I can’t help feeling relieved.

A monopolizing giant, the financial force behind the famously racist New York Post and factually bereft Fox News Network, is about to fall on his face. This could mean great things for us little people. But it won’t, unless we little people stand tall and accept our own power.

I’m hoping that you’ll clock the quality of content that’s covered by corporate news; I’m also hoping that you’ll sense the subliminal intent of these mass-produced messages.

This week, the big story in global media was … the media. Mogul Rupert Murdoch - CEO of News Corps., creator of Fox Broadcasting Company and the 13th most powerful person in the world (according to Forbes Magazine 2010 list) – is in big trouble. News of the World, a British tabloid owned by Murdoch’s empire, allegedly hacked into and tampered with the voicemail of a missing schoolgirl. Two top executives have resigned, one of them has been arrested (and since released) and Murdock and his son will be testifying before the British parliament.

The scandal has leaked into U.S. borders. On Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder confirmed that the FBI is investigating News Corp. for allegations that News of the World hacked into the phones of 911 victims.

~ Thoughts by Tehea

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Have you been neglecting local news? Catch up here with our most-viewed stories of the week.

1.
Our top story was about Temescal Street Fair, a quick re-cap and slide show by Eric K. Arnold. Take a look at what you missed or tab through and reminisce.

2.
New OL contributor Juan Antonio Martinez covered the opening of a free hip-hop industry camp for young people. The camp will start today and end July 30 in an East Side Arts Alliance performance. Don’t sleep!
 
3.
I’m not always up on my environmental P’s and Q’s. I try, but I slip a little. Even still, if you can imagine it, there’s a “Save the Plastic Bag Coalition.” I could be greener, but I’m green enough to be annoyed. Save the plastic bags? I’m curious to know if this coalition is bigger than the advocate groups for endangered species. Come on now! OL contributor Jason Mahon’s article does have a semi-happy ending. The plastic bag-savers lost a lawsuit to the City of Manhattan Beach. The California Supreme Court is allowing Manhattan Beach to ban plastic bags.

4.
With an unemployment rate of 16.5 percent, our city is suffering. OL contributing editor Jennifer Inez Ward covered the job and health fair last week, hosted by the city of Oakland and by E.C. Reems Community Services. Hang in there, Oakland. Let’s keep trying to help each other through.

5.
California Energy Commission and the city of Oakland are using federal stimulus money to launch "Oakland Shines," which offers free energy audits, rebates for retrofitting and technical assistance. The Oakland Marriott Hotel, the Rotunda Building and Laney College should soon be seeing major savings due to the program. Read journalist Barbara Grady’s article to learn more.