A 7-Eleven store in Madera, California opened in late April and sold just weeks later for $12 million, setting a new record as the highest price ever paid for a 7-Eleven in the state. The rapid turnaround highlights how valuable certain local convenience locations can become when demand and visibility align.
US Vice President JD Vance ordered the deferral of $1.3 billion in federal Medicaid funds to California, citing fraud concerns. California officials argue the rise in spending is tied to expanded home care services, not misconduct. The state Attorney General says the action is unlawful and will challenge it, following similar moves aimed at other states and healthcare providers.
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A beloved Mexican restaurant in California, Acapulco, has delayed its closure indefinitely after an outpouring of support from fans. The chain had planned to shut down its location and demolish the site for a car wash, but community pressure and emotional messages pushed management to reverse course and keep the restaurant operating while it fights for its future.
Gasoline prices in the US inched higher on May 13, with the national average reaching $4.511 per gallon. California drivers are paying the most, while Oklahoma has the lowest prices. Texas and Florida are still below the national average, and Washington and Hawaii show higher rates, partly linked to their geography.
Eileen Wang, the former mayor of Arcadia, California, pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent for China. Prosecutors say she secretly coordinated with Chinese officials from 2020 to 2022, using a website called “U.S. News Center” to push propaganda and advance Beijing’s messaging. The case highlights how influence operations can reach local politics.
Mark Smythe, a New Zealand composer and professor, died after a medical emergency while hiking California’s Mount Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre. Authorities confirmed the cause as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Colleagues, students, and family remembered him for film music, concert composition, and teaching, while the tragedy has renewed attention on hiking safety and heart-related risks on trails.
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General Motors has reached a driver privacy settlement in California, agreeing to pay $12.75 million to a group of law enforcement agencies led by Attorney General Rob Bonta. The case centers on alleged privacy violations involving how vehicle-related data was handled, with the settlement resolving claims without an admission of wrongdoing reported by the parties.
US gasoline prices edged down to an average $4.522 per gallon on May 10, 2026, halting a recent climb. But the spread is stark: California remains the priciest at $6.154, while Oklahoma is among the cheapest at $3.958. Taxes and logistics are major drivers behind the wide state-by-state differences.
Gasoline prices are rising across the US, with the national average reaching $4.546 per gallon on May 8. California drivers face the steepest costs, while Oklahoma currently shows the lowest prices. Big gaps between states reflect differences in taxes, refining capacity, and local logistics, and experts expect the upward trend to persist.
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation has launched its first US center in Menlo Park, California, signaling a major push to strengthen India’s deep-tech ecosystem. The center is designed to connect Indian deeptech startups with international capital and market access, positioning the institute as a gateway to global opportunities and partnerships.
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Pop star Britney Spears has been charged with a misdemeanor DUI in California after being pulled over for erratic driving. Reports say the situation involved no crash or injuries. Spears has since entered a substance abuse program, and prosecutors could consider a “wet reckless” plea deal—potentially changing how the case is resolved.
California residents may be eligible to claim compensation from multiple class action settlements spanning data breaches, app or online service issues, retail and vehicle purchases, housing matters, and even wildfire damages. Payouts vary widely, with certain data breach claims potentially reaching as much as 10000. Deadlines and eligibility rules differ by case, so timing and paperwork matter.
California is testing wildlife bridges to help animals cross roads safely and keep habitats connected. Evidence from similar projects suggests strategically placed underpasses and crossings can sharply cut roadkill, including amphibians with reductions of over 80%. The initiative aims to restore movement and migration pathways while protecting breeding cycles across impacted regions.
California’s governor race enters a decisive debate night with many voters still undecided. Poll signals suggest the contest remains wide open, while affordability and the economy dominate what primary voters want to hear. Analysts say the candidates’ ability to connect with everyday financial pressure could reshape perceptions quickly and influence the outcome.
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US gasoline prices inched up on April 28, with the national average climbing to $4.176 per gallon and staying above $4. California recorded the highest average at $5.965, while Oklahoma was the lowest at $3.570. The gap reflects differences in refining access and state taxes, leaving parts of the Midwest and South notably cheaper.
Cole Tomas Allen, a tutor and computer engineer from Torrance, California, was arrested after a shooting during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. Reports say he opposed President Donald Trump’s policies and legally purchased firearms. A professor described him as a good student and polite individual, while Allen also worked developing video games and tutoring students.
California is advancing legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using major social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, citing addictive design features. The proposal could set a template for other states, including Massachusetts, which are also considering similar restrictions. The debate is gaining national attention, with former President Donald Trump expressing interest in a broader ban.
A proposed California bill targeting caste discrimination has met fierce backlash, with opponents arguing it is unnecessary and risks infringing free speech and religious freedom. They claim caste is tightly linked to religious practices and that existing anti-discrimination laws already cover most cases. Yet past lawsuits in California show employers have faced allegations of caste discrimination.
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