News

President Donald Trump during a swearing-in ceremony at the White House on May 22, 2026. Photo by Madalina Kilroy.

Trump plans long speech on Fourth  

By Zachary Stieber Contributing Writer  President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he plans to give a long speech on July 4 during an event in Washington.  “On July 4th, it’s going to

Black Hawk helicopters fly over Mount Rushmore National Memorial, outside of Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 2, 2026. Photo by John Fredricks.

Founders honored in 250th celebration at Mount Rushmore 

By Janice Hisle Contributing Writer  KEYSTONE, S.D. — A day before America’s 250th Independence Day, Mount Rushmore was set to serve as the majestic backdrop for an evening speech from President Donald Trump — planned to be capped by a show-stopping $700,000 fireworks

Local lifeguards save toddler’s life 

What began as a routine morning at the community pool for the Brhel family quickly became every parent’s nightmare.  Madison Brhel, who is described as a lively and curious 3-year-old toddler who loves to explore the world around

Community still awaiting word on Cemex hearing 

In December, the courts told state regulators they can make Cemex re-notice its water rights application to use the Santa Clara River for a 56-million-ton sand-and-gravel mine in Soledad Canyon.   Since then, Cemex has

An L.A. County Sheriff's Department badge

DA declines to file assault allegation  

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office cited insufficient evidence in its refusal to file formal charges this week regarding an alleged sexual assault that occurred Tuesday evening, according to a Sheriff’s Department official.   Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s

Courts filler

DOJ sues California over Glock ban, handgun roster 

By Michael Clements Contributing Writer  The Justice Department on Wednesday sued California over its ban on “machinegun convertible pistols” and its “handgun roster.”  The law bans the purchase of Glock pistols and guns with similar firing mechanisms, according

World News

Police arrest 900 in South African immigration protest  

By Chris Summers Contributing Writer  The South African police has said it arrested more than 900 ​people during protests against illegal immigrants that took place across the country on Tuesday.  In a Wednesday post on X, the South African

Analysts say that seizing Qeshm Island at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz could weaken Iran’s ability to disrupt maritime traffic. The island is seen here in a satellite image on Aug. 23, 2000. (NASA)

Iran threatens ships that use alternate Hormuz routes 

By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer  Iran’s military command on Thursday warned that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use Tehran’s approved routes or be met with a “powerful response,” raising

Brett Haddoak announces campaign for City Council  

News release  Brett Haddoak, a lifelong Santa Clarita Valley resident, small business owner, community advocate, and dad, has officially announced his candidacy for Santa Clarita City Council District 2, according to

College briefs

College Briefs for July 2

Valle earns dean’s list honors at UTampa   Gabriel Valle, of Valencia, earned dean’s list honors at the University of Tampa for the fall 2025 semester. Valle is a junior majoring in film and