Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Trump Backs Hilton, Padres Sale Record, and Coachella Returns

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1926, lightning struck oil reservoirs outside San Luis Obispo, sparking a five-day fire so intense it produced hundreds of “firenadoes,” with flames leaping nearly 1,000 feet into the air.

California might soon get license plates that double as rolling tributes to its iconic car culture. Lawmakers are weighing a lowrider plate idea, as we report below in Et Cetera. California already offers a range of specialty plates—have you ever had one, or a personalized plate? Reply and let us know.

If you’re one of roughly 50 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D, these changes could affect your costs more than you realize. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown shares details on the updated spending cap, what counts toward it, and the long-awaited end of the donut hole. Tune in here!

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Trump Endorses Hilton for Governor

President Trump endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton for California governor late Sunday, backing him over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in the crowded race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.

"He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Hilton, a British-born political strategist who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, has campaigned on lowering gas prices, reducing taxes, and cutting housing costs.

The endorsement could reshape the June 2 primary. Under California's top-two system, the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party, and recent polls show Hilton and Bianco leading a fragmented field of eight major Democrats.

Political analyst Rob Pyers said the move could reduce the chances of an all-Republican runoff by consolidating GOP voters behind Hilton. California hasn't elected a Republican governor in nearly two decades.

Wolves Close In on Siskiyou Homes

Two adult gray wolves were spotted roughly 80 feet from a Butte Valley home in broad daylight in a recent incident, stalking the homeowner's dogs and not immediately fleeing from people.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office calls the encounter part of a growing pattern—16 confirmed depredations have been documented since February, and wolf sightings near residences are increasing. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue is meeting with Sacramento legislators to push for expanded deterrence and tracking tools.

The conflict feeds a widening national debate. The U.S. House passed a bill in December to strip gray wolves of federal Endangered Species Act protections, while conservation groups like the Center for Biological Diversity argue wolves still occupy just 15 percent of their historic range.

Siskiyou ranchers have absorbed more than $2 million in state compensation, but local officials say actual losses run far higher. Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick is urging the CDFW to advance California's Wolf Plan to Phase 3, which would trigger a status review and potential state-level delisting.

Padres Sale Could Shatter Record

The San Diego Padres are expected to sell for roughly $3.5 billion, which would shatter the MLB franchise record by more than $1 billion.

The Seidler family has narrowed the bidding to four groups led by Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Pistons owner Tom Gores, Clearlake Capital co-founder José E. Feliciano, and Friedkin Group CEO Dan Friedkin. A winning bidder could be chosen by mid-April.

The price reflects a transformed franchise. An ownership group that included the late Peter Seidler bought the team for $800 million in 2012 and invested heavily in star talent, pushing the Padres to four playoff appearances in six years and a franchise-record 3.4 million fans at Petco Park last season.

If completed at or above $3.5 billion, the deal would top the $2.4 billion Steve Cohen paid for the New York Mets in 2020. MLB owners must approve the sale by a 75% vote.

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➤ Dublin: Alameda County supervisors will vote today on a symbolic resolution opposing any use of the closed Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin as an ICE detention center or other correctional facility. (More)

➤ Stockton: San Joaquin County is seeking $2 million in federal funds to replace aging water pipes serving Lincoln Village, where decades-old infrastructure has caused leaks and service disruptions. (More)

➤ San Francisco: Residents filed a state complaint alleging a “hyper-concentration of poverty” in the South of Market neighborhood due to clustered homeless services and housing, arguing it violates housing and civil rights laws. (More)

➤ San Luis Obispo County: Federal regulators approved a 20-year license renewal for Diablo Canyon, California’s last nuclear plant. The move allows operation through 2045, but state approval is still required beyond 2030. (More)

➤ Monterey County: New state regulations targeting blackjack-style games at California cardrooms are taking effect, and Salinas-area operators warn the changes could hit a major share of revenue. Cardroom groups are mounting a legal challenge as the industry’s future remains uncertain. (See Details)

➤ Bakersfield: Developer Sage Equities plans to redevelop the former Greyhound bus terminal at 18th and F streets into Greyhound Flats, an upscale apartment complex, as part of a broader downtown housing push. (More)

➤ Ventura County: A suspect was arrested after an over 150-mile Easter Sunday chase to Barstow. Authorities said he was wanted in connection with an attempted murder investigation. (More)

➤ Long Beach: Possible human remains were found during an Easter egg hunt Sunday at DeForest Park. Police are investigating, and the medical examiner was called to the scene. (More)

➤ San Diego County: The county filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against major fire truck manufacturers, alleging they consolidated the market, eliminated competition, and drove up prices, leaving the county waiting longer and paying more to replace its aging fleet. (See Details)

➤ A California bill dubbed the “Home Run for Anaheim Act” would require the Angels to include “Anaheim” in their name as part of a proposed stadium land deal with the city. The team dropped the city from its name in 2016 after previously being known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. (More)

➤ LA Lakers star Luka Dončić will fly to Europe to seek specialized treatment on his hamstring strain in hopes of returning for the playoffs. (More)

➤ Angels right fielder Jo Adell robbed three home runs in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Mariners, believed to be the first time in modern MLB history a player has done so in a single game. (Watch Video)

➤ San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello received his first MLB ejection Sunday after arguing a base-path call in the team’s loss to the Mets. San Francisco has lost three straight. (More)

➤ No. 1 UCLA baseball swept No. 12 USC over the weekend, extending its winning streak to 23 games and staying unbeaten in Big Ten play. Payton Brennan led a comeback as UCLA dominated the rivalry series. (More)

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➤ Imperial County supervisors face a key vote today on a proposed massive AI data center near residential neighborhoods outside the city of Imperial, as residents gather signatures for a ballot measure that would ban such facilities countywide. (More)

➤ Diesel prices in California hit a record $7.56 per gallon last week, eclipsing the prior high as the Iran war drives up global fuel costs and squeezes truckers and supply chains statewide. (More)

➤ Oracle laid off 158 workers in Pleasanton, including software and application developers and product staff, part of broader cuts that also hit Seattle, as the company ramps up AI spending. The facility will remain open. (More)

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➤ Big Bear Lake bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow welcomed two eaglets over Easter weekend—a rebound after ravens destroyed their first clutch of eggs in January. (More)

➤ Coachella returns April 10-12 and 17-19 in Indio with headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. Fans face high resale prices and should prepare for heat, crowds, and livestream options. (See Details)

➤ California lawmakers are weighing a bill to create specialty lowrider license plates that would honor the state’s car culture while funding cultural events and preservation programs. (More)

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Have you ever been to Coachella?

Yesterday's Results:

What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie?

Thin mints: 21%
Samoas: 20%
Tagalongs: 20%
Do-si-dos: 20%
Other: 19%

When Frank Brown built the first Big Bear Dam in 1884, the resulting lake earned a remarkable nickname. What was it?

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Doxxing Conviction, Park Fire Closure, and a Powwow

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2007, the Colorado Rapids played the first-ever match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, opening their new home with a 2-1 win over visiting D.C. United.

Colorado’s fastest-growing large county just leapfrogged a longtime rival, hinting at a shift in where people are settling. Get the full breakdown in Around Colorado. What county do you call home? Reply and let us know.

Today’s sponsor, Hello Hearing Studios, is redefining hearing with breakthrough technology that delivers crystal-clear speech—not just louder sound—so you can truly understand every conversation again.

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Doxxing Case Conviction

A Denver jury convicted activist Regan Benson of doxxing a police commander—sharing his personal information online—marking what appears to be the first conviction under Colorado’s anti-doxxing law. Prosecutors said she solicited the commander’s home address from viewers during a livestream, repeated it, and suggested a “pig roast” at his home.

The case stems from a September protest at a Denver Police District 3 station, where Benson asked viewers to locate the commander’s address and then repeated it publicly. The officer later reported safety concerns, prompting increased patrols and added security measures at his home.

Benson, 53, faces up to a year in jail and is expected to be sentenced in May, while her attorneys argue the law violates First Amendment protections. Supporters say the case could move to appeal, potentially setting up a broader constitutional challenge.

Wildfire Closes Roxborough State Park

A wildfire burning in the Pike National Forest forced the closure of Roxborough State Park in Douglas County, with officials citing smoke and fire danger near the park’s boundary. The Bear Creek Fire, first reported early Sunday, prompted visitors to leave and closed the park on Sunday, with parts of it reopening Monday.

The fire is estimated at about 10 acres and is burning roughly two miles northwest of the Indian Creek campground on federal land. Crews from local agencies and the U.S. Forest Service are responding, with officials reporting no injuries, evacuations, or immediate threat to structures.

Authorities say the fire is moving slowly due to cool temperatures and calm winds, limiting its growth. The cause remains under investigation, though officials suspect it may be human-caused due to its proximity to hiking and camping areas.

Helicopter Egg Drop Draws Easter Crowds

A northern Colorado church drew hundreds of families on Easter Sunday by dropping thousands of plastic eggs from a helicopter during its celebration. The event at Zeal City Church in Windsor featured more than 6,000 candy-filled eggs released during two services.

After the aerial drop, the event shifted into a traditional egg hunt, with hundreds of children gathering eggs across the church grounds. Organizers said the event is designed to create a memorable experience for families while celebrating the holiday.

Church leaders said this was the second year of the helicopter egg drop. They plan to continue the tradition, emphasizing community engagement.

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➤ Greeley: Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant are returning to work today after a three-week strike, resuming negotiations without a new contract agreement in place. (More)

➤ Boulder: Crews responded to a vegetation fire near Chautauqua on Sunday night, holding it to roughly half an acre to one acre and stopping forward spread; it was not fully contained as of Monday morning, with the cause under investigation. (More)

➤ Weld County: Weld County became Colorado’s fastest-growing large county and surpassed Larimer County in population as the state’s total population topped 6 million in 2025. (More)

➤ Denver: Gas prices fell about 11 cents per gallon over the past week, though analysts warn global supply disruptions could drive another round of increases in the days ahead. (More)

➤ Federal Heights: The city’s police chief and fire chief are no longer in their roles, with union officials disputing claims they resigned and calling for a state investigation. (More)

➤ Durango: A cyclist sculpture damaged by a suspected impaired driver is being repaired by its original artist and could return to the Chapman Hill roundabout as soon as this summer. (More)

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➤ Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns played in his 1,000th consecutive NHL game Saturday, one of the longest ironman streaks in league history. (More)

➤ Nuggets center Nikola Jokic put up 40 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds over the weekend in an overtime win over the Spurs, outdueling Victor Wembanyama. (More)

➤ Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak homered twice against his former team as Colorado beat the Phillies 4-1 on Sunday at Coors Field. (More)

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➤ Civitas Resources is seeking approval to drill up to 156 oil wells near Aurora Reservoir, drawing opposition from nearby residents concerned about water use and proximity to homes amid ongoing drought conditions. (More)

➤ Colorado National Speedway plans to add a one-eighth-mile drag strip in Weld County, aiming to expand motorsports opportunities with a legal racing environment and professional timing system. (More)

➤ WinCo Foods purchased $6.8 million in land in Thornton as it expands into Colorado, shifting plans from a previously proposed site nearby. (More)

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➤ Colorado College’s Native American Student Union hosted its 35th annual powwow over the weekend, bringing together tribal communities for traditional dances and cultural celebration open to the public. (More)

➤ Library Park in Fort Collins ranked No. 3 among Colorado’s top quiet spots in a recent survey, reflecting growing demand for accessible spaces where residents can relax and recharge. (More)

➤ The Greeley Stampede named John and Patty Gates as grand marshals of its 2026 Independence Day parade, recognizing their longtime public service and community leadership. (More)

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