Las Notis is a daily news column that gets you up to speed on the political, media + other goings-on in the United States, Latin America, and the diaspora—all in one quick digest.
Here’s your glimpse at what’s going on today:
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- After slowing down briefly during the summer, Coronavirus cases in the U.S. have continued to surge in recent days, leading some experts to say that the country is “headed in the wrong direction” and that “we are in a dangerous place.” Others have said they expect the virus to get worse in the winter, as people are forced inside. [NYT]
- Following several days of hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee has set a date of Oct. 22 to vote on passing Judge Amy Coney Barrett through to the Supreme Court. Barrett faced scrutiny for refusing to answer questions about abortion rights, the president’s possibly refusing a peaceful transfer of power, and the policy of separating undocumented children from their families at the border. She also failed to name the “right to protest” when asked what the five freedoms outlined in the Constitution are. Republicans have said they have the votes to confirm her.[AP]
- Latino advocates expressed frustration with a Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the Trump administration’s decision to halt the Census immediately. The move runs counter to efforts from Latino organizations, which have been working to avoid undercounts of Latinos over several years to ensure funding streams. [NBC Latino]
- Women in Brazil face extraordinary challenges when it comes to abortion rights, which are strict in the country. With the pandemic, these laws have only grown tighter, since data collected by activists has indicated that of the 76 registered clinics providing legal abortion in Brazil, only about 42 rare still open because of the health crisis. This has led many women to seek risky, clandestine alternatives. [BBC]
- According to Colombia’s Association of Northern Cauca Indigenous Elders (ACIN), former indigenous leader and governor Fredy Guetio and his wife Reina Mera were shot dead in the rural area of the country. Their deaths are part of what has been called a genocide in Colombia, where 76 members of indigenous communities have been killed this year. [Colombia Reports]
- J Balvin recently teamed up with McDonald’s for his very own menu special, which consists of a Big Mac, French fries and ketchup, and Oreo McFlurry. To promote the partnership, Balvin and McDonald’s also dropped an extensive and somewhat pricey merch line that includes hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts and more. [Complex]
- During a performance at the Billboard Music Awards last night, Bad Bunny unveiled a new version of his song “Yo Perreo Solo” that includes reggaeton legend Ivy Queen and a credited feature from Nesi (she was uncredited on the original.) Bad Bunny also won Top Latin Artist at the ceremony. Read more of our coverage here.