Steve Hilton Enters California Governor Race, Promises to Fix the 'Califailure'

California's next gubernatorial race is getting a shakeup as Steve Hilton, former Fox News contributor and author, throws his hat in the ring for 2026. Hilton, who's been sharply critical of current leadership in his book "Califailure," announced he's running to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom. Hilton says his mission is to "Make California Golden Again" and return hope to the state's working people.

Hilton called California "the best place in the world" and said he couldn't stand by while the state's challenges pile up. His candidacy is already raising eyebrows, promising a contest that's bound to be as lively as California politics can get. With slogans ready and sleeves rolled up, Hilton's campaign is clearly aiming for the big issues facing the Golden State.

Meanwhile, the political world is in overdrive:

• It took two decades, a pandemic, and plenty of privacy debates for the REAL ID rollout to finally gain traction in the U.S.
• The Department of Homeland Security chief's purse was reportedly stolen at a D.C. restaurant, with losses in the thousands. Even top officials aren't safe from a good old-fashioned D.C. pickpocketing, apparently.
• In the Pentagon, chaos reigns as a former aide urges Trump to fire Pete Hegseth, citing what they called a "full-blown meltdown." The drama behind the scenes just never cools off.

On a somber note, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at age 88. His legacy is being remembered by U.S. presidents and world leaders alike, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. The process to select his successor is already underway, and all eyes are on the ancient rituals of the papal conclave.

Elsewhere, the U.S. is looking to revive its shipbuilding industry, but faces serious hurdles. New reports also show that over 500,000 immigrants have missed court hearings under the current administration, shining a light on the strain in the immigration system.

Back in California, a mayor's controversial proposal to give homeless people "all the fentanyl they want" has sparked outrage and debate. It's a plan that's so out-there, it's almost hard to believe it's real. Not to be outdone, Florida is considering letting property owners fight back against drones with force, bringing a whole new meaning to "sky wars."

All in all, it's another week where politics seems to outpace fiction—whether it's gubernatorial ambitions, global loss, or mayors pitching wild ideas, the news cycle just doesn't let up.