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Preserving community voices: The fight to save San Francisco’s news racks

“New Mayor Daniel Lurie must act to preserve San Francisco’s community news racks”

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

With reports by Julia Gitis

San Francisco, renowned for its progressive values, now faces criticism for a decision that undermines its diverse communities: the removal of city-managed news racks. This move threatens to silence independent media, which amplify marginalized voices. For a city that prides itself on inclusivity and free expression, this decision feels both contradictory and disheartening.

Community newspapers like El Reportero are cultural lifelines. They highlight stories overlooked by mainstream media, promote literacy, and preserve languages and traditions. Yet instead of supporting these vital outlets, the city appears intent on erasing them. The disappearance of green news racks, once fixtures of San Francisco’s streets, reflects a broader issue: the marginalization of independent media in favor of digital platforms controlled by corporate giants.

Take Ken Cacich, a 72-year-old Lower Polk resident. For decades, he relied on print newspapers like the Bay Area Reporter for news. “One by one, they’re disappearing,” he says. For seniors like him and non-English speakers who prefer print over digital formats, these racks were gateways to community connection. Their removal feels like a betrayal of those without the means—or desire—to go online.

The irony is stark. In the 1990s, San Francisco centralized individual news boxes into city-owned green racks, addressing concerns about clutter while maintaining equitable access to publications. These kiosks became hubs for discovering local gems like El Tecolote, The Potrero View, and The Sunset Beacon. But as print journalism faced decline, the city shifted priorities, dismissing these racks as “blight.”

Maintaining individual racks is prohibitively expensive for small publishers. Replacement costs run into hundreds of dollars, and the city mandates $1 million in liability insurance—unaffordable for outlets already struggling financially. Even publishers who comply face vandalism or rack removal without notice. As the publisher of El Reportero, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on racks, only to see them vanish inexplicably. It often feels like an intentional effort to suppress independent voices.

The Department of Public Works claims racks are removed after repeated warnings about graffiti. However, warnings that once arrived via email have disappeared, leaving publishers uninformed. Paul Kozakiewicz of the Richmond Review and Steven Moss of The Potrero View recount similar experiences, with racks removed and fines for graffiti exceeding any revenue generated. These challenges have forced many to abandon street racks altogether.

For print readers, this loss is keenly felt. Cacich, for example, prefers newspapers over screens. “I’m old-fashioned,” he says. “I like a newspaper on the treadmill.” Fadi Berbery, owner of Smoke Signals, a Polk Street shop, confirms that print retains strong demand across all ages. Younger readers also value the tactile experience of flipping through pages.

San Francisco’s removal of news racks reflects a broader trend prioritizing digital media while neglecting less tech-savvy residents. Distributing papers through local businesses is an imperfect solution; newspapers tucked away in cafes or bookstores lack the visibility of street racks. Jason Feng, who runs a newsstand in North Beach, emphasizes the importance of accessibility, noting that many rely on his stand daily.

This is more than a logistical issue; it’s a cultural one. News racks once offered serendipitous encounters with stories readers might never seek online. They symbolized free speech and community engagement. Their absence diminishes the urban landscape and narrows the avenues for diverse perspectives to reach the public.

As San Francisco nears the final removal of city-run racks, I urge newly inaugurated Mayor Daniel Lurie to reverse this damaging policy. The city should support independent media by subsidizing rack costs, streamlining permits, or reinstating centralized kiosks. Additionally, publishers should be allowed to own and maintain their racks on sidewalks without fear of arbitrary removal. Community newspapers are not relics of the past—they are vital threads in the fabric of our society, especially for new generations. Losing them means losing a part of ourselves.

The decline of print journalism is complex, but San Francisco—a city celebrated for innovation and equity—can find solutions. Investing in local media affirms a commitment to free expression and ensures all voices, not just the powerful, are heard. Preserving news racks is about more than tradition; it’s about protecting the democratic ideals that define us.

And, finally, it would be great to know, who gave the order for the removal?

This editorial was inspired by reporting from Julia Gitis for Mission Local.

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Sheinbaum wants to make Mexico 10th largest economy in the world with ‘Plan México’

Además de buscar mayor inversión extranjera, una de las 12 metas del Plan México de Sheinbaum es brindar acceso a financiamiento a al menos 30% de las pequeñas y medianas empresas. “Somos uno de los países con menos financiamiento para las pequeñas y medianas empresas”, afirmó Sheinbaum. --In addition to seeking greater foreign investment, one of the 12 goals of Sheinbaum’s Plan México is to provide access to financing to at least 30% of small and medium-sized businesses. “We are one of the countries with the least financing for small and medium-sized businesses,” said Sheinbaum. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartocuro)

by Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies

President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday presented an ambitious economic plan whose goals include making Mexico the 10th largest economy in the world, reducing reliance on imports from China and other Asian countries and creating 1.5 million new jobs.

Sheinbaum unveiled Plan México at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, making her second major speech in two days after delivering an hourlong address on Sunday to highlight her government’s achievements during its first 100 days in office.

The president described Plan México as a long-term “vision for equitable and sustainable development” that promotes economic growth while prioritizing “wellbeing for our people.”

She said that the plan would “continue to promote” the relocation of foreign companies to North America as Mexico seeks to take advantage of what has been described as a “once-in-a-generation” nearshoring opportunity.

Sheinbaum said that there is already US $277 billion in the investment pipeline.

“We’ve reached the level of having counted $277 billion in [proposed] investment [from companies] that want to come to Mexico,” she said, adding that the planned outlay is spread across some 2,000 projects.

Sheinbaum also reiterated that the USMCA free trade pact, which is up for revision in 2026, has benefited each of its signatories — the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“It will be maintained because it has been shown to be one of the best trade agreements in history,” she said.

The president’s presentation of Plan México came exactly one week before the inauguration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican exports and accused Mexico of being a tariff-free backdoor to the U.S. for Chinese goods.

The federal government has already begun taking steps to reduce reliance on imports from China, while seizing significant quantities of counterfeit Chinese goods and imposing new tariffs on Chinese clothing and products imported to Mexico via e-commerce sites such as Temu and Shein.

Its aim with the tariffs is to support and protect Mexican sectors that have lost competitiveness and consequently market share due to an increase in imports to Mexico, especially low-cost products from China.

Plan México could help appease Trump as it reinforces Mexico’s commitment to the economic region in which it is located: North America.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said late last year that Mexico would “mobilize all legitimate interests in favor of North America” amid the ongoing China-U.S. trade war that could intensify after Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

The goals of Plan México 

Accompanied by cabinet ministers including Ebrard and Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O, Sheinbaum outlined 12 specific goals of Plan México to an audience that included various business sector representatives.

“As you can see, they are ambitious goals,” she told attendees as the 12 objectives were displayed on a screen.

“For example, going from being the 12th largest economy in the world to being the 10th largest economy. That’s the scale of our objective,” Sheinbaum said.

The full list of Plan México goals the president presented is as follows:

  1. To make Mexico the 10th largest economy in the world by the end of Sheinbaum’s term in 2030.
  2. To maintain public and private investment levels above 25 percent of Mexico’s GDP, and increase investment to above 28 percent of GDP by 2030.
  3. To create 1.5 million jobs in Mexico’s specialized manufacturing industry and other “strategic sectors.”
  4. To increase production in “strategic sectors” in Mexico so that they can supply 50 percent of the national demand for products made in those sectors. “That is the objective, at least, in the textiles, footwear, furniture and toy sectors as well as some others,” Sheinbaum said.
  5. To increase by 15 percent the use of domestically made contents in products made by the following sectors: automotive, aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
  6. To have products made in Mexico account for 50 percent of all government purchases.
  7. To make (more) vaccines in Mexico.
  8. To reduce the average time between an investment announcement and the execution of a project from 2.6 years to 1 year.
  9. To train an additional 150,000 “professionals” and “technicians” per year, with a focus on preparing people to work in “strategic sectors.”
  10. To promote environmentally sustainable investment.
  11. To provide access to finance to at least 30 percent of small and medium-sized businesses. “We’re among the countries with the least funding for small and medium-sized companies,” Sheinbaum said.
  12. To make Mexico among the world’s top five tourism destinations. (Mexico is currently ranked seventh.)

Sheinbaum added that a “substantive goal” of Plan México is to “reduce poverty and inequality in our country.”

She explained that the aim of producing more in Mexico is to not just supply more products to the domestic market but also to “the regional market.”

“The United States also depends a lot on imports from China and [other] Asian countries. We’re going to strengthen the regional market. And, in addition, our objective is also to expand [trade and economic cooperation] to the entire American continent. That is the vision we want in order to be the region with the greatest potential and development in the world,” she said.

How will the federal government support Plan México?

Sheinbaum outlined a range of “actions” that will be undertaken in the coming months to support Plan México and help it achieve its goals. They are also detailed in a “first draft” Plan México document subtitled “National Strategy for Industrialization and Shared Prosperity.”

One measure is the provision of additional incentives to foreign and Mexican companies, which will be detailed in a “nearshoring decree” to be published this Friday.

Among the other “actions” are the following:

Mexico’s existing trade agreements, tariff policies (the government appears open to matching U.S. tariffs on certain Chinese imports) and “customs intelligence” will also support Plan México, according to the “first draft” document presented by Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum said that the document was a “first draft” because additional “ideas” will be added to Plan México.

The president also said that her government has been developing a “public investment plan” that includes spending on highways, passenger rail projects, airports, industrial parks, energy (particularly renewable energy), water, housing, security, education and other initiatives.

‘The aim is for everyone to be part of the construction of Plan México’

In a speech at the Museum of Anthropology, before Sheinbaum presented the details of Plan México, Marcelo Ebrard said that various working groups, “all led by Doctor Claudia Sheinbaum,” developed Plan México.

He said the plan could be described as “a navigational chart for Mexico for the new era we’re going to face.”

The economy minister highlighted the speed with which the plan was developed and declared that it was “virtually dictated by the president.”

However, Ebrard also said that the plan was the result of “collective work.”

“The national private sector is [represented] here, as is the private sector of the [different] federal entities and the economic development ministers of the 32 federal entities,” he said.

“… So it’s a collective job. A navigational chart, as I said at the beginning. There is uncertainty in the immediate future, but if we are united and have a national direction, as we do, we will come out ahead,” Ebrard said.

In her address, Sheinbaum said there is “a plan, a project and goals” for each of Mexico’s 32 states within Plan México.

“And the aim is for everyone to be part of the construction of Plan México,” she said.

Finance minister highlights that import substitution will spur growth 

Repeating remarks he made last year, Rogelio Ramírez said that the replacement of just 10 percent of Chinese imports with products made in North America would boost economic growth in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

He said that the replacement of one-tenth of Chinese imports with production in North America would add 1.2 percentage points to Mexico’s annual GDP growth rate, and 0.8 points and 0.2 points to growth rates in the United States and Canada, respectively.

Final 2024 figures aren’t yet in, but economic growth in Mexico slowed significantly in the first three quarters of last year compared to 2023, and is forecast to slow even more in 2025.

Ramírez highlighted that China has significantly increased its share of global trade this century, while the share of the USMCA signatories declined.

“This loss of participation cost us, especially Mexico and the United States, Canada less so,” Ramírez said, adding that a lot of factories in North America have shut down and a lot of jobs have been lost.

The effectiveness of Plan México in remedying that situation will become evident in the coming years.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

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A surprising immigration raid in Kern County foreshadows what awaits farmworkers and businesses

Los trabajadores agrícolas trabajan en un campo en las afueras de Bakersfield, condado de Kern, el 25 de julio de 2023. --Farmworkers work in a field outside Bakersfield, Kern County, on July 25, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

“If this is the new normal, this is absolute economic devastation,” says one local economist

by Sergio Olmos

CalMatters

Acres of orange fields sat unpicked in Kern County this week as word of Border Patrol raids circulated through Messenger chats and images of federal agents detaining laborers spread on local Facebook groups.

The Border Patrol conducted unannounced raids throughout Bakersfield on Tuesday, descending on businesses where day laborers and field workers gather. Agents in unmarked SUVs rounded up people in vans outside a Home Depot and gas station that serves a breakfast popular with field workers.

This appears to be the first large-scale Border Patrol raid in California since the election of Donald Trump, coming just a day after Congress certified the election on January 6, in the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency. The panic and confusion, for both immigrants and local businesses that rely on their labor, foreshadow what awaits communities across California if Trump follows through on his promise to conduct mass deportations.

“It was profiling, it was purely field workers,” said Sara Fuentes, store manager of the local gas station. Fuentes said that at 9 a.m., when the store typically gets a rush of workers on their way to pick oranges, two men in civilian clothes and unmarked Suburbans started detaining people outside the store. “They didn’t stop people with FedEx uniforms, they were stopping people who looked like they worked in the fields.” Fuentes says one customer pulled in just to pump gas and agents approached him and detained him.

Fuentes has lived in Bakersfield all her life and says she’s never seen anything like it. In one instance, she said a man and woman drove up to the store together, and the man went inside. Border Patrol detained the man as he walked out, Fuentes said, and then demanded the woman get out of the vehicle. When she refused, another agency parked his vehicle behind the woman, blocking her car. Fuentes said it wasn’t until the local Univision station showed up that Border Patrol agents backed up their car and allowed the woman to leave.

Fuentes says none of the regular farm workers showed up to buy breakfast on Wednesday morning. “No field workers at all,” she said.

Growers and agricultural leaders in California and across the nation have warned that Trump’s promised mass deportations will disrupt the nation’s food supply, leading to shortages and higher prices. In Kern County this week, just the word of the deportations inspired workers to stay away from the fields.

“People are freaked out, people are worried, people are planning on staying home the next couple of days,” said Antonio De Loera-Brust, director of communication for the United Farm Workers. De Loera-Brust said the Border Patrol detained at least one UFW member in Kern County as they “traveled between home and work.”

Videos shared in local Facebook groups and Instagram pages show Border Patrol agents pulling over vehicles along the 99 Highway on Tuesday and Wednesday in Bakersfield.

“They were stopping cars at random, asking people for papers. They were going to gas stations and Home Depot where day laborers gather,” said Antonio De Loera-Brust. “It’s provoking intense anxiety and a lot of fear in the community.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request for comment. On social media, Gregory K. Bovino, the Border Patrol chief in El Centro, called the sweeps “Operation Return to Sender.”

“We are taking it to the bad people and bad things in Bakersfield,” the El Centro Border Patrol said in response to a comment on its Facebook page. “We are planning operations for other locals (sic) such as Fresno and especially Sacramento.”

It’s unclear how many people have been detained by Border Patrol or how long the operation would last.

“We’re in the middle of our citrus harvesting. This sent shockwaves through the entire community,” said Casey Creamer, president of the industry group California Citrus Mutual, on Thursday. “People aren’t going to work and kids aren’t going to school. Yesterday about 25% of the workforce, today 75% didn’t show up.”

He pushed back on the Border Patrol’s claims they’re targeting bad people. He said they appeared to be general sweeps of workers.

“If this is the new normal, this is absolute economic devastation,” said Richard S. Gearhart, an associate professor of economics at Cal State-Bakersfield.

In the short term, he predicted farms and dairies could make up the losses, but that homebuilders, restaurants and small businesses would be most hurt financially.

But he’s worried about the long-term.

“You are talking about a recession-level event if this is the new long-term norm,” he said.

Agriculture comprises about 10 percent of Kern County’s gross domestic product and undocumented workers may comprise half of the workforce, he said. And the Central Valley provides about a quarter of the United States’ food.

“So, you WILL see, in the long run, food inflation and food shortages,” he wrote in a text message.

He predicted immigrants, even ones with documents, would stop shopping, going to school and seeking health care.

“So, this could have some serious deleterious long run impacts beyond lost farm productivity. Losses in education and health would be catastrophic,” he said. “Basically, you know how Kern County complains about oil? This event would be analogous to shutting down oil production. Economic catastrophe.”

– This article was originally published by CalMatters.

For the record: The first paragraph of this story has been updated to reflect that orange fields went unpicked. The original version referred to grape fields. However, this time of year, grape fields are being pruned, not picked.

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Celebrate the arrival of the Kings

La Gente

by Magdy Zara

January 6, usually the last day of the Christmas season, is when we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day.

According to the legend based on the scriptures (Matthew 2:1-12), this day commemorates the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, who followed the star to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

In Mexico, Spain and other Latin countries, Three Kings’ Day is when children receive their gifts from the Three Wise Men instead of Santa Claus at Christmas.

Throughout Latin America and the United States, Latinos celebrate this day with different activities.

*At Yoshi’s they celebrate Three Kings’ Day with rhythm, Puerto Rican salsa honors the jíbaro roots, with sounds of the Puerto Rican cuatro and the Cuban tres.

The band Latin Rhythm Boys, was born from the hands of Henry Miranda, who successfully brought his Puerto Rican salsa to California.

The presentation will be on January 5th at 7 p.m., the price of the tickets ranges from $30 – $49. Yoshi`s is located at 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.

*You can also celebrate the day of the Three Wise Men with your family. This day, children will have a special area, the rosca de reyes will be offered, there will be live music, DJs, piñatas, vendors, beer and wine sales, as well as the groups La Banda Puerto Rico and Tamborazo, in the plaza. Santa Rosa, located on Fourth St. and Santa Rosa Ave, this Sunday, January 5th, from 1 to 9 p.m. admission is free.

*Omar Alejandro, sings on the Day of the Three Wise Men, in a family show.

The baritone Omar Alejandro, will lead the party with his Mariachis with which he will perform Christmas melodies and songs, this Sunday, January 5th starting at 2 p.m. at the San Jose Woman’s Club, located at 75 S 11th St, San Jose. Admission is $6.

La Gente SF confirms its first performance of 2025

La Gente SF is a musical group that was born in the city of San Francisco, which is led by Rafa Sarria Bustamante: singer-songwriter and voting member of the Recording Academy/Grammy.

La Gente SF has created its own musical style, mixing cumbia, reggae, salsa and reggaeton.

Their music and live shows fuse rhythms, dances and cultural influences from all over Latin America and the Caribbean with a distinctive San Francisco flavor, to create an infectious and high-energy dance party.

In collaboration with Artist Migration, La Gente SF will perform next Sunday, January 19, starting at 4 p.m., at The Piano Palace, located at 415 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay. Admission includes wine and snacks.

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Arturo Sandoval Honored at Kennedy Center: A Star-Studded Celebration of a Latin Jazz Icon

Arturo Sandoval

by the El Reportero‘s news services

Arturo Sandoval, the legendary Cuban trumpeter and Latin jazz icon, was celebrated on Dec. 8, in grand style at the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors. The event brought together some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians and celebrities to pay tribute to a man whose career has redefined the boundaries of jazz and Latin music.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., was attended by over 2,000 guests, including luminaries from the music, film, and political worlds. Among the attendees were former honorees such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and composer Quincy Jones, who have both collaborated with Sandoval in the past. Jones, who produced one of Sandoval’s albums, praised him during the event as “a global treasure with unmatched brilliance.”

A host of celebrity musicians performed in Sandoval’s honor, showcasing the breadth of his influence. Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis delivered a dazzling rendition of Sandoval’s classic “A Mis Abuelos,” a piece that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz in a deeply personal tribute to Sandoval’s heritage. Marsalis described Sandoval as “the soul of the trumpet, a virtuoso who makes the impossible sound effortless.”

Singer Gloria Estefan, a fellow Cuban-American, performed an emotional version of “Flight to Freedom,” evoking Sandoval’s journey from Cuba to the United States. Her performance brought the audience to its feet, celebrating not only Sandoval’s artistry but also his resilience and courage.

Latin pop sensation Camila Cabello joined forces with jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding to perform a medley of Sandoval’s most famous compositions, including “Danzón” and “Mambo Caliente.” The unique fusion of styles reflected Sandoval’s ability to bridge traditional and contemporary music.

A surprise performance came from jazz legend Herbie Hancock, who played a duet with Sandoval on the piano, highlighting the honoree’s skills beyond the trumpet. The heartfelt collaboration underscored Sandoval’s profound impact on the jazz world.

Between performances, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Video messages from stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jennifer Lopez highlighted Sandoval’s role as a cultural ambassador. “Arturo’s music carries the soul of Cuba and the spirit of jazz,” said Miranda. “He’s a storyteller who uses his trumpet to speak volumes.”

The evening culminated with Sandoval himself taking the stage, his trumpet in hand, for an impromptu performance of “There Will Never Be Another You.” It was a poignant moment, reminding everyone why his artistry remains unparalleled.

In his acceptance speech, Sandoval reflected on his journey, thanking his family, mentors, and fans. “Music is my life, my love, and my freedom,” he said. “This honor is not just mine—it belongs to all who believe in the power of art to bring people together.”

The Kennedy Center Honors marked a fitting tribute to a career that has spanned over five decades. Sandoval’s contributions to music have earned him 10 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. More importantly, his music has transcended borders, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz to create a sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Outside the Opera House, fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate the occasion, with a street performance by a local Latin jazz band adding to the festive atmosphere. For those in attendance, the night was a reminder of Sandoval’s unparalleled legacy and the universal language of music he has championed.

As the applause echoed through the Kennedy Center, it was clear that Arturo Sandoval’s impact extends far beyond his virtuosic trumpet skills. He has become a symbol of resilience, artistry, and cultural pride, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike. The evening’s celebration affirmed what many have long known: Arturo Sandoval is not just a musician; he is a legend.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLj-ZGBw3NQ

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Why, as a community, we must protect newspapers from becoming extinct

La imagen enfatiza la importancia de la lectura para la salud mental y la prevención del Alzheimer. Contrasta visualmente la lectura tradicional con el consumo de medios digitales, destacando el valor de los medios impresos para la participación intelectual. -- The image emphasizes the importance of reading for mental health and preventing Alzheimer's. It visually contrasts traditional reading with digital media consumption, highlighting the value of print media for intellectual engagement.

Reading prevents Alzheimer’s: Strengthens the intelligence muscle

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

Reading is more than a pastime; it is a vital exercise for the brain. Much like physical activity keeps our bodies healthy, reading stimulates the mind, fostering cognitive resilience and potentially preventing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Engaging in this intellectual activity requires the brain to create vivid mental images, connect concepts, and interpret ideas—an active process that strengthens the “muscle” of intelligence. This mental workout is not only irreplaceable but essential for long-term brain health.

The growing dominance of television and digital media has caused many to abandon the habit of reading. Unlike books, newspapers, or other written media, television provides ready-made images, requiring little to no effort from the viewer. This passive consumption dulls the brain’s imaginative capacities and can contribute to the atrophy of intellectual functions. In stark contrast, reading activates the mind, demanding focus, imagination, and critical thinking. Where television pacifies, reading energizes.

This shift away from reading is particularly evident in the decline of newspaper readership. Social media, smartphones, and streaming platforms have overshadowed traditional newspapers, contributing to a generational disconnect from this invaluable medium. Yet, newspapers offer unique benefits that should not be underestimated. They do more than deliver information; they preserve history. Unlike online content, which can be edited or deleted at will, the printed word is a permanent record, unalterable and reliable—a legacy akin to words carved in stone.

Newspapers are the foundation of the history books that we as children are taught from in schools, from elementary to higher education. Society, especially businesses, must support newspapers in order for the industry to survive and provide better coverage of daily events and life, which are the foundation of history. This is particularly true for local, community newspapers, which are the voice of the communities. Your advertising dollars are the blood of the community press.

Promoting newspaper reading is about more than preserving tradition; it is about safeguarding an informed and active citizenry. Newspapers have historically documented laws, significant events, and societal milestones, serving as a tangible connection to our shared history. If newspapers were to disappear, we would risk losing this vital repository of truth and memory.

Another troubling trend is the detachment of today’s youth from reading. Many young people spend countless hours consuming videos or scrolling through social media, bombarded by fast, superficial content that fosters passivity and diminishes critical thinking skills. For many, reading has become tedious because their minds have not been conditioned to focus or imagine. This alarming trend can only be reversed through deliberate efforts by parents, educators, and community leaders to make reading an essential and enjoyable part of daily life.

Community programs aimed at fostering a love for reading are more important than ever. Libraries, schools, and cultural organizations must collaborate to emphasize the value of books and newspapers. Encouraging young people to read from an early age not only enriches their vocabulary and comprehension but also strengthens their ability to think critically and engage with the world around them.

The benefits of reading extend far beyond intellectual engagement. Research has shown that regular reading can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance empathy. By immersing oneself in stories and ideas, a reader develops a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of connection and compassion. For older adults, reading can serve as a crucial tool for maintaining cognitive functions and delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

In this digital age, where information is abundant yet fleeting, newspapers remain a beacon of thoughtful analysis and reliable reporting. Their physical presence serves as a reminder of the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and engaging with content on a deeper level. While digital platforms cater to convenience and speed, they often sacrifice depth and accuracy. Newspapers encourage readers to think critically and form informed opinions, a skillset essential for navigating today’s complex world.

Efforts to promote reading must also address the accessibility and appeal of newspapers to younger generations. Innovative approaches, such as integrating digital subscriptions with print editions or incorporating interactive elements, can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. By adapting to changing times without compromising journalistic integrity, newspapers can reclaim their role as indispensable tools for education and awareness.

The fight against Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders starts with habits that prioritize brain health. Just as we are encouraged to exercise our bodies regularly, we must also dedicate time to exercising our minds. Reading—especially the deliberate, reflective act of engaging with newspapers—offers one of the most effective ways to keep the brain active and resilient. It is a simple yet powerful habit with profound implications for individual well-being and societal progress.

We cannot allow reading, particularly the reading of newspapers, to fade into obsolescence. By championing literacy and the appreciation of print media, we nurture an intellectually engaged society capable of critical thinking and informed decision-making. Let us rise to the challenge of preserving this essential practice, ensuring that the muscle of intelligence remains strong for generations to come.

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Peso falls to 20.9 to the dollar in its fourth consecutive day of depreciation

El peso se encaminaba a registrar su cuarto peor año desde que México implementó un régimen cambiario de libre flotación en 1995, según el director de análisis económico de Banco Base. -- As of Monday, the peso was on track to record its fourth-worst year since Mexico implemented a free-floating exchange regime in 1995, according to Banco Base's director of economic analysis. (Shutterstock)

As of Monday, the peso was on track to record its fourth-worst year since Mexico implemented a free-floating exchange regime in 1995, according to Banco Base’s director of economic analysis. (Shutterstock)

The Mexican peso depreciated in early trading on Tuesday, losing ground against the US dollar for a fourth consecutive day as 2024 comes to a close.

After closing at 20.66 to the greenback on Monday, the peso fell to 20.90 shortly before 2 p.m. Mexico City time on Tuesday. The tumble marked a 1.16 percent depreciation, bringing the peso to its weakest position in all of 2024.

The peso’s depreciation on Tuesday came after the currency fell 1.67 percent against the greenback on Monday.

The expectation that the Bank of Mexico’s benchmark interest rate will continue to decline in 2025 after five cuts this year is one factor contributing to the decline of the peso in recent days. Concern over the potential impact of the second Trump administration on the Mexican economy is another.

United States President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20, has pledged to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican exports on the first day of his second term and keep it in place until Mexico does more to stop the flow of drugs and migrants to the U.S.

In a post to X on Tuesday morning, Banco Base’s director of economic analysis, Gabriela Siller, attributed the recent depreciation of the peso to “fear” over Trump’s return to the White House.

“The exchange rate is shaping up to end the year at close to 21 pesos per dollar. There is fear over the return of Trump,” she wrote.

Cipactli Jiménez, an independent investment adviser, told the El Economista newspaper that “there is great uncertainty” regarding the relationship Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will have with Trump.

Uncertainty over the impact the policies of the second Trump administration will have on the Mexican economy “is reflected in the [current USD:MXN] exchange rate,” he added.

The worst year for the peso since 2008 

According to Yahoo! Finance, the Mexican peso closed at 16.86 to the US dollar on Dec. 31, 2023. Thus the peso has depreciated around 19 percent in 2024.

Compared to the 16.30-to-the-dollar rate the peso reached in April, the depreciation is almost 22 percent.

The peso depreciated sharply after the ruling Morena party’s comprehensive victory in Mexico’s June 2 elections. Concern over Morena’s constitutional reform agenda, especially the judicial overhaul that Congress approved in September, was a major factor in the decline.

The election of Trump in early November, and the former and future president’s tariff threats, placed additional pressure on the peso.

On Monday, Siller noted on X that the peso was on track to record its fourth-worst year since Mexico implemented a free-floating exchange regime in 1995.

“If the exchange rate ends the year at today’s level (20.55 pesos per dollar) it will be the fourth largest annual depreciation [for the peso] since we’ve had the free-floating exchange regime,” she wrote.

The Banco Base analyst said that the annual depreciation this year would rank behind a 51.63 percent decline in 1995, a 22.87 percent depreciation in 1998 and a 25.46 percent weakening in 2008 amid the global financial crisis.

With reports from El Economista, Reuters and Bloomberg Línea

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A look at the elimination of the Department of Education

by the El Reportero‘s news services

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, a move aimed at addressing concerns about the agency’s spending and perceived focus on “woke” indoctrination amid declining student performance.

“We will ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education,” Trump said during a rally in Wisconsin, promising to stop the misuse of taxpayer dollars to promote ideologies many parents oppose.

Experts like Jim Blew, former Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the department, support the proposal. Blew argues that its core functions—such as allocating funds for low-income school districts, special education, and enforcing civil rights laws—could be reassigned to other federal agencies. For instance, the Treasury Department could handle student loans, while the Justice Department might enforce Title IX provisions.

The department’s annual $80 billion budget has been criticized for inefficiency, as curriculum decisions remain at the state and local levels. Critics argue that converting Title I funding into state block grants could empower local districts to allocate resources more effectively, although it might also risk poorer spending decisions.

During the pandemic, the department distributed billions in COVID relief funds, but academic performance still declined. Nine-year-olds’ reading scores fell five points in 2022—the largest drop since 1990—and math scores dropped seven points. Parents, frustrated by prolonged school closures and remote learning, became more vocal about concerns over political content in curricula.

Trump is not the first Republican to target the department. Ronald Reagan also campaigned to eliminate it but faced resistance in Congress. Trump’s plan, however, comes amid heightened dissatisfaction with public schools, which could provide political momentum.

The department also enforces civil rights laws, a role that expanded under the Biden administration’s redefinition of Title IX to include gender identity. Critics, including courts in some states, have pushed back against these changes. Trump has signaled plans to cut funding to schools promoting Critical Race Theory or controversial gender policies.

Some conservatives, like California school board member Jonathan Zachreson, worry that eliminating the department could reduce oversight over states with progressive education policies, such as those requiring schools to allow transgender students to use opposite-sex bathrooms. “Before you abolish the Department of Education, you need to fix a couple of things,” Zachreson said, emphasizing the need for clear Title IX guidance.

Education expert Andy Smarick noted that eliminating the department could limit federal power to advance specific agendas. While reducing bureaucracy appeals to many, it would also require states to handle more responsibilities with less federal oversight.

Federal funding itself has drawbacks. During the pandemic, teachers’ unions in California delayed reopening schools until they secured federal COVID relief funds, according to Zachreson.

To abolish the department, Trump would need Congress to pass legislation, requiring a supermajority in the Senate—a significant challenge. Some Republican lawmakers, like Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), have already introduced bills to dismantle the department and redistribute its functions. However, teachers’ unions remain a formidable obstacle. Created as part of a campaign promise to the National Education Association in 1979, the department still has strong union backing. Union leaders, including Randi Weingarten, have criticized Trump’s plans.

Regardless of the department’s future, addressing recent learning losses will take years. Blew emphasized the need for ongoing reform to ensure underserved students receive the education they deserve. “The reform movement will continue until that injustice is erased,” he said.

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Federal health care dollars are helping to house homeless Californians. Trump could stop that

El Dr. Rishi Patel, del equipo de Akido Street Medicine, controla a un hombre sin hogar que vive en un viñedo en Arvin el 28 de mayo de 2024. -- Dr. Rishi Patel from the Akido Street Medicine team checks on an unhoused man living in a vineyard in Arvin on May 28, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Gov. Newsom launched an ambitious program that uses Medi-Cal to help Californians access housing, healthy food and more. Now, its fate is in the hands of President-Elect Trump

by Marisa Kendall

Two years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration unveiled a new plan to help solve the homelessness crisis: It began using health care providers, funded through Medi-Cal, to help people get and stay housed.

Now, with President-Elect Donald Trump about to take office, some health care organizations, homeless service providers and other stakeholders throughout California worry  the program may fall apart just as it’s starting to make a difference. It’s one of many potential shake ups they’re bracing for as they prepare for a new federal administration unlikely to see eye to eye with the Golden State on many of its social welfare policies.

“It makes us all very nervous,” said John Baackes, outgoing CEO of Medi-Cal provider L.A. Care Health Plan.

CalAIM, launched in 2022, is an expansion of Medi-Cal that allows health insurance to pay for certain things that aren’t considered traditional medical care — such as services to help homeless Californians find and keep housing. Proponents say it’s brought a much-needed infusion of money into the state’s overburdened homeless services system.

But because states aren’t typically allowed to spend Medicaid dollars on those types of services, California had to get special permission from the federal government. That permission, in the form of two waivers, expires at the end of 2026.

That means the fate of CalAIM rests in the hands of the Trump administration, which can decide whether to renew the program, scale it back or change it. Trump has yet to give any indication of what he would do (or even whether this specific California program is on his radar) and most stakeholders agree any changes he makes probably wouldn’t come until 2026. But the uncertainty is compounding the stress on already overburdened homeless service providers, who routinely receive short-term, one-time grants instead of permanent funding, making it difficult to plan for the future.

“CalAIM has been one of the most important and, I think, under-appreciated policies of the Newsom administration, to try to better connect our health system and our housing system,” said Tommy Newman, vice president of public affairs for United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “And the risk of going backwards on that is scary.”

Newsom’s administration wouldn’t specify what, if anything, it is doing to safeguard CalAIM.

“California will continue to work collaboratively with our federal partners to ensure that families in our state are healthy and our communities are vibrant places to live and work,” Anthony Cava, spokesperson for the Department of Health Care Services, said in a statement. “While we don’t typically speculate on the potential impacts of a new federal administration, we remain committed to protecting Californian’s access to the critical services and programs they need.”

What is CalAIM?

The goal of CalAIM is to address factors known as “social determinants of health” for low-income Californians. It’s hard to stay healthy when you don’t have access to basic necessities, such as housing and nutritious food, for example. Ultimately, it’s supposed to save the state and the feds money by helping people avoid expensive emergency room visits.

In 2023, more than 68,600 Californians used the three services known as the “housing trio” under CalAIM. These are services designed to help them find housing, stay housed or pay for move-in costs such as security deposits and first and last month’s rent, according to the most recent state data available. Only CalAIM’s “medically tailored meals” service (which helps people with conditions such as diabetes access food that meets their dietary needs) was nearly as popular, with nearly 62,700 users.

CalAIM provides a total of 14 of these services, or “community supports,” which also include medical respite care for people who recently left the hospital, asthma remediation — think air filters, dehumidifiers, mold removal — and sobering centers. CalAIM also provides something called “enhanced care management,” which pairs Medi-Cal members with an intensive case manager who can help them access everything from a doctor to a dentist to a social worker.

One-time grants, doled out to health plans as an incentive for them to ramp up CalAIM services, also helped fund the construction of new affordable housing.

Abode Services, a nonprofit that provides shelter, housing and other aid for unhoused people across seven Bay Area counties, serves more than 1,000 Californians through CalAIM, said CEO Vivian Wan. In Napa County, Abode uses CalAIM to provide case management services to help people move from homeless encampments into shelter and housing. In Santa Cruz County, Abode uses CalAIM funds to replace the federal COVID-19 homelessness funds that poured in during the pandemic but have since dried up.

Abode and other nonprofits also use CalAIM funds to fill an important gap often left by other grants: services for formerly homeless people living in subsidized housing. State programs such as Homekey offer money to buy or build homeless housing, and vouchers pay for tenants’ rent, but there’s often nothing left to fund the case management, counseling and more that’s crucial to help people with physical and mental health conditions, or addictions — the people Newsom has made a priority in his effort to clear encampments — hold onto their housing.

“I shudder to think what would happen if we had all of the mandates from our development side of supporting people through coordinated entry, taking really vulnerable people, and we then reduced the services down to bare bones,” Wan said.

What would Trump do to CalAIM?

It’s difficult to speculate about what the Trump administration will do with CalAIM. Celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump’s pick to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has no prior experience with the agency and therefore no track record that could provide clues as to how he will act.

Any changes likely would be felt at the end of 2026, when California attempts to renew its CalAIM waivers. But it’s not unheard of for a president to terminate a waiver early. After President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he pulled waivers, authorized by Trump, that had allowed states to require Medicaid recipients to prove they were working or unable to work. But that was an extreme situation, as multiple courts had already shot down those waivers.

“It’s not like CalAIM is going away tomorrow, or even in January,” said Sharon Rapport, director of California state policy for the Corporation for Supportive Housing. “But after that, I think that’s where the questions are: What could happen then? And the fact that it’s California, and not Trump’s favorite state, I think makes people worried.”

Plans to expand future coverage also could be at risk. Health plans are rolling out new frameworks under CalAIM to offer health care to people in jail and prison up to 90 days before they are released. California also has applied to amend one of its federal waivers to add rental assistance to the services CalAIM offers. If that’s approved, the state would be allowed to use Medi-Cal to pay for up to six months of rent for homeless and at-risk people who are leaving settings such as jail, prison, the hospital, or an in-patient mental health or substance abuse facility.

But a recent article by conservative think tank the Manhattan Institute questions the use of health care funds to pay for social services — a potential bellwether that suggests the new administration might not be supportive of programs like CalAIM.

“Even if a social welfare program is a well-intentioned and wise idea, that does not make it health-care,” wrote Manhattan Institute senior fellow Chris Pope. “Health care costs will not be greatly reduced by expanding the meaning of health care to cover every social service; nor would doing so distribute nonmedical assistance to those who need it most.”

The Trump administration also could change the waivers before renewing them, forcing California to pare down the services CalAIM offers, or add work requirements.

Trump, as well as the Republican-controlled Congress, are likely to support requiring Medicaid recipients to prove they are either working or are unable to work. The last time he was in office, Trump approved 13 state waivers that included work requirements, before the Biden administration later withdrew them. Project 2025, a conservative governing blueprint written by the Heritage Foundation, also prioritizes work requirements.

Work requirements historically lead to people, especially low-income people and people of color, losing benefits, according to research by the progressive think tank Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. It found many recipients are working but have a hard time providing the necessary paperwork to prove it, while others can’t work due to obligations as full-time caregivers or a lack of child care.

Trump and Congress also could impose more sweeping cuts to Medicaid as a whole, which could affect California’s ability to continue programs such as CalAIM.

There are ways California could safeguard at least some of its CalAIM services, by baking them into Medi-Cal as permanent benefits, Rapport said. Her organization is pushing for the state to do that with CalAIM’s three housing services.

Staff at L.A. Care already are thinking about how they could continue offering CalAIM services to their members if the Trump administration cuts the program. It would require some significant rearranging of funds, said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sameer Amin. His organization has nearly 16,800 people enrolled in CalAIM services to help them find and keep housing.

“My concern is that the housing crisis in LA County is not something that happened overnight, and it’s not something that can be corrected overnight,” he said. “It really requires a sustained effort over the course of years and a significant amount of investment. And if we don’t do the investment that we need to do, if we have to reprioritize away from some of these programs, my concern is that these folks are not going to get the health care that they need because they are not housed.”

Staff writer Kristen Hwang contributed to this story.

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Did you reach your financial goal this year? 

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Eleven months ago, many people set financial goals for the New Year.

Maybe you planned to buy a new home, finance a new vehicle or start a new business. Whether you made New Year’s resolutions, pasted images on a vision board or crunched numbers on an official balance sheet, you had every intention of achieving those goals in 2024.

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back on what worked — or where you may have gone wrong financially. Those lessons learned can help you set new goals and better manage your finances in 2025.

JPMorgan Chase offers six dos and don’ts about financial planning and management that can help you achieve a fresh start in 2025 and get closer to reaching your goals.

DO create a budget

One common financial mistake is not having a budget at all. Remaining in the dark about your spending can limit your ability to save for important goals like a car, a home or your retirement. If you don’t know what you’re spending, there’s a good chance you may be spending too much.

  • DON’T leave your budget up to chance 

Using guesswork when trying to allocate your monthly budget can lead to overestimating or underestimating how much to allot toward each budgeting category. This may set you up for failure. Taking a month to assess and identify your spending patterns may help to establish a baseline as you’re setting your budget.

  • DO track your spending

Get to know your spending by creating a monthly budget tracker. You can then review your spending and track it in a monthly budget worksheet. Over time, you can adjust which budgeting categories to cut back spending on. Expenses can fluctuate month to month, so be prepared to shift gears whenever necessary.

  • DON’T put wants and needs in the same category

A common error beginner budgeters can make is mistaking “wants” for “needs.” Needs are essential items like utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and groceries. These are things you need to live. Wants, on the other hand, are non-essential expenses like dining out or entertainment. It may still be possible to find room in your budget to accommodate a few luxuries, but being honest with yourself about what’s truly necessary may help you avoid this budgeting mishap.

  • DO keep it simple

The idea of listing every single expenditure for a month might seem daunting, but you don’t have to go that far. It can be helpful to create a budget that works for you, which includes making it manageable enough to take on in the first place. If you’re just starting out, create just a handful of budgeting categories to help keep things simple.

  • DON’T skip the emergency fund

Life is unpredictable and having an emergency fund to pay for unplanned expenses may help you during that time. Without it, you may have to dip into long-term savings or use a credit card if the unexpected arises. Creating an emergency funddoesn’t have to be   When you’re making your budget, include a monthly line item for emergency fund contributions. This can help build up your reserves over time. Many bank accounts even let you automate these emergency fund deposits.

The bottom line
Give yourself grace if you fell short of your financial goals this year. As you prepare for 2025, remember that budgeting can be a powerful tool to help you build better financial habits.

Start tracking your spending now to set up your budget for next year and be aware of common budgeting mistakes. It’s never too early – or too late – to get back on the road to financial freedom.

– For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. 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. 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. 

 © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

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