BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, ‘Alma’s Way,’ Petro, And More

BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Inflation Reduction Act, ‘Alma’s Way,’ Petro, And More belatina latine

Good morning, everyone!

This past weekend, there was plenty of movement around the Latine community and events that can impact our community. Biden signed a new bill, Colombia welcomed a new president, and so much more. 

It’s been, however, quite the last few days to say the least. Although there has been some unfortunate news for Latinas in film with the cancellation of Batgirl, strong steps have been taken to push representation on the small screen. 

From Alma’s Way to Ana Navarro becoming a host on The View, we are being noticed little by little. Not quick enough though.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

‘Alma’s Way’ Gets a Second Season

Almas way Sonia Manzano BELatina Latinx
Photo courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions

Let’s start with great news. “Alma’s Way” was picked up again! Though we’ve witnessed a few Latine show cancellations lately (Gordita Chronicles still hurts), PBS Pittsburgh-based Fred Rogers Productions announced that PBS Kids officially ordered a second season of the animated series. 

Video Credit: Zalo Castillo

The show follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, played by Summer Rose Castillo, as she embarks on adventures with her diverse group of friends, community members, and family in the Bronx. “Alma’s Way” was created by Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on “Sesame Street” for 44 years.

The Biopic ‘Jenni’ is In Development 

BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Inflation Reduction Act, ‘Alma’s Way,’ Petro, And More belatina latine
Credit: Instagram/ @jennirivera belatina latine

Jenni Rivera, “La Diva de la Banda,” was a trailblazer and legend in the music industry, bringing a strong representation of true Mexican culture to all fans of music. Rivera tragically died in a plane crash in 2012 at 43. Since the devastating loss, fans have wanted a biopic depicting the music icon’s life. 

Mexican filmmaker, Gigi Saul Guerro, is set to direct “Jenni.” Previously, she directed singular episodes in various television series. Los Angeles-based media company “Mucho Mas Media” is producing the film.

Now that a film is in development, fans are speculating who will play Jenni Rivera. 

Who would you like to see play her? 

Petro Takes Office in Colombia

BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Inflation Reduction Act, ‘Alma’s Way,’ Petro, And More belatina latine
Credit: Instagram/ @gustavopetrourrego

Gustavo Petro, 62, a former member of Colombia’s M-19 guerrilla group, was sworn into office this past Sunday. Petro won the presidential election in Colombia in June, becoming the first leftist president to govern the country in modern times. He led by only two percentage points and polarized Colombia almost as much as the U.S. at the moment. Many people feel uneasy about having a former guerrillero participate in politics.

Petro promises to focus on the violence and poverty in the country. His Vice President is Francia Márquez, the first Afro-Colombian to take this position. 

The U.S. Senate Passed the Inflation Reduction Act

Senate Democrats passed a significant climate, health care, and tax bill – the Inflation Reduction Act. None of the 50 Senate Republicans voted in favor. Vice President Harris broke the 50-50 tie.

This pending bill places emphasis on climate change and the exorbitant cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. It is also an attempt to lower the deficit by roughly $300 billion.

The bill is historical in many ways. For example, it is the largest federal clean energy initiative in U.S. history – more than $300 billion is to be invested in energy and climate reform. It also allows the federal health secretary to negotiate the prices of certain drugs for Medicare. It is important to note that this doesn’t apply to private insurance, hence why the price of insulin was left out. In comparison to the rest of the world, the price of insulin is out-of-control (and unfairly) expensive in the U.S. Hopefully, something can be done about this issue in the near future. Furthermore, corporations making $1 billion or more will get taxed a minimum of 15 percent. 

What are your thoughts on the Inflation Reduction Act?

Massive Fire at Cuban Oil Facility 

Cuba was immersed in embers of flame this past weekend. On Friday night, during a thunderstorm, lightning struck a fuel storage tank in Matanzas, Cuba. The fire spread to a second oil tank on Saturday, and explosions took place. Mexico and Venezuela have sent their own teams to help Cuban firefighters control the fire. Since then, a body has been found and a group of Cuban firefighters has been reported missing. 

This situation can further worsen the struggle with the economic and energy crisis Cubans have endured – and it continues without an end in sight. Aside from Mexico and Venezuela, other nations have offered to help Cuba during this difficult time. The United States offered technical assistance and Cuba accepted. The dictator, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has thanked Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina, and Chile for their offers of help.

 It is unknown how much fuel has been lost to the flames.

Ana Navarro Joins ‘The View’

BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Inflation Reduction Act, ‘Alma’s Way,’ Petro, And More belatina latineWho hasn’t watched a segment from “The View?” The long-time talk show moderated by Whoopi Goldberg added a permanent Latina co-host, political strategist, and commentator Ana Navarro. In a recent episode, Navarro shared the news and gave a very heartwarming speech about representation for the Latine community. According to her, it was a decision made by the cast on their recent trip to the Bahamas. 

“I’ve thought about it long and hard. As you all know, most weeks I’m on a plane at least four times a week, and I spend countless hours on planes, at airports, in hotels — sometimes it gets lonely,” she said about joining. 

“But I also know it’s a huge, enormous, incomparable privilege to be part of a 25-year institution. And whether people like it or not, whether some people acknowledge it or not, it is the relevance and the importance and the platform that “The View” represents.”

Navarro has never held back, and we’re excited to see what she brings to the table.

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