The Latino Newsletter

Butch Ware: The Green Candidate

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:54:28 +0000

A UC Santa Barbara professor and 2024 Green Party Vice Presidential candidate, Butch Ware is now running for Governor of California and challenging the two-party system head-on, despite ongoing legal battles to keep him on the June primary ballot.

In this conversation with host Michelle Zacarias, Ware speaks candidly about California’s housing and homelessness crisis, immigration enforcement, universal healthcare, and what he sees as both parties’ failures to serve working-class Californians. He makes the case that a third-party candidate isn’t just viable but necessary.

Here at The Latino Newsletter, interviewing a candidate does not mean we are endorsing that candidate. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit newsroom, we are offering this conversation strictly for civic information purposes. Our team has reached out and will continue to contact other candidates in the California governor’s race. We are on the media lists for several of these campaigns, and if any candidate wants to speak with us, they can reach us at editor@thelatinonewsletter.org. We take elections seriously, and our community deserves to hear directly from the people asking for their votes.

This episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramírez, and Michelle Zacarias, with editorial support from Edward Wilkey. Julio Ricardo Varela edited the conversation. The music is by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual gifts ⁠and ⁠⁠⁠The Latino Media Consortium⁠⁠⁠.

No More Pedestals

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:53:04 +0000

In this special episode of the Latino Newsletter podcast, host Michelle Zacarias is joined by founder Julio Ricardo Varela to discuss the New York Times report on the sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez. Michelle and Julio process the public response, reflect on the complexity of holding a movement's legacy alongside its darkest truths, and examine how activist communities can better protect women and children. The conversation is raw, honest, and deeply felt — a necessary reckoning for the Latino community and beyond.

Warning: Part of this episode includes a discussion of sexual violence.

Image: César Chávez in 1972 (Public Domain)

This episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramírez, and Michelle Zacarias. Julio Ricardo Varela edited the conversation. The music is by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual gifts ⁠ and ⁠The Latino Media Consortium⁠.

Gustavo Arellano and Early Detection

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:31:24 +0000

In this deeply personal episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast and in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, host Michelle Zacarias sits down with LA Times columnist Gustavo Arellano for a heartfelt conversation about colonoscopies, colorectal cancer, and the personal losses and health scares that changed how they think about early detection.

Michelle shares her story as a colorectal cancer survivor and the challenges she faced from diagnosis through recovery. Gustavo reflects on losing his mother to cancer and how that loss profoundly influenced the way he approaches his own health today. Together, they discuss the importance of regular screenings, why colonoscopies shouldn’t be taboo in Latino communities, and how early detection can truly save lives.

Warning: This episode includes some graphic descriptions.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual gifts ⁠ and The Latino Media Consortium.

John Carlos Frey Humanizes Immigration

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:33:17 +0000

Six-time Emmy award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker John Carlos Frey shares his unconventional journey from Hollywood actor to investigative reporter covering immigration and border issues — a transition sparked by learning about the horrors that transpired on California's All-American Canal.

He discusses the whitewashing of immigrant stories, the limitations of 90-second news segments, and why ICE and Border Patrol escalate violence instead of diffusing it.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations⁠ and ⁠the Latino Media Consortium⁠.

Traces of Home With Colette Ghunim

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:44:34 +0000

Filmmaker Colette Ghunim discusses her award-winning documentary “Traces of Home.” The film follows Colette and her parents as they return to Mexico and Palestine — the homelands they were forced to leave — to confront intergenerational trauma, displacement, and explore her cultural identity.

Colette shares the nine-year journey of creating this deeply personal documentary, from convincing her hesitant parents to participate to winning the Grand Jury Prize for Best U.S. Documentary at the 2025 Documentary NYC Festival. She opens up about how the filmmaking process became an unexpected tool for healing family wounds, bridging the gap between generations, and understanding the lasting impact of colonization and migration.

The conversation explores the parallels between Mexican and Palestinian diasporic experiences, the challenges of being a woman of color in documentary filmmaking, and how art can serve as medicine for collective trauma.

This episode of The Latino Newsletter Podcast was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela. Music by Cast of Characters via SoundStripe.

Season 2 of the Latino Newsletter Podcast was made possible by individual donations and by the Latino Media Consortium.

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guest, and do not necessarily reflect those held by The Latino Newsletter or its staff.

Nicole Foy and the Power of Local Journalism

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:55:48 +0000

Investigative reporter Nicole Foy joins the Latino Newsletter Podcast to discuss her groundbreaking ProPublica investigation that uncovered more than 170 U.S. citizens detained by immigration agents as of October 2025 — a number she describes as a "vast undercount."

Foy reveals the systemic failures behind these detentions, from citizens being kicked and dragged during arrests to spending days in federal custody without access to lawyers, phone calls, or basic necessities. Her reporting exposes how heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has led to unprecedented community resistance and collateral damage, with U.S. citizens — including children and people with cancer — caught in the crossfire.

This episode of the Latino Newsletter Podcast was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela. Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of the Latino Newsletter Podcast was made possible through individual donations and the Latino Media Consortium. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and host, and don't necessarily reflect those of the Latino Newsletter or its staff.

Venezuela’s Path

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:48:08 +0000

The first weekend of 2026 started with the news that the United States had captured Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro. For this episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast, host Michelle Zacarias welcomes Juan Escalante, an immigrant rights advocate, digital strategist, and storyteller who was born in Venezuela and is now a U.S. citizen.

Juan has been actively writing and creating videos this week about the country’s uncertain path, and he also shares his thoughts on the ICE killing of Renée Nicole Good.

This episode was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela. Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations and the ⁠⁠⁠Latino Media Consortium⁠⁠⁠.

Featured image: Venezuelans in Buenos Aires, Argentina, celebrating the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, January 3, 2026 (Photo by Roberto Fiadone, CC BY 4.0)

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts, and don't necessarily reflect those of The Latino Newsletter or its staff.

Andrea Flores on Redesigning the System

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:38:15 +0000

In this episode, Andrea Flores reflects on her journey as an immigration lawyer and policy advocate, sharing firsthand insights from her work in both the Obama and Biden administrations.

She discusses the challenges of navigating a broken immigration system, the creation of DACA, and how the Biden administration may have paved the way for deportations under Trump. The conversation explores the evolving landscape at the U.S. border, the political complexities facing lawmakers, and the power of local communities to drive change when national leadership falls short.

For more about Andrea's work, visit her America ’s Promise Substack.

This episode was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela. Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations and the ⁠⁠Latino Media Consortium⁠⁠.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts, and don't necessarily reflect those of The Latino Newsletter or its staff.

Governor Maura Healey and Latinos

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:48:09 +0000

For our latest episode, The Latino Newsletter and El Planeta teams interview Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey about Latino communities in the state and what they are experiencing in 2025. This episode marks the start of a new bilingual partnership between the two outlets. Reporters Rosanna Marinelli and Liza Martin Carfi, along with The Latino Newsletter founder Julio Ricardo Varela, share their thoughts about the interview.

Read the full story at The Latino Newsletter. Para la versión en español, visita El Planeta.

This episode was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Julio Ricardo Varela, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela.Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe and Joaquín Cotler.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations and the ⁠Latino Media Consortium⁠.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts, and don't necessarily reflect those of The Latino Newsletter or its staff.

A Portrait of Lalo Alcaraz

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Chicano activist and political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz on growing up in a border town, politics in comic strips, and AI in the art world. From the controversial comic strips “La Cucaracha” to his latest project, a musical compilation called “Contra ICE,” Lalo’s work is thought-provoking, iconoclastic, and at times hilarious. He says the job of a cartoonist is to make people think — not necessarily always make them laugh.

This episode was produced by Joaquin Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela.

Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations and the Latino Media Consortium.

Con La Gata

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:41:04 +0000

Multi-faceted artist and reggaeton historian Katelina Eccleston, known as La Gata, on becoming the first queer, Black femme with a platform discussing the roots and reverberations of Reggaeton.

From her online course Perreo 101 to lecturing at Harvard to her international college-level course, La Gata has become an essential voice in the Reggaeton community. And she has some hot takes on Bad Bunny too!

This episode was produced by Joaquin Cotler, Juan Diego Ramirez, and Michelle Zacarias. It was edited by Julio Ricardo Varela.

Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe and La Gata & Jaby Vibes.

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through ⁠individual donations⁠ and ⁠the Latino Media Consortium⁠.

Bobbito García's B-Ball Life

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:03:42 +0000

Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast is back with a very special guest: Bobbito García, aka Kool Bob Love.

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Bobbito to talk about his latest memoir, Bobbito's Book of B-Ball Bong Bong! They cover an array of topics, from NYC hoops, identity, and the time Bobbito played pro ball in Puerto Rico.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is produced by Joaquin Cotler and edited by Joaquin Cotler and Julio Ricardo Varela.

Music from Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Image courtesy of Bobbito García.

Second Chances, First Steps

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:51:39 +0000

As we close out Second Chance Month, The Latino Newsletter podcast presents a powerful collaboration with our friends at CALÓ News.

Guest hosts Brenda Verano and Michelle Zacarias sit down with newly sworn-in attorney Ester Mendez. a first-generation Oaxacan American who transformed a cycle of incarceration into a life of purpose. Ester opens up about navigating mental health challenges, criminal charges, and the long road to becoming a lawyer. Her story is one of accountability, community, and the real meaning of reentry.

This podcast episode is a special collaboration between The Latino Newsletter and the Latino Media Collaborative's flagship news initiative, CALÓ News.

Funding was provided by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD), established to reimagine and enhance support for justice-impacted individuals and their families across Los Angeles County. To get more information, call 833-LAC-JCOD.

Produced by Joaquin Cotler

Edited by Julio Ricardo Varela and Joaquin Cotler

Music by Cast of Characters.

The Puerto Rican Woman Running for US Senate in Minnesota

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:13:52 +0000

Julio Ricardo Varela talks with Melisa López Franzen, a former Minnesota State Senator leader now running in the 2026 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) primary for the United States Senate.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, López Franzen reflects on building a life in Minnesota, how her roots shaped her politics, and why she believes this moment calls her back to public service.This episode was produced and edited by Julio Ricardo Varela.Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.Support The Latino Newsletter here.

Latino Media Forward

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:34:03 +0000

Live from Miami and the Knight Media Forum, Julio Ricardo Varela hosts a discussion with FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez and FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya. They delve into pressing issues surrounding Latino media, the challenges of audience measurement, and the representation of Latinos in music and television.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela. Original audio and photos from the Knight Media Forum.

Music by Cast of Characters via⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our 2024 Message

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 21:28:42 +0000

Thank you all for a fabulous first season! Host Julio Ricardo Varela shares a 2024 message from all of us here at The Latino Newsletter. Keep us going into 2025 by becoming a foundational supporter.

You can give here.

We wish you a Happy New Year!

A New Latinidad

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:13:34 +0000

For the final episode of our first season, host Julio Ricardo Varela explores the evolving future of Latinidad with Dr. Manuel Pastor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California and director of the Equity Research Institute. Dr. Pastor provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Latino community as 2024 draws to a close.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Space We Build

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 02:25:03 +0000

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes journalist and cultural producer Alisha Miranda to discuss how her "Latinx Industry Night" series is redefining storytelling and amplifying Latino voices in Philadelphia’s hospitality scene. They talk about how these events challenge stereotypes, spotlight rising stars, and create intentional spaces for representation and community.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Status Never Ends

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 03:09:37 +0000

Puerto Rico's 7th (yes, 7th) non-binding status plebiscite happened on Election Day, with statehood getting 57% of the symbolic vote and independence getting 31%. What does it all mean, or what doesn't it mean?

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus, the George Welwood Murray Professor of Legal History at Columbia Law School, to dissect and discuss.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Univision and Latino Politics

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:54:23 +0000

In the third of a series of conversations about the Latino vote and the 2024 election cycle, host⁠ ⁠Julio Ricardo Varela talks with Jesus Lara, President of Local Media at TelevisaUnivision, about what the network did this past election cycle and what it means for the future of the U.S. Latino community.

This episode was produced and edited by Julio Ricardo Varela.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Trump’s Latino Plan

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:05:56 +0000

In the second of a series of conversations about the Latino vote and the 2024 election cycle, host ⁠Julio Ricardo Varela ⁠welcomes Jorge Bonilla ⁠, veteran Latino conservative writer and radio personality, to talk about what American political media missed about President-elect Donald Trump’s support with Latinos and what it may mean.

Photo: Donald Trump in Glendale, Arizona (Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0)

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Untold Latino Vote

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:50:21 +0000

In the first of a series of conversations about the Latino vote and the 2024 election cycle, host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Geraldo Cadava, a contributing writer at The New Yorker, co-editor-in-chief of Public Books, and host of the “Writing Latinos” podcast. Cadava is also a professor of history and Latina and Latino studies at Northwestern University.

Photo: President Joe Biden greets President-elect Donald Trump, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Oliver Contreras/Public Domain)

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Latino Voices React to 2024 Results

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:43:55 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, MA — National exit polls revealed that Donald Trump achieved historic support among Latino voters, securing 45% of their votes—a level not reached by a Republican candidate since George W. Bush in 2004. In western Massachusetts cities like Holyoke and Springfield, where Latinos make up nearly half the population, preliminary results showed a noticeable shift toward Republican candidates.

To understand these voting trends, local Latina and Latino leaders shared their perspectives.

The ⁠⁠Latino Election Project⁠⁠ from The Latino Newsletter and New England Public Media features the work of student producers Ian Burger, Halima Mohamed, and Evanni Santos with support from Donyel Le’Noir Felton. The team is reporting on election cycle stories through the lens of the Latino community in western Massachusetts.

This is part five of a five-part series.

Mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

The Election Show

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:55:00 +0000

Here at The Latino Newsletter podcast, we have been following election results in both the United States and Puerto Rico. Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes veteran journalist Susanne Ramirez de Arellano to talk about what Tuesday's results mean both for San Juan and Washington, D.C.

Photo by Carlos Berríos Polanco for The Latino Newsletter.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Latino Businesses and Political Promises

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 01:26:30 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, MA — Besides the presidential election, there is also a Senate election in Massachusetts on Tuesday. NEPM and GBH hosted a senate debate in October with incumbent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, and Republican candidate John Deaton. Both answered post-debate questions about supporting Latino business owners in western Massachusetts.

As the 2024 election season unfolds, the ⁠Latino Election Project⁠ from The Latino Newsletter and New England Public Media features the work of student producers Ian Burger, Halima Mohamed, and Evanni Santos with support from Donyel Le’Noir Felton. The team is reporting on election cycle stories through the lens of the Latino community in western Massachusetts.

This is part four of a five-part series.

Mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

High School Latina Voters Share Hopes and Challenges

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:08:14 +0000

SPRINGFIELD, MA — Many young Americans are stepping into a new chapter this year as they gain the right to vote. Across the country, high school seniors who have turned 18 are casting their ballots this election cycle. At Discovery Polytechnic Early College High School in downtown Springfield, students spoke with The Latino Election Project about their newfound civic responsibilities.

As the 2024 election season unfolds, the Latino Election Project from The Latino Newsletter and New England Public Media features the work of student producers Ian Burger, Halima Mohamed, and Evanni Santos with support from Donyel Le’Noir Felton. The team is reporting on election cycle stories through the lens of the Latino community in western Massachusetts.

This is part three of a five-part series.

Mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Boosting Latino Voter Engagement

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:02:57 +0000

Latinos make up 27% of the population in Hampden County—a significant increase of 25% from 2010 to 2020, according to Pew Research. Despite this growth, cities with large Latino populations like Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee have some of the lowest voter turnout rates in Massachusetts.

This is part two of a five-part series.

Mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

The Latino Vote in Western Massachusetts

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:56:01 +0000

According to Pew Research, there are more than 36 million eligible Latino voters in the U.S. this year. In Massachusetts, Latinos account for approximately 9% of all eligible voters, a growing share that has seen significant increases over the past two decades. The Latino Election Project team is looking at what this means locally, exploring the particular issues and trends shaping the Latino vote in western Massachusetts.

This is part one of a five-part series.

Mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Latino Identity in 2024

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:59:49 +0000

In this episode of The Latino Newsletter Podcast, host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Mando Rayo, an OG taco journalist and digital storyteller, to discuss the evolving identity of the Latino community, the importance of political representation, and cultural storytelling.

Subscribe to Tacos of Texas here.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

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Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Latino Impact Unseen

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 01:36:06 +0000

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Ana Valdez, president and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, to discuss the significant economic impact of the U.S. Latino community, the challenges of media representation, and why Latinos still lack political power.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Gustavo Arellano's Road Trip

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:38:35 +0000

This week, Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano launched his new project, "Caminos del Southwest: A road trip through Latino America." Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Gustavo to talk about what turned into one very informative journey about Latino and Latina voters in 2024.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Democrats and Latino Men

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:40:14 +0000

Earlier this week, a new swing state poll from USA Today and Suffolk University showed Kamala Harris trailing Donald Trump among Latino men under 49 years old in Arizona and Nevada.

How did this happen?

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes veteran political commentator, columnist and Harvard Class of 1990 classmate Ruben Navarrette to discuss.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Latino Leaders Rising

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:26:31 +0000

In this episode of the Latino Newsletter podcast, host Julio Ricardo Varela discusses Latino representation in politics with U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Marco A. Davis, President/CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).

They explore CHCI's role in developing Latino leaders, the challenges of representation in Congress, the need for bipartisanship, and the misconceptions surrounding the Latino community.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Politics of María

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:23:57 +0000

In this episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast, host Julio Ricardo Varela and special guest ⁠Tanzina Vega⁠, contributing writer forThe Boston Globe and founder of La Mala Media, reflect on the lasting impact of Hurricane María, seven years after it devastated Puerto Rico.

With the 2024 U.S. election cycle heating up, Puerto Rico has become a Democratic presidential campaign talking point. Is this a good or a bad thing?

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Featured image: Vice President Kamala Harris tours the Ramos residence, Friday, March 22, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson/Public Domain)

Latino Political Power

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:38:15 +0000

What is the state of Latino political power in 2024?

Host Julio Ricardo Varela chats with with Frankie Miranda, the first openly gay president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. They explore the growth of Latino eligible voters, the importance of civic engagement and the misconceptions surrounding Latino political interests.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Media Consortium

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:42:15 +0000

"There has never been a better moment to help build a more equitable media landscape for the nation’s 64 million Latinos," the new Latino Media Consortium (LMC) announced during last week's launch.

Featured by Axios, the LMC was formed in 2024 with an initial group of Latino-owned digital media operators to make the case for greater investment in Latino-owned media. We here at The Latino Newsletter are proud founding members.

For this episode of The Latino Newsletter, host ⁠Julio Ricardo Varela⁠⁠ welcomes the LMC's co-founders, Lucy Flores and Amanda Zamora, to talk about why the time is now.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

America's Last Tax Haven

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:23:51 +0000

For this episode of The Latino Newsletter, we explore the push to abolish Puerto Rico's Act 22. For those who don't know, Act 22 is a tax incentive that allows American investors to avoid paying federal income taxes by living in Puerto Rico.

Welcome to the colony.

Host Julio Ricardo Varela⁠ welcomes two guests who are diametrically opposed politically but agree that Act 22 should be abolished. Their arguments, however, are completely different. Federico de Jesús says that Act 22 has led to a displacement of Puerto Ricans and increased poverty on the island. Javier Ortiz supports statehood for Puerto Rico and believes that the tax structure of the island is a major impediment to achieving equality for Puerto Ricans.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Venezuela, One Month Later

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 01:56:19 +0000

It has been one month since Venezuela's presidential elections.

As NPR noted this week about the 1-month anniversary, "The incumbent president, Nicolás Maduro, declared himself the winner, but his opposition points to their meticulous work counting votes and receipts from thousands of voting machines that they say prove otherwise. Maduro has been steadfast in his refusal to acknowledge this evidence, despite pressure and skepticism from other governments around the world."

Host Julio Ricardo Varela discusses the latest with Liz Rebecca Alarcón, Venezuelan-American media entrepreneur, political analyst and Founder/CEO of Pulso.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Latinos and Arizona

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:06:45 +0000

Arizona is an important 2024 state for so many reasons. So as convention season ends and the real presidential campaigning begins, where will Arizona go in November?

Host ⁠Julio Ricardo Varela⁠ welcomes journalist Maritza Félix, Founder of Conecta Arizona ⁠, to check in on how Latinos will make a difference this election cycle and why.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter ⁠here⁠.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A Latino Hollywood Check-In

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:39:58 +0000

How's Latino Hollywood doing these days?

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Cristina Escobar, Co-Founder and EIC of LatinaMedia.Co to the show. Cristina discusses the current state of representation, recent wins and the work being done to support and invest in diverse filmmakers... and critics too.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠⁠Soundstripe⁠⁠.

Donate to The Latino Newsletter here.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠⁠⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠⁠⁠.

Latinos and "Rural America"

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:29:04 +0000

Host Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Paolo Cremidis, executive director of The Outrun Coalition, to talk about the role of Latinos in rural communities. They discuss the misconceptions about rural voters and the challenges of organizing in traditionally red states. Paolo also shares his thoughts about the importance of embracing diversity and the need for the Democratic Party to refresh itself.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the ⁠Latino Community Foundation⁠.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and ⁠Joaquin Cotler⁠.

Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler.

Music by Cast of Characters via ⁠Soundstripe⁠.

Latinos in the 2024 Cycle

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:43:43 +0000

In this debut episode of The Latino Newsletter, host Julio Ricardo Varela interviews Rafael Bernal, a staff writer for The Hill, about the state of Latinos in the 2024 election cycle. They discuss Vice President Kamala Harris, the relationship between Donald Trump and Latinos, the importance of Puerto Rico in the election, and U.S.-Mexico relations.

The Latino Newsletter podcast is made possible with support from the Latino Community Foundation.

This episode was produced by Julio Ricardo Varela and Joaquin Cotler. Sound design and mixing by Joaquin Cotler. Music by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.

Let's Do This

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:07:29 +0000

Award-winning journalist and podcast host Julio Ricardo Varela is back with the podcast version of The Latino Newsletter, a new nonprofit media outlet that publishes stories and audio podcasts through a clear Latino lens.

Stay tuned for our premiere next week!

Music: "Landmine Water" by Cast of Characters

This trailer was written and produced by Julio Ricardo Varela for The Latino Newsletter.