Latino GDP Hits 3.2 Trillion, Elon Goes to the Border, Colombian Coffee in US: Top Stories of the Week

In the top stories of the week, we reported on the Latino Donor Collaborative on Latino GDP in the U.S., making the community the fifth-largest economy in the world. We also wrote about Elon Musk's trip to Eagle Pass, Texas, and about the footprint of Colombian Coffee in the country.

• With Their GDP at $3.2 Trillion, Latinos Reinforce Role as a U.S. Economic Powerhouse: LDC

The Gross Domestic Product generated by Latinos in the United States grew by $400 billion, reaching now $3.2 trillion, said the Latino Donor Collaborative in the 2023 edition of a report that showcases this group's contribution to the American economy.

According to the LDC, the new Latino GDP Report shows that if the 64-million strong community were a country it would be the fifth largest economy in the world.

• Elon Musks Says He's 'Pro Immigrant' while Livestreaming His Visit to the Texas-Mexico Border

Billionaire Elon Musk traveled a few hundred miles to see first-hand the situation in the border between Texas and Mexico, sharing his visit on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Went to the Eagle Pass border crossing to see what's really going on," Musk posted on X, the social media he acquired last year.

• What Is To Know About Colombian Coffee's Footprint In The US?

During National Coffee Day (this year was celebrated on Sept. 29), Latin America's diverse coffee culture is represented by brews, beans and concoctions from all over the continent, especially from Colombia, one of the Meccas of this drink.

Colombia is enriched by the everyday aroma of warm native coffee, where el tinto is not only savored during times like Medias Nueves (elevenses) or Onces (a snack mid-afternoon) but it has become a lifestyle. The blend of coffee and culture together goes beyond just being a beverage, as a result of this the Colombian drink has led to popularity in the United States.

• "Cassandro, El Exótico" is Amazon's movie on a Gay Mexican-American Idol

Last week Prime Video released "Cassandro, El Exótico", a biopic about the American-born Mexican luchador Saúl Armendáriz --played by Gaél García Bernal-- a former NWA World Welterweight and UWA World Lightweight Champion. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last January 2023 and was directed by Roger Ross Williams. "Cassandro" shows the journey --a real coming-of-age story-- of Saúl, aka "The Mole," from an amateur fighter to his consecration as a professional wrestler and his conversion to "Cassandro, El Exótico."

• Los Angeles County Declares October 13, 2023 Edward James Olmos Day
  

Los Angeles County encouraged Angelinos to celebrate Edward James Olmos by screening his film appearances, productions and volunteering in causes close to his values.

This week, Los Angeles County officially declared Oct. 13, 2023, as Edward James Olmos Day to celebrate the actor's contributions to the Latino community through arts, media and philanthropy.

• Hispanic Astronaut Frank Rubio Returns to Earth Setting Record for Most Time Spent in Space

In what sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie, a Hispanic astronaut has returned to Earth after being stuck in space for a prolonged period of time due to damages caused to his return ship. The extended mission set a new record for the most time spent in space.

Frank Rubio's latest trip to the stars kept him aboard the International Space Station for 371 days, setting a record for the longest time an American astronaut has spent in space. Rubio is an American astronaut born to Salvadoran parents. He was selected for NASA's Astronaut Group 22 program in 2017 after a decorated military career.

• Dianne Feinstein's Legacy: Something To Celebrate For The Latino Community In California?

The passing of veteran political leader Dianne Feinstein not only leaves a significant void, with her replacement already being discussed in both her home state and Washington DC. But so does her legacy as a standard-bearer for minorities in the nation's history.

Throughout her long political career, the leader has enjoyed the unconditional support of the local Latino community, which will reach nearly 15 million by 2022, 40% of the state's population.

• Heavily Latino, Black Las Vegas Hospitality Workers Unions Massively Approve Strike

Thousands of hospitality workers packed the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas this week, voting in favor of a citywide strike against major resorts on the strip. The strike was approved by 95 percent.

Voters were members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, which collectively represent 60,000 workers across Nevada, 53,000 workers being based in Las Vegas making them eligible to vote.