LATINO LOOP for the Week of March 15, 2024


Victims’ families responded with outrage to the findings of an independent review released this week investigating the Uvalde police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting, after the report cleared authorities of wrongdoing in their response to the massacre.  Following the report’s release, Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez resigned.
AEG Presents has purchased a stake in CMN (Cárdenas Marketing Network), bringing the two companies together under one roof.  
Researchers in Panama have uncovered a tomb estimated to be 1,200 years old, holding an ancient lord and up to 31 other people who were “sacrificed to serve as companions.” The tomb was also filled with an array of gold treasure, including bracelets and circular gold plates.

Google Doodle recently commemorated Lola Beltrán’s 92nd birthday.  Beltrán was born in El Rosario, Sinaloa on March 7th, 1932. 

Billboard and the Community of Madrid will host the “Encuentro de la Música en Español” on March 19th at the Wizink Center.  The lineup of speakers includes Raphael, Mala Rodriguez, Maikel Delacalle, Paula Cendejas, Nicki Nicole,  Pepo Ferradas, Alex Gallardo, Walter Kolm, Rosa Lagarrigue and Federico Lauria.

The LAMC (Latin Alternative Music Conference) announced this year’s Wonder Women of Latin Music, in partnership with Amazon Music, honoring women making a difference in the Latin music industry.  This year’s 22 recipients culminate in over 100 women recognized since the program’s inception in 2020. More info here
Carla Gutiérrez makes her directorial debut with “Frida”, a film that provides a fresh perspective on Frida Kahlo's enduring influence. The story is told in Kahlo’s own words from her diary, letters and interviews and is brought to life through animation.
Pedro Pascal will replace Snoop Dog as Corona’s brand ambassador in its ‘La Vida Mas Fina’ campaign. The first spots featuring Pascal are scheduled to start in May.
Apple Music announced Young Miko as the newest face of its Up Next program, celebrating her meteoric rise from tattoo artist and soccer player to chart-topping sensation. In an exclusive short film, Miko invites fans into her world in Añasco, Puerto Rico.

The Garfield Movie is set to open in theaters on May 24th.  The animated film  stars Harvey Guillén as the voice of Odie, alongside with Chris Pratt (Garfield), Samuel L. Jackson (Vic), and many more.  Watch the trailer here

TidalWave Comics has announced “Orbit: Guillermo Del Toro”, written by Eric M. Esquivel and illustrated by Victor Moura and Kundo Krunch. The company’s “Orbit” comic book series focuses on personalities that impact the world. 
The Femme! 2024 Power Confab & Retreat recently honored 2-time GRAMMY nominee Lupita Infante with the Cultural Legacy Award. Honorees also included Maria Shriver, First Mexican-Born Treasurer of the United States, Rosario Marin, and Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. 
Argentine writer Marina Yuszczuk will debut in the US with her feminist novel "La sed" ("THIRST"), set for simultaneous release in Spanish and English later this month via Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial. 
"unseen," the Independent Spirit Award-winning documentary by Set Hernandez, explores resilience at the intersection of disability and migration. The film premieres nationally on PBS's POV series on March 18th. 
Topeka, Kansas has launched the Choose Topeka relocation incentive program aimed to attract Spanish-speaking newcomers to the city.    It has surged among first-generation Latino immigrants, drawn by the city's vibrant Spanish-speaking community. The program offers up to $15,000 to each applicant who finds a job and moves to the Topeka area.