EXCLUSIVE: Director Matt Tyrnauer is doing a rapid update of his new documentary Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid to reflect Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election. Deadline has learned the filmmaker quickly assembled a crew to shoot a new interview with the famed Democratic political consultant to include as a coda to the film. “The election wasn’t decided when we finished the film just a few weeks ago,” Tyrnauer explains. “We now know the outcome and I felt that I wanted to put a period at the end of the sentence.” The recut version is now streaming on Max. “There was a reshuffling of a few elements that are almost invisible,” Tyrnauer says. “Then we give the outcome the election, and then James gives what is almost like his homily — or, battle cry is maybe a better term — which is we’re an opposition party... And that brings the film up today.” The Democratic Party today is somewhere in the process of coming to terms with a decisive Electoral College loss that saw President-Elect Trump win all the battleground states, albeit by a relatively slim margin. “When you lose, everything is a mistake,” Carville says by way of an election postmortem. In the film, he is seen sounding the alarm that Pres. Biden was heading for a resounding defeat to Trump. It was in large part because of his influence in the Party (as well as a shove from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) that the incumbent president got out of the race. But crucially, Carville advocated for some form of mini-primary to determine who should be the Democratic Party nominee to replace Biden. That didn’t happen. After Biden bowed out, VP Kamala Harris almost immediately became the presumptive nominee. “The amount of talent in the party is just staggering, it’s breathtaking. And I thought if we could get them out on the road in a kind of dog-and-pony show or town hall or something like that, it would create excitement and people would see that Democrats are more than just an old urban party,” Carville tells Deadline exclusively. “A sports metaphor I use is we had .350 hitters all over AAA [baseball], but no one ever got to see ’em. And had Harris gone through that process, it might’ve made her a better general election candidate.” As became apparent at the polls, this was a “change” election, meaning a majority of voters wanted a sharp shift from the status quo. “The only person we could pick that really couldn’t give ’em anything different was Harris,” Carville comments. He points to a telling appearance Harris made on The View when she was given an opportunity to articulate a different vision from Biden’s. “When you go on The View to say what would you do different than Biden, and you say, ‘I can’t think of anything...’ Loyalty is great, but loyalty does not trump winning.” Carville, who played a definitive role getting Bill Clinton elected president in 1992, in large part by insisting the campaign stick to the message, “It’s the economy, stupid,” praised Tyrnauer’s choice of a name for the documentary. “I love the title because the most exalted thing you can do in politics is win the election. That’s it. Everything else is secondary. It is secondary to that one single objective.” Now that it’s Trump who has accomplished that objective, he’s announcing choices for his cabinet that have raised alarms among Democrats, and in some cases Republicans too. Matt Gaetz dropped out of the running for attorney general after several Republican senators indicated they would not back a man who has been accused of sexual misconduct. But allegations of that nature apply to several other Trump cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth, his choice to run the Defense Department. As the Washington Post reported, Hegseth “paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a nondisclosure agreement, though he maintained that their encounter was consensual, according to a statement from his lawyer.” Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Education Secretary who was formerly a senior executive with World Wrestling Entertainment, is facing a lawsuit accusing her and her husband Vince McMahon of criminal negligence in the alleged sexual abuse of children who worked as “ring boys” for the WWE (Linda McMahon has denied the allegation). Robert F. Kennedy Jr., tapped by Trump to run the Department of Health and Human Services, faces a sexual misconduct allegation of his own. “A woman who babysat for Kennedy and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that he groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23,” the Associated Press reported. She told USA Today earlier this week of another incident in which she said a shirtless RJK Jr. asked her to rub lotion on his body. Multi-billionaire Elon Musk, tapped by Trump to run a proposed “Department of Government Efficiency,” has been sued for alleged sexual harassment by employees of his SpaceX rocket company. SpaceX reportedly settled a separate suit in 2018 that accused him of requesting an erotic massage from a flight attendant. “Now Bobby Kennedy’s babysitter has come forward,” Carville exclaims. “There’s so many things that these people are, but they’re just a pack of creepy perverts is the picture that’s emerging here. It really is. Everybody has things in their past, but Jesus, the number of sexual crimes — remember, Trump was convicted and found liable in a court of law, of which the judge said, by any definition, he raped that woman [E. Jean Carroll].” Carville continues, “Sometimes accountability takes a while. I’m as distressed as anybody is about the lack of it now. But maybe it’ll come late. I don’t know. I have to hope. What can I do? I don’t have any choice.” Tyrnauer describes Trump’s cabinet picks as going “beyond farce into tragedy. It’s hard to know which to pick — tragedy or farce.” He adds, “I think one thing that is helpful about documentary film, at least the ones that I am intent on making, is that they’re the opposite of the so-called ‘hot take.’ And as horrified as I am by these cabinet choices, we live in the world of the tweet and the hot take and I think Trump is very good at manipulating that type of media. So, I think transmitting a more considered message and ideas for how to prevail on important political issues is something that this film does pretty effectively.” Tyrnauer lauds his protagonist for having the courage to tell the Democratic Party leadership that Biden was going to lose and action needed to be taken to avoid electoral disaster. Ultimately, Harris didn’t win, but one could argue a larger political catastrophe was avoided by switching to a more viable candidate (the balance of power in the House of Representatives remains very tight; Republicans took control of the Senate, but Democrats won several very closely contested races). “If you don’t believe James can see around corners, watch the movie and see him seeing around corners and calling it right at almost every turn,” Tyrnauer insists. “And I think we should keep listening to him. I think if more people see the movie and he continues to be a voice that people turn to and listen to, I think we can only be better off.” Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid has qualified for Oscar consideration this year. The original, pre-recut version of the film aired twice on CNN; A TVOD and PVOD release of the updated doc will be announced in the future.Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration
Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?5 Stocks to Buy Before Tariffs Kick InNone
2024 may become known as the year America fell back in love with nuclear power. Will 2025 be the year we get serious about it? You've all read the headlines by now. You know how Microsoft is partnering with Constellation Energy to restart nuclear power at Three Mile Island . You've probably also heard about Alphabet partnering with Kairos Power to produce electricity for its artificial intelligence (AI) servers . And how Amazon.com actually went out and bought itself a pet nuclear power company of its own ? Of course, assuming they eventually get built, all these new nuclear power plant projects are going to require nuclear fuel to run on. And that's where today's story begins. LEU, HALEU...and weapons-grade uranium In broad outlines, the nuclear fuel supply chain works like this: First, someone like Cameco ( CCJ -0.89% ) mines natural uranium, which contains about 0.7% of the isotope U-235 that is necessary for nuclear fuel. Then, someone else enriches that natural uranium to the desired level -- 3% to 5%. At this point, the result is "low enriched uranium," or LEU. Certain nuclear reactors require even more refinement, to about 20%, at which point the substance is called "high assay" LEU, or HALEU. (And since you're certainly wondering, if you keep on enriching your uranium until it reaches 90% U-235 purity, the result is "weapons-grade" uranium -- what you use to build a nuclear weapon.) Russia accounts for about 44% of all LEU produced worldwide. For obvious reasons, the U.S. doesn't like to buy from Russia right now, but we still get about 35% of our LEU from Russia because...for the most part, that's where the LEU is. In contrast, here in the U.S., very little uranium enrichment is done. But that's about to change. Two uranium contracts for six nuclear companies Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named six U.S. nuclear companies that it hopes will begin or expand their enrichment operations, so that the U.S. can buy LEU from them going forward: American Centrifuge, a subsidiary of Centrus Energy ( LEU -2.10% ) . General Matter. Global Laser Enrichment, roughly half of which is owned by Australia's Silex Systems and Cameco. Louisiana Energy Services, a subsidiary of U.K.-based Urenco Limited. Laser Isotope Separation Technologies, which has Nano Nuclear Energy ( NNE 3.19% ) as an investor. Orano Federal Services, a subsidiary of France's Orano SA. Each of these will receive at least $2 million in contracts. Collectively, DOE intends to spread around $3.4 billion in LEU purchases among these companies over the next 10 years. These contracts come on top of $2.7 billion in earlier awards for the purchase of HALEU from four companies: General Matter, Orano, Urenco, and Centrus Energy -- each of which won LEU contracts as well (either directly or through a subsidiary). Once again, the contracts will be spread over 10 years. Once again, each winner is guaranteed at least a couple million dollars. And because the U.S. Congress has now banned further imports of enriched uranium from Russia (not immediately, but phasing out between now and 2028), the chances of this money actually being disbursed seem very good indeed. Which nuclear stock should you buy? Add it all up, and we're talking $6.1 billion in U.S. government contracts here. While no one of these six companies is guaranteed to win it all, on average, it should work out to $1 billion in revenue each -- or $100 million per year, over 10 years. Best of all, because Cameco, Centrus, and Nano Nuclear Energy each trade on U.S. exchanges, individual investors (either directly or indirectly) can pretty easily find ways to invest in about half of the likely winners. That's the good news. The bad news is that as I've explained in recent columns, I'm already not terribly enthused by the valuations on two of these companies, Cameco and Nano Nuclear . So that leaves Centrus. Not only does it have "LEU" right there in its ticker, but from a valuation perspective, Centrus also seems to be the most attractive play on uranium enrichment in the U.S. today. Based in Bethesda, MD, Centrus boasts a more than 25-year history, and it's earned profits in most of these years (according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence ). At a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of only 15.5 times earnings currently, with plenty of cash on hand and no net debt, Centrus stock looks well positioned to capitalize on the new U.S. policy to become "independent" in nuclear enrichment. Look it over and see if you agree.CAPITOL NOTEBOOK: Iowa Taxpayers Association honors Reynolds
Notable quotes by Jimmy CarterTeam Canada is in desperate need of a rebound at the 2025 World Juniors. The team can do just that on Sunday against Germany. The Canadians are 48 hours removed from being on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in Word Juniors history, losing 3-2 in a shootout to Latvia. Canada had entered Friday's contest outscoring Latvia 4-1-4 in its previous four contests, but the sensational play of goaltender Linards Feldbergs kept the Latvians in it before securing the stunning victory. Dave Cameron's crew has a chance to get back in the win column on Sunday, with a matchup against Germany. The Germans have yet to win at the 2025 competition, losing to the United States and Finland to start the tournament. Canada has never lost to Germany in World Juniors history, but as evident by the Latvia loss, that means nothing when it comes to Sunday's contest. LIVE: Watch the 2025 World Juniors on Fubo (US only) The defeat at the hands of Latvia wasn't the only major loss for Canada on Friday. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer broke his collarbone early in the contest and has been ruled out for the remainder of the games. Schaefer, regarded as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, had been the best defenseman for Canada so far, but now the blue line needs to pick up production in his absence. If Canada wants a shot at finishing first in Group A, beating Germany is a necessity. On the other hand, if Germany wants to advance to the knockout round, a win over Canada would be massive for its chances. MORE: World Juniors standings, schedule, results The Sporting News is providing the updates and highlights from the Canada vs. Germany group play game at the 2025 World Juniors. Canada vs. Germany live score 1 2 3 OT F Canada - - - - - Germany - - - - - Canada vs. Germany live updates, highlights from 2025 World Juniors (All times Eastern) Pregame What channel is Canada vs. Germany on today? TV channels: TSN (Canada) | NHL Network (United States) Live stream: TSN app (Canada) | Fubo (United States) Canada vs. Germany will air on TSN in Canada and NHL Network in the U.S. Viewers can also stream the game on the TSN app in Canada and Fubo in the U.S. STREAM: Watch 2025 World Juniors with Fubo (free trial) Canada vs. Germany start time Date: Sunday, Dec. 29 Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT Canada vs. Germany will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 26. The game is being played at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, the home of the Senators. It marks the third game for both teams at the 2025 World Juniors. Canada opened the tournament with a win over Finland, but were stunned by Latvia last time out, losing in a shootout on Friday. Germany has yet to win at this year's competition, losing to the United States on Thursday and Finland on Friday. 2025 World Juniors schedule Thursday, Dec. 26 Matchup Time (ET) Sweden 5, Slovakia 1 FINAL USA 10, Germany 4 FINAL Czechia 5, Switzerland 1 FINAL Canada 4, Finland 0 FINAL Friday, Dec. 27 Matchup Time (ET) Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1 FINAL Finland 3, Germany 1 FINAL Sweden 8 , Kazakhstan 1 FINAL Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO) FINAL Saturday, Dec. 28 Matchup Time (ET) Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2 FINAL USA 5, Latvia 1 FINAL Sunday, Dec. 29 Matchup Time (ET) Sweden 7, Switzerland 5 FINAL USA vs. Finland 2:30 p.m. Czechia vs. Slovakia 5 p.m. Canada vs. Germany 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 Matchup Time (ET) Slovakia vs. Kazakhstan 1 p.m. Germany vs. Latvia 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Matchup Time (ET) Kazakhstan vs. Switzerland Noon Finland vs. Latvia 2:30 p.m. Sweden vs. Czechia 5 p.m. Canada vs. USA 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Relegation Game 11 a.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal Noon TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 2:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 5 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Semifinal 3:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Semifinal 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Bronze Medal Game 3:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Gold Medal Game 7:30 p.m. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to bearish trend on Tuesday, losing 3,505.62 points more points, a negative change of 3.57 percent, closing at 94,574.16 points as compared to 98,079.78 points on the last trading day. A total of 1,116,324,649 shares were traded during the day as compared to 640,258,528 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 43.291 billion against Rs.25.623 billion on the last trading day. As many as 456 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 53 of them recorded gains and 355 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 48 companies remained unchanged. The three top trading companies were K-Electric Limited with 101,636,133 shares at Rs 4.65 per share, Bank of Punjab with 92,023,190 shares at Rs 6.85 per share and Hascol Petrol with 73,320,431 shares at Rs.13.59 per share. Sapphire Textile Mills Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs. 40.88 per share price, closing at Rs 1,177.99, whereas the runner-up was Mehmood Textile Mills Limited with Rs 35.02 rise in its per share price to Rs 535.40. Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 141.07 per share closing at Rs 7,813.48 followed by Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited with Rs 112.79 decline to close at Rs.19,019.35. Separately, Asian markets fell and the dollar rallied Tuesday after Donald Trump warned he would impose huge new tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada on his first day in office, dealing a blow to hopes of a more moderate approach to trade policy. The former and next president said on his Truth Social account that he would hammer the United States’ largest trading partners in response to the illegal drug trade and immigration. The news dampened optimism that his pick to lead the Treasury, Scott Bessent, could temper the tycoon’s assertiveness, with fears now of another trade war with China and warnings that the move — along with promised tax cuts — will reignite US inflation. “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” he wrote. In another post, he added that he would hit China with a 10 percent tariff “above any additional Tariffs” on all of its products entering the US, citing Beijing’s failure to tackle fentanyl smuggling. The announcement fuelled a sell-off across most Asian markets, though Hong Kong and Shanghai advanced in early exchanges. The dollar surged more than one percent against its Canadian equivalent and Mexico’s peso as well as the Chinese yuan. However, the yen strengthened thanks to its safe haven status. “In a striking return to hardline policies, President-elect Trump has dramatically escalated tensions with a brash promise to impose a sweeping 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico the moment he reassumes office,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. He said the declaration “shatters any lingering hopes that... Scott Bessent might usher in an era of moderation”. “Initially hailed as a beacon of stability, Bessent’s influence now seems overshadowed by a resurgence of Trump’s uncompromising ‘America First’ doctrine, which starkly excludes even the closest of allies from its protective embrace.” Asia’s struggles came after another up day on Wall Street, where the Dow ended at a second successive record, helped by the choice of Bessent, though US futures were down Tuesday. Bitcoin struggled below $95,000 after dropping to a six-day low of around $92,600 Monday as the Trump-fuelled rally that had seen it surge around 50 percent to within a whisker of $100,000 ran out of steam. Oil prices extended Monday’s losses of around three percent that came after an official said Israel’s security cabinet was to decide Tuesday on whether to accept a ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The stronger dollar was also depressing the commodity. The United States, European Union and United Nations have all pushed in recent days for a truce in the long-running hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which flared into all-out war in late September.CMs, state ministers to join over 100 Indian CEOs in Davos next month
Will ASX REITs return to glory in 2025? You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources , and more. Learn More ASX real estate investment trusts (REITs) have faced a challenging few years, grappling with rising interest rates and headwinds in the broader property market. It has been a mixed bag for real estate stocks in 2024, with some clear winners and losers. But with stabilising property values and the potential for interest rate cuts on the horizon, could ASX REITs make a rebound? Or will it be similar to this year? Let's see what the experts think. What's in store for ASX REITs? A shift in macroeconomic conditions is setting the stage for a potential recovery in ASX REITs. Experts point to stabilising property values and easing interest rates as the two catalysts for a turnaround. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)'s... Zach BristowIn case you weren't aware (I wasn't), grand openings at Costco are treasure hunts for a certain band of whiskey lovers and wine aficionados, with certain labels getting stocked just for opening events. Costco has a deep well of connections in the wine and spirits world, and they try to put this on display whenever they have a new store opening to promote. And we have another new Costco opening tomorrow in Pleasanton, where some rare whiskey hounds tried to camp out to be first in line as early as Saturday. This Reddit thread exemplifies this enthusiasm, with several posters discussing how they got kicked off the property on Saturday after attempting to camp out for four nights — in the rain! — to be the first to get a crack at whatever hard-to-find whiskeys might appear in the booze aisle at Wednesday's opening. Buyers were looking for the kinds of labels that Costco will often only stock during an opening event and which typically sell out in a day or two — whiskeys like Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace OFC vintages that can retail for thousands of dollars, as well as lesser but still sought-after deals like Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon for $33, when a bottle typically goes for $60 or more. There was apparently a trespassing issue, or something, with the area where the campers were camping, and as Redditors noted, they were told to come back at 6 am on Wednesday. "I was just there and got kicked off the property," wrote one Redditor. "A guy paid me $800 to hang out in his 4 person Coleman tent and watch Netflix with him. He said it wouldn’t be weird and all I had to do was buy whiskey he had hand written on the first page of a composition book." That person continued to say that this whiskey lover, who apparently had hired several people to do his bidding, "said he’d give us all another $800 plus pay for our hotel rooms at the SpringHill Suites right by the Costco property if we promise to stay there and be back to the Costco at 5am sharp on Wednesday morning." Whiskey fans won't know exactly what the array of finds would be until the doors of the Pleasanton Costco open on Wednesday morning, as the Chronicle notes — Costcos traditionally stock a few cases of special stuff, but not always the same brands. Still, the mayor-elect of Pleasanton, Jack Balch, offered up an Instagram post and a Facebook post with photographic evidence after getting a tour inside the store. The Facebook post showed Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon on sale for $59.99, about half of what it typically retails for, and Eagle Rare 10 Year for $32.49. The Instagram post seen below also shows a special edition 10-year Whistlepig rye, dubbed Piggybank Rye, which appears to be bottled in a gold piggy bank. The price of that one is unclear, but it retails for $300 to $400 . A post shared by Jack Balch (@jbalch925) Also on sale at this new Costco is a sought-after super Tuscan wine, Sassicaia, that was set to go for $220 per bottle, versus the $300 it typically sells for. Selman Medina, who works as a wine steward at the recently opened Costco in Napa, tells the Chronicle that these opening-day events are lucrative for the company, with the Napa location selling a half-million dollars worth of wine and booze on Day One alone. We'll have to wait to see the social media evidence of the whiskey-hunters' finds at the new Costco, which may make their way to Reddit or X. For everyone else, this Costco at 7200 Johnson Drive will be open at 9 am Wednesday following a 7:30 am ribbon cutting. They'll be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but back open on Black Friday at 9 am.The Irish Times view on the year in politics: turbulence and continuityAKRON, Ohio (AP) — Nate Johnson had 18 points in Akron's 92-84 victory against Omaha on Saturday night. Johnson added five assists for the Zips (3-2). Isaiah Gray scored 16 points while going 6 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 2 for 4 from the line. Amani Lyles had 15 points and shot 6 for 9, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. Marquel Sutton led the way for the Mavericks (2-5) with 26 points and six rebounds. Lance Waddles added 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for Omaha. JJ White also had 16 points. Akron led 40-36 at halftime, with Gray racking up 12 points. Tavari Johnson scored a team-high 12 points for Akron after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Planning to buy a real tree this year? Here are 6 Christmas tree sellers in Colorado SpringsPresident-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that Stephen Miran, a Treasury Department adviser in his first administration, would be the chair of his Council of Economic Advisers. The council advises the president on economic policy and is composed of three members, including the chair. The council assists in the preparation of an annual report that gives an overview of the country's economy, reviews federal policies and programs and makes economic policy recommendations. Earlier this year, Miran and economist Nouriel Roubini authored a hedge fund study that said the U.S. Treasury last year effectively provided economic stimulus by moderating long-dated bond sales. The study echoed suggestions by Republican lawmakers that the Treasury deliberately increased issuance of short-term Treasury bills to give the economy a "sugar high" ahead of the November elections. The Treasury denied any such strategy. Miran, a senior strategist at Hudson Bay Capital, has also argued that fears over trade tariffs that Trump has threatened to impose after he takes office next month are overblown. Trade and economic experts have said such duties would raise prices and would effectively be a new tax on consumers. Last month, Trump tapped Kevin Hassett, who was a key economic adviser in his first term, to chair his National Economic Council, which helps set domestic and international economic policy. Hudson Bay Capital took a position in Trump's social media firm Trump Media & Technology in the first quarter of this year.DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Harvesting holiday sales: Local businesses offer special buysMaybe it’s because there are so many games, or maybe it’s because the rise of digital distribution and subscriptions means there are more sub-groups of game-players and fewer massive mainstream hits, but it feels like this year the “best games” lists are more diverse and individual than ever. Even as someone who tries to play broadly across all platforms, there are some games cropping up on end-of-year lists that I didn’t play, and some of the best ones I did play draw blank looks when I discuss them with others. So, while it’s impossible to make anything approaching an objective list of the best, I’ve attempted it anyway. Here they are in no particular order. I didn’t have ‘help a rapping tree’ on my 2024 bingo card, but I’m glad it happened. Astro Bot PS5 At once a celebration of PlayStation’s 30-year history and a whimsical Nintendo-style platformer the likes of which the brand has never seen before, Astro Bot is a beautiful theme park of running and jumping, filled with hidden depth, incredible gimmicks and great music. I’m not a huge fan of the emotionless robot protagonist or the Sony branding, but the combination of flawless gameplay design, hilarious environments, oodles of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech puts this on par with some of Mario’s most memorable outings. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Side-scrolling platform adventure games are ubiquitous and there were heaps of good ones this year, but the best was also a return to relevance for a beloved franchise. The fictional Mount Qaf is a wonderful setting that blends Iranian history and Arabian mythology with the series’ penchant for vicious traps and time distortion, while new protagonist Sargon brings a fresh and edgy vibe that marries the acrobatic focus of the Sands of Time trilogy with the methodical platforming of older Prince adventures. By invoking familiar poker hands, Balatro brings the satisfying hook of a rougelite game to a wider pool of players who have no idea what that is. Balatro Android, Apple Arcade, iOS, PC, PS5, Switch Xbox In an industry plagued by gambling disguised as play, it’s gratifying that one of this year’s most successful games employs the aesthetic of cards and casinos with no gambling to be found. Upgrade and augment your deck with special powers and tarot effects, stack up game-changing jokers to synergise with your favourite cards, and try to break the game with impossibly powerful poker hands. The work of one individual developer, it’s incredible, and arguably addictive, but you’ll pay no more than the purchase price. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch Mario Party is a dependable choice for casual group play or a family game night. But, unexpectedly, Jamboree is the absolute height of the series. There are heaps of playable characters, more than 100 great new minigames, seven unusually interesting and diverse game boards and extra modes for playing on your own or online with randos. But the icing on the cake is the ability to enforce “pro mode” to make the winner less chance-based, opening up the possibility of truly competitive play, and it’s so much fun. It may take its broad structure from one third of a decades-old game, but Rebirth has plenty original to say. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth PS5 I was expecting a middle chapter for Square’s epic three-part remake of a 1997 classic, but this turned out to be so much more. From the layered character customisation and combat systems that feed seamlessly into one another, to the completely optional collectible card game that I quickly became obsessed with, this is unexpectedly a much broader, deeper and more open game than its predecessor. An astonishing RPG that more than stands on its own merits, and even overshadows part one for ambition and creativity, it’s a remarkable achievement. Star Wars Outlaws PC, PS5, Xbox A streamlined and multi-planet take on Ubisoft’s familiar open-world action, paired with an original-trilogy-era Star Wars tale that follows an up-and-coming scoundrel rather than a Jedi or Imperial, Outlaws has everything a long-suffering franchise fan could hope for in a sandbox scum and villainy game. The overarching story is a bit of a letdown, but the main appeal here is simply being able to exist in this rich and incredibly well-realised universe, being a dirtbag and pulling off heists. Fans of Monty Python or The Mighty Boosh will find a lot to love exploring Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox A cartoony and hilariously vulgar adventure set in a small northern England town, this is a point-and-punch exploration game that’s fondly reminiscent of classic daft British sketch comedy, with heaps of funny visuals and sound effects plus the voice talents of Matt Berry and others. Mechanically it couldn’t be simpler, but the writing and timing are masterful. From an unexpected exposed penis in a seagull-gathering side-mission to a prolonged sequence combining fish and cigarettes, it’s crassly artful and unforgettable. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Switch Despite her name being in the titles, Princess Zelda has had few starring roles in Nintendo’s beloved adventure epics. This game marks a change in that regard, and introduces a brilliant new approach to items and combat where Zelda can copy and paste objects and enemies to fight and solve puzzles, but it’s otherwise business as usual for the series; this is a beautiful, joyful and surprising fantasy world to explore, with just the right mix of nostalgia and innovation. Eventually you’ll be filling out pages of details before you can even grasp the nature of the crime you’re supposed to be solving. And you’ll be loving it. The Rise of the Golden Idol Netflix, PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox The first Golden Idol was a wonderfully epic tale of paranormal serial murder, and Rise is even better. Set 200 years later, you’re tasked with solving 20 crimes, each painted as a beautifully grotesque painted moment. You analyse the scene to collect clues, words and names, then use those to fill in the blanks and uncover the truth. It’s like a multidimensional murder sudoku, which only gets more complex and tells a compelling alternate history detective story. Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC, PS5, Xbox Bioware is responsible for some of the greatest role-playing games ever, but this is their best in more than a decade. The narrative and fantasy settings are incredible, and the action-focused combat feels great, but the true strength is in the constant choice-making that affects your friendships in real and unexpected ways. Early on, the game makes you choose between two companions, the consequence of which leaves one with permanent visible bruises and scars for the rest of the game. This is Dragon Age telling you how it’s going to be. Unicorn Overlord has the familiar Vanillaware look, but it may be the studio’s deepest game yet. Unicorn Overlord PS5, Switch, Xbox Vanillaware has spent two decades crafting interesting and complex games with astounding hand-drawn art. The studio has a cult following but I think Unicorn Overlord might be its first true breakout hit. It’s a twist on the traditional turn-based tactical RPG, where instead of just skirmishing you define the parameters of each unit’s actions and priorities ahead of time, and then watch as they play out in battle. And, of course, it’s gorgeous. Sonic x Shadow Generations PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Since 2011’s excellent Sonic Generations was already a reimagining of the series’ high points, half of this new package is arguably remaking remakes. But the other half — an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog — contains some of the most excellent 3D Sonic gameplay ever made. It serves as a great introduction to the character alongside his big-screen debut, but it also presents his tortured backstory and most memorable game moments in a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable manner. No combat, no explanations, just a blob in a cursed VHS tape of ghostly animals. Animal Well PC, PS5, PS Plus, Switch, Xbox Animal Well , another amazing work from a solo developer, is on the surface a stunning CRT-filtered Metroid-like with a spooky animal theme. But dig a little deeper past the cursed herons and sleepy capybara and you’ll find a complex latticework of puzzles combined with interesting power-ups, a focus on physics play and a near total lack of combat. Some secrets require specific power-ups from around the world (a yo-yo, a slinky, a frisbee), while others need lateral thinking or knowledge gleaned from other areas. UFO 50 PC A package of 50 new games, styled and presented as a library of retro titles by a fictional company for their fictional home computer, this compilation evokes the feeling of finding a dusty 1980s machine and a box full of disks, and putting them in to see what you find. The games are all surprisingly full in scope, and they run the genre gamut from beat-em-ups to top-down driving games to narrative horror. Best of all are the two-player options, which offer a peerlessly strange retro bonding experience. The Great Circle takes Indy to many cultural epicentres around the globe, from Italy to Egypt to the Himalayas and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Game Pass, PC, Xbox Games based on movie franchises can go very wrong, but MachineGames (the Swedish studio known for the Nazi-hunting 2010s Wolfenstein series), had a clear vision for the world’s most famous archeologist . Each level is an exploratory puzzle with dozens of smaller riddles within, filled with fascists to sneak around and artefacts to recover. Combat is slapstick, gunplay is scarce, the iconic whip gets plenty of creative use and voice actor Troy Baker puts in an astonishing Harrison Ford impersonation. The narrative overall (concerning a trek across the globe to stop the Nazis achieving a mystical power) is the best the franchise has seen since 1989. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Video games Tim Biggs is a writer covering consumer technology, gadgets and video games. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Technology Loading
BlockDAG’s AMA Sheds Light on Exchange Listings, Developer Grants, and Decentralization GoalsMaybe it’s because there are so many games, or maybe it’s because the rise of digital distribution and subscriptions means there are more sub-groups of game-players and fewer massive mainstream hits, but it feels like this year the “best games” lists are more diverse and individual than ever. Even as someone who tries to play broadly across all platforms, there are some games cropping up on end-of-year lists that I didn’t play, and some of the best ones I did play draw blank looks when I discuss them with others. So, while it’s impossible to make anything approaching an objective list of the best, I’ve attempted it anyway. Here they are in no particular order. I didn’t have ‘help a rapping tree’ on my 2024 bingo card, but I’m glad it happened. Astro Bot PS5 At once a celebration of PlayStation’s 30-year history and a whimsical Nintendo-style platformer the likes of which the brand has never seen before, Astro Bot is a beautiful theme park of running and jumping, filled with hidden depth, incredible gimmicks and great music. I’m not a huge fan of the emotionless robot protagonist or the Sony branding, but the combination of flawless gameplay design, hilarious environments, oodles of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech puts this on par with some of Mario’s most memorable outings. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Side-scrolling platform adventure games are ubiquitous and there were heaps of good ones this year, but the best was also a return to relevance for a beloved franchise. The fictional Mount Qaf is a wonderful setting that blends Iranian history and Arabian mythology with the series’ penchant for vicious traps and time distortion, while new protagonist Sargon brings a fresh and edgy vibe that marries the acrobatic focus of the Sands of Time trilogy with the methodical platforming of older Prince adventures. By invoking familiar poker hands, Balatro brings the satisfying hook of a rougelite game to a wider pool of players who have no idea what that is. Balatro Android, Apple Arcade, iOS, PC, PS5, Switch Xbox In an industry plagued by gambling disguised as play, it’s gratifying that one of this year’s most successful games employs the aesthetic of cards and casinos with no gambling to be found. Upgrade and augment your deck with special powers and tarot effects, stack up game-changing jokers to synergise with your favourite cards, and try to break the game with impossibly powerful poker hands. The work of one individual developer, it’s incredible, and arguably addictive, but you’ll pay no more than the purchase price. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch Mario Party is a dependable choice for casual group play or a family game night. But, unexpectedly, Jamboree is the absolute height of the series. There are heaps of playable characters, more than 100 great new minigames, seven unusually interesting and diverse game boards and extra modes for playing on your own or online with randos. But the icing on the cake is the ability to enforce “pro mode” to make the winner less chance-based, opening up the possibility of truly competitive play, and it’s so much fun. It may take its broad structure from one third of a decades-old game, but Rebirth has plenty original to say. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth PS5 I was expecting a middle chapter for Square’s epic three-part remake of a 1997 classic, but this turned out to be so much more. From the layered character customisation and combat systems that feed seamlessly into one another, to the completely optional collectible card game that I quickly became obsessed with, this is unexpectedly a much broader, deeper and more open game than its predecessor. An astonishing RPG that more than stands on its own merits, and even overshadows part one for ambition and creativity, it’s a remarkable achievement. Star Wars Outlaws PC, PS5, Xbox A streamlined and multi-planet take on Ubisoft’s familiar open-world action, paired with an original-trilogy-era Star Wars tale that follows an up-and-coming scoundrel rather than a Jedi or Imperial, Outlaws has everything a long-suffering franchise fan could hope for in a sandbox scum and villainy game. The overarching story is a bit of a letdown, but the main appeal here is simply being able to exist in this rich and incredibly well-realised universe, being a dirtbag and pulling off heists. Fans of Monty Python or The Mighty Boosh will find a lot to love exploring Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox A cartoony and hilariously vulgar adventure set in a small northern England town, this is a point-and-punch exploration game that’s fondly reminiscent of classic daft British sketch comedy, with heaps of funny visuals and sound effects plus the voice talents of Matt Berry and others. Mechanically it couldn’t be simpler, but the writing and timing are masterful. From an unexpected exposed penis in a seagull-gathering side-mission to a prolonged sequence combining fish and cigarettes, it’s crassly artful and unforgettable. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Switch Despite her name being in the titles, Princess Zelda has had few starring roles in Nintendo’s beloved adventure epics. This game marks a change in that regard, and introduces a brilliant new approach to items and combat where Zelda can copy and paste objects and enemies to fight and solve puzzles, but it’s otherwise business as usual for the series; this is a beautiful, joyful and surprising fantasy world to explore, with just the right mix of nostalgia and innovation. Eventually you’ll be filling out pages of details before you can even grasp the nature of the crime you’re supposed to be solving. And you’ll be loving it. The Rise of the Golden Idol Netflix, PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox The first Golden Idol was a wonderfully epic tale of paranormal serial murder, and Rise is even better. Set 200 years later, you’re tasked with solving 20 crimes, each painted as a beautifully grotesque painted moment. You analyse the scene to collect clues, words and names, then use those to fill in the blanks and uncover the truth. It’s like a multidimensional murder sudoku, which only gets more complex and tells a compelling alternate history detective story. Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC, PS5, Xbox Bioware is responsible for some of the greatest role-playing games ever, but this is their best in more than a decade. The narrative and fantasy settings are incredible, and the action-focused combat feels great, but the true strength is in the constant choice-making that affects your friendships in real and unexpected ways. Early on, the game makes you choose between two companions, the consequence of which leaves one with permanent visible bruises and scars for the rest of the game. This is Dragon Age telling you how it’s going to be. Unicorn Overlord has the familiar Vanillaware look, but it may be the studio’s deepest game yet. Unicorn Overlord PS5, Switch, Xbox Vanillaware has spent two decades crafting interesting and complex games with astounding hand-drawn art. The studio has a cult following but I think Unicorn Overlord might be its first true breakout hit. It’s a twist on the traditional turn-based tactical RPG, where instead of just skirmishing you define the parameters of each unit’s actions and priorities ahead of time, and then watch as they play out in battle. And, of course, it’s gorgeous. Sonic x Shadow Generations PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Since 2011’s excellent Sonic Generations was already a reimagining of the series’ high points, half of this new package is arguably remaking remakes. But the other half — an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog — contains some of the most excellent 3D Sonic gameplay ever made. It serves as a great introduction to the character alongside his big-screen debut, but it also presents his tortured backstory and most memorable game moments in a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable manner. No combat, no explanations, just a blob in a cursed VHS tape of ghostly animals. Animal Well PC, PS5, PS Plus, Switch, Xbox Animal Well , another amazing work from a solo developer, is on the surface a stunning CRT-filtered Metroid-like with a spooky animal theme. But dig a little deeper past the cursed herons and sleepy capybara and you’ll find a complex latticework of puzzles combined with interesting power-ups, a focus on physics play and a near total lack of combat. Some secrets require specific power-ups from around the world (a yo-yo, a slinky, a frisbee), while others need lateral thinking or knowledge gleaned from other areas. UFO 50 PC A package of 50 new games, styled and presented as a library of retro titles by a fictional company for their fictional home computer, this compilation evokes the feeling of finding a dusty 1980s machine and a box full of disks, and putting them in to see what you find. The games are all surprisingly full in scope, and they run the genre gamut from beat-em-ups to top-down driving games to narrative horror. Best of all are the two-player options, which offer a peerlessly strange retro bonding experience. The Great Circle takes Indy to many cultural epicentres around the globe, from Italy to Egypt to the Himalayas and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Game Pass, PC, Xbox Games based on movie franchises can go very wrong, but MachineGames (the Swedish studio known for the Nazi-hunting 2010s Wolfenstein series), had a clear vision for the world’s most famous archeologist . Each level is an exploratory puzzle with dozens of smaller riddles within, filled with fascists to sneak around and artefacts to recover. Combat is slapstick, gunplay is scarce, the iconic whip gets plenty of creative use and voice actor Troy Baker puts in an astonishing Harrison Ford impersonation. The narrative overall (concerning a trek across the globe to stop the Nazis achieving a mystical power) is the best the franchise has seen since 1989. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Video games Tim Biggs is a writer covering consumer technology, gadgets and video games. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Technology Loading
This business could pay a lot of cash flow in the coming years. Got $10,000? Buy this ASX dividend stock for $3,173 in total passive income You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources , and more. Learn More The ASX dividend stock Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) is an exciting option for long-term passive income. I believe the business could pay really impressive dividends in the coming years with a $10,000 investment. I'm not about to suggest that Soul Patts currently has a dividend yield of more than 30%, but I do want to show how the power of compounding can help grow a decent dividend yield into a huge payment in time. As Albert Einstein once supposedly said: Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it, he who... Tristan Harrison
While you’re popping champagne and toasting the new year, hundreds of recently enacted bills will go into effect. Here are a few you should know about. The minimum wage for all employers in California will increase to $16.50. We currently have the second highest unemployment rate of any state behind only Nevada. This increase will only make it worse, particularly for California’s youth and others just starting to join the workforce. Paychecks will be hit by a tax increase. The State Disability Insurance rate is increasing from 1.1 to 1.2 percent. As KCRA in Sacramento noted, “That means a couple or individual with $100,000 in taxable annual wages will have $100 more total withheld from their pay this upcoming year, or about $8 a month because of the tax increase, for example.” For property owners, several attempts to destroy your rights to protest new and higher water rates go into effect. Under Proposition 218, water agencies must send notices to customers ahead of time with information on how to protest the rate hike. If a majority protest, the rate increase can’t go into effect. But Assembly Bill 2257 creates a protest procedure separate from the notice required by Prop. 218 and appears merely to layer on added – and superfluous – requirements for the sole purpose of hindering taxpayers’ constitutional ability to approve or reject taxes. Another assault on property owner rights is Senate Bill 1072 because it could leave taxpayers without proper compensation for overcharges on their water bills by offering only future credits instead of actual refunds. There is a huge difference between a “credit” for future charges and an actual refund. If a taxpayer moves, how will he or she be compensated for the violation of constitutional rights if the agency merely applies the overcharge to reduce rates paid by others in the future? AB 1827 is another concern because it tries to add potentially unconstitutional charges to your water bill based on speculative factors like “maximum potential water use” and “peaking” factors. This is in direct contravention of Prop. 218 which provides that, “No fee or charge may be imposed for a service unless that service is actually used by, or immediately available to, the owner of the property in question. Fees or charges based on potential or future use of a service are not permitted.” Basing a charge on “maximum potential water use” clearly then is not permitted under Prop. 218. Further, in the absence of time-of-use technology, peaking factors are generally make-believe. Legal challenges to AB 1827 are a near certainty. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | Trump’s claim that we need ‘extreme vetting’ is extremely baseless Opinion Columnists | Year in review: From a republic to a ‘kakistocracy’ Opinion Columnists | Will Democrats fix their brand problem ahead of California’s gubernatorial election? Opinion Columnists | Susan Shelley: Too many so-called emergencies in the Golden State Opinion Columnists | Larry Wilson: The lost art of college students talking to each other Regarding your rights as a voter, there were attacks this year on direct democracy. Fortunately, many of those got left on the cutting room floor, but one that did pass and goes into effect this year, Senate Bill 1441, is very concerning. If a citizen-initiated recall, initiative or referendum is determined to have an insufficient number of valid signatures, the proponents have the right to review rejected signatures and the reason for the rejection. But SB 1441 sets an unreasonable 60-day time limit on the review process and adds a new requirement for proponents to pay the costs of the review, which could be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nothing in the bill prevents a county from running out the clock by providing inadequate access. But that’s probably the intent. Was it all bad news from your California government this year? No, of course not. For everyone who has been waiting for Sacramento to finally address the pressing concerns of state residents, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation giving the state three new official state symbols: the banana slug (state slug), Dungeness crab (state crustacean), and black abalone (state seashell). Don’t say they never did anything for you. Happy New Year! Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Taj Mahal, New Delhi sets new sustainability benchmark with its pioneering chemical-free water recycling system
Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigrationSurveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration