WEEKLY MAGAZINE: Updates on Thursdays
Discover the engaging coverage of news in California and nationwide offered by Slingshot Digital Magazine, your trusted source for insightful stories and vital updates.
PINNED POST 2025
What if California decided to secede from the U.S.? This move would not bring any benefits—only the potential for needless conflict. Instead, Californians should focus on ways to strengthen and ‘Trump-proof’ their State
Newsom calls special session to ‘Trump-proof’ California – CalMatters (Link)
Image: January 2025, Southern California, Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
June 2-11, 2025
When you’re alone, and life is making you lonely
You can always go
Downtown (L.A.) (Song Lyrics: Petula Clark)
Myung Chun, Via Getty Images, The Greater L.A.
Reuters: Daniel Cole, Downtown L.A.
“So Tom (Homan) arrest me. Let’s go.” Gov. Newsom (Link below)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKqiZl9Rt38 (Link)
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Op-ed
Life is about having the strength to walk through hellfire and emerge without a trace of smoke
When leaders of resistance movements are arrested or denounced, they often acquire the status of heroes or martyrs in the perception of their supporters and the broader community that endorses their cause.
In his 1986 statement regarding The Immigration Reform and Control Act, President Ronald Reagan made it clear that tackling illegal immigration requires a strategic approach. He emphasized that this act would “remove the incentive for illegal immigration by eliminating the job opportunities that draw illegal aliens here.”
By implementing employer sanctions, Reagan aimed to control illegal immigration by targeting the very jobs that lure undocumented workers to the United States.
Taking Action: What to Do If Your American Employer Hires Undocumented Immigrants?
If you find that your employer is hiring undocumented workers, it is crucial to take action, as this practice is illegal. You can report them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by using the ICE Tip Form online. Reporting such violations is essential for upholding federal law and ensuring fair employment practices in our communities. Together, we can address the issue head-on and promote a law-abiding workforce.
“L.A.: California Governor asks Trump to withdraw troops”
A protester was shot in the head with a rubber bullet by riot police in Los Angeles, underscoring the urgent need for accountability in law enforcement’s handling of protests. The failure of the officers to call for an ambulance is not only alarming but also inhumane. We must demand better from those sworn to protect us.
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An Australian reporter was struck by a rubber bullet fired by riot police while covering the escalating protests in Los Angeles. Lauren Tomasi, the US correspondent for Nine, was on the front lines reporting on the increasingly volatile situation when she was injured.
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A fire broke out while LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell addressed the media on Sunday night (6/8/25) about the department’s decisive response to the situation.
It’s time for America to take notice. President Trump has made the bold decision to override Governor Newsom’s authority and deploy the National Guard to confront civilians
Californians are taking a stand against ICE raids. In a troubling response to the rising immigration protests, President Trump intends to send 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Governor Newsom stated that this move is “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.“(Source: The White House/Gov. Newsom)
The National Guard has arrived in Los Angeles
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Tom Homan, a veteran of immigration law enforcement at the White House, stated that high-ranking California officials, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, may face arrest if they obstruct immigration raids (Link below)
WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF A CONSTITUTIONAL (CHALLENGE) CRISIS? The Posse Comitatus Act, enacted in 1878, serves as a vital protection against the potential misuse of federal military forces in domestic law enforcement. It clearly prohibits the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force from taking on law enforcement roles or enforcing laws without direct authority from the Constitution or an Act of Congress. This legal framework not only safeguards civil liberties but also ensures that military power remains a tool for defense rather than an instrument for suppressing the rights of citizens. Upholding this act is crucial for preserving the delicate balance between security and the fundamental freedoms that define our society.
WHAT HAPPENED: The recent announcement by President Trump to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to ongoing immigration protests raises important concerns that deserve our attention. While the government’s intention to maintain order is understandable, we must carefully consider the implications of utilizing military forces in civilian law enforcement, especially in light of the Posse Comitatus Act.
This legislation was enacted to protect our democratic principles and ensure that the military does not overreach into civilian affairs. The restrictions placed by the Posse Comitatus Act are crucial in preventing the potential misuse of power and preserving the fundamental rights of citizens. Activating the National Guard for federal service should not be taken lightly and should only occur under specific circumstances that genuinely warrant such drastic measures. By relying on military presence to manage protests, we risk escalating tensions rather than finding peaceful resolutions. Instead of deploying troops, we should be investing in dialogues and fostering community engagement to address the root causes of these protests.
There are more effective alternatives that prioritize safety and respect for civil liberties, options that build bridges rather than walls between the government and its citizens. Let us advocate for solutions that uphold our values and respect the law. The deployment of the National Guard should be a last resort, and we must demand accountability and transparency from our leaders regarding the measures they choose to implement in the face of civil unrest. Together, we can seek out approaches that promote understanding, unity, and the protection of our democratic rights.
GOV. NEWSOM’S POV: “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been admirably serving LA throughout recovery. This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.” (Twitter, June 7, 2025)
La primera dama de California pide a los “inmigrantes Mexicanos que mantengan la calma y la fortaleza durante estos tiempos difíciles.” (Link below)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKqb-1DpJs4 (Link)
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Op-ed
How can Gov. Newsom effectively defend Mexican immigrants when they flaunt the Mexican flag on U.S. soil? This behavior undermines our national values and raises important questions about loyalty and respect
We strongly oppose the National Guard’s deployment that undermines Governor Newsom’s authority. Instead, we call on Southern Californians to stay calm, engage in peaceful protests, and stay informed about their rights during demonstrations. To all immigrants and nationals: while we firmly reject violence, we wholeheartedly support peaceful expressions of dissent. It is crucial that peaceful protestors on U.S. soil show respect for the American flag, regardless of whether they are Mexicans, Jews, Palestinians, or any other immigrant group that has embraced the U.S. as their new home. Immigrants have a storied history of fighting and sacrificing for this nation. They have served valiantly in the U.S. military since the country’s inception, making significant contributions in major conflicts, including the Civil War, the World Wars, and recent military operations in the Middle East.
In this light, we remind everyone: “We have room for but one flag, the American flag.”
Image: APU Gomes via Getty
June 2-11, 2025
The one thing Trump got right. California high-speed rail: The elephant in the room
WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern warning to halt all federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project, labeling it a “boondoggle” with no clear path ahead. He pointed to a troubling history of delays, mismanagement, waste, and soaring costs tied to this initiative, which has already burdened taxpayers with around $6.9 billion in expenses without a single mile of track being laid. It’s time to reassess the viability of this project and prioritize responsible investment of taxpayers’ money.
June 2-11, 2025
ISSUE AT STAKE: California’s high-speed rail project, designed to link vital population centers like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, is an essential initiative that must overcome several hurdles. Despite significant progress in building the initial Central Valley segment, the journey to completion remains daunting. To realize this transformative vision, we must address critical funding gaps, manage cost overruns effectively, and advocate for continued federal support. Investing in this project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring a sustainable and connected future for all Californians.
June 2-11, 2025
The conflict between President Trump and Governor Newsom is intensifying. California’s Governor has (just) declared that Californians are subsidizing the federal government
“Californians pay the bills for the federal government. We pay over 80 billion more in taxes than we get back. Maybe it’s time to cut that off.” (Gov. Newsom)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKk7UNUB6Xz (Gov. Newsom Instagram Announcement Link)
June-May 2025
California’s approach to transgender rights may have played a significant role in Kamala Harris’s electoral outcome
Governor Gavin Newsom has consistently demonstrated his support for transgender rights through various initiatives aimed at protecting transgender individuals in California. Nonetheless, he has also articulated concerns regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, which has prompted considerable discussion and some controversy within the LGBTQ+ community.
Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with stance on transgender athletes (Link)
ISSUE AT STAKE: The State actively champions gender-affirming care, including for minors, exemplified by the implementation of the Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) Inclusive Act. This commitment reflects a dedication to ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary healthcare and support, positioning California as a leader in promoting inclusivity and understanding.
For instance, Britain’s Supreme Court has decisively ruled that the definition of a ‘woman’ in equality legislation is based on biological sex at birth. This clear stance affirms that biological sex is paramount in understanding gender within legal contexts. In other words, they concluded that “trans-women do not fully align with the definition of women.” This perspective holds validity and prompts essential discussions about gender identity.
https://supremecourt.uk/uploads/uksc_2024_0042_judgment_aea6c48cee.pdf (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: Why did President Trump turn to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a letter regarding transgender rights? (See the letter below) With his administration having effectively dismantled the Department of Education, one must wonder: is he transferring vital responsibilities to the USDA? This troubling shift raises significant concerns about our national priorities and the proper management of essential social and educational issues.
ca-letter.pdf (Link)
Trump threatens to cut California funding over transgender youth athletes | EdSource (Link)
Is Brooke Leslie Rollins the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and the co-Secretary of the Department of Education? (See letter below)
ca-letter.pdf (Link)
May 2025
California’s State budget (2025-2026): A projected $12 billion deficit
WHAT HAPPENED: California’s State budget proposal (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom 2025-2026): $321.9 billion, with a projected $12 billion deficit. The revised budget includes projected reductions in payroll expenditures, impacting state operations. California faces a significant challenge with high living costs and a persistent poverty rate that is among the highest in the nation.
Newsom: California faces a $12 billion budget deficit (Link)
May 2025
Happy people just do it better–Kamala’s speech! (San Francisco)
April 2025
California’s gubernatorial race is heating up, and Kamala Harris is poised to make a pivotal decision by the end of summer regarding her candidacy for governor of California. Her run could significantly shape the future of the State.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/15/poll-voters-kamala-harris-governor-run-00290514 (Link)
2025
What is life like in California? The fourth largest economy in the world
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/23/california-is-now-the-4th-largest-economy-in-the-world (Link)
January 2025
Southern California, 2025: The devastating fires were sparked by human actions
“The fires around Los Angeles were the result of the dangerous overlap of multiple human and natural influences. The fire ignitions were human-caused—like virtually all winter fires in the area—although the exact trigger remains under investigation.”
What started the LA wildfires? – Miyamoto International (Link)
Arson has emerged as one of the most rapidly increasing crimes in America, demanding our urgent attention and action
California’s New Arson Law – A Weapon for the War on Arson | Office of Justice Programs (Link)
In 2025, The Palisades and Eaton Fires burned over 57,000 acres, destroyed more than 18,000 buildings, and caused at least 30 deaths. (Image: NASA)
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