The Buzz 04.16.26

FREE SPEECH

A landmark verdict in a March case confirmed what many already know: Social media is addictive and can harm mental health. Even before that verdict was reached, countries around the world have been taking steps to ban access to these platforms by children. In December, Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for those under 16. Many other countries are in the process as well, including Greece. “Now I’m certain that many young ones will be angry,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a video posted, perhaps ironically, on social media. “If something makes us feel more anxious or worse, lesser than who we really are, then it’s perhaps best that we put a stop to it.” In the United States, some states have laws that require parental consent to access social media. Earlier this month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives took it a step further by passing legislation to ban children under 14 from social media. Companies such as Meta and TikTok would be on the hook for a $5,000 fine for each account found to be out of compliance. The bill still needs Senate approval and the governor’s signature.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Not everything has to be Michelin star.” - Brandon Bollenbacher, the new chef at The Quail in Carmel Valley, on his philosophy of offering approachable food (see story, montereycountynow.com/eat_drink)

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

GOOD:

King City High School senior Morgan Hancock was crowned the 2026 Miss Salinas Valley Fair, a prestigious honor that encourages young women to be ambassadors in their community while providing scholarship opportunities. “I am beyond excited to be representing my hometown fair as this year’s Miss Salinas Valley Fair,” Hancock said. “I can’t wait to meet so many new people and connect with my community through this opportunity.” The 17-year-old Lockwood resident has been active in her 4-H and Future Farmers of America groups, serving in various leadership roles. She’ll be attending Cuesta College and later transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she plans to study kinesiology. Hancock will make her first appearance at the fair’s kickoff event on April 18, featuring dinner, an auction and dancing, and will take part in various activities during the fair from May 14-17.

GREAT:

New athletic facilities await San Lucas Union Elementary School students. Those include a track, soccer field and sand volleyball court, which will be unveiled on Wednesday, April 22. The project was funded by Measure S, a $3.6 million bond approved by voters in the school district in 2023. “This project represents so much more than new facilities, it reflects our deep commitment to providing our students with the opportunities they deserve,” San Lucas USD Superintendent Catherine Reimer said. “These new spaces will allow our students to stay active, build teamwork skills and create lasting memories for years to come.” The new facilities follow other modernization and energy efficiency upgrades to the school in recent years. “Investments like these make a meaningful difference for students, especially in our rural communities,” County Superintendent Deneen Guss said.