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byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Fernanda Figueroa 🥑
@byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
76 followers 110 following 77 posts
“Unapologetically Latina”| Fluent in all things geek

a "communist demon" as deemed by the trolls

Journalist @apnews.com covering Latino Affairs

tips and hate mail to [email protected]
Posts Replies Media Videos
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Of course I’m contributing to #BadBunny coverage even from Milan

In Milan, fans partied to Bad Bunny

SUPERBOWL LIVE UPDATES:
apnews.com/live/super-bow…
February 9, 2026 at 9:28 AM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
#WinterOlympics coverage continues
Tonight’s saga:

President Donald Trump on Sunday said that it is hard to cheer for American Olympians who are speaking out against administration policies, calling one such critic “a real Loser” who perhaps should have stayed home.

apnews.com/article/trum...
US Olympians speaking up about politics at home face online backlash — including from Trump
U.S. Olympians are beginning to face backlash for speaking out about domestic politics at the Milan Cortina Games.
apnews.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:20 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Last nights contributions for @apnews.com live blog of the #OpeningCeremony
February 7, 2026 at 8:32 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
A little pause on Olympic coverage to focus on the #SuperBowl #NFL
#BadBunny is expected to perform the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday entirely in Spanish — which has inspired fans to quickly learn the language.
via @apnews.com

apnews.com/article/bad-...
Fans race to learn Spanish before Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show
Bad Bunny's highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show is set entirely in Spanish. That has sparked interest in learning the language to understand the hugely popular Puerto Rican singer's lyrics.
apnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:37 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Today's #WinterOlympics coverage is focused on climate and sustainably.

Nikolai Schirmer on Wednesday delivered the "Ski Fossil Free" petition, with over 21,00 signatures to the IOC's head of sustainability.

with Jennifer McDermott via @apnews.com

apnews.com/article/mila...
Norwegian skier hands IOC a petition to 'ski fossil free' ahead of the Olympics
Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer has handed the International Olympic Committee a petition signed by more than 21,000 people who want to stop fossil fuel companies from bolstering their reputations by...
apnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:41 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
#WinterOlympics coverage continues with this story about celebrations — a big one — if U.S. snowboarder Red Gerard wins another gold medal.

apnews.com/article/wint...
Red Gerard's family returns to Winter Olympics with double the support
Red Gerad’s family will return to the Winter Olympics to cheer him on. This year doubling the size of those that traveled to support him at PyeongChang.
apnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:26 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Continuing my #MilanoCortina206 coverage with this story about Haiti skiers at the #WinterOlympics, a powerful message of resilience from a tropical nation that has weathered so much tragedy.

with Colleen Barry via @apnews.com

apnews.com/article/hait...
Haiti's Winter Olympics team shines a positive light even as IOC removes patriot from uniforms
Haiti is making a statement at the Milan Cortina Winter Games with two athletes proudly representing the nation.
apnews.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:32 AM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Kicking off my first day in Italy covering
#MilanoCortina26 with this story about the diversity gaps that persist at the Winter Olympics and what is been done to change that via @apnews.com

apnews.com/article/wint...
Programs aim to diversify winter sports, but gaps persist at Winter Olympics
Organizations like the National Brotherhood of Snowsports and Skate Global Foundation are working to diversify winter sports.
apnews.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:40 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Following the introduction of impeachment articles by Rep. Robin Kelly to remove DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, @votolatino.bsky.social leaders announced their full support and launched a campaign to pressure Congress members to follow suit

LIVE @apnews.com UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...
Voto Latino supports articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem, urges constituents to demand support from elected officials. BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA Voto Latino leaders announced their full support for the three articles of impeachment introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly to remove Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. "The impeachment articles brough forward by Representative Kelly today have been a long time coming," Voto Latino leaders said in a statement. "Since taking office Secretary Kristi Noem has operated without restraint or accountability. Secretary Kristi Noem has used her cabinet position to benefit herself at the expense of the American-people-regardless of immigration status." Along with their support, Voto Latino leaders are launching a digital campaign in Republican led districts, aimed at pressuring members of Congress to support the impeachment efforts. The digital campaign urges constituents in the districts to contact their representative and demand support for the impeachment efforts.
January 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Each instance highlights the long-standing and rising disparities in health outcomes for Black women, who die at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher than white women around the time of childbirth, according to a 2023 CDC report.

apnews.com/article/blac...
Delayed care to 2 Black pregnant women highlights maternal health disparities
Two pregnant Black women recently faced alarming neglect at hospitals in Indiana and Texas, highlighting racial disparities in maternal care.
apnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:09 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
As the first year of Trump’s 2nd term comes to a close, 2 new polls from @pewresearch.org find that Hispanic adults are increasingly unhappy with the way his administration is handling the economy & immigration, issues that were key during last year’s election
apnews.com/article/hisp...
New survey finds rising pessimism among US Hispanics
As the first year of President Donald Trump's second term comes to a close, two new polls from the Pew Research Center find that Hispanic adults are increasingly unhappy with the way his administratio...
apnews.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
@votolatino.bsky.social criticizes House for ignoring health crisis and voting 'yes' on budget bill

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...
Voto Latino criticizes House for ignoring health crisis and voting 'yes' on budget bill BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA On Wednesday evening the House voted on a budget bill that ended the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Voto Latino leaders said the House "choose to ignore the health crisis millions of Americans are facing" when it voted on a budget bill that they claim will jeopardize the health of Latino communities by failing to fund subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act that make health coverage more accessible. "Latinos are already left behind when it comes to accessing health care coverage," Voto Latino leaders said in a statement. "With lawmakers choosing to turn a blind eye to this reality, these disparities will only grow, and families will be pushed to make difficult decisions when it comes to seeking medical attention."
November 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
With the US House expected to vote on bill that will end government shutdown,
@votolatino.bsky.social urges House to vote 'no'

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...
Voto Latino urges House to vote 'no' on bill that will end government shutdown BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA Voto Latino leaders said they strongly oppose the bill that will end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, claiming it will jeopardize the health of Latino communities by failing to fund subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act that make health coverage more accessible. "The bill before the House of Representatives does not live up to the urgent needs of our families - it offers neither sufficient safeguards nor meaningful investments to protect access to health care," Voto Latino leaders said in a statement. "Voto Latino calls out the U.S. House of Representatives to exercise its responsibility to the American people and specifically the Latino and immigrant communities by voting no on this budget bill in its current form."
November 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
This Veteran's Day @lulacorg.bsky.social urges VA to accelerate benefit reform to help Latino Veterans

LIVE UPDATES: apnews.com/live/donald-...
LULAC urges VA to accelerate benefit reform to help Latino veterans The League of Untied Latin American Citizens is urging Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and state governments to accelerate benefit reform that would expand health access, strengthen suicide-prevention outreach for veterans and invest in culturally responsive support for Latino veterans and families. LULAC National vice President for Military Affairs, Lawrence Romo said Veterans Day serves as a standing promise that the U.S. government will "stand by its defenders long after the battles have ended." "Latino veterans have never hesitated to serve," Romo said. "Now the nation must ensure that they receive benefits, strong mental health support and real pathways to rebuild their live. Anything is less unacceptable."
November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
First byline out of Mexico: Mexico President Sheinbaum presses charges after street groping incident

The incident has given the daily harassment and assaults that women suffer in Mexico their highest-profile platform.

apnews.com/article/mexi...
Mexico President Sheinbaum presses charges after street groping incident
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says the harassment she suffered from a drunk man near the government seat is an assault on all women.
apnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:41 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
NEW: @hispaniccaucus.bsky.social and the Hispanic Federation have launched efforts to 'overhaul ICE'
Congressional Hispanic Caucus launches effort to ‘overhaul ICE’ By MATT BROWN “I think that they should be restructured totally. This is urban warfare—what they’re doing is unacceptable,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement. The caucus, which includes all Hispanic Democrats in Congress, will develop a framework alongside the Hispanic Federation and other advocacy groups to “restore accountability, protect civil rights, and ensure that no community lives in fear of those sworn to serve them,” said Espaillat. The framework focuses on reform, oversight and transparency efforts at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some progressive Democrats, including some Hispanic Caucus members, have called for the abolition of ICE. The Congressional Hispanic Conference, which consists of all Hispanic Republicans, in June urged the Trump administration to focus enforcement efforts on violent criminals instead of “individuals who do not constitute an immediate threat to public safety.”
November 3, 2025 at 9:29 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Mexican Americans balance tradition and modernity in Day of the Dead celebrations
apnews.com/article/dia-...
Mexican Americans balance tradition and modernity in Day of the Dead celebrations
Mexican American families are gathering to honor their ancestors with altars, marigolds and sugar skulls on Dia de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead.
apnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
In case you need your fill after yesterday’s reunion here’s my story about how @loveisblindshow.bsky.social has found a formula to showcase different cultural norms and the many types of love that exist.

apnews.com/article/love...
How 'Love is Blind' is reshaping global views on love, from Japan to Brazil
Netflix's “Love Is Blind” explores love beyond appearances, with adaptations in various cultures. The show has aired in nine U.S. cities and has international versions in places like Japan and Brazil.
apnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:20 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Are you building an altar for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Send a photo of your ofrenda to [email protected]

Your submission could be part of an upcoming AP story.
October 23, 2025 at 8:12 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
Calling a #LoveIsBlind fans!!

Looking to talk to fans about how the show portrays different types of love across all its seasons for a story I am working on.

If you are interested please DM or email at [email protected]
October 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
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
October 15, 2025 at 4:49 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
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
October 14, 2025 at 9:21 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
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
October 7, 2025 at 2:42 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
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.
October 2, 2025 at 4:28 PM
byfernandafigueroa.bsky.social
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.”
October 2, 2025 at 4:28 PM