Where to celebrate the US’ 250th birthday in the Borderland

KVIA on June 29, 2026

Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Millions of people in the U.S. are preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday Saturday. In the Borderland, there will be several events leading up to the milestone.

Revolutionary Figures & Fashion Show

When: July 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Visitors’ Information Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Second Floor

Admission: Free

Revolutionary Figures & Fashion Show presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Rebecca Stoddert Chapter. This experience will showcase Revolutionary-era attire and historical figures to offer guests an opportunity to engage with America’s founding history.

Glow Independence Night

When: July 1 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Sylvia A Carreon Community Center – Multipurpose

Admission: Free

Glow Independence Night is an immersive, multi-zone community event that combines creativity, visual experience, and participation. Attendees move through different spaces, starting with hands-on activities and culminating in a coordinated glow light experience. Glow lab, Glow tunnel, Glow Room and Chill & Movie zone. UV paint will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks.

Doña Ana County America’s 250th AnniversaryWhen: July 2 from 4 p.m. to midnightWhere: Doña Ana County Fairgrounds at 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., Las CrucesAdmission: FreeThe county will have traditional celebrations and food and live music, but there will also be a community time capsule. The county said it will be opened July 4, 2076, and suggested guests bring photos, letters, newspaper articles and other items that reflect life in 2026. After dark, there will be a drone show.

250 Fest at The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso

When: July 3 from 12-9 p.m.

Where: 7051 S Desert Blvd. in Canutillo

Admission: Free

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso with an open-air market in partnership with Upper Valley Market featuring shopping, live music, food, family activities, patriotic photo ops, and community appearances by the Daughters of the American Revolution and local ROTC groups.

Red, White and Brew at Painted Dunes

When: July 3 from 6-10 p.m.

Where: Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, 12000 McCombs St.

Admission: $10 in advance, free for children aged 5 and younger

Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course will host its sixth annual Red, White and Brew celebration featuring one of El Paso’s largest fireworks displays along with live music, food trucks, local vendors and family activities. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor event, which also includes free parking and jumping balloons.

Fireworks at Cleveland Square ParkWhen: July 3 from 7-10 p.m.Where: 510 N Santa Fe St.Admission: FreeEnjoy live music in a patriotic atmosphere. Local performers Vena Cava and The Ryan G. Band will entertain visitors for a festive summer evening. Families can take chairs and blankets. They may also buy food from vendors. The El Paso Chihuahuas will have a fireworks show visible from Cleveland Square Park after the game.

Electric Light Parade

When: July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Apodaca Park, 801 E. Madrid Ave. in Las Cruces

Admission: Free

Before the Electric Light Parade, the Electric 5k & One-Mile Fun Run kicks off at 7:30 pm and is followed by the actual parade at 9 p.m. The parade begins at Apodaca Park, travels south on Solano Drive, east on Hadley Avenue and ends at the Maag Softball Complex. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes & City Lights.”

Great American Night Swim at the ElmontWhen: July 3 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.Where: The Elmont Swim Club at 240 W Castellano Dr. BAdmission: $25 for a day pass, $11 for admission after 7 p.m.Swim under the stars at the Elmont Swim Club. Food choices include BBQ classics like pulled pork sandwiches, turkey legs and more. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Star-Spangled Fun with the El Paso ChihuahuasWhen: July 3-4 at 6:35 p.m. at 1 Ballpark PlazaWhere: Southwest University ParkAdmission: Varies by seat and game dayTickets for July 3Tickets for July 4Fetch the fun as the El Paso Chihuahuas face the Sacramento River Cats at Southwest University Park. The Chihuahuas and GECU will celebrate America’s 250th birthday during the weekend games. Both games will have a firework show, with an extended show on Saturday, according to the team’s Facebook.

Rotary Independence Day Parade

When: July 4 at 9 a.m.

Where: Starts at Western Hills Methodist Cruch at 524 Thunderbird Dr.

Admission: Free

The Rotary Club of West El Paso will host the 28th annual Rotary Independence Day Parade to celebrate the Fourth of July with a community procession through West El Paso. The parade route begins near Western Hills Methodist Church and continues along Shadow Mountain Drive and Mesa Street before concluding near Coronado High School.

America 250 Independence Day Celebration at Ascarate Park

When: July 4 (fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.)

Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr.

Admission: Free admission, $5 parking per vehicle

El Paso County will celebrate a full day of Independence Day festivities at Ascarate Park, featuring swimming, food trucks and live entertainment. The event will also include military vehicle displays from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division, performances by the 1st Armored Division Band and live music by The Live 915 before ending with a fireworks show over Ascarate Lake.

Ascarate Park Picnic PartyWhen: July 4 at 5 p.m.Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr.Admission: $45 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17Families can buy tickets to cover a dinner from Clasico, a parking pass, prizes, games and live music at Ascarate Park. The County of El Paso said the picnic party pass also offers a nice view of the fireworks. Children under 5 years old don’t need a ticket, but a dinner plate isn’t included, the county said.

Town of Anthony Fourth of July ParadeWhen: July 4 at 9 a.m.Where: Starts at Anthony Drive and Acosta Drive in Anthony, New Mexico, and ends at Anthony Municipal Park, Anthony, TexasAdmission: FreeThe Town of Anthony will celebrate its annual Fourth of July Parade, a cross-state tradition that begins in Anthony, New Mexico, and concludes at Anthony Municipal Park in Texas. Community members can expect decorated floats, music and a festive atmosphere, with El Paso artist Krystall Poppin serving as this year’s grand marshal.

City of Socorro Independence Day Xtravaganza

When: July 4 at 5 p.m.

Where: Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Rd.

Admission: Free

The City of Socorro’s annual Independence Day Xtravaganza will return to Cougar Park for an evening of live entertainment, food and fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July. This year’s free community event will feature a special performance by Lupita Infante along with food trucks, local vendors, games and family activities before the night concludes with a fireworks show.

Western Playland July Fourth Fireworks Celebration

When: July 4 from 2-10 p.m.

Where: 1249 Futurity Dr. in Sunland Park

Admission: $29.99 for single-day park admission

Western Playland will mark Independence Day with its annual fireworks celebration, pairing an evening at the amusement park with a nighttime display over Sunland Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy rides and attractions before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld Fireworks Show

When: July 4 at 10 a.m.

Where: 8804 S. Desert Blvd. in Anthony, Texas

Cost: Starts at $33.99 for people aged 4 and older  

Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld will celebrate Independence Day with extended park hours and a fireworks display. Guests can spend the day at the park before staying for the fireworks show after the water attractions close at 9 p.m.

July 4 Celebration at the El Paso Convention Center

When: July 4 from 5-10 p.m.

Where: 1 Civic Center Plaza in the El Paso Convention Center

Admission: Free

Part of a citywide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, this free Fourth of July event will close out eight days of festivities taking place across El Paso and Fort Bliss from June 27 through July 4. The celebration at the Convention Center will feature live performances by the 1st Armored Division Jazz Band and local artists, followed by a headlining performance from Randy Rogers Band and a projection light show finale.

Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks

When: July 4 at 4 p.m.

Where: 3205 Arrowhead Dr. in Las Cruces

Attendees will that will be treated to festivities at the Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park This includes a music, a kids fun zone, food and a firework display at 9:45 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Downtown Columbia restaurant says it doesn’t see wide-reaching attendance bump for World Cup, but crowds still gather for USA matches

KMIZ on June 29, 2026

Melissa Houston

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With the FIFA World Cup taking place in Kansas City, Columbia was described by some as being a “satellite city” as games occur within the state.

However, local restaurants are not seeing it affect their business as they originally anticipated.

With local bars and restaurants participating in “Kick it in COMO,” a citywide effort to bring the community together to celebrate the World Cup.

The Heidelberg, a popular downtown restaurant, has seen a slight bump in customer traffic compared to the typically slow summers, but it still sees empty chairs during some games.

“It’s summertime; we’re on campus, so it’s not usually a busy time of the year,” said Richard Walls, co-owner of the Heidelberg. “It’s a great time to come visit with extra parking and fewer people out, but you know, there has been some impact.”

Walls said the USA games are bringing in the most traction for his restaurant, and the business has also seen some decent turnouts for Germany, the team it chose to “adopt” for the tournament. Seven businesses were assigned a World Cup team for the “adopt a team” initiative.

“We did have a Germany vs. Ivory Coast game,” Walls said. “We had fans from both sides watching, which was fun. It wasn’t, wasn’t a huge crowd but, there was extra seating. People enjoyed it, they had a good time”

Even with less-than-expected traction, Walls said there is still some for more interest in the matches as the World Cup progresses.

“It’ll be interesting to see as the US and the games get more interesting as we get them in the Round of 32, Round of 16, and on down. So I think there’ll be some, hopefully some growth in the interest,” Walls said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Westmorland set to seal time capsule for 50 years

KYMA on June 29, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the City of Westmorland has created a time capsule.

The City is asking residents to bring anything from keepsakes to photographs to City Hall to preserve a piece of history. On July 3, the capsule will be sealed, creating a snapshot of what life was like in Imperial County in 2026.

“Everybody in 50 years, when I’m gone. I’m not going to be 120 years old. When we’re all gone, and only our grandkids are left, they’ll know…’Oh, that’s where they buried it,'” Westmorland Mayor Justina Criz told KYMA.

El Oasis Water Company brought in business cards and a flyer, hoping to be remembered in 50 years.

“I want them to remember the building. The building is over 100 years old already. I want them to remember that’s the business that was in,” Richard Guerro, El Oasis Water Company owner, said.

Mayor Cruz said although styles have changed, businesses have come and gone, and technology has evolved immensely in the last 50 years, one thing that hasn’t changed is that Westmorland is still a small, close-knit community.

“We still get together, we still have things in the park, we still have the street, we get together in the streets. I mean, we do fun stuff. We do stuff together mostly,” she said.

She pointed out that the sports teams at the schools keep families coming out for games during the school year.

The capsule will remain closed for another 50 years until a future generation gets to open it.

Click here to follow the original article.

SCE’s wildfire recovery program offers $700 million to over 5,000 fire victims

KESQ on June 29, 2026

Garrett Hottle

ALTADENA, Calif. (KESQ) Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program has now offered more than $700 million to over 5,000 people affected by the Eaton Fire.

In an interview with News Channel 3, Edison spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy walked through how the program works and acknowledged the company’s equipment likely started the fire.

“Southern California Edison has said that, absent additional evidence, it is likely that our equipment contributed to the start of the fire,” Dunleavy said. “But that’s the ignition, and this was a historic wind and drought event in the state of California.”

The program is open to homeowners, renters and business owners. Dunleavy says a claim takes about two hours to file, an offer comes back in roughly 35 days, and a check follows within 30 days of a signed agreement. Her most important tip: check insurance information before filing, since it factors into the offer.

Edison’s first $1 billion in claims comes from ratepayer-funded insurance, and the total cost of the fire has been estimated as high as $45 billion. I asked Dunleavy whether Coachella Valley customers will see any of that on their bills.

“We are very concerned with keeping our customers’ bills manageable, and we have a strong focus on affordability,” she said, adding that part of the funding will eventually come from the state’s wildfire fund, and that the full cost of the fire is still to be calculated and determined.

Dunleavy stressed there is one thing claimants need to understand before they sign. Filing a claim costs nothing and waives nothing, but accepting an offer is different.

“When they are made an offer through the compensation program, at that point they do sign a waiver that says they will no longer file litigation,” Dunleavy said. “But again, this program is completely voluntary.”

That waiver is what worries consumer advocates.

Consumer Watchdog and attorneys for fire victims warn the fast-pay offers may cover only 53% to 73% of what it actually costs to rebuild, and that signing a release ends any chance to recover more in court if new evidence surfaces.

Nearly 1,000 Eaton Fire lawsuits are consolidated in Los Angeles Superior Court, with a test trial set for Jan. 25, 2027.

Edison has not admitted legal responsibility. Even as it offers payments, the company is suing more than a dozen other parties, including Los Angeles County and Southern California Gas Co., arguing they share blame for how far the fire spread.

The program is open through Nov. 30, 2026. Claims can be submitted at sce.com/directclaims, with program details at Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program page.

Click here to follow the original article.

No relief at the pump: California gas tax to hit nation-high 63 cents on July 1

KYMA on June 29, 2026

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – California drivers already facing nearly $6 per gallon will soon pay even more.

Starting July 1, the state’s gas tax is set to increase by more than two cents. This bump will push the total state tax rate past 63 cents per gallon.

The price hike comes on the heels of a failed legislative battle in Sacramento.

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-District 36) introduced Assembly Bill 1745, which sought a temporary, one-year suspension of the gas tax to provide direct financial relief to hardworking families, commuters, and small businesses struggling with inflation.

The legislative effort was officially killed when the Democratic supermajority on the Assembly Transportation Committee blocked the bill from advancing.

Democratic lawmakers argued that pausing the tax would strip essential revenue from vital public works, creating an unsafe funding gap for ongoing road and highway infrastructure projects.

Assemblymember Gonzalez and his Republican colleagues strongly pushed back against that argument. They advocated for covering the infrastructure deficit by pulling funds directly from California’s General Fund, rather than placing the burden back onto the taxpayers.

“They claim to be the fourth largest economy with the highest revenue…record revenue,” Gonzalez said. “We’re still choosing to continue to tax the very people that are working hardest in our community.”

The automatic annual tax increase stems from Senate Bill (SB) 1, a law passed in 2017 that built in a mandatory yearly rate hike without requiring a vote from the Legislature. When SB 1 originally passed, the tax was 27.8 cents per gallon.

By next month, that rate will have more than doubled in less than a decade.

Gonzalez criticized the committee’s decision, stating that Sacramento politicians are completely out of touch with the realities faced by rural commuters in regions like Imperial County.

“63 cents doesn’t sound like a lot, but 63 cents times the number of gallons, times the miles we drive, that’s a lot of money,” Gonzalez added. “That’s a lot of money that could be spent towards feeding your family, sending your kids to school, healthcare costs.”

The Assemblymember extended an open invitation to lawmakers to visit local cities like Calexico, Brawley, El Centro, and Holtville to see firsthand how hard residents must work just to keep up with skyrocketing fuel costs.

Without a legislative lever to pause the 2017 mandate, California drivers can expect these automatic tax increases to continue taking effect every summer.

Click here to follow the original article.

Las Cruces historic preservation chair honored with state award

KVIA on June 29, 2026

Paige Wood

LAS CRUCES, N.M (KVIA) — The City of Las Cruces recently recognized the Historic Preservation Committee Chair, Jerry Wallace for receiving the Heritage Preservation Individual Achievement Award from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

The 54th Annual Heritage Preservation Awards ceremony and was held May 29th, 2026 in Albuquerque. These awards are presented yearly and recognize individuals, organizations and projects that demonstrate excellence in preserving and promoting the state’s cultural and historic and cultural resources.

As a public historian at New Mexico State University, Wallace has been known for his professional work, community engagement and leadership. He has contributed to advancing public understanding of New Mexicos rich history and the importance of preserving historic places and has served as chair of the City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Committee.

In addition other 2026 award recipients were included:

Heritage Preservation Award for Organizations: Kit Carson House Inc., and its Board of Directors and staff, recognized for their work as an educational institution and for completing preservation projects at the Kit Carson House and Museum.

Heritage Preservation Lifetime and Achievement Award: Rick Hendricks, recognized for his contributions to New Mexico scholarship and history, as well as his service on the Cultural Properties Review Committee as state historian.

Architectural Heritage Preservation Award: The Albuquerque Railyards project, presented to the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico media Academy, and CNM Film Production Center for the creative design and historic rehabilitation of the former boiler shop within the AT&SF Railway Locomotive Shops Historic District.

Architectural Heritage Preservation Award: For Stanton Historic Site, recognized for the major rehabilitation work completed on four historic buildings, including the visitor center, laundress quarters hospital and nurses’ quarters.

Click here to follow the original article.

Town of Wellton to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this weekend

KYMA on June 29, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton is inviting residents and visitors to attend the America 250 Independence Day Celebration this weekend.

The event is taking place Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Butterfield Park at 6:30 p.m., and Chapman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is sponsoring the event.

The Fourth of July has always been a time for communities to come together, and this year is especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Town of Wellton Representatives. “We are proud to host this event for our community and sincerely thank Chapman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for serving as our Premier Sponsor and helping make this celebration possible.”

During the event, there will be live entertainment, food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks show.

The Town is asking those who attend to bring their lawn chairs or blankets, and “arrive early to enjoy all the festivities before the fireworks light up the night sky.”

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below, or call 929-785-3348.

4th of July Press ReleaseDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Fulton man charged with statutory rape, child molestation

KMIZ on June 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Fulton man was charged on Wednesday with multiple child sex crimes.

Justin Stegeman, 33, was charged in Callaway County with sexual misconduct involving a child younger than 15 years old, fourth-degree child molestation and second-degree statutory rape. He is being held at the Callaway County Jail without bond. A bond hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

The probable cause statement says the victim spoke with police at Capital Region Medical Center on June 19 while a sexual assault exam was being conducted. The victim was allegedly assaulted on June 12 and June 18 at Stegeman’s residence, the statement says.

Stegeman allegedly first exposed himself to the youth on June 12 in a pool before attempting to rape them, the statement says. Stegeman allegedly “apologized” to the victim, court documents allege.

Stegeman had called the victim’s parent on June 18 to ask if they would head over to his residence to swim again and claimed his children would be there, the statement says. When the victim arrived, Stegeman’s children were not there, the statement says.

Stegeman allegedly then raped the youth after swimming, court documents say. The child texted their parent to pick them up, but Stegeman drove the victim back to just short of their residence. The parent noted Stegeman “dropped V1 off at the top of the road which was strange,” the probable cause statement says.

Law enforcement interviewed Stegeman on June 24 and he allegedly admitted to inappropriately touching the youth on June 12 and apologized for the June 18 incident, court documents say.

Click here to follow the original article.

Reed’s Dairy owner Alan Reed named Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade grand marshal

KIFI on June 29, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Alan Reed, owner and operator of Reed’s Dairy, has been named the grand marshal of the 2026 Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade.

“For generations, the Reed family has been synonymous with hard work, quality, and community service in eastern Idaho,” The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber said in a statement.

Reed’s Dairy was founded in 1955 and has grown into one of eastern Idaho’s best-known local businesses. The company is known for its dairy products and ice cream, as well as its support of schools, youth programs, charitable organizations and community events.

“Alan Reed represents the very best of Idaho Falls,” said Paul Baker, CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to family, business excellence, and community service has positively impacted countless lives throughout our region.”

As grand marshal, Reed will lead the annual Independence Day Parade on July 4.

The parade is part of Idaho Falls’ America250 celebration and is one of the city’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions. It brings together community organizations, businesses and residents to celebrate the nation’s independence.

The parade will begin with staging on John Adams Parkway and Fourth Street.

For more information, contact the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce at (208) 523-1010.

Click here to follow the original article.

2 Higbee women seriously injured in Howard County UTV crash

KMIZ on June 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two women from Higbee were seriously injured in a crash on Monday afternoon on Route A in Howard County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says one of the women drove a 2024 Honda SXS700M Side-By-Side northbound when the UTV went off the right side of the road, overturned and hit a tree.

Both women were bought to University Hospital in Columbia by ambulance. Neither woman wore a safety device in the vehicle, the report says.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

Click here to follow the original article.