Latest news with #Golden
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Will Jared Golden or Paul LePage win Maine congressional race? New poll gives early look
An early look at the race for Maine's Second Congressional District found that current Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine and Republican former Maine Gov. Paul LePage are statistically tied, but that LePage is more popular. Both LePage and Golden announced their intention to run for the seat in May. The election will be in the fall of 2026. If Golden wins again, it will be the fifth time that the Democrat has won the same district that voted for President Donald Trump the past three presidential elections. However, a poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center released June 26 found that 50% of Maine Second District residents said they would vote for LePage if the election was held today and 47% said they would vote Golden. LePage is also more popular, with 43% saying they have a favorable view of him compared with 21% for Golden. This is largely driven by Golden's lack of popularity with Democrats, of whom only 31% say they have a favorable opinion, 40% are neutral, and 20% have an unfavorable opinion. In comparison, 81% of Republicans say they have a favorable opinion of LePage. This may have to do with Golden's status as a 'blue dog Democrat:' he has historically been a strong supporter of gun rights and often distances himself from the national party. In 2024, he angered Democrats for refusing to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president and saying he would be 'OK' with Trump winning. The election is expected to be very close, as many of Golden's past elections have been in the Second District. The poll was based on the results of 846 online surveys completed between June 19 and 23. It has a margin of error of +/-3.4%. Per the poll, 55% of Maine residents approve of Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills' handling of her job, a sharp uptick from February, when less Mainers approved of Mills (48%) than disapproved (49%). Mills gained national attention for pushing back on Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from school sports teams, and that action is reflected in the poll. Of those who approve of her handling of her job, 50% say it is because of her opposition to Trump. Of those who disapprove, 37% cite her handling of LGBTQ+ issues and 35% say her handling of the budget or finances. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has said she is planning to run for a sixth term in 2026. However, she is unpopular in the state, with 57% of Mainers saying they have an unfavorable opinion of her, including 79% of Democrats, 60% of Independents and 29% of Republicans. Just 29% of Republicans find her favorable, and just 14% do overall. Mills has not said whether she is planning to run for Senate, but some have floated her name as a challenger to Collins. The poll found she is more popular, with 51% finding her favorable and 41% unfavorable. But the party divide is deep: 90% of Democrat said they have a favorable opinion of her while 91% of Republicans say they have an unfavorable opinion. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New poll: Early look at race for Congress in Maine's Trump-leaning district


India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
How KPop Demon Hunters exposes our fear of imperfection
Have you ever watched an animated film that tells you more than it originally intended to? Or hide the real message behind metaphors and cliches? If yes, then 'KPop Demon Hunters' is another movie on that list, as it disguises itself well with neon lights, razor-sharp choreography, and the blinding veneer of pop perfection on the surface. The film is about a K-pop girl band called Huntrix featuring Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. However, they are not just your everyday pop girl band - they are also supernatural hunters who hunt who are these demons? If you think they are some disgusting-looking creatures with four eyes, crooked teeth and patterns all over their bodies, then you're somewhat right, but there are also some very good-looking 'idol-type' demons too. Think about 'The Vampire Diaries'. Who would've thought Ian Somerhalder would look so handsome as a vampire? If that's your vibe, then you'd love the demon boy band The Saja Boys in the film. The film idolises K-pop culture, which is meticulously crafted to sell the film doesn't just idolise the spectacle - it dismantles it, peeling back the facade to reveal an uncomfortable, familiar undercurrent: in a world obsessed with flawlessness, authenticity is often the first casualty. At its core is Rumi, a pop idol, a monster hunter, and most damningly in her world, part demon. It's the ultimate enemies-to-lovers conflict, except the "enemy" is her own bloodline, her own nature, the thing society demands she erases. It's a subtle take, suggesting that our insecurities, flaws, and faults are what make us demons. And isn't that familiar? Being told to conquer the parts of yourself that don't fit the script - to hide your true self and meet the standards the world has set for you. Many moments in the film will make you pause and introspect. Moments where you will also hide with the characters, believe in the lies they tell themselves, and once again believe that we are not good AlertThe film's defining moment arrives in a show-stopping performance of the song 'Golden'. It unfolds, devastatingly, when Rumi's secret is exposed - her demon patterns, her supposed imperfections, paraded for all to see. Her bandmates falter. The world that once celebrated her falls silent. It makes you think - what would you do if your deepest, darkest secrets were exposed?CELINE'S FLAWED LOVE AND WHY IT MADE US ANGRYFor Rumi, she was crushed beneath the weight of rejection. She returns to Celine, her adoptive mother, the one person who should have seen her beyond the flaw, beyond the scandal. What follows is both layered and infuriating. Celine, trying to shield Rumi, covers her demon patterns with her shrug, a gesture drenched in maternal protection, but also suffocating compliance. She tells Rumi they'll 'fix' this - they'll spin a narrative, blame the demons, and convince the world this isn't "really" her. This is the most relatable scene in the film. How often are we told that we need to be "fixed" when we confide in someone? How often have our closest ones told us that we are not perfect?It's not like we don't know that they mean well, but that doesn't mean they are right. Right? Celine's instinct, just like our loved ones, mirrors society's deepest flaw, the desperate urge to hide imperfection rather than accept it - to polish over the cracks. Her reaction, likely born from fear and love, feels like betrayal. It's the familiar sting of being rejected by those who were never supposed to judge you, the ones meant to accept your unfiltered, unvarnished why Rumi's rage is so raw, so relatable. Her hopelessness, her resignation - feel real because we've all been there. Twisting ourselves into something more acceptable. Her outburst is not melodramatic; it's the sound of a human breaking under impossible standards. Her words slice through the illusion like a blade: 'If this is the world I was meant to protect, then I'm glad to see it get destroyed.'It's defiance, yes. But more than that, it reflects a buried, uncomfortable truth many of us carry - the quiet satisfaction of watching hypocritical systems crumble - the institutions that forced us to hide, that demanded conformity while pretending to champion individuality. The film becomes more than a fantasy flick. It becomes a manifesto - a rebellious whisper urging us to dismantle these fragile societal norms and rebuild something better. A world that doesn't flinch at flaws, that doesn't fear difference.'KPop Demon Hunters' dresses itself in sequins and spectacles, but beneath the surface, it's something raw. It's uncomfortable, it's imperfect, and that's precisely the point. It doesn't just tell us to fight monsters, it dares us to face the ones we've become by silencing our voice.- Ends

Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its Luxury Collection Space
06/26/2025, Atlanta, GA // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Pictured: BHHS Buckhead Office Agents, BHHS Georgia Management, and Luxury Collection Specialists at Ribbon Cutting ATLANTA, GA — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties proudly unveiled its new Luxury Collection marketing team office space during an exclusive event held Tuesday, June 11, from 2–4 PM at the company's location at 3744 Roswell Road NE. The event welcomed more than 80 guests, including Luxury Collection Specialists, sales associates, brokers, and company executives. The elegant affair, themed Bubbles & Bites, featured live music by saxophonist Tommy Mays, creating a vibrant atmosphere as attendees explored the sophisticated new space designed to serve the company's top-tier clientele and agents across Georgia — from the metro Atlanta core to surrounding communities including Alpharetta, Milton, and the Mountain and Lake and Southern Crescent regions. President and CEO DeAnn Golden delivered a celebratory toast and cut the ribbon to officially open the space. In her remarks, Golden underscored the company's ongoing dedication to redefining the luxury experience across the state. Pictured: (Left to right) Lori Lane & DeAnn Golden 'What we're building here is more than just a beautiful space — it's a bold investment in you: our sales associates, our marketing capabilities, and the extraordinary future we're creating together,' said Golden. 'This is the future of luxury real estate: connected, creative, and collaborative — with impact that reaches across all of Georgia and beyond.' Golden also shared the company's impressive luxury market growth, citing a 402% increase in luxury sales volume and a 448% increase in luxury units sold. The new space represents a significant expansion from the Roswell home office and reflects that momentum — offering agents a refined, client-focused environment with integrated marketing support and convenient access for professionals and clients across all 27 offices throughout Georgia. Pictured: BHHS Agents conversing in Buckhead Office As part of our commitment to delivering a more tailored and elevated experience for our agents and clients, the creation of this new space supports the company's mission to meet the evolving expectations of today's luxury clientele, wherever they may be — whether in metro communities like Buckhead or Alpharetta or lifestyle destinations such as Lake Burton, Blue Ridge and Savannah. Lori Lane, President of New Homes and Senior Vice President of Luxury and Global, also addressed the attendees, introducing her award-winning Luxury Marketing Team, led by Vice President Ta'Tisha Gibbs, and recognizing key members of her New Homes division who will also be based in the new space. Lane emphasized the company's focus on innovation and personalization in the luxury sector. 'Our Luxury Marketing team is seasoned, strategic, and deeply committed to creating unforgettable client experiences,' said Lane. 'From curated campaigns to innovative technology, we're elevating each listing to ensure it resonates — not only in metro Atlanta but throughout Georgia's most desirable markets.' Patrick O'Connell, Senior Vice President and Managing Broker, thanked his sales team for their patience during the three months of construction. He also introduced Brad Jeffries, owner of neighboring luxury boutique B.D. Jeffries, who extended a special offer and in-store giveaway to attendees. Pictured: (Left to right) Patrick O'Connell & Brad Jeffries This grand opening represents a new chapter in Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties' continued evolution — driven by the goal of offering a more impactful experience to those they serve. With its Luxury Collection team now operating from a newly enhanced environment, the company is well-positioned to deliver white-glove service across every corner of the state and to relocation clients from around the globe. Contact Info: Name: Lori Lane Email: [email protected] Organization: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Address: 3744 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta Georgia 30342 Phone: (404) 801-7180 Website:


CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Summer tubing season opens at Colorado's Clear Creek
The water is running fast as Clear Creek in Colorado officially opened its tubing season this week. "Last year the runoff wasn't as intense," said Parker resident Nestor Gomez, who comes up once a week to float the river. "This year, it's packing, dude." The season marks the start of summer for those who tube on Clear Creek. A recent heatwave turned an average to above-average snowpack into a cascade of water. Fast melts led to more water and bigger rapids on the creek. Currently, the creek safety level is at a yellow, which means safe for tubers only over the age of 18. Once the water levels recede further later in the summer, it will likely be safe for children to tube as well. CBS "The river is flowing fast," Gomez added. "That's what I would say. There's a lot of good rapids going in and out, then it chills out a bit. Right back into some kicks and then chills out. So we're just ebb and flowing through the creek." After two summers of new restrictions in Golden regarding tubing rentals and certain parking ordinances, this year is set to be quiet in comparison. The city didn't pass any new rules to begin this season, which means there's a chance for crowds and businesses to find an equilibrium as Clear Creek continues its ascent as a foothills summer destination. "It's early season", Gomez said. "It's really cold for most people, but it can deter you. But by July, early August, it'll be a constant flow of people." CBS All of Thursday afternoon in Golden, families hung out on the Creekside with their young children while kayakers trained in the rapids just upriver. Tubers walked the paths to drop in and see what was in store. Nestor is excited for what's to come, from the heaviest rapids to the smoothest eddies, and is looking forward to seeing everyone who comes out to enjoy it. "If you go all the way up Clear Creek, you can literally have a day of hiking, rock climbing, end the day tubing," Gomez said. "End at The Mill and get a beer and a meal? Dude, the stoke is high!"


CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Restrictions limiting activities on Colorado's Clear Creek lifted
Restrictions that were put in place on Colorado's Clear Creek earlier this month have been lifted. The Jefferson County Sheriff and the City of Golden lifted restrictions on the waterway at noon on June 24. Clear Creek CBS That includes the boundaries of the restrictions enacted on June 9 from Jefferson County's western border at State Highway 119 eastward along the canyon through the city limits of Golden to Vanover Park. Jefferson County officials said that even though the water flow measurements have shown a continued decrease since the peak, people are urged to be cautious when conducting activities on Clear Creek. Safety tips provided by the Golden Fire Department: • Clear Creek still presents many risks to the public due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers (manmade or natural obstruction such as a tree, root system, fencing, or guard rails), and other safety considerations. • Keep an eye on pets and children as they will be swept away quickly if they lose their footing or fall in unexpectedly. The surface can look manageable, but the current underneath can be so strong that it may not be possible to stand up. • If someone does fall in the water, do not go in after them. Keep an eye on them as best you can and follow them downstream along the bank until rescue crews can arrive. You can try to reach the person from the shore with a branch or rope, but not at the risk of falling in yourself. • Clear Creek is not a "lazy river" float. PFD / lifejackets are STRONGLY recommended at any water level. Helmets are also strongly recommended along with water footwear to prevent cuts and slips. • Water activities and being under the influence do not mix. Chances of bodily injury are increased when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.