California on Tuesday is holding a high-stakes recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom, in what could trigger the biggest shake-up in the state's politics since Arnold Schwarzenegger came to office in 2003.
Because of a successful, Republican-led petition in 2020, voters will say "yes" or "no" as to whether they want to force out Mr Newsom, a Democrat.
The ballot has drawn criticism for its $276 million price tag as California grapples with myriad costly challenges including the pandemic, a historic drought and deadly wildfires.
"The recall is a farce. It’s a waste of valuable time, resources and taxpayer money," Julia Smith, a Democratic political operative, told The National. "California has real problems."
In a Democratic-led state, the Republican recall petition mentioned frustration over Mr Newsom's pro-immigration policies, water cuts and rising homelessness. It garnered some signatures, but took off when organisers added complaints about the governor's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a compilation of polls by FiveThirtyEight on Friday, at least 55 per cent of California voters are set to support keeping Mr Newsom in office.
“California, let us send a message to the world that these are the things we stand for, these are the things we fight for, and we will not give up," Vice President Kamala Harris, also a former California senator, said on a campaign speech Mr Newsom on September 8.
Mr Newsom has also drew support from current President Joe Biden, former Secretary of State John Kerry and former President Barack Obama, among other Democrat leaders. Mr Biden is due in California on Monday to rally for the governor.
A second question on the ballot features dozens of candidates—from young Democratic financial advice YouTuber Kevin Paffrath to former Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner—to replace Mr Newsom if more than 50 per cent of voters say "yes" to a recall.
Republican talk show host, Larry Elder, has been leading the race in a gubernatorial replacement. He is holding at 26 per cent in the polls curated by FiveThirtyEight.
"Elder does not come from a traditional political background, but like Schwarzenegger and former Gov Ronald Reagan, he understands the core challenges that California faces and has a knack for explaining issues in a way that can resonate with the general public," an editorial by the Orange County Register read.
Mr Schwarzenegger, a Republican, won a 2003 recall election against then Governor Gray Davis, a Democrat.
Mr Elder has expressed interest in job growth over addressing climate change and removing the state's mask mandate. He is also against abortion and Covid-19 vaccine requirements.
The spectre of another state leader being stripped of office has infuriated some in California.
"Short of breaking the law or doing something ethically or morally egregious, public servants should be allowed to finish their terms. We have elections for a reason," Steve LaBate, who is a small business owner in Los Angeles, told The National.
"These recalls should never have been allowed to happen while the Democrats have a super majority in the state legislature," he continued, warning the Republicans' successful petition against Mr Newsom has potential to influence ongoing and future recall efforts.
"The standard is too low, and the state constitution needs to be amended immediately. It’s becoming an electoral strategy for Republicans in a state where they otherwise almost never win."
Much is at stake as California juggles its many crises, and the election complicates efforts to address them.
The state is seeing a resurgence of Covid cases spurred from the Delta variant, making a wave worse than its first surge, while historic wildfires continue to spread amid a drought.
California was the first state in the US to go into lockdown, with Mr Newsom enacting some of the toughest coronavirus restrictions for longer than many other states in the country.
Many residents were upset by mandatory mask mandates, local fines for non-compliance, and the closures of state beaches and parks though those were determined by local municipalities, not Mr Newsom.
According to data obtained by Politico, the Republican-led recall petition didn't take off until anger brewed over how Mr Newsom attended an indoor party maskless at a popular restaurant called French Laundry in November. Signatures also gained steam when he initiated a new stay-at-home order in December.
With restrictions loosened in January, Los Angeles County, the largest county in the US, saw a drastic spike in Covid-19 cases and became a national epicentre for the country's outbreak at the time.
A gubernatorial turnover could thwart the state's ambitious plans to tackle climate change and work to address the pandemic.
"Gov Newsom should be able to dedicate the full resources of his administration to helping Californians weather these crises," Ms Smith told The National.
"Instead, he’s been forced to focus on fending off an anti-democratic attempt by Republicans to slip into government by taking advantage of low turnout while working people are distracted by the very real and ongoing threats to their lives and livelihoods posed by Covid-19 and climate change."
California has the largest delegation in the US House of Representatives with 53 members; 42 are Democrats and are 11 Republicans, including both the Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It boasts the largest economy in the nation and if were recognised as a sovereign nation would rank fifth in the world.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
The years Ramadan fell in May
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Manchester City (0) v Liverpool (3)
Uefa Champions League, quarter-final, second leg
Where: Etihad Stadium
When: Tuesday, 10.45pm
Live on beIN Sports HD
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
RACE CARD
6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.40pm Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m
8.15pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
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It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Fixtures
Wednesday
4.15pm: Japan v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: UAE v Italy (Group A)
6.45pm: Russia v Mexico (Group B)
8pm: Iran v Egypt (Group B)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Our legal advisor
Rasmi Ragy is a senior counsel at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Prosecutor in Egypt with more than 40 years experience across the GCC.
Education: Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1978.
Company%20profile%20
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qais Aboud
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: Almahroosa, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Sumoud, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Adventurous, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The years Ramadan fell in May
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UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
SERIES SCHEDULE
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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The five pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
