At the end of December 2025, we take a look back at the most popular news stories of the year.
In January, one of the first stories of 2025 was the most viewed, “DMV New Year Reminder, Written Test No Longer Required For Most Drivers.” The policy to test those who were turning 70 was eliminated, it was never a requirement of law. A vision test and an updated photo are still required when renewing a license for those 70 and older. The details are here.
In February we wrote Fate Of Yosemite’s Reservation System Uncertain and followed up on plans throughout the year including the update in April that the park would require reservations during peak periods. Plans for possible reservation system dates in 2026 have not been released yet.
Also in February an invasive mussel forced Lake Tulloch to close recreational boating. The Tri-Dam Project announced the immediate closure until further notice, then reopened in April. In December the Lake Tulloch Campground and Marina was closed immediately and permanently. According to operators, the shutdown was due to conditions beyond their control, making ongoing safe and financially sustainable operations impossible. The marina is one of the primary public access sites to the lake, as private homes and marinas control the majority of the lake’s north shore access.
Sonora Rite Aid at Mono Way and Greenley RoadIn May we reported that Rite Aid was closing all stores, including those in Mother Lode. As detailed here the Philadelphia-based Rite Aid stores were all closed nationwide, including in Sonora and Angels Camp. The company’s website states that there were 1,245 stores in 15 states.
In June, the Little House On The Prairie had a cast reunion hosted in Tuolumne County. Organizers noted visitors from at least 30 states and as far away as Spain, France and Greece secured tickets to attend. The event was put on by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Prairie Legacy Productions. There was a parade down Main Street, meet-and-greets held inside various historic locations throughout Columbia and a special Wine & Cheese Train hosted at Railtown 1897.
Early in July we reported that the tax Californians pay at the gas pumps increased by nearly two cents per gallon. The tax went up from 59.6-cents to 61.2-cents as detailed here.
Also in July, locals rejoiced that handwritten notes led to the rescue of a mother and child in Calaveras. Unable to use radio or cell signals, rescuers switched to ham radio. The emergency signal was picked up by a retired communications supervisor in El Dorado County, who relayed the message to 911 and back to Calaveras dispatch. Rescue personnel escorted the family back to their command post, where they reunited with relatives. According to officials, the GPS device the mother was using rerouted them onto remote roads before losing signal. Their pre-trip planning, including telling someone their route and return time, along with the notes and using a whistle, was credited with the successful rescue.
The September Lightning Complex Fire on September 2nd was a huge event and we were live with all the breaking news and updates. Four stories about the TCU Complex were in the top most read of 2025. One related news story became our third most viewed news story of the year: Fire Engine Rollover Crash On Highway 49. Only one person was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation after the engine tipped over. Most recently we reported on the debris removal work in Chinese Camp.
Later in September on the 26th, Tuolumne County celebrated being a filming location for Back to the Future. The fictional town of Hill Valley featured in the final installment of the trilogy, was filmed out by the Red Hills. Our news story on the event ‘Back To The Future Fans Return To Hill Valley‘ became a top most viewed news story of this year.
Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, eradicated an illegal marijuana cultivation site at a large-scale outdoor grow near New Hogan Lake. The multiple fields of marijuana plants hidden in remote terrain were on public land as detailed here in October.
A victim of the Wilseyville serial killers was identified 40-Years Later as reported by the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force. The remains of Reginald “Reggie” Frisby’s were found in 1985 but not identified until 2025 when the Delaware State Patrol Missing Persons Unit acquired a DNA reference sample from Reginald’s mother. The California Department of Justice compared her DNA sample to the sample obtained from the remains, and the results, combined with the investigative facts, confirmed the identity.
Other top non local news stories:
Trump administration takes aim at $4B in funding for California high-speed rail California has a $6.2 billion Medicaid funding gap partly due to expanding immigrant coverage Appeals court says California law requiring background checks for ammunition is unconstitutional Gov. Newsom signs housing bill overhauling California’s landmark environmental law California Gov. Gavin Newsom tries to rebrand himself ahead of a potential presidential run
As always, our Eye In The Sky views of downtown Sonora and around the MotherLode are very popular. Don’t forget to check them for the weather now, or watch when a parade marches by.
The year 2025 was an eventful year, and we at Central Sierra Broadcasting look forward to bringing you local news in 2026.
Hence then, the article about most read news stories of 2025 was published today ( ) and is available on myMOTHERLODE ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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