Good morning, Salinas.

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey announced it will close its residential graduate programs by 2027—Hope Housing in Marina marks its first anniversary as the county’s first behavioral health bridge house.

Cal State Monterey Bay opened its fall semester with enrollment rising 23% since fall 2022 and more than 3,600 new students joining from across the state, and the university eliminated its student housing waitlist by adding over 700 beds (with 186 more planned by fall) while expanding academic programs and planning new buildings to support regional growth.

Lottery players in California and across the U.S. have a chance to win an estimated $1 billion in the Powerball drawing today — ticket sales in California close at 6:45 p.m. PT and the drawing starts at 7:59 p.m. PT.

About 80,000 rideshare drivers in California will be allowed to join a union—part of a legislative deal that lowers the insurance requirement for crash coverage to more affordable limits.

Gov. Newsom, state lawmakers and leaders from Uber, Lyft and SEIU said the bills will help lower costs and improve driver protections.

Today, the City of Soledad is working to spend a $1.6M federal grant on rental help and moving costs for at-risk young adults aged 18-24, and it hired a former coordinator to manage the funds.

The city will use the money by December to prove local need — a step that could help secure future grants.

David Garcia scored three touchdowns and Eli Dukes added two as Palma won 41-13 over North County on August 29, 2025.

Coach Jeff Carnazzo visited his team from his Salinas home after a recent health scare and praised the fast early lead—earning the win.

The Monterey Herald has released its preseason Top 10 boys’ cross country rankings, and Salinas is ranked fourth among Aptos, Marina, Santa Cruz, Alisal, Carmel, King City, Scotts Valley, Monte Vista, and Hollister—Greenfield, Stevenson, North County, Alvarez, and Pacific Grove are on the bubble.

The Monterey Herald released its preseason Top 10 girls’ cross country rankings that placed Salinas at number 7, listing Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, Alisal, Hollister, North County, Santa Cruz, Rancho San Juan, Watsonville, and Aptos—with King City, Alvarez, Monterey, Stevenson, and Carmel on the bubble.

La Arrolladora Banda El Limon Live

2-3:30 p.m. — Salinas Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant performance of La Arrolladora Banda El Limon in concert.

GRIDLIFE Laguna Festival

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — Check website for pricing — Experience the thrilling finale of motorsports with races, drifting, music, and food at this vibrant festival.

Steinbeck Center’s Annual Street Fair

12:00 AM — 100 Block of Main St, Salinas, CA — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly day with live music, vintage cars, and fun activities at this community street fair.