Hi - there is no monthly newsletter ......
I never read such things & so wouldn't think it would be of much interest to people ... could be wrong though ...
Wouldn't think the work involved would be worth the return of interest ...
Maybe you are getting us mixed up with another site newsletter?

However - to register as a site member or forums you will get a confirmation & therefore the mail system has to be working.
I get sent confirmation of new members every day - that's how I know it works. It is the same mail system that deals with the forums - & therefore if it isn't working for the forum notifications then it is the forum at fault -
The forums are already creaking under their own weight & due for a major update. Unfortunately updating the forums is itself part of the problem ::)
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci