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Luis Gil To Undergo Shoulder MRI; JT Brubaker Suffers Rib Fractures – MLB Trade Rumors Luis Gil To Undergo Shoulder MRI; JT Brubaker Suffers Rib Fractures – MLB Trade Rumors Luis Gil To Undergo Shoulder MRI; JT Brubaker Suffers Rib Fractures MLB Trade RumorsGil to have MRI for shoulder discomfort, dealing Yanks early rotation question MLB.comYanks send AL ROY Gil for MRI on tight shoulder ESPNYankees pitcher Luis Gil to undergo MRI for tightness near right shoulder Yahoo SportsYankees left holding their breath in Luis Gil injury scare New York Post Source link #Luis #Gil #Undergo #Shoulder #MRI #Brubaker #Suffers #Rib #Fractures #MLB #Trade #Rumors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Australia backs Ukraine following Oval Office spat Australia backs Ukraine following Oval Office spat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined other world leaders voicing support for the Ukrainian president, following a tetchy meeting with US President Trump. Source link #Australia #backs #Ukraine #Oval #Office #spat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stunned by angry Trump exchange, Ukrainians rally round Zelenskiy Stunned by angry Trump exchange, Ukrainians rally round Zelenskiy By Anna Dabrowska and Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainians on the streets of Kyiv rallied around President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday after his angry exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Zelenskiy openly challenged Trump over his approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin at the meeting, urging him to “make no compromises with a killer.” Trump accused Zelenskiy of risking World War Three and of being ungrateful to Washington for the military aid provided to Ukraine. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. “Trump finally understood that Zelenskiy is a president that will not just give up,” said Mila, an HR manager who did not give a second name, speaking on a chilly night in central Kyiv. “It is not Ukraine that is gambling with World War Three – more likely we are being used in this game as a bargaining chip,” said Oksana, a business consultant. On social media, Ukrainian officials and other prominent individuals were also supportive of Zelenskiy, calling for unity in a country exhausted by three years of gruelling battle. “President Zelenskiy has the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who was at the meeting with Trump, wrote on social media. While most Kyivans Reuters spoke to said Ukraine would be able to keep going whatever lay ahead, some were concerned by the breakdown in relations between the two leaders. “Without the arms supplied by the United States we will not win this war and I do not know what’s going to happen,” said Andriy, a 59-year-old university lecturer. The meeting in Washington was intended to smooth choppy personal relations between Trump and Zelenskiy, with the two men due to sign an agreement that would have shared profits from Ukraine’s critical raw material deposits with the U.S. Instead, it quickly turned into a vicious spat in front of the cameras as Trump visibly irritated Zelenskiy by refusing to condemn Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago and occupied parts of it since 2014. “The agreement and the participation of the U.S. in the mineral deal would have stabilised relations. Now it is very scary,” said Petro, a 20-year-old student. “I think it could have been approached in a more diplomatic way, but from the individual point of view I can understand Zelenskiy because the tone of the dialogue with Trump and Vance indicated it would end like this.” (Reporting by Anna Dabrowska, writing by Max Hunder, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Source link #Stunned #angry #Trump #exchange #Ukrainians #rally #Zelenskiy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Rose Girone, believed to be oldest living Holocaust survivor, dies aged 113 – The Guardian Rose Girone, believed to be oldest living Holocaust survivor, dies aged 113 – The Guardian Rose Girone, believed to be oldest living Holocaust survivor, dies aged 113 The GuardianRose Girone, Oldest Holocaust Survivor, Dies at 113 The New York TimesRose Girone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor, has died at age 113 CNNKnitting legend Rose Girone, world’s oldest Holocaust survivor, dies at 113 JTA News – Jewish Telegraphic AgencyOldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113 DW (English) Source link #Rose #Girone #believed #oldest #living #Holocaust #survivor #dies #aged #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Standing up to a bully’: Australia reaffirms Ukraine support ‘Standing up to a bully’: Australia reaffirms Ukraine support Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine while dodging any questions about the tense relationship between the US and Ukraine. Source link #Standing #bully #Australia #reaffirms #Ukraine #support Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Intel is back—stop talking about breaking it up: Craig Barrett Intel is back—stop talking about breaking it up: Craig Barrett Four former Intel board members have written two opinion pieces for Fortune arguing that the only solution to Intel’s problems is to break the company into two pieces; a design company and a wafer fabrication (foundry) company. I do agree with their position that Intel should not sell its foundry business to TSMC but strongly disagree with their argument that Intel should be broken up. The board members are well meaning but off target. They are two academics and two former government bureaucrats, just the type of folks you want dictating strategy in the ruggedly competitive semiconductor industry. Pat Gelsinger, who ran Intel the last three-plus years (he was abruptly fired two months ago) did a great job resuscitating the technology development team, and today the company’s leading technology is on par with TSMC’s 2nm technology. Additionally, Intel has a lead in the newest imaging technology (high NA EUV lithography, where they are currently processing 10,000s wafers) and in backside power delivery to complex chips. Both these accomplishments are key for future generations of silicon technology. Intel is back—from a technology point of view. They are still struggling to attract independent chip designers, but they have the technology and manufacturing know-how to compete with the likes of TSMC. So, if Intel is back from a technology standpoint, what is the advantage of splitting up a company with 100,000-plus employees spread over several continents? The former board members think that because Intel also makes and sells chips, no other chip designers will want to trust Intel to make their products. This thought process ignores the fact that the best technology wins in the semiconductor industry. All the independent designers currently use TSMC because TSMC has the best technology, so they don’t have any process technology advantage over each other. They are all using the same manufacturing technology to compete with each other and to compete with Intel chips. If Intel has equivalent or better technology than TSMC, then the game changes. Intel failed in its previous efforts in the foundry business for the simple reason it did not have a competitive technology. The best technology wins, as you are at a disadvantage if you use an older version. Of course, Intel has to provide good customer service, fair pricing, guaranteed capacity, and a clear separation of chip designers from their foundry customers, but there is no disputing that the best technology wins. Intel used to lead in technology and chip design. They still struggle in chip design with the move to AI applications, but they are certainly back in manufacturing technology. Story Continues So, let’s stop talking about breaking up Intel as the only solution. Instead let’s talk about Intel eating into TSMC’s current high-end foundry business on the basis of Intel’s technology resurgence. Sure, the government can help by pushing U.S. firms to use a U.S. foundry. The government can also make an investment in Intel like they have done with other struggling institutions critical to the US economy and national security. And the current administration can move much faster than the previous one with support like tariffs. The Biden administration slow-walked the Chip Acts support over a two-year ******* while the Trump administration has demonstrated instantaneous decision-making and movement. But, please, stop talking about breaking up a company and dealing with all the complications and distractions therein. The company has gone through several CEOs and boards that did the wrong things. I ran Intel with 100,000-plus employees, and I think I know the challenges if Intel were to be split up. If we want semiconductor manufacturing leadership in the U.S., then build on the current resurgence of Intel, don’t tear it apart. The conversation should be who the next CEO should be to build on Pat Gelsinger’s accomplishments over the last few years. Currently the company is being run by a CFO and a product manager. The challenge for Intel is to get someone who understands the business of making chips, not someone who spends their time splitting the company into two pieces. Along the way, you might also worry about the Intel board. They bear ultimate responsibility for what has happened to Intel over the last decade. Yes, I have an emotional attachment to intel, but I know what the team can do if properly led. It disappoints me that they lost their leadership position. However, it disappoints me more to see people who ignore the intricacies of the semiconductor industry and proclaim simplistic solutions. It takes years to develop a new semiconductor manufacturing technology and ramp it into volume production. Intel is about to regain its leadership in this area, and the dumbest idea around is to stall that from happening by slicing the company into pieces. The moment you announce you are splitting up Intel you’ll lose the momentum and resources you need to succeed. In my opinion, a far better move might be to fire the Intel board and rehire Pat Gelsinger to finish the job he has aptly handled over the past few years. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #Intel #backstop #talking #breaking #Craig #Barrett Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Bowen: Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato – BBC.com Bowen: Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato – BBC.com Bowen: Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato BBC.comOpinion | This Never Happened With an American President Before The New York TimesIt Was an Ambush The AtlanticZelensky won’t apologize for Oval Office spat, says it was bad for both sides The Hill Source link #Bowen #TrumpZelensky #row #signals #major #crisis #looming #Nato #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police minister's brother charged with drug offences Police minister's brother charged with drug offences A state police minister has decried the impact of illicit drug use and addiction on families after her estranged brother was charged with drug offences. Source link #Police #minister039s #brother #charged #drug #offences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Laura Lee Willsey vanished in July. Police say DNA tests may have led them to her killer. Laura Lee Willsey vanished in July. Police say DNA tests may have led them to her killer. WEST PALM BEACH — Police in West Palm Beach have arrested a 56-year-old man on a ******* charge in connection to the disappearance of a woman who was reported missing in July. Todd Arthur Reichert is facing a first-degree ******* charge after DNA analysis of blood found in his vehicle was confirmed to be a match to Laura Lee Willsey, also 56, according to a statement police released Friday. Willsey’s daughter reported her missing on July 30 after she failed to return to a home where she had been renting a room along the 5200 block of Garden Avenue, half a mile east of Dreher Park. Her disappearance touched off a monthslong missing-persons investigation and public appeals from her family for information on her whereabouts. PBSO deputy’s death: Grand jury indicts man accused of killing jail deputy on first-degree ******* charge Laura Willsey was reported missing in July after she failed to return to her home in West Palm Beach. A man has been arrested in connection to her disappearance and faces a ******* charge. Police have not found her remains, and the last information regarding Willsey’s location came from a witness shortly after she disappeared, a department spokesperson said Friday. During a search of Willsey’s residence, West Palm Beach detectives discovered blood spatter and droplets both inside and outside the home. Video camera recorded woman arguing with man in custody day before disappearance According to statement released Friday, detectives reviewed surveillance-camera video footage recorded the day before Willsey was reported missing. They saw and heard evidence of an argument between Willsey, Reichert and another man. A witness came forward and told detectives that Reichert could be heard hitting Willsey in her bedroom. The witness also described hearing the sound of crumpling trash bags in the bedroom and the living room. Reichert reportedly uttered that he was driving to Belle Glade and leaving his cellphone behind to avoid being tracked. He then left in his 2010 Volkswagen and returned two and one-half hours later. Reichert has been in custody since August on unrelated burglary and grand theft charges. He is scheduled to appear before a judge on the ******* charge Saturday morning. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at *****@*****.tld and follow him on Twitter at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man facing ******* charge after woman disappeared from West Palm in July Source link #Laura #Lee #Willsey #vanished #July #Police #DNA #tests #led #killer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Metroid Dread Dev New Game "Blades of Fire" Announced; Story, Features and Screenshots Revealed Metroid Dread Dev New Game "Blades of Fire" Announced; Story, Features and Screenshots Revealed MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread and Lords of Shadows, has a new single-player action game called “Blades of Fire.” Source link #Metroid #Dread #Dev #Game #quotBlades #Firequot #Announced #Story #Features #Screenshots #Revealed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hear what Zelensky said following tense Oval Office meeting – CNN Hear what Zelensky said following tense Oval Office meeting – CNN Hear what Zelensky said following tense Oval Office meeting CNNIt Was an Ambush The AtlanticNo suit, no lunch, no respect: Zelenskyy-Trump feud started with a fashion dig USA TODAYBowen: Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato BBC.com Source link #Hear #Zelensky #tense #Oval #Office #meeting #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chaos and unproven theories surround Tates’ release from Romania Chaos and unproven theories surround Tates’ release from Romania EPA Andrew Tate is accused of human trafficking and ********* exploiting women alongside his brother Tristan These were already turbulent times in Romania. But as people here navigate the late winter ice and slush on Bucharest’s elegant streets, the abrupt departure of the Tate brothers by private jet has left a fresh trail of confusion and unanswered questions in its wake. A country grappling with a cancelled presidential election, its future in Europe, its support for neighbouring Ukraine, widespread corruption, and collapsing faith in public institutions, is now left pondering why two controversial foreigners, facing a raft of complex but serious criminal charges, have been treated with such apparent lenience; their confiscated assets and their passports suddenly returned to them. Was a secret deal done between Romania’s government and the Trump administration? If so, in these increasingly transactional times, what does Romania get in return? Or was this more like a pre-emptive gesture of good will towards the American president, a gift to lay at Donald Trump’s imperious feet? Or are we searching for conspiracies when the truth is probably far more chaotic? As foreign leaders – from Volodymyr Zelensky to Sir Keir Starmer – travel to Washington DC bearing deals and other apparent peace offerings, one might ask who could blame Romania, a staunch NATO ally navigating a host of internal and external challenges, for trying to keep an increasingly unpredictable US administration on side? “It’s a matter of life (or death) for Romania,” said security analyst George Scutaru, describing his country’s need to shore up Western support in the face of growing pressure from the Kremlin. Declining to comment on the Tate issue specifically, Scutaru said it was clear Moscow was seeking to undermine Romania’s democracy and that the government had good reason to seek ways to remind the Trump administration of the many advantages – commercial, diplomatic, and military – of continuing to back it. But if the Tate brothers are part of that equation, it is already clear that many Romanians are not impressed. This is a country already facing a strong populist backlash against an elite ruling class that is widely seen as corrupt and out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people who feel treated as second-class citizens – a mere source of cheap labour – within the European Union. So, the sight of the Tates appearing to receive special treatment plays into the notion that Romania’s institutions are hollow and cater only to those with money. Getty Images The brothers were released from house arrest by a Romanian court in January “For me, what has happened is unacceptable. We cannot allow Romania’s image to be tarnished by impunity and defiance,” fumed Elena Lasconi, a prominent presidential candidate here, expressing deep concern that Romanian prosecutors’ sudden decision to relax the Tates’ travel restrictions was the result of “external influence.” “It’s my personal perception that probably there is… pressure on the Romanian political system, as logically the prosecutor would have applied very strict rules to control (the Tates) and probably the United States would haven’t been a place where they would be allowed to travel (due to concerns they would not be extradited if they failed to return),” said international human rights lawyer, Silvia Tabusca. It is beyond doubt that Andrew Tate’s lucrative brand of assertive masculinity has earned him allies in President Trump’s administration. One of his former lawyers, Paul Ingrassia, now works in the White House. Many in the so-called “manosphere” see Tate as a persecuted hero who has just been rescued from Romania’s corrupt clutches. There is also a more nebulous far-right alignment between some pro-Trump and pro-Tate figures in the US, far-right and allegedly pro-Russian forces in Romania, and the Kremlin itself, which stands accused of plotting to weaken Bucharest’s pro-western stance. But the picture is not clear cut. EPA Trump denies being involved in the case President Trump distanced himself from the brothers’ case on Thursday and there are signs of a broader push-back in the US, with the governor of Florida Ron DeSantis making it clear the Tates are “not welcome” in his state, amid plans to open a “preliminary inquiry” into allegations against them of human trafficking and violence against women. Meanwhile in Bucharest, the theory that Romania’s government cut a deal with the US to release the brothers is treated with caution by some analysts. “I think the chances (of such a deal) are fifty-fifty,” said Sorin Ionita, a political commentator, questioning the ability of Romania’s various institutions and ministries to arrange a “coherent” policy concerning the Tates. “I’m not sure they coordinate. Did they manage to demand something in exchange (from the US)? I’m not sure,” said Ionita, bemoaning a situation almost designed to persuade Romania’s public to lose faith in state institutions, and speculating that lower level “satellite” figures in an equally chaotic Trump administration were probably behind any deal in order “to extract money from the Tate brothers.” The BBC has seen no evidence of this. “It’s very depressing to see,” he added. As for the question of whether the Tates will return to Romania, as their lawyer has promised, to continue their legal battles, a degree of uncertainty endures. Watch: Andrew Tate and brother, Tristan, arrive in US The fact that most of their assets have been unfrozen could be seen as weakening the Romanian authorities’ ability to compel them to come back. The Tates themselves have also questioned whether they can receive a fair trial in Romania, complaining of a “conspiracy” against them. And while Andrew Tate pointed out on Thursday that he and his brother currently face “no active indictment” in Romania, a more accurate way of describing their situation might be to say there is currently a lull in a long and complex legal process. An initial case has been returned to prosecutors for amendments, while a second and more substantial prosecution case against them is now pending. “In the second case, we have 34 victims that cooperate and have been identified as victims. Among them are two minors, one a 17-year-old girl that has been recruited in order to be exploited by the criminal group. And the second girl is 15-years-old, and there is a crime for ******* acts with a minor in which they are also involved,” said the lawyer, Silvia Tabusca, outlining the allegations in the second case. The brothers also face arrest on separate and unrelated criminal charges in the ***. The Tates deny any wrongdoing in all these cases. In the coming months, Romania faces far more pressing challenges than the fate of two foreign celebrities. Presidential elections have been rescheduled for May and a leading candidate – often accused of being a Kremlin puppet – has just been detained and is facing six criminal charges including fascism and undermining the constitutional order. With their self-declared misogyny, extreme views, and online personas, Andrew and Tristan Tate do chime with some of the themes preoccupying and dividing society in America and far beyond. Clearly, they remain influential figures, particularly among boys and young men. But the brothers face years of legal battles which may well push them, and their still lucrative brand, further to the periphery of the far larger dramas now reshaping our world. Source link #Chaos #unproven #theories #surround #Tates #release #Romania Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why Cleary opted for Cole ahead of star recruit Talagi Why Cleary opted for Cole ahead of star recruit Talagi Ivan Cleary is open to playing Blaize Talagi and Jack Cole in the same starting side as he urges patience with Penrith’s star recruit. The Panthers’ most hotly anticipated external signing in five years as NRL heavyweights, the 19-year-old Talagi had been expected to start the season replacing Wests Tigers signing Jarome Luai at five-eighth. Instead, coach Cleary has opted not to risk Talagi starting against Cronulla in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT), as the former Eel bounces back from off-season shoulder surgery. An understudy to Luai and star halfback Nathan Cleary last season, Cole starts at five-eighth for his 11th NRL game following an impressive summer. “Jack’s been a man in waiting for a few years. He filled in well last year for the games he played,” said coach Cleary. “We see him as the best chance for us to win tomorrow.” Talagi is in Vegas with the Panthers as a reserve. He is still adapting to their four-time premiership-winning systems following a pre-season interrupted by injury and Samoa’s Test tour of England. If his new five-eighth impresses to begin the season, Cleary can “totally” see a world where his prized recruit and Cole play in the same team later this season. Talagi started in every backline position bar halfback across 20 games in his rookie 2024 season at Parramatta, and also featured from the bench. “Blaize’s time will come. He’s only a young man,” Cleary said. “He’s got to work out our system a bit and he’s just coming off a shoulder reco. His time will come.” The Panthers have become accustomed to losing key talent in each year of their premiership dominance, but are up against their greatest challenge yet in 2025. Luai, star prop James Fisher-Harris and winger Sunia Turuva will all be missing from the four-time reigning premiers’ line-up at Allegiant Stadium. The Panthers’ personnel changes have left most pundits to tip Melbourne as premiership favourites this season, and that suits Cleary just fine. “All you can really do each year is look at a team’s roster and that’s how you make your predictions. I’m quite happy not to be favourites,” he said. Source link #Cleary #opted #Cole #ahead #star #recruit #Talagi Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Drake settles legal action against iHeartMedia in dispute over ‘Not Like Us’ Drake settles legal action against iHeartMedia in dispute over ‘Not Like Us’ HOUSTON (AP) — Drake has reached a settlement with Texas-based iHeartMedia in his ongoing legal dispute over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” according to court records. In November, Drake filed a legal petition in Bexar County, Texas, where San Antonio is located, alleging that iHeartMedia had received ******** payments from Universal Music Group to boost radio airplay for “Not Like Us.” UMG is the parent record label for both Drake and Lamar. The petition, a precursor to a potential lawsuit, had sought depositions from corporate representatives of both companies. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. In a court document filed Thursday, attorneys for Drake said the rapper and iHeartMedia had “reached an amicable resolution of the dispute” but did not offer any other information. “We are pleased that the parties were able to reach a settlement satisfactory to both sides, and have no further comment on this matter,” Drake’s legal team said in a statement. In an email Friday, iHeartMedia declined to comment on the settlement. The claims against UMG remain active, and a hearing on a motion by UMG’s lawyers to dismiss the petition was scheduled to be held Wednesday in a San Antonio courtroom. Drake has alleged UMG engaged in “irregular and inappropriate business practices” to get radio airplay for “Not Like Us.” The petition also alleges that UMG knew “the song itself, as well as its accompanying album art and music video, attacked the character of another one of UMG’s most prominent artists, Drake, by falsely accusing him of being a sex offender, engaging in pedophilic acts, harboring sex offenders, and committing other criminal ******* acts.” An email to a UMG representative seeking comment was not immediately answered. In January, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in New York City against UMG over what he alleges are false allegations of pedophilia made in “Not Like Us.” Lamar is not named in the lawsuit. The feud between Drake, a 38-year-old ********* rapper and singer and five-time Grammy winner, and Lamar, a 37-year-old Pulitzer Prize winner who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 9, is among the biggest in hip-hop in recent years. The Federal Communications Commission sent a letter Monday to iHeartMedia’s CEO and chairman, Robert Pittman, saying the commission is looking into whether the audio company is forcing musicians to perform at its May country music festival in Austin for reduced pay in exchange for favorable airplay of their songs on iHeart radio stations. “We look forward to demonstrating to the Commission how performing at the iHeartCountry Festival – or declining to do so – has no bearing on our stations’ airplay,” iHeart Media said in a statement. “We do not make any overt or covert agreements about airplay with artists performing at our events.” ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano: Source link #Drake #settles #legal #action #iHeartMedia #dispute Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Social Security Administration aims to cut about 7,000 jobs, prompting fears of customer service impact – CNN Social Security Administration aims to cut about 7,000 jobs, prompting fears of customer service impact – CNN Social Security Administration aims to cut about 7,000 jobs, prompting fears of customer service impact CNNSocial Security Administration to Cut Roughly 7,000 Workers The New York TimesTrump officials start dismantling civil rights offices, as part of DOGE’s secret plan The Washington PostSocial Security Announces Workforce and Organization Plans Social Security Matters Source link #Social #Security #Administration #aims #cut #jobs #prompting #fears #customer #service #impact #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Meet the sex workers of Anora now eyeing Academy Awards success Meet the sex workers of Anora now eyeing Academy Awards success Universal Mikey Madison stars in Anora, a film about a New York stripper When Luna Sofia Miranda approached Sean Baker in a strip club in New York in 2022, she tried her best to charm him. But he “very clearly did not want to buy a lap dance,” she says. Miranda, who was 23 at the time, started asking why he and his wife were there. “I’m very nosy,” she says. “So I kept asking them questions and I finally got it out of them. They were making a film about strippers.” She told them she had studied acting, and – after a successful audition – got a call on her 24th birthday, to offer her a part in the film. That film, Anora, is now seen as one of the frontrunners heading into the Oscars on Sunday. It’s directed by Baker, and stars Mikey Madison, who is up for best actress for her role as a New York stripper. Madison, 25, relied on real-life strippers to help her perfect the part. When she won a Bafta film award last month, she dedicated it to the sex worker community. “I have been able to meet some of that community through my research of the film, and that’s been one of the most incredible parts of making the film,” she told us backstage. They “deserve respect and don’t often get it. And so I had to say something,” she added. We’ve been speaking to the actresses, strippers and dancers in the film about their experiences of working on it – and their thoughts on the finished product. Some praised the film as realistic, particularly in its portrayal of the rejection and exhaustion that sex workers often feel. But others said the film was “limited”. ‘I debated not showing up’Zina Louhaichy Edie Turquet, 21, from London, was a background dancer in Anora Edie Turquet was initially unsure whether to take part in the film. The 21-year-old, who is British and appeared in Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts as a child, now lives in New York where she’s a student and a stripper. She got cast as a background dancer in Anora after a casting agent spotted her in the club where she was working. But Turquet says the night before filming, she debated not showing up. “I didn’t want to be part of a bad stripper film, or anything doing a disservice to our industry, so I was apprehensive,” she told me. “Most films about strippers are super over-aestheticised, or bad and exploitative.” Universal/Augusta Quirk Edie points to 2020 film Zola, about a waitress who goes to Florida for a weekend of stripping for quick cash. “I found it hyperbolic, totally overglamourising the work, and it felt like it was talking down to women,” she said. “And don’t get me started on Pretty Woman, which is infuriating, especially the idea of a street worker played by Julia Roberts. Come on.” But when Turquet realised Anora was a Sean Baker film, she changed her mind. “His films are based on realism, he has a fly-on-the-wall style of filmmaking, which I love,” she said. “So I was down.” Baker’s filmmaking skills were also what attracted Lindsey Normington to the film. The actress and stripper stars as Diamond, Anora’s workplace enemy. She says she saw him at afterparty for a film premiere, and went up to him to tell him she was a fan. They connected on Instagram, and months later, he contacted her to tell her he might have a role for her in a new film. “I fell to my knees in my house,” Normington said. ‘I taught Mikey stripper slang’Miguel Herrera Photo Luna Sofia Miranda plays Lulu, Anora’s best friend In the film, Anora is offered a chance at a fairytale escape when she meets and falls for the son of a wealthy Russian. Miranda, an actress and stripper who plays Lulu, Anora’s best friend, says she was tasked with helping Madison sound like a real sex worker from New York. “I shared a PDF of language and slang terms that only strippers from New York will understand,” she said. One of those words was “whale”, which, Miranda explains, “is a customer who is like a bottomless pit of money. He will make your night. And he won’t make you work very hard for it at all.” Naima Noguera Kennady Schneider taught Mikey Madison how to dance Also involved in the film was Kennady Schneider, a Los Angeles-based stripper and choreographer who trained Madison to dance. She says Madison installed a pole at her house in LA, and the pair began working on her “sexy routine”. “She put in so much work,” Schneider, 28, said. “She was so determined.” Rejection, heartbreak, and Tupperware boxes This section contains spoilers for Anora Miranda said a lot of the film’s themes, on heartbreak and rejection, were relatable for her. “Sometimes I feel like this shiny toy, that people want to play with. They go, ‘wow like you’re a stripper. You’re so cool.’ And then they just cast you aside and abandon you,” she said. “I think about the ending a lot because I feel like Anora a lot.” Turquet agrees, calling the ending “very relatable and poignant”, adding that it accurately depicts the “exhaustion and fatigue” strippers often feel. “The sex industry has trauma built into it. It felt so real. It’s an incredible vulnerable industry,” she said. “You’re putting yourself in danger every time you go to work. It’s a complex and exhausting job.” But overall, she said has mixed feelings about the film. Universal Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn star in Anora “What a lot of stripper films miss – and what Anora starts but doesn’t go far enough on – is the moral question around men who buy sex,” she said. “It’s the question of consent. Most of these films shy away from answering it, or looking into it.” She said it also frustrates her that these characters “never exist outside their profession”. “[Anora] is a pretty limited character,” she said. “We never learn anything about her. The film takes the perspective of [male leads] Igor and Vanya, in defining who she is.” “It’s better than any film I’ve seen about it, but ultimately it’s limited as it’s not told by a sex worker,” she added. “I can’t wait till we’re telling our own stories and hopefully this opens the door to that.” Joelle Grace Taylor Lindsey Normington plays Diamond, Anora’s workplace enemy For Normington, the film reflected “the insecurity and competition and jealousy” that she has personally experienced in clubs. “I appreciate that it’s not attempting to be a quintessential stripper movie.” For Schneider, meanwhile, it was the film’s portrayal of the mundane nature of the job that struck a chord. In the film’s early scenes, we see Anora at work, talking to clients in the club. We also see her and the other strippers on a lunch break, eating from Tupperware boxes in a back room. “It felt really accurate,” Schneider said. “A lot of the time in [stripper] films, you have glamorisation, with money falling from the ceiling. Those moments do happen but they’re few and far between,” she said. “It’s much more of a quiet hustle.” Oscar hopesUniversal When Anora came out, special screenings were held for sex workers in New York and LA. Footage circulated on social media shows the strippers ******** their high-heeled platform pleaser shoes together over their heads, to show their appreciation at the end of the screenings. “That is the most beautiful applause I’ve ever received, I don’t know if that will ever happen again,” Madison told us. Now, all eyes are on the Oscars. Miranda and Normington will both be attending. “It’s kind of silly to think that I’m going to the Oscars, but [at the same time] I’m at the club arguing with a stupid man over $20,” said Miranda. “I feel like I’m living two lives.” She said that Madison is “spot on” to say the sex worker community doesn’t get the respect it deserves, and said she hopes that Anora’s success will change that. “My hope is that if this film wins an Oscar, it marks the beginning of a shift in Hollywood, where sex workers are respected, as workers in their own fields, but also as entertainers,” she said. “If this film wins an Oscar, I want to see that.” Source link #Meet #sex #workers #Anora #eyeing #Academy #Awards #success Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australians charged in AI-made child abuse image probe Australians charged in AI-made child abuse image probe Dozens of people, including two Australians, have been arrested as part of an international operation into artificial intelligence-generated child abuse images. Source link #Australians #charged #AImade #child #abuse #image #probe Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tim Scott highlights opportunity agenda as ****** History Month draws to a close Tim Scott highlights opportunity agenda as ****** History Month draws to a close For Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, opportunity didn’t come without a struggle. “To anyone who believes that opportunity ought not come with headwinds, I don’t know where you live, but it ain’t reality,” the 59-year-old mused to a crowd on a recent afternoon overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Raised by a single mother in North Charleston, Scott described being plagued by low self-esteem after failing several courses in high school, including civics. He credits his faith for a reversal in political fortune. Scott is the longest-serving ****** senator in U.S. history, and the first ****** chair of a standing Senate committee in his role atop the powerful Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. “If we are to overcome the obstacles in our way, it won’t be red or blue. It won’t be ****** or white. It will be green,” the South Carolina Republican declared to rousing applause. During ****** History Month, Scott hosted an Opportunity Summit event where he announced his goal of making $1 trillion in investments accessible in underserved communities over the next decade. He was joined by Walter Davis, a founding member of the holding company, Peachtree Providence Partners. “It is incredibly important for us to figure out how to unlock capital for disadvantaged communities,” Scott explained. “My goal is to set the kind of parameters that allows for $1 trillion of capital to be set free in disadvantaged communities in the next 10 years. I believe we can get to $2 trillion!” Scott pointed to his own experience as a small business owner when he ran an insurance firm prior to entering politics. “That’s called the American way, or at least it’s supposed to be the American way,” Scott said. “And I aim to make sure that, from a banking perspective, we have the flexibility of regulators so that small business owners with a good plan, with decent credit, have access to the capital to start hiring people from their own communities.” Scott has made economic development a core pillar of his policy agenda, which includes affordable housing, education, low tax rates and financial literacy and inclusion. He cited proposed legislation, such as the Road to Housing Act that seeks to expand housing supply, and the Empowering Main Street in America Act, meant to streamline access to capital access for more entrepreneurs. “Those two things, housing and small businesses, transform ********* communities and disadvantaged communities all across America,” Scott said. The Republican lawmaker also continues to champion the expansion of his Opportunity Zones initiative, bipartisan legislation passed as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act he spearheaded to provide federal tax incentives to economically distressed areas. The initiative has generated more than $85 billion in investment, according to Scott. “He’s the father of Opportunity Zones,” President Trump touted this month during a White House ****** History Month reception. “He came into the White House, the Oval Office, with this idea, and it’s probably the number one economic development project ever in our country.” In an op-ed Friday for Fox News, Scott said he wants to unlock opportunities for others just as his family sacrificed for him. Scott told the story of his grandfather, who was born in 1921 and dropped out of school when he was 8 years old. He said he never learned to read or write, but had a photographic memory and once advised him that “I could be a victim or I could be victorious, but I couldn’t be both” “A man who had no access, lived long enough to watch me beat Strom Thurmond’s son for Congress in the place where the Civil War started,” Scott reflected. “Our relatives have paid too high a price for us not to see discomfort as a motivating factor for our success.” Nikole Killion Nikole Killion is a CBS News congressional correspondent based in Washington D.C. As a correspondent, Killion played a key role in the Network’s 2020 political and election coverage, reporting from around the country during the final stretch of the campaign and throughout the Biden transition. Source link #Tim #Scott #highlights #opportunity #agenda #****** #History #Month #draws #close Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alabama governor commutes death row inmate Rocky Myers’ sentence to life in prison Alabama governor commutes death row inmate Rocky Myers’ sentence to life in prison MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday commuted the death sentence of Robin “Rocky” Myers to life in prison, saying there were enough questions about his guilt that she couldn’t move forward with his execution. Ivey said Myers, 63, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole instead of being executed later this year. She noted that was the sentence jurors at his 1994 trial had recommended. The Republican governor said she is a staunch supporter of the death penalty but “I have enough questions about Mr. Myers’ guilt that I cannot move forward with executing him.” “In short, I am not convinced that Mr. Myers is innocent, but I am not so convinced of his guilt as to approve of his execution. I therefore must respect both the jury’s decision to convict him and its recommendation that he be sentenced to life without parole,” Ivey said in a statement. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Myers was convicted of capital ******* in the 1991 stabbing of Ludie Mae Tucker, 69, at her Decatur home. Myers, who lived across the street from Tucker, had long maintained he was innocent. A juror at his 1994 trial supported the push for clemency. Last week, the Alabama Supreme Court granted the state attorney general’s request to authorize an execution date for Myers using nitrogen gas. The next step was for Ivey to set that date. It was the first execution Ivey has stopped since she first took office in 2017. Ivey, who has presided over more than 20 executions, called it “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make as governor.” “But I pray that the Tucker family may, in some way, find closure and peace knowing this case is closed, and Mr. Myers will spend the rest of his life in prison,” Ivey said. There were multiple questions surrounding Myers’ case, his attorney had argued. No physical evidence at the scene connected him to the crime. Tucker identified her assailant as a short, stocky ****** man but did not name Myers or a neighbor as the attacker even though they had met several times, according to Myers’ son. Jurors voted 9-3 that he serve life in prison. However, the judge sentenced Myers to death under Alabama’s now-abolished system that let judges decide death sentences. Ivey said there was “circumstantial evidence” against Myers, but it is “riddled with conflicting evidence from seemingly everyone involved.” Much of the state’s case involved a VCR taken from Tucker’s home and whether Myers was the person who brought it to a drug house to sell, according to court records. “God is answering prayers,” juror Mae Puckett, who now believes Myers is innocent and had urged Ivey to intervene. “Governor Ivey put it back into the jury’s hands,” Puckett wrote. Kacey Keeton, a lawyer for Myers, had said that there were multiple failures in Myers case, including how an earlier attorney abandoned his case, causing him to miss a deadline to raise issues in federal court. Myers, who is a ******, was convicted by a nearly all-white jury. “I’m not sure there are words enough to convey my joy, relief, and gratitude at learning of Gov. Ivey’s decision to commute Mr. Myers’s sentence,” Keeton wrote in an email. “I have represented Mr. Myers since 2007. As evidence accumulated of his innocence and the many injustices he experienced over the course of his case, I held out hope that he would someday see some measure of justice, of mercy, of humanity.” The last time an Alabama governor commuted a death sentence was in 1999. Source link #Alabama #governor #commutes #death #row #inmate #Rocky #Myers #sentence #life #prison Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Israeli PM Netanyahu to hold security meeting after delegation returns from Cairo – Reuters Israeli PM Netanyahu to hold security meeting after delegation returns from Cairo – Reuters Israeli PM Netanyahu to hold security meeting after delegation returns from Cairo ReutersSigns of Life From Underground: 24 Living Hostages Remain in Gaza. These Are Their Stories HaaretzWho Are the Deceased Hostages ****** Said It Handed Over to Israel? The New York TimesBrother of freed Israeli hostage says ****** captors ate full meals and laughed as he was starved CNN Source link #Israeli #Netanyahu #hold #security #meeting #delegation #returns #Cairo #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato Trump-Zelensky row signals major crisis looming for Nato The relationship between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky was bad enough before the shouting match in the Oval Office. President Trump had already called him a dictator and said Ukraine started the war – which is a lie. Now the US-Ukraine alliance nurtured by Joe Biden is in pieces. The public breakdown also signals a major crisis looming between European members of Nato and the US. There will be many more doubts and questions about the US commitment to European security outside Ukraine. The biggest is whether President Trump would keep the promise his predecessor Harry Truman made in 1949 to treat an attack on a Nato ally as an attack on America. Those concerns are based on what appears to be Trump’s determination to restore a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has put heavy pressure on Ukraine while offering Putin big concessions – that would have to be made by the Ukrainians. The security of Ukraine is coming a poor second – and Europeans are worrying theirs is too. President Zelensky’s refusal to make those concessions has infuriated Trump. It’s not just the minerals deal that he refused to sign. Ukrainians believe they are in a war for national survival – and that Putin would break any promise to end the war if he is not deterred. That’s why Zelensky asked repeatedly for American security guarantees. The meeting ignited into a shouting match after an intervention by Vice-President JD Vance. There are suspicions now that the public row was – in the words of one diplomatic observer – a planned political mugging: either to force Zelensky to do America’s bidding, or to precipitate a crisis that would allow them to blame him for whatever happens next. If Trump follows the breakdown of talks with a freeze on military aid, Ukraine will fight on. The questions are how effectively, and for how long. Pressure will redouble on its European allies to take up the slack. Source link #TrumpZelensky #row #signals #major #crisis #looming #Nato Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Five things to look out for at tonight’s ceremony Five things to look out for at tonight’s ceremony Getty Images US star Sabrina Carpenter will pick up the global success award during the ceremony The biggest night in British music is upon us, as the Brit Awards gear up for their 45th edition. Charli XCX leads the nominations this year, with five in total – including artist of the year and album of the year, all thanks to her critically-acclaimed, trend-setting album Brat. The Essex-born singer will attend the show but, surprisingly, is not expected to perform. Instead, there’ll be big numbers from Ezra Collective, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Ezra Collective and Teddy Swims. An eclectic set of nominations also sees recognition for The Beatles, a Christmas song by Eurovision star Sam Ryder, and and a Christmas song by Eurovision star Sam Ryder and hits by TikTok stars like Artemas and KSI. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the ceremony. 1) A mega night for Charli XCXGetty Images Charli XCX painted 2024 a lurid shade of lime green with her hit album, Brat It might not have been year’s biggest-selling album, but Charli XCX’s Brat spawned the most conversations. Released in June, it combined abrasive dance-floor beats, soaring hooks and meme-friendly artwork; as the 32-year-old assessed her place in the music industry, the real and imaginary rivals she’d accumulated, and whether or not to leave it all behind to have a baby. Just as everyone was absorbing that, she hired a bunch of guest stars – Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Addison Rae, Bon Iver – and re-recorded an entirely new, sometimes superior, version of the album. As authentic as it was catchy, Charli’s seventh album introduced her to a whole new audience.. and brought her a clutch of Brit nominations. Earlier this week, organisers announced she’d won songwriter of the year – earning the star her first ever Brit award (she’d received nominations before in the best female and best pop act categories). That sets the scene for her to dominate tonight’s show. If she wins everything she’s nominated for, she’ll tie with Raye as the most-awarded artist in a single Brits ceremony. 2) A show-stopping performance from Sabrina CarpenterGetty Images Sabrina Carpenter’s old-school showbiz skills were on full display at the Grammys Sabrina Carpenter gave one of the best performances at last month’s Grammy Awards. Arriving on stage in a sparkly tuxedo dress, she rearranged her hits Espresso and Please Please Please in a jazzy big band style, and even delivered a fleet-footed tap dance sequence. Better still, she turned the whole performance into a screwball comedy – missing her cues, dropping her cane, and accidentally knocking over her set. A former Disney star, she sold it all with a cheeky nod and a wink, undercutting the ceremony’s more self-serious acts (The Weeknd, we’re looking at you). Hopefully the singer will deliver something equally Short N Sweet when she pops into the Brits ahead of her *** tour. 3) A possible tribute to Liam PayneGetty Images Liam Payne won seven Brit Awards as a member of One Direction Liam Payne had a huge connection to the Brits, both as part of One Direction and as a solo artist, so it’s likely that the ceremony will include a tribute to the star – who tragically died in Argentina last October. Gossip columns have speculated that his former bandmates would reunite to honour his memory, but with Liam and Zayn both on tour, that seems unlikely. According to The Sun, the tribute will be “a strong section of the show and not simply an In Memoriam name-check”. Quoting an unnamed source, the newspaper said: “His family aren’t involved in the plans but they are being kept in the loop. “The Brits are treating it with the utmost respect and sensitivity.” 4) The return of Jack WhitehallGetty Images Jack Whitehall hosted the Brits every year between 2018 and 2022 It’s four years since Jack Whitehall last hosted the Brit Awards, but his tenure was largely seen as a triumph – thanks largely to his willingness to poke fun at the stars in the audience. “If you like Adele songs but find them too upbeat you’re in for a treat,” he said at the 2018 ceremony. “Sam Smith will be performing.” He’s been honing his script for this year’s ceremony over the Atlantic, jetting over from US filming commitments with less than 48 hours to go. But in a preview video, he was up to his old tricks, suggesting he should spray-paint himself orange to declare “Make the Brits Great Again”. 5) These records could be brokenGetty Images The Cure are up for three prizes: Best group, best rock act and album of the year With 70 nominees across 13 categories, there are lots of records up for grabs this year. Here are some of the big ones. The Beatles are nominated for best single, for what’s been billed as their “last ever” song, Now And Then. If they win, it will come a record 47 years after their first nomination in that category – for She Loves You in 1977.Coldplay could extend their lead as the winningest winners in the best group category. They already hold the record, with four victories in 2001, 2003, 2012 and 2016. Arctic Monkeys are their closest competitors, with three.Dua Lipa could become one of the top three most-awarded artists in Brits history. She currently has seven trophies, putting her in fifth place in the all-time league table. If she wins all four of her categories tonight, she’ll leapfrog Take That and Coldplay to enter the bronze position.Billie Eilish could become the first foreign female to win best British single. She scores a nomination thanks to her chart-topping duet with Charli XCX, the underwear-fetishising club banger Guess.And if The Cure win best group, they’ll set a record for the longest gap between wins in that category. The last time they got the award was in 1991, when presenter Roger Daltrey said he was relieved not to be giving the prize “to a sampler or a drum machine”. Meow. How to watch the Brit Awards Inside the ***, the ceremony is broadcast live on ITV and ITVX from 20:15 GMT. International viewers can watch the show on the official Brits YouTube channel. BBC News will be live from the red carpet from 16:30GMT – with a live page providing coverage throughout the night. Who’s nominated for the main Brit Awards?Getty Images Central Cee could be the first rapper to win artist of the year since the best female and best male categories were combined in 2022 Artist of the year BeabadoobeeCentral CeeCharli XCXDua LipaFred AgainJamie xxMichael KiwanukaNia ArchivesRachel ChinouririSam Fender Group of the year Bring Me The HorizonColdplayThe CureEzra CollectiveThe Last Dinner Party Album of the Year Charli XCX – BratThe Cure – Songs of A Lost WorldDua Lipa – Radical OptimismEzra Collective – Dance, No One’s WatchingThe Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy Read the full list of nominees here. Source link #tonights #ceremony Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sunderland boost Premier League promotion hopes Sunderland boost Premier League promotion hopes Eliezer Mayenda tormented Sheffield Wednesday yet again as his controversial brace helped Sunderland boost their Championship automatic promotion hopes with a 2-1 victory at Hillsborough. The Spaniard scored two goals during the ****** Cats’ 4-0 win over Wednesday in August and he grabbed both, including a contentious opener, on Friday night to help his side move within five points of second-placed Sheffield United. The hosts had an early penalty appeal waved away before Mayenda opened the scoring after 34 minutes. A hopeful long ball from Leo Hjelde was misjudged by Max Lowe and controlled by the arm of the forward, before his scuffed effort was deflected past the onrushing James Beadle and into the net. Ex-Bournemouth player Chris Mepham’s indecision gifted an equaliser for the hosts as Callum Paterson headed home three minutes after the restart, but Mayenda’s header from a brilliant Trai Hume cross in the 71st minute ensured Sunderland returned to winning ways after successive league defeats. Danny Rohl reiterated his belief for VAR to be utilised in the league after the controversial loss. “I think I’ve made my clear statements over the last three weeks,” Rohl said when asked where VAR should be introduced in England’s second tier. “What we should do is help the refs on the pitch, especially now I think every week we have a big, big decision against us. “Two easy conceded goals and then two big decision against us, and in the end we stay here and lose 2-1. “Before the 1-0, there is a handball, a handball in the box from the opponent, but the ref doesn’t see it. “Everybody will see it, everybody could see it, but I can’t decide the situation. This is maybe why we need support for refs on the pitch.” Sunderball boss Regis Le Bris hailed a valuable triumph which saw the ****** Cats remain in fourth. “It was a really important win this evening because after two defeats we had to react and I think we showed character,” the Frenchman said. “Our only goal is to win games and after that, we will see (how) the dynamic of the top three (will play out).” Source link #Sunderland #boost #Premier #League #promotion #hopes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

First British tourists allowed back into North Korea tell BBC what they saw First British tourists allowed back into North Korea tell BBC what they saw Don’t insult the leaders. Don’t insult the ideology. And don’t judge. These are the rules tour guides read out to Western tourists as they prepare to drive across the border into North Korea, arguably the most secretive and repressive country in the world. Then there is the practical information. No phone signal, no internet, no cash machines. “The North Koreans aren’t robots. They have opinions, goals, and a sense of humour. And in our briefing we encourage people to listen to and understand them,” says Rowan Beard, who runs Young Pioneer Tours, one of two Western companies which resumed trips to the country last week, after a five-year hiatus. Rowan and a handful of other tour leaders have been allowed to restart operations [Rowan Beard/Young Pioneer Tours] North Korea sealed its borders at the outset of the pandemic, shutting out diplomats, aid workers and travellers, and making it nearly impossible to know what was happening there. Since then, it has further isolated itself from most of the world, relying on support from Russia and China. Many doubted whether Westerners would ever be allowed back. But after years of cajoling and several false starts, Rowan and some other tour leaders were given the green light to restart operations. He pulled together a group of eager travellers in just five hours, desperate to not miss the opportunity. Most were vloggers and travel addicts, some wanting to tick the final country off their list, along with the odd North Korea enthusiast. Last Thursday the tourists, from the ***, France, Germany and Australia, drove over the border from China into the remote area of Rason for a four-night trip. Tourists from the ***, France, Germany and Australia drove over the border for a four-night trip [Joe Smith] Among them was 28-year-old British YouTuber Mike O’Kennedy. Even with its reputation, he was startled by the extreme level of control. As with all trips to North Korea, the tourists were escorted by local guides, who followed a strict, pre-approved schedule. It included carefully choreographed trips to a beer factory, a school, and a new, fully stocked pharmacy. Ben Weston, one of the tour leaders from Suffolk, likened visiting North Korea to “being on a school trip”. “You can’t leave the hotel without the guides,” he said. “A couple of times I even had to let them know when I wanted to use the bathroom,” said Mike. “I’ve never had to do that anywhere in the world.” Despite the chaperoning, Mike was able to spot snippets of real life. “Everyone was working, it didn’t feel like anyone was just hanging out. That was kind of bleak to see.” On his trip to the school, a group of eight-year-olds performed a dance to animations of ballistic missiles hitting targets. A video of the spectacle shows girls and boys with red neckties, singing, while explosions flare on a screen behind them. Mike saw a group of eight-year-olds performing a dance to animations of ballistic missiles [Mike O’Kennedy] For now, tourists are being kept well away from the capital Pyongyang. Greg Vaczi from Koryo Tours, the other tour company allowed back in, admits the current itinerary lacks the “big-hitting monuments” of Pyongyang. He suspects authorities have chosen Rason as their guinea pig because the area is relatively contained and easy to control. Set up as a special economic zone, to trial new financial policies, it operates as a mini capitalist enclave inside an otherwise socialist state. ******** businesspeople run joint enterprises with North Koreans, and can travel in and out fairly freely. Joe Smith, a seasoned North Korea traveller and former writer for the specialist North Korea platform NK News, was there on his third trip. “I feel like the more times you visit the less you know. Each time you get a little peek behind the curtain, which just leaves you with more questions,” he said. Joe’s highlight was a surprise off-agenda visit to a luxury goods market, where people were selling jeans and perfumes, along with fake Louis Vuitton handbags and Japanese washing machines, probably imported from China. Here, the tourists were not allowed to take photos – an attempt to hide this consumer bubble from the rest of the country, they suspected. “This was the only place people weren’t expecting us,” Joe said. “It felt messy and real; a place North Koreans actually go. I loved it.” Joe has visited North Korea four times [Joe Smith] But according to the experienced tour leaders, the group’s movements were more restricted than on previous trips, with fewer opportunities to wander the streets, pop into a barbershop or supermarket, and talk to locals. Covid was often cited as the reason, said Greg from Koryo Tours. “On the surface they are still concerned. Our luggage was disinfected at the border, our temperatures were taken, and about 50% of people are still wearing masks.” Greg cannot work out whether the fear is genuine, or an excuse to control people. It is thought Covid hit North Korea hard, though it is difficult to know the extent of the suffering. Local guides repeated the government line that the virus entered the country in a balloon sent over from South Korea, and was swiftly eradicated in 90 days. But Rowan, who has been to North Korea more than 100 times, sensed that Rason had been impacted by the tough Covid regulations. A lot of ******** businesses had closed, he said, and their workers had left. Even Joe, the experienced North Korea traveller, commented on how dilapidated the buildings were. “Places were dimly lit and there was no heating, apart from in our hotel rooms,” he said, noting a trip to a cold, dark and deserted art gallery. “It felt like they opened the doors just for us.” Some tourists thought Rason – the area they visited – looked dilapidated, with “awful” roads and run-down buildings [Mike O’Kennedy] The regime’s photographs might make North Korea look clean and shiny, Joe said, but in person you realise “the roads are awful, the pavements are wobbly, and the buildings are weirdly constructed”. His hotel room was old-fashioned and filthy, he said, resembling “his grandma’s living room”. The whole window was cracked. “They’ve had five years to fix things. North Koreans are so sensitive about what they show tourists. If this is the best they can show, I dread to think what else is out there”, he said. Most of the country is kept well hidden, with more than four in 10 people believed to be undernourished and needing help. Joe said his hotel room resembled “his grandma’s living room” [Joe Smith] One of the few chances tourists in North Korea get to interact with local people is through their guides, who sometimes speak English. On these recent trips they were surprisingly well-informed, despite the regime’s intense propaganda machine and information blockade. This is probably because they speak to the ******** businesspeople who come and go, said Greg. They knew about Trump’s tariffs and the war in Ukraine – even that North Korean troops were involved. But when Joe showed a photo from Syria, his guide was unaware President Assad had been toppled. “I carefully explained that sometimes when people don’t like their leader, they rise up and force them out, and at first he didn’t believe me.” Such conversations need to be delicately handled. Strict laws prevent North Koreans from speaking freely. Ask or reveal too much and the tourists might put their guide or themselves at risk. Mike said that conversations with the guides about international politics had to be handled carefully [Mike O’Kennedy] Mike admits there were times this made him nervous. On a trip to a North Korea-Russia Friendship House, he was invited to write in the visitors’ book. “I went blank and wrote something like ‘I wish the world peace.’ Afterwards my guide told me that was an inappropriate thing to write. That made me paranoid,” he said. “Generally, the guides did a great job of making us feel safe. There were just a couple of moments when I thought, this is bizarre.” For Greg from Koryo Tours, these interactions bring a deeper purpose to North Korea tourism: “North Koreans get the chance to engage with foreigners. This allows them to come up with new ideas, which, in a country this closed, is so important.” But tourism to North Korea is contentious, especially as travellers have been allowed back before aid workers and most Western diplomats, including the ***’s. Critics, including Joanna Hosaniak from the Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, argue these trips mainly benefit the regime. “This is not like tourism in other poor countries, where local people benefit from the extra income. The vast majority of the population don’t know these tourists exist. Their money goes to the state and ultimately towards its military,” she said. One conversation has stuck in YouTuber Mike’s head. During his trip to the school, he was surprised when a girl, after meeting him, said she hoped to visit the *** one day. “I didn’t have the heart to tell her that her chances were very, very slim,” he said. Source link #British #tourists #allowed #North #Korea #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Which positions dominate 2025 NFL Draft? Historic look at what defined prior classes – The Athletic – The Athletic Which positions dominate 2025 NFL Draft? Historic look at what defined prior classes – The Athletic – The Athletic Which positions dominate 2025 NFL Draft? Historic look at what defined prior classes – The Athletic The Athletic2025 NFL Mock Draft: Giants trade up to No. 1 after missing out on Matthew Stafford; defenders dominate top 10 CBS SportsDaniel Jeremiah’s top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 2.0 NFL.comFantasy Football: 2025 NFL draft prospects we want to learn about at the scouting combine Yahoo SportsKiper’s pre-combine NFL mock draft: New projections for all 32 first-round picks ESPN Source link #positions #dominate #NFL #Draft #Historic #defined #prior #classes #Athletic #Athletic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]