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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 1d

Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a story about the state of Hispanic stories in the mainstream world of books.

Some in the industry are pushing for more ethnically authentic stories about Latinos, beyond the immigrant experience.

apnews.com/article/hisp...

Hispanic authors and bookstores push for representation in publishing

Some authors, publishers, readers and influencers are finding new ways to elevate Hispanic stories despite underrepresentation in the mainstream world of books.

apnews.com

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 1d

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.

It’s The Economy – KGNU Community Radio

kgnu.org

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 9d

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:

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 14d

Hispanic Heritage Month at White house postponed

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

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.

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 14d

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-...

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.”

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 14d

“The sombreros will continue until the government reopens"

A reminder it is Hispanic Heritage Month till 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.”

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · 29d

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 [email protected]
#journorequests

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Sep 16

En video:
t.co/U88crIU8JM

https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/celebraciones-mes-herencia-hispana-eeuu-152341322.html

t.co

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Sep 16

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

https://apnews.com/video/hispanic-heritage-month-celebrations-overshadowed-by-racially-charged-political-climate-e12c50a2252c43c484d0b02967395e9f

t.co

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Sep 16

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...

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.

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Sep 16

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...

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.

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Sep 9

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...

Artificial intelligence helps break barriers for Hispanic homeownership

Some mortgage experts are using artificial intelligence to help Hispanic homebuyers navigate the loan application process.

apnews.com

Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 29

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.

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...

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 26

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.

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 ...

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 22

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.

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 18

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

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 13

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

Indigenous Affairs Reporting Fellow

careers.ap.org

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 5

“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: '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.

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Aug 4

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.

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jul 27

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...

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.

apnews.com

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jul 22

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

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jul 9

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

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jul 3

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 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.”

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jun 27

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

apnews.com/live/supreme...

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."

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Fernanda Figueroa 🥑 @fernandafigs.bsky.social · Jun 25

#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: [email protected]

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