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Politics and government

Whitesides’ wildfire prevention bill passes House  

News release   Rep. George Whitesides’ bill to use advanced technology in wildfire-prone areas has unanimously passed the U.S. House, the congressman’s office announced in a news release.   The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act will

World News Venezuela Filler

US, Venezuela agree to resume diplomatic relations  

By Aldgra Fredly Contributing Writer  The United States and Venezuela’s interim government agreed to restore diplomatic and consular relations after seven years of severed ties, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.  “This

DA declines assault charge, pursues petty theft  

The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday it rejected a case filing from the county Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Unit involving a man accused of sexually assaulting a teen in January.   Sgt.

Murder suspect refuses to attend hearing 

A man charged with being an accomplice in the 2023 murders of Brian Fabricio Chevez and Camron Stokes failed to show up to his court hearing this week.  On Monday, Judge David

Acton actor, animal advocate accused of kidnapping 

Federal prosecutors have charged an Acton actor and animal-welfare advocate with the attempted kidnapping of a former employee who previously won a $6.7 million wrongful-termination judgment against him, according to a federal complaint filed this

The first-place MathCounts team from Rancho Pico Junior High School included Lilliana Jun, Christopher Lew, Hope Shu and Pradyun Theerthala. Courtesy photo.

Rancho Pico students earn top honors in MathCounts 

News release  Rancho Pico Junior High School earned top honors at the San Fernando Valley MathCounts competition, taking first place among 21 schools and 220 competitors on Saturday, Feb. 7, at California State

Politics and government

Valladares announces legislative package  

News release  State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Acton, has introduced an affordability-focused legislative package aiming to bring meaningful relief for families and small businesses struggling under the weight of California’s affordability crisis, according to a news release from the senator’s office. 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 3, 2026. Photo by Madalina Kilroy.

Trump announces he’s replacing Noem as DHS chief 

By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer   President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he is replacing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., in a move that will go into