Daily Headlines: February 26, 2010

* U.S.: Renowned Latina actress Rita Moreno was one of twenty artists receiving the National Medal of Arts at the White House yesterday.

* Honduras: Ex-president Manuel Zelaya accused Honduran authorities of ''seeking personal revenge” by bringing up new corruption charges against him.

* Puerto Rico: The director of the U.S. federal housing agency's Puerto Rican division was arrested on corruption charges.

* Mexico: Six suspects were arrested by Mexico City police in relation to the January shooting of Paraguayan striker Salvador Cabañas.

Image – SFGate.com
Online Sources- SFGate.com, New York Times, CNN, RTT News, The Latin Americanist

Today’s Video: Versatility, grace, and charm

Undoubtedly one of the most famous actresses of Puerto Rican background is the versatile Rita Moreno.

Born in 1931 in the town of Humacao, Moreno’s career has spanned nearly six decades in the worlds of film, music, television, and theater. Some of her best-known roles included her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of “West Side Story” as well as being a regular in the 1970s version of “The Electric Company.”

In this clip from the 1975 Tony Awards, note the unapologetic enthusiasm and pride in Moreno’s background upon being honored for her portrayal of Googie Gomez in “The Ritz”:

• Wednesday – Roberto Clemente
• Tuesday - Pedro Pietri
• Monday - Hector Lavoe
  

Online Sources- Wikipedia, YouTube, The Latin Americanist