Casanova//McCann

What's happening: Latino voters are increasingly influential in U.S. elections, with their share of the electorate expected to grow from 10.6% in 2020 to 11.1% in 2024, particularly in swing states like Nevada and Arizona where they constitute significant portions of the electorate. A comprehensive study by ThinkNow and Culture IQ Group, which included a nationwide survey and in-depth interviews with 1,120 Latino voters, reveals several key insights into their political behavior. Common values such as patriotism and a belief in the American Dream are prevalent among Latino voters, though there is a noticeable generational shift away from religiosity among younger, English-speaking individuals. Economic issues and healthcare are primary concerns, along with social justice issues such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ support. Attitudes towards immigration vary, with Latino Republicans favoring tighter border controls, while others support a path to citizenship. Media consumption habits show a strong reliance on television, though digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are gaining prominence. Undecided Latino voters are characterized by a mix of traditional values and progressive views on social issues, presenting a complex challenge for political campaigns. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the diverse and evolving priorities within the Latino electorate for effective engagement in the 2024 election. https://brnw.ch/21wM9KM #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Maria Canals-Barrera, known for her roles as Theresa Russo on “Wizards of Waverly Place” and Connie Torres in the “Camp Rock” films, has been a pioneering Latina presence on American television. Reflecting on her impact, she expresses pride in being one of the first Latina mothers on TV, stating, "Being one of the first Latina mothers on American television has been an incredible honor." With the recent announcement of a “Wizards of Waverly Place” reboot, Canals-Barrera will reprise her role as an abuela, highlighting the show's ongoing commitment to cultural authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of portraying a diverse range of Latino experiences in media, advocating for more inclusive storytelling that represents the full spectrum of the Latino community. https://brnw.ch/21wM9iq #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The "Fortnite Festival" returns for its fifth season, featuring Colombian music star Karol G as the headliner. Running from August 16 to November 2, the event includes a premium reward track with exclusive Karol G-themed items and a limited-time playable concert, "Karol G MSB Fortnite," from August 23 to 26. Players can dive into a five-part visual journey through Karol G’s career and enjoy new tracks like "Oki Doki" and "Provenza – Remix," all within a vibrant, neon-themed in-game experience. This season continues Fortnite's tradition of showcasing top musical talent, following previous headliners such as Metallica and Lady Gaga. For Hispanic fans, it’s a special celebration of their culture and a unique chance to experience a beloved Latin artist in a groundbreaking way. https://brnw.ch/21wM9eB #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Miami Dade College’s innovative program, designed to help immigrants obtain U.S. teaching licenses, offers a promising solution to the teacher shortage crisis. This initiative not only provides immigrants with valuable economic mobility but also addresses the pressing need for more diverse educators in classrooms, where Latino students make up nearly 30% of the population but the majority of teachers are white. The program supports immigrants with foreign bachelor's degrees and work permits by improving their English skills, translating and evaluating their university transcripts, and assisting with state certification applications. It even allows individuals with non-education degrees to teach subjects in their area of expertise. The entire process can be completed within 10 months, offering a fast track to teaching careers. Although other states are beginning to consider similar programs, a unified effort is lacking. Elizabeth Zamudio of UnidosUS highlights the importance of promoting such programs and ensuring they come from credible sources to avoid past pitfalls of fraudulent offers. Meanwhile, education leaders across the U.S. are experimenting with various strategies to combat long-standing teacher shortages, including temporary hires and "grow-your-own" programs that focus on local recruitment. https://brnw.ch/21wM9bb #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The Kamala Harris presidential campaign has launched a pioneering bilingual WhatsApp channel aimed at engaging Latino voters, marking the first time a presidential campaign has utilized this platform specifically for this demographic. The channel, introduced with a video message from campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodríguez, will provide behind-the-scenes campaign updates and culturally relevant content. Given that 54% of Hispanic adults use WhatsApp, the campaign views this initiative as a strategic move to counter misinformation and connect with Latino voters, who play a critical role in shaping the election outcome. This effort reflects a broader recognition of the unique media consumption patterns and political influence of Latino communities. https://brnw.ch/21wM7rd #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: New data reveals that Latinos and Native Americans are disproportionately killed by police compared to white Americans and are significantly younger at the time of their deaths. A mapping initiative by Campaign Zero shows that nearly 13,400 people have been killed by law enforcement in the U.S. since 2013, with Hispanics and Indigenous people accounting for about 22% of these deaths. https://brnw.ch/21wM23z #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Iconic Cuban singer Celia Cruz, celebrated as the "Queen of Salsa," has made history by becoming the first Afro-Latina to appear on U.S. currency. The U.S. Mint has honored Cruz with a quarter that features her vibrant persona, capturing both her dynamic performance style and her influential cultural impact. Known for her powerful music and her spirited catchphrase "¡AZÚCAR!" Cruz's legacy transcends her artistic achievements; she was a symbol of resilience and pride for the Afro-Latino community. Her image on the quarter is not just a tribute to her enduring influence in music but also a celebration of her role as a cultural icon who embraced and uplifted her heritage. https://brnw.ch/21wM0hE #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Jools Lebron, a Puerto Rican transgender Latina from Chicago, has captivated the internet with her unique twist on the word "demure," turning it into a viral sensation. What began as a satirical makeup tutorial video on August 2nd quickly snowballed into a global trend, with Lebron's ironic and humorous take on being "reserved and modest" resonating widely. Her content, which now boasts over 1.2 million TikTok followers, has extended beyond mere trendiness to inspire discussions about social issues and personal expression. By leveraging her platform, Lebron has not only made "demure" a cultural catchphrase but has also used her visibility to promote important causes, proving that being fierce and genuine can indeed redefine conventional norms. https://brnw.ch/21wLYM1 #LatinoBuzz #Demure

What's happening: The 3rd Annual "Latine in College 2024" study by Match Group’s Chispa and the Center for Multicultural Science reveals significant insights into the lives of Hispanic college students in the U.S. The study, conducted with 1,040 students, highlights the financial strain caused by inflation, with 58% worried about tuition and 49% engaging in side hustles. Socially and politically, 41% feel burdened by debt and 69% oppose mass deportation, reflecting the impact of immigration issues. While 59% remain hopeful about Latinos' future, 36% consider leaving the country post-graduation due to concerns about national direction. The study also shows diverse opinions on affirmative action, with 51% believing it should not be race-based solely. Overall, the study underscores the complex challenges Gen Z Latinos face amidst financial pressures, evolving social dynamics, and global conflicts. https://brnw.ch/21wLXvX #LatinoBuzz

Our next data point delves further into Social Health and the complications of a bicultural identity. Many times, it can feel like your cultures are at odds with one another. On the collective side, knowing that no one should be alone in having to take care of themselves, while on the individualist side, feeling that your own issues are a burden. Marketers can get deep into these highly nuanced beliefs, helping Latinos navigate the different causes of stress across dimensions.