El Monte City School District’s (EMCSD) Cheer program is officially off and running for the 2025-2026 school year! Last year was EMCSD’s inaugural year for their cheer program, which featured hundreds of student participants across the district. This year, cheer has over 300 students in grades 2-8 registered and practicing weekly. The program is run…

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding families that keeping students in school whenever possible is essential for learning, connection, and well-being. The department’s “Health Guidance for Going to School,” shared with local districts across the county, provides families with clear recommendations to help balance student wellness with consistent school attendance. El…

Rosemead High School English teacher Stacy Lim returned from maternity leave last year to find relief in an unexpected place — a small, quiet pod tucked inside the staff lounge. The newly installed Mamava Lactation Pod gave her privacy and peace of mind as she navigated new motherhood while teaching, a benefit now expanding across…

The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index dipped slightly in September, declining 3.6 points from August, according to the Conference Board. The index now stands at its lowest level since April, largely due to consumers’ perception that the job market cooled modestly last month. Still, economic fundamentals remain relatively strong, and improving mortgage conditions are creating new…

The federal government entered a shutdown on October 1 after Democrats in the Senate failed to approve new funding or a temporary spending measure. While Washington remains at an impasse, the broader U.S. economy continues to show signs of resilience—underscoring the strength of private enterprise, local government efficiency, and consumer adaptability. According to the Council…

California’s housing market remained active heading into October 2025, with daily averages showing steady momentum in both sales and listings across the state, according to new data from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.). For communities in the San Gabriel Valley, including El Monte, Baldwin Park, and Temple City, the report reflects a cautiously balanced…

The latest report from payroll processor ADP indicates that the private-sector job market contracted slightly in September, shedding 32,000 positions. Though that headline number may sound troubling, economists and employers alike see positive signs in what it reveals: a cooling but stable labor market poised for long-term strength. After two years of tight hiring conditions…

Mortgage activity cooled in late September, with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reporting a 12.7% decline in total application volume for the week ending September 26, 2025. While the short-term slowdown follows several weeks of strong activity, applications remain higher than a year ago—a signal of continued buyer interest across California’s housing market, including the…

South El Monte High School students looking to improve grades, make up missed class time, or prepare for upcoming exams have a new opportunity this month through the school’s Saturday Academy program. Held every Saturday in October, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 161, the program is led by teacher Mr. Bocanegra and…

El Monte came alive on Saturday, Oct. 4, as families, schools, and community groups gathered for the City of El Monte Emily Ishigaki Children’s Day Parade and Harvest Festival, a cherished annual tradition celebrating local youth, culture, and community spirit. The event filled downtown streets with color, music, and excitement, underscoring the city’s enduring commitment…