Local News and Events

Celebrating the Oldest Democracy in the WorldHappy Birthday, America, a Democracy of 250 years and a light that shines for the world to see.It began as frustrated long-distance subjects felt neglected and abandoned by their King. Feeling as being taken advantage of for their location and resources, yet no way of having their concerns properly addressed. Disappointment and frustrations lead to actions to separate themselves from a deaf ear.July 4, 1776 was the date the adventure began.The beginning of our democracy, and in time, a sound that would be heard around the world.At times, it appeared that we would fail as loses and frustrations mounted. The British were cruel, and many times, their actions were the spark necessary to keep the patriots involved. The tide eventually started to t... 07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day! Every time we hear "The Star-Spangled Banner," we're reminded of the resilience, courage, and determination that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years. The flag that inspired our national anthem has become a symbol of hope, sacrifice, and the freedoms we enjoy today.The Fourth of July is more than fireworks, parades, and backyard barbecues. It's a day to remember the brave men and women who fought for our independence, and to honor all those who have continued to defend the liberties that make America unique.Today, may we pause to appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted—the freedom to speak our minds, worship as we choose, pursue our dreams, and build a better future for our families.As we celebrate with friends and loved ones, let's also remember... 07/04/2026

From Lexington Green to the 4th of July On April 19, 1775, ordinary citizens, from farmers, blacksmiths and fathers stood on Lexington Green, refusing to surrender their arms. When British troops marched to disarm them, these neighbors did not scatter. They held the line. A single shot shattered the morning quiet, eight fell and yet the people did not break. Word flew across the countryside. More armed civilians rushed to meet the threat at Concord. Resilience turned into resistance and resistance became revolution. That day of defiance lit a fuse that still burns brightly in my heart. The battles of Lexington and Concord proved one powerful truth: Free people would not kneel. Over the next fourteen months, that spirit spread through colonies that had grown weary of distant rule. Courag... 07/04/2026

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                                      Sam Shueh                                         BRG Realty                                                    Silicon Valley Office Bldg                                                       San Jose, CA  95124America is 250 year old today. We all celebrate the day with joy.We sing and dance in the streets, and remember all the sweet memories of our past.We remember Washington and his men, how hard they fought to give us freedom.Freedom to enjoy all of our life, to live in America fulfill all our dreams, hopes with our loved ones.We dream even more many dreams, and we will add more of them to our cherished anniversary of America's 250th anniversary.Sshueh@gmail.com     (408) 425-1601  07/04/2026

Journal Entry for July 4, 2026 (My nephew is the one wearing eyeglasses in the FEATURE PHOTO) ActiveRain July 2026 Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday! I have lived through so many changes. My earliest recollections of celebrating the 4th of July Independence Day were with my family at Grandma and Grandpa's house. On that special day in history, he wore his World War 1 Army Uniform. I bowed my head and said my prayers the last time I saw him at his funeral. In the coffin he rested, in peace, wearing his WW1 Army uniform. I was in sixth grade at that time.GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE Through my parents and their parents, I learned about how important it is to embrace family unity. So, every Sunday, after church, we gathered for supper with everyone from my mother's big... 07/04/2026

4th of July in the Wisconsin Northwoods: Celebrating Independence Day in Wisconsin!Today, we celebrate Independence Day.As Americans, we love to come together to honor the milestones that define us. We blow out candles on a birthday cake to mark another year of life, and we crowd around to cheer on the pinnacle of athletic achievement.But today, we celebrate the single greatest gift we share as citizens—our freedom. 4th of July in the Wisconsin Northwoods: Celebrating Independence Day in Wisconsin! Today, we celebrate Independence Day. As Americans, we love to come together to honor the milestones that define us. We blow out candles on a birthday cake to mark another year of life, and we crowd around to cheer on the pinnacle of athletic achievement. But today, we celebrate the single gr... 07/04/2026

2026 Aloha Plunge in Carlsbad is July 18th  Don’t miss a great opportunity to celebrate the 2026 summer season with the Aloha Plunge on Saturday July 18th, from 5 to 8 PM. It’s a fun event for all ages! The Aloha Plunge takes place as always at the Alga Norte Community Park Aquatics Center. Alga Norte Community Park is at 6565 Alicante Road, at the corner of Poinsettia Lane, in the La Costa area of Carlsbad. The Aloha Plunge is limited to 500 attendees and registrations typically fill up quickly. The cost is $15 per person, with children ages 3 and under FREE (but must be identified at check-out online). Register online, and get your wrist bands now so you don't miss out. Tickets are on sale now - as of today almost 200 have reserved their spots. Ticket sales end July 17 at 5 pm. Ticket... 07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday…Land That I LOVE! Not that we needed it, but the uplifting posts we’ve seen on Instagram, X, and Facebook of visitors to our country have been like a mood elevator for us all. The World Cup and the many visitors from all around the world have been an extraordinary gift for our country’s 250th birthday celebration.  While the storm clouds gather far across the seaLet us swear allegiance to a land that's freeLet us all be grateful that we are far from thereAs we raise our voices in a solemn prayer  Let our allegiance be to THIS land and THIS country. Let us be grateful for the freedoms we have…even the freedom to disagree. God bless America, land that I loveStand beside her and guide herThrough the night with a light from aboveFrom the mountains to the prairiesTo the ... 07/04/2026

One of my clients, whom we'll call Ron, came to me feeling completely overwhelmed.  He hadn't filed tax returns for several years, and the situation had reached the point where the state was levying his bank account.To make matters worse, the state had estimated what they believed he owed based solely on the 1099-MISC forms they had received.  They didn't know what his business expenses were, so they assumed every dollar reported on those forms was taxable income.  As you can imagine, the amount they calculated was much higher than it should have been.The first thing I did was sit down with Ron and learn his story.  Before deciding on a plan, I wanted to understand what had happened and how we got to this point.After our conversation, I pulled his IRS transcripts to see what they would ... 07/08/2026

It is amazing that many people do not now that July 4, 1776 is the day that the United States of America declared our Independence from England as a new nation. It was done so as to make a formal statement that we were no longer a colony but an independent nation.However, the Revolutionary War and other events were already under way.Pre July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence Day Events (Per AI query and sources)Battle of Bunker's Hill (John Trumbull https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=160865315 )"Several critical events (these are just some) shaped the Revolutionary War before the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776: [1, 2, 3] March 5, 1770 - The Boston Massacre: A deadly clash in Boston between British soldiers and an armed crowd, further fueling co... 07/03/2026

"I'd love to take the home office deduction, but my house is just too small."Actually, it might not be.  Many people picture a home office as an entire spare bedroom with a desk, bookshelves, and a computer.  The IRS doesn't require that.In fact, your qualifying office space could be surprisingly small.The IRS doesn't focus on how large your office is.  It focuses on how you use it.If you have an area in your home that is used exclusively for business and it qualifies as your principal place of business, you may qualify for the home office deduction.  That exclusive-use rule is important.  If the same space is used for personal activities, you may lose the deduction.The article I recently read discussed using nothing more than the footprint of a floor-standing file cabinet, roughly thre... 07/08/2026

It seems like every year I see more and more COOL cars.I love the "tricked out" and restored vintage cars but lately I've been seeing more and more cars totally built for speed. In addition to the Lamborghinis there are Porches and others who's names I can not pronounce. How about the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut? This is the car for you if you need to travel at 330 miles per hour.Of course the American Corvette is always a thing of beauty. Over the years Chevrolet has introduced 8 different body styles of the Corvette. Today's (2026) body style is a mid-engine model as shown below:I think the reason I am seeing so many of the "Go Fast" cars around Minot is the oil money. The oil jobs have been around for 20+ years and now that the boys have bought homes, campers, and expensive bling for th... 07/04/2026

As a Realtor, my work is about so much more than houses, contracts, and closing dates. It is truly about the people, the neighborhoods, and the shared experiences that make a place feel like home. This past week in Madison County, Kentucky, has given us a clear reminder of why our community is so special, showing both our exciting future goals and our deep resilience during tough times.Leadership Changes and Housing ProgressWe started the week with great news for local education and sports. Berea College announced Josh Wimphrie as the new head coach for women's basketball. Strong local institutions bring massive value to our regional pride and attract vibrant energy to the town.Simultaneously, a new federal housing bill focused heavily on expanding rural housing opportunities. For those... 07/03/2026

As a Realtor, one of my favorite things to share isn't just homes, it's the lifestyle that comes with living in Madison County.This Independence Day weekend is a perfect example of why so many people love calling Berea and Richmond home. Our communities come together through local events that support small businesses, celebrate our traditions, and create opportunities for neighbors to connect.If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are a few highlights.Berea begins the holiday with Fourth of July Lunch & Dinner at Crafted, followed by the evening 4th of July Spectacular, complete with live entertainment and the Berea City Fourth of July Fireworks featuring Thick As Thieves.Richmond offers an energetic start with a 4th of July Workout before welcoming families to the Ric... 07/02/2026

If you are a homeowner, real estate investor, or agent in California, there is a major issue on the upcoming November ballot that you absolutely must have on your radar.In a recent interview on California Insider, host Sam Kurami sat down with Josh Rauh, a Professor of Economics at Stanford University, to break down the cold reality of California’s proposed Wealth Tax, officially heading to voters as Proposition 40. While the measure is being pitched as a "one-time" 5% levy exclusively on billionaires to patch up state healthcare (Medi-Cal) and education funding gaps, Professor Rauh warns that the long-term economic ripple effects could hit everyday Californians hard, especially when it comes to local jobs, wealth retention, and the real estate market.Here are the key takeaways from the... 07/02/2026

Gaithersburg Parks and Recreation MonthJuly is Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Gaithersburg and will be proclaimed by the Mayor and City Council at its July 6 meeting. The proclamation encourages all Gaithersburg residents to explore all that the City’s parks and recreation programs have to offer in building healthy, active communities.Using the National Recreation and Park Association’s theme of “The Power of,” we’re celebrating parks and recreation and the dedicated people who make it all possible. Accepting the proclamation is Program Supervisor Ana Bonilla and her family for exemplifying this year’s theme.During Parks and Recreation Month, the City is offering a variety of opportunities to celebrate health, fitness, and cultural arts. Explore them all.This is a City of Gai... 07/06/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Honoring 250 Years Of The American Spirit! "No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July."Mac Thornberry Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remain as important today as they were when those words were first written. “Liberty and independence forever.”Davy Crockett This Independence Day carries special meaning as America celebrates her 250th birthday—a remarkable milestone in our nation's history. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked, sacrificed, and served to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. While our country has faced challenges along the way, the ideals upon which it was founded continue to unite us and inspire hope for the future. "We're... 07/04/2026

Yesterday was a BIG News Day in North Dakota.President Donald Trump came to North Dakota for his fourth visit yesterday. North Dakota may be the "redist" State in the Nation so it's safe to say he was overwhelmingly welcomed for this visit.Donald arrived in the new Air Force One. It's madden voyage. He came to be the FIRST official visitor to the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora North Dakota and he stayed all day, not just a 15 minute photo opportunity.An interesting note: The nearest airport that could accommodate the new Air Force One is 100 miles away from Medora so he took the brand new Train that celebrates the 250th anniversary of our nation.It was a GREAT day for North Dakota! I was happy to see that the Presidents visit was covered on every Radio and Television bro... 07/02/2026

I recently had to change the water pump in my camp trailer.  There were signs that there were issues, but I chose to ignore them until it was clear that I had better stop ignoring them and figure out what was going on.  What I found was that the water pump was leaking when it was running.  There were also many hose clamps that were loose and leaking.  Basically, I had a mess.My Dad wanted to help me, but he wasn't feeling well.  I studied the situation, the hoses, and the wires for a long time.  I finally decided I could replace the pump myself.  Now I am not a plumber, nor am I an electrician.  It took me much longer than it would have taken someone who has done this before.   It was hard getting to some of the places to tighten the hose clamps and screwing down the pump.  I was kneeli... 07/06/2026