politics 6 - The Latremie Post

‘Regretting You’ and ‘Black Phone 2’ neck-in-neck on slow Halloween box office weekend

The movie exhibition business is closing out one of its slowest Octobers in over 25 years with a sluggish Halloween weekend. Studios avoided opening any major new films with the holiday falling on a Friday. Instead, there were several re-releases, including “Back to the Future,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the Netflix phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Even with a top 10 in which no films earned more than $10 million, there was still a bit of excitement as two studios claimed the No. 1 spot on Sunday. Universal’s horror sequel “Black Phone 2” was largely expected to top the charts in its third weekend in theaters, with the studio reporting an estimated $8 million for the weekend.

About 30 minutes later, Paramount reported that its romantic drama “Regretting You” had earned an estimated $8.1 million, which would place it in the top spot instead. Box office tracker Comscore analyzed the numbers and awarded the No. 1 title to “Regretting You.” It’s important to note that Sunday numbers are based on estimates and projections, and sometimes Monday’s actual figures tell a different story.

“Regretting You” is the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation to open in theaters, following the runaway hit “It Ends With Us.” While “Regretting You” has a running domestic total of $27.5 million, it is not expected to match its predecessor’s impressive $50 million opening weekend.

Meanwhile, in three weekends, “Black Phone 2” has grossed $61.5 million domestically and $104.7 million globally. Universal also handled the nationwide re-release of Robert Zemeckis’s “Back to the Future,” which earned $4.7 million from 2,290 theaters, enough to secure fifth place on the North American charts. The 1985 time travel classic now boasts a domestic total of $221.7 million.

Though there were plenty of HUNTR/X costumes on the streets this weekend, “KPop Demon Hunters” didn’t perform as well as it did when it played in theaters in August. That weekend, the streaming hit sold between $16 million and $20 million in movie tickets. This weekend, it’s estimated to have earned around $5 million from 2,890 screens.

Two distribution executives, speaking on condition of anonymity due to Netflix’s policy of not reporting ticket sales, shared these numbers.

Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll’s “Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc” dropped a steep 67% in its second weekend and is projected to add $6 million from 3,003 locations, bringing its total to $30.8 million.

Focus Features also launched “Bugonia” into wide release after several weeks in limited release. With an estimated $4.8 million from 2,043 theaters, it marks filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos’s best wide opening to date. The darkly comedic thriller stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons and is expected to be an awards season contender.

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” landed in sixth place, just behind “Back to the Future,” and saw a 57% drop in its second weekend. It earned $3.8 million, putting its domestic total at $16.3 million and its global tally at $30.6 million.

“This was a truly scary weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s head of marketplace trends. “It was this imperfect storm of Halloween on a Friday and the World Series on Friday and Saturday. But the studios and theaters knew this was on the horizon and they planned for it.”

The next two weekends may bring some energy back to multiplexes with releases like “Predator: Badlands” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” However, the industry will likely have to wait until closer to Thanksgiving for a real blockbuster when “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2” enter the mix.

“This was always going to be a tough weekend. The audience was truly fragmented,” Dergarabedian added. “There are weekends where the movie theaters are the focus of attention, and those are coming.”
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/02/regretting-you-and-black-phone-2-neck-in-neck-on-slow-halloween-box-office-weekend/

Are Republicans Willing to Play the Trump Card? – Liberty Nation News

President Donald Trump has called for an end to the shutdown – even if that means going “nuclear” on the filibuster. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance has some tough words for congressional Democrats. Are Republicans willing to play the Trump card?

The shutdown has dragged on for a month, with no end in sight.

—

### Liberty Nation News: The Beltway and Beyond – The Public Square

**Latest Polling With Liberty Nation**
Major poll shifts and great graphics.
[Read Now!]

—

**Trump Back From Asia, Bringing Home the Bacon**
Everywhere the US president went in the Far East, he successfully made trade deals.
[Read Now!]

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**Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris – A 2028 Presidential Conundrum**
What’s the possibility of a run from either – or, for that matter, both?
[Read Now!]

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**Trump to Start Testing Nuclear Weapons**
After 30 years, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is more symbolic than binding.
[Read Now!]

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**SNAP Approved ‘Food’ Contributes to Obesity Epidemic**
The people and the program are bloated. It’s time for a change.
[Read Now!]
https://www.libertynation.com/are-republicans-willing-to-play-the-trump-card/

Sydney Sweeney says she’s ‘used to’ being sexualized since her breakout ‘Euphoria’ role

Sydney Sweeney Opens Up About Being Sexualized as an Actress

Sydney Sweeney is opening up about her experience with being sexualized in Hollywood. During an October 28 appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Julia Cunningham Show,” the 28-year-old actress candidly shared how she feels about this aspect of the industry.

The conversation touched on Sweeney’s role as a pregnant nun in the upcoming 2024 horror movie *Immaculate*. The host mentioned a review that criticized her for “constantly being in a wet white shirt,” calling it “ridiculous.” Reflecting on the review, the host admitted to being surprised and asked Sweeney if she thought her role on *Euphoria* was the reason that many of her subsequent roles were viewed through the lens of sexualization.

“Yeah. I think Cassie was just such a big pop culture character with *Euphoria* and the zeitgeist of that generation,” Sweeney responded. “It was honestly the first big thing people saw me in, and I think it’s difficult for people to disassociate actors from their roles, especially a character like that.”

She explained that this inability to separate the actor from their character creates a “different kind of dynamic.” To illustrate her point, Sweeney shared that even her own brothers communicate with her using memes related to her *Euphoria* character. However, she emphasized that every role she has taken on since then has challenged viewers’ perceptions of her range, citing projects like *Reality*, *Christy*, *Americana*, and *Eden*.

“I think it’s just… there are growing pains,” she added.

Sweeney appeared alongside the cast of her latest film, *Christy*, in which she portrays the real-life professional boxer Christy Martin. Reflecting on the first major impression *Euphoria* left on audiences, she said, “It was honestly the first big thing people saw me in, and I think it’s difficult for people to disassociate actors from their roles, especially a character like that.”

At Variety’s Power of Women event on October 29, Sweeney accepted an award for her advocacy work. She dedicated the honor to Christy Martin and revealed how she connected with Martin’s story, despite not being a fighter herself.

“I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously,” Sweeney said.

She continued, “But every one of us has our own fight, and Christy reminds us all that strength doesn’t look loud sometimes, and sometimes it’s just about getting back up again and again, no matter who’s watching.”

During the event, Sweeney turned heads in a sheer silver dress that left little to the imagination. Her *Euphoria* season three co-star, Sharon Stone, praised her bold fashion choice on the red carpet, telling Variety, “It’s OK to use what mama gave you.”

For more entertainment news and updates, stay tuned.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/sydney-sweeney-says-shes-used-to-being-sexualized-since-her-breakout-euphoria-role

Bill Maher fears Democratic Party is becoming a ‘ghost brand,’ draws comparison to Sears

You can now listen to Fox News articles!

On Friday’s episode of *Real Time*, host Bill Maher expressed concern that the Democratic Party is becoming a “ghost brand,” drawing a comparison between the party’s declining popularity and the downfall of the former department store giant, Sears.

“The cautionary tale of the ghost brand is an important one because it applies not only to business but also to politics. I fear the Democratic Party is at risk of becoming a ghost brand too,” Maher warned. “Like Sears, it used to be mighty and ascendant and popular.”

Maher described a ghost brand as “a company or a store that, like Sears, still exists, but only as a pathetic shell of its former self. The brands that make you say, ‘Oh, they’re still making that.’ Because they screwed themselves out of relevance and now their logos haunt us, wandering, neither alive nor dead like Mitch McConnell.”

Pointing to Sears’ former significance, Maher noted that at one point the company accounted for 1% of the entire U.S. economy and 41% of the country’s appliance market. However, Sears eventually faded into obscurity, leaving behind its status as an American staple. Maher expressed concern that the Democratic Party may be facing a similar fate in American politics.

“Democrats once controlled Congress and the Supreme Court, or at least competitively. But now, even at a time when President Trump is turning 250 years of democracy into jean shorts, the Democrats have their lowest rating in 35 years — 63% unfavorable,” he said. “What happened? I don’t know. What happened to Sears?”

Maher continued, “It used to be synonymous with the American dream because it kept faith with what the customer wanted. Did we love Sears? No. But that was beside the point. You just went.”

The *Real Time* host also mentioned another American ghost brand—the adult lifestyle brand Playboy. He joked that Sears was the place “who sold your father a mattress,” and Playboy magazine was what he hid under it.

According to Maher, Playboy used to be a “surefire product” until they started “messing around with the formula.” He compared this shift to the Democratic Party’s changes, saying, “Like the Democratic Party, Playboy decided they didn’t need straight men anymore. They put transgender women and gay men on the cover and, predictably, sales — like their subscribers’ penises — collapsed.”

“The staff began using terms like intersectionality, sex positivity and privileging. And in response, Playboy readers used terms like, ‘No thanks, get the f out of here, and bye-bye,’” Maher argued.

Maher closed his night of analogies by referencing Barneys, once a dominant force in American retail that later became a ghost brand. The fashion brand was forced to close its flagship Madison Avenue store after filing for bankruptcy in 2019, marking another example of a once-great retailer falling into irrelevance.

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**BILL MAHER BELIEVES THIS OUTSIDER COULD BE THE KEY TO RESTORE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S CREDIBILITY WITH VOTERS**
**BILL MAHER ADMITS HE STILL FEARS GETTING CANCELED DESPITE CULTURAL ‘VIBE SHIFT’ AFTER ELECTION**

Click here for more coverage of media and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/bill-maher-fears-democratic-party-becoming-ghost-brand-draws-comparison-sears

Trump’s ‘nuclear’ demand not landing for Senate Republicans amid shutdown

Senate Republicans have long resisted the temptation of going nuclear on the filibuster. This move, which involves changing Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster, has been more commonly employed by Senate Democrats when they controlled the upper chamber.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-nuclear-demand-not-landing-senate-republicans-amid-shutdown

Prominent university chancellor says anti-Israel campus protests ‘were encouraged from Iran’

Chancellor Kent Syverud of Syracuse University recently addressed the factors fueling campus protests during a panel discussion held in Washington, D.C.

He noted that the demonstrations involved “activists from elsewhere,” suggesting that many participants were not solely from the university community.

This insight sheds light on the broader dynamics influencing campus activism and the complexities universities face in managing such events.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/prominent-university-chancellor-says-anti-israel-campus-protests-were-encouraged-from-iran

Death Notice: Bridget D. Scontras

**Obituary: Bridget D. Scontras**

Bridget D. Scontras, age 76, of Saco, passed away on October 28.

A visitation will be held on November 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cote Funeral Home in Saco. Prayers will be offered at 5 p.m. during the visitation.

A funeral service will follow at the funeral home. Further details will be provided by Cote Funeral Home.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/11/01/obituarybridget-d-scontras/

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil Remaster is Out Now for PS5 and Xbox Series

Nightdive Studios has announced that the remaster of **Turok 2: Seeds of Evil** is now available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $19.99. Previously, the game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store.

Additionally, a **Turok Trilogy Bundle**—which includes *Turok*, *Turok 2: Seeds of Evil*, and *Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion*—is also out now for PS5 and Switch.

### Watch the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S Trailer Below:

[Insert Trailer Here]

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### About the Game

Having defeated the Campaigner, Turok throws the Chronocepter into a waiting volcano to destroy it. Unfortunately, the blast awakens an even deadlier force—the Primagen. Once again, a Turok is tasked with restoring peace to the land and stopping the Primagen from merging Earth with the nether world.

### The Dinosaur Hunter Returns

Fight your way through 35 different types of enemies featuring bouncing bellies, blinking eyes, stretching tentacles, and snapping jaws. From prehistoric raptors to evolved flesh eaters, all the way to your final battle with the Mother of all Beasts—you’ll want to defeat every one of them!

The enemies are intelligent, attacking in groups, fleeing when outgunned, and taking cover during firefights. They also flinch and spasm differently depending on which body part you hit, adding to the immersive combat experience.

### Remastered Locations

Conquer six engrossing quest levels, including the Port of Adia, the Death Marshes, and the Lair of the Blind Ones, all beautifully remastered for modern platforms.

### Over 20 Weapons

Unleash devastation with a wide arsenal of weapons:

– **The Shredder:** Fire multiple ricocheting shotgun shells.
– **The Cerebral Bore:** A fan-favorite skull-drilling weapon.
– Ride an artillery-mounted Triceratops and stomp enemies flat!

—

### About the Author

A lifelong and avid gamer, William D’Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of support, he joined the site in 2010 as a junior analyst, advancing to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over hardware estimates in 2017. William has expanded his presence in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube and Twitch channels. You can follow him on Bluesky.

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For more information, visit the full article at [VGChartz](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/466152/turok-2-seeds-of-evil-remaster-is-out-now-for-ps5-and-xbox-series/).
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/466152/turok-2-seeds-of-evil-remaster-is-out-now-for-ps5-and-xbox-series/

Boy, 15, fatally wounded in Near West Side shooting

A 15-year-old boy was tragically gunned down in a drive-by shooting on Chicago’s Near West Side Friday afternoon.

The teen was standing on the sidewalk in the 1300 block of West Grenshaw Street, located in the Little Italy/UIC neighborhood, at approximately 4:15 p.m. when an unknown vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire.

According to Chicago police, the boy was struck in the chest and leg. He was immediately taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

As of 6 p.m. Friday, no arrests had been made. Belmont area detectives are actively investigating the incident.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/31/chicago-little-italy-shooting-police/

Dutch centrists declare victory in election, right-wing calls it ‘arrogance’

“We are the biggest party in the Netherlands! Now we’ll get to work for all Dutch people,” D66 leader Rob Jetten declared on social media Friday.

“I think we’ve now shown the rest of Europe and the world that it is possible to beat populist movements if you campaign with a positive message for your country,” Jetten added.

### D66 and PVV Neck-and-Neck in Election

In Wednesday’s election, D66 and the Party for Freedom (PVV) finished neck-and-neck, with both parties expected to secure 26 seats in the Dutch parliament. Jetten had earlier expressed caution, saying D66 was “waiting in suspense for the definitive result” due to the extremely narrow polls. However, after media outlets began projecting his victory, his stance appeared to change.

National news agency ANP reported that D66 edged out the Party for Freedom by a narrow margin of 15,000 votes and projected that the party would gain an additional seat. The official binding results will be released by the nation’s Electoral Council no earlier than Monday.

### Historic Milestone for the Netherlands

If confirmed, the 38-year-old former consultant would become the Netherlands’ youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay person to lead the national government.

“The positive forces have won!” Jetten declared regarding D66’s significant gains. “I want to get to work for all Dutch people because this is the land of us all!”

### Party for Freedom Responds

The Party for Freedom, led by lawmaker Geert Wilders, experienced a marked decline from its first-place finish in the 2023 elections. Wilders rebuked Jetten’s declaration of victory, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the official announcement.

“What arrogance not to wait for that!” Wilders said. He continued, “But even if D66 becomes the largest, the PVV will not let the Netherlands be dismantled by Jetten and his ilk and will oppose his left-liberal mismanagement with full force from day one, 26 seats strong!”

Wilders established the PVV such that he is the only registered member, allowing candidates who win seats to act as lawmakers while Wilders retains sole control of the party’s platform.

### Significant Decline for PVV

Regardless of whether D66 is officially declared the largest party, the election results highlight a marked drop in support for the PVV. Earlier projections in September showed PVV candidates winning 33 seats out of the 150-seat legislature.

The PVV triggered this week’s election after leaving a fragile governing coalition in June due to disagreements over asylum application and family reunification freezes. The PVV was the largest party in the coalition, but other parties refused to join if Wilders were to lead the government.

### Impact of Teenager’s Murder on Election

Support for the right-wing PVV, known for its vocal anti-immigration stance and skepticism of Islam, surged months ago following the high-profile murder of a 17-year-old girl named Lisa in Amsterdam.

Lisa was reportedly cycling home after a night out when she was fatally stabbed by a 22-year-old asylum seeker. Reports say she was stabbed multiple times in the neck as she attempted to call authorities. Emergency responders arrived too late, finding her deceased. The suspect, a resident of the city’s Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers facility, has been arrested and is also believed to have attacked and sexually assaulted another woman in Amsterdam just five days earlier. His identity remains undisclosed pending trial, in line with Dutch law.

### D66’s Migration Platform

D66’s platform proposes continuing current migration policies with a stronger emphasis on fairness for arriving immigrants.

“We want asylum procedures to be fast and fair, and our reception facilities to be humane and fairly distributed across the country,” their platform states. “We will also support the implementation of the European Migration Pact in June 2026 as an important step toward a fair, humane, and effective asylum system across Europe. Newcomers should have the opportunity to work as soon as possible or pursue an education.”

### Uneasy Coalition Prospects

Forming a coalition government will prove challenging due to the diverse range of parties in the legislature.

The center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) avoided catastrophic losses, losing just two seats and placing third.

In contrast, the GreenLeft-Labor alliance suffered setbacks, dropping five seats to finish fourth. Following the underperformance, leader Frans Timmermans resigned on Wednesday.

### Gains for Christian Democrat Alliance and Smaller Right-Wing Parties

Although the Christian Democrat Alliance did not surpass any of the largest parties, it made significant strides, increasing its seats from five to 18, bringing it close to the GreenLeft-Labor and VVD.

Many of the votes lost by the PVV migrated to smaller right-wing parties, including JA21—a movement focused on curbing migration and increasing police funding—which secured an impressive eight seats.

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This election highlights shifting political landscapes in the Netherlands, reflecting broader European trends in immigration policy debates and the rise and fall of populist movements. As the final results await confirmation, all eyes remain on the evolving coalition negotiations and the direction of Dutch governance in the months ahead.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3870838/dutch-centrists-declare-victory-netherlands-election-right-wing-calls-it-arrogance/