Los Angeles Daily News

What does it mean to be American? Some Southern Californians share their thoughts

As the country turns 250, the answer to who we are is elusive. But the debate? That's as American as it gets.

An American flag hangs behind “The Heart Hand” sculpture by doctor and artist Simon Ourian in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The flag is not part of the public art. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

2026 World Cup news and standings

Jose Perez, of Covina, waves an American flag as fireworks from a Fourth of July celebration fill the sky above Ayala Park in Chino on Saturday, July 2, 2022. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

July 4th fireworks: Cancellations, drones, where to watch and more tips for Southern California

Ducks center Leo Carlsson celebrates his empty-net goal during the third period of Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers on April 30, 2026, at Honda Center. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ducks’ Leo Carlsson signed to 5-year, $90 million offer sheet by Flyers

Several celebrations in California will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Independence Day on Saturday, July 4. (Getty Images)

All the ways to celebrate July 4th and America’s 250th birthday in Southern California

Paul Mirassou, farmer and partner at B&T Farms, walks through rows of corn at B&T Farms in Gilroy, Calif., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

Could a fertilizer breakthrough at Lawrence Livermore Lab spark the next Green Revolution?

Latest Headlines

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Air quality alert issued for Los Angeles County Sunday

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Map: Where fireworks are legal, illegal in OC, LA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties

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LA County communities mark USA’s 250th birthday in myriad patriotic ways

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Top Posts & Pages

Where to watch July 4th fireworks, drone shows, July 2-5 in the LA County area
Where to watch July 4th fireworks, drone shows, July 2-5 in the LA County area
July 4th fireworks: Cancellations, drones, where to watch and more tips for Southern California
July 4th fireworks: Cancellations, drones, where to watch and more tips for Southern California
Things to do in the San Fernando Valley, LA area, July 3-10
Things to do in the San Fernando Valley, LA area, July 3-10
Owner of dog killed by police in Canoga Park sues City of LA
Owner of dog killed by police in Canoga Park sues City of LA
Don’t let what happened to Spirit Airlines happen to Warner Bros
Don’t let what happened to Spirit Airlines happen to Warner Bros
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and John Stamos talk July 4th at Hollywood Bowl
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and John Stamos talk July 4th at Hollywood Bowl
What’s closed for the July 4th holiday in LA County
What’s closed for the July 4th holiday in LA County
AMP 97.1 FM making a ‘Morning Mess’ by airing LA version of Arizona show
AMP 97.1 FM making a ‘Morning Mess’ by airing LA version of Arizona show
Secret nude recordings were like ‘getting punched in the stomach,’ ex-lifeguard says
Secret nude recordings were like ‘getting punched in the stomach,’ ex-lifeguard says
Things to do in the San Fernando Valley, LA area, July 2-10
Things to do in the San Fernando Valley, LA area, July 2-10

Crime and Public Safety

View of the burn scene. Residents and community organizations held a press conference and demonstration on La Puerta Street and Olympic Boulevard one block away from Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse that burned for more than a week on July 2, 2026 in Boyle HeightsCA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)

L.A. leaders demand action from Boyle Heights warehouse owner

A letter listing county and city demands comes a day after demolition work was halted...

Local News

Paddleboarders make their way around the harbor in Dana Point on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Forecasters are calling for morning clouds and afternoon sunshine over the July 4th holiday. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cloudy mornings, cool conditions along the coast expected for Fourth of July weekend

Coastal cloud cover in the evening could affect fireworks shows.

World Cup 2026

Harry Kane and England, left, take on a Mexican national team that hasn’t lost inside Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca since 2013 in Sunday’s World Cup Round of 16 match. (Photos by Getty Images)

World Cup: England faces Mexico in its ‘monster’ stadium

The Three Lions must deal with the altitude and more in Mexico City's famed Estado Azteca as El Tri look to advance and end a 40-year quarterfinal drought.

Sports

After a recent change to his pitching schedule, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani will likely just be a hitter in the All-Star Game later this month in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in All-Star Game

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he is not ready to make it official, but moving Ohtani’s pitching start this week means he would have to pitch on short rest in the All-Star Game and the Dodgers are not likely to...

Canada leaves fans thrilled with late goal to beat South Africa in World Cup elimination game

Ticket prices fell slightly for the first-round match and a crowd of nearly 70,000 mostly backed the victorious Canadians.
Fans give United States a cheerful sendoff to the World Cup knockout round
See it: Photos of the raucous World Cup atmosphere for USA-Australia
Iran rallies to salvage a draw with New Zealand in World Cup opener
Hollywood hosts LA Pride Parade, Community Festival
With chants of ‘Viva Mexico!’ LA’s Coliseum comes to life for World Cup Fan Festival
Home debut for Long Beach Coast baseball includes a big victory

Things To Do

Freshly harvested spearmint leaves, dried chamomile flowers, and a cup of herbal tea are displayed on Long Island, N.Y. on June 15, 2026. (Jessica Damiano via AP)

A soothing cup of herbal tea can begin in your garden

By JESSICA DAMIANO Drink a fragrant cup of herbal tea, and the intoxicating scent of...

Opinion

A parade participant carries an American flag down Euclid Avenue during the Independence Day Parade in downtown Ontario on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Other July 4th activities included the All States Picnic in Ontario Town Square and a Fireworks Spectacular at Westwind Park. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

James P. Gray: Celebrating the great American experiment

Let’s celebrate the Great American Experiment, and wish a Happy 250th anniversary to our country!

Business

Rivian’s R2 electric SUV. (Jason Henry, Bloomberg)

Rivian boosts delivery outlook as EV sales top estimates

The Irvine automaker recently started selling its newest model, the R2 SUV, to capture a...

2026 Elections

Ballot measures this year range in issues from education funding to marriage equality, minimum wage increases to public safety and more. (Illustration by Jeff Goertzen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Election 2026: All 14 propositions before California voters this year, explained

California voters will decide on 14 ballot measures, with several dealing with taxes, housing and...

Best Reviews

<p>Alvina Wang/BestReviews</p>

Enjoy warm summer nights with the best BBQ grills

Juicy steaks, grilled chicken breasts, and kabobs on the grill: nothing makes the mouth water...