Fernanda Figueroa 🥑

Did my first radio interview and its about Hispanic Heritage Month
kgnu.org/shows/its-th...
My interview starts at at the 42:28 mark.

A by the numbers look at the current Hispanic population in the United States More than 68 million people in the United States identify as ethnically Hispanic, making it one the nation’s fastest growing racial or ethnic groups.

apnews.com/article/us-l... 
Hispanic people in the U.S. are becoming one of the nation’s fastest growing racial and ethnic groups.

But this growing community is far from being a monolith.

Here’s a look at the Hispanic population in the U.S., by the numbers:

White House postpones event for National Hispanic Heritage Month By CHRIS MEGERIAN The president was expected to host a gathering Thursday afternoon. However, it’s been postponed because of the government shutdown, according to a White House official who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

Hispanic Heritage Month at White house postponed

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...

Hispanic groups criticize use of sombrero memes in government shutdown fight By FERNANDA FIGUEROA In a joint response, the Hispanic Federation, the Latino Victory Foundation, League of United American Citizens, Mi Familia Vota, UnidosUs and Voto Latino said the AI videos and memes are distracting the public from the issue at hand and perpetuating Latino stereotypes. “Targeting the Latino community is not only irresponsible — it is reprehensible and beneath the office of the presidency,” the joint statement said. “The troubling use of AI to amplify hateful stereotypes is not only reckless, but it serves as an act of disinformation designed to further stigmatize Latinos when the tensions facing the community driven by policy and rhetoric are at an all-time high.”

Hispanic groups criticize use of sombrero memes in government shutdown fight

A reminder that Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...

White House says video attacks on Democrats will continue until they reopen the government By FERNANDA FIGUEROA “The sombreros will continue until the government reopens,” White House Deputy Communications Kaelan Dorr said in a post on X sharing a video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries that was previously shared during a White House press briefing Wednesday. What started with a video of Jeffries wearing a sombrero with mariachi music in the background as he delivers a fabricated rant has turned into a trolling campaign led by Republicans. On Wednesday evening, the official GOP X account and Sen. Ted Cruz’s personal account shared various versions of the sombrero meme. Cruz’s post depicts various images of Democrats in sombreros and mustaches while playing an altered version of the 1990’s Latino hit “Macarena.” In his post, Cruz said, “The 44 senate Democrats who voted for Schumer’s Shutdown should know that the Sombrero posting will continue until they re-open our government. Hey Macarena.”

“The sombreros will continue until the government reopens"

A reminder it is Hispanic Heritage Month till Oct. 15

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...

Looking to speak to avid readers about the representation of Latino/Hispanic stories & authors for a story for @apnews.com
If you are interested and willing to speak with me please DM or email ffigueroa@ap.org
#journorequests

En video:
t.co/U88crIU8JM

Video story: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations overshadowed by threat of ICE Raids
t.co/xjpvhfqCJb

Las celebraciones del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en EEUU se adaptan al clima político Cada año, durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, se pueden esperar grandes celebraciones en todo Estados Unidos para mostrar la diversidad y cultura de los pueblos hispanos.

En Espanol:
Celebrado cada año del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, el mes es una oportunidad para que muchos aprendan y celebren las contribuciones de las culturas hispanas.
apnews.com/article/eeuu...

Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations make adjustments in current political climate Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, huge celebrations can be expected across the U.S to showcase the diversity and culture of Hispanic people.

It's Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month is a chance to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic cultures. The group includes people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean & Central and South America
apnews.com/article/hisp...

Artificial intelligence helps break barriers for Hispanic homeownership Some mortgage experts are using artificial intelligence to help Hispanic homebuyers navigate the loan application process.

For many Hispanics the road to homeownership is filled with obstacles. Mortgage experts are turning to AI to bridge the gap.
apnews.com/article/arti...

Health leaders launch new Latino-focused data hub to combat NIH budget cuts A national group of Latino public health leaders has announced the launch of a new research institute, which they say is a response to the hundreds of millions in federal funding cuts related to diver...

The National Hispanic Health Research Institute, launched on Tuesday, will be the first Latino-led community research institute aimed at gathering health data to track and address disparities in underserved communities across the country.

Justice Dept. declines to defend grants for Hispanic-serving colleges, calling them unconstitutional The Trump administration says it will not defend a decades-old grant program for heavily Hispanic universities that is being challenged in court, declaring that the government believes the funding is ...

In a memo sent to Congress, the Justice Department said it agrees with a lawsuit attempting to strike down grants that are reserved for colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic.

Green spaces are key to combating record heat in marginalized communities Millions of Americans are facing record heat with temperatures frequently over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

apnews.com/article/extr...

Green spaces are key to combating record heat in marginalized communities
Still many predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods do not have green spaces within a five mile radius. Project Petals is working to change that.

Texas Democrats end walkout over redistricting as California prepares to retaliate Texas Democrats ended a two-week walkout that stalled efforts to redraw congressional districts as part of a national partisan brawl over President Donald Trump’s desire to reshape U.S. House maps.

apnews.com/article/texa... Democrats end walkout over redistricting as California prepares to retaliate

New and exciting opportunity at @apnews.com
careers.ap.org/job/Phoenix-...

Book Review: 'The Dead Husband Cookbook' is a recipe for an exquisite murder mystery In “The Dead Husband Cookbook,” Danielle Valentine is able to create an unsettling undertone and build up suspense to keep readers engaged until they reach the bone chilling twist.

“The Dead Husband Cookbook” is an enthralling read providing readers with a thrilling look into the cutthroat world of culinary arts — and what makes the perfect recipe ... for murder, that is.
apnews.com/article/dead...

Book Review: 'Out of the Woods' is heartbreaking tale of trauma and survival “Out of the Woods: Girl, a Killer and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home” is a heartbreaking tale of one woman's struggle to survive.

apnews.com/article/out-... 
“Out of the Woods: Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home,” is a heartbreaking tale that forces readers to confront the unbearably grim reality of survival.

Renaming of military bases stirs debate over Confederate ties More than half a dozen Army bases’ names were changed in 2023 because they honored Confederate leaders.

In 2023, seven Army bases’ names were changed because they honored Confederate leaders.

Now, those same bases are reverting back to their original names, this time with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames.

apnews.com/article/army...

Book Review: 'The Sleep Room' is the harrowing story of psychiatric care in the 1960s In his new book, "The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him," author Jon Stock tells the story of women subjected to various medical procedures without their consent.

apnews.com/article/slee... 
Written with nuance and tact, the “The Sleep Room” is a chilling exposé into psychiatric care that will resonate deeply readers and, especially, true crime fans.
#bookreviews

Attending my first NAHJ (National Association of Hispanic Journalists) representing @apnews.com with a great group of AP journalists.
@morelatinosinnews.bsky.social
Visit us at booth 213 to meet the team. Learn where our global news organization is headed and how you can be a part of it. #NAHJ2025

National Latino organizations condemn passage of tax and spending cut bill By FERNANDA FIGUEROA Leaders from LULAC, Unidos US and Voto Latino warn that the passage of President Donald Trump’s big bill will harm many working families, especially those in the Latino community. “This bill sends one message loud and clear — if you are Latino, working-class, or undocumented, you are not welcome here,” said Juan Proaño, Chief Executive Officer of LULAC in a statement. “It guts our nation’s moral fabric by placing walls, weapons, and fines where there should be help, hope, and humanity.” Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía said in a statement the U.S. House of Representatives turned their back on the American people. “Members of Congress who passed this bill have once again betrayed the trust of their constituents — including the Latino community — and chosen cruelty over common sense. All to supercharge a cruel and ineffective deportation machine that is sowing chaos across our nation.” Voto Latino President and Co-Founder Maria Teresa Kumar said the bill is a disgrace and a clear representation of Republican priorities. “Once again, Republicans have made it loud and clear: their agenda is out of step with the needs of working-class Americans. They ought to be ashamed for having acted recklessly in fast-tracking this harmful bill to meet their self-imposed deadline.”

Leaders from @lulacorg.bsky.social @weareunidosus.bsky.social
@votolatino.bsky.social warn that the passage of President Donald Trump’s big bill will harm many working families, especially those in the Latino community.
LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...

National Latino organizations criticize Supreme Court ruling BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA Share 凸 Leaders from LULAC, Voto Latino, Unidos US, and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials denounced the court's ruling, concerned about the effect it may have on birthright citizenship. "This ruling betrays our most fundamental promise: that every child born on U.S. soil is an American, period," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board said in a statement. "The Supreme Court may have chosen procedure over principle today, but LULAC will not stand by while babies born under our flag are stripped of their rightful place in our nation." Similarly, Voto Latino President and Co-Founder María Teresa Kumar said the decision gives the Trump administration more power to further its "extreme political agenda."

National Latino organizations: @weareunidosus.bsky.social @votolatino.bsky.social @lulacorg.bsky.social
criticize Supreme Court ruling

apnews.com/live/supreme...

#Journorequest Looking to chat w/ residents of predominately black & brown neighborhoods about extreme heat & air pollution. I'm interested in seeing the effect extreme weather has had on you, i.e, ability to go outside, changed what you do to cope with the weather, etc.
DM/email: ffigueroa@ap.org

AP Fotos: Banderas mexicanas en protestas de Los Ángeles generan debate sobre su simbolismo Esta es una galería de fotos seleccionada por los editores de fotos de la AP. ——— Durante la última semana, un mar de banderas mexicanas verdes, blancas y rojas se ha convertido en una constante en la...

En Español:

Ya sean banderas palestinas, de Estados Unidos o de México, los estandartes reflejan una nación de inmigrantes cuyas historias se han entrelazado con la historia estadounidense, dicen expertos.

apnews.com/photo-galler...

Mexican flags at LA protests spark debate over symbolism Over the past week, a sea of green, white and red Mexican flags have become a fixture of the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids.

Whether it be U.S., Mexican or Palestinian flags, the banners reflect a nation of immigrants whose stories have become intertwined with the story of America, experts say.

LULAC calls forceable removal of US senator a
'direct assault on our democracy'

apnews.com/live/donald-...

Tomorrow, HBO releases a new show: Chespirito, based on the life of Roberto Gómez Bolaños, creator of El Chavo del 8 & El Chapulín Colorado.
I am looking to talk to fans who are excited about the show. What they are interested in seeing and why?
DM or email ffigueroa@ap.org
#journorequest

Five years on, many of the murals are still maintained by activists and community groups, while wear and tear, construction and vandalism spelled the end of others.

apnews.com/article/geor...

Today marks the 5th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.

In 2020, after a summer of protests rocked U.S. cities, the words “Black Lives Matter” went from the rallying cry of racial justice demonstrators to words lining the very roads along which they marched.