Latino USA

This week, we look at a Senate immigration proposal that could pave a quicker road to legalization, for farmworkers. And for “News or Noise?”… Why so much more media buzz on immigration deals for tech workers over farmworkers? Then, an ACLU lawsuit against the U.S. government for coercing immigrants to sign their own deportations. And we speak with Judy Reyes about the new Lifetime show Devious Maids. Finally, we talk to Destiny Galindo, a 17-year-old Arizonian who raps about democracy. 

This week, we hear from Latino college graduates on what it’s like to step into the brave new world, with a little word of advice. And, a recent study shows Latinos entering U.S. colleges at a higher rate than any other ethnic group: but, what about college completion? Then, we bring you an update on Fisher v University of Texas at Austin, a case on affirmative action and college admission, soon to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. A look back at the “Bracero Program,” with a taste of injustice. Finally, a tour of a garden between the U.S. and Mexico where the flora and fauna defy the border fence. 

This week, we help you get your summer playlist ready with an show dedicated to music. We sit down with Bajofondo’s Gustavo Santaolalla to talk about the group’s most recent album, “Presente.” We sit down with Venezuelan guitarist and singer Jose Luis Pardo from Los Amigos Invisibles; and, as part of our accordion series, we speak to Very Be Careful, a Los Angeles based band that’s helping revive Colombian vallenato in the U.S.  Finally, an interview with Mexican rapper Carla Reyna, aka Niña Dioz. 

This week, we bring you an update on the Senate immigration plan as it heads to the Senate floor. And we report from two of the dozens of schools shuttered in Chicago. We sit down with Dominican-American author Raquel Cepeda to talk about her memoir “Bird of Paradise: How I Became a Latina.” Finally, the premiere of “Rebel,” a story about the Cuban women who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Civil War.  

This week, a look into elementary schools being shut down by Chicago officials, leaving many people angry and upset. And for this week’s “News Or Noise?”, Disney bows to Latino online mobilization after it tries to trademark “Dia de los Muertos.” Finally, we go to Tijuana, Mexico, where women roller derby fanatics give life to a fast growing sport. 

This week, we take you to Postville, Iowa, which five years ago was the site of the largest immigration raid in U.S history. Then, we look for answers on why U.S border patrol agents are shooting into Mexico and killing innocent civilians. And, we bring you a Mother’s Day commentary on the decision to become – or not to become – a mom. Finally, we go to a trailer park in Duroville, California where most its farmworker residents are leaving for newer housing. 

This week, with U.S immigration reform talks underway, we look at Mexico and its place in the discussion. Then, a look at violence and human rights abuses in Mexico, where women are often targets. And a commentary from a Mexican-American in Mexico City, a pocho in chilangolandia. Finally, the San Francisco Girls’ Chorus premieres “Santos” in California. 

This week, we break down the media’s coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing: what was news and what was noise? Then, domestic workers learn some handy mediating skills. And, meet Claudia Lopez, a Latina mountain climber, photographer, and a giver. Finally, an interview with Chilean director Andrés Wood about “Violeta Went to Heaven,” a film on the life of iconic folklorist Violeta Parra.

This week, we dedicate the entire show to the challenges that Latino youth face when dealing with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and relationships. We hear the stories of three young Latinos coping with their culture while surviving the ups-and-downs of adolescence. But where do young Latinos turn for support? UC Davis professor Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola helps us put things in context. 

This week, where’s immigration enforcement in the ongoing conversation around reform? And, we speak to two key Latino congressmen shaping immigration legislation from inside the House. Finally, the winner of the 2012 Pulitzer for theater talks about the long shadow cast by war over a Puerto Rican family in Philadelphia.

This week, we look into immigrants in solitary confinement. Is it necessary, and how is it being handled? Then, a group of fourth graders travel from California to Washington, DC, to demand that their classmate, Rodrigo Guzman, be allowed back into the United States. And, the Associated Press announced it will stop using the term “illegal immigrant.” So is this news or is it noise? Finally, we get a peek inside the tempestuous relationship between Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, in their own words.

This week, Latino USA guest host Felix Contreras talks to News Taco’s Victor Landa for a round up on prominent Latinos in entertainment, politics and religion; Then, we follow-up on the state of Ethnic Studies in U.S education. And we talk to the lead vocalist of Piñata Protest, fusing punk with traditional Mexican music. Finally, we pay tribute to Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes who died recently at age 94.

First up: securing the U.S-Mexico border is still the top priority in immigration reform. But how much more needs to be done? Then, we bring you an update on what’s happening in Washington around new immigration policy and the groups shaping policy from the ground. And we hear about Obama’s new Latino Labor Secretary nominee, Thomas Perez. Finally, a review on David Riker’s new immigration film, “The Girl.”

Get ready for our new series New or Noise where we take a look at media matters that may involve misunderstanding or misinformation and help you see the forest from the trees! First up: Amnesty. What does it mean? When did it become a dirty word? Our first News or Noise segment tells you more. Then we take you to North Carolina where undocumented teens are getting specially marked licenses. Is this helping? And we go digital—with an interview about a new web comedy series called East Willy B.

Come with us to Guatemala and hear about the many indigenous women there who are involved in clashes with multinational mining companies that they say threaten their way of life. Then travel back to the US to Texas, where an all-girl conjunto group got their groove back. And speaking of grooves—we bring you a taste of Helado Negro and his new record, Invisible Life.