Drivers Allege AI Inflated Gas Prices

California drivers sued BP, Walmart, 7-Eleven, and other retailers, alleging they used the same AI tool to keep pump prices artificially high.

The proposed class action lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Sacramento, also names Marathon Petroleum, Circle K, Albertsons, and software provider Kalibrate. The suit says the companies operate more than 1,700 stations statewide and that each added penny costs California drivers roughly $134 million a year.

According to the lawsuit, Kalibrate’s AI-based pricing tool uses data from competing gas stations to recommend prices, which plaintiffs allege allows rivals to align prices and reduce competition. The named companies either did not respond to requests for comment or declined to comment.

The drivers cite California’s Cartwright Act and Assembly Bill 325, a new state law aimed at cracking down on algorithmic price-fixing. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Federal Oil Leasing Set to Resume

Federal officials are moving to resume selling oil and gas leases on federal lands in Kern County and seven neighboring counties, ending a pause that lasted about four years.

The Bureau of Land Management said its decision, based on a new environmental review, satisfies a 2022 legal settlement and allows leasing to resume. The agency tied the move to a federal order to expand domestic energy production on public lands.

The federal lands support about 3,500 jobs and more than $200 million in activity each year, with roughly half of the royalties flowing to the state. 

The Bakersfield Field Office manages about 400,000 acres of public land and 1.2 million acres of federal mineral estate in Central California.

Data Center Fight Heads to Court

The developer behind what would be California’s largest data center says he is filing a lawsuit against Imperial County to overturn a moratorium that halted the project.

County supervisors voted unanimously on June 16 to pause data center projects for at least 45 days and to draft tougher rules through an advisory committee.

The nearly 1 million-square-foot AI complex outside the city of Imperial has drawn months of protest over its water and energy use in a county that relies entirely on the Colorado River.

Developer Sebastian Rucci says the project is permitted under existing industrial zoning and would bring 2,500 construction jobs. His company has separately sued the Imperial Irrigation District for access to 260 million gallons of Colorado River water a year.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Mendocino County: A preliminary 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck in the Redwood Valley area of Mendocino County just after 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, about 15 miles north of Ukiah, and was followed by several aftershocks. No tsunami warning was issued. (More)

➤ Berkeley: Former Cartoon Art Museum curator Andrew Farago was arrested on suspicion of secretly recording guests in a bathroom during a May party at his home. He faces 20 invasion-of-privacy charges, and the museum said he is no longer employed there. (More)

➤ Manteca: Police arrested a 25-year-old suspect they believe is tied to at least two bank “jugging” thefts in a string of cases that cost victims more than $78,000. Juggers watch banks for customers carrying cash, then target them for theft. (See Details)

➤ Humboldt County: Investigators excavating the property of Miranda’s Rescue in Humboldt County say 730 animals sent to the shelter are unaccounted for. Sheriff’s deputies, the FBI, and Cal Poly Humboldt are searching for remains. No one has been arrested. (See Details)

➤ San Francisco: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach tied for second on the annual 50 Top Pizza guide, climbing one spot from last year. Chef Tony Gemignani’s shop is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan and Sicilian pies. (More)

➤ San Francisco: Meanwhile, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, the family-run Outer Mission creamery open since 1953, was named No. 1 on Yelp’s list of the 50 most-saved ice cream shops in the country. (See List)

➤ Fresno: The City Council unanimously approved a record $2.56 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, closing a $34.5 million shortfall without layoffs. (More)

➤ Santa Barbara County: Strawberries remained the county’s top crop in 2025, generating $941 million in value as overall agricultural production rose 11.5% to $2.24 billion, according to the annual crop report. (More)

➤ Yosemite National Park: A 22-year-old man, Josue Bairesalfaro, was swept to his death over Nevada Fall on June 20 after being caught in the river’s current, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said. A companion was rescued. (See Details)

➤ Arroyo Grande: The city council placed Measure D-26 on the November ballot, asking voters whether the city can buy state water without first declaring an emergency or seeking voter approval, a step officials say would help guard against future shortages. (More)

➤ Fresno: The Chaffee Zoo is asking for the public’s help finding Sarge, a free-flying military macaw that strayed from Roeding Park on Monday. The green-feathered bird has a red patch on her head, and anyone who sees or hears her is asked to contact the zoo. (See Details)

Enjoy reading The California Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

➤ San Diego: Vice President JD Vance arrived in San Diego aboard Air Force Two on Tuesday after negotiations in Switzerland aimed at ending the war with Iran. The White House did not announce his schedule, though he is set to speak today at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. (More)

➤ Pasadena: Police seized about 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks during a weekend search warrant at a Los Angeles building where the cache was stored for distribution across the city and the San Gabriel Valley. Four people were arrested, and officers also found explosive devices and an unregistered firearm. (More)

➤ Anaheim: A 13-year-old Disneyland guest was hospitalized as a precaution after climbing out of a moving boat on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on June 21 and sliding down the ride’s 50-foot drop. He was released, and state inspectors cleared the attraction to reopen the next day. (See Details)

➤ Big Bear Lake: Mountain Transit launched a free Trolley to Trails route carrying hikers and cyclists to seven popular trailheads around the lake, drawing more than 400 riders in its first month. The service aims to reduce traffic and roadside parking and runs weekends through October. (More)

➤ San Diego: The school district voted to expand restrictions on student technology use to include Chromebooks, gaming platforms, and YouTube, citing concerns about screen time and student wellness. The new rules take effect when classes resume in August. (More)

➤ The U.S. men’s soccer team can finish World Cup group play with a perfect record tonight when it faces already-eliminated Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The Americans have outscored opponents 6-1 through two matches. (More) 

➤ The San Francisco 49ers are exploring a possible relocation of their practice facility and headquarters due to space constraints at their current site in Santa Clara. (More)

➤ San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers apologized to manager Tony Vitello this week after waving off a pinch runner and heading straight to the clubhouse during Sunday’s one-run loss in Miami. Devers called it a “misunderstanding” as he thought he was being pulled for a hamstring issue, not a strategic substitution. (More)

➤ Golden State Warriors draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg said he “used to hate Steph Curry” growing up because he was a fan of his Cleveland Cavaliers rival, Kyrie Irving. (More) 

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Amazon Prime Day is here, and some of the biggest discounts of the year are live now. From tech and home essentials to kitchen gadgets, fashion, and more, Deal Watchdogs has rounded up standout deals worth your attention. Browse the best savings before these limited-time offers disappear. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Walmart is laying off more than 300 workers across Silicon Valley, a year after opening what it billed as a next-generation workplace in Sunnyvale. A state filing submitted June 19 lists the cuts taking effect August 21. (More)

➤ Central Valley home prices keep climbing as building costs outpace incomes and inventory stays tight. A builders’ group study found regulations add more than $131,000 to the cost of a new home nationwide, though Fresno’s median price of about $450,000 remains well below the state’s roughly $800,000. (More)

➤ California leaders agreed to place an $11.25 billion housing bond on the November ballot. The measure would provide $10 billion for affordable housing projects and $1.25 billion for a veterans home loan program that helps military families buy homes. Voters would have the final say this fall. (More)

➤ Fresno’s Ralph Edwards, a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, is opening a recording studio in the Tower District to help local artists record music and develop their careers. Edwards says he hopes to prove aspiring musicians can “make it from here” in the Central Valley. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Markets are volatile. Inflation remains a concern. And every week seems to bring a new economic headline. When times are uncertain, getting good information matters. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Freedom Summit, a free online event happening tomorrow, featuring economists, investors, and business leaders discussing what’s next for the economy, inflation, and financial markets. Registration is free. Save your spot today.

Flying together with our sponsor

Get a Sonic Glow Toothbrush. The advanced toothbrush that cleans up to 90% more effectively than a standard brush with soft silicone bristles that reach every corner and gently massage gums for healthier smiles. Feel fresher, brighter teeth in just 30 seconds with revolutionary tech dentists love. Limited-time offer!

➤ Drone video caught a great white shark shadowing two paddleboarders off Santa Barbara. The pair had paddled out hoping to spot the shark after hearing of a sighting, only to learn later that it had been following them the entire time. Both made it back to shore safely. (See Video)

➤ Space Shuttle Endeavour will go on display in its vertical, ready-to-launch position when the California Science Center’s new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens Nov. 13 in Exposition Park. Officials say it will be the only place in the world where visitors can see a complete, authentic space shuttle system in launch configuration. (More)

➤ The Barbie Sports Club truck will stop at Mission Valley Mall on Saturday, bringing exclusive Barbie-themed apparel, accessories and drinkware to San Diego shoppers. The pink pop-up shop is part of a nationwide tour, with merchandise priced from about $18 to $75. (More)

➤ A bald eagle found near Salinas with a broken shoulder bone and signs of electrocution was released back into the wild after nearly six months of rehabilitation by wildlife rescuers. The eagle “caught the wind and soared out over the hills.” (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Collagen Scam: How To Know If Your Supplement Is One of the Bad Ones. Still buying collagen based on price or brand name? You might be surprised to learn that some of the most popular collagen supplements are missing key elements that make collagen actually work for aging bodies. While companies push fancy packaging and promises, they’re hoping you won’t discover these 5 critical requirements that determine whether your supplement will deliver real results. Ready to become a smarter collagen shopper? Learn More

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A Yale study tracked 11,000 seniors for over a decade and found nearly half didn’t decline with age; they improved, and one hidden factor explains why. (Hear What)

➤  The military is reinstating flu shots for recruits after an outbreak swept a Texas training base. (Listen Now)

➤ The average couple drops over $6,000 on the honeymoon now, and Gen Z would rather splurge there than on the wedding. (Listen More)

Which pizza style reigns supreme?

1. Neapolitan
2. New York
3. Sicilian
4. Chicago deep dish
5. California-style
6. Other (reply to tell us)
7. I don’t like pizza

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite summertime fruit?

1. Watermelon: 23%
2. Peaches: 20%
3. Berries: 15%
4. Cherries: 15%
5. Cantaloupe: 14%
6. Other: 13%

Which California desert town near the Salton Sea sits about 180 feet below sea level, the lowest-elevation city in the Western Hemisphere, and flies the American flag from a 184-foot pole built so it waves at sea level?

Show me the answer