As the Fourth of July approaches and the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, many Central California residents are feeling the impact of rising costs tied to the holiday.
According to the National Retail Federation, 87% of people plan to celebrate this year. But as families finalize travel plans and shopping lists, the prices for gas, groceries and fireworks are adding to the cost of festivities.
Drivers are expected to crowd roadways over the holiday weekend. AAA projects that about 85% of travelers will take to the highways, with many families heading to gatherings such as barbecues and baseball games…