DMV Orders 11,000 Drivers to Retake Written Test

About 11,000 California drivers are being ordered to retake the DMV’s written licensing exam after the agency identified “irregularities” in tests administered between July 2025 and April 2026. Drivers who don’t retest within 30 days could have their licenses canceled.

The DMV says the action is necessary to protect the integrity of its testing process, while many recipients say they were not told what prompted the notice or whether they are suspected of cheating.

Affected drivers must schedule an appointment and bring the DMV letter when they retake the exam.

California Marks America’s 250th

Fireworks will return to the Golden Gate Bridge for only the third time in history today, one of many Independence Day celebrations across the state marking America’s 250th birthday. While many communities are staging traditional fireworks, others are opting for drone shows.

In the Central Valley, crowds will gather for fireworks at Shaver Lake, a 250th anniversary block party in Lemoore, and a dusk display over Lake McClure.

Southern California’s lineup includes the Beach Boys with fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl and Huntington Beach’s beachfront show, while Pacific Palisades is featuring a drone show as the neighborhood continues recovering from last year’s wildfire.

Los Angeles County prosecutors are also urging caution, warning that using illegal fireworks can carry a minimum $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail following a deadly explosion earlier this year.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Redding: A new report ranks the city as California’s 14th most dangerous place for the Fourth of July, citing holiday-related fire and crash risks as local police and firefighters prepare for increased activity. (More)

➤ Lincoln: Two players won a combined $261,000 just minutes apart at Thunder Valley Casino Resort after hitting separate Face Up Pai Gow Poker jackpots totaling more than a quarter-million dollars. (More)

➤ Biggs: Visitors are flocking to Bayliss Botanicals for lavender harvest season, where Northern California’s largest essential oil distillery offers tours of its fragrant fields and traditional distillation process. (More)

➤ Wasco: Wasco native Jonathan Cervantes, a U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice, shares what serving during America’s 250th anniversary means to him. (More) 

➤ San Luis Obispo: Police arrested a 42-year-old man accused of causing more than $8,000 in graffiti damage at two local delis, including the popular High Street Deli, after identifying him through surveillance video. (More)

➤ Paso Robles: Teens ages 13–17 are invited to volunteer at the Paso Robles City Library this August, with orientation sessions scheduled Aug. 10–11 ahead of the library’s upcoming programs and events. (More)

Enjoy reading The California Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

➤ Southern California: A search is underway for a mother and daughter who failed to return from a Thursday hike on the challenging Vivian Creek Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness after they were last seen near the 10,300-foot elevation. (More)

➤ Hawthorne: A 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to sending fake ransom texts and calls to the family of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie, admitting he intended to harass them during the ongoing kidnapping investigation. (More)

➤ Palm Springs: The city is celebrating Independence Day with three days of festivities, including a Dive-In Movie Night, pool party, live music, baseball, and its annual fireworks spectacular on July 4. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your home from unexpected repair bills with ServicePlus Home Warranty. During the 4th of July Sale, save 40% off any annual home warranty plan and receive 2 months of coverage free. Enjoy comprehensive protection for covered systems and appliances, plus access to qualified local technicians. 

Flying together with our sponsor

Summer is here. Are you ready to look and feel your best? Direct Meds makes it easier with doctor-supervised GLP-1 weight-loss treatment delivered right to your door. Whether you’re aiming to slim down, boost your confidence, or finally fit into your favorite summer clothes, Direct Meds offers a simple online process and personalized care every step of the way.

For a limited time, new customers can get $150 OFF their first order. Start your summer transformation today and see why thousands are choosing Direct Meds.

Are you BBQing today to celebrate the 4th?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you ride a classic wooden roller coaster like Santa Cruz’s Giant Dipper?

1. I’ll watch from the ground: 30%
2. Love it, first in line: 28%
3. Sure, once: 23%
4. Maybe, if convinced: 19%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ As America turns 250, its most beloved holiday tradition is facing growing pushback from cities, neighbors, and fire officials alike. (Hear More)

➤ Federal regulators want to pay hospitals less for routine imaging, escalating a long-running payment fight. (Listen Now)

➤ You could see radiation-detecting aircraft and drone-takeover technology overhead this weekend, as security for the nation’s 250th birthday hits the highest level. (Podcast Available)

California’s newest national park, established in 2013, protects towering rock spires that began as a volcano near Los Angeles and were carried almost 200 miles northwest along the San Andreas Fault. What is it called?

Show me the answer