5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Ridgecrest

RIDGECREST, Calif. (AP) – A magnitude 5.5 earthquake has jolted the region of California desert where a powerful quake last summer was followed by thousands of aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey says Wednesday’s quake hit at a fairly shallow depth around 6:30 p.m. and was centered just north of the small city of Ridgecrest. A dispatcher with the city’s police department said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury. The quake was felt as a bump and rolling motion in a high-rise building in downtown Las Vegas. Local television news broadcasts stopped as anchors reported seeing lights sway in their studios. It also shook buildings in downtown Los Angeles.