Category Archives: media

Progressive Democrats create 2026 headaches for Schumer’s establishment recruits

Posted on by
Reply

Notably, the lead could be persisting despite a drip, drip of reports highlighting offensive online posts by Platner referencing Black people and sexual assault survivors. The latest post was taken before it was discovered he had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered with another tattoo.

In Texas, liberal firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is “strongly” weighing a Senate bid in the wake of state redistricting. Elsewhere, crowded Democratic primaries, including in Michigan, are likely to hemorrhage critical resources the party will need for general elections to protect incumbent seats or oust Republicans.

Schumer’s preferred recruits, such as Mills in Maine, former Gov. Roy Cooper in North Carolina, and former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio, are far older but are considered “more stable” and electable than grassroots progressives like Platner. Despite their ability to energize the base, Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf emphasized this point but cautioned Schumer and his allies not to make what he called a critical misstep: criticizing the younger, more liberal outside challengers.

“The leadership can’t say, ‘They’re out of line. They’re wacky. They’re too far to the left,” Sheinkopf said. “The leadership just has to keep doing its job in Washington.”

Even before Mills’s entry into the race, tensions were rising within the party as Platner criticized Schumer as “wholly incapable” of combating President Donald Trump and lumped him together with Collins as those who can’t stop grassroots momentum.

Since Mills’ campaign launch earlier this month, Platner has urged Schumer against “meddling in a Maine primary” and to stay “focused on fighting Donald Trump and protecting healthcare for millions of Americans.”

There’s limited sympathy among Senate Democrats for Platner’s complaints about Schumer. Platner did have a small fan club among more progressive senators before this month’s revelations about his online posts, and influential members such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have stuck by him.

“I didn’t have the support of the [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee], but I knew I could win, and more importantly, that I could win the general election. So that’s what I did,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), reflecting on the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm’s initial reluctance to back his early challenge to then-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), partly because it came before her retirement announcement.

“If you can do it, do it. If not, then don’t do it. But don’t complain,” Gallego continued. “Everyone’s got to work their own way in.”

Schumer, who is Jewish, recently told reporters he’ll “let the people of Maine decide” if Platner’s controversies, including the Nazi tattoo, should be politically disqualifying.

“We think that Janet Mills is the best candidate to retire Susan Collins,” he said of the leadership’s position, while the Senate campaign arm has already taken steps to financially bolster Mills.

“She’s a tested two-term governor, and the people of Maine have an enormous amount of affection and respect for her.”

Sanders, a democratic-socialist who rose to national prominence as an outsider to the Democratic establishment, downplayed Platner’s social media posts. He attributed them in part to a once-struggling overseas combat veteran and deflected on the Nazi tattoo by railing against a “corrupt campaign finance system” and referencing cuts to government healthcare programs under Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax law.

“What bothers me is we don’t have enough candidates in this country who are prepared to take on the powers to be and fight for the working class,” Sanders recently told reporters.

There are headaches elsewhere for Senate Democrats, including a Michigan fight to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), backed by the Michigan state party to succeed Peters in a three-way contest against Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, attended a recent DSCC Napa Valley fundraising retreat, according to Politico.

McMorrow recently met with DSCC Vice Chair Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), according to Axios. These meetings offer the latest signs that Senate Democrats are still weighing how heavily to influence the race for a particular candidate.

For Republicans, Attorney General Ken Paxton is running an insurgent campaign against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), creating a mirror image problem for GOP leadership. They fear his own political scandals will hurt the party next November.

Cornyn has pulled even with Paxton in polling, following months of aligned outside groups spending heavily to hammer Paxton over personal and professional scandals, including allegations of an extramarital affair, corruption, and bribery.

Meanwhile, Democrats are fielding scandals or fearing lost momentum in off-year races in Virginia and New Jersey.

Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general in Virginia, is embroiled in controversy over texts in which he detailed the fantasy of shooting a state Republican lawmaker in the head. This has prompted his lead over Republican nominee Jason Miyares, the current attorney general, to shrink.

In the New Jersey governor’s race, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) maintains a lead over Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli, but the contest remains competitive in a state where recent Republican gains have set off alarm bells for Democrats.

### Schumer Lands His Prized Senate Recruits in Battlegrounds

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), a progressive member of Senate leadership, said his energy is better spent on the government shutdown than on offering election analysis. However, he told the Washington Examiner he’s set to campaign with Sherrill in New Jersey next weekend.

“She’s a great candidate. I think she’s going to win,” Murphy said. “But she needs all the help that she can get.”
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/3863659/progressive-democrats-2026-headaches-schumer-establishment-recruits/

WWE makes an embarrassing botch after SmackDown; snubs Jimmy Uso

Posted on by
Reply

The creative direction of Triple H is once again under criticism following an embarrassing botch during the recent WWE SmackDown event.

Fans and critics alike have expressed their disappointment, questioning the decision-making behind the scenes. This incident has sparked renewed debates about the overall quality and direction of WWE programming under Triple H’s leadership.

As WWE looks to move forward, many hope for improvements that will restore confidence in the product and deliver a better experience for the audience.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-makes-embarrassing-botch-smackdown-snubs-jimmy-uso

Adam Schefter drops major AJ Brown trade deadline update

Posted on by
Reply

Will AJ Brown Stick with the Philadelphia Eagles?

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and wide receiver AJ Brown’s future with the Philadelphia Eagles remains a hot topic. NFL insider Adam Schefter recently provided a major update on Brown’s status, fueling speculation about a potential move.

According to Schefter, “Teams still are eyeing Brown as the deadline approaches, but the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles are not looking to move the three-time Pro Bowler.” While the Eagles are open to listening to trade offers, Schefter notes, “Philadelphia would not be willing to part with Brown for anything less than a blockbuster offer, which is not expected to be forthcoming.”

This stance suggests that while there is interest around the league in Brown, the Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman is holding firm on the wide receiver’s value.

Brown’s Availability for Eagles vs. Giants

In addition to trade rumors, Brown’s health is also a concern as Philadelphia prepares for a key Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants. The star wideout is sidelined due to a hamstring injury and has missed practice all week, confirming he will not play in the upcoming contest.

Reports indicate that Brown has scar tissue on his hamstring, which is affecting his performance and recovery. Notably, this game will mark the first he has missed in the current season.

The Eagles are eager to bounce back after a tough loss to the Giants on Thursday Night Football less than three weeks ago at MetLife Stadium. However, they will have to do so without AJ Brown in the lineup.

As the trade deadline approaches and Brown works through his injury, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see whether the dynamic wide receiver remains a key part of their championship aspirations.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-news-adam-schefter-drops-major-aj-brown-trade-deadline-update

NYC cop-turned-ghostbuster tells all about ‘evil’ spirit at NYPD precinct: ‘Didn’t know if I was gonna come out alive’

Posted on by
Reply

**It’s NYPD-boo! How a Cop-Turned-Demonologist Cleared a Haunted Harlem Precinct**

Chris DeFlorio, a former NYPD officer turned full-time demonologist, is sharing for the first time how he rid his old precinct—the 32nd Precinct in Harlem—of a malevolent spirit that had been tormenting officers for years.

DeFlorio, 54, left the police force in 2021 and has since been battling the supernatural alongside his wife, Harmony. But one of his final missions while still in uniform resembled a scene straight out of *Ghostbusters*.

It all began when a rookie officer working the midnight shift reported a terrifying encounter inside the precinct’s fourth-floor bunk room.

“The officer had just finished his shift and instead of going home, he decided to take a break upstairs,” DeFlorio recalled. “He was sleeping in the bunk room when he felt something walking behind him. He jumped up, looked around, but no one was there.”

Trying to shake off the feeling, the officer went back to sleep—only to be gripped moments later.

“Something was holding him down and bouncing on the couch he was lying on,” said DeFlorio, who devoted 20 years to the NYPD. “He escaped, hit the lights, and still didn’t see anyone. But as he looked toward the door, he saw the shadow of a person walking out.”

The chilling encounter, which took place on May 8, 2020, quickly spread through the station house. Byron Pena, a retired officer with his own eerie experiences in the precinct, said he felt relieved that action would finally be taken against the spirit.

“After hearing the story, I stopped the officer in the stairwell to ask what happened,” Pena, 58, told The Post. “Years ago, during the early 2000s blackout, I slept in that dorm room upstairs and couldn’t sleep all night. I kept feeling uneasy—I kept looking at the door and window. There was just this unexplainable presence.”

Petrified by that feeling, Pena never set foot in the bunk room again during his 28 years at the precinct.

Then, in the early hours of May 10, 2020, precinct administrators called on DeFlorio to perform an exorcism.

“When I walked into that bunk room, it was like nothing you can sense with your physical senses,” DeFlorio said. “You just know you’re in the presence of evil. I knew then the officer wasn’t exaggerating—I wasn’t sure if I’d come out alive.”

Armed with holy water, frankincense, and an ancient Catholic exorcism prayer, DeFlorio battled the demon for an hour.

“Afterwards, you could walk into that room and it felt completely different—lighter,” he said. “When fighting something demonic, you have to come in with something good from God.”

Since that night, DeFlorio said the precinct has been peaceful—no more whispers, screams, or howls.

“It was successful,” he confirmed.

—

*Stay tuned for more stories from those living at the crossroads of law enforcement and the supernatural.*
https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/nyc-cop-turned-ghostbuster-tells-all-about-evil-spirit-at-nypd-precinct/

Jeremy Allen White, TV’s ‘Bear,’ Accedes to ‘Boss’ With Great Performance in Gloomy Springsteen Biopic

Posted on by
Reply

Actor Jeremy Allen White looks very little like “The Boss” in *Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,* yet his performance approximates a brooding authenticity akin to one of America’s iconic musicians. Often framed to look taller and wearing dark contact lenses to suppress his baby blues, the star of TV’s *The Bear* sings quite a bit in the film, achieving a vocal likeness that doesn’t jar with moments when we hear the authentic voice of the artist. It’s such a brave, quietly intense portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in the early 1980s—just before immense fame and success—that one wishes the movie around him were better.

Ostensibly about the making of one of Mr. Springsteen’s best albums, 1982’s *Nebraska,* the real interest in writer and director Scott Cooper’s film lies elsewhere: at the crossroads of depression and masculinity. Throughout, scenes of Mr. Springsteen looking po-faced are used to flesh out how the musician dealt with desolation, rejection, and inadequacy, with flashbacks to his childhood and scenes with his father (Stephen Graham) providing some background. One comes away from the movie believing, though, that depression rejects dramatization.

After a rollicking start as Mr. Springsteen performs “Born to Run” with the E Street Band in concert in 1981, the film settles into a minor key and shuffling rhythm for most of its runtime. Once the tour is over, the singer and songwriter returns to New Jersey, settling into a rented house near his childhood home in Freehold. Manager Jon Landau (Jeremy Strong) is weary of his artist’s need for suburban tranquility, aware that Mr. Springsteen suffers from bouts of depression.

The musician and his band also have their first top-10 hit on the music charts, “Hungry Heart,” and Jon and the record company wish to continue the momentum by having Bruce compose more hit singles. A chance viewing of *Badlands* on television sees Bruce begin to write grim songs about disaffected killers, bad breaks, and economic depression, combining dark irony, New Jersey storytelling, and widescreen imagery.

There’s a great sequence in which the director ties a moment from that classic movie to a specific childhood memory of Bruce’s, which in turn leads to lyrical alterations, but insights into songcraft remain elusive—particularly when Bruce attempts to give his demos the full-band sound in the studio. Instead of scenes involving creative exchanges with members of the band like Steven Van Zandt, we get lifeless ones in the control room where Bruce tries to explain to Jon and engineers that his next album should be acoustic, essentially solo.

Most of the compositions recorded by Bruce at home during this period appear in their original versions on *Nebraska,* though a few of them will turn up in more elaborate arrangements on the follow-up album, 1984’s *Born in the U.S.A.* Mr. Cooper includes a couple of songs from the latter—a huge sounding and selling record—in order to enliven his storyline of folky earnestness and moodiness, one that works when set to fantastic music and melodies but rarely in cinema.

Yet once the decision is made to release 10 of the unvarnished demos as an album, the director’s look into the creative process ends, and what we’re left with is an unconvincing romance and a man with serious father issues. An actor as intelligent as Mr. Strong can do nothing with material that has Jon explaining the musicians’ behavior as if he were a psychologist, prognosticator, and poetry reciter. Still, in scenes between him and Mr. White, the actors manage to convey Springsteen and Landau’s bond.

It is the rocker’s relationship with his father, though, that propounds the harmfulness of masculine reticence and evasion—how they can lead to substance abuse, self-harm, and violence. As the film ends, nearly back-to-back scenes confirm the notion that the drama hinges on Mr. Springsteen going to therapy and that childhood trauma is at the root of it all.

Mr. Cooper makes almost no visual or verbal reference to Mr. Springsteen’s Catholicism, his views on the country’s political landscape, or the socioeconomic outlook of his New Jersey milieu. The artist’s despondency seems to stem entirely from his father’s roughness and neglect, excluding the influence of external forces or internal struggles.

This myopia drags down the film with repetitive scenes, despite its laudable intention to deal with mental crisis. Except for a few scenes at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony and other local attractions, the movie barely attempts to situate the audience. Nor does it give us much of a view of Mr. Springsteen’s mindset through imagery beyond black-and-white flashbacks, keeping viewers in the thematic flatlands of long stares and drab domestic interiors.

Unfortunately for Mr. Cooper, his film most often conveys a generalized gloom, even as in the final song of *Nebraska,* Mr. Springsteen sings of different scenarios reflecting a “reason to believe” in the human spirit and a valiant, if foolish, hope.
https://www.nysun.com/article/jeremy-allen-white-tvs-bear-accedes-to-boss-with-great-performance-in-gloomy-springsteen-biopic

“Worst possible thing for NFL”: Mike Florio links inaccurate Lamar Jackson injury update to NBA gambling scandal while speculating worse outcome ahead

Posted on by
Reply

**Latest Update on Lamar Jackson and His Availability for Sunday’s Game**

Recent developments regarding Lamar Jackson’s status for Sunday’s game have caught significant attention. Amidst these updates, the NFL could potentially face scrutiny just days after the FBI uncovered a mafia-linked betting scandal that has rocked the NBA.

As fans await clarity on Jackson’s participation, the timing of these events raises important questions about the league’s approach to integrity and oversight. Stay tuned for more details as the situation unfolds.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-worst-possible-thing-nfl-mike-florio-links-inaccurate-lamar-jackson-injury-update-nba-gambling-scandal-speculating-worse-outcome-ahead

R.E.M.’s Mike Mills Shares New Drivin N Cryin Cover, Joins New Supergroup Howl Owl Howl

Posted on by
Reply

In 2023, the Drivin N Cryin cover compilation *Let’s Go Dancing: A Celebration Of Kevn Kinney* began rolling out. The project is still ongoing, bringing together various artists to pay tribute.

Now, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills is sharing his rendition of “Telling Stories,” originally from Kevn Kinney’s 1995 album *Wrapped In Sky*.
https://www.stereogum.com/2327756/r-e-m-s-mike-mills-shares-new-drivin-n-cryin-cover-joins-new-supergroup-howl-owl-howl/news/

Taylor Toppled: Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Beaten on iTunes Album Chart by Brandi Carlile, Singles Chart by Megan Thee Stallion

Posted on by
Reply

Taylor Swift has been toppled—at least on the iTunes chart. Her album, *Life of a Showgirl*, which has sold an impressive 4.3 million copies, is no longer holding the number 1 spot on the iTunes album chart. Additionally, her single “The Fate of Ophelia” has dropped to number 2 on the iTunes singles chart.

The new number 1 album is Brandi Carlile’s *Returning to Myself*, while the new number 1 single is Megan Thee Stallion’s “Lover Girl.”

According to HitsDailyDouble.com, *Showgirl* sold 199,000 copies this past week, representing a 41% drop. Despite this decline, the album is far from finished and could finish with close to 5 million total sales in the coming months.

To put things in perspective, it’s as if every person in San Francisco—which has a population of about 4.5 million—owned some iteration of the *Showgirl* album. That’s roughly equivalent to the entire population of the country of Panama. (Remember when Trump was focused on the Panama Canal?)

The *Showgirl* vinyl LP also remains the best-selling record on Amazon.com.

Taylor Swift continues to hold strong on the Spotify top 15 streaming chart, with fans seemingly pressing play repeatedly all day long. This success comes despite the album including a number of songs borrowed from other artists—well, who cares? Just enjoy the music!

**PS:** Looking for a cool pop album by a female artist? Check out Lily Allen’s *West End Girl*. It will blow your mind. For a male artist, try Tame Impala’s new record—they are so much better.
https://www.showbiz411.com/2025/10/25/taylor-toppled-swifts-life-of-a-showgirl-beaten-on-itunes-album-chart-by-brandi-carlile-singles-chart-by-megan-thee-stallion

“Backbone of the establishment”: College football mascot Pudge the Cat comforts grieving a son, saves his team, and goes viral

Posted on by
Reply

Fans of college football, cats, and especially both are in love with Pudge, the exotic shorthair who tours with the Bowling Green Falcons. The flat-faced feline belongs to starting long-snapper George Carlson and has been dubbed their official mascot since rising to online stardom in August 2025.

### Meet Pudge the Cat, Emotional Support Mascot

Carlson first met Pudge after doctors diagnosed his mother, Cristen, with stage four ovarian cancer in 2021. The young long-snapper was particularly close to his mother, and the news was devastating enough to interrupt his football career, according to ESPN. Cristen raised her son on a small farm and constantly brought home animals to care for, including cats. Carlson had a special affinity for the flat-faced ones like Persians and exotic shorthairs.

While still fighting her illness, Cristen went out and adopted Pudge for her son in 2023. The following year, Cristen sadly passed away due to complications from the cancer—but Carlson still had Pudge by his side.

### Pudge Boosts Team Morale and Goes Viral

Last August, after a rough practice, Carlson brought Pudge into the locker room, where the cat instantly improved morale. The resulting Instagram reel went viral, set to the sound of the Jet2Holiday meme.

The caption read: “Fall camp so rough we got a locker room cat.” Fans flooded the post with love for Pudge.

Comments included:

– “Might come to homecoming after 9 years just to see this cat,” said @uvtides.
– “Cat you mean backbone to the establishment,” wrote @ryannemarieorosco.

### Pudge Becomes a Star

In the weeks after Pudge went viral, he received his own line of merchandise, gained a dedicated security escort, and appeared in EA’s College Football 26 as the “Star of the Week” in early September. At this point, he likely has more name recognition than any of Bowling Green’s players.

On September 20, three different college football organizations joined forces with Pudge’s official Instagram account to post photos of the cat on the field at Louisville. Pudge was safely tucked in his bubble carrier backpack, strapped to a large man wearing a hat labeled “PUDGE SECURITY.” It’s clear: don’t mess with the star.

### A Humble Celebrity

Thankfully, Pudge hasn’t let the fame go to his head. He regularly greets fans for selfies at tailgate parties and even participates in the game-day Simba cam, allowing handlers to lift him for a better view.

Interviews with the feline tend to be one-sided, but in early October, Steve Hartman of CBS News profiled Pudge and credited him with turning the team’s luck around. The adorable cat has helped bring back fans, filling stadium seats with cat lovers.

“Home game attendance is up almost 60 percent this year,” Hartman reported. “That’s the largest increase of any Division One school in the country.”

“No doubt due in part to the long-snapper and the long napper, who have given everyone in this community a reason to cheer.”

On October 11, the Falcons managed an incredible rally to keep the Battle of I-75 Trophy from their rivals—an achievement fans are sure to celebrate alongside their new favorite mascot, Pudge.

—

*The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s newsletter [here](#).*
https://www.dailydot.com/news/college-football-mascot-pudge-the-cat/