Local News

Drivers in Modesto, California, are currently facing higher fuel costs as the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline climbs to $4.80 in May 2025. This increase marks a noticeable rise compared to recent months, raising concerns among commuters and local businesses that rely heavily on transportation. Rising Costs Hit Modesto Drivers Hard According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Modesto’s gas prices reflect a broader trend seen across California, where average fuel costs remain among the highest in the nation. As of May 2025, the state average is over $5 per gallon, but Modesto’s slightly lower $4.80 average still poses a challenge for residents who rely on daily driving for work, errands, and more. California’s gas prices traditionally rise ...

As gas prices continue to rise across the nation, Fresno drivers are now paying an average of $4.90 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel as of May 2025. This increase is part of a larger statewide trend in California, where several factors are converging to push fuel costs higher — impacting drivers’ wallets just as summer travel season approaches. Refinery Closures Threaten California’s Fuel Supply One of the most significant contributors to the recent spike in gas prices in Fresno and throughout California is the looming closure of key oil refineries. Industry insiders and environmental regulators report that California could lose about 20% of its oil refining capacity within the next year. This includes planned shutdowns at the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero re...

San Diego drivers are welcoming a break at the pump this May 2025 as average gas prices have dipped to $4.79 per gallon, a notable decrease compared to recent months. After enduring high fuel costs for years, this sudden drop brings some relief for commuters and travelers alike. But what exactly is behind this surprising shift? Falling Crude Oil Prices Lead the Way One of the main factors behind the lower gas prices is the recent decline in global crude oil prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest in four years, with U.S. crude trading around $57.10 per barrel in early May. This reduction is largely due to increased oil production from OPEC+ nations combined with slower global demand as economies adjust to cha...

Oakland residents are facing a sharp increase in gas prices, with the average cost hitting $5.02 per gallon. This notable rise marks one of the highest price points in recent years, sparking concern among drivers and raising questions about the factors driving this increase. What’s Causing Gas Prices to Climb? Several intertwined factors are contributing to the rising cost of fuel in Oakland and across California. The combination of refinery shutdowns, seasonal fuel requirements, state regulations, and high taxes all play significant roles. 1. Refinery Closures and Reduced Production Capacity California is currently experiencing a reduction in oil refining capacity. Two major refineries — Phillips 66 in Los Angeles and Valero in Benicia — are planning shutdowns or undergoing ma...

As of May 2025, residents of Santa Rosa are feeling the pinch at the pump, with average gas prices reaching $5.18 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. This price is notably higher than the national average and ranks Santa Rosa among the cities with the steepest fuel costs in California. California is well-known for having some of the highest gas prices in the United States, and the latest figures confirm this trend continues strongly into 2025. While the statewide average for regular gasoline currently hovers around $4.85 per gallon, Santa Rosa’s average price exceeds this by more than 30 cents. Premium fuel prices are even higher, climbing up to $5.62 per gallon. Nearby cities in California show similar high prices, with Salinas averaging about $5.18 and Napa reaching around $5.22 ...

Since the evening of May 14, 2025, Cellcom, a regional wireless provider serving Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has been battling a widespread service outage caused by a cyberattack. This disruption has crippled the company’s voice and SMS services, leaving thousands of customers without reliable communication options. Frustration among users is mounting as the outage continues, forcing many to seek alternative phone providers, while Cellcom works to restore its network amid an ongoing investigation. Outage Details and Customer Impact Cellcom’s outage began unexpectedly on May 14, with voice calls and text messaging services severely affected. Although some data services like iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS) remained functional, many customers found themselve...

Wisconsin authorities are currently engaged in active searches for several missing individuals across the state. The cases span a wide range of ages and circumstances, from young children to adults facing serious medical conditions. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in locating these missing persons safely. Missing Children Found and Still Missing In Milwaukee, police launched a rapid search on May 23 after 8-year-old Deairius Holmes and 9-year-old Uzziah Franklin were reported missing. The boys were last seen near Hubbard and Wright Streets around mid-afternoon. Fortunately, after an extensive search, both children were found safe later the same evening, bringing relief to the community and their families. However, not all miss...

A 42-year-old man from Rockford, Illinois, is lucky to be alive after a dangerous attempt to drive his Jeep into the Rock River early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025. Authorities report the incident occurred near the intersection of Liberty Avenue and Third Street in Beloit, Wisconsin, where the driver’s reckless decision nearly cost him his life. At approximately 1:40 a.m., Beloit police officers responded to a distress call reporting a vehicle submerged in the river. Upon arrival, officers discovered the Jeep approximately 40 yards into the water, steadily sinking. The driver had managed to break the driver's side window, creating a narrow opportunity for rescue. According to police reports, one of the officers reached into the vehicle through the broken window and helped the intoxica...

In a remarkable act of courage and quick thinking, a Des Moines mother sprang into action to save a family of strangers from a burning home early Wednesday morning. Katy Beeson, a local mom, was driving with her young daughter when she noticed smoke billowing from a nearby house. What happened next shows how one person's bravery can mean the difference between life and death. A Moment of Crisis It was just past dawn when Beeson and her nine-year-old daughter Marley Wheeler were driving through their neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Suddenly, Beeson spotted thick smoke pouring out of a nearby home. Without hesitation, she pulled over and rushed to the scene. The house was engulfed in flames, with fire spreading quickly and smoke filling the air. Katy Beeson realized that someone m...

Along a busy stretch of Route 206, just south of the Newton town line, stands a solemn yet mysterious monument dedicated to the brave sailors and Marines who lost their lives in World War II. The USS Bunker Hill Memorial is an unassuming but powerful tribute, honoring more than 300 men who died in a devastating Japanese kamikaze attack in May 1945. What makes this memorial particularly intriguing is that its origins remain unknown, and it has no direct connection to New Jersey’s history yet it continues to hold a special place in the community, thanks in large part to the care of the local police department. A Memorial Shrouded in Mystery The USS Bunker Hill, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, was stationed in the Pacific during the war and suffered heavy casualties after a kamikaze st...