Good morning, Stockton.

Head and shoulders photo of Daniel Garza
Daniel Garza

A massive warehouse explosion in Yolo County has forced the cancellation of Lodi’s Fourth of July fireworks show.

The conflagration, which destroyed the fireworks supply for Lodi’s annual celebration at Lodi Lake, injured two people; seven others are missing. The explosion set nearby acreage on fire and triggered evacuations. Its cause remains under investigation.

While other July 4 shows around Northern California are in question following the destruction, Stockton’s event will go on as planned at Weber Point.

In other July 4 news, Hope Muñoz rounds up the best ways to celebrate Independence Day across Stockton and its surrounding communities. Whether you’re after fireworks, parades or family-friendly fun, we’ve got you covered.


Also in today’s edition: A lawsuit alleges the county failed to protect a baby from repeated abuse, a fatal crash in Lathrop claims a street sweeper’s life and a federal judge sends a Stockton man to prison for exploiting minors online. Meanwhile, the Flores trial hits another delay — this time due to sick jurors.

Let’s get into it.

Today’s top story

Fireworks show at Lodi Lake canceled due to warehouse explosion

By Hope Muñoz • Stocktonia

A massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County destroyed pyrotechnics for several Fourth of July shows, including one scheduled at Lodi Lake.


5 stories you may have missed

How will you be celebrating? Checkout this guide for local Independence Day festivities

The 4th of July is days away, as are plenty of fireworks shows and holiday-themed fun. Check out this guide to finding the best ones.

San Joaquin County failed to protect baby from beatings, lawsuit alleges: ‘Fell through every crack in the system’

Repeated child abuse left a 1-year-old boy virtually blind, unable to walk or talk and likely in need of around-the-clock care, the lawsuit states.

Street sweeper killed after rear-ending tractor-trailer in Lathrop is identified

The street sweeper rear-ended a tractor-trailer that was parked on the side of the road. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Juror absences force delay in Flores felony trial

The felony trial of Stockton Unified School District board member AngelAnn Flores was unexpectedly paused Tuesday after two jurors reported illness.

Stockton man gets 20 years in federal prison for exploiting minor girls online 

A Stockton man was given 20 years in federal prison Tuesday for child exploitation, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.


Top California news

Inside the SUSD loop: District spending probe continues in Flores trial

Testimony resumed Wednesday in the felony trial of Stockton Unified School District board member AngelAnn Flores.

Republican megabill will mean higher health costs for many Americans

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” cuts federal spending on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces by about $1 trillion over a decade.

Trump freezes grant funding, upending school budgets

The Trump administration’s decision to withhold millions in grants to California schools is a political move weaponizing federal funding, officials say.


Love this newsletter? Show us with your donation.

Thank you for reading our morning briefing. Our nonprofit news team works hard to bring you essential news on local government, business, education, public safety and community affairs in Stockton and the surrounding area. But journalism is expensive, and we need your help. Please do your part and donate. Thank you for your support.


Forwarded this email? Subscribe here to receive Morning Briefing.

Sent to *|EMAIL|* Change email preferences | Unsubscribe
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* NEWSWELL. Our mailing address is: *|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*