Disney cancels $1bn Florida theme park extension amid war with DeSantis
The Walt Disney Company has pulled the plug on a $1bn office complex in Orlando, following a warning from Disney leadership that billions of dollars in projects were on the line after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis escalated his feud with the company. The development scheduled for construction in the Orlando area was set to bring 2,000 jobs to the region, with 1,000 employees expected to be relocated from southern California. In an email to employees on 18 May, Disney’s theme park and consumer products chair Josh D’Amaro pointed to “changing business conditions” for the cancellation of the 60-acre Lake Nona Town Center project, according to The New York Times, which first reported the move. “I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business,” he added, noting that the company has still planned $17bn in projects over the next decade its Disney World campus. “I hope we’re able to,” he said. For years, Florida legislators and the governor’s office enjoyed a close relationship with the state’s largest taxpayers, among the state’s largest employers, which has wielded enormous political influence while bringing in billions of dollars to the state each year. Now, the company and DeSantis allies are suing one another, following a year-long feud over opposition to what opponents have called Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law that boiled over into political and legal battles that could shape the company’s business in the state. Moments after board appointed by Mr DeSantis voted to strip the company’s control of its Florida park, Disney filed a federal lawsuit against the governor and state officials alleging a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” for “expressing a political viewpoint.” The lawsuit follows the governor’s state takeover of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, now the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, made up of conservative activists and DeSantis loyalists, a move that followed Florida Republicans’ punitive measures against the company after its public opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Days later, the board voted to sue Disney in state court. In March, Disney slammed the governor’s “anti-business” approach to the company, which Mr DeSantis has accused of advancing a “woke agenda” while his administration targets LGBT+ people and their families with sweeping laws to control public school education, healthcare access and speech. The governor dissolved a decades-old municipal district that allowed Disney to control its own land use, zoning rules and public services, without putting a tax burden on Florida residents. In effect, Disney taxed itself to foot the district’s bill for its municipal needs. “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more taxes, or not?” Disney CEO Bob Iger said on a conference call with analysts last week. A statement from Disney said the company has decided to pull out of the new campus construction “given the considerable changes that have occurred since the announcement of this project, including new leadership and changing business conditions.” The “Parental Rights in Education Act” – what opponents have called “Don’t Say Gay” – prohibits instruction of “sexual orientation or gender identity” from kindergarten through the third grade and any such discussion “that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students” in other grades. The governor recently expanded the law to explicitly extend such restrictions to all grades. Critics have warned that the broadly written law threatens to freeze classroom speech involving LGBT+ people and issues, from civil rights history lessons to discussion of LGBT+ students, school staff and their families. Following passage of the Florida law, lawmakers across the US and in Congress have introduced similar legislation, including more than two dozen measures in current legislative sessions. Read More DeSantis v Disney: Why Florida’s governor is at war with the Mouse ‘We will not be erased’: Critics slam Ron DeSantis for unprecedented bills attacking LGBTQ+ people Penguin Random House sues Florida school district over ‘unconstitutional’ book bans Florida teacher under investigation for showing Disney movie with LGBT+ character speaks out
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Fans can’t get enough of Barbie’s already sold-out collaboration with Crocs: ‘So cute’
If you needed more proof that it really is a Barbie world, Crocs’ new collaboration with the live-action film has already sold out online, much to the frustration of fans. Crocs is the latest brand to launch a collaboration with the Barbie movie, which hits theatres on 21 July. The shoe company debuted its new collection on Tuesday 11 July, with each shoe fittingly coated in Barbiecore pink. The Mega Crush Clog, which has already sold out online, features a 2.9-inch platform sole with a glittery midsole design and eight built-in Barbie movie charms with the classic “B” logo. The new collection also includes the Barbie Cozzzy Sandal, lined with plush pink fuzz; the Barbie Crush Clog in black; and a Barbiecore version of Crocs’ classic clog. The brand additionally released a set of kidswear shoes alongside the collection, though Barbie is for every age. Earlier this week, Crocs announced its Barbie collaboration on social media by sharing a first look at the pink shoes. However, it appears the heads-up wasn’t enough for Barbie fans, who already snatched up the collection just hours after it dropped. As of Tuesday, the platform Mega Crush Clog – which retails at $84.99 (£65.72) – is currently sold out in all sizes. However, the black Crush Clog is still available in select sizes at $74.99 (£57.99), as well as the Barbie Classic Clog at $59.99 (£46.39) and the Barbie Cozzzy Sandal at $64.99 (£50.25). Unsurprisingly, Barbie fans took to Twitter to reveal whether they were one of the lucky ones who snagged the limited edition Crocs. “Secured a pair of the Barbie Crocs before they sold out,” said one user. “The Barbie Crocs are soooo cute,” said another fan. “The Barbie Crocs are out they’re tempting me so bad,” a third person wrote, while someone else admitted: “Yes I bought the Barbie Crocs, yes they were incredibly expensive, yes my wallet hurts but my heart is happy!!!!!” However, not everyone was able to purchase a pair of the coveted Barbie shoes before they sold out online. “All the Barbie Crocs sold out in my size before I could get them,” tweeted one person. “This in my villain origin story.” “I want you to know that not being able to get the Barbie platform Crocs is absolutely my breaking point,” another wrote. While some Barbie Crocs have sold out on the brand’s website, fans can still purchase the collection items at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Urban Outfitters, and Hibbett. This isn’t the only brand to collaborate with the Mattel doll ahead of the Barbie premiere. Last month, Airbnb announced that fans of the live-action film will be able to stay in Barbie’s oceanfront Malibu mansion free of charge. “The Barbie Malibu DreamHouse is back on Airbnb – but this time, Ken’s hosting,” Airbnb wrote on Instagram, sharing their announcement. “While everyone’s favourite doll makes her live action film debut in Barbie, Ken transformed the pink palace with maximum Kenergy – cowboy hats, rollerblades, you name it.” The home rental company said: “The stay will cost zero dollars, as Ken couldn’t figure out how to put a price on Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse.” According to Airbnb, two individual one-night stays in Ken’s bedroom inside the Barbie dreamhouse will be available on 21 and 22 July 2023. Fans can request to book their stay beginning on 17 July at 10am PT at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse. The upcoming Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, had its star-studded world premiere on 9 July in Los Angeles, California. The film stars Margot Robbie as the titular Barbie, along with Ryan Gosling as Ken. Barbie hits theatres in the US and UK on 21 July. Read More ‘Annoying’: Barbie director Greta Gerwig names two A-list cameos she failed to secure for film Michael Cera explains brilliant reason he wasn’t in the Barbie group chat Ryan Gosling’s subtle tribute to Eva Mendes at the Barbie premiere Michael Cera twinned with Ryan Gosling at Barbie premiere for sweet reason Ryan Gosling’s subtle tribute to Eva Mendes at the Barbie premiere Ryan Gosling says his daughters were ‘huge inspiration’ for his role in Barbie
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They were there like animals – Pep Guardiola wants City team and fans together
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes it is crucial the team and the fans continue to feed off each other’s energy. Guardiola feels that after his players provided the initial spark last season, it was the power of supporters that propelled City towards their treble success. “The stadium is all the time full and we have to play as best as possible and create as much as possible to energise and make our people with us,” said Guardiola at a press conference. “I have the feeling the team is playing really good and these guys – what they have done for many, many years, we love doing it together. “The games last season – semi-finals, quarter-finals, important games like against Arsenal when we played for the Premier League, they were there like animals and we need that. “In my humble opinion, to be successful we need our fans, all the time, being here. Thank you for coming, because without that it is impossible. Together we are stronger. “It is much better for ourselves to feel that they are there. We play better but we have to do the first steps, the first gesture. We have to do it.” City host German side RB Leipzig on Tuesday needing just a draw to wrap up top spot in Champions League Group G. The games last season – semi-finals, quarter-finals, important games like against Arsenal when we played for the Premier League, they were there like animals and we need that Pep Guardiola The holders have won the first four matches of their title defence and have already secured a place in the knockout stages, as have Leipzig – a side they thrashed 7-0 at home last season. Guardiola said: “Of course the first step is done for both sides – so congratulations to Leipzig – to qualify for the next round in February. “But it is important to finish first for prestige, for everything. We believe that when we play the last 16, having the second leg at home is not decisive but is a little bit of an advantage and we have to take it.” Midfielder Jack Grealish is unlikely to return after illness while Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are nursing knocks. Guardiola said: “I’m not much optimistic about good news about some people coming back but we will see. I think it will be the same people who played against Liverpool.” Defender John Stones was an unused substitute at the weekend but while Guardiola said he was “really, really close” he was “not ready for playing”. Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out since undergoing hamstring surgery in August, said over the weekend he hopes to return to action early in the new year. Guardiola said: “If he said January, it will be January. I would have loved to have him all season but now he has had a tough injury and surgery. He has to recover well. “He’s said end of December, new year, so it will be a happy new year for everyone.” Read More Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing David Seaman pays tribute to ‘great guy’ Terry Venables Football rumours: Victor Osimhen keen on making Chelsea move On this day in 2007: Christine Ohuruogu wins appeal against Olympic ban The sporting weekend in pictures
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