1 - 2026 - The Latremie Post

Sydney Sweeney on “MAGA Barbie” Nickname: “I’ve Never Been Here to Talk About Politics”

Sydney Sweeney Believes in Separation of Arts and Politics

Appearing on the cover of Cosmopolitan, the *Euphoria* actress Sydney Sweeney addressed being at the “center of a lot of culture war conversations,” likely referencing her viral American Eagle jeans ad that sparked widespread backlash.

When asked about being labeled “MAGA Barbie” and her hesitancy to speak about her personal politics, Sweeney reaffirmed that politics is not a topic she wants to discuss publicly.

“I’ve never been here to talk about politics. I’ve always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of,” Sweeney said. “And I think because of that, people want to take it even further and use me as their own pawn. But it’s somebody else assigning something to me, and I can’t control that.”

On why she doesn’t clarify or correct speculation about her political views, the *Christy* star explained, “I haven’t figured it out. I’m not a hateful person. If I say, ‘That’s not true,’ they’ll come at me like, ‘You’re just saying that to look better.’ There’s no winning. There’s never any winning. I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am. I can’t make everyone love me. I know what I stand for.”

Sweeney also noted that she doesn’t see herself confirming her political beliefs in the future.

“No,” she said when asked. “I’m not a political person. I’m in the arts. I’m not here to speak on politics. That’s not an area I’ve ever even imagined getting into. It’s not why I became who I am. I became an actor because I like to tell stories, but I don’t believe in hate in any form. I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another.”

The American Eagle Campaign Controversy

Sweeney’s July 2025 American Eagle campaign stirred controversy, especially a segment where she says, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”

Some critics argued that the campaign’s tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” was a play on the term “great jeans” versus “great genes,” suggesting it promoted eugenics. The backlash was so significant that American Eagle issued a statement clarifying,

“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.”

Sweeney previously addressed the controversy in a November interview with *GQ*, saying, “I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.”

She described it as “surreal” to see the president and vice president speak about the ad.

“I knew at the end of the day what that ad was for, and it was great jeans, it didn’t affect me one way or the other,” she told *GQ*. “I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think. When I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/sydney-sweeney-maga-barbie-not-talk-politics-1236490320/

Why do I like religion?

Some might ask, “Why do I even need religion? I am a spiritual person and I can go it alone with God and onto eternity without a formal religion, without a community of other spiritual souls.”

However, even the most heroic soldier cannot win a war without an army (unless you’re King David). Similarly, the most saintly person cannot win the war of salvation without the companionship of fellow religious. The song is “Onward Christian Soldiers,” not “soldier.” But let’s not rush the answer; let’s build it.

### Why Do We Like Worldly Things?

I submit that most of us like worldly things at which we succeed—be it making money, playing certain games, reading, singing, our profession, or a hobby. Many years ago, two psychologists, Osipow and Schied, conducted a study in which they rigged the results so that subjects in the experiment succeeded at things they initially did not prefer.

What do you think the subjects did afterward? They changed their preferences to things at which they succeeded.

### Why Do We Like Life?

Perhaps the same reasoning can be applied to life. We like life to the extent that we succeed at it—know how to play the game, how to navigate, and succeed in our society and culture.

For many of us, we learn how to play the game of life better as we grow older, and we subsequently like and enjoy life all the more. Sadly, those who never “figure out” life run the risk of living their final days less satisfied and evaluating life less favorably in the end.

### Why Do I Like Religion?

Even with religion, the more successful you are, the more likely you might be to say you like religion. You might feel successful and, therefore, inclined to like religion all the more—whether you understand your religion better, as in a more cognitive religion like Catholicism; whether you feel your religion more emotionally, as an evangelical; or whether you behave your religion more fervently, like Mormon missionaries or Jehovah’s Witnesses walking door to door.

For Christianity, it comes down to welcoming, if not necessarily liking, death. If you believe death has been defeated by the resurrection of Jesus, then why wouldn’t you like the idea of moving on to the more wonderful life Jesus has promised in eternity?

Who wouldn’t be happy that their religion allows them not to worry about death anymore? Our faith brings us the belief that death is not the end. Our bodies will be glorified in the same way Jesus’ resurrected body was.

We won’t have our imperfect earthly forms that are limited by the circumstances dealt at birth or through life circumstances. Rather, we will have the perfected versions of our earthly bodies.

### How Can I Be Assured of Eternal Life?

The answer is because Jesus said he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” He taught “that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16).

As devout Catholics, we believe and follow the things Jesus said. So why would we not believe this proclamation of utmost importance, one that says that we are not going to be gone forever and blink out of existence?

In his book *The Courage to Be*, Paul Tillich suggests that the fear of death is the basis for all other fears. But now, we don’t have to worry about death anymore, because “Jesus said so!”

One conclusion might be to cling less to this life. We should embrace death as the doorway to an eternity that we will enjoy much more than this present existence.

Let’s practice our religion—this beautiful gift of universal faith—fervently as the path to that doorway.

And that is why I like religion: I like having a pathway to eternal life with Christ Jesus.
https://themiscellany.org/why-do-i-religion

Dam Short Film Festival celebrates 22nd year

Movie lovers can once again enjoy Nevada’s largest film festival as the 22nd Annual Dam Short Film Festival returns to Boulder City. From February 11 to 16, more than 150 short films will be screened over a six-day period in the Elaine K. Smith Building, located at 700 Wyoming St.

With over two decades of entertaining audiences, the Dam Short Film Festival will showcase 32 carefully selected thematic program blocks, each ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. These blocks cover a wide variety of categories including animation, comedy, documentary, drama, horror (presented on Friday the 13th), international, sci-fi, Nevada-themed, love and romance (presented on Valentine’s Day), and underground films.

This rich cultural experience features films from countries such as Belgium, Finland, Georgia, India, France, Ireland, Sweden, Japan, Greece, and many more. The festival trailer this year is created and presented by local film company Desert Cactus Films. Each short film will be presented using state-of-the-art digital projection in the Elaine K. Smith Building.

Ken Cioe, director of operations, shared, “We are honored to have the support from our community and filmmakers for over two decades. Our success is a true testament to the audience and filmmakers’ desire for this type of artistic platform, and we will continue to present excellent and diverse short films from around the world.”

In addition to film screenings and filmmaker Q&A sessions during each category block, the festival offers several special events, including a filmmaker meet-and-greet, “Coffee with Filmmakers,” and the Dam Mixer. These events provide audiences and filmmakers with the unique opportunity to mingle, share stories, and learn more about the film-making process.

As a special tribute, a program titled “The Many Strange Films of Lee Lanier” will honor the festival’s founder by highlighting his impactful work over the years.

Boulder City, known for its small-town charm, warmly welcomes visitors during the six days of festival fun. Many local businesses will offer discounts to festival guests displaying their badges, including a complimentary chocolate from Grandma Daisy’s on Valentine’s Day to enjoy during the romance-themed blocks.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, the festival offers a $300 VIP package. This all-access pass includes early entry to all programs (including the awards ceremony), an invitation to the Sunday Brunch with filmmakers, a swag bag, discounts on concessions and merchandise, a personal concierge, and free Boulder City swag.

Ticket prices are as follows:
– $12.50 per film block
– $150 for the full five-day pass
– One-day passes: $45 on Thursday, and $55 on Friday and Saturday

For the full schedule of selected films, please visit [damshortfilm.org](http://damshortfilm.org).

**About Dam Short Film Festival**

Founded in 2003 by Lee and Anita Lanier, Dam Short Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Lee Lanier’s background includes film production and computer animation dating back to 1989, alongside directing several short films. Inspired by their love of short films cultivated by attending numerous festivals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, the Laniers established this event as a platform to showcase short films.

Over its 22 years, the festival has screened more than 2,600 films, offering local, state, national, and international filmmakers a unique opportunity to present their work. Today, the Dam Short Film Festival stands as a beloved Southern Nevada cultural event, attracting thousands of visitors to Boulder City each February.
https://bouldercityreview.com/news/dam-short-film-festival-celebrates-22nd-year-116537/

LAPD won’t enforce ban on federal law enforcement officers wearing masks, chief says

Los Angeles police do not plan to enforce recently enacted state and local bans that prohibit federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks during enforcement operations, the police chief said at a news conference Thursday.

Chief Jim McDonnell, when asked about the mask ban—which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in September and which separately won approval by Los Angeles County supervisors—said he disagreed with the policy. He cited the possibility of conflict between police and other agencies if such a ban were to be enforced.

“The reality of one armed agency approaching another armed agency to create conflict over something that would be a misdemeanor at best or an infraction, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s not a good public policy decision and it wasn’t well thought out in my opinion,” McDonnell said.

“You look across the country, you see the things that are happening. We are in line with our federal partners on everything except immigration enforcement. What we’ve seen since June here in Los Angeles and seen across the country, we’re as frustrated as everybody else about the way that’s being done,” he added.

McDonnell expressed hope for “some reconciliation as far as re-approaching strategy and tactics that are being deployed to get a better outcome overall.”

“We look at 50 years of developing relationships with our immigrant communities. That is critically important to us and to have that threatened in any way is something that’s sad to see, and we certainly will work hard to rebuild those relationships,” McDonnell said.

—

The sweeping ban on face coverings for most law enforcement officials was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September. Known as SB 627 or the No Secret Police Act, the law was introduced following waves of immigration raids across California.

The law makes exceptions for SWAT teams, undercover operations, and medically or situationally necessary face coverings. Although the law went into effect on January 1, it is not being enforced after the Department of Justice mounted a challenge to its constitutionality. The DOJ argues that the ban creates risks for agents, including doxing and harassment.

A similar ordinance was approved in December by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. This ordinance affects law enforcement who operate in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department—the agency that patrols unincorporated Los Angeles County—said that federal law prevents the department from enforcing the ban.

“Federal law governs civil immigration matters, and under the U.S. Constitution, federal authority supersedes state and local laws. As a local law enforcement entity, we do not create federal policy, but we are required to operate within the legal framework it establishes,” the department said in a statement.

“Current federal law will not allow us to enforce the proposed ordinance on federal agents. Should the courts decide differently, we will adjust accordingly,” the statement added.
https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2026/01/29/lapd-wont-enforce-ban-on-federal-law-enforcement-officers-wearing-masks-chief-says/

Rally May Stall For China Stock Market

The China stock market has finished higher in three straight sessions, gaining nearly 60 points, or 1.8 percent, along the way. The Shanghai Composite now sits just above the 3,460-point plateau, although it may run out of steam on Friday.

The global outlook for Asian markets appears soft, with oil and technology shares likely to lead the decline. European markets were mixed and flat, while U.S. bourses ended lower. As a result, Asian markets are expected to show a balanced performance, splitting the difference.

On Thursday, the Shanghai Composite Index (SCI) finished modestly higher, buoyed by gains in financial shares and property stocks. Resource companies showed mixed results. The index gained 29.01 points, or 0.85 percent, closing at 3,461.50 after trading between 3,425.98 and 3,464.12. Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Composite Index rose 21.98 points, or 1.05 percent, to close at 2,112.90.

Among the active stocks, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China jumped 1.74 percent, Bank of China improved 1.36 percent, and China Construction Bank strengthened 1.22 percent. China Merchants Bank gained 1.31 percent, Agricultural Bank of China rose 1.21 percent, and China Life Insurance surged 2.06 percent.

In the resources sector, Jiangxi Copper advanced 0.83 percent, while Aluminum Corp of China (Chalco) lost 0.38 percent. Yankuang Energy fell 0.33 percent. China Petroleum and Chemical (Sinopec) rose 0.31 percent, Huaneng Power edged up 0.28 percent, and China Shenhua Energy declined 0.62 percent.

Property stocks also saw gains, with Gemdale rallying 1.28 percent, Poly Developments gaining 0.49 percent, and China Vanke adding 0.46 percent. PetroChina remained unchanged.

Wall Street provided a negative lead as major averages opened mixed on Thursday but quickly dropped, ending the day near session lows. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 234.44 points, or 0.64 percent, to close at 43,914.12. The NASDAQ lost 132.05 points, or 0.66 percent, finishing at 19,769.84, while the S&P 500 declined 32.94 points, or 0.54 percent, to end at 6,051.25.

The weakness on Wall Street followed profit-taking after a strong performance on Wednesday, when the tech-heavy NASDAQ closed above 20,000 for the first time ever. Negative sentiment also arose from a Labor Department report showing that U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in November.

While the Federal Reserve is still widely expected to lower interest rates next week, the recent data has raised concerns about the pace of rate cuts early next year.

In energy markets, oil futures closed lower Thursday after three days of gains. This followed the International Energy Agency’s forecast of excess oil supply next year. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures for January delivery fell $0.27, or 0.4 percent, to $70.02 a barrel.

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/rally-may-stall-china-stock-market

Internan en psiquiátrico a mujer que mató a su madre y fue vista horas antes con cuchillo en Santa Rosa

Un juez ha ordenado que una mujer de San Rafael que mató a su madre sea internada indefinidamente en un hospital psiquiátrico estatal.

El mes pasado, un jurado la declaró no culpable por razón de demencia. Tras el veredicto, el juez Geoffrey Howard anunció que tenía previsto que la acusada fuera internada en un hospital psiquiátrico estatal, emitiendo su orden el miércoles.

“Esperamos que reciba el tratamiento de salud mental que debió haber recibido hace mucho tiempo”, declaró el abogado de Beltran, Jon Rankin.

El homicidio ocurrió en 2024 en el apartamento de la víctima, ubicado en Cresta Way, en el norte de San Rafael. La policía encontró a Beltran con un cuchillo en la mano, de pie junto a su madre, quien se encontraba gravemente herida. La acusada había transmitido el ataque en directo por Facebook.

El periódico Press Democrat informó el 11 de enero de 2024 que, horas antes del ataque, se podía ver a Tonantzyn Beltran en un video de TikTok en el vestíbulo del Departamento de Policía de Santa Rosa, sosteniendo un cuchillo. Había sido arrestada la madrugada del día anterior por la policía de Santa Rosa tras una persecución vehicular.

La Fiscalía del Condado de Marin la acusó de asesinato. La familia de Beltran solicitó que se declarara su inimputabilidad por enfermedad mental.

Durante el juicio de Beltran, que duró cuatro semanas, la defensa presentó su largo historial de enfermedad mental, que incluía múltiples hospitalizaciones y diagnósticos de trastorno esquizoafectivo y trastorno de estrés postraumático. El jurado determinó que la enfermedad mental de Beltrán le impedía comprender que el ataque contra su madre era un acto incorrecto.

La víctima tenía 55 años y era una activista que colaboraba con organizaciones de Marin, como la Grassroots Leadership Network of Marin y el Canal Welcome Center.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/28/internan-en-psiquiatrico-a-mujer-que-mato-a-su-madre-y-fue-vista-horas-antes-con-cuchillo-en-santa-rosa/

Boiling Springs swimming sweeps Big Spring in MPC-Colonial action

Boiling Springs swimming earned a sweep victory at Big Spring in Mid-Penn Conference Colonial Division action on Tuesday. The Bubblers’ girls won convincingly with a score of 113-65, while the boys posted an equally impressive victory, 114-71.

Below are the individual winners from the meet:

**Boys Results:**
– 50-yard freestyle: Blake Cubbedge (BIG), 24.08
– 100 freestyle: Weston Rudge (BOI), 50.48
– 200 freestyle: Nicolas Decker (BOI), 1:57.80
– 500 freestyle: Daniel Katora (BIG), 5:30.39
– 100 backstroke: Dalton Cubbedge (BIG), 58.08
– 100 breaststroke: Drew Graver-Barnouski (BIG), 1:04.12
– 100 butterfly: Darshan Chauhan (BOI), 1:02.15
– 200 individual medley: Cameron Ackley (BOI), 2:07.15

**Boys Relays:**
– 200 freestyle relay: Bennett Rudge, Yogith Ram, Darshan Chauhan, Nicolas Decker (BOI), 1:38.67
– 400 freestyle relay: Ethan Weigle, Thomas Casses, Nicolas Decker, Weston Rudge (BOI), 3:33.32
– 200 medley relay: Dalton Cubbedge, Drew Graver-Barnouski, Blake Cubbedge, Will Thompson (BIG), 1:44.28

**Boys Diving:**
– Preston Kuhn (BOI), 263.80 points

—

**Girls Results:**
– 50 freestyle: Amaris Vioral (BIG), 26.14
– 100 freestyle: Maggie Kauffman (BIG), 1:03.46
– 200 freestyle: Sophia Bono (BIG), 2:12.33
– 500 freestyle: Abbi Christopher (BIG), 6:05.22
– 100 backstroke: Irie Graeser (BOI), 1:07.23
– 100 breaststroke: Sophia Bono (BIG), 1:09.03
– 100 butterfly: Piper Heyman (BOI), 1:05.27
– 200 individual medley: Irie Graeser (BOI), 1:26.72

**Girls Relays:**
– 200 freestyle relay: Ryle Pittman, Jillian Murphy, Kara Hostetter, Piper Heyman (BOI), 1:52.17
– 400 freestyle relay: Addelynn McCann, Kara Hostetter, Liv Garman, Irie Graeser (BOI), 4:13.56
– 200 medley relay: Piper Heyman, Liv Garman, Kara Hostetter, Irie Graeser (BOI), 2:00.62

**Girls Diving:**
– Carina Chen (BOI), 178 points

Boiling Springs showcased strong performances across the board, securing the sweep over Big Spring and continuing their success in the Mid-Penn Conference Colonial Division.
https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/2026/01/boiling-springs-swimming-sweeps-big-spring-in-mpc-colonial-action.html

Lakers’ LeBron James erupts with ‘disrespectful’ take on Bill Belichick snub

Even Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James was left in absolute shock by the apparent Pro Football Hall of Fame snub of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player voiced his feelings about the Hall of Fame news with a blunt reaction on social media.

“Man there’s no way I read that right! Right? Ain’t no WAY Bill Belichick ain’t 1st Ballot HOF!! That’s IMPOSSIBLE, EGREGIOUS, and quite frankly DISRESPECTFUL!” the 41-year-old James wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This story is being updated.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-lebron-james-erupts-disrespectful-bill-belichick-snub

Hazardous road conditions on Staten Island as temps dip to single digits

**Staten Island Drivers Warned of Hazardous Icy Roads Amid Plunging Temperatures**

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — You don’t have to be gold medal figure skater Dorothy Hamill to know it’s a bit icy out there. One wrong step, and you’re halfway into a triple axel. Staten Island drivers should prepare for hazardous road conditions as overnight temperatures plunge into the single digits—a recurring theme expected to continue throughout the week.

Marc Chenard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explained that temperatures will drop into the single digits each night, with some warmer areas hovering around 10 degrees. Even during the day, temperatures will remain below freezing, creating ongoing challenges for commuters.

This cold snap raises specific concerns for road safety. According to Chenard, snow that melts in the sun during daylight hours is likely to refreeze once the sun sets and temperatures fall even further. This means roads that appear safe during the day could develop dangerous icy patches overnight.

“Some roads that may be good during the day could at least have some icy spots once the sun goes down and the temperatures really start to drop,” Chenard said.

While certain road treatments can help prevent refreezing even in cold temperatures, not all roads receive such treatments. Chenard acknowledged that it’s difficult to predict exactly where or how widespread the icy conditions will be, as this depends on the condition of individual roads.

He also noted that this cold period will resemble conditions following other major storms the area has experienced, though it may be a bit colder this time around.

Drivers are strongly advised to exercise caution during overnight and early morning hours when ice is most likely to form. Staying alert and driving carefully can help prevent accidents on Staten Island’s potentially treacherous roads.
https://www.silive.com/weather/2026/01/hazardous-road-conditions-on-staten-island-as-temps-dip-to-single-digits.html

Prescribed burn planned at Angel Island this week

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