This new format is fine, but it does need a tiny tweak.. the column width for the press release needs to be about 6-8 pixels wider. Why? because the right edge of the graphic background is being cropped. (and yes I find a cropped pic to be much more annoying than hanving the column there.)
Oh, and no pressure, but it would be at least nice to see how my background pic looks in action, but that choice is entirely up to you. (the bugler one is the one I would go with, it makes sense since these are 'announcements of sorts.)
Keep up the fantastic work, Cheers!
EDIT: I just did a mock-up and the column only needs 4 extra pixels in width. (see attached sample)