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Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton hits it off with Bakersfield residents
Bakersfield residents were pleased with — though still undecided — as Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton stopped by on his newly-minted campaign. A former Fox News host and adviser to U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, Steve Hilton spoke to more than 100 local residents Wednesday night in a hot and packed room at Hodel's Country Dining. "Working people have been hammered to the bone by these extreme forces from the Democrats, and they can barely survive," Hilton told the crowd as they nodded in agreement. "It's outrageous what they've done in what they brag about being the biggest economy in the world," he said. Hilton, a businessman and former television host, first moved to California in 2012 after serving as Cameron's senior adviser and working for the U.K. Conservative Party. He became as U.S. citizen in 2021. Hilton excoriated Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic rule of California, blaming an overly burdensome and ideologically driven bureaucracy for driving businesses away from the state. "That's not what it's about for them," Hilton said of state environmental policies. "It's about an ideology of telling everyone how to live and what to do and what car to drive and all that kind of stuff." Attendees liked what they were hearing, with many of Hilton's replies earning enthusiastic applause. Hilton's policy proposals include no taxes for those making less than $100,000 and a 7.5% flat tax for those making more than that amount. The loss in state revenue would be made up largely by reductions to the state's bureaucracy, Hilton said. Richard Haskew of Bakersfield called the event "wonderful." "He's a good guy. And he made a lot of sense," Haskew said. "Just the way that he talks about California, we got to get it back." But attendees also said they were keeping an open mind. With several other Republicans already running and more expected to join the race in the run-up to the 2026 election, locals said they hadn't settled on a candidate. Hilton, who just declared his candidacy last month, faces an already packed field for governor, even among Republicans. He is one of several Republicans to have officially declared their candidacy, as have several prominent Democrats. Several other prominent people, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, have expressed an interest in running for the office. The last Republican governor of California was Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2006 to 2011, and no GOP politician holds statewide office. Carol Arana said she was going to hear Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speak soon, and wanted to hear what Hilton had to say. She liked Hilton's message but said she didn't know enough about other candidates to make a good comparison. Whether or not Hilton is the candidate, Arana and others said they felt the right Republican could win the governorship of California. "I think it's possible because I think Trump's given the U.S. population a lot of momentum to get behind the Republicans," Arana said. "I think if Trump can continue to keep his campaign promises, that that will help any of the Republicans that are running for state offices to increase our chance of winning."
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
May the 4th be with you. Celebrate Star Wars Day in Michigan
May 4 is always a special day for fans of Star Wars and that's why on Sunday you will likely hear someone utter "May the 4th be with you." The phrase comes from a line of dialogue in the 1977 film, "Star Wars," which gained the expanded title "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" as George Lucas' space opera saga expanded over the decades. In the film, before the rebel fighters begin their assault on the Death Star, General Dodonna encourages them with the command: "Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!" "May the Force be with you" is a saying that, excuse the pun, flows through the Star Wars movies, TV series, books and comics. It's a saying used by Jedi Knights such as Obi-Wan Kenobi referencing the Force, a form of energy connecting the galaxy, which some Force-sensitive individuals can tap into and enhance their abilities. Saying, "May the Force be with you," is akin to wishing someone "Good Luck." The Force is a mysterious energy that flows through all things and imbues the Jedi knights (the good guys) and the Sith (the bad guys) with their power to move objects, block laser blasts and influence those with weak minds. The origins of the saying "May the 4th be with you," may be surprising. While it was used in headlines for July 4 back to 1978, according to the first reported official use of the phrase came in May 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the U.K.'s prime minister. To celebrate, the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, 'May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!' wrote Steve Sansweet on in 2013. Over the years as the Star Wars universe grew with 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" through the prequel films and subsequent sequel trilogy, which included 2015's "The Force Awakens," the "May the 4th be with you" phenomenon grew into an unofficial "Star Wars Day" holiday with fans holding "Star Wars Day" parties or watching the movies in observance of the day. The easiest way to celebrate is to stream some of the movies, all 11 of which are available on Disney+ (Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012). Also on the streaming service is Season Two of "Andor," a series that is set before the events of 2016 film "Rogue One," which leads up to "Star Wars: A New Hope." The first six episodes of the series are available; six more are scheduled. If you prefer to get out and mingle with other Star Wars fans, you're in luck. Space Dive, 715 E. Milwaukee St. in Detroit, a two-weekend entertainment event, kicked off May 2 and continues through May 4, and then again May 9-10. "The best dive bar in the galaxy. Immersive cantina. Costumes mandatory," the event's Facebook page announces. The "event"ultimate immersive cantina" says costumes can be both elaborate and simple."You are your own character in a dive bar in a galaxy far, far away," the website says. "That could mean aliens or creatures of all species and sorts — smugglers, pilots, gangsters, bounty hunters, criminals, etc. Think vests, khaki jackets, ponchos, capes, straps, goggles, etc. A lot of looks you'd see in a Western would work. Wasteland gear works. Playa gear is perfect, and so on. A dash of face paint, an alien hair style. Earth-toned desert garb is simple, and a little goes a long way..." Tickets for 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. (21-plus) event on May 4, 9 and 10 start at $52.50 and are available online. Family Day is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10. "Kids are FREE, adults are only $10! Entry is paid at the gate the day of the event," the event says. Not ready to hang out with galactic smugglers, thieves and rebel scum? The Grand Rapids Symphony is performing the music of Star Wars on May 4. Watch the fourth episode in the Star Wars saga and hear the Grand Rapids Symphony perform John Williams' Oscar-winning score. Set 30 years after "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," "Star Wars: A New Hope" returns to the desert planet of Tatooine in the fourth episode of the saga. The symphony performs at 2 p.m. May 4 at Van Andel Arena. Tickets are available online, starting at $29. Interested in becoming a stormtrooper? The Great Lakes Garrison's 501st Legion is appearing at a number of events in southeast Michigan on May 4. Events listed on the garrison website include a visit to the Clarkson library, the Farmington crop walk, the Care Walk in Grand Rapids, Petoskey District Library Star Wars Day event, Michigan Panthers Star Wars Night, and a screening of "A New Hope" in Grand Rapids dubbed into Ojibwe. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: May the 4th be with you. Michigan Star Wars Day events: music, costumes, stormtroopers
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Happy May the 4th Be With You: Ranking every Star Wars movie from worst to best
In celebration of Star Wars Day (May the 4th) and a special birthday in the galaxy, it's the perfect time to revisit the iconic Star Wars franchise. Whether you are streaming on Disney+ or pulling out your Blu-rays, now is the ideal moment to rewatch all 11 films, including the nine-chapter Skywalker Saga and a few memorable spinoffs. Get ready to dive back into the action, the unforgettable characters, and the epic storytelling that have made Star Wars a timeless classic. Also Read: What is the Met Gala curse? List of couples who ended up heartbroken after red carpet appearance The iconic phrase "May the Force be with you" has been spoken 24 times across the Star Wars live-action films, according to Yahoo Entertainment. However, the origins of the playful twist, "May the 4th be with you," may surprise you. While it was first used in headlines for July 4th back in 1978, the first official use of the phrase came in May 1979, when the U.K. Conservative Party ran an ad celebrating Margaret Thatcher's election as prime minister. Since then, "May the 4th" has evolved into a beloved fan tradition, becoming the unofficial holiday of the Star Wars universe, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman. Also Read: From Donald Trump to Lili Reinhart, list of celebrities allegedly banned from Met Gala Following are all the Star Wars movies ranked in the ultimate showdown, as reported by USA Today. 11. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) 10. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) 9. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) 8. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) 7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) 6. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) 5. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) 4. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) 3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) 2. Star Wars (1977) 1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
When is Star Wars Day? Here's why May 4th became the sci-fi franchise's unofficial holiday
Grab your lightsabers — May the 4th is here. For "Star Wars" fans, May 4 is a day of celebration. You'll likely hear someone say, 'May the 4th be with you,' a playful twist on one of the franchise's most iconic lines. The saying comes from a line of dialogue in the 1977 film, "Star Wars," which gained the expanded title "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" as George Lucas' space opera saga expanded over the decades. In the film, before the rebel fighters begin their assault on the Death Star, General Dodonna encourages them with the command: "Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!" "May the Force be with you" is a saying that, excuse the pun, flows through the "Star Wars" movies, TV series, books and comics. It's a saying used by Jedi Knights such as Obi-Wan Kenobi referencing the Force, a form of energy connecting the galaxy, which some Force-sensitive individuals can tap into and enhance their abilities. Saying, "May the Force be with you," is akin to wishing someone "Good Luck." In total, the phrase, "May the Force" has been said 24 times in the "Star Wars" live action films, according to Yahoo Entertainment. The origins of the saying "May the 4th be with you" may be surprising. While it was used in headlines for July 4 back to 1978, according to the first reported official use of the phrase came in May 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the U.K.'s prime minister. To celebrate, the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, 'May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!' wrote Steve Sansweet on Since then, the phrase has grown into a full-fledged fan celebration, with May 4 becoming the unofficial holiday of the "Star Wars" franchise. Sometimes also known as Geek Pride Day, May 25 is known as "Star Wars Day" because it marks the release of the anniversary of the series' debut. "A New Hope" premiered in United States theaters on May 25, 1997. In 2007, the Los Angeles City Council declared May 25 as Star Wars Day in honor of the 30th anniversary. "DECLARE May 25, 2007 as Star Wars Day in the City of Los Angeles and also recognize George Lucas' 1977 film Star Wars for its tremendous impact on the citizenry of Los Angeles, the film industry and the world, and for continuing to inspire after thirty years millions of people to explore movies, fantasy, literature, and science as means of achieving their goals and dreams," the city council resolution stated. May 21 is Talk Like Yoda Day, an annual celebration marking the release of "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back" on May 21, 1980 — the film that introduced Yoda to the galaxy. Fans honor the day by mimicking Yoda's unique speech style — rearranging sentence structure and using his iconic phrases like 'Yes' and 'Hmm.' Here are some examples. Regular English: "I really enjoy watching 'Star Wars' with my friends." Yoda-speak: "Enjoy watching 'Star Wars' with my friends, I do." Regular English: "Spring storms in Texas can be intense." Yoda-speak: "Intense, spring storms in Texas can be." Regular English: "Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929." Yoda-speak: "Born on May 4, 1929, Audrey Hepburn was." The easiest way to celebrate is to stream some of the movies, all 11 of which are available on Disney+ (Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012). Also on the streaming service is season two of "Andor," a series that is set before the events of 2016 film "Rogue One," which leads up to "Star Wars: A New Hope." The first six episodes of the series are available; six more are scheduled. Many restaurants, movie theaters, toy stores, and other businesses hold Star Wars Day events, too. Sports venues often have "Star Wars" celebrations around May 4. Check social media for #Maythe4th. You can also shop the Disney Store's May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection, which includes T-shirts, pins, hats, and more. There's also special "Star Wars" products on and merchandise from Star Wars Celebration Japan on If you are also a fan of Fortnite, you can get a head start on the upcoming "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," a six-episode animated series. It hits Disney+ on May 4, but you can see the first two episodes May 2 inside the video game. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: May 4th or 25th: When is Star Wars Day? Here's why they're celebrated
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Star Wars Day 2025: Why we say, 'May the 4th be with you' on unofficial holiday
May 4 is always a special day for fans of Star Wars and that's why on Sunday you will likely hear someone utter "May the 4th be with you." The saying comes from a line of dialogue in the 1977 film, "Star Wars," which gained the expanded title "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" as George Lucas' space opera saga expanded over the decades. In the film, before the rebel fighters begin their assault on the Death Star, General Dodonna encourages them with the command: "Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!" "May the Force be with you" is a saying that, excuse the pun, flows through the Star Wars movies, TV series, books and comics. It's a saying used by Jedi Knights such as Obi-Wan Kenobi referencing the Force, a form of energy connecting the galaxy, which some Force-sensitive individuals can tap into and enhance their abilities. Saying, "May the Force be with you," is akin to wishing someone "Good Luck." The origins of the saying "May the 4th be with you," may be surprising. While it was used in headlines for July 4 back to 1978, according to the first reported official use of the phrase came in May 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the U.K.'s prime minister. To celebrate, the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, 'May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!' wrote Steve Sansweet on in 2013. Over the years as the Star Wars universe grew with 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" through the prequel films and subsequent sequel trilogy, which included 2015's "The Force Awakens," the "May the 4th be with you" phenomenon grew into an unofficial "Star Wars Day" holiday with fans holding "Star Wars Day" parties or watching the movies in observance of the day. At the recent Star Wars Celebration Japan event, it was announced that an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initial movie's debut will be held in Los Angeles in 2027. More 'Star Wars' to come: Ryan Gosling to star in new 'Star Wars: Starfighter' movie: What we know so far The easiest way to celebrate is to stream some of the movies, all 11 of which are available on Disney+ (Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012). Also on the streaming service is Season Two of "Andor," a series that is set before the events of 2016 film "Rogue One," which leads up to "Star Wars: A New Hope." The first six episodes of the series are available; six more are scheduled. Many restaurants, movie theaters, toy stores, and other businesses hold Star Wars Day events, too. Sports venues often have Star Wars celebrations around May 4. Check social media for #Maythe4th. You can also shop the Disney Store's May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection, which includes T-shirts, pins, hats, and more. There's also special Star Wars products on and merchandise from Star Wars Celebration Japan on If you are also a fan of Fortnite, you can get a head start on the upcoming "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," a six-episode animated series. It hits Disney+ on May 4, but you can see the first two episodes May 2 inside the video game. Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: May the 4th be with you: How 'Star Wars' Day started, what it means
