Washington, DC

The American Mideast Coalition for Democracy (AMCD) today issued an open letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging decisive action following his recent conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. AMCD strongly supports Secretary Rubio’s insistence that explosives seized from Hezbollah must never be returned and that Lebanon’s 1955 Boycott Law must be repealed.

In the letter, AMCD Co-Chairs Tom Harb and John Hajjar emphasize that the 1955 law, originally an economic boycott measure, has been stretched far beyond its original purpose. Lebanese authorities now use it to criminalize nearly any contact between Lebanese and Israelis—including conversations, meetings, shared conferences, and even pilgrimages by Lebanese Christians and Muslims to the holy sites of the Holy Land.

“The law is not only impractical; it has become a tool for politicized prosecutions of those who advocate peace,” the letter states. “One of AMCD’s own co-chairs, Tom Harb, an American citizen born in Lebanon, was summoned to appear before the Lebanese military court, as have so many others. Americans should not face criminal charges abroad for speech that is protected at home.”

AMCD calls on President Aoun to repeal the 1955 Boycott Law without delay and to permit open communication with Israel at every level:

• Military-to-military channels to prevent further loss of innocent life through miscalculation;
• Diplomatic and negotiation channels to advance lasting peace;
• Ordinary citizen contact, including a pilot program allowing Lebanese pilgrims to visit the holy sites in time for Christmas 2026 without fear of prosecution.

To give these demands weight, AMCD urges the Administration to work with Congress on two concrete measures:

1. Condition U.S. assistance — Any U.S. financial or military aid to the Government of Lebanon should be conditioned on repeal of the 1955 Boycott Law and concrete steps to facilitate military, diplomatic, and civilian communication with Israel, including freedom of pilgrimage.

2. Impose targeted sanctions — Absent repeal, the United States should sanction any Lebanese government body, institution, or individual that prosecutes or penalizes people for peaceful contact with Israelis or for visiting the holy sites—particularly when the person is a U.S. citizen.
“American taxpayers should not underwrite a government that criminalizes the pursuit of peace,” the letter concludes. “We respectfully urge you to continue pressing President Aoun on these issues and to support these measures in Congress.”

The open letter has been sent to key lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

The full open letter is available at:
https://americanmideast.com/2026/10/16/open-letter-to-secretary-rubio/

Media Contact Details
Rebecca Bynum
American Mideast Coalition for Democracy
Email: Send Email
Phone: +16157756801
Website: americanmideast.com

Hispanic and Spanish-Language Micro-Drama Projected to Reach $6.2 Billion by 2031, Growing 60% a Year

New York, NY

Ellery Voss Advisors, a New York and Hong Kong-based tech-enabled growth advisory firm, today released “La Próxima Ola,” a research report on the Spanish-language short drama opportunity. The report sizes the combined U.S. Hispanic, Mexican, Latin American, and Spanish micro-drama market at $369 million in 2025, growing to $6.2 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of nearly 60%.

According to the Ellery Voss Short-Form Drama Industry Report, the global short drama market is expected to grow from $15 billion in 2025 to more than $68 billion in 2031, a 29% CAGR, driven primarily by expansion outside China. By 2031, Ellery Voss estimates Hispanic and Spanish-language viewers will account for roughly 23% of the ex-China consumer market, about 2.8 times the segment’s share of ex-China population. U.S. Hispanic viewers are projected to generate $3.1 billion of the 2031 total, with Mexico and the rest of Latin America together contributing $3.0 billion.

“The next wave is coming, don’t get caught inside,” said Michael Tew, Managing Partner of Ellery Voss Advisors.  “The audience, format and economics all line up, yet very few platforms are designed specifically for Hispanic and Latin American viewers.  Market entrants who tackle this segment today will be platformed for success tomorrow.”

Hispanic Audiences Naturally Vertical

The report describes an audience that is both large and mobile-first. The 68.5 million U.S. Hispanics hold approximately $4.1 trillion in purchasing power, and 57% of Hispanic adults use TikTok versus 28% of White adults. The format is also familiar: TelevisaUnivision reports that Univision novelas deliver twice the adults 18-49 viewership of English-language broadcast dramas, and telenovela mechanics such as cliffhangers and family dynasties map directly onto vertical micro-drama.

Canela Media’s Hispanic Cultural Cohorts Study of 1,975 self-identified Hispanic respondents (May 2026) found that 96% had watched drama series and 90% telenovelas in the past year, 78% watch video on a mobile phone, and 61% use free, ad-supported streaming apps, against 46% for paid streaming. Some 83% feel more connected to brands that depict people like them.

Mexico offers an early template for vertical entertainment. Citing Sensor Tower and AppsFlyer, Expansión reports that Mexican micro-drama downloads rose 170% year over year, against 33% in Brazil, and Latin American users retain better than the global average, with 20% still active on day one.

On monetization, the report expects in-app purchase conversion to run below population share for Hispanic audiences because of payment frictions. The model closes most of that gap by 2031 as free, ad-supported models, brand partnerships, and live commerce lower the barrier. Advertising is a second lever: in the first quarter of 2025, U.S. online retailers spent $363 million on English-language digital ads and $3.4 million on Spanish-language, a ratio of 107 to 1, according to data from Nielsen.

Wide-Open Competitive Field

Very few platforms are pursuing a Hispanic-only strategy. Media incumbents including TelevisaUnivision’s ViX Micro, NBCUniversal’s Telemundo, and Caracol Televisión have moved, and purpose-built entrants such as Fuego Shorts, Idilio TV, Shorta, Vyco, and Canela Media’s forthcoming Zully are building audiences or preparing to launch.

A Playbook for Market Players

For any platform, studio, or media company entering the category, the report recommends three stages, each funding the next: launch vertical and Spanish-language, monetize through brand partnerships embedded in the story, then add live vertical shopping built around those brands. Ellery Voss expects the market to follow the same path, from a land grab through 2027 to brand partnerships and, ultimately, commerce.

To request a copy of “La Próxima Ola,” contact Ellery Voss Advisors at [email protected] or visit www.elleryvossadvisors.com.

About Ellery Voss Advisors, LLC

Ellery Voss Advisors is a New York and Hong Kong-based tech-enabled growth advisory firm serving growth-stage and emerging companies at the intersection of technology and high-growth industries. The firm advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital formation strategy, public company readiness, and strategic growth initiatives. Ellery Voss combines deep sector research with hands-on advisory expertise to help companies navigate complex markets, attract strategic capital, prepare corporate infrastructure for institutional investment and go-public transactions, and build durable competitive positions. The firm’s inaugural industry research publication “The Short-Form Drama Industry: From Niche to Mainstream” reflects its commitment to proprietary, independent analysis as a foundation for client advisory work.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including projections regarding market size, growth rates, and industry trends. These statements are based on Ellery Voss Advisors’ proprietary research and analysis as of the date of this release and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Estimates for Mexico, Latin America, and Spain are directional planning estimates. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Ellery Voss Advisors undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Research Disclaimer

This press release references proprietary industry research prepared by Ellery Voss Advisors for informational purposes only. Statements attributed to individuals are those of the speakers. Canela Media survey figures are company-reported and not independently verified. Neither this release nor any research referenced herein constitutes investment advice, a solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any security or financial instrument. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness.

The newly titled pageant contestant is beginning her modeling journey while using her platform, Joy for the Journey, to encourage positive self-image, resilience, and awareness of eating disorders.

VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

Brittany Bowers, Ms. Virginia US Nation 2026, is using her new title as a platform to promote confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image through her initiative, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time.

Although Brittany has never modeled professionally before, she says her decision to enter modeling and pageantry grew from a personal journey of learning to embrace confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. She sees the experience as an opportunity to challenge herself while encouraging others to pursue opportunities that may initially seem intimidating.

“I have actually never modeled before, and that’s what makes this experience so exciting,” Brittany said. “Modeling is an opportunity for me to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone, and represent the message that beauty is not about perfection—it’s about being genuine and using your voice to make a positive impact.”

A Different Perspective on Modeling and Pageantry

Brittany believes modeling and pageantry can extend beyond fashion and physical appearance. She views both as opportunities to tell stories, represent diverse experiences, build confidence, and create opportunities to serve others.

She also hopes to challenge the idea that beauty has one standard.

“A crown or a runway should never define someone’s worth—it should amplify their voice and the positive impact they make in their community,” Brittany said.

Through her title, Brittany plans to advocate for mental health awareness, eating disorder education, self-care, emotional well-being, and positive self-image. She hopes to partner with organizations, schools, and community events to encourage conversations about self-worth and resilience.

Joy for the Journey

Brittany’s platform, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time, is based on the idea that progress does not always happen through large or visible milestones.

The initiative focuses on raising awareness about eating disorders while encouraging people to recognize everyday progress, seek support, and practice kindness toward themselves and others.

“Recovery isn’t defined by perfection—it’s built through small, everyday victories,” Brittany said. “I want people to know they are more than a diagnosis, a number, or their struggles.”

Brittany says the platform is personal to her because her own experiences have shaped how she understands resilience and healing.

From Athletics to Advocacy

Athletics has played an important role in Brittany’ s life. She was a cheerleader, competed as a collegiate runner, and is now training for a marathon. She identifies her recovery from anorexia as one of her most significant personal accomplishments.

That experience has influenced her approach to resilience, identity, and personal growth.

“Today, I use those experiences to encourage others through my platform, Joy for the Journey, reminding people that our worth is not measured by our performance or appearance, but by our character, perseverance, and willingness to keep moving forward,” Brittany said.

Her longer-term professional goals also extend beyond modeling and pageantry. Over the next five years, Brittany hopes to continue working in counseling while supporting other counselors in understanding athlete identity and the challenges younger generations can face when their identities become closely connected to performance, achievement, or diagnoses.

She also hopes to contribute to neuroscience research and collaboration at the University of Florida, combining counseling, neuroscience, and education in support of mental health care.

Exploring the Fashion World

As she begins her modeling journey, Brittany is interested in participating in fashion events with Super Chic Fashion Week, including Boston Fashion Week and Miami Art Basel Edition Fashion Week. She has also expressed interest in New York Fashion Week.

In addition to exploring opportunities in fashion, Brittany will represent Virginia at the Miss US Nation Pageant this year, competing in the national competition. She looks forward to using this experience to further her advocacy for confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image.

For Brittany, entering the modeling world represents an opportunity to put her message of confidence, authenticity, and positive self-image into practice. Through these experiences, she hopes to challenge traditional perceptions of beauty, inspire others to embrace their individuality, and demonstrate that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to meaningful personal growth.

Her Ms. Virginia US Nation title is therefore more than a pageant achievement. She hopes to use her platform to encourage others to embrace their individual journeys, celebrate their progress, and recognize that even small steps forward can lead to meaningful change.

About Brittany Bowers

Brittany Bowers is Ms. Virginia US Nation and an advocate for confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image. Through her platform, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time, she seeks to encourage resilience and self-acceptance while beginning her journey into modeling and pageantry.

Instagram: @bbr1ttt_journey

Photo Credit: Mary Custer, Lasting Impressions Photography
Instagram: @lasting_impressionsphotography

Media Contact

Miss US Nation Pageants  
[email protected]