I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m filling in for Lynn today.
Last year, I reported how Democrats in the California Legislature were poised to pass a ban on new Glock handguns like the one Kamala Harris owns. I also reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom had recently received a handgun of his own as a gift from a conservative podcaster.
The story noted the challenges he’d have to bring the firearm home, given California’s strict gun laws.
As it turns out, Newsom hasn’t yet taken possession of his new SIG Sauer.
It’s entirely possible the governor and presidential hopeful just hasn’t prioritized taking the time out of his busy schedule to begin the process of getting the gun. But gun-rights groups said it’s just as likely the stringent laws Newsom has supported his whole career are why he’s been unable to exercise his Second Amendment right.
You can read my latest story here.
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Other Stories You Should Know
Could a Republican be the next California governor?
One of the state’s top Democratic pollsters says there’s almost a one-in-three chance that the next California governor will be a Republican — unless more Democratic candidates drop out of the race.
So far, only one of the nine Democratic candidates have heeded the call to pare down the field.
On Thursday, former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon said he was pulling out of the race. The candidate filing deadline is today. Learn more about the governor’s race here.
California challenges Trump on new tariffs
California joined almost half of the states in the country to sue the Trump administration over the president’s latest tariffs.
The suit comes after the U.S. Supreme Court tossed Trump’s signature taxes on imports. Donald Trump immediately sought to override the ruling by using a different legal justification.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a lead plaintiff in the case, said Thursday the latest 10% tariffs across the board also are based on an illegal premise.
“He’s desperately grasping at straws,” Bonta said.
Read more here.
And lastly: Do data centers need more regulation?
Data centers are the new Gold Rush, but they suck up a lot of energy. A bipartisan commission urges California to take steps to ensure that ordinary ratepayers don’t end up footing the bill. Read more about the recommendations here.
California Voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: Voters are increasingly begging for relief from California’s sky-high cost of living. So far, politicians aren’t doing much to make California more affordable.
CalMatters guest contributor Bobbie Stein: In an era of unrest, overzealous prosecutors have been using questionable conspiracy charges to silence those protesting injustice.
Other things worth your time:
Kristi Noem ousted from Homeland Security post amid recent turmoil // Fox News
Man detained at Adelanto ICE facility dies in custody; 9th such death this year // Southern California News Group
46 people detained by ICE outside Santa Clara County jail, sparking protests // The Mercury News
This hip L.A. neighborhood is installing emergency sirens to warn of ICE raids // The Los Angeles Times
Chevron warns of irreversible harm to California’s economy and energy security in letter to Newsom // The California Globe
Army Reserve soldier from Sacramento is believed to have died in Kuwait drone strike // The Sacramento Bee
Elon Musk defends himself in court over posts before Twitter takeover // KQED
A week after the FBI raided the LAUSD superintendent’s home, why isn’t the cause public? // LAist
Why Western states are pushing for plug-in solar // High Country News
Former Press Democrat co-owner and lobbyist Darius Anderson accused of fraud in lawsuit by billionaire mentor Ron Burkle // The Press Democrat
Pipeline’s idling puts squeeze on Kern oil industry // The Bakersfield Californian