Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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Green tea and vitamin B3 rapidly rejuvenate aging brain cells, offering hope against Alzheimer’s

by By Cassie B.

  • A groundbreaking UC Irvine study reveals green tea’s EGCG and vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) restore brain cell energy in 24 hours, reversing Alzheimer’s-linked protein buildup.
  • The natural compounds boost GTP energy levels, reactivating autophagy to clear toxic proteins and cellular damage in aging neurons.
  • Unlike Big Pharma’s costly, risky Alzheimer’s drugs, these safe, affordable nutrients show dramatic results without side effects.
  • EGCG and nicotinamide, found in common foods, outperformed synthetic drugs by restoring youthful brain function in lab tests.
  • Researchers urge further study on delivery methods but confirm nature’s power over pharmaceutical monopolies.

Big Pharma may want you to believe that the key to protecting your brain from Alzheimer’s is some expensive, side-effect-laden drug, but the answer might really be found in a simple combination of green tea and vitamin B3. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) have uncovered this remarkable connection in a groundbreaking study that could change how we approach cognitive decline.

A new study published in GeroScience reveals that two widely available compounds — epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea and nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) — can restore energy levels in aging brain cells within just 24 hours, clearing away the toxic protein buildup linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, led by biomedical engineer Gregory Brewer, found that aged mouse neurons treated with EGCG and nicotinamide experienced a dramatic reversal of age-related decline. The compounds boosted guanosine triphosphate (GTP), a critical energy molecule that powers the brain’s natural cleanup process, autophagy, which removes damaged proteins and cellular debris.

“As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components,” Brewer explained. “We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.”

In just 16 hours, the treated brain cells, even those from mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, regained the energy levels of young, healthy neurons. The combination also reduced toxic amyloid-beta plaques, the sticky protein clusters that strangle brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients.

A safe, drug-free alternative

What makes this discovery so revolutionary? Unlike Big Pharma’s synthetic drugs — which often come with dangerous side effects, sky-high costs, and questionable efficacy — these compounds are naturally occurring, affordable, and already proven safe.

EGCG is the powerful antioxidant in green tea that has been linked to lower dementia risk, reduced brain lesions, and improved cognitive function. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is found in foods like fish, nuts, eggs, and whole grains and has been shown to protect neurons from stroke and neurodegeneration.

The study suggests that supplementing with these compounds could be a game-changer for preventing and even reversing cognitive decline without the need for Big Pharma’s toxic interventions.

Big Pharma is no match for Mother Nature

For decades, the medical-industrial complex has monopolized Alzheimer’s research, pushing expensive drugs like Aduhelm (costing $56,000 per year) with minimal benefits and severe risks, including brain swelling and bleeding. Meanwhile, natural solutions like EGCG and nicotinamide have been overlooked despite mounting evidence of their effectiveness.

This study is a reminder that the best medicine often comes from nature, not a lab. The fact that these compounds restored youthful energy levels in brain cells in less than a day is nothing short of miraculous, especially when compared to the failures of conventional Alzheimer’s drugs.

Although the findings are incredibly promising, researchers caution that more studies are needed to determine the best delivery methods for humans. A previous clinical trial found that oral nicotinamide was less effective due to breakdown in the bloodstream, meaning future treatments may require alternative formulations (such as intravenous or liposomal delivery).

But the implications are clear: Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline may not be inevitable. With the right natural compounds, we could protect and even rejuvenate our brains without relying on Big Pharma’s profit-driven schemes.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk, Independent.co.uk, ScienceAlert.com, StudyFinds.org

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New enforcement targets people living in cars, RVs on California streets

A tow truck removes an RV owned by Wayne Gardiner, 58, for more than 20 years during a sweep at Columbus Park, San Jose’s largest homeless encampment, on Aug. 25, 2025. The city offered some residents $2,000 for their RVs. “The facts of life is that things like this will happen. You have to take the deal because they’re gonna take it anyways,” he said. “I have to just let it go.” Photo by Florence Middleton for CalMatters. -- Una grúa retira una casa rodante propiedad de Wayne Gardiner, de 58 años, durante más de 20 años durante una redada en Columbus Park, el campamento de personas sin hogar más grande de San José, el 25 de agosto de 2025. La ciudad ofreció a algunos residentes $2,000 por sus casas rodantes. "La realidad es que cosas como esta pasan. Hay que aceptar el trato porque lo van a aceptar de todas formas", dijo. "Tengo que dejarlo pasar". Foto de Florence Middleton para CalMatters.

Some cities are ramping up efforts to ticket and tow vehicles that shelter homeless Californians

by Marisa Kendall

For months, cities around the state have ramped up enforcement against people sleeping in tents on the street. Now, some are focusing on a new target: People who live in vehicles.

Wayne Gardiner, 58, watched his home of 20 years roll onto the back of a flatbed tow truck in San Jose on a recent Monday afternoon. Then he realized he’d forgotten something inside.

He threw open compartments in the bottom of the RV as fast as he could, looking for the pressure-washing tools he uses for cleaning jobs to make extra money. As the RV rose up onto the truck, about to head off to a junk yard, Gardiner found the black backpack full of tools and pulled it out.

Then he stood back with his rottweiler, Buddy, and some of his possessions in green trash bags at his feet, and watched the truck drive away. He held his emotions in check.

“If I get myself involved with that, I’ll be a wreck,” Gardiner said. “I gotta let it go.”

San Jose is towing vehicles from different areas of the city in a new effort to rid the streets of lived-in vehicles. Last month, it started clearing its largest homeless encampment – a makeshift city in Columbus Park, where Gardiner and hundreds of other people had been sleeping in cars, RVs and tents.

San Francisco passed a new policy this summer banning large vehicles from parking on any city street for more than two hours — effectively making it illegal to live in an RV on the street.

Even smaller cities, including Carlsbad outside of San Diego, and San Mateo in the Bay Area, have adopted new policies targeting people living in cars and RVs.

The issue has attracted the attention of state legislators as well. Assembly Bill 630, which cleared another legislative hurdle Friday, would make it easier for certain cities to dispose of RVs parked on their streets.

“We have stories from people who have inoperable RVs that are parked in their neighborhoods, under freeways, that they know are ground-zero for drugs, for prostitution rings, for other criminal activities that are happening there,” said the bill’s author, Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, a Los Angeles Democrat. “So what we’re trying to do is address this issue head-on.”

The push comes as rows of RVs and lived-in cars line streets in cities across the state, frustrating voters and creating issues with trash, waste water and traffic visibility. The number of lived-in vehicles on San Francisco’s streets has risen over the past year — from 474 in July 2024 to 612 in June 2025, even as the number of tents dropped from 319 to 165, according to the city’s count.

Vehicle homelessness can be more difficult for cities to manage than tent encampments. People often are reluctant to give up the safety and security of their RV or car in exchange for a temporary shelter bed or short-term housing. And many cities have nowhere to store RVs, and nowhere for them to park legally.

Advocates for the rights of unhoused Californians say doling out punishment to deal with the issue will make the homelessness crisis worse. When cities tow lived-in cars and RVs, their owners often can’t get them back because they can’t pay the towing and storage fees, said Eleana Binder, public policy director for GLIDE, which serves San Franciscans living in homelessness and poverty. They end up with nowhere else to go.

“It does increase street homelessness, because people are right on the edge,” she said. “For a lot of people, a vehicle is their only asset, their last step before street homelessness.”

Tickets and tows

Ordinances that regulate homeless encampments often target people sleeping in tents, not vehicles. As a result, police have used parking ordinances to try to clear vehicle encampments by giving tickets and either towing or threatening to tow. But that approach doesn’t take into account the fact that the cars and RVs are people’s homes.

In some places, new policies that specifically address people living in cars and RVs try to address that problem by providing services as well as tickets and tows.

Gardiner, who watched the city of San Jose tow his home, was luckier than many. The city paid him $2,000 for his RV, as part of a pilot program intended to convince people to give up their vehicles and move indoors. He also got a free hotel room, where the city told him he could stay for up to a year.

Gardiner was one of several hundred people living in San Jose’s largest encampment — a sprawling collection of RVs, cars and tents scattered across a rutted, dirt field in Columbus Park and spilling onto surrounding streets. City crews began clearing the camp in August, and have towed 78 vehicles and moved 128 people indoors, according to the city.

The city estimates 370 people lived at Columbus Park when the operation started, but advocates say it was more. And not everyone has been offered the $2,000 buy-back program, a motel stay or other help.

Valerie Vallejos, who lives in her van at Columbus Park while she studies cosmetology at San Jose City College, said she was visiting her children in Stockton when outreach workers came to the park offering people services. Now she’s trying to get on the list, hoping to get a housing placement or at least a reprieve from threats of towing. So far, she’s had no luck.

“I’m going to keep coming back out until I get something,” she said. “It’s my only option. What else can I do?”

San Jose is cracking down in other places, too. Officials launched a pilot program earlier this year that bans oversized and lived-in vehicles in certain parts of the city. The city first posts signs and puts up flyers warning people to move their vehicles, then tows if people don’t move. Since January, the city has towed 19 RVs and trailers and 45 other vehicles, according to its online dashboard. But many vehicles return after the enforcement blitz. To date, the city has completed enforcement in 38 “tow-away zones,” where there were a total of 1,175 cars and RVs. Ninety days after that enforcement, 671 vehicles had returned to those locations.

“It’s a start,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who acknowledged that towing won’t magically make street homelessness disappear. But he said even forcing RVs to move temporarily can help mitigate the problems the city has seen in long-standing encampments, such as methamphetamine labs, fires and the accumulation of dilapidated, abandoned vehicles.

“This is about providing relief to neighbors and small businesses that have had permanent RV encampments for years on end,” Mahan said.

Since the beginning of the year, San Jose has enforced three “tow-away zones” in the blocks around Barnard Avenue where 51-year-old Esmeralda Herrera lives in a parked trailer with her elderly dog, Kiba. She lost her job as a janitor for the Santa Clara County school district during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then a rent increase drove her out of her apartment.

Herrera is on a waitlist for affordable housing, but she hasn’t seen any progress, she said. In the meantime, Herrera said she bounces all over the city, moving to a new block every time the police threaten to tow her trailer. She’s afraid to leave for job interviews, because she worries that when she gets back, the trailer and her beloved dog will be gone.

“I don’t know what I would do,” she said. “I don’t want to be in the street.”

‘Public road is not permanent housing’

San Francisco is set to begin enforcing its new RV parking rules this fall. Like San Jose, it plans to pay people to give up their RVs. In addition, people can get a temporary reprieve from towing if they agree to work with a case manager on a housing plan. But only people who have been on the city’s radar since May 2025 are eligible.

“I’m really worried that people are going to end up slipping through the cracks of the permit program, or losing their permit and getting towed,” Binder said. “And for so many people, getting towed means ending up on the streets. That’s my biggest fear: That we’ll see people suffering and more people ending up on the street that weren’t before and don’t have to be.”

In March, Carlsbad expanded its camping ban to include sleeping in vehicles on public property — an infraction that carries a $100 penalty for a first offense, a $200 penalty for a third offense, and a $500 penalty for subsequent offenses. Since the change, the city has issued 34 vehicle camping citations and 77 oversized vehicle parking citations, and towed 12 vehicles, said Mandy Mills, the city’s director of housing and homeless services.

The city received a $3 million state grant to help people living in vehicles move indoors, both by paying for temporary housing subsidies and funding the salaries of two outreach workers to connect people with housing.

In San Mateo, sleeping in a vehicle on public streets has been illegal since the 1990s. But it wasn’t enforced. In June, City Council voted to start giving people tickets after they refused two offers of shelter.

“The public road is not permanent housing,” said City Manager Alex Khojikian.

Gonzalez’s bill was intended to help cities like San Mateo clean up their streets. The bill cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee on Friday with a last-minute amendment that limits its scope to Alameda and Los Angeles counties.

The bill would give cities in those counties more freedom to dispose of abandoned or inoperable RVs. Under current law, a city can trash abandoned RVs valued at $500 or below, but anything more valuable is sold at auction. Someone else can buy that RV and return it to the street, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez’s bill would raise that threshold to $4,000, allowing cities to more easily junk RVs and get them off the street for good.

While Gonzalez says his legislation wouldn’t target RVs in which people are currently living, the bill doesn’t define what makes a vehicle “abandoned.” Opponents, including the California Public Defenders Association, worry that will allow cities to tow too broadly, and remove much-needed shelter from California’s homeless population.

A separate piece of legislation, Senate Bill 692, would have lowered a different threshold cities have to meet before they can tow “abandoned or inoperable” vehicles. The bill, by Oakland Democratic Sen. Jesse Arreguín, is dead for this year, but may move forward again next year, as Arreguín says he will continue to work with stakeholders on amendments.

In the meantime, in San Jose, Herrera will continue bouncing around the city’s streets with her dog.

“I don’t know what is my next step if they tell me to move, because I’ve been everywhere,” she said, “and I’m not getting anywhere with the homeless programs.”

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Mexico’s new Supreme Court takes the bench

Hugo Ortiz Aguilar, president of the SCJN, sits next to Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasmín Esquivel Mossa, and María Estela Ríos González. Behind them are Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García, Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía, Irving Espinosa Betanzo, and Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra. (Cuartoscuro).

by Mexico News Daily

Monday, Sept. 1, is a landmark day in the history of Mexico’s judiciary, as hundreds of judges elected in the nation’s first-ever judicial elections will commence their new roles.

Among the almost 900 new judges who start their duties today are nine Supreme Court justices elected by popular vote on June 1.

The nine new justices and 872 other judges and magistrates will be sworn in at a ceremony in the Senate on Monday night.

The number of justices on the Supreme Court bench will thus decline from 11 to nine.

Three of the nine incoming justices, Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasmin Esquivel Mossa, and Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, served on the Supreme Court’s final 11-member bench. The other six justices who will be sworn in on Monday night, including incoming Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, have not previously served on the bench of the nation’s highest court.

All nine people elected as justices on June 1 are affiliated with, seen as sympathetic to, or were at least tacitly supported by the ruling Morena party, a situation that government critics argue will eliminate a vital check on executive and legislative power.

They were elected in judicial elections that had a turnout of around 13 percent of Mexico’s eligible voters. The elections were held as a result of a controversial judicial reform that was approved by Congress last September. A second round of judicial elections will be held in 2027.

Supreme Court justices and other federal judges were previously appointed to their roles. When a Supreme Court justice position became available, the president of the day would nominate three candidates for the role and the Senate would endorse one by a two-thirds vote.

As part of her defense of the judicial reform and judicial elections, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted on repeated occasions that she is relinquishing the right to nominate justices in favor of allowing the people of Mexico to decide who should serve on the Supreme Court. Sheinbaum — who argued that judicial elections were needed to rid the nation’s judiciary of corruption and other ills — asserts that allowing citizens to elect judges enhances democracy in Mexico. She recently said that the commencement on Sept. 1 of the terms of recently elected judges marks “the end of an era of nepotism in the judiciary.”

The end of the 2-chamber era

The Supreme Court previously had two chambers — one that dealt with cases regarding civil and criminal law and another that heard cases regarding labor and administrative law. Each chamber was composed of five justices, and the chief justice didn’t participate in their sessions, participating only in Full Court sessions.

Now, all nine justices will deliberate and decide all cases in Full Court sessions. For a ruling to be valid, at least six of the nine justices will have to support it.

The Supreme Court building is in the historic center of Mexico City, a short walk from the National Palace, Mexico’s seat of executive power and now the president’s residence. Aguilar, the incoming chief justice, has said that the Supreme Court could hold sessions in locations outside its headquarters as part of efforts to “bring justice closer to the people.” Experts have noted that this change could also improve transparency and public trust in judicial decisions, allowing citizens to witness or follow proceedings in a more accessible manner.

New judges will have a lot on their plate

The recently elected Supreme Court judges will join hundreds of other existing judges whose positions were not contested in the elections on June 1. They will have an intense workload from the beginning of their terms.

The newspaper Reforma reported on Monday that the federal judiciary has a “historic” backlog of cases to resolve. At the end of July, the federal judiciary had 552,800 active unresolved cases, 25 percent more than a year earlier, Reforma reported. That figure, the newspaper said, doesn’t include more than 50,000 federal labor law cases.

Reforma said that the retirement of hundreds of circuit court magistrates and dozens of district court judges who decided not to contest the judicial elections was one reason for the growing backlog of cases.

“Another problem is the lack of resources, since the Chamber of Deputies reduced the budget of the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF) by 10 percent compared to 2024, so no new courts or tribunals have been created to help address the growing workload,” Reforma said.

Legal analysts warn that the combination of a new judicial structure, under-resourced courts, and a high volume of pending cases could create delays in rulings that affect both individuals and businesses, potentially impacting public confidence in the legal system. In addition, some observers have expressed concern that the heavy political affiliation of the new justices might influence the court’s decisions on contentious issues in the coming years.

– With reports from El Financiero, El Universal and Reforma.

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San Francisco’s war on parking: how City Hall taxes its people through the back door

 

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

In San Francisco, like in so many cities across the United States, the relationship between citizens and their local government has shifted in a way that feels less like stewardship and more like exploitation. Rather than protecting the interests of residents, City Hall has found endless ways to extract money from its people—often through mechanisms that feel arbitrary, unjust, and predatory.

The most obvious example of this is parking. The city has systematically reduced the number of available parking spaces, imposed endless restrictions, and deployed armies of meter maids and cameras, not because it improves quality of life, but because it fills government coffers. Parking enforcement has become less about order and more about revenue. Every San Franciscan knows the pain of a ticket that can easily exceed $100, sometimes for nothing more than stopping briefly to pick up food, drop off a passenger, or run into a store.

The truth is that none of this is truly about traffic safety. Officials rarely provide solid data to justify these restrictions, yet they persist in creating “no parking” zones, installing new meters or removing them wherever the city can maximize revenue, and raising fines. They are not acting as public servants but as tax collectors. And let us be clear: these are not taxes voted on by the people. They are hidden taxes, imposed through the back door, disproportionately hurting working-class residents who already struggle to pay rising rents, groceries, and transportation costs.

If city leaders were serious about fairness, they would rely more on straightforward, voter-approved mechanisms like a sales tax. Consumer spending is constant in a city like San Francisco; taxing sales directly would distribute the burden more evenly, in line with the economic activity that sustains the city. Instead, politicians prefer to squeeze people where they are most vulnerable—through parking fines, speeding cameras, and an ever-growing list of obscure regulations.

This is not accidental. It reflects a broader shift in governance that began decades ago. Historically, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors were part-time positions with modest compensation. Supervisors served their communities without the inflated salaries and career ladders of today’s political machine. City government was leaner, less expensive, and more accountable. In those years, life in San Francisco was affordable. You could rent a room for $60 or buy a home for $70,000. Streets were friendlier, communities tighter, and residents felt less like walking wallets.

Then came the change: in 1999, a measure was passed converting these positions into full-time, highly paid roles. Today, supervisors earn an annual salary of $163,878. Along with this shift came ballooning government expenses, a self-reinforcing political class, and the beginning of the city’s obsession with monetizing every aspect of public life. Parking meters spread from downtown into working-class neighborhoods like the Mission. What once cost a few cents now costs dollars, and the penalties for small mistakes have skyrocketed into triple digits.

Community leaders once stood up for residents, resisting parking meters in mixed-use areas. But those voices have gone silent. Today, no candidate dares to campaign on making parking easier. Instead, they support policies that reduce parking, pushing a narrative that cars are the problem. In reality, the problem is that people are punished for needing to use their vehicles in daily life. Residents who work long hours, who must drive for their jobs, who need to pick up their children or groceries, are forced into impossible situations. A single parking ticket can erase a day’s wages.

What we are witnessing is the capture of government by corporate logic. City Hall behaves less like a representative body and more like a corporation. And what is a corporation? It is not a living being, but a legal fiction—an entity created on paper, existing to extract profit. Unfortunately, too many politicians now see their role not as defending the people but as serving this corporate model of government. They enact laws that enrich the institution at the expense of its citizens.

San Francisco deserves better. Cities are meant to serve their residents, not prey on them. Government should not treat working families like an ATM. If City Hall insists on raising money, it should do so transparently, through taxes debated and approved by the public, not through hidden fees and predatory enforcement.

Politicians must remember their duty: they were elected to represent people, not to prop up a corporate state. Until they return to that principle, residents of San Francisco—and cities across the nation—will continue to feel like hostages in their own communities, paying ransom in the form of tickets, fines, and fees just to live their daily lives.

 

 

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Is your business ready for unexpected challenges? 

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

In an unpredictable world, businesses must be prepared to face unexpected challenges, such as natural disasters or economic shifts. The ability to adapt quickly is crucial for maintaining resilience and ensuring long-term success. We sat down with JPMorganChase, and they shared some immediate and long-term actions businesses can take to navigate disruptions:

  1. First assess, communicate and activate your plan

In the event of a disruption, quickly assess the situation and communicate with your team and customers. Transparency is key to maintaining trust and managing expectations. Implement pre-established contingency plans to ensure business continuity, which might include remote work arrangements, temporary relocation, or alternative supply chain routes. Leveraging technology will help maintain operations, including cloud-based solutions and communication platforms that can help keep your team connected and your business running, even when physical locations are impacted.

  1. Embrace flexibility and focus on customer needs

Foster a culture of agility within your organization by encouraging employees to propose innovative solutions and adapt to new roles as needed.  Diversifying your supplier base and investing in supply chain visibility to identify potential vulnerabilities to address will help your business pivot quickly in response to future disruptions. And remember to remain attentive to changes in consumer behavior and preferences and adapt your offerings and support to meet their needs.

  1. Invest in Employee Development through training and supporting well-being

Providing employees with the training and resources they need to adapt to new technologies and processes and building a versatile workforce will create a team that’s capable of addressing future challenges. Also prioritize employee well-being during times of disruption, by offering support and resources to help them manage stress and maintain productivity.

  1. Plan for the long term

Review and update your business plan on a regular basis to reflect changing circumstances and always have a backup plan to account for potential disruptions. You can also help build a cushion by establishing some financial reserves needed during challenging times.

Adapting business strategies in response to disruption requires a proactive and flexible approach. By taking immediate actions to address crises and implementing long-term strategies to build resilience, businesses can thrive in the face of unexpected challenges.

For more information on navigating business disruptions and available resources, visit chase.com/businessbanking.

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.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE YERBA BUENA ISLAND TREASURE ISLAND ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (RFP 25/26-01)

Notice is hereby given that the San Francisco County Transportation Authority is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to provide construction management services for the Yerba Buena Island Treasure Island Road Improvement Project. The complete request for proposals is posted on the Transportation Authority’s website at www.sfcta.org/contracting. Proposals should be submitted to the Transportation Authority by email at info@sfcta.org by 2:00 p.m. on September 26, 2025. El Reportero.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Mexico as early as next week

Rubio first expressed his intention to visit Mexico in May. Three months later, it may finally happen. (Marco Rubio/X) -- Rubio expresó inicialmente su intención de visitar México en mayo. Tres meses después, podría finalmente concretarse. (Marco Rubio/X)

by Mexico News Daily

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that it is likely that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will come to Mexico next week to sign a new bilateral security agreement.

“He will very probably come … in the first week of September; it’s probable. It will be confirmed this week,” Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference.

Asked whether the new Mexico-U.S. security agreement would be signed during Rubio’s visit, Sheinbaum responded: “Yes, that’s the idea.”

The president has said on repeated occasions this month that the new security agreement is “ready.”

She said last week that the bilateral pact was on the verge of being signed and is “fundamentally” based on “sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect … and coordination without subordination.”

“They are the four principles,” Sheinbaum said last Tuesday.

The Mexico-U.S. security relationship is currently governed by the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities. That agreement took effect in late 2021, superseding the Mérida Initiative.

Pact to be signed amid tension in the Mexico-US relationship  

The signing of a new Mexico-U.S. security agreement in the first week of September would come after an eventful and turbulent August.

On Aug. 8, The New York Times reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had “secretly signed a directive to the Pentagon to begin using military force against certain Latin American drug cartels that his administration has deemed terrorist organizations.”

That prompted Sheinbaum to reassure Mexicans that “the United States is not going to send its military into Mexico.”

“We cooperate [with the U.S. on security], we collaborate, but there will be no invasion. That’s ruled out … because, in addition to what we’ve stated in all our conversations, it’s not allowed, nor is it part of any agreement,” she said at her Aug. 8 press conference.

Last Friday, Sheinbaum declared that a U.S. airstrike against cartel targets in Mexico “won’t happen” when asked about the remarks DEA Administrator Terrance Cole made on the topic.

Earlier in August, the president said that a U.S. military intervention in Mexico is “not on the table,” and throughout the month — and indeed during the entirety of her presidency to date — she has stressed that her government would never accept any kind of violation of Mexico’s sovereignty.

Also in August, Sheinbaum asserted that her government hasn’t entered into an agreement with the DEA after the U.S. agency announced what it called a “bold bilateral initiative to dismantle cartel gatekeepers and combat synthetic drug trafficking.”

Sheinbaum’s frequent pushback to U.S. announcements and rhetoric has occurred as Trump and other U.S. officials have talked tough about their desire, and intention, to combat Mexican cartels that smuggle large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics into the U.S.

Sheinbaum revealed in May that she had rejected an offer from the U.S. president to send the U.S. army into Mexico to combat criminal groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, both of which are now designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.

While the president has remained defiant in her rhetoric and her opposition to any kind of U.S. military intervention in Mexico, the Mexican government has allowed U.S. drones to fly over Mexico to assist the fight against organized crime, including in a flight deep into Mexican territory this month.

In addition, the Sheinbaum administration has sought to appease the U.S. government by deploying thousands of troops to the northern border region while cracking down on cartels with operations across the country that have resulted in the arrests of thousands of suspects and the seizure of huge quantities of narcotics. It has also sent more than 50 cartel figures to face justice in the United States.

In May, Rubio praised Mexico for its efforts to combat cartels.

The pressure on Mexico from Trump, largely in the form of the threat — and imposition — of tariffs has been relentless. His administration has even asserted that “Mexican drug trafficking organizations have an intolerable alliance with the government of Mexico,” and that “the government of Mexico has afforded safe havens for the cartels to engage in the manufacturing and transportation of dangerous narcotics.”

All these factors, and others, add up to a complex and tense bilateral security environment even as Sheinbaum and Trump maintain that they, and their governments, have a good working relationship.

The signing of a new security pact between Mexico and the United States should give greater clarity and renewed impetus to the joint fight against organized crime, but the complexity and tension in the security relationship will likely remain, as will the calls of some U.S. officials and politicians — and some Mexican ones as well — for the U.S. to adopt a more proactive, and even bellicose, posture, against Mexican cartels.

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DACA recipients to lose CoveredCA health coverage Aug. 31

DACA recipients to lose CoveredCA health coverage Aug. 31 -- CoveredCA recomendó que los beneficiarios de DACA que pierdan su cobertura consulten con un agente de seguros o con la oficina de servicios sociales de su condado para ver si califican para Medi-Cal. (Mark Adams/Adobe Stock)

by Suzanne Potter, Producer

People who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, will be dropped from their Covered California health plans at the end of August.

The change comes after the Trump administration altered a Biden-era rule that had recognized DACA recipients as “lawfully present” for the purpose of health coverage. By rolling back that definition, federal officials effectively revoked eligibility for thousands of immigrants who relied on marketplace plans to access affordable medical care.

Christine Smith, policy and legislative advocate for the nonprofit Health Access California, said the decision leaves very little time for affected families to prepare.

“If you’re enrolled in Covered California and you’re a DACA recipient, the Trump administration just ended your coverage,” Smith emphasized. “People should use as much of your health care as you can before the August 31st deadline.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services defended the policy shift, arguing it will reduce costs to taxpayers. Covered California officials estimated that around 2,400 DACA recipients in the state will lose their coverage. These are individuals who typically earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal yet work in jobs that do not provide health insurance benefits. While they will still be able to buy private insurance on the open market, premiums are often far higher without subsidies. Those who prepaid for coverage may request refunds for unused months.

Smith warned the fallout will extend beyond the families directly affected, straining hospitals and emergency departments across the state.

“The lines in the ERs are going to be longer because people are not going to be able to get affordable preventive care,” Smith projected. “They’re just going to get sicker and then end up in the ERs. People will overall incur more medical debt. Hospitals will have more uncompensated care.”

The policy shift does not only affect California. Nationwide, DACA recipients will be cut off from state-based insurance marketplaces. As of mid-July, about 538,000 people across the country were enrolled in the DACA program. None of them will be eligible to purchase plans with the help of premium subsidies or cost-sharing reductions.

Advocates say the change threatens to undo years of progress in reducing the number of uninsured people in immigrant communities. They also note that many DACA recipients are essential workers who contribute to local economies and pay taxes. Without affordable health coverage, they will face more barriers to staying healthy and supporting their families.

 

 

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U.S. touts international coalition against cartels: which Latin American countries are joining

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

Authorities say they have “incredible” cooperation, not only on this matter but also regarding illegal migration.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday, during a meeting of the Trump Administration’s cabinet, that for the first time “in the modern era,” the United States is taking the offensive against drug cartels.

“We are truly on the offensive against organized cartels that are pumping deadly poison into our cities. And this is a team effort,” Rubio stated.

The official highlighted that they have built an “international coalition” with “incredible” cooperation. He named some Latin American and Caribbean countries that have joined this policy.

According to Rubio, “just in the past week,” Ecuador, Paraguay, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina have joined. “All joining us or trying to be helpful in advancing this,” he added. He stressed that Washington no longer acts alone in the anti-drug fight but seeks regional allies to curb the production and export of illegal drugs to the United States.

These remarks come amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. Rubio confirmed the deployment of naval and air forces in the southern Caribbean Sea and off the Venezuelan coast to combat drug trafficking, according to Washington.

Reuters reported that additional vessels would be deployed, including the guided-missile cruiser Lake Erie and the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Newport News. Analysts view the military presence as an effort to pressure Caracas. Washington has accused Venezuelan officials of links to drug networks, which Caracas denies.

Also on migration

Rubio said international collaboration is not only in the anti-drug field but also regarding “mass illegal migration.”

“We have countries helping us, either through third-country safe agreements or stopping the flow of migrants before they reach here. Incredible international cooperation,” he said.

He praised Trump for “redefining” the U.S. border. “It’s no longer just our physical border. We are taking action in advance and securing cooperation from countries we’ve never seen before,” he emphasized.

Rubio concluded that the strategy aims to anticipate migration flows by establishing agreements requiring migrants to seek asylum in third countries before reaching the U.S. This approach is intended to reduce pressure on the southern border while reinforcing the narrative that Washington is leading a coordinated international effort in both security and migration.

 

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Tyrosol: The unsung antioxidant powerhouse in olive oil and wine

by Ava Grace

  • Tyrosol is a phenolic compound found in olive oil, wine and various herbs, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s synthesized in nature from the amino acid tyrosine and is soluble in both water and fat.
  • Used since ancient times and prevalent in the Mediterranean diet, tyrosol-rich foods like olive oil and wine had been valued for their health benefits long before modern science confirmed tyrosol’s biological activities.
  • Tyrosol protects against oxidative stress, supports heart and brain health, reduces inflammation and promotes longevity by activating sirtuins — the signaling proteins involved in regulating aging.
  • Extra virgin olive oil is the richest source of tyrosol, followed by wine and certain herbs. While tyrosol supplements exist, getting this compound directly from whole foods is recommended for synergistic nutrient benefits.
  • Tyrosol exemplifies the link between traditional diets and disease prevention, highlighting the importance of food quality over fat avoidance. Research continues to validate tyrosol’s role in promoting longevity.
  • Tyrosol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound — classified as a phenylethanoid — celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Found abundantly in olive oil, wine and certain herbs, this bioactive molecule has quietly played a role in human health for centuries, particularly within Mediterranean diets. As modern science unravels its benefits, tyrosol is gaining recognition as a key player in promoting longevity and assisting disease prevention.

Brief history of tyrosol

Tyrosol 2-(4-hydroxyphenylethanol) is a simple phenolic compound derived from the amino acid tyrosine. It belongs to a family of polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds known for their health-promoting effects. Structurally, tyrosol consists of a phenol ring attached to an ethanol group, making it soluble in both water and fats. This dual solubility allows tyrosol to interact with various biological systems, enhancing its bioavailability and effectiveness.

The presence of tyrosol-rich foods in traditional diets like the Mediterranean diet dates back millennia. Olive oil, a primary source of tyrosol, was revered in ancient Greece and Rome not only as a culinary staple but also as a natural remedy. Hippocrates reportedly prescribed olive oil for wound healing and digestive ailments, unknowingly harnessing tyrosol’s benefits. Similarly, wine — another tyrosol source — was consumed in moderation for its perceived health benefits.

Tyrosol piqued scientific interest in the late 20th century. During this time, modern researchers had begun isolating phenolic compounds to understand their mechanisms of action. Studies have linked the Mediterranean diet, which include high olive oil and moderate wine consumption, to reduced cardiovascular disease risk, sparking investigations into tyrosol’s role.

Health benefits and natural sources

Tyrosol’s primary benefits stem from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it can:

  • Protect against oxidative stress: By neutralizing free radicals, tyrosol helps prevent cellular damage linked to aging and chronic diseases.
  • Support heart health: Studies indicate tyrosol may improve endothelial function and reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, lowering atherosclerosis risk.
  • Promote longevity: Animal studies suggest tyrosol activates sirtuins, the proteins associated with lifespan extension.
  • Reduce inflammation: Tyrosol inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, showing potential as a natural treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
  • Protect brain cells: Preliminary research suggests tyrosol exerts neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Tyrosol is found in several plant-based foods, such as:

  • Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the richest source of tyrosol, with concentrations varying by processing methods.
  • Wine: Red and white wines contain tyrosol, though levels differ depending on grape variety and fermentation.
  • Herbs: Certain medicinal herbs, such as verbena and sage, contain measurable amounts of tyrosol.
  • Green tea: This popular beverage contains related phenolics, though tyrosol itself is less prominent.

While tyrosol supplements exist, most experts recommend obtaining the compound through whole foods like olive oil, which provide synergistic nutrients. For people considering taking tyrosol supplements, typical doses range from five to 25 milligrams (mg) daily, though clinical guidelines remain limited. Consulting a healthcare provider is advised before starting a new regimen.

Foods featuring tyrosol-rich ingredients

Pure tyrosol appears as a white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. In foods, tyrosol’s presence is subtle, contributing to the complex flavors of olive oil and wine without dominating their profiles.

Try making the following dishes to enjoy the benefits of tyrosol:

Mediterranean olive oil-drizzled salad: Combine fresh greens, tomatoes and feta, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (high in tyrosol) and lemon.

Red wine-braised short ribs: Slow-cook ribs to leverage tyrosol from both the wine and accompanying olive oil.

Herb-infused olive oil dip: Blend rosemary, thyme and sage with olive oil for a tyrosol-packed appetizer.

Tyrosol represents a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern nutrition science. Its presence in Mediterranean staples offers a dietary blueprint for longevity, reinforcing the idea that some of the best medicines come not from a pill but from nature itself.

By incorporating tyrosol-rich foods into your daily meals, you can tap into a centuries-old tradition of wellness — one that science is only beginning to fully appreciate.

This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

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