The U.S. presidential race is sparking lots of interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many residents say they like the youth and promise of change of Sen. Barack Obama, the presumed Democratic nominee. But many others say they like Sen. John McCain, the presumed Republican nominee, for his stance in favor of free trade.

According to reports from WNEP-TV and the Associated Press three white Schuylkill County teens are charged with the beating death of a Hispanic man nearly two weeks ago. All are from well-known families in Shenandoah and some are on the high school football team. One of the teens charged is a Bloomsburg University student.

Collection shows Rivera’s genius in Chicano genre - Arte Público Press has now published “Tomás Rivera: The Complete Works” ($19.95 paperback), which, for the first time, brings together all of Rivera’s fiction, poetry and essays in one volume.

In his new book “The Latino Threat Narrative,’ UC Irvine anthropology professor Leo Chavez says ” It is time to put the Latino Threat Narrative to rest. It is counterproductive and divisive… It is an inaccurate depiction of the everyday lives of Latino immigrants and Latinos in general”

Democrat Rick Noriega is trying this year to become the first Hispanic U.S. senator from Texas, good news for some El Pasoans eager to see one of their own in the august chamber.

Latino-vs.-black violence drives hate crimes in L.A. County to 5-year high

Cuauhtemoc Blanco is the MVP of MLS All-Star game

After Postville, Iowa Raid, Immigrants Fuel Labor Inquiries - found more than 20 under-age workers, some as young as 13. - some worked shifts of 12 hours or more - six days a week

A federal judge on Friday gave the state of Texas until the end of January to come up with a plan to improve education programs for secondary school students with limited proficiency in English, criticizing the state education agency for “failing to ensure equal education opportunities in all schools.”

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Reaching out to target audiences is always tricky. Standard Operating Procedure in courting Hispanics always seems to include the catchy sound bite, strapping on a Guayabera, and munching on a few bites of arroz con pollo on the campaign trail.

Charrreada is not for the faint of heart Latino rodeo harks back to idealized past

Los 10 libros más vendidos de la semana en algunos países de las Américas

In a 1994 article for Saveur magazine, writer Peggy Knickerbocker felt compelled to explain to readers, “You will not find burritos in Oaxaca.” These days, that kind of disclaimer isn’t necessary, as increasing numbers of Americans have discovered the complex, flavorful moles and fluffy tamales of this southern Mexican state. Tlamanalli, a restaurant serving Zapotec Indian cuisine in the tiny town of Teotitlán del Valle, has become an essential stop for Mexico-bound foodies. And a rapidly growing Oaxacan community in Los Angeles has introduced its unique cooking to West Coasters. Oaxacan food is now thriving on both sides of the border.

It took a single news release to undo what it had taken the Molina family 30 years to accomplish. In March, the Food and Drug Administration sent out a global news alert saying it suspected that a salmonella outbreak in the western United States was linked to cantaloupes grown on the Molinas’ farm in Honduras.

Puerto Ricans Prevail - Festival in Rhode Island is ON! - (quite a story here - Tomas)

Mexican Middle Class Fuels Ascendance of ‘Greater Mexico’

‘Now pinch-hitting for Sen. Barack Obama — Richardson, Bill Richardson.’ Fans seem pleased

The $55 million lawsuit filed against the Town of Southampton by owners of The Hampton Bays Diner on grounds that town police violated their civil rights by instigating 18 months of police monitoring of a weekly “Latino” inspired dance night has spotlighted allegations of anti-Hispanic sentiment. - (a very detailed article)

Economy becomes top issue for Hispanic voters Immigration takes back seat as grim financial conditions inflict pain.

People in cities on the front lines of Mexico’s battle against trafficking say they are increasingly frustrated with military tactics — a shift in opinion that threatens to undermine Calderon’s nationwide crackdown.

JUDGE ORDERS TEXAS TO REVAMP ITS BILINGUAL PROGRAMS - with additional documentation

With a total of 41 security measures, which go from the paper used in its production up to the thread used for its 32 sewed pages, the Peruvian passport or Andean passport is one of the most reliable and difficult to falsify in the world.

Election 2008 --»

‘Now pinch-hitting for Sen. Barack Obama — Richardson, Bill Richardson.’ Fans seem pleased

The U.S. presidential race is sparking lots of interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many residents say they like the youth and promise of change of Sen. Barack Obama, the presumed Democratic nominee. But many others say they like Sen. John McCain, the presumed Republican nominee, for his stance in favor of free trade.

It is a political minefield so dangerous that no one dares to lead us through it. The presidential candidates dance around it as if we don’t notice, but both Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain clearly are avoiding one of the most important and controversial issues in the minds of most Americans.

Reaching out to target audiences is always tricky. Standard Operating Procedure in courting Hispanics always seems to include the catchy sound bite, strapping on a Guayabera, and munching on a few bites of arroz con pollo on the campaign trail.

Economy becomes top issue for Hispanic voters Immigration takes back seat as grim financial conditions inflict pain.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson helped rally canvassers for Barack Obama in a mostly Hispanic neighborhood in Denver on Saturday.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain praised Hispanic military veterans for their sacrifices on Friday and said they often don’t get the credit they deserve. - Denver

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Como buena quinceañera, la compañía disquera Putumayo World Music quiere celebrar a lo grande sus primeros años de vida, en los que ha cosechado grandes éxitos, y por ello, este domingo 27 de julio estará de fiesta en medio de un concierto en el Parque Central de Nueva York.

The liberation of Colombia’s ex-presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, has brought back bad memories for Laura Zapata along with resentments she holds against her sisters Thalía and Ernestina Sodi. “It’s so great that she doesn’t have sisters like mine, because upon her liberation they would’ve started making demands,” said Zapata during an interview with Notimex.

This year, the U.S. Open’s 13th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, in which parents can take their kids to enjoy a day full of music and games, will be headed by Susie Castillo, former Miss USA and current host of MTV. This year’s event will be sponsored by Hess and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The band K-Paz de la Sierra was shocked to see what they claim is an apparition in their music video “Volveré”, of their former lead vocalist, Sergio Gómez, who was murdered.

Taking care of 5-month-old twins provides Jennifer Lopez with plenty of excitement. So when it came to celebrating her 39th birthday on Thursday, she opted for a low-key evening–and a Broadway show–with her husband, Marc Anthony, reports People.com.

A few days ago, it was announced that Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault had broken off their engagement. Although they tried to salvage their relationship within these past few months, the couple had already split this past winter.

This year’s crop of shows featuring minorities in the majority of lead roles was made leaner with the cancellations earlier this year of UPN’s African-American led comedy series Girlfriends and CBS’s Hispanic actor-driven series Cane.

Young Peruvian composer and singer Damaris Mallma offered yesterday a concert during a celebration at the White House, where the U.S. government paid homage to Peru on the occasion of its 187th anniversary of independence.

Avid watchers of America’s Next Top Model who wish the show had more Latinas among its contestants should catch Sunday’s premiere of Model Latina on SíTV to satisfy their cravings for Hispanic beauties.

La actriz y cantante Aracely Arámbula regresa a la pantalla chica con sus 4 meses de embarazo, la madre de los hijos de Luis Miguel será la conductora de una programa dedicado a los bebés y la familia

Mientras Angélica Vale sueña con actuar con George Clooney y llegar a ser la primera actriz mexicana en ganar un Oscar, su madre, la legendaria Angélica María, admite que se le están cerrando las puertas y cada vez le resulta más difícil conseguir trabajo.

Una agencia artística ha demandado a la ex presentadora de Primer Impacto, Myrka Dellanos, por presuntamente no pagarle una comisión de al menos 100.000 dólares, de acuerdo con una querella.

Pasado el tiempo de los homenajes y demostrando que el talento se hereda, Shaila Durcal comienza una nueva etapa en su carrera con su nuevo disco titulado Tanto Amor que salió a la venta en los próximos días

La cantante mexicana Lupita D”Alessio pidió a Silvia Pinal que le permita, tanto a ella como a Yuri, hablar con Alejandra Guzmán para expresarle su apoyo, y exhortó a los medios de comunicación dejar de atosigar a la primera actriz

El comediante mexicano Roberto Gómez Bolaños, el popular “Chespirito”, afirmó “sin presumir” que superó la popularidad de su extinto compatriota Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” e incluso la del actor y cineasta Charles Chaplin.

Esta noche, en Cartagena, Isabel Sofía Cabrales y Tomás Uribe darán el sí. No será la boda del año, han dicho los novios, que prefirieron sencillez y austeridad. Su perro, vestido de guayabera, será el pajecito. - Colombia

Nació la hija de Carlos Vives y Claudia Helena Vásquez

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A Q&A with John Trainor, founder of Papel Media and new GM of HOY Chicago, on his plans for the paper and how publishers should respond to a tightening ad-climate

Pet supply giant Petco today disclosed a licensing deal with Cesar Millan, a dog behavior specialist and star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer, as part of which a new line of branded dog products will debut at Petco stores.

Como buena quinceañera, la compañía disquera Putumayo World Music quiere celebrar a lo grande sus primeros años de vida, en los que ha cosechado grandes éxitos, y por ello, este domingo 27 de julio estará de fiesta en medio de un concierto en el Parque Central de Nueva York.

Of the other nine startup Latino banks, just one — Americas United of Glendale, Calif. — had more funds, with $89 million. As of this month, Seattle-based Plaza Bank’s assets had grown to $83 million.

In his Friday note, Greenfield warned that Univision the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the country – could significantly increase Time Warner Cable’s costs in key markets with large Hispanic populations like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, Texas by pushing for high retransmission-consent fees.

Construction crews have finished most of the work on the new Rancho Liborio supermarket in Thornton and planners say the store is expected to open by November. - Denver

The $55 million lawsuit filed against the Town of Southampton by owners of The Hampton Bays Diner on grounds that town police violated their civil rights by instigating 18 months of police monitoring of a weekly “Latino” inspired dance night has spotlighted allegations of anti-Hispanic sentiment. - (a very detailed article)

Expo to encourage Hispanics to go green - Dallas

Ouch! Zumba fitness-dancing is doing me good

U.S.-Cuba tourism could shake up region - OPPENHEIMER

New York-based Davidson Media Group has purchased Philadelphia’s largest Spanish-language radio station, La Mega 1310 AM, for $8.25 million, confirmed Peter Davidson, president of the radio broadcasting group.

After Postville, Iowa Raid, Immigrants Fuel Labor Inquiries - found more than 20 under-age workers, some as young as 13. - some worked shifts of 12 hours or more - six days a week

It took a single news release to undo what it had taken the Molina family 30 years to accomplish. In March, the Food and Drug Administration sent out a global news alert saying it suspected that a salmonella outbreak in the western United States was linked to cantaloupes grown on the Molinas’ farm in Honduras.

Western Union today asked the Arizona State Supreme Court to review a recent ruling by the Arizona Court of Appeals, which overturned a trial court’s decision in Western Union’s favor concerning the ability of the state to seize money transfers sent from states other than Arizona to Sonora, Mexico.

Simply Blogante News --»

More than 1500 Latino public officials, civil and labor rights leaders, and community leaders and activists from 20 states participated in the 3rd annual National Latino Congreso reaffirming a progressive Latino agenda to bring out a 10 million Latino voter turnout to change the direction of the country in the 2008 elections. “We can’t have another eight years like the last,” declared Lillian Hernandez Lopez, President of the East Coast based Hispanic Federation to roaring cheers in opening the Congreso, held July 18-20 in Los Angeles.

City of Killeen implementing a bilingual pay incentive program - Texas

“On the Border with Al Garza,” which first aired July 14, is hosted by Garza, who is perhaps best known for his role as national executive director of the border watch group Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. - Cochise County, Arizona

Early last season, Lorena Ochoa was having a strategic meeting with her caddie to identify targets and incentives for the months ahead. Uninspired by the proposed game plan, she hit upon an idea. “I’m worried about your kids,” she said. “I want them to go to heaven. How many wins will it take for you to have them baptised?”

Latin Business Association Honors Power Media Group As Finalist For Sol Awards - EWORLDWIRE

Minority Journalists Weigh In On Obama Media Bias

I attended a Washington Nationals game this month when the Astros were in town. I am new to the District, and it was my second game at the new stadium. The theme of the night was a celebration of Hispanic heritage. The woman chosen to sing the national anthem was of Cuban descent, and she was announced as a mainstay of the local music scene.

Three members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus listened Saturday to tales of children working long hours at kosher meatpacking plant Agriprocessors Inc., of fractured families and the emptiness left behind after nearly 400 people were swept up in the largest federal immigration raid of its kind May 12.

Responding to a recent crackdown on illegal immigration, local Hispanic leaders met with Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner on Tuesday. - South Carolina

Divide a la prensa española visita de Hugo Chávez

El futbolista mexicano Cuauhtémoc Blanco se ha confirmado como la estrella con más brillo de la MLS, por encima de David Beckhan y de quien le pongan enfrente, ya sea compañero o rival.

Architect Nicolás ”Lin” Arroyo, who played a leading role in pre-Castro Cuba’s modernist architecture and planning movement, has died, his family said. He was 90.

La racha de triunfos del equipo de las Estrella de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) continuó una temporada al vencer por 3-2 al West Ham inglés y como gran figura y Jugador Más Valioso (MVP) al delantero mexicano Cuauhtémoc Blanco, del Fire de Chicago.

A Chilean volcanologist says the Chaiten volcano is once again rumbling and could be preparing for another eruption.

Environmental officials in Mexico say dozens of dead sea turtles apparently killed in fishing nets have washed up on beaches in recent days - Acapulco.

Cuban dissident writer Raul Rivero has won a prestigious Spanish journalism award for his work as a journalist reporting on his native country, where he spent two years in jail on charges of trying to undermine President Fidel Castro’s government.

Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez has attended a meeting in Iowa where he heard stories from residents affected by a federal immigration raid in May. - Postville

Recipe: Oaxacan Chili Pasilla Sauce

In many ways, the preparation of carne asada has strayed little from its roots. We owe the tradition in part to the skinny cows of yore, brought over from Spain and prized first for their organ meat, a rancho-day treat, and their tallow, which was a key trade product. But when one of those cows died, or when it was slaughtered specifically for a fancy occasion, the meat was crisped up nicely and consumed against the backdrop of traditional Spanish music, as any public-school-educated third grader in this state can tell you.

Recipe: El Parian’s Carne Asada

Cuba Revolution Day speech by Raul Castro gets scrutiny