Latest news with #Heights
Graziadaily
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Why We Should Be Suspicious Of The Wuthering Heights Criticism
There aren't many directors who manage to stir up rage, controversy and divide opinion quite like Emerald Fennell. Before she could even say the word 'Heights', the Promising Young Woman director's adaptation of Emily Bronte's 1847 novel has had the internet up in arms. First, she was criticised for casting Margot Robbie, 35, as Catherine Earnshaw, who (spoiler alert) dies by the time she is 18. Then she was called out for casting Jacob Elordi, a white actor, in the racially ambiguous role of Heathcliff. And then 'first look' pictures of Wuthering Heights found their way onto social media and the whole production was written off for its numerous historically inaccuracies. Now, despite the film not coming out until 13 February 2026, scathing reviews of the test screenings have put Fennell's adaptation back in the headlines. One viewer at the first test screening in Dallas labelled the film 'aggressively provocative' and said it had parallels with the 'stylised depravity' of her last project, Saltburn. Paul Rhys, Jacob Elordi, Emerald Fennell, Barry Keoghan, Carey Mulligan and Archie Madekwe at the LA premiere of Saltburn. (Photo by) Another viewer called it 'sexually explicit' and 'tonally abrasive'. One attendee described scenes of 'purposefully discomforting masturbation', a sexual bondage encounter involving horse reins and shots of 'suggestive textures', such as egg yolks, bread dough and slug trails. Apparently, the film even opens with a man being hanged who proceeds to 'ejaculate mid-execution'. For anyone who has seen Fennell's films – where vengeful rape victims are murdered and conniving university students drink semen from the bath drains and have sex with empty graves – none of this will be remotely surprising. What is surprising, though, is that we are hearing about all of this six months before the film hits cinemas. Whether you work in the entertainment industry or not, it is fairly unprecedented for reviews of screen testings not to be under strict embargoes, especially for a film with such a demonstrable marketing budget and high profile cast and crew. There is a reason why reviews tend to drop the week before or day of a film being released. They are, to all intents and purposes, a way of helping people decide whether to tune in. Nowadays they are also used to create 'buzz' and help the film cut through in online discourse. Given Fennell's penchant for raucous debate – she certainly seems to be an advocate of 'all publicity is good publicity' – it's hard to imagine that these scabrous reviews are not part of the film's wider marketing strategy. When have we ever heard what a single viewer in Dallas thinks of a test screening before? Or read that a film blogger thinks her interpretation adds 'something bold and unexpected' to Bronte's story? It is far from usual protocol. And Fennell knows what she's doing. I'll be the first to admit I only watched Saltburn to see what all the fuss was about (and to validate my preconceived opinion that I would hate it). Perhaps this talk of ejaculation-ridden executions and 'suggestive' egg yolks is pathing the way for the same thing to happen again. In a post- Don't Worry Darling world – where the alleged BTS scandals between director Olivia Wilde and her co-stars (most notably her rumoured affair with Harry Styles) turned the film into international talking point – all business savvy studios know a good fell won't always sell itself anymore. We saw it happen last summer during the press run of It Ends With Us . The feud between co-stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively far outshone the film itself and snowballed into a toxic legal battle that is still ongoing. Far more people now know about It Ends With Us than they ever would have before – even if, in this instance, it was not intentional. In a world where audiences are constantly overwhelmed by choice and reluctant to spend in cinemas without knowing what they're paying for, the louder the chatter about a film is online, the more likely they are to watch it. If that's what Fennell is playing into, then hats (or bonnets) off to her. Wuthering Heights might still be six months away, but part of me wants to find out what all the fuss is about already. Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
IOL News
13-07-2025
- IOL News
Tshwane investigates allegations of illicit sales of service stands in Zithobeni Heights
Tshwane's Human Settlements MMC, Aaron Maluleka, expressed concern over beneficiaries selling their allocated stands soon after receiving them. Image: Supplied/City of Tshwane The City of Tshwane's allocation of service stands to Zithobeni Heights residents has been rocked by allegations of illicit sales of sites intended for beneficiaries in need. Tshwane's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, expressed concern that some beneficiaries are selling their allocated stands shortly after receiving them. He made this revelation during a visit to the area on Friday, accompanied by Deputy Executive Mayor Eugene Modise. The visit was aimed to address allegations that threatened to deny deserving residents their rightful allocation of sites. Maluleka called for an investigation into the matter, with the City's Group Audit and Risk division tasked with determining the full extent of these unlawful activities. "We adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and malfeasance. Any City officials found to be involved in these unlawful acts will face severe consequences, including disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, and the termination of their careers,' he said. The investigation follows a meeting between Maluleka, Modise, and councillors for wards 102 and 105 to discuss the Zithobeni Heights Serviced Stands Project's progress. Maluleka said that the City recognises certain vulnerable groups, such as child-headed families, backyard dwellers, and emergency cases, are not being adequately addressed through the current initiative. To address this issue, a new housing project is set to commence shortly, providing an additional 3,000 housing opportunities specifically for these categories. The development includes strategically reserved open spaces for essential community facilities, which will be protected from unlawful occupation. Maluleka urged members of the public with information on the illegal sale of stands or other corrupt activities to report such malfeasance to the nearest SAPS station or the City of Tshwane Fraud Hotline. He said a ward 102 councillor has been directed to collaborate with City officials to finalise the relocation of remaining beneficiaries from his ward. 'The development includes strategically reserved open spaces designated for essential community facilities, including churches, sports facilities, schools, and parks. These spaces are critical for future community development and will be protected from unlawful occupation. The Metro Police Department has been instructed to remove any individuals who illegally occupy these reserved areas, as they are vital for the long-term social and recreational needs of the community,' he said. [email protected]
New York Post
19-06-2025
- New York Post
Crematory shut down after whistleblowers blow lid on disturbing practices
Illinois officials permanently shut down a Chicago-based crematory on Thursday after whistleblowers flagged the disturbing way the bodies were handled, including human remains that were stuffed in broken coolers. The Heights Crematory saw its licenses revoked following a months-long investigation alleging gross malpractice at the suburban funeral home, where at least 19 bodies were found inside a broken refrigerated trailer in February, according to State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. 'The practical effect of this order is that Heights and its owners will never operate a crematorium in the state of Illinois again,' Mendoza said in a statement. 4 The Heights Crematory was permanently shutdown on Thursday, with its operators losing their license. Google Maps 4 Illinois investigators found more than two dozen bodies had been improperly stored and handled in the crematory. CBS Issues at the crematory became public after whistleblowers spoke to a local CBS News crew earlier this year, accusing the business of improperly handling the bodies they were supposed to be taking care of. Along with the bodies stored in broken refrigerated units, investigators found another group of six to seven corpses that were thrown on top of each other on the main floor of the crematory as they waited to be burned. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office also said it received more than 500 boxes of ashes from Heights Crematory that had never made it to the families of the deceased. During the initial investigation, Mendoza said she was 'appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased.' 4 Bodies were found stacked up on each other on the main floor of the business. CBS 'When I saw these pictures, I felt that our dog got a more dignified treatment in death than these people did?' Mendoza told reporters back in March. 'These are people. They're people's loved ones, family members. And to see anyone treated in that disrespectful, undignified manner in death was disgusting to me,' she added. The Heights Crematory was temporarily shut down, with its owners expected to attend a hearing on June 24 to learn the fate of their business. 4 Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said she was disgusted by what investigators found at the crematory. CBS The hearing, however, has now been canceled following the comptroller's order to keep the crematory shuttered. The State of Illinois has never shut down a crematory in such a manner before, but Mendoza told CBS it needed to happen due to what the investigation turned up. Representatives for the Heights Crematory could not be immediately reached for comment.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Candidates file for Wichita city, school positions
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Later this year, Wichita voters will choose who they want to represent them on the Wichita City Council and the Wichita USD 259 School Board. Candidates who wish to run for the positions had to file with the election office by noon on Monday. These are the positions available and the candidates who filed: District 1 – mostly in northeast Wichita Wichita City Council Member Brandon Johnson cannot seek re-election because of term limits. Five people want to replace him: Aujanae Bennett Darryl Carrington LaWanda DeShazer Chris Pumpelly Joseph Shepard District 3 – southeast Wichita Mike Hoheisel, incumbent Genevieve Howerton District 6 – north Wichita Maggie Ballard, incumbent Brett Anderson Margaret (Wheeler) Shabazz District 1 The schools in this district include: Adams, Buckner, Gammon, Isely, Jackson, Mueller, and Spaght elementaries, Gordon Parks K-8, Brooks and Stucky middle schools, Heights and Northeast Magnet high schools, and Chester I. Lewis Academic Learning Center (Wichita Virtual School, Wichita Alternative High School and Wichita Adult Learning Center), Little Early Childhood Center, and Wichita' Children's Home. Diane Albert, incumbent Sarah McMillen Mackenzi Truelove Kyle R. Wiseman District 2 The schools in this district include Beech, College Hill, Hyde, Minneha, Price-Harris, and Seltzer elementaries, Christa McAuliffe K-8, Coleman and Robinson middle schools, Southeast High, and Towne East Learning Center. Julie Hedrick, incumbent Brent T. Davis Valerie Most District 5 The schools in this district include Benton, Black, Dodge, Kensler, Lawrence, McCollom, OK, and Peterson elementaries, Mayberry and Wilbur middle schools, Northwest High, Bryant Opportunity Academy, and Levy Special Education Center. Kathy Bond, incumbent Michelle Cunningham Amy Jensen Phillip Samuels Caleb Smith District 6 The schools in this district include Chisholm Trail, Cloud, Earhart, Franklin, Irving, L'Ouverture, McLean, Ortiz, Pleasant Valley, Riverside, Washington, and Woodland elementary schools, Horace Mann K-8, Allison, Marshall, and Pleasant Valley middle schools, Heights and North high schools, and the Gateway Alternative Program. Hazel Stabler, incumbent Amy Warren Some of these races will appear on the Aug. 5 primary ballot, allowing voters to narrow down the list of candidates. All of the races will be on the Nov. 4 ballot. Other towns and school districts are also electing new leaders. The Sedgwick County Election Office shows more than 160 candidates. Click here to view the complete list. To see who is running for office in other counties around the state, visit your county's election website or county clerk's website. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Heights Crematory hit with more than 30 lawsuits alleging mishandling of human remains
In the wake of the Illinois comptroller's office's decision to shut down a Chicago Heights crematory, at least 30 lawsuits have been filed by people who believe their loved ones remains were mishandled. Gabriel Hawkins, Scott Yonover and Karen Enright are representing those whose experiences with Heights Crematory include long periods of alleged improper storage of bodies and believing they received the wrong remains. Also named in many of the lawsuits are Castle Hill Funeral Home in Crown Point and Crown Cremation Services, with locations in Calumet City and Dyer, which worked with Heights. 'When loved ones contract with these kind of companies, they seek closure, and obviously that closure is not provided when their loved ones are violated,' Hawkins said during a news conference Thursday by the Indianapolis-based CohenMalad law firm. Hawkins said while about 30 lawsuits have been filed in Indiana, many more are to come, including in Illinois. Darla Smith, who said her husband, Darryl, died in August 2024, sued Heights Crematory and Crown Cremation Services April 29. Smith, who lives in Munster, said Wednesday she chose Crown Cremation to process her husband's remains after working with them after her brother died in 2017. She said Darryl, at age 60, died unexpectedly, though he had been frequently in and out of the hospital for chronic conditions over the past several years. She said Crown Cremation told her they would need between five and seven days to cremate her husband through Heights and return his remains to her. Smith said after that period passed, she was regularly calling Crown and receiving excuses as to why the remains were not ready. 'I thought it was funny, but I believed what I was being told. I had no reason not to believe that,' she said. It ultimately took 19 days before Smith was able to bring Darryl home. But since hearing about the Heights Crematory shutdown, she worries about how he was treated there and whether she has her husband's remains at all. 'I was immediately infuriated,' Smith said. 'I fear he was mistreated and just thrown in a trailer and left there. And I feel like if I hadn't kept calling, he could have been there several more weeks … It bothers me every day that I don't know whose cremains I have, because I obviously can't trust them anymore.' Smith is asking for a jury trial for her lawsuit, in hopes that Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory will be shut down for good once outrage builds about their handling of remains. But most of all, Smith said she is hoping for answers. The attorneys representing her and other plaintiffs said they are working with the comptroller's office to provide through sorting of documentation and identification tags. 'Obviously what the lawsuit provides is financial remedies, but really what's most important is the closure,' Hawkins said. Messages left Thursday with Heights Crematory and Crown Cremations were not immediately returned. Hawkins and Enright said they hope the lawsuits trigger tighter, better enforced regulations on funeral homes and crematories across Illinois. 'We want to make sure that there won't be any future victims or families that have to go through this,' Enright said. Before the state comptroller's office shut down Heights and filed a complaint to revoke the owner's license in March, officials said they performed surprise inspections in July, October and December of 2024. Each time, they found problems that the owner agreed to correct, the comptroller's office said in a news release. It took complaints of bodies stacking up on the property for state regulators to shut the crematory down and provide on-site support to process remaining bodies. The office's news release disclosed inspectors found an undisclosed refrigerated trailer that contained 19 bodies from Indiana as well as hundreds of boxes of unclaimed remains, for which the office is working to find paperwork. 'I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,' Comptroller Susan Mendoza said in the release. 'No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn't treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.' ostevens@
