Good morning, Salinas.

A Seaside 7-Eleven will close at the beginning of May as part of a plan to shutter 645 North American stores to boost margins + a markdown sale will be held before its May 5 final day while some employees transfer to other locations.

Historic photos and artifacts of John Steinbeck, including images of his Salinas home, are featured at the local Steinbeck center, showing how his early life shaped works like Of Mice and Men + the valley’s cultural legacy.

Monterey County Regional Fire District has used a pump pod (Drafts) unit to recycle water during firefighter training, saving 7.5 million gallons while its partner departments save 55 million gallons annually.

Cal Water said the unit has been in use for a few months.

The Justice Department reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug+the change applies only to FDA-tested products while recreational cannabis stays Schedule 1, and local dispensary owners say the rule may ease tax burdens and benefit older patients seeking relief.

Students from Monterey County gathered at the Sunset Center in Carmel to present their research & art addressing youth mental health challenges.

The event, organized by AIM Youth Mental Health, showcased student-led efforts such as starting a wellness club to break the stigma.

Seniors at The Manor in Carmel Valley are training for this Sunday's Big Sur International Marathon and most are choosing the 5K to keep active safely.

Resident Will Furman, who auditioned over the phone, will sing the national anthem to launch the event.

Kate McKenna, Executive Officer at Local Agency Formation Commission, will run her first Big Sur International Marathon on Sunday.

The 69-year-old joined Fleet Feet’s Running Club in Monterey to improve her triathlons for the race along the scenic coast.

Palma, with six straight wins, will enter the third round of the Gabilan Division softball season + trail the first-place team by one game.