeared, including a visit to Doña Julia Caldera Chávez on the anniversary of her daughter María Elena's murder, and the ongoing threat of human trafficking, as exemplified by the dangers of social media. The essay also touches on local culture, such as the matachines dance, and the persistent memory of femicide victims, symbolized by black crosses painted across the city.

In Mexico, there has been a rise in pet kidnappings, with criminals targeting animals for ransom. Evelyn Méndez Maldonado and Diego Quintana's dog, Mariachi, was kidnapped in Oaxaca, and they received a ransom demand via WhatsApp. Despite the Green Party's campaigns for animal rights, a worker at their local office was implicated in the kidnapping. Lawyer José Luis Carranza noted that pet kidnapping is not legally recognized as a crime in Mexico, and Betsabe Torres from Hogar Mascota highlighted the lack of reporting on such crimes. The article also discusses the broader issues of corruption and inefficiency within Mexico's law enforcement, as detailed in a study by the Washington Office on Latin America. Victims of pet kidnapping often feel compelled to take matters into their own hands due to the police's lack of interest in these crimes.