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L.A. County gas prices soar past $5 a gallon – Are you prepared for spring break travel?

Ready for spring break travel? Be prepared to pay more at the pump as gas prices continue to climb.

As of Sunday, the California national average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.986, representing an increase of about eight cents from last week and nearly 35 cents from a month ago, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Drivers in Los Angeles County are experiencing even higher prices, with an average of $5.035 per gallon. Throughout Southern California, Ventura County’s average is slightly higher at $5.051, while San Bernardino County and Orange County drivers are seeing prices just below $5 a gallon.

The surge in gas prices can be attributed to various factors. Crude oil prices tend to rise during this time of year and have surpassed $80 per barrel, impacting retail prices where consumers purchase gas, explained Doug Shupe, an Auto Club spokesperson. Additionally, there is an uptick in demand from travelers hitting the road for spring break getaways.

“With a large number of people refueling, there is pressure on the pump prices, leading to the current increase,” Shupe stated.

In the coming weeks, California will transition to its summer blend of gas, which could add 15 cents more per gallon compared to the current winter blend. The summer blend is formulated to withstand higher temperatures and has a higher production cost.

California typically maintains higher gas prices than most states due to its use of special environmental blends and higher gas taxes. The national average for a gallon of gas stands at $3.533, as reported by AAA.

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Kevin McCarthy, former House Speaker, seeks revenge

Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is out for vengeance. After being voted out as House speaker, McCarthy left office at the end of 2023. Now, he is traveling the country giving speeches, appearing on TV, and plotting revenge against those who orchestrated his downfall.

Eight Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats in toppling McCarthy, marking the first time a House leader has been voted out. Two of the Republicans who voted against him are retiring, while three others are facing strong primary challenges. McCarthy is working behind the scenes to ensure their defeat, using his political connections and resources to support their opponents.

McCarthy’s main nemesis in this battle for vengeance is Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was instrumental in McCarthy’s ouster. During a recent appearance at Georgetown University, McCarthy accused Gaetz of pushing him out of the speakership due to an ethics complaint involving a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz denied the allegations and called McCarthy a liar.

Despite the turmoil of his speakership lasting less than nine months, McCarthy feels liberated and focused on campaigns and elections, which have always been his forte. He remains close to lawmakers he recruited and maintains a vast donor network built over years as a top GOP strategist.

McCarthy’s top priority is to secure Republican control of the House in the upcoming elections. He is also focused on reelecting key members, such as Young Kim, Michelle Steel, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who have diversified the House GOP.

At a recent seminar on American democracy, McCarthy displayed both charm and self-deprecation. He broke with former President Trump by supporting aid for Ukraine and acknowledging Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. However, McCarthy also dodged questions and made false equivalences, drawing criticism from his detractors.

Despite speculation about a second Trump administration, McCarthy has not shown interest in becoming an influence peddler. Instead, he prefers working in the campaign realm, where his skills and talents are best utilized. McCarthy’s focus is on electing viable Republican candidates and achieving payback against those who pushed him out of power.

In conclusion, Kevin McCarthy is on a mission for vengeance, using his political savvy and resources to take down his opponents and secure Republican victories. His determination and focus on campaigns and elections show that McCarthy is not one to back down easily, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of politics.