Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be aware of the pitfalls associated with implementing a wealth tax in California, yet he is now advocating for its adoption across the entire nation.

Gavin, unfortunately, your initial assessment was correct: a wealth tax is a poor choice both for California and for the nation as a whole.

Newsom has consistently opposed a California ballot initiative that seeks to impose a one-time 5% tax on individuals with a net worth surpassing $1 billion.

Even with the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West offering to lower the proposed tax rate from 5% to 2%, Newsom remains unconvinced of its feasibility.

It is evident that he recognizes such a tax would likely prompt billionaires to leave the state, ultimately destabilizing California’s economy.

Indeed, the mere proposal, which got over 900,000 signatures, already has the uber-rich heading for the exits.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin moved 15 of his LLCs out of state. DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang called the levy “stupid” and said it would be irresponsible for him to stay if it passed. 

Ex-Uber boss Travis Kalanick skedaddled to Austin, Texas, in December to avoid the tax.

Yet now that he’s eyeing a run for president in 2028, Newsom wants folks to believe a national wealth tax won’t push folks abroad. Big mistake. 

Palantir Chairman Peter Thiel recently bought real estate in Argentina, seeking refuge in part just from Cali’s billionaire tax — even after he spent $3 million to oppose it. 

Other billionaires are similarly eyeing Latin America for its lower taxes. 

Felipe Silva, a Uruguay–based adviser with real-estate firm Engel & Völkers, says Uruguay is attracting the wealthy, particularly from California and New York, thanks to its its business climate and safety.

Note, too, that wealth taxes haven’t done well for nations that tried them.

Of the 12 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries that imposed them in the 1990s, eight ultimately rescinded them — as government revenues fell short, their economies suffered and administrative tasks proved daunting.

In 1997, Germany declared its wealth tax unconstitutional. In 2021, the Netherlands ruled it violated European property-rights law.

Such a tax may well be unconstitutional in America, too.

As for claims about fairness: The top-earning 1% of Americans are already overtaxed, accounting for 40% of federal income taxes, while earning just 22% of income.

By comparison, the bottom half account for just 3%.

Newsom’s sudden shift may play well with Democrats’ tax-the-rich crowd, but it won’t help with anyone who understands economics — and actual fairness.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce turned their wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden into a lavish affair, treating guests to a raffle of luxurious items.

While marking the momentous occasion of Swift, 36, and Kelce, 36, saying “I do,” attendees were reportedly invited to engage in a unique bidding game designed for the day.

According to TMZ, the wedding reception delighted guests with a chance to collect tickets and participate in raffles. Prizes included luxury items like Cartier watches, designer handbags, and even a car.

A highlight of the raffle was the chance to win a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, as shared by attendees with NBC News.

The vintage, red classic also held sentimental value as it was the exact model the couple used for their first date.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Swift and Kelce’s reps for comment. 

In photos obtained by the outlet, the classic car the newlyweds had thrown in the raffle had the addition of two white stripes down the middle and a license plate that read: ‘JUST&T MRD.’

Back in September 2023 – when they publicly confirmed their relationship with Swift’s first appearance at one of the tight end’s games – the couple were spotted leaving together, driving away from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium in the vintage convertible. 

It is unclear who ended up winning the prizes the bride and groom had prepared for the night.  

Over the weekend, the now-newlyweds tied the knot with around 1,000 of their close friends and family in attendance, and a bevy of A-listers across different genres and fields made up that guest list. 

The couple’s wedding, which is estimated to have cost around $50 million, was attended by the likes of the singer’s closest friends, including actress Selena Gomez, supermodel Gigi Hadid and writer Lena Dunham. 

Swift and Kelce’s nuptials were officiated by actor Adam Sandler. 

Sir Paul McCartney serenaded the newlyweds and sang I Want to Hold Your Hand. 

After the singer and the NFL star got married, at one point, screens outside of Madison Square Garden announced that they were ‘JUST&T MARRIED.’ 

And even the Empire State Building lit up like a sapphire as the bride’s ‘something blue.’ 

Jennifer Lopez was one of many A-listers who joined the couple at their starry soirée. 

Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Sacha Baron Cohen, Hugh Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Graham Norton, Ethan Hawke, Ed Sheeran, Cindy Crawford, Suki Waterhouse and Emma Stone were all spotted entering the venue. 

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are understood to have attended as did Dua Lipa, Jessica Alba, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper and Dakota Johnson.

Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks performed at the reception and was followed by Sir Paul. 

GENEVA, Ill. (WLS) — A tragic incident unfolded in the west suburbs on Saturday night as a man faces DUI charges following a catastrophic head-on collision that claimed the life of a woman and left her son with critical injuries, according to police reports.

The collision prompted immediate action from the Geneva police and fire departments, who swiftly arrived on the scene along the 1000-block of South Randall Road just shy of 9:15 p.m.

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Authorities revealed that Christian Mares, a 40-year-old resident of Aurora, was at the helm of a blue 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. Travelling northbound on Randall Road, Mares allegedly crossed the double yellow line, colliding with a southbound red 2019 Nissan Versa.

The devastating impact proved fatal for the 71-year-old driver of the Nissan, a resident of Geneva, who was declared dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been disclosed by officials.

Meanwhile, the driver’s 26-year-old son, who was also in the vehicle, sustained serious injuries. He was first transported to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and subsequently airlifted to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in Chicago for advanced care.

Mares was treated for injuries at Delnor Hospital before being taken to the Kane County Jail. He is facing several charges, including Reckless Homicide, Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

Investigators shut down Randall between Fargo and Kelsinger for several hours. The roadway reopened just after 3 a.m.

Geneva police, the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Kane County Coroner’s Office are investigating.