Good morning, Salinas.

State lawmakers approved AB2222 to support journalism, while Hartnell College will host its first home football game on Saturday at its renovated Bill Elliott Field — a historic first — and Monterey Regional Airport advanced its $38.2M loan application for a new terminal project.

California schools will add a personal finance course for graduation next school year — teaching students about saving, budgeting, and credit.

Local leaders will use school events to help families claim funds from the CalKIDS scholarship program and boost accounts.

The restored 67-acre wetlands at Ensen Community Park will open Sept.

20, offering a view of Carr Lake's pre-farming landscape. Big Sur Land Trust spent a decade transforming farmland into trails (1.7 miles), three bridges (240 feet total), and a seasonal pond for visitors.

Cal Fire reported that the Timber Fire remained at 25,223 acres with 22% containment while the Plaskett Fire expanded to 28,968 acres with 1% containment after growing over 10,000 acres Tuesday.

Starting next month, service members nearing the end of their service will train to become 21st century cowboys on Ag Land Trust land adjacent to Camp Roberts, learning modern ranching techniques (including portable electric fencing and mobile water systems) that reduce wildfire and security risks.

Sand City officials asked TAMC to waive lease fees on a 100-foot right-of-way for a one-mile paved bike trail during a Monday, Aug.

31 board meeting. The $12M project would connect parts of an 18-mile Class-1 bike trail and ease parking costs to improve mobility.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced that Highway 1’s northern section will reopen early today due to improved containment of the Timber Fire — local businesses like Ripplewood Cafe still face financial challenges.

On Sept. 2, COVID-19 cases increased across California, with data showing moderate statewide test positivity and higher rates in Central California (affecting areas like Salinas), prompting health officials to advise residents to stay current with vaccines and good hygiene.

The Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey will run this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Driver Alex Palou will race for his seventh win as practice begins Friday at 2 p.m., qualifying is Saturday, and the final starts 11:30 a.m. Sunday while the event honors racer Alex Zanardi.