LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic continues making strong progress in his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, with the Los Angeles Lakers optimistic he can return to full strength and play in the Western Conference semifinals if the team advances past the Houston Rockets, multiple team sources confirmed Monday.

The Slovenian superstar, sidelined since April 2, has ramped up his on-court activity in recent days and is showing no setbacks, according to coach JJ Redick and the team’s medical staff. At 25 days post-injury, Doncic is entering the critical phase of his rehabilitation, with a realistic target of being available for Game 1 or Game 2 of the next round.

“We’re very encouraged by where Luka is at,” Redick said after Sunday’s Game 4 win. “He’s doing a lot more on the court now, moving well, and the strength is coming back. We’re not going to rush it, but he’s trending in the right direction.”

Medical experts familiar with Grade 2 hamstring strains say a full return to 100% condition is achievable within the four-to-six-week window for elite athletes, especially with the advanced regenerative treatments Doncic received in Europe shortly after the injury. The partial tear of muscle fibers is healing as expected, and recent imaging has shown positive tissue repair.

Detailed Recovery Timeline

Doncic first felt the injury late in the first half against Oklahoma City on April 2. He attempted to play through it but was removed after grabbing his leg. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 strain, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and the early playoffs.

He traveled overseas for specialized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other regenerative treatments before resuming rehab in Los Angeles. The Lakers have taken a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return that could risk re-injury.

As of Monday, Doncic is performing light basketball drills, change-of-direction work, and controlled sprinting. He has not yet participated in full-contact 5-on-5 scrimmages, but the team expects him to begin that phase within the next week if progress continues. Redick emphasized that any return will require Doncic to pass a series of functional movement tests and be cleared by both team physicians and independent specialists.

Lakers Thriving Without Their Star

Despite Doncic’s absence, the Lakers have dominated the first-round series against Houston, taking a 3-1 lead. LeBron James has delivered vintage playoff performances, while supporting players like Austin Reaves (who is also recovering from an oblique strain), Rui Hachimura and others have stepped up significantly.

The strong play without Doncic has given the organization breathing room. A quick series closeout in Game 5 on Tuesday would provide the 27-year-old with additional recovery time before the conference semifinals. If the series extends, Doncic could still target an early second-round return.

Medical Experts Weigh In

Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky due to high re-injury rates. Dr. Robert Watkins, a prominent sports spine and orthopedic specialist not affiliated with the Lakers, said a Grade 2 strain in a player of Doncic’s size and explosiveness typically requires 4–6 weeks. “At 25 days, he’s in a good window,” Watkins noted. “If he’s already doing change-of-direction work without pain, that’s a very positive sign for a full recovery.”

The Lakers’ medical team has been praised for its cautious management. Rushing a return could lead to a more severe Grade 3 tear, which often sidelines players for months. Doncic’s history with lower-body issues has made the organization especially diligent.

Doncic’s Mindset and Future Outlook

Those close to Doncic say he is frustrated being sidelined but understands the importance of patience. In a recent social media post, he wrote “Patience is power” alongside a training video, signaling his commitment to a smart return.

At 27 years old and in his prime, a healthy Doncic paired with a still-elite LeBron James creates one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league. The Lakers acquired him in a major trade precisely for moments like a deep playoff run. His playmaking, scoring, and basketball IQ elevate the entire roster when healthy.

What a Return Would Mean

If Doncic returns at or near 100%, the Lakers instantly become serious title contenders. His ability to create for others while scoring efficiently would complement James perfectly. Defensive schemes would also have to account for his size and skill, opening opportunities for teammates.

For now, the focus remains on closing out Houston. A series victory would set up a favorable second-round matchup and give Doncic the best chance to return close to full strength. The organization continues projecting optimism without providing a firm date, maintaining flexibility based on his daily progress.

The hamstring strain has tested the Lakers’ depth and resilience, but it has also highlighted the team’s ability to compete without its star acquisition. As Doncic edges closer to a full return, anticipation builds for the moment he steps back on the court — potentially transforming the Lakers’ postseason outlook.

With careful management and positive signs in his recovery, Luka Doncic appears on track to return at or near 100% condition in the coming weeks, giving Los Angeles fans reason for excitement as the playoffs intensify.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals

LGND

1.22%

increase; green up pointing triangle said it has reached a deal to acquire Xoma XOMA 0.03%increase; green up pointing triangle Royalty, a company that invests in a range of biotech firms, for around $740 million.

The details

Under the terms, Ligand will pay $39 a share in cash for Xoma, a 2.9% premium over the $37.90 closing price on Friday. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter.

The Finance and Leasing Association said it had ‘concerns’ about the FCA’s £9.1bn motor finance compensation scheme but would not challenge it

The Financial Conduct Authority is to move ahead with its £9.1bn motor finance compensation programme after the principal industry body joined leading lenders in ruling out any legal action.

The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) said it had “concerns” about the initiative but that it was opting not to mount a challenge.

It follows major lenders including Santander, Barclays and Lloyds also accepting the FCA scheme despite voicing concerns that the level of compensation is disproportionate to those who suffered harm.

The FLA, which represents the UK’s motor finance firms, said it had weighed up how the regulator’s scheme would impact its members, their customers and the broader lending market given that it was “unprecedented in scale and scope, and the impact on the UK economy will be significant”.

“We continue to have concerns about aspects of the scheme, but our priority is that a practical solution be reached that ensures timely compensation for consumers while giving the motor finance industry and the wider market clarity and finality on this issue,” FLA chief executive Shanika Amarasekara said.

“For those reasons, we will not be challenging the FCA’s current scheme.”

Compensation is owed on approximately 12.1 million mis-sold agreements from a range of lenders at an average of £829 each, the financial watchdog said in March as it announced plans for its redress scheme. The FCA anticipates the total redress paid under its scheme will reach approximately £7.5 billion, assuming around 75% of eligible consumers submit a claim.

When factoring in the operational costs of administering the scheme, including processing millions of complaints, the overall bill climbs to £9.1 billion.

The FCA expects millions of claims will be settled this year, with the overwhelming majority resolved by the close of 2027.

Reports had suggested the FLA was contemplating mounting a legal challenge against the regulator, which had set Monday as the deadline for any such action.

However, the choice to abandon any opposition clears the way for the scheme to proceed and for individuals to receive compensation.

Leading lenders have similarly chosen to move on from the controversy and accept the FCA’s compensation framework.

Santander stated on Saturday that while the bank held a “disagreement” with certain elements of the scheme, this was outweighed by a “desire to bring greater certainty to our customers, shareholders and the wider motor finance sector”.

Barclays confirmed it would not be contesting the proposals “because we want a swift resolution for consumers” but issued a stark warning regarding its longer-term implications for the UK.

A spokesman said: “However, we disagree strongly with aspects which require financial redress even where customers suffered no demonstrable financial harm.

“This regulatory overreach will, in time, reduce the availability and increase the cost of consumer credit, hurt retail sales and damage consumption and growth in the UK.

“Barclays exited the motor finance market in 2019 and has no plans to re-enter it.”

Lloyds, which operates within the car finance sector through its Black Horse brand, has similarly opted against mounting a legal challenge, despite having set aside nearly £2 billion to compensate affected customers.

Meanwhile, the FCA is braced for pushback from consumer group Consumer Voice, which announced last week that it was gearing up for a legal challenge amid concerns that the scheme in its current form could leave millions of consumers out of pocket by several hundred pounds per claim.

Gary Greenwood, an equity analyst for Shore Capital Markets, noted that while lenders had reservations about how the compensation scheme had been structured, “none appear willing to pursue a formal legal challenge”.

“That contrasts with the position of consumer representatives,” he said, pointing to Consumer Voice’s intentions to pursue legal action.

“Such a challenge could delay the implementation of the scheme and/or the timing of compensation payments for affected customers.

“Whether it ultimately proves strong enough to overturn the scheme remains to be seen; however, were it to do so, lenders could be required to revisit their redress assumptions and associated provision estimates.”

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NEW YORK — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have officially sent save-the-date cards confirming their wedding for Friday, July 3, 2026, in New York City, multiple sources with direct knowledge told Page Six and other outlets, putting an end to months of speculation about the timing and location of one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings in recent years.

The power couple, engaged since August 2025, shifted from earlier rumors of a June 13 date in Rhode Island to a patriotic Fourth of July weekend celebration in Manhattan. The July 3 date aligns with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and gives Kelce time for a honeymoon before reporting to Kansas City Chiefs training camp in late July.

Insiders say the couple deliberately chose New York for its ability to accommodate a larger guest list while leveraging Swift’s deep ties to the city and Tribeca penthouse. Save-the-dates, which began circulating in recent days, emphasize privacy and security with personalized details to prevent leaks. Guests, including close friends like Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid, reportedly have July 2-4 blocked off.

From June Rumors to July Confirmation

Earlier speculation heavily favored June 13 — Swift’s lucky number — at the Ocean House resort in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, near her waterfront property. However, celebrity wedding planner Tara Guérard publicly debunked that booking, confirming she was handling a different event on that date. The couple ultimately pivoted to New York for logistical reasons and to maintain greater control.

A Page Six report on April 9 first revealed the July 3 shift after save-the-dates went out. The date falls on a Friday, allowing a full holiday weekend celebration and fitting Kelce’s NFL schedule perfectly. Sources describe the wedding as glamorous yet relatively intimate by superstar standards, with around 150-200 guests expected.

High-Security, No-Phone Celebration

The couple is enforcing strict privacy measures. Save-the-dates include guests’ names in the background design so any leaked photos can be traced. A “no phones” policy is expected during the ceremony and reception, a growing trend among high-profile couples seeking to protect intimate moments. Security will be extensive given their combined global fame.

Pre-wedding events are already generating buzz. Kelce is reportedly planning a relaxed bachelor party in the Bahamas with teammates including Patrick Mahomes, while Swift’s bridal events are expected to include her tight-knit circle of friends. No official registry has been announced, with indications the couple may request charitable donations instead of gifts.

A Love Story That Captivated the World

Swift, 36, and Kelce, also 36, first connected in 2023 when the Chiefs tight end attended one of her Eras Tour shows. Their relationship quickly became a cultural phenomenon, blending pop music and NFL audiences in unprecedented ways. Kelce proposed in a garden setting in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, in August 2025, with the couple sharing a joyful Instagram announcement that broke the internet.

Their romance has been marked by public support — Kelce cheering at Swift’s shows and Swift appearing at Arrowhead Stadium — alongside a desire for privacy in their personal life. The wedding marks a major milestone after nearly three years together.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The wedding is poised to be a massive media and economic event. New York City venues capable of hosting such a high-profile celebration are already on high alert. Fashion insiders expect custom designs from top designers, while the guest list will likely mix A-list musicians, athletes, actors and longtime friends.

Economists note that celebrity weddings of this magnitude generate significant tourism and media revenue. The July 3 timing, tied to Independence Day weekend, adds a layer of American symbolism that fits the couple’s public image.

What We Know So Far

While the exact venue remains under wraps — speculation ranges from iconic Manhattan landmarks to private estates — sources describe it as grand yet personal. The couple is working with top planners to balance security, guest experience and their desire for an authentic celebration. No musical performances or surprise elements have been confirmed, though Swifties are already theorizing about possible setlists or special dedications.

Friends say both Swift and Kelce are excited to celebrate with loved ones after busy careers. Kelce’s NFL commitments and Swift’s creative projects have kept them in the spotlight, making this private milestone especially meaningful.

Looking Ahead

As July 3 approaches, more details are expected to emerge — though the couple’s history suggests they will reveal only what they choose. Whether the day includes subtle nods to their love story, high-fashion moments or quiet vows, it promises to be a defining cultural event of 2026.

For now, Swifties and Chiefs Kingdom alike are marking their calendars and buzzing with anticipation. The save-the-dates have made it official: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are set to say “I do” on July 3 in New York City, closing one chapter and beginning another in one of modern entertainment’s most beloved romances.

LOS ANGELES — Sony has quietly slashed the price of the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition to $399 on its official PlayStation Direct store in a limited-time promotion, offering a $200 discount from the new post-hike price and creating a rare buying opportunity for consumers just weeks after the company raised console prices globally.

The Fortnite Flowering Chaos bundle, which includes the PS5 Digital Edition console and in-game content, is now available for $399 — undercutting the updated $599.99 recommended retail price that took effect on April 2, 2026, and even beating the pre-hike price of $499.99. The move comes as Sony appears to be clearing inventory following a significant price increase driven by rising component costs.

This temporary discount marks one of the deepest cuts on a current-generation PS5 model since launch and has sparked renewed interest among gamers who held off purchasing after the March 27 announcement of price hikes across the PS5 lineup.

Background on Recent Price Hikes

On March 27, Sony announced global price increases effective April 2, citing continued pressures in the global economic landscape and rising costs of key components like memory chips. In the United States, the standard PS5 with disc drive rose from $549.99 to $649.99, the Digital Edition jumped from $499.99 to $599.99, and the PS5 Pro increased from $749.99 to $899.99. The PlayStation Portal remote player also rose by $50 to $249.99.

The hikes triggered a pre-increase buying rush, with U.S. PS5 hardware sales hitting 2026 highs in the week leading up to April 2, according to Circana data. Many consumers rushed to secure consoles at the lower prices, boosting Sony’s short-term sales figures.

Why the Sudden Discount?

Industry observers suggest the $399 bundle is part of Sony’s strategy to manage inventory and maintain momentum amid the higher MSRPs. The bundle includes Fortnite-themed content, appealing to younger players and those interested in the popular battle royale game. Availability appears limited, with stock moving quickly on PlayStation Direct.

This is not a permanent price reduction but a targeted promotion. Similar limited-time deals have appeared in the past when Sony needed to stimulate demand or move specific SKUs. The base disc-drive PS5 remains at the new $649.99 MSRP with fewer promotional discounts reported so far.

Consumer Reaction and Market Impact

The surprise discount has been welcomed by budget-conscious gamers. Social media platforms lit up with posts celebrating the deal, with many calling it a “win” after the recent hikes. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have also been monitored for matching or competing offers, though PlayStation Direct currently holds the lowest advertised price on the Digital Edition bundle.

The promotion comes as the PS5 continues strong sales performance in 2026 despite the higher prices. The console generation remains in its prime, with major titles still driving hardware demand. Analysts expect further promotions throughout the year, particularly around holidays like Black Friday.

Comparison With Competitors

Microsoft has kept Xbox Series X and S prices stable in recent months, creating a pricing contrast that some gamers are highlighting. The PS5’s higher price point reflects Sony’s premium positioning, advanced features and strong first-party game lineup, but temporary discounts help close the gap for value seekers.

Advice for Buyers

Shoppers interested in the $399 bundle should act quickly, as these promotions often sell out fast. Checking PlayStation Direct regularly, setting price alerts on major retailers and comparing bundles are recommended strategies. Those needing a disc drive may still face the full $649.99 price unless additional deals emerge.

For those waiting on the PS6, expected in 2027-2028, current PS5 deals offer strong value for the current generation’s extensive library. The console’s backward compatibility and growing catalog of enhanced titles make it a compelling purchase even at elevated prices when discounts appear.

Sony’s Pricing Strategy Moving Forward

The combination of a March price increase followed by an April discount highlights Sony’s flexible approach to balancing profitability, inventory management and consumer demand. With component costs fluctuating and competition from PC gaming and other consoles, such promotions are likely to continue as the company navigates the late stage of the PS5 lifecycle.

As of late April 2026, the $399 Digital Edition bundle stands as the best current deal for new buyers. Whether this signals more aggressive discounting ahead or remains a one-off inventory move remains to be seen, but it provides welcome relief for gamers seeking to enter or upgrade within the PlayStation ecosystem without paying full post-hike prices.

The PS5 continues to dominate headlines and living rooms, with this latest promotion reminding consumers that patience and deal-hunting can still yield significant savings even in a higher-price environment.

Defence giant Babcock is developing an off-road vehicle as part of a new MoD programme

South West defence giant Babcock and carmaker Toyota are developing a new vehicle that will replace the British Army’s Land Rover fleet. It comes as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) looks to phase out use of the vehicle over the coming months as part of a new so-called Light Mobility Programme.

The new off-roader will be known as the Babcock General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) – and will be based on Toyota’s Land Cruiser and Hilux.

A network of SMEs across the UK will supply specialist components for the GLV and it will undergo significant military‑specific modifications in the West Midlands ahead of use.

Babcock recently hosted an engagement event at its Defence Battlelab in Dorset, bringing together around 30 suppliers to discuss the upcoming requirements for the vehicle.

Chris Spicer, managing director for Babcock’s engineering and systems integration business, said: “The Army’s Land Rover has earned its retirement – and with the General Logistics Vehicle, we’re building on its legacy with a product which will provide soldiers with a tough, reliable and practical platform to support a wide range of mission-critical tasks.

“We’re ensuring soldiers have a vehicle suited to modern operational requirements and by working with the UK’s brightest SMEs, we’re creating and sustaining high quality jobs within our supply chain and contributing to the UK’s defence dividend.”

The Army has used Land Rovers for around 70 years and last year more than 5,000 remained in service across the UK military.

In March, the MoD said the retirement of the Land Rover marked a “significant milestone” in the evolution of the its mobility capabilities.

Defence minister Luke Pollard said: “The Land Rover and British Army share an incredible history and the image of a Landy in Army livery is truly iconic.

“As we look ahead to the future of light mobility vehicles, it is fitting to pay tribute to this extraordinary fleet that has served our Armed Forces so faithfully.”

Over the decades, several bespoke Land Rover models were developed exclusively for military use, including:

• The Series IIA Ambulance: designed to carry four stretchers and a medic;
• Series IIA Pink Panther: designed for use in the desert by the SAS, it was used for special operation missions and long-distance reconnaissance;
• Amphibious SIIA 109”: a prototype of a vehicle that could be used for sea landings;
• and V8 Centaur Multi-Role Half-Track which was created with a track taken from the Scorpion light tank and represented an attempt to merge road vehicle with a tank.

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In the rugged, salt-sprayed hills of Malibu and the sun-drenched valleys of Moorpark, the Golden State is losing its luster.

For nearly 80 years, Larry Thorne’s family has watched the Pacific fog roll over fields that feed the community, but today the view is clouded by a different kind of threat — a triple hit of $7-a-gallon diesel, soaring electricity rates and a regulatory environment so suffocating that local farmers are calling it a “master plan” to run the working class out of the state.

As the last farm in a town of million-dollar estates, Thorne faces a breaking point where the region’s Mediterranean climate can no longer offset the reality of Sacramento’s energy agenda.

“The California government has its head in the sand when it comes to energy,” Thorne told Fox News Digital at his farm on a bright, crisp April morning. “Every force in agriculture for the last 40 years, it’s been, ‘Get big or get out.’ And so the people who took on the challenge of just getting bigger and bigger and bigger, a lot of those people are surviving, but the smaller farmer is not.”

OIL PRODUCER ORG SHREDS CALIFORNIA DEM FOR BLAMING IRAN WAR FOR HIS DISTRICT’S GAS PRICES

About a 40-minute drive north of Thorne’s farm lies the 3,000-acre Underwood Family Farms, owned and operated by 83-year-old Navy veteran Craig Underwood. He has spent over half a century coaxing life out of the Ventura County soil, and has seen market crashes and droughts, but he’s never seen a $70 flat of strawberries or a $1,600-per-acre regulatory cost tied to a head of lettuce.

California farmers Larry Thorne (right) and Craig Underwood (left) are seeing margins significantly dip due to high diesel prices. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

“It seems like every year we cut costs, and we try and get a little bit more money, but every year the costs increase more than we’ve been able to cut them, and the money that we receive is less,” Underwood also told Fox News Digital under the shaded cover of his farm’s educational center. “This is a really tough economic time, very comparable to the 80s when a lot of farmers went out of business and I think a lot of farmers are feeling that pressure right now.”

The men represent a vanishing breed of California farmers. They are the calloused hands behind your grocery cart, now being forced to pay nearly $7 per gallon of diesel fuel and told by a state government to trade their tractors for an electric transition the grid may not support.

“As a younger boy… diesel was five cents a gallon,” Thorne recalled. “In a three-year time frame, between [the] cost of seed, fertilizer, fuel, labor, everything’s gone up at least 25%… Just hauling vegetables to market, it used to cost me about 60 bucks to fill up my pickup truck. Now it’s almost $200 to fill my pickup trucks… What’s really killing the consumer is the cost of fuel to deliver the food to town. It’s adding a huge amount.”

Thorne also told Digital that his nearby neighbors let him use their land to farm, too. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

“California is, unquestionably, almost uncompetitive in the way we have to comply with so many different regulations that come down from Sacramento. Our labor costs are high, our fuel costs are higher, there’s a lot of regulation,” Underwood said.

While the two farms are starkly different in the sizes of their operations, the labor of love poured into the land is clear. Thorne spent some time surveying ripe, red strawberries fresh with morning dew before picking a few off their stems — the taste was an explosion of deep, jammy crimson that stained the tongue and filled the senses. Underwood went on a tractor tour showcasing the spring festival events like a giant cornhole, followed by endless fields of you-pick produce options such as cabbage, raspberries, turnips, various types of lettuce, beets, lemons, blackberries and even fresh flowers.

Their passion for their work is unmistakable, but the people who feed America are warning that the grid, the costs and the regulations are designed for “the very richest people,” leaving the average family and small business owners behind.

Every weekend, Thorne Family Farms welcomes customers to pick from their pantry and produce offerings. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

“We don’t have the grid, and we don’t have the power sources to make it happen, and they’re running the oil refineries out of the state at the same time. So, I mean, it sounds like a master plan to reduce the population in California. From 40 million down to 20 million of just the very richest people who can afford the gas prices and the real estate taxes and everything else,” Thorne said. “It sounds like a master plan to run people out of the state to me.”

“Farmers in Ventura County, throughout California, are really suffering from low prices, low demand, our whole export program has been interrupted,” Underwood noted. “There’s a lot of news about the high cost of food, but most of that cost is in transportation because food is moving all over the country. And into that equation there’s cooling, there’s warehousing, there is transportation, and to every head of lettuce that you buy, it’s not just the cost of growing that head of lettuce — it is getting it from the field, harvested and onto the shelf.”

CHEVRON WARNS NEWSOM’S ‘ADVERSARIAL’ ENERGY AGENDA WILL CRIPPLE CALIFORNIA ECONOMY, SEND GAS PRICES SOARING

California gas prices are among the highest in the nation due to a combination of state and local taxes adding about $1 extra per gallon, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard requiring a “clean-burning” fuel blend and limited in-state refinery capacity.

Underwood Family Farms is a bit of a bigger operation than Thorne’s, offering dozens of you-pick produce year-round, seven days a week. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

The Golden State has also recently pushed legislation for a 100% electric future by 2035, but last year, the U.S. Senate and President Donald Trump blocked the mandate in a historic vote.

Regulations in California add an estimated $1,600 per acre to the cost of growing lettuce, while farmer margins often sit between $100 and $200, Underwood said. The average age of the American farmer is now between 60 and 67 years old; modern equipment costs range from $70,000 to $350,000 per tractor.

Both farmers said it would be more affordable to run their businesses out of state, but neither has considered leaving their generational history behind.

Farm visitors had rows and rows of strawberry fields to choose from. (Fox News Digital)

“[It’s] probably 30% cheaper [to operate outside California]… [But] I couldn’t grow what I grow outside of the state. I can’t do this in Nevada. I can’t grow strawberries in Nevada, can’t grow avocados, oranges… We have climate here that hardly anybody else in the world has,” Thorne explained.

“Farming is one of those businesses. It’s a lifestyle as well as a business, and you have to live it and you better like it because it’s tough,” Underwood concurred. “We’ve been through really tough times before so this isn’t something that’s brand new, and I’m guessing that we’ll probably survive this one.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office directed Fox News Digital to the California Energy Commission for comment. In response, a spokesperson said in part: “The price pressures Californians are experiencing at the pump right now are a direct result of global oil market disruption driven by the war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply flows. Today, the state’s investments in electric vehicle adoption, clean fuels, grid reliability and clean transportation are precisely the tools that insulate consumers from the kind of foreign policy-driven price shocks that Americans are experiencing in every state, regardless of whether they pump oil or have refineries.”

Visitors can take home as much or as little produce as they wish, with some customers carrying baskets and others with wheelbarrows. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

Thorne and Underwood called for a return to what they described as common-sense energy solutions like refineries and nuclear power rather than mandated electrification.

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“We need oil refineries, and we need the state of California to back off the energy producers,” Thorne emphasized. “Build refineries and build nuclear reactors, and [do] it as fast as humanly possible.”

“Change needs to come… I would like the state to represent us more than they do Edison and PG&E,” Underwood said, “and it seems like Edison and PG&E always have a seat at the table, and the average business or consumer doesn’t.”

This is Part 1 of Fox News Digital’s series, “Golden State strain: Inside California’s economic nightmare.” Join us for Part 2 where we go man-on-the-street at the most expensive gas pumps in America to hear the voices Sacramento is trying to tune out.

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