Sanae Takaichi has just been confirmed as Japan’s first female prime minister. This historic milestone marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.
However, beyond her gender, what might be even more noteworthy is her unique taste for head-banging — both in music and politics. This distinctive trait sets her apart and may influence her leadership style in unexpected ways.
The Florida Panthers are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. They secured the Cup again last season, thanks in large part to a mid-season trade with the Boston Bruins for Brad Marchand.
Marchand spent the first 15-plus years of his professional career in Boston, where he built a near-legendary reputation for his grit, toughness, and playmaking abilities. On Tuesday night, he will make his first trip back to Boston as a member of the road team.
“The fans won’t be able to cheer because I know they don’t like the Panthers,” Marchand said Monday. “But maybe they’ll like me enough to give me a lil’ yay.”
From the 2009-2010 season, Marchand has amassed 422 goals and 554 assists, totaling 976 points. These numbers rank him fourth, sixth, and fifth respectively in team history. However, Boston fans will likely maintain their distaste for the Panthers. After all, it was only a couple of seasons ago that the Bruins posted the greatest record in NHL regular-season history, only to be upset by Florida in the first round of the playoffs.
The Panthers will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak. They started the season 3-0 but have since dropped games to the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres. All four losses came by multiple goals, with the Panthers being outscored 15-4.
Meanwhile, the Bruins find themselves in a similar situation. Despite winning their first three games, they have also lost four straight since. That said, the Bruins were not expected to compete at a high level this season, unlike the Panthers, who are expected to contend.
Marchand is off to another solid start himself. Over the first week-plus of the season, he has recorded three goals, three assists, and eight penalty minutes. At 37 years old, it does not appear the future Hall of Famer is slowing down anytime soon.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/florida-panthers/panthers-news-brad-marchand-boston-return-curious-take
The Disneyland Resort will be getting a little more patriotic in 2026. Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure is set to be converted to Soarin’ Across America, a change timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. This makeover is planned for next summer at both Disney California Adventure in Anaheim and Walt Disney World’s Epcot in Florida.
In a recent clip, Warburton, voicing the fan-favorite character Patrick, promises “amber waves of grain” and “purple mountain majesties” while showcasing red, white, and blue Minnie Mouse ears designed especially for the Fourth of July. A post on the Disney Parks Blog hints that the new film will also feature various iconic American cityscapes.
The Soarin’ makeover is part of a broader series of Disney initiatives honoring America’s 250th birthday. The “Disney Celebrating America” campaign will launch on Veterans Day, November 11, and run through July 4, 2026. During this period, various Disney networks—from ABC to ESPN—will feature America-themed programming. Additionally, Disneyland and Walt Disney World will host a special, one-time fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
This patriotic celebration arrives amid a divisive time in American history. The attraction’s promotional poster features the Statue of Liberty alongside the American flag and a bald eagle—imagery that conveys a strong sense of national pride. This shift from a global perspective to a more America-focused experience reflects broader cultural currents. It aligns with a political climate often described as “America First,” seen in policies such as President Trump’s tariffs.
The Walt Disney Company itself has faced scrutiny over recent controversies, including late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the airing of pro-administration ICE recruitment ads on its streaming platforms. Disney’s own social media posts announcing the Soarin’ update have sparked intense debate, with some viewers questioning whether the move borders on propaganda and risks feeling jingoistic.
That said, Disney theme parks have a history of embracing American exceptionalism. However, in recent years, the parks have gradually moved toward a more global and diverse vision. For example, when Disneyland brought back the Electrical Parade in 2022, it removed its large American eagle and flag float, replacing it with scenes from recent Disney and Pixar films like “Encanto,” “Coco,” and “Frozen.”
Nonetheless, Disneyland remains a place of tradition. The park still features a robotic Abraham Lincoln (currently temporarily displaced for a show honoring Walt Disney), hosts flag retreats, and commemorates the story of the first Christmas every December.
Soarin’ originally debuted with California Adventure in 2001 as Soarin’ Over California. It typically makes a seasonal return each spring as part of the park’s popular Food & Wine Festival.
With the upcoming transformation to Soarin’ Across America, Disney aims to offer guests a renewed celebration of the country’s landscapes and heritage, marking a significant moment in the resort’s history and America’s anniversary festivities.
https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-10-20/disney-soarin-across-america-disneyland-california-adventure
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has made history by becoming the first professional athlete to model for Victoria’s Secret.
During the brand’s 2025 fashion show, Reese took to the runway, marking a significant milestone in both the fashion and sports worlds.
This groundbreaking moment highlights the growing intersection between athletics and fashion, showcasing Reese’s versatility and influence beyond the basketball court.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/my-opinion-nowhere-near-controversial-model-avary-hutzelman-shocked-massive-hate-storm-angel-reese-suni-lee-victoria-s-secret-comments
**Madonna’s Favorite Movie – Long Banned Worldwide – Returns to the Big Screen for a Rare One-Night Showing**
*Published Oct. 17, 2025, 7:17 p.m. ET*
Pier Paolo Pasolini’s *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom*—often described by critics as “essential to see but impossible to watch”—is marking its 50th anniversary with a rare, one-night-only screening on November 11 at London’s Barbican Centre. Despite its reputation as the “sickest movie ever made,” the film continues to attract hardcore cinephiles and celebrities who are obsessed with this infamous and provocative work.
### The Film That Shook the World
Directed by Pasolini shortly before his brutal murder in 1975, *Salò* has maintained its status as cinema’s most disturbing masterpiece. Banned across Europe for decades, the film was condemned for its unflinching depiction of ritualized sexual violence, torture, and degradation.
Set during World War II in the fascist puppet state of Salò, the film is a twisted reimagining of the Marquis de Sade’s unfinished novel *The 120 Days of Sodom.* It portrays four elites who imprison and systematically violate a group of teenage boys and girls, forcing them into grotesque rituals—including the notorious banquet scene where victims are served their own feces.
The rediscovery of *Salò* in today’s world—an era preoccupied with themes of power, abuse, and voyeurism—has reignited debate about the film’s place in cinema history and whether it should have been made at all.
The Italian director was found beaten to death and run over by his own car just weeks before the film premiered. The shocking nature of both *Salò* and Pasolini’s death cemented his legend as one of Europe’s most controversial auteurs.
### “It Wasn’t Pornography – It Was a Warning”
Marco Lucantoni, one of the film’s surviving actors, speaks candidly ahead of the Barbican screening:
“Pasolini had seen fascism firsthand, and *Salò* was his way of exposing the physical and moral corruption of power. It wasn’t pornography—it was a warning. But it cost him dearly. He was playing with fire, and we all knew it.”
Another cast member, the late Paolo Bonacelli, who portrayed the sadistic Duke, recalled that behind the camera, the atmosphere was surprisingly lighthearted despite the disturbing content on screen.
“Everyone’s horrified by that scene,” he once said of the infamous ‘Circle of S—,’ “but for us, (we were eating) just chocolate and raisins.”
### From Police Raids to Academic Praise
The Barbican screening comes despite *Salò*’s long and controversial history with censorship. In 1977, a private showing in London’s Soho was raided by police, who seized the film print for being “grossly indecent.” The uncut version was only cleared for release in the UK in 2000.
Since then, *Salò* has appeared sporadically in arthouse cinemas but has largely remained unavailable on mainstream streaming platforms.
A source close to the Barbican’s film program commented:
“This isn’t a film we screen lightly. *Salò* still shocks, but that’s exactly why it remains relevant. It’s about the abuse of power, the commodification of bodies, and the way horror becomes spectacle—all themes that feel disturbingly modern.”
### Madonna’s Obsession and the Film’s Lasting Legacy
Over the years, *Salò* has garnered admiration from some of pop culture’s most provocative figures. Director John Waters famously called it “elegantly beautiful, but at the same time you can barely watch it.”
Pop icon Madonna reportedly used to show the film to potential friends, employees, and lovers as a litmus test for compatibility, famously saying:
“Watch this movie—and if you don’t like it, we can’t be friends.”
Despite its grotesque content, *Salò* has been reappraised by film scholars as a radical political statement. Lucantoni added:
“Pasolini foresaw what Italy—and the world—would become. He saw how power corrupts absolutely and how people can consume horror without flinching. That’s why it still matters, even 50 years later.”
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*Don’t miss the exclusive one-night screening of Pasolini’s* Salò *on November 11 at the Barbican Centre, London.*
https://radaronline.com/p/madonna-favorite-banned-film-returns-cinemas-disgusting-movie/
That should be all the information you need to solve the crossword clue: **“It’s payback time for us English, landing in States.”**
Be sure to check out more clues on our [Crossword Answers](#) page for additional help and insights.
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*The post “It’s payback time for us English, landing in States” Crossword Clue appeared first on Try Hard Guides.*
https://tryhardguides.com/its-payback-time-for-us-english-landing-in-states-crossword-clue/
Club América Scores a Gaming Collaboration, But FC 26 Players Still Left With Nothing
In an exciting development for esports and football fans alike, Club América has successfully secured a gaming collaboration, marking a significant step forward for the team in the digital arena. This partnership is expected to bring new opportunities and increased visibility to the club’s presence in the gaming community.
However, while Club América celebrates this achievement, players from FC 26 find themselves still waiting for similar opportunities. Despite their dedication and potential, FC 26 players have yet to receive any announcements or offers related to gaming collaborations or sponsorships.
The disparity highlights the competitive nature of securing partnerships in the growing intersection of sports and esports. Fans and industry observers hope that FC 26 will soon catch up and benefit from the expanding gaming market. Until then, the spotlight remains firmly on Club América as they forge ahead in this exciting new venture.
https://www.dualshockers.com/pac-man-club-america-collection-launches-amazon/
**Clipse Joins the Lineup for ComplexCon 2025 in Las Vegas**
Exciting news broke on Thursday, October 16: Clipse, the critically acclaimed Virginia Beach duo of Pusha T and Malice, will be joining the already stacked lineup for the 2025 edition of ComplexCon in Las Vegas. Known for their sharp lyricism and impactful storytelling, Clipse has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly with their latest album.
### Clipse to Perform at ComplexCon 2025
Clipse is set to take the stage on **Saturday, October 25**, the first day of ComplexCon’s two-day event. Fans won’t want to miss their performance as part of an incredible roster of artists. For tickets and more information, [click here](#).
### Previously Announced Performers
In addition to Clipse, ComplexCon 2025 boasts a stellar lineup including fan favorites such as **Young Thug**, **Yeat & friends**, **Peso Pluma**, **Ken Carson**, **Central Cee**, and **2hollis**. These artists will bring a diverse and dynamic energy across the festival’s duration.
This year’s ComplexCon will also feature the much-anticipated relaunch of **Verzuz**, spotlighting legendary showdowns between artists from Cash Money and No Limit Records. This head-to-head musical battle is sure to be a highlight of the event.
### Clipse’s Latest Album: *Let God Sort Em Out*
*Let God Sort Em Out*, Clipse’s fourth studio album and their first since 2009’s *Til the Casket Drops*, was released to universal acclaim this past July. Produced in part by Pharrell Williams, the album showcases the duo’s signature chemistry and lyrical depth.
The record opens with the deeply moving track “The Birds Don’t Sing,” a heartfelt tribute to Pusha T and Malice’s late parents. The album stands as a tightly constructed and powerful addition to Clipse’s long-revered catalog.
*Let God Sort Em Out* is available now—be sure to give it a listen before experiencing Clipse live at ComplexCon 2025!
https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/clipse-joins-complexcon-2025-lineup-las-vegas
The Elizabeth School District’s website greets visitors with an unusual pop-up: an invitation to help cover legal fees for a lawsuit related to library book removals.
Located southeast of Denver and serving about 2,700 students, the district is raising funds as part of a broader campaign supported by at least three conservative groups — including one led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl — to defend against the lawsuit.
### The Lawsuit Over Library Book Removals
In December, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado filed suit against the district. The lawsuit alleges that the Elizabeth school board’s decision to remove 19 books from school libraries violates both federal and state free speech protections.
These books, now back on shelves due to a court order, primarily feature authors or subjects related to LGBTQ people, people of color, or both.
### An Unusual Fundraising Approach
While school districts commonly fundraise for supplies or field trips, soliciting donations to pay legal fees is uncommon. The donation page — hosted by Ganahl’s group — features a heading that reads “Save Elizabeth School District,” with suggested donation amounts ranging from $250 to $10,000.
Publicly available school district financial records do not clarify how much the district has spent on this lawsuit. District officials declined to comment on the expenses.
### Who Is Involved in the Case?
Plaintiffs include two students from the district, a chapter of the NAACP, and the Authors Guild, a professional writers’ organization. Their attorneys argue that book removals violate free speech protections.
Among the removed titles were notable works such as *The Bluest Eye* by Toni Morrison, *The Kite Runner* by Khaled Hosseini, and *It’s Your World If You Don’t Like It, Change It* by Mikki Halpin.
District lawyers counter that the books were removed due to concerns about age-appropriateness, lack of educational value, and sensitive content including graphic violence, explicit sexual references, extreme substance use, and themes of self-harm.
### District Leadership Responds
Elizabeth Superintendent Dan Snowberger declined a phone interview but sent a text message emphasizing the district’s financial stability. He described the lawsuit’s origin as “unusual,” writing:
> “It’s unusual for a behemoth organization like the ACLU with a major financial war chest to come after a small rural district. We will not allow them to impact the educational opportunities for our children in the district, and will do everything necessary to mobilize outside forces to protect our children.”
The district has framed the legal battle against the ACLU as a David versus Goliath story. On social media and at board meetings, some community members have voiced support for both the book removals and the legal fight.
### Community Divisions Over the Issue
Supporters of the removals often cite graphic content—such as descriptions of sexual assault—as inappropriate for students.
However, other community members oppose both the book bans and the fundraising efforts. Jessica Capsel, an Elizabeth resident whose son previously attended district schools, criticized the time and money spent on the lawsuit.
“That pop-up [window] begging for money pops up every time you change a page,” Capsel said. She added that a previous lawsuit she won against the district related to open meeting violations was more straightforward, suggesting the current priorities are misplaced.
### The ACLU’s Position
Tim Macdonald, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado, said the organization did not “come after” Elizabeth. Rather, district students and families asked for compliance with the Constitution to stop banning books that contain viewpoints or content opposed by board members.
He stated:
> “Fighting for the constitutional rights of students in Colorado is how we protect children; violating their constitutional rights is not protecting children.”
### Financial Transparency Questioned
It remains unclear how much the Elizabeth School District has spent on its legal defense since the lawsuit’s filing 10 months ago.
District financial records suggest modest payments to the two main law firms involved. From January through June 2025, the district paid about $6,500 to First and Fourteenth (based in Colorado Springs), none to Mitchell Law (Austin, Texas), and approximately $57,000 to Miller, Farmer, Carlson Law. The latter firm usually handles routine district matters but is also involved in this case.
### Fundraising Details Remain Opaque
The amount raised through the legal defense fundraiser and how those funds are allocated is not publicly clear.
Heidi Ganahl’s conservative news outlet Rocky Mountain Voice operates the online donation page “Save Elizabeth School District” but did not respond to questions about fundraising totals or fund distribution. Ganahl provided a statement saying:
> “Our fundraising assistance supports the board in exercising its authority to curate age-appropriate library content, responding to parental concerns about sensitive themes like explicit content or divisive topics.”
Julian Ellis, one of the district’s lawyers from First and Fourteenth Law, did not respond to inquiries about donations collected. The district website lists Ellis as the recipient for paper checks made payable to the Article III Foundation, an Alexandria, Virginia-based group supporting the district’s legal expenses.
Similarly, Lori Gimelshteyn, executive director of the parents’ rights group Parents United America — another fundraiser host — did not provide information about funds raised or their destinations.
### Additional Fundraising Efforts
Citizens Defending Freedom, based in Mulberry, Florida, is a fourth partner in fundraising efforts for Elizabeth’s legal costs. Last Thursday, they held a “Protect Our Children” fundraiser at a Colorado Springs church, with ticket sales supporting Ganahl’s group.
Tickets ranged from $100 for a single entry to $2,000 for a “platinum” package that included 10 tickets, VIP seating, and a private reception with speakers.
When asked about fundraising totals, a spokesperson for Citizens Defending Freedom referred Chalkbeat to Bonnie Wallace, a legislative liaison for Recovering America — an organization promoting Biblical values — and one of the event speakers. Wallace did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
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*This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. To receive newsletters, visit ckbe.at/newsletters.*
*For more Colorado news, sign up for The Denver Post’s Mile High Roundup email newsletter.*
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/elizabeth-school-district-book-ban-legal-fees/
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania spoke out this week against escalating political rhetoric, urging Americans to move away from language that fuels division or violence.
Fetterman, a Democrat representing a state with a strong conservative base, said his own background shaped his perspective. “I’m the only Democrat in my family. I grew up in a conservative part of Pennsylvania, and now I grew up and I knew, I know and I love people that voted for President Trump, but they are not fascists. They’re not Nazis. They’re not trying to destroy her. The Constitution, those things,” he said.
The senator criticized what he described as a growing tendency to label political opponents with extreme terms. “That’s part of another thing I refuse to call people Nazis or fascists or I would never compare anybody, anybody to Hitler,” Fetterman said, warning that such “extreme rhetoric is going to continue” and make the country “more likely in resulting in extreme kind of outcomes and political violence.”
Fetterman mentioned conservative activist Charlie Kirk while urging empathy in the aftermath of violence. “For me, all I could say is, is like, let people grieve, give people the space. I’m not going to use that terrible thing and that passive assassination to make my argument and try to put out my views,” he said.
The senator reflected on the personal cost of political violence, citing the recent tragedies that have shaken the country. “It’s like, my god, you know, he’s a father that had his neck blown out by a bullet, and now people have forgotten President Trump was in my state was shot in the head,” he said. “And if that would have, could you imagine where our nation would be if he was hit in the same way with Kirk?”
Calling for calm, Fetterman said the country must “really got to turn the temperature down.” He added, “We can agree to disagree on these kinds of things, but right now, shutting down the government. I just can’t take it that.”
Fetterman’s remarks come amid heightened concern over rising tensions and political violence nationwide, as both parties grapple with how to lower the tone of national discourse.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/10/john-fetterman-silences-kennedy-center-crowd-with-rant-against-violent-rhetoric-watch/
