Good morning, Bakersfield.

Suck It Up Soda Shop at Calloway and Olive Drive in the Walmart parking lot now serves custom dirty sodas and in-house cookies.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on Fri and Sat.

Rising gas prices and high airfare are prompting local families to choose stay-cations over long summer trips.

Goldline Wealth Management expert Jordan Mangaliman (with ARC Bakersfield) said skipping costly vacations may help avoid debt and boost savings.

Bakersfield College announced new leadership selected through a nationwide search (Dr. Stacey Pfluger as President, Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak as Vice President of Instruction, and Lynn Kennedy as Athletic Director).

The college will host a press conference for Kennedy on Tuesday, June 2 at the Renegade Athletics Complex.

California’s first carbon capture project began storing CO2 deep under Elk Hills this month (a milestone for regional climate action), signaling innovative steps to reduce emissions locally.

County leaders credit new housing & outreach programs with keeping homelessness numbers nearly flat amid a slight count increase, but they warn that expiring federal funds could challenge ongoing support for these initiatives.

Gas prices have surged for drivers amid rising global tensions.

Eight governor candidates are promoting competing plans today in California to lower fuel costs, with proposals ranging from reducing regulation to adjusting oil sourcing practices.

County officials celebrated the fentanyl task force's success on Tuesday even though state funding for its future support remains unclear.

Congressman David Valadao introduced the Supporting Newborn Parents Act, a bill that would give families a one-time $2,000 tax credit to help cover newborn expenses.

If approved, local parents may receive the credit via direct deposit or check — a change that could ease financial burdens for Kern County families.

A Bakersfield woman is placing Narcan boxes stocked with free Narcan and fentanyl test strips outside businesses as Kern County battles a fentanyl crisis.

The boxes — provided by the Bakersfield AIDS Project — are available 24/7 and aim to help reverse overdoses in the community.

The Alzheimer's Association will host its 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's kick-off party at Vecchio's Pizzeria & Gelateria on Buena Vista Road on Thursday, May 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees can register their teams to learn about Alzheimer's disease & support the cause.

Robert Jon and the Wreck Live

7-11 p.m. — World Records — Ticketed event — Enjoy an electrifying mix of Southern rock and West Coast soul with Robert Jon & The Wreck.

Bakersfield Puerto Rican Salsa Festival

1-8 p.m. — Kern County Shrine Club — Donations accepted — Dance to salsa beats and enjoy Puerto Rican culture while raising funds for student scholarships.

The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

7:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a haunting tale of love and tragedy set to music from Stephen King and John Mellencamp.

The Lovers Rock - Sade Tribute

8-11 p.m. — BottleShock Wine and Brew — Fundraising event — Enjoy a night of Sade's legendary sounds while supporting Kern County students in music and STEM education.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus: Fun Factory

4:30 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling and colorful world of the Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus in a fantastic family-friendly performance.

Summer Nights Truck and Car Show

All day — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Check the event page for pricing — Celebrate automotive culture with trucks, classic cars, and vibrant entertainment.

NEF The Pharaoh

4:20-10 p.m. — Paradise Palace Hall — Free entry — Experience live music, local vendors, and delicious food at this vibrant community event.