TAKE CARE - Dressed in his patriotic finery, Lucky, a teacup Chihuahua, might enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but not the fireworks that go along with it. Responsible pet owners should pay special attention to their animals so they don't spook, escape or get injured because of the sights and sounds of a fireworks-filled celebration. Liz Breault

LANCASTER - Clusters of dead birds have shown up in two Lancaster neighborhoods, which mosquito abatement officials warn might be a prediction of an elevated risk of West Nile virus.   Complete story.

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley College is telling students to expect a 30% increase in enrollment fees for fall semester as the result of action by state legislative leaders, a college spokesman said Wednesday.   Complete story.

PALMDALE - If it is a Thursday during the summer, Poncitlan Square is the place. Palmdale's popular Thursday Night on the Square series for 2009 kicks off from 5:30 to 9 p.m. today at Poncitlan Square, Ninth Street East and Avenue Q-9.   Complete story with photo.

SACRAMENTO - About 15 members of the Service Employees International Union stood outside state Sen. George Runner's Lancaster office Wednesday afternoon demanding that the state's budget problem be solved without spending cuts.   Complete story with photo.

PALMDALE - Kira Marsh will to be sure to mind her lieds Sunday when the teenager flies to Graz, Austria, to spend six weeks in study of German art songs.   Complete story with photo.

JULY 1, 2009 EDITORIAL - What the Democrats in the state Assembly did Sunday night (followed by their partners in crime in the Senate on Monday) ought to outrage all Californians, regardless of political affiliation or position on the budget crisis.   Complete story.

PALMDALE - Dip, fly, dry and dive. This is the sequence of the 250-yard swim, mile run and another 250 yards in the pool that former Olympic trial swimmers, former and current Ironman triathletes, former and current collegiate swimmers and runners, teachers, coaches, moms, dads and kids will all get used to over the next month on the five Wednesday evenings in July.   Complete story with photo.

QUARTZ HILL - Just when it appeared Knight finally was going to break through into the win column, Quartz Hill put the Hawks right back where they started.   Complete story with photo.