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It’s Friday afternoon here in the Boston area, and I’m still thinking about Sen. Alex Padilla, California’s first Latino senator, and his response to what has clearly become one of the top political stories of 2025.
I could have spent today writing a hot take about what transpired on Thursday, but after reading Anita Chabria’s excellent opinion piece for the Los Angeles Times, there’s really nothing new that needs to be said.
Like I wrote at the start of this month, we’re in the middle of The Latino Newsletter's one-year anniversary month. Around this time last year, we were just getting started, when it was just me trying to publish one newsletter post a day, Monday through Friday.
Still, I wanted to get back to recording a podcast. I missed being behind the mic during my days at Latino Rebels Radio and In The Thick. Around that time last year, I sought funding. When the Latino Community Foundation awarded us $20,000 to produce the first season of The Latino Newsletter podcast, it was go time.
With my production partner Joaquin Cotler, The Latino Newsletter podcast became a reality. More than 20 episodes. It just felt right.
This year, we’ve been trying to secure a second season. Over the past few months, we’ve occasionally released an episode or two, such as the live event from the Knight Media Forum featuring two federal commissioners, and the excellent episode we produced for Caló News. We’re still trying to secure funding for Season 2, but instead of waiting, we’re reaching out directly to our subscribers, social media followers, and the broader internet community.
Here’s the deal: to produce a second season, which we estimate will consist of 10 episodes, we’re seeking an additional $20,000. The easiest way to help is to make a direct donation, whether as a one-time gift or a monthly contribution. You can do that here.
Once we hit $2,000, we’ll produce an episode. I believe in The Latino Newsletter, and I believe we can make this happen.
We’d love your support.
And yes, we’re on the right path, and we’ll have more great news to share soon. However, given the current situation, we need to get back in the game.
Get us to Season 2 and give.
Peace,
Julio
And now a word from our sponsor.
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What We’re Reading
“Esta Isla” Honored at Tribeca: From the Instagram profile of the Latino Film Institute, “ESTA ISLA has won a Special Jury Mention for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature, and the Best New Narrative Director Award at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival!”
If you haven’t seen the trailer, here it is.
Julio Ricardo Varela is the founder of The Latino Newsletter. He is also its current part-time publisher and executive director. Email him here.
Consider donating to The Latino Newsletter. Any contribution, no matter how small, helps keep this newsletter free and accessible to all. ¡Gracias mil!