Latest news with #Ocean's11
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Providence's Bonded Vault robbery, 50 years later
I asked Tim to reflect on everything he's learned, and update us on whether we'll ever see a proper version of this story told on the big screen. Q: You're airing a special report at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the 50th anniversary of the heist. What should viewers expect to see? Advertisement White: I've tracked down a lot of material over two decades of reporting on the heist, including a wild video of the lead gunman's alleged funeral. A while ago, someone leaked me another video of him discussing the caper – he was in witness protection at the time, so it was kept under wraps for years. Tonight's reports use WPRI archive video to retell how the heist went down, showcase its impact on Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up Q: This story has had a decades-long shelf life, and you coauthored the definitive book on it. But I still wonder if readers today understand quite how seismic it was in the 1970s. Is this even the kind of heist that could happen today? Advertisement White: This heist shouldn't have happened then, to be honest – the gang of thieves that stormed 101 Cranston St. in Providence wasn't exactly the crew from 'Ocean's 11.' And what made it even more remarkable was that Bonded Vault was probably the safest place to hide ill-gotten gains in 1975, because it was controlled by the mob itself. But as we detailed in the book, the gang had the approval of the boss himself, the late Raymond L.S. Patriarca, though he always denied involvement. The case wound up leading to the longest and most expensive trial in state history, and had all sorts of other ripple effects. Q: Your father was obviously a legendary reporter, and you have a great story about how your family helped you land the scoop of a lifetime when you tracked down one of the leaders of the robbery. Tell us about that. White: My coauthors and I were struggling to figure out what happened to the lead gunman, Robert Dussault. The feds whisked him away after he testified for the government. In 2008, three years after Dad died, my mom brought me a box of stuff from her basement which included an empty envelope. The return address was from Colorado with a name I didn't recognize: Robert Dempsey. But I remembered Dad telling me Dussault was relocated and given a job at Coors Brewing. I figured out the return address was a prison, and records showed the inmate was dead. I used those documents to request Dempsey's FBI file, and nearly two years later I got a box in the mail with hundreds of pages. The top sheet: 'Robert Dussault a.k.a. Robert Dempsey.' It completed the story. If mom hadn't dropped off that box, I'm not sure we'd be doing this Q&A. Advertisement Q: You wrote the book about this, and there was also a third-rate White: Bestselling author and screenwriter Don Winslow is still very interested in the project, and as far as Wayne, Randy and I are concerned, he has the best vision for it. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Q: I have to finish with the obligatory organized crime question. We know the Mafia isn't remotely as powerful as it was in the 1970s. But do underground safes or banks like the one in this story still exist for mobsters to hide their ill-gotten gains? White: If there's anything like Bonded Vault that exists today, I'm not aware of it. In this era, tangible loot is more likely to be smuggled to a foreign country with looser rules. And contemporary organized crime cases show 'underground safes' are more often computer network servers that store scammed funds. Call me old school, but it's just not as interesting as a secret room tucked away inside a Providence fur storage warehouse. This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Advertisement Dan McGowan can be reached at
Daily Record
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hollywood legend spotted in Edinburgh as locals gush over 'down to earth' star
Matt Damon has been spotted in the Capital while he takes a break from filming his latest movie, The Odyssey. Hollywood legend has been spotted in Edinburgh over the weekend with locals praising the 'lovely and charming' A-lister actor. Matt Damon reportedly stopped in a Dalry restaurant and made his way to a Midlothian attraction. Those who met the 54-year-old actor said that he was 'even more down to earth than you'd expect'. The Good Will Hunting star is understood to currently be on a break from filming The Odyssey in Moray at the moment, and is enjoying what Scotland has to offer with his family. The highly anticipated Christopher Nolan films stars Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and also features other big stars including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Robert Pattinson, Edinburgh Live reports. During his break, Matt was spotted at Locanda De Gusti in Dalry as he 'popped in for lunch' on Saturday, July 12. He also visited the alpine coaster in Midlothian for some 'action movie-worthy fun'. Sharing his visit on Facebook, Locanda De Gusti said: "Casual Saturday in the office… just us, the team, and Matt Damon popping in for lunch with his family. No big deal. "Spoiler alert: they were absolutely lovely, charming, and yes - somehow even more down to earth than you'd expect from someone who's been to Mars and saved Private Ryan. "Safe to say the team's productivity went out the window for a minute, but hey - wouldn't you be distracted if Jason Bourne was asking for an Aperol Spritz! "Good food, good vibes, and just your average day serving Hollywood superstar." Also posting to Facebook, Midlothian Council said: "Which Hollywood star did we welcome today on our alpine coaster? "When you've starred in Jason Bourne and Ocean's 11, high-speed thrills are just part of the job. "But even Oscar-winner Matt Damon couldn't resist the rush of our Alpine Coaster at Midlothian Snowsports Centre! Matt and his family took on our top attraction today — and let's just say, they enjoyed action-movie-worthy fun from start to finish! "We loved having them, and if you haven't tried it yet… what are you waiting for?" Local residents rushed to the comments as one wrote: "How amazing!" Another exclaimed: "OMG, Jason Bourne!" A third gushed: "Wow, you're doing something right to attract Hollywood stars, keep up the great work!" A fourth added: "Legend. Gutted to have missed you Matt!" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Damon's first acting roles came in the late 80s but he gained prominence in the world of acting for his 1997 role in Good Will Hunting which he and Ben Affleck both co-wrote and starred in. This is widely known as Damon's breakthrough role which also earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Screenplay. After this, Damon further solidified his leading man status with roles in films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), the Bourne franchise (2002-2007, 2016), and the Ocean's trilogy (2001-2007).
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ocean's 11 is turning 25! Movie's hotel is just as splendid as it was when Clooney, Roberts and Pitt roamed its casino
Ocean's 11 with Brad Pitt and George Clooney was filmed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas almost 25 years ago. The opulent resort with its massive chandeliers and dancing fountains provided the perfect backdrop for the slick crime film that also starred Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. And today the Italianesque palace is just as breathtaking as ever as it comes close to its Silver Anniversary. One of the top highlights is the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with 22,000 potted plants, shrubs and trees. This summer it has as its theme Glam Menagerie: A Surrealist Summer, which is on view through September 6. Created by designer Ed Libby and Bellagio's Horticulture team, the 'illusory experience' transforms the Conservatory into a European garden party like no other, where baroque elegance meets 'whimsical fantasy, and luxury collides with imagination,' according to the Bellagio. Another highlight is the O, Cirque du Soleil show and the ever-classic Spago restaurant which has a view of the festive fountains out front. The gardens are one of the first things guests see as they walk into the Bellagio lobby. The exhibit blends dreamlike creativity with opulence, sweeping visitors into a world where the extraordinary reigns supreme. Here are the numbers: There is 125,000 pounds of ivy weaved throughout the display, 22,000 potted plants, shrubs and trees, 5,000: Square feet of boxwood sculpted into topiaries, 120 feet of live hedges throughout the display, 80 visionary artists, horticulturists and engineers collaborating to bring the summer display to life, 17 hanging lanterns illuminating the display, 4 flamingos in the East Bed, 2 Giraffes draped in moss standing at 22 feet tall and 1 grand marble chess board in the West Bed. Towering topiaries, couture animals and multi-sensory surprises dazzle and disorient, while intricate trompe-l'oeil illusions challenge perception at every turn. Throughout the display, surrealism takes shape in fanciful animal figures adorned in French Renaissance-inspired costuming, adding a whimsical flair to the escape from reality. 'Designing the summer display was more than just creating a beautiful garden - it was about transporting guests into an extraordinary realm where nature and opulence intertwine, surreal art comes to life and elegance blooms with every step,' said Libby. 'Each element was chosen to challenge perception and celebrate luxury, imagination and the beauty of summertime.' West Bed The West Bed showcases a life-sized chessboard with moss-covered figures poised for a fantastical duel. On the left, a soaring archway crowned with the Bellagio 'B' welcomes guests into a fairytale garden, where an elegant pink cockatoo swings gracefully beneath. Inspired by Fragonard's iconic painting 'The Swing,' the cockatoo brings a touch of 18th-century romance to the scene. To the right, a towering chess piece houses The Garden Table, where guests can indulge in a lavish Sadelle's brunch. Overheard, grand chandeliers illuminate pink botanicals and oversized topiaries that fill the bed below. In the North Bed, two topiary giraffe sisters are joined by Tigress Giovanna, gracefully perched on a swing and dressed in a striking black-and-white haute couture ensemble inspired by the high fashions of the French Renaissance. Nearby, two cherub fountains add a sense of gentle tranquility, while surrounding lavender, pink, blue and white flowers evoke the elegance of classic European gardens. LED screens filled with illusionary art brighten the bed from behind as a harmonious soundtrack and a delicate jasmine scent fill the air. Guests can bring home a piece of the Conservatory with a bespoke candle available for purchase at the Giardini Store. East Bed A captivating gazebo stands at the heart of the East Bed, where pedestal columns support a wrought iron dome adorned with pink and white blossoms. A flock of elegant flamingos wade in shimmering waters surrounding the structure, illuminated by antique-style lanterns embossed with the Bellagio 'B' hanging high above. Throughout the bed, lush topiaries and boxwood creations add allure within a landscape. In the South Bed, zebras Sir Pierre and Lady Colette lounge amidst sculpted greenery. A pirouetting water feature pays tribute to the iconic Fountains of Bellagio, set beneath baroque chandeliers shimmering overhead. There are several pools at the Bellagio; this is one of the smaller ones with a center fountain Behind the bed, carefully detailed doors invite admiration, framed by an array of pastel botanicals and topiaries of geometric shapes. Visitors are invited to embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey at The Garden Table, hosted within an opulent chess piece at the heart of the Bellagio Conservatory. Guests can experience an exclusive dining experience within the summer wonderland with brunch service from Sadelle's at $125 per person and dinner from MICHAEL MINA Bellagio at $195 per person. Sustainability at the Conservatory Water used in Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens comes from on-site underground wells that use rain and recycled water from the resort, avoiding the use of municipal potable water. 'The water in the Conservatory is also recycled throughout the exhibit and reused at the resort. Bellagio's water conservation efforts are part of MGM Resorts International's overall sustainability commitment,' the hotel shared. This method of recycling keeps thousands of pounds of waste out of local landfills and turns it into something that improves the region's soil, air and water quality. Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, Bellagio Resort & Casino overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet. Award-winning dining including Prime Steakhouse and The Mayfair Supper Club, a world-class art gallery, the stunning performance of 'O' by Cirque du Soleil, a spa and salon and shopping are there too. Bellagio is operated by MGM Resorts International.
NDTV
19-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
When Mossad Walked Out Of Tehran With 500 kg Of Nuclear Blueprints
In the early hours of June 13, Israel initiated what it called a "necessary preemptive action" against Iran. Over 100 air and drone strikes pounded key nuclear, military, and intelligence sites across the Islamic Republic. The target list read like a blueprint of Iran's national defence: nuclear enrichment plants, Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, missile stockpiles, and covert sites. At least 224 Iranians were confirmed dead. Several Iranian nuclear and missile facilities were reduced to rubble. The covert component, reportedly orchestrated by Mossad, involved high-precision drone strikes deep inside Iran's territory. Israel claimed it had no choice. But this strike wasn't born in a war room the night before. Its seeds were planted years earlier. When Mossad Stole Iran's Nuclear Archive On the night of January 31, 2018, a small team of Israeli Mossad agents infiltrated a nondescript warehouse in southern Tehran. They had 6 hours and 29 minutes, a window before the morning guard shift arrived that was carefully calculated after a year of surveillance. They stole 50,000 pages and 163 CDs containing blueprints, technical diagrams, photographs, memos, and plans, all related to Iran's long-denied nuclear weapons programme. The agents, using torches that could melt through 32 safes, prioritised binders marked with bomb designs and warhead development. Some safes were left unopened. The material weighed half a tonne (500 kg). Planning was methodical. Guard routines were mapped. Alarm systems were studied and neutralised without detection. They identified the safes with "the good stuff." A senior Israeli intelligence official later described the mission as feeling like a scene from George Clooney's ' Ocean's 11'. The theft went undetected until morning. When the guard found the doors broken and vaults emptied, Iran launched a sweeping but ultimately futile search. The Revelation Three months later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the stage. Standing beside a stack of black folders and discs, he accused Iran of lying to the world. Netanyahu's presentation, backed by a private briefing to then-US President Donald Trump, helped push the White House to formally exit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The documents, some dating back to 'Project Amad', Iran's suspected nuclear weapons initiative, allegedly showed secret testing, warhead miniaturisation, and blueprints to fit nuclear devices into Shahab-3 missiles. Western intelligence agencies, after independent reviews, largely agreed. The documents were genuine and alarming. And they revealed that Iran's nuclear ambitions were more advanced than previously believed. Iran's Response Iran dismissed the archive as forged. But there was evidence. Among the most damning files were references to uranium deuteride, a substance only known for its use in nuclear initiators, and a secret chamber at Parchin military base, suspected to have housed high-explosive tests for nuclear triggers. The stolen archive also showed that Iran continued organising and preserving its nuclear knowledge even after the 2015 deal, moving materials to obscure locations, hiding documents from international inspectors, and plotting test sites. Over the years, key Iranian nuclear scientists, including Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and Masoud Ali Mohammadi, were assassinated, often in surgical strikes or mysterious explosions. Israel has never officially taken responsibility, but its fingerprints are widely suspected. Iran, in return, has launched cyberattacks, targeted Israeli diplomats, and used its proxy networks across the Middle East. June 2025 Israel-Iran War On June 13, the long-brewing shadow war burst into open conflict. Following Israel's strikes, Iran launched over 100 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israeli cities. Civilian areas were hit, including parts of Tel Aviv. At least 14 Israelis were killed and hundreds more injured. Several missiles pierced through Israel's famed Iron Dome defence system. Now entering Day 7, the war shows no signs of slowing.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
George Clooney makes dramatic return to his signature silver fox status at 2025 Tony Awards
George Clooney was back to his silver fox status Sunday for the 2025 Tony Awards. Clooney, 64, showed off his natural gray hair while walking the red carpet with wife Amal Clooney at New York City's Radio City Musical Hall. Nominated for leading actor in a play for his role in "Good Night, and Good Luck," Clooney wrapped the play earlier in the afternoon and subsequently got right back to his roots. During an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers," Clooney admitted the first thing he would do after his final show was fix his "bad" hair. The "Ocean's 11" actor ditched his signature silver hairstyle in favor of a dark brown dyed job for his role in the Tony-nominated play. "It's bad. It's still dark on top, but it's gray at the bottom," he told Meyers while wearing a hat to "hide" the growth. Clooney admitted he hadn't dyed his hair in two months, since the beginning of the production. "So you get that really nice-looking grow-out of gray," he said. Clooney promised Meyers on Monday that his hair would be back to normal by the time of the Tonys, even under a tight deadline. "The last show is Sunday. We do a matinee, and then by the time we go to the Tonys that night, it'll be gone," he said. Meyers joked that it looked like he was "trying to get away with something" as Clooney appeared on the show wearing a hat. "It really looks bad," Clooney said. "It looks like [I'm] going through some horrible midlife crisis. I'm 64 – midlife is a little stretch." While Clooney's role in the performance was the talk of the town Sunday, his family's status in the United States could be in jeopardy under the Trump administration. Amal, 47, reportedly gave legal advice in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the war in Gaza, according to the Financial Times. Trump's executive order claims the court "engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel. The ICC has, without a legitimate basis, asserted jurisdiction over and opened preliminary investigations concerning personnel of the United States and certain of its allies, including Israel, and has further abused its power by issuing baseless arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. "The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC's transgressions, some of which may include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the United States of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members." Amal, born in Lebanon and raised in Britain, practices law in both England and the United States, and has lived all over the world. Clooney proposed to Amal in April 2014, and the couple married five months later in Venice, Italy. Three years later, in 2017, the Clooneys welcomed twins Alexander and Ella.
