Natalie Leticia Gallón

An aerial view of Mahahual shows the close relationship between the Caribbean Sea, coastal mangroves, and the Mesoamerican Reef System. The landscape highlights the fragile balance between marine and terrestrial ecosystems that defines the region.

Americas

Royal Caribbean's 'biggest, baddest' resort divides locals in Mexican port town

Miami-based global cruise company Royal Caribbean plans to build a massive water park private destination in Mahahual, a small town on Mexico’s coast, creating deep divisions within the community. Those concerns intensified after a federal judge ordered a permanent halt to land-use changes, freezing the project amid legal and environmental questions.

Daivis, 32 year old Colombian, trains with the amputee soccer team “Pokrova AMP” in Lviv, Ukraine. He is a foreign military volunteer veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His left limb was injured in combat after stepping on a PFM-1 landmine, also known as the butterfly landmine due to its small size. Soccer is used as a form of rehabilitation for Daivis. Lviv, Ukraine. June 28, 2025.

Americas

After losing his leg on Ukraine's frontlines, Colombian soldier finds family on its soccer fields

Natalie Leticia Gallón

An estimated 2,000 Colombian soldiers, like 32-year-old Deivis, have signed up to defend Ukraine against Russia, for life-changing pay. He tells WLRN why he joined the fight, how he lost his leg on the battlefield and his new life playing soccer in Ukraine's "League of the Mighty."

Four men in military gear stand in front of a truck

Americas

Why Colombian soldiers are fighting and dying in Ukraine

Natalie Leticia Gallón

An estimated 2,000 Colombian mercenaries serve on Ukraine's front lines, defending against Russia's aggression. They face death or serious injury on the conflict's brutal battlefields, for pay that could change their lives on the return home. It's also a chance to "defend freedom" and be on the side of the "good guys," they tell WLRN.