News

With President Trump dominating national headlines, California voters will choose a successor to Governor Gavin Newsom in November. However, the current field of candidates—numbering thirteen in total—has been described as “less than enthralling.”

A Crowded Field

The candidates vying for the governorship, listed in alphabetical order, are Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Ian Calderon, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, John Slavet, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. Columnists Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria note that, as of January, there is no clear front-runner.

Barabak and Chabria observe that voters may be preoccupied with national events, making it difficult to focus on state-level issues like “potholes.” They agree that a governor is expected to address issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, quality education, crime, and healthcare.

The Search for Substance

Although many candidates are quick to criticize President Trump, Barabak and Chabria suggest voters are looking for more than just opposition to the former president. They want candidates to offer concrete solutions to California’s long-standing problems, such as homelessness and affordability, which existed long before Trump’s political rise.

San José Mayor Matt Mahan is attempting to position himself as a centrist, a strategy that could appeal to voters seeking a less divisive approach. However, Barabak cautions against making predictions, noting that many voters are simply focused on their daily lives and the challenges they face.

Chabria believes that, regardless of the political climate, the next governor will need to demonstrate “resoluteness” and offer a plan to protect the rights of California residents, particularly in the event of further attacks on immigrants or the LGBTQ+ community. She notes that a candidate must be able to “eat a full lunch while running” to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the candidates running for governor of California?

The candidates are Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Ian Calderon, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, John Slavet, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee.

What do the columnists say about the current field of candidates?

Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria state that there is no clear front-runner and that the field is, at present, “less than enthralling.”

What are some of the key issues facing the next governor of California?

The next governor will need to address issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, quality education, crime, healthcare, and potentially protecting the rights of residents against potential attacks on immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

Given the crowded field and the complex challenges facing the state, what qualities will California voters prioritize in their next governor?

The Chicago Bulls rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 65‑58, snapping a slow‑scoring contest with a burst of three‑point shooting in the final minutes. Nikola Jokic opened the game with a two‑point jumper to give Denver a 41‑36 lead, but the Bulls answered with timely three‑pointers from Rob Dillingham and later Anfernee Simons, who hit a three‑point step‑back to trim the gap to 42‑41.

Key moments

Midway through the second quarter, Nick Richards delivered a two‑point running dunk for Denver, restoring a narrow lead at 41‑38. Shortly after, Tim Hardaway Jr. Converted a pair of free throws to push Denver ahead 44‑41. The Bulls responded with a three‑point shot from Dillingham (44‑46) and a crucial three‑point jumper from Simons at the 10:20 mark, tying the game at 42‑41.

Denver’s offense stalled as turnovers mounted: Bruce Brown lost the ball to a Nick Richards steal and Jokic committed a awful pass out of bounds. Meanwhile, Chicago’s bench contributed, with Guerschon Yabusele draining a three‑pointer off an Isaac Okoro assist to give the Bulls a 58‑65 lead with just over a minute remaining. The Nuggets tied the game at 56‑56 on a Julian Strawther reverse layup assisted by Jamal Murray, but Chicago reclaimed the advantage when Simons hit a three‑point pull‑up at 2:01, pushing the score to 58‑61.

In the closing seconds, both teams missed opportunities: Jokic’s final two‑point layup and a free‑throw attempt by Matas Buzelis went astray, sealing the Bulls’ victory. The win improves Chicago’s standing in the Eastern Conference, while Denver must regroup after a defensive lapse that allowed the Bulls to overturn the lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the leading scorers?

Anfernee Simons contributed key three‑point shots for Chicago, while Nick Richards and Tim Hardaway Jr. Led Denver’s scoring with a dunk and free throws respectively.

What was the final score?

The Chicago Bulls won the game 65‑58 over the Denver Nuggets.

What turning point gave the Bulls the edge?

Guerschon Yabusele’s three‑point jumper off an Isaac Okoro assist at the 1:17 mark put Chicago ahead 58‑65, a lead they maintained through the final minute.

What do you think was the most pivotal play that swung the momentum in Chicago’s favor?

Recent findings indicate a significant global perspective on the role of national leadership and religion. A study reveals that many people worldwide prioritize leaders who actively support the religious beliefs of their citizens.

Global Attitudes on Leadership and Faith

The analysis, which explored attitudes in 35 countries, demonstrates that individuals are generally more inclined to value a leader who champions religious freedom than one who necessarily shares their own faith or possesses strong religious convictions. This suggests a widespread desire for inclusive leadership that respects diverse beliefs.

Survey Methodology

The data was collected through a variety of methods, including phone surveys in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey. A mixed-mode probability-based online panel was used in Australia, and a survey of 12,693 respondents was completed in the United States between February 13 and 25, 2024.

The study, completed in early 2026, provides a snapshot of global sentiment regarding the intersection of religion and political leadership. The findings could influence future political discourse and strategies, as leaders may increasingly focus on demonstrating their commitment to religious inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What regions were included in this analysis?

The analysis included countries from North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East-North Africa region, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America.

When was the majority of the data collected?

Most of the data was collected between January 5 and May 22, 2024.

How many people were surveyed in the United States?

12,693 respondents were surveyed in the United States between February 13 and 25, 2024.

As global demographics and political landscapes continue to evolve, how might these attitudes toward religious leadership shift in the coming years?

Women who lived at Melbourne’s historic Abbotsford Convent are returning decades later, drawn by the site’s artistic rebirth and the lingering echoes of their past.

From orphanage to arts precinct

Patricia Sykes, now 84, was placed in the convent’s orphanage in the 1950s at age 11, along with her three sisters after their mother died in childbirth. She recalls the clanging of a nun’s brass key that woke the dormitory, the daily prayers and the music that filled the choir. “There were two days we used to get a treat,” she says, remembering biscuits and bread and jam.

Different buildings on the grounds housed distinct groups – paid boarders, local primary school children, orphans and, in the Sacred Heart building, girls and young women forced to work in the Magdalene laundries, a system described as “slave labour”. Some residents were given new names and confined behind metal grilles, their cries for help unheard by passersby.

Healing through art and history

After the Good Shepherd Sisters sold the convent to the state in 1975 – following a $5.5 million Whitlam government purchase – a community campaign saved it from private developers. The non‑profit Abbotsford Convent Foundation now manages the site, which hosts artists, studios and a music academy. Former residents meet at a café on the grounds, finding solace in the creative environment.

She Shapes History, a feminist social‑enterprise, runs public walking tours every Saturday and Sunday, focusing on the women’s stories rather than architecture. Tour guide Catherine Noone explains that Aboriginal activist Mollie Dyer, who attended the convent’s boarding school from age 10, was encouraged to transition to employment while still living on site. Dyer later reshaped Australia’s foster‑care system and advocated for Aboriginal children’s cultural connections.

Jeweller‑artist Katheryn Leopoldseder now works in the former laundry “mangling” room, while Ink and Spindle directors Caitlin Klooger and Lara Cameron operate a hand‑printed textiles studio in the Sacred Heart building, honoring the women who once laboured there.

Future possibilities

Visitors can still perceive the “whispers in the walls” that Patricia Sykes describes, as the site continues to blend art, history and memory. The ongoing tours and creative residencies may deepen public understanding of the convent’s complex legacy and encourage further preservation of women’s stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Patricia Sykes?

Patricia Sykes is an 84‑year‑traditional former resident of the Abbotsford Convent orphanage who was taken there in the 1950s with her three sisters after their mother died in childbirth. She later became a poet and participated in an artist residency at the convent.

What were the Magdalene laundries at Abbotsford?

The Magdalene laundries were workrooms in the Sacred Heart building where girls and young women were forced to perform unpaid labour. This system has been described as “slave labour” and involved assigning new names to the women, who were confined behind metal grilles.

How can the public experience the women’s stories today?

She Shapes History offers public walking tours every Saturday and Sunday that focus on personal narratives. The convent as well hosts art studios, a music academy and community events where former residents gather, providing multiple avenues for engagement.

What legacy do you reckon the Abbotsford Convent should leave for future generations?

Lindsey Vonn’s bid for a medal in the Olympic downhill at age 41, already remarkable given a titanium replacement in her right knee and her comeback after nearly six years of retirement, has taken a dramatic turn. Vonn is now preparing to compete in Sunday’s race with a completely ruptured ACL, bone bruising, and meniscal damage in her left knee.

A Historic Comeback Attempt

“This would be the best comeback I’ve done so far,” Vonn said. “Definitely the most dramatic.” She successfully completed two official training runs in recent days, reporting that her knee is holding up.

What’s Next for Vonn?

The women’s downhill final is scheduled to commence at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Vonn’s participation is contingent on her ability to start at least one of the training sessions. She is likewise scheduled to compete in the Women’s Super-G final on February 12 at 5:30 a.m.

Alpine Skiing events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be broadcast on NBC Latest York and USA Network, and streamed on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Olympics app.

Venue Details

The women’s events will be held at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina, Italy, a regular stop on the FIS Ski World Cup tour. The men’s events will take place at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy, known for its challenging slopes.

Vonn has expressed some reservations about the geographical separation of venues at these Olympics, noting that it makes it more difficult for athletes to support teammates in other sports, compared to the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Women’s Downhill Final?

The Women’s Downhill Final begins at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, February 8.

When is the Women’s Super-G final?

The Women’s Super-G final starts at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, February 12.

Where are the Alpine Skiing events being held?

The women’s events are at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina, Italy, and the men’s events are at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy.

Given the extraordinary circumstances, what does it mean to you to witness an athlete push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance at the highest level of competition?