The Buzz 08.14.25

FREE SPEECH

The dangers of newspaper ownership consolidation are well-documented, such as shrinking staffs that results in less local news. Also on the table: If one company goes out of business, many communities are left without a newspaper. That’s what happened in the Midwest, when Illinois-based News Media Corporation abruptly announced Aug. 6 that financial woes forced it to cease operations, shuttering about 30 publications in five states in the process. In a letter to staff, CEO J.J. Tompkins wrote that the “decision was not made lightly,” as declining revenue and increased expenses, along with a failed sale of the company, led to the closure. “It’s no secret that it’s tough times out there for all print media, and we’re no exception,” wrote Josh Linehan, managing editor of the Brookings Register in South Dakota. “But make no mistake – we’re closed for now as a result of poor corporate management.” News Media Corporation owned the King City Rustler and its affiliated Salinas Valley papers, along with the Register-Pajaronian in Watsonville, from 1995-2019.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It’s time to leave this strange community, if you can call it a community.” - Monaco developer Patrice Pastor, after the Carmel City Council delayed its decision on his J.B. Pastor project on Aug. 4. Pastor has faced opposition on his various projects over the years (see story, montereycountynow.com)

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

GOOD:

In a major breakthrough, scientists have discovered the culprit behind the mysterious sea star wasting disease that struck the Pacific Coast in 2013: a strain of the bacterium called Vibrio pectenicida. The cause of one of the largest sudden species die-offs ever recorded was discovered by researchers from Hakai Institute and the University of British Columbia who worked together at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Marrowstone Marine Field Station in Washington. To make this discovery, scientists analyzed genetic material collected from infected sunflower sea stars’ “blood” (coelomic fluid) to identify the microorganisms present, then replicated the infection in the lab to confirm the bacteria caused the same symptoms of sea star wasting disease. Scientists are now turning their attention to understanding the factors that drive disease outbreaks related to this bacteria and the resilience of marine species.

GREAT:

Something’s cooking in Soledad – literally. City officials cut the ribbon on Aug. 13 for the upgraded Community Center, highlighted by a renovated commercial kitchen. In addition to a modified layout, the kitchen now features a new oven and stove, extended counters and other upgrades. More improvements throughout the Community Center include ADA features at the front entrance, motorized basketball winches and upgraded stage and gym lighting. The $1.3 million project was funded mostly from the American Rescue Plan Act, along with $50,000 each from the City and T-Mobile. “With this upgraded space, we can expand workforce development opportunities, support community health, and deliver programming and opportunities to our residents of all ages,” Soledad Parks and Recreation Director Jessica Potts said in an announcement.