Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Citizenship should welcome, not intimidate

Immigrants take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in September in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) -- Inmigrantes prestan el juramento de lealtad durante una ceremonia de naturalización en septiembre en Jersey City, Nueva Jersey.
Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

For decades, the United States has been a beacon for millions who dreamed of becoming citizens, not just residents. The promise of belonging to a nation built on freedom, democracy, and equality inspired countless immigrants to learn English, study civics, and contribute to their communities. But now, that dream is becoming harder to reach. The government’s new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test adds new layers of difficulty and suspicion, transforming what should be an empowering process into a stressful test of distrust.

In the past, the citizenship test was challenging but fair. Applicants had to study a list of civics questions, learn about the Constitution, and understand how the government works. For many, it was an emotional journey—an act of gratitude and commitment to the United States. But today, with the new set of rules and questions, the process feels less like an invitation to belong and more like an interrogation. The test implies that applicants might have double intentions or hidden motives for wanting to become Americans.

This change is not only unfair—it’s un-American. The foundation of this country was built by immigrants, and every generation has renewed that promise. To suggest that those seeking citizenship must now prove they are trustworthy enough to deserve it is to deny the very spirit of inclusion that defines the nation. People already felt anxious about passing a test in a second language. Now they are being asked questions that go beyond knowledge—questions that reflect a growing mistrust between the government and the people who wish to join it.

Experts have warned that these new measures could make passage more difficult, especially since the government has reduced funding for English and civics education. This means that many hard-working immigrants—who pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to the economy—will face an even greater barrier. The test’s complexity, combined with moral character assessments and neighborhood checks, sends a troubling message: that not everyone who wants to become an American deserves to.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has described these changes as necessary to ensure that only those who “fully embrace American values” can naturalize. But what does that really mean? For generations, immigrants have demonstrated those values through action—by working hard, obeying the law, and enriching the cultural and economic life of this country. A fair test should measure knowledge of civics, not moral worth or political alignment.

Behind the new test lies a deeper issue: the erosion of trust. When officials suggest that applicants may not have “good intentions,” they are questioning the integrity of millions of lawful residents who already live, work, and serve under U.S. laws. This undermines confidence in the system and fosters fear, especially among green card holders who worry that one mistake could lead to losing their path to citizenship—or even deportation.

Those who seek citizenship should not be blamed or distrusted from the beginning. They should be encouraged, protected, and respected. The United States needs immigrants who believe in this country and want to participate fully in its future. Making the process harder only discourages people from taking that final step, leaving them in a permanent state of insecurity.

Becoming a citizen should mean gaining protection, not exposure to new risks. It should mean being able to live without fear of expulsion, to vote, to serve on juries, and to claim a place in the American story. Every oath of allegiance taken by a new citizen strengthens this nation’s foundation. When the government creates obstacles that make immigrants feel unwelcome, it weakens that bond.

America’s greatness has always come from its ability to include, not exclude. If the government truly wants to ensure that new citizens “embrace American values,” then it should begin by practicing them—fairness, compassion, and opportunity. The path to citizenship should not be a test of fear, but a celebration of belonging. Immigrants are not the problem. They are the promise that keeps America alive.

 

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Judge says ICE officers can face arrest for unlawful courthouse detentions

photo: credit Juris News.

by the El Reportero’s wire services

A federal judge in the Chicago area has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can be detained if they violate his order and arrest a migrant without a valid warrant at any Cook County courthouse.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings issued a ruling prohibiting ICE officers from taking migrants into custody at courthouses unless they have a warrant. He further declared that federal officers may themselves be arrested if they disregard this directive.

The decision seeks to curb what are known as “collateral arrests” — detentions of undocumented individuals discovered incidentally while ICE agents pursue someone they are officially authorized to arrest.

Cummings emphasized that courthouses must remain spaces of security and impartiality.
“The fair administration of justice requires that courts remain open and accessible, and that litigants and witnesses may appear without fear of civil arrest,” he wrote.

The ruling referenced recent instances in which ICE agents reportedly detained individuals outside Cook County courthouses, including cases involving “collateral” migrants taken into custody without warrants.

“One thing seems clear: ICE rousted American citizens from their apartments during the middle of the night and detained them — in zip ties no less — for far longer than the ‘brief’ period authorized by the operative regulation,” Cummings wrote.

In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it plans to “comply with all lawful court orders and is addressing this matter with the court.”

Still, DHS defended its right to detain undocumented individuals found during enforcement operations.

“We aren’t some medieval kingdom; there are no legal sanctuaries where you can hide and avoid the consequences for breaking the law,” the agency said in a statement to WBBM-TV. “Nothing in the Constitution prohibits arresting a lawbreaker where you find them.”

 

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Common vitamin could cut your skin cancer risk in half, large-scale study confirms

by Cassie B.

  • A large VA study confirms nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, reduces skin cancer risk.
  • The research found a 14 percent overall decrease in nonmelanoma skin cancer risk from taking the supplement.
  • Starting the vitamin after a first diagnosis slashed the risk of subsequent cancers by 54 percent.
  • This affordable supplement could significantly reduce the need for surgeries and healthcare costs.
  • The findings suggest a major shift toward early, proactive prevention is now possible.

You have been told your entire life that protecting your skin from cancer requires expensive creams, painful procedures, and constant vigilance. But what if a simple, affordable, and safe vitamin sitting on your local pharmacy shelf could dramatically reduce your risk? Groundbreaking new research involving tens of thousands of patients confirms that a specific form of nutrition offers a powerful, natural defense against the most common cancers in the world. This is not a speculative theory from the fringe; it is a data-driven conclusion from one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, finally validating what natural health advocates have long suggested.

A massive retrospective study of 33,833 veterans, conducted through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has delivered compelling evidence that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a potent weapon against nonmelanoma skin cancer. The research, co-authored by Dr. Lee Wheless of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and Vanderbilt University, leveraged the VA’s vast data warehouse to track patients who were prescribed 500 milligrams of nicotinamide twice daily. This approach provided a real-world look at the supplement’s effectiveness on a scale previously unseen.

The findings are a resounding confirmation of nature’s power. The analysis revealed a 14 percent overall decrease in skin cancer risk among those taking the vitamin. This is a significant result on its own, demonstrating that a simple nutritional intervention can have a measurable impact on public health. For a nation grappling with soaring healthcare costs and a cancer industry that often prioritizes expensive treatments over affordable prevention, this study offers significant hope.

The power of early intervention

The most stunning data emerged when researchers examined the timing of the intervention. The protective benefit of nicotinamide skyrocketed when patients began taking it promptly after their first skin cancer diagnosis. In these individuals, the risk reduction for developing a subsequent skin cancer jumped to an astounding 54 percent. This halving of risk from a low-cost vitamin underscores a critical principle of authentic healthcare: early, proactive prevention is infinitely more effective and humane than late-stage treatment.

This benefit, however, diminished when treatment began after multiple skin cancers had already developed. This key detail points toward a crucial window of opportunity where the body’s natural defenses can be most effectively bolstered. It suggests that incorporating this nutritional strategy early in a patient’s journey could fundamentally shift cancer prevention protocols from reactive to proactive.

The study focused on the two most common types of nonmelanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers affect millions of Americans each year, placing a massive burden on the healthcare system. Dr. Wheless highlighted the practical impact, stating, “We have patients that can get over 100 skin cancers and that’s a lot of individual cancers to be treating, a lot of surgeries, and a lot of time healing from all.” He added, “If we can reduce the rate of skin cancers by 50 percent, if a patient normally is getting, say 10 skin cancers per year…That’s five fewer surgeries and a major impact on that patient’s life.”

A paradigm shift in prevention

The implications of this study are profound for clinical practice. Dr. Wheless noted, “There are no guidelines for when to start treatment with nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention in the general population. These results would really shift our practice from starting it once patients have developed numerous skin cancers to starting it earlier.” This represents a potential paradigm shift, moving away from waiting for disease to proliferate and toward empowering patients with preventive tools at the first sign of trouble.

The economic implications are equally powerful. The VA noted that treating skin cancers is one of the highest costs for community care referrals in dermatology. An affordable supplement that can cut the need for surgeries in half is not just a medical victory; it is a direct challenge to a system that profits from chronic disease. As Associate Chief of Staff of Research and Development Dr. Stokes Peebles stated, “There are very few interventions which can reduce the risk of recurrent cancer by such a large percentage.”

As Dr. Wheless and his team look ahead, they aim to refine this approach through precision medicine, seeking to identify which patients will benefit most. For anyone concerned about skin cancer, this research offers a clear, accessible, and empowering message: the power to dramatically reduce your risk may already be within your reach. Food.news.

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Cal State workers are getting a one-time bonus, paid for by a $144 million loan due next year

Students walk across the Cal State San Marcos campus on May 6, 2025. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters-- Estudiantes caminan por el campus de Cal State San Marcos el 6 de mayo de 2025.

The $144 million loan will be used to pay for one-time bonuses for faculty and staff

by Mikhail Zinshteyn

CalMatters

The California State University system will seek a state loan of $144 million that it’ll have a year to repay at no interest, even though current projections show the system will have to add to its deficit to repay the debt.

Cal State’s chief financial officer says the loan will be used to offer one-year bonuses to faculty and staff. While salaries vary widely across the system, the extra $144 million is roughly a 3 percent increase in the total pay for Cal State’s workers, including executives. State law says the loan needs to be repaid by next July.

Despite months of hesitation, the system today took the first step to request the loan and will likely get the money in 60 days or less, said Cal State’s interim chief financial officer, Patrick Lenz, in an interview. The process involves approval from state lawmakers, who are likely to support the move.

State lawmakers made the loan available to Cal State after they cut state funding to the system by $144 million this year. Cal State has 22 campuses and enrolls 460,000 students.

The system’s largest union, the California Faculty Association of 29,000 workers, is cheering this decision but says more work is needed to bring back lecturers whose contracts were cancelled as many campuses contend with shrinking budgets. The union’s collective bargaining agreement is expiring but negotiators from the union and Cal State leadership haven’t met since April.

“We will take this as a win, but we have so much work to do, and I do hope that this provides an opening for the management to come to the table with us and negotiate fairly,” said Elaine Bernal, a lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State Long Beach and senior member of the faculty association.

“The one-time investment, great, but we really got to focus on long-term investment,” Bernal said.

The Legislature intends to increase state spending for Cal State in 2026-27 by just $101 million — far lower than previous promises from Gov. Gavin Newsom of about $250 million — so the system will effectively be $43 million short once it repays the loan, Lenz said. The decision to take the loan came “after careful deliberation, conversations with the chancellor, conversations with our Board of Trustees,” Lenz said.

Money is chronically tight at CSU. Since 2023 the system has battled ongoing deficits that have led to hundreds of degree and course cuts, fewer lecturers and hiring freezes. Back then, the system said it was spending $1.5 billion less than it should to adequately educate its students.

Over the past two years that figure has grown by several hundred million dollars as costs rise for campus utilities, insurance, health benefits and more. The deficits exist even as the system in 2024 began increasing tuition annually; the added costs outweigh the new revenue from charging students more. However, most students don’t pay tuition because of state and system financial aid.

Despite those fiscal pressures and likely new expenses to replace the Trump administration’s cuts to federal education grants, Lenz said system leaders want to spend the money on workers.

Unions wanted loan

The zero-interest loan has been the source of intrigue and scrutiny since July as unions representing Cal State workers have been pressuring the system to agree to borrow the money so campuses can offer pay increases for workers. Unions and some lawmakers argued that the the system was fully funded because the state budget gave CSU the option to borrow the loan, which should trigger collective bargaining contract language that stipulated that ongoing raises would kick in if the system received an increase in state funding.

But Cal State officials say that even if they take the loan, it’s not new or ongoing funding — it’s money they’d have to repay after a year — so the system isn’t obligated to increase wages like those contracts dictate.

Lenz reiterated that point during an interview, even after indicating the system will take out the loan.

“Clearly, anything that is one time is not ongoing,” he said of the loan. So any raise “would be only for the 12 months of the budget year.” But maybe the state will send more cash to the system than what lawmakers and Newsom signaled in the annual budget deal they solidified in June, Lenz said. He also suggested that CSU could negotiate more time to repay the loan.

“There’s a long way to go in this process, and there’s a lot of unknowns,” he said.

The loan is “an unusual financial strategy”, said Robert Kelchen, a professor of higher education budgets and finance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Asked if this could be a model for other states, Kelchen said it might be for “other blue states that are heavily unionized” and are trying to secure labor peace with labor groups.

“That’s really what this feels like,” he said.

 

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More than 50 Morena-affiliated politicians have had their US visas revoked

The apparent revocation of the visas of dozens of Mexican politicians and officials is "indicative of President Donald Trump's willingness to use the diplomatic tool to achieve policy goals," said Reuters. (Shutterstock)

by the El Reportero‘s news services

The United States government has revoked the U.S. visas of more than 50 Morena party politicians and dozens of officials from other Mexican political parties, according to an unnamed “senior Mexican politician” quoted by the Reuters news agency.

In an exclusive report published on Tuesday, Reuters, citing two unnamed Mexican officials, reported that “the U.S. government has revoked the visas of at least 50 politicians and government officials in Mexico amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on drug cartels and their suspected political allies.”

Later in the report, Reuters quoted one of the sources — “a senior Mexican politician” — as saying that more than 50 politicians from the ruling Morena party have had their visas revoked, along with dozens of officials from other political parties.

That would place the total number of Mexican politicians and officials who have had their U.S. visas revoked this year above 70, at least.

That figure is much higher than the number of confirmed revocations of Mexican officials’ U.S. visas in 2025.

Reuters said it was “unable to ascertain the names of the Mexican officials whose visas have been revoked” beyond those connected to a “handful” of cases that have been publicized.

Citing its sources, the news agency wrote: “The U.S. does not need to provide explanations for revoking someone’s visa and the threshold for doing so is much lower than for imposing sanctions or a prosecution.”

‘The Trump administration is finding new ways to exert more pressure on Mexico’

Citing three former U.S. ambassadors, Reuters reported that previous U.S. administrations “have revoked visas in this way — but not to the same degree.”

The apparent revocation of the visas of dozens of Mexican politicians and officials is “indicative of President Donald Trump’s willingness to use the diplomatic tool to achieve policy goals,” said Reuters, citing its conversations with former ambassadors to Mexico Earl Anthony Wayne and Roberta Jacobson, and ex-ambassador to Panama John Feeley.

“The Trump administration is finding new ways to exert more pressure on Mexico,” said Wayne, ambassador to Mexico from 2011 to 2015.

Jacobson, ambassador to Mexico between 2016 and 2018, told Reuters that when she was a government official, the revocation of politicians’ U.S. visas usually only happened when they had been convicted of a crime or were subject to an ongoing criminal investigation.

According to Reuters, she said that the revocation of a visa could indicate that the person in question is under criminal investigation by the United States, but not necessarily.

“The likelihood is that you won’t know whether or not the U.S. is investigating potentially for years,” Jacobson said.

Feeley, who served as ambassador to Panama from 2015 to 2018, told Reuters that he didn’t recall any Panamanian politician having their visa revoked while he was the United States’ top diplomat in the Central American country.

He said that the apparent widespread revocations of Mexican politicians’ visas “could spur blowback, where President Sheinbaum sees collaborating with the U.S. [on security] as too high of a political cost.”

During the second Trump administration, officials in other Latin American countries, including Brazil and Costa Rica, have also had their U.S. visas revoked.

Reuters: Visa revocations send ‘shockwaves through Mexico’s political elite’

Reuters reported that the revocation of the U.S. visas of Mexican politicians and officials “has sent quiet shockwaves through Mexico’s political elite, who regularly travel to the U.S. and require a visa to do so.”

“It also marks a significant broadening of U.S. anti-narcotics action, with the Trump administration targeting active politicians usually seen as too diplomatically sensitive,” added the news agency.

Among the politicians whose U.S. visas are known to have been revoked this year are:

An unnamed senior U.S. State Department official told Reuters that “visas, including those held by foreign officials, may be revoked at any time” for “activities that run contrary to America’s national interest.”

The official said those activities could include drug trafficking, visa overstay, corruption, spying or aiding illegal immigration.

Reuters reported that another unnamed source “with knowledge of the visa process said the revocations are part of Trump’s security strategy.”

That source added that “the administration’s designation of some cartels as terrorist organizations means intelligence held by the Drug Enforcement Administration increasingly impacts someone’s U.S. visa status.”

Asked on Tuesday morning about Reuters’ report, President Claudia Sheinbaum said that her government didn’t have information about the reported visa revocations.

“The United States government has been very clear in this, that it’s personal information. Who knows is the person who may have had their visa taken away,” she said.

“… It’s not information that they share with the government of Mexico, given that it’s personal information,” Sheinbaum said, adding that the U.S. government would only share such information if it was related to a “public security” investigation.

The news outlet ProPública reported in May that the Trump administration had “begun to impose travel restrictions and other sanctions on prominent Mexican politicians whom it believes are linked to drug corruption.”

At the time, only the Baja California governor and her husband had acknowledged the revocation of their visas, but ProPública reported U.S. officials as saying that “they expect more Mexicans to be targeted as the administration works through a list of several dozen political figures who have been identified by law enforcement and intelligence agencies as having ties to the drug trade.”

Asked on May 15 about a supposed U.S. “narco-list,” that allegedly includes the names of “narcogobernadores” (narco-governors) and other officials, Sheinbaum responded:

“There are a lot of rumors. They are rumors.”

In June, Reuters reported that “the Trump administration is pressuring Mexico to investigate and prosecute politicians with suspected links to organized crime, and to extradite them to the United States if there are criminal charges to answer there.”

Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and Sheinbaum denounced that reporting as “completely false.”

The president has defended Morena’s top senator, Adán Augusto López Hernández, who has faced mounting questions about what he knew about the alleged criminal activity of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, his security minister in Tabasco when he was governor of the Gulf coast state from 2019 to 2021. Bermúdez, who is accused of heading up a criminal group called La Barredora, was arrested in Paraguay last month and subsequently extradited to Mexico to face charges.

With reports from Reuters.

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California School Districts and Center for Ecoliteracy celebrate the flavors of California during farm to school month

Culturally inspired new dishes to be implemented in cafeterias statewide

Berkeley, Calif. – Just in time for Farm to School Month this October, California school districts are celebrating the diversity of students’ palates with the “California Flavors” campaign. The Center for Ecoliteracy’s California Food for California Kids® program is introducing new delicious and nutritious culturally inspired dishes—featuring the abundance of California’s fresh fruits and vegetables—to its network of 160 member school districts serving 2.4 million students across the state.

“School cafeterias sit at a crucial intersection of food, culture, health, and the environment, making them powerful places for learning,” said Alexa Norstad, Executive Director of the Center for Ecoliteracy. “When students see their cultural heritage reflected in school meals, they feel recognized and valued as part of their community. And when they are introduced to new dishes, they not only discover fresh flavors but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity of their peers.”

From the vibrant and bold flavors of Latin America to Asian street food and Middle Eastern spices, the “California Flavors” campaign is adding plant-based recipes to school cafeteria menus throughout this school year. Developed with student input, these culturally inspired recipes reflect the rich diversity of California’s student population while meeting new nutrition standards to reduce sodium and sugar. Some of the new menu options include:
• Mango and Carrot Lassi
• Vegetarian Pupusas with Cabbage Curtido
• Marinated Fish and Fried Rice Bowl
• Korean Street Sandwich
• Baked Pancit
• Pozole
• Za’atar Lentils and Chickpea Falafel Burger
• Aloo Masala Wrap with Rainbow Salad
• Middle Eastern-Style Steak Bowl

“As we focus on expanding our farm-to-school program to feed more students with fresh, local produce, partnerships like this are invaluable,” said Jennifer LeBarre, Executive Director of Student Nutrition Services for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). “When students have access to nutritious, fresh, and familiar meals, they not only feel better but also play better and learn better. Optimizing procurement practices through a farm-to-school program, while adding culturally relevant meals, is a huge step forward for the student experience.”

With these recipes, the Center for Ecoliteracy makes it easier for school nutrition departments to incorporate California-grown fruits and vegetables into menu dishes that excite students to eat them. Tasting events will be held across the state this month, giving young people the chance to share feedback on which dishes should be served in school cafeterias.

California was the first state in the nation to provide universal school meals for all public school students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, ensuring free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of socioeconomic status. Data shows that student participation in California’s free School Meals for All program is projected to reach one billion meals served during the 2025–2026 school year.

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End of year tips to purchase your dream vehicle

Salesman greeting with a handshake a happy Latin American family interested in buying a car at the dealership - car ownership concepts

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As we near the holiday season, you may be looking to treat yourself to those set of wheels you’ve been eyeing, or perhaps it’s time to purchase your loved one their dream car. In today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle costs efficiently is key, as it could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful tips to finally make that purchase for your (or a loved one’s) dream vehicle this holiday season:

  1. Set your holiday budget, and stick to it. There are a variety of different expenses that come with getting a car – the purchase cost, insurance, maintenance and fuel being a few of them. Knowing how much you can afford, especially if you plan to pay for it over time, is key to avoiding a car bill that stretches your finances. Look for access to different budgeting tools and tips that can help you save for your purchase.
  2. Look for the best holiday deals. Like many other items, vehicles have a price cycle; the end of the year tends to be when you can find a better deal, as dealers may need to meet quotas or clear out inventory. Generally, make sure you are considering multiple vehicles and shopping around at several dealerships to get the best price.
  3. Test drive the vehicle to make sure it fits your needs. This is your time to see how the vehicle looks and feels, try out the interior systems and figure out if the vehicle fits your needs. Schedule test drive appointments to ensure the car you want is still available, ideally a few in the same day or week to keep your impressions fresh in your mind. It’s also helpful to simulate your daily driving conditions as much as possible, such as bringing any car seats or equipment you may have in your car daily. After your test drive, you can ask about the car’s warranty and fuel and maintenance requirements, as well as the possibility of getting an extended test drive or bringing the car to your own mechanic for a second opinion.
  4. Determine whether you are financing or leasing. There are benefits of both a lease and a loan. With a loan, there is no milage limit and you are free to customize and change the car as you see fit. After completing your finance payments, you own it. Leases typically have lower upfront costs than loan payments, and at the end of the term you can return, purchase or trade the vehicle in. But keep in mind that most leases have a mileage limit, so it might not be the best option if you travel often.
  5. How to know if an electric vehicle is right for you. With so many major manufacturers building EVs, there are more options than ever before. However, cost, maintenance, range and charging logistics are all key factors to consider. For maintenance, EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional cars. EV batteries tend to be covered by 8-10 year warranties (outlasting the amount of time most people own their cars) but EV tires degrade faster due to the weight of the battery. And just as gas prices vary, so do electricity costs – based on your location, your driving style and the size of your battery.

The median range of an EV with a fully charged battery is roughly 250 miles, but that number depends on the make and model as well as other factors like weather, traffic conditions and driving style. And when it comes to charging infrastructure, some cities and states may have more charging stations than others. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and map your route.

Be sure to do your homework first before making that big purchase. There are many tools available that can help you plan for costs in addition to the vehicle loan or lease payments, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance—which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color. For instance, using a car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.

For more auto budgeting tools and tips, visit autofinance.chase.com.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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Pete Escovedo kicks off farewell tour

Lila Downs in concert to commemorate Day of the Dead. (Courtesy: Milenio) -- Lila Downs en concierto para conmemorar Día de los Muertos.

by Magdy Zara

Alameda is the chosen venue for the farewell tour of legendary Latin jazz artist Pete Escovedo, known for his vibrant performances and captivating rhythms.

Escovedo has developed a rich musical career that seamlessly blends salsa, jazz, and other influences.

Pete Escovedo is a revered Latin jazz percussionist and bandleader who has played with legends and contemporaries, such as Santana and Prince. He is acclaimed for his electrifying performances and ability to captivate audiences with infectious rhythms.

The musical evening will begin with Joey T, Didier Bouvet, and friends. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the performance.

The event is scheduled for this Saturday, October 18, at the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, located at 707 West Hornet Avenue, Alameda, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $70–$160.

SF Commemorates Day of the Dead

As every year, the Day of the Dead commemoration is one of the most popular Latin cultural activities in the Bay Area.

“Sabor on the Bay” brings its famous Day of the Dead-themed Halloween event to San Francisco, inviting you to join and enjoy an unforgettable night where cumbia reigns supreme.

The venue will feature a Day of the Dead theme, including everything from Catrinas to Day of the Dead Altars, three music venues (live cumbia, a performance by Sonora Dinamita, and much more), with a capacity for 500 people who are expected to come dressed in Halloween costumes.

This Latin party will take place at The Foundry this Saturday, October 18, starting at 9 p.m., at The Foundry, 1425 Folsom St, San Francisco. Tickets are $59 and are available at https://www.saboronthebay.com/sabor-on-the-bay-events/sf-dia-de-los-muertos/

Meanwhile, Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American singer Lila Downs celebrates the Day of the Dead in Berkeley.

Downs, who is admired for seamlessly uniting cultures, such as language and music, brings her impressive voice and a multicultural vision based on her indigenous Mixtec roots to deliver an unforgettable evening.

This time, she is backed by an all-star band and brings her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence to a festive set of original and traditional songs in Spanish and English.

The performance is on October 25, 2025, at Zellerbach Hall 101, Berkeley, starting at 8 p.m.

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Macario Martínez, the former CDMX street sweeper, lights up NPR’s celebrated ‘Tiny Desk Concert’

by the El Reportero news services

A Mexico City street sweeper whose sweet, simple music turned him into a viral sensation eight months ago reached another plateau last week with an appearance on NPR’s celebrated “Tiny Desk Concert” series.

Macario Martínez was an aspiring 23-year-old musician when his music video — recorded in his work uniform after his shift with Mexico City’s sanitation department — went viral in February.

Less than 24 hours later, the yearning lyrics and simple guitar of “Sueña Lindo, Corazón” (“Sweet dreams, sweetheart”) had captivated thousands on social media.

“Life demands a lot, and I’m just a street sweeper who wants you to hear his music,” he posted, drawing empathy nationwide.

Flash forward to last Friday, when Martínez followed in the footsteps of an eye-popping list of major stars who had made “Tiny Desk” appearances over the past 17 years — including Sting, Dua Lipa, Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Jackson Browne, Adele, John Legend, Bad Bunny, Dave Matthews and Justin Bieber.

The list also includes many Mexican standouts, such as Carín León and Grupo Frontera in a pair of recent appearances highlighting regional Mexican music, as well as the soul-stirring Natalie Lafourcade in 2017 (the 13th most-watched of all-time) and the poetic Silvana Estrada in 2021.

Like his predecessors, Martínez played in NPR’s famous cramped space, behind a work desk surrounded by shelves cluttered with books, memorabilia and office supplies — an unlikely venue that’s nevertheless coveted by top-of-the-line musicians.

He appeared during Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. During that timespan, NPR Music has “rebranded” the series “El Tiny” and has been celebrating with appearances by Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan, Colombian pop star Carlos Vives, Argentine rock icon Fito Páez and others.

He debuted songs from his upcoming album, “Si mañana ya no estoy” (“If I’m Not Here Tomorrow”), due for release later this month, with a set list of “Sueña Lindo, Corazón,” “Estrellas,” “Enhierbado” and “Azul.”

“Sueña Lindo, Corazón” was Martínez’s original viral hit, which has largely been scrubbed from online. In the months since then, an “official” video of the song — which includes lyrics that translate to  “How come the not-knowing hurts so much?” — has been released.

It was recorded in Veracruz, his home state before he moved to the north side of Mexico City and became a street sweeper, a job he has since left to focus on music full time.

Going into the final song of his set, Martínez spoke about himself and his bandmates.

“We all come from pretty remote places in Mexico,” he said in Spanish. “Each of us, we’ve been through a lot in our lives. And today, life’s path brought us here. This song is called ‘Azul’, and long live Mexico.”

Martinez’s 14-minute “Tiny Desk Concert” can be viewed on YouTube with English subtitles. As of Monday morning, it was closing in on 500,000 views.

– With reports from Infobae, N+ and NPR.

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Local communities mark Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day

by Marvin Ramírez

This past weekend, communities across the region observed October 12th, a date long associated with Christopher Columbus, while others celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting the growing national conversation about history, culture, and inclusion.

In many neighborhoods, traditional Columbus Day events included parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational exhibits focused on Columbus’s 1492 voyage and his role in the early history of the Americas. Local officials and community leaders participated in honoring the contributions of Italian-American communities, a central focus of the holiday since its establishment in the early 20th century.

At the same time, a number of local organizations and Indigenous groups hosted alternative events to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. These celebrations emphasized the resilience, culture, and history of Native communities, highlighting centuries of traditions and contributions that are often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. Activities included storytelling sessions, art displays, musical performances, and community forums addressing the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.

The dual observances reflect the evolving perspectives on history and public memory. For decades, Columbus Day was celebrated widely across the United States, but in recent years, the holiday has become controversial, with critics pointing to the harmful consequences of European colonization on Indigenous populations. Advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ Day argue that acknowledging Native history and culture fosters greater understanding, respect, and inclusivity.

In the city’s downtown park, organizers of both celebrations worked to maintain a peaceful coexistence. Representatives from Italian-American associations and local Native groups exchanged greetings and shared information about their respective events, demonstrating a community effort to honor diverse histories. “It’s important for our city to recognize all voices,” said Maria Hernandez, a community liaison. “We can honor our heritage while also learning from the past and supporting our Indigenous neighbors.”

For many residents, the day offered an opportunity for reflection and education. Families attended workshops, visited exhibits, and participated in discussions on history, culture, and identity. Local schools incorporated lessons on both Columbus and Indigenous histories, encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives and understand the complexity of America’s past.

As communities continue to debate the meaning and relevance of these observances, October 12th this year highlighted both remembrance and re-evaluation—a moment to celebrate cultural pride while promoting awareness, respect, and dialogue.

– With other reports.

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