Las Notis is a daily news column that gets you up to speed on the political, media + other going ons in Latin America and the diaspora—all in one quick digest.
Here’s your glimpse at what’s going on today.
- It’s been a year since Patrick Crusius opened fire on a Walmart in El Paso, targeting Latino communities who live in the border region. Residents are still grappling with the aftermath of such a violent act of hatred. [El Paso Times]
- Joe Biden is reportedly in the final stages of picking a running mate. The final contenders—including Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Karen Bass, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and former National Security Adviser Susan Rice—have been told to prepare for in-person sit-downs with Biden, according to Politico.
- Judge Esther Salas—whose 20-year-old son was murdered by Roy Den Hollander—a woman-hating, anti-feminist lawyer—spoke out for the first time in a public video statement. She recalled how Hollander, “a madman, who I believe was targeting me because of my position as a federal judge,” opened fire on her home and called for the protection of federal judges. [NYT]
- A survey from Latino Decisions conducted for the organization Opening Doors shows that while nearly 7 in 10 Latino parents prefer distance learning to prevent coronavirus outbreaks, more than 80% of families fear their children will fall behind in school as a result. [NBC Latino]
- There are now 5 million coronavirus cases across Latin America. Over the weekend, Argentina hit a devastating milestone with 200,000 cases, bringing the region’s totals up. [Reuters]
- Honduras has extended a curfew that leaders implemented in March to stop the spread of the virus for one more week. The curfew has been in effect every day between 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. [NYT]
- Mexican authorities arrested “El Marro,” believed to be the powerful leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel drug cartel. He was arrested with five others in a raid on Sunday. [CNN]
- The New York Times remembered Víctor Víctor, the Dominican singer and songwriter known for his 1991 song “Mesita de Noche” and his work with Wilfrido Vargas and Juan Luis Guerra. He passed away last month at the age of 71 after becoming infected with COVID-19.
- Selena is getting a tribute at Premios Juventud 2020 on Aug. 13. Her brother A.B. Quintanilla III, as well as Karol G, Natti Natasha, Ally Brooke, and others are expected to perform in her honor. [Billboard]
