Popular Scots chippy put up for sale after 80 years in business

Business News

A MUCH-LOVED Scots chippy has hit the market after 80 years in business.The Gorgie Fish Bar is famed as one of Edinburgh’s best chip shops. 1The Gorgie Fish Bar is up for sale after 80 years in businessLocated on Gorgie Road next to Hearts FC’s Tynecastle Park, the takeaway is a favourite among football fans for pre-match scran.But after eight decades, the beloved eatery is up for sale.Shepherd’s Chartered Surveyors are advertising the property as “ready for immediate occupation”.The listing reads: “The property is currently trading as the reputable ‘The Gorgie Fish Bar’ which has been successfully operating for over 80 years making it a very well established business within the area.READ MORE ON THE SCOTTISH SUN”The subjects comprise a Hot Food Takeaway premises benefitting from all fixtures and fittings, & is ready for immediate occupation. “The business currently trades until midnight Sunday-Thursday & 1am on Friday & Saturday.”Internally, the accommodation comprises a front sales/counter area & kitchen area, with food preparation areas, storage and WC facilities to the rear.”The advert has been shared on social media several times, with one Hearts supporters page appealing to “Save the Gorgie Fish Bar”. The post was shared several times and racked up dozens of comments.One commenter wrote: “That is so sad! This is one of the best chippy’s in Edinburgh.”Another said: “Used to travel from here Hexham as a kid, steak pie and chips, pickled onion and chippy sauce every other week loved it there”.Scottish chippy’s ‘outrageously good 10-star’ fish supper stuns reviewer into silenceA third added: “What a crisis. Best chippy ever.”Elsewhere, dozens of new flats are set to be built on the site of an abandoned Police Scotland station.The derelict cop shop was shut down by the national force in 2018 and has lay empty for years.

Lafayette author shares the story of her great-grandfather’s murder in new true-crime book

Arts & Culture, Books

Before his death, Aubrey LaHaye was a banker, a landowner, a grandfather, and a well-known resident of Mamou, Louisiana, where he served as president of Guaranty Bank, was a member of the police jury for 12 years, and led a dozen other boards and organizations through the affairs of the community. On Jan. 6, 1983, LaHaye was robbed and kidnapped from his country home. His body was found 10 days later floating in a nearby bayou, after his disappearance solicited a large-scale response that included the FBI. He was 70 years old, and already had five great-grandchildren at the time of his death.

More than 42 years later, one of his great-granddaughters, who was not yet born at the time of the murder, is telling LaHaye’s story in her first book, “Home of the Happy.”

Jordan LaHaye Fontenot is pictured Friday, January 24, 2025, at her home in Lafayette, La. She is the author of Home of the Happy: A Murder on the Cajun Prairie.

STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK

According to author Jordan LaHaye Fontenot, who lives in Lafayette, the book is more than a true-crime story — it’s a telling of LaHaye’s life, a documentation of her family, and an exploration of the community where her great-grandfather still looms large to the people that knew him.

She also explores the circumstances and aftermath of LaHaye’s death, and the details that led to the conviction of Evangeline Parish resident John Brady Balfa, who is still serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for the murder of Aubrey LaHaye. 

“It was kind of like a ghost story when I was a kid,” she says. “My brothers and cousins and I knew about it, but it felt like it happened so long ago — like an olden times kind of thing. This project came about when I had a conversation with my dad, and he told me that someone was still serving time. That’s when it clicked into place that this wasn’t that long ago. My dad was only 18 when it happened.” 

Fontenot was not much older when she started the task of interviewing family members, reviewing court documents and news reports, and learning who her great-grandfather really was. Driven by her lifelong goal of writing books, and inspired by the rich stories emanating from her family’s homeplace, Fontenot produced a book proposal as part of her LSU Honors thesis in 2018. Just three years later she secured an agent, and now she’s only weeks away from launching her family’s story to the world.

She says the subject was a challenging one — not because of pushback from family members, or lack of information. Fontenot says it was difficult to keep emotions in check during tasks like reviewing her great-grandfather’s autopsy, which revealed that he likely died not long after being taken from the home around 5 a.m., leaving his wife, Emily, tied up in the bedroom. 

“At some points I was able to zone into the journalistic side of it, and almost forget who these people were. And then a name comes up like Wayne LaHaye, my grandfather, and it shatters everything for a second,” she said. 

“The really emotional parts were interviewing family members. It changed the way I view a lot of them, and the things that they’ve overcome. I talk about this in the book, but it’s really like a little paradise out on LaHaye Road, where we’d all go to have family gatherings, and everything is very healthy and functional and wonderful. To learn everything that the family went through to get to this point has been really profound.”

“Home of the Happy” will be released April 1 with a launch party at Cavalier House Books in Lafayette. Customers can pre-order the book through Cavalier House Books, and Acadiana audiences can also attend book launch events at the Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on April 10, and at NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville on April 12. 

Molly Gordon Calls Sundance Movie ‘Oh, Hi!’ “Wish Fulfillment For All of Us Women”

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

“Like Misery, but if it’s funny,” says Molly Gordon of her latest movie, Oh, Hi! which is due to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

And the seemingly antithetical logline is delightfully accurate. The Sophie Brooks-directed movie follows a couple, played by Gordon and Logan Lerman, during a standard early-in-the-relationship long weekend (see: Natural wine! Farm stands! A secluded AirBnB out of a Dôen campaign!). But things go awry when they have a talk about their relationship — is it a relationship? — and Gordon’s Iris entraps Lerman’s Isaac against his will in an attempt to convince him that they could work well together.

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Ahead of the film’s premiere in Park City, Gordon, who recently lost her childhood home in the fires that engulfed Los Angeles, and Brooks talked to THR. The duo speaks about dating apps, casting Lerman, and how “a woman can be a soft boy, just as much as a man can.”

How did you two meet?

BROOKS Molly and I met through our parents in a really sweet way. Our parents had worked together on a film more than 10 years ago. When I was in my mid-20s having my existential crisis, my dad was like, “You need to speak to a female director, immediately.” And connected me to Molly’s mom, Jessie Nelson [the filmmaker behind I Am Sam and other features], who mentored me, which was so generous of her. One time we were talking, and she was like, “You’d really like my daughter.”

GORDON My mom is incredible in that she mentors female artists. Her whole life is dedicated to bringing people into this business and helping them navigate the ups and downs of it all. The thing that I feel most grateful for is watching my mom navigate how hard this industry is. Nothing is permanent and, in this moment, that feels even more true. This movie came out of my mom’s ethos; Sophie and I always helped each other when things would fall apart. My mom always goes, “Well, come up with another idea. Try other things, and have multiple plates spinning.” That’s the only way you’re going to survive this industry. That kind of energy is what brought Sophie and I to start thinking of [Oh, Hi!].

And how did the story come about?

BROOKS By the time COVID happened, we had already been friends for six years. We were both in L.A. in our childhood homes, and I was spending time with three friends and Molly was one of them. We really bonded over a lot of things, including heartbreak. We both had these impactful breakups, mine was in my late 20s and Molly’s was in her mid-20s. I felt like I was shepherding her through this kind of healing process. [The Oh, Hi! story] was just a really fun idea where we could lean into all of our most absurd ideas and inclinations, while also holding true to something that’s really important to both of us, which is telling a story about what it is to be a woman in this world wanting love. I think a lot of things in our culture about women pursuing love and wanting love become desperate or sad or embarrassing, and it’s romantic for a man to be pursuing love and wanting a partner, and it’s sad and desperate for a woman to want it. I really push against that. Part of being a human is wanting connection and I think it was exciting for us to kind of lean into some tropes that we thought were funny and absurd. Molly and I talk about how this movie is: If we were 10% crazy what would we do?

GORDON We basically got to act [the movie] out together when Sophie and I were creating it. It was a theater workshop of us finding the story. We ultimately did it in my childhood home, which is no longer there anymore, but it was a space where so many of me and my friends have done these things together. I feel so lucky that this movie came out of that space. The only thing I can say about how sad this moment is that the movie is forever, and I’m so lucky to have something that reminds me of how creative the house was. This [movie] really is wish fulfillment for all of us women. Sometimes you just want someone to fucking allow you to have a conversation. Though I would never do what Iris does, I do think wanted to many times in my life. It was really fun to lean into that. What if I allowed myself to do what I wanted?

What was it about contemporary dating that you wanted to show in Oh, Hi!?

BROOKS I had the experience of re-entering the dating scene post a big breakup in my life. I was astonished by my experience. I had never done app dating before that breakup, but it was illuminating, the way that dating culture had simplified the human condition in a way that felt really unfair. It made everything feel like you were asking too much. Molly and I connected over being women who are quite opinionated and this idea of being “too much” is scary. The things that I saw were also kind of hilarious. I just went on so many dates where I was just like, “Am I living in a reality?”

GORDON It was people being like, “I don’t want to have a kid with you!” And it’s like, I don’t want to have a kid with you, either?

BROOKS I asked, “Do you want to get coffee?”

GORDON I have experienced that, as well. Being absolutely wined and dined — natural wine, of course — and the [they’re] like, “Oh no, I’m not looking for anything.” Like, what the fuck is going on? There’s been some sort of communication breakdown. Soph and I love Nora Ephron movies, and it’s always been the case that dating fucking sucks. It’s just hard. But I do think we’re at a time, because of social media, where we are not able to actually face each other. This movie has made me look at times in which I wasn’t fully upfront about what I was looking for from the beginning. It’s not just a takedown of men in modern day.

BROOKS A woman can be a soft boy, just as much as a man can. But in the reality of gender dynamics in our culture, the woman is much more easily identified as crazy. The movie is looking at that and unpacking it. 

How did you cast Isaac? It’s a hard role because it could very easily be too unsympathetic.

GORDON I’ll just say, first, that it takes a really strong man to be, “I will be tied up for an entire film.”

BROOKS It was really hard to cast that role. We had a really hard time finding someone for it. It is such a tightrope. As Molly said at the beginning of this, this is not a movie bashing men.

GORDON We love men! It’s our downfall!

BROOKS We certainly love men. It was so important that whoever played Isaac was not a person that we’re writing off as an asshole. He is also a complicated human with his own set of baggage, and to simplify him would be disingenuous to what the story is, and also not the most interesting version of the movie. So it was really important that we found an actor who could toe that line of someone who is a good person and also complicated and can be selfish in moments.

GORDON We could have gone for someone who is super asshole-y for this role, but I think his inherent ability was really right for it. Another thing Soph and I are really excited about with the movie is that it shows sex, and it feels kind of more real. It’s a couple figuring out how to try stuff, and it doesn’t always look that great.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Pushpa 2 Box Office Collection Day 53: Allu Arjun movie earns THIS amount on Republic Day

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Pushpa 2 Box Office Collection Day 53: Allu Arjun movie earns THIS amount on Republic Day | Today Newsvar _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1:”2″, c2:”6035286″, options: {enableFirstPartyCookie: true, bypassUserConsentRequirementFor1PCookie:true }});( function() {var s = document.createElement(“script”), el = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.async = true; s.src = “https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/cs/6035286/beacon.js”; el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();SubscribeSign in

Uzbekistan and Malaysia: Co-operation in Higher Education, Science & Innovation Demonstrates New Facts

Science and Health

Otabek Mahkamov, Republic of Uzbekistan, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Uzbekistan and Malaysia have been developing consistent and effective co-operation, establishing strong ties in higher education, science and innovation. Visits and summits between the leaders of the two countries give a powerful impetus to this process, opening up new areas of educational and scientific co-operation.In February 2025, within the framework of the high-level visit of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Malaysia, it is planned to sign a number of important agreements aimed at further expansion of cooperation. It is expected that this visit will bring to a new level the cooperation between the two countries in education, science and innovation, as well as give impetus to the implementation of joint projects in the field of innovative technologies and personnel training. In the era of accelerating globalisation, international cooperation in higher education is of strategic importance. From this point of view, integration in the higher education system is promoted as one of the important aspects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. Relations in the field of higher education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia have developed significantly in recent years and reached a new level. This cooperation is aimed at modernising the education systems of the two countries and ensuring their integration in the international arena. The institutional basis of co-operation between the two countries is based on direct links established with leading universities in Malaysia. In particular, during the official visit of Prime Minister of Malaysia A. Badawi to Uzbekistan on 16-17 November. Badawi to Uzbekistan on 16-17 November 2008, the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of higher education between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of Malaysia’ was signed. ‘was signed’, which to date is a significant step in the development of higher education between the two countries. constitutes the legal basis for co-operation. Co-operation with Malaysian universities develops scientific ties and provides students with opportunities to gain international knowledge. Malaysian universities occupy high positions in international rankings. In recent years, co-operation in education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia at the inter-university level has been developing rapidly. Cooperation with these institutions has made it possible to improve the quality of education in Uzbekistan and to establish academic exchange programmes between universities. There are currently 94 agreements, contracts and arrangements between universities in Uzbekistan and Malaysia. This partnership will contribute to the development of projects in science and education. Cooperation in higher education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia meets the strategic interests of both countries. Innovative educational methods and international experience of Malaysia open new opportunities for Uzbek students and teachers. This, in turn, will contribute to improving the quality of education and scientific potential in the country. In this regard, 195 professors and teachers of higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan were sent to higher educational institutions of Malaysia for advanced training. In turn, 230 professors and teachers from partner universities and educational organisations in Malaysia took part in the training process. Under the Technical Cooperation Programme with Malaysia (MTCP), since 2016, more than 200 professors and teachers from Uzbek universities (15 in 2024) have visited Malaysia to exchange experience, undergo internships and participate in training courses in various areas. Opportunities for Uzbek students to study at higher education institutions in Malaysia have expanded. In particular, students are very interested in educational programmes in engineering, information technology, medicine and management. In addition, the holding of Malaysian educational forums and exhibitions in Uzbekistan contributes to the further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. Currently, about 500 citizens of Uzbekistan are studying at higher educational institutions of Malaysia in various fields of study. Grants and scholarships provided by Malaysian universities to Uzbek students are also an important factor in the development of ties in the field of education. Thanks to these grants, many young Uzbeks have the opportunity to learn from foreign experience and in the future apply modern knowledge in their own countries. It is noteworthy that every year the interest in studying in Uzbekistan is growing among Malaysian students as well. Currently, 7 students are studying at the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage ‘Silk Road’, 2 students are studying at the Tashkent State Economic University, 3 students are studying at the Uzbek State University of World Languages, a total of 12 Malaysian citizens are studying in the direction of ‘Archaeology’. ‘Management’, “Museum studies” and “Tourism”. They study in different directions, joint research and scientific conferences are held within the framework of co-operation. This, in turn, demonstrates that the quality of the education system in Uzbekistan is recognised abroad. Many joint educational programmes and projects are currently being implemented between the two countries. Student exchange programmes, joint master’s and doctoral programmes are being implemented. In particular, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Tashkent State University of Economics, Uzbek State University of World Languages, Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Bukhara State University, as well as National University of Malaysia, Technological University of Malaysia, Sultan Idris University of Education, Putra Malaysia University. Effective co-operation has been established between prestigious higher education institutions such as Petronas University of Technology and Malaysian Management University in the field of academic exchange and research. In particular, as a result of the cooperation established between Petronas University of Technology and Karshi Institute of Engineering and Economics, 6 Uzbek professors have been awarded the title of ‘Professor Emeritus’ in 2023. The Centre ‘Modelling and Prototyping’ was established jointly with the Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management and INTI University. Also within the framework of cooperation, joint educational programmes and dual system of education are being implemented. The implementation of joint educational programmes is recognised as one of the important areas of cooperation. Particular attention is paid to this in the fields of engineering, information technology, medicine and management. In particular, Tashkent State University of Economics and MARA University in Malaysia have developed joint educational programmes in International Tourism and Human Resource Management. In particular, an important result of this process is the co-operation between the College of Lincoln University in Malaysia and several higher educational institutions of the Republic. In particular, within the framework of a joint educational programme between the Bukhara Institute of Engineering and Technology and Lincoln College University, students of the direction and specialty ‘Management’ continue their studies under the 2+2 and 1+1 system. Between the Samarkand branch of the Tashkent State University of Economics and Lincoln University, a joint educational programme has been created in the area of digital economy. Activities within the framework of joint programmes are actively developing in such educational institutions as Nukus State Pedagogical Institute and Karakalpak State University. Today, 4 higher educational institutions of our republic together with Malaysian universities implement joint educational programmes in 5 bachelor’s and 3 master’s degree programmes. These efforts are an important step in the development of educational tourism and further strengthening of co-operation between the two countries. In the above-mentioned institutions, students in tourism, philology and pre-school education acquire modern knowledge at the international level and are formed as promising specialists of the new Uzbekistan. Joint educational programmes serve not only to strengthen cooperation in the field of education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, but also to strengthen cultural and social ties between the youth of the two countries. Currently, four higher educational institutions in our republic, in collaboration with Malaysian universities, are implementing joint educational programs across five bachelor’s and three master’s degree programs. These efforts represent an important step in the development of educational tourism and the further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. In these institutions, students specializing in tourism, philology, and pre-school education acquire modern knowledge at an international level, shaping them into promising specialists for the new Uzbekistan. Joint educational programs not only enhance cooperation in education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia but also strengthen cultural and social ties among the youth of both countries. The future development of dual education programs between Uzbekistan and Malaysia will be significant in further deepening educational cooperation. This system enables students to combine theoretical education with practical training. Through dual education, students not only acquire modern knowledge and skills but also gain work experience in their respective fields, significantly expanding their employment opportunities. The establishment of higher engineering schools is considered one of the most promising areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. The primary objectives of these institutions are aligned with modern requirements, including providing students with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge in their chosen fields and fostering their research, analytical, creative, and communication skills. For this purpose, the educational process will follow a “4+1” format, offering comprehensive study programs encompassing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition, professional development and retraining programs for engineering and technical personnel will be introduced. Considering the needs of partner enterprises, the priority is to train personnel with the qualifications of “research engineer,” equipped to master advanced technologies and multidisciplinary production and capable of effective teamwork. Leading domestic and foreign professors and educators will be engaged in the educational process. Modern teaching methods, including project-based learning, problem-based learning technologies, and applied research, will be utilized. The institutions will also emphasize conducting research on industrial issues, implementing practice-oriented educational programs, and fostering innovative projects. In the field of educational standards, Malaysia’s expertise in ensuring the quality of education is being thoroughly studied. Curricula and teaching materials are being exchanged, and Malaysian higher education standards are being gradually adapted to Uzbekistan’s education system. Special attention is being given to integrating innovative educational technologies into the process. Cooperation in scientific research between the two countries holds great significance. Joint scientific projects, conferences, and seminars are regularly organized, while co-authorship in scientific publications is increasingly common. Collaborative efforts focus on developing startups, technology parks, and innovation clusters by learning from Malaysia’s experience in building an innovation ecosystem and applying it in Uzbekistan. In collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, plans are underway to organize competitions for applied research and innovation projects in 10 priority areas by 2025. The partnership between Malaysia’s MRANTI Center and INNO Technopark in Tashkent is also pivotal for the innovative development of both countries. This collaboration aims to integrate modern technologies into the economy, develop innovative ideas, and create competitive products for the international market. Joint MRANTI and INNO Technopark projects are designed to enhance research infrastructure, facilitate scientific research in modern technologies and robotics, and promote digital technologies. This partnership supports the realization of numerous startup projects in Uzbekistan and successfully integrates Malaysian technologies into new markets. These joint activities strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and establish an international innovation platform. This collaboration is crucial not only for Uzbekistan and Malaysia but also for regional and global development. With 2025 declared the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy” in Uzbekistan, the two countries are expected to conduct joint research on environmental protection, the development of renewable energy sources, and carbon footprint reduction. These projects will focus on establishing joint scientific laboratories and enhancing the material and technical base of higher education and research institutions. Exchange programs and internships for scientists from both countries are being organized to facilitate the mutual sharing of scientific achievements. Notably, the conference “Malaysia and Uzbekistan: Prospects for International Cooperation in Higher Education” played a significant role in identifying new opportunities for implementing joint educational programs and promoting student exchange between universities in both countries. Malaysia is placing significant emphasis on the innovation sector, making remarkable progress and pursuing consistent policies to enhance its innovation capacity. Uzbekistan can also benefit from Malaysia’s experience to develop practical approaches for advancing its innovation sector. Such cooperation would be mutually beneficial. Collaboration with Malaysia’s leading educational and scientific institutions contributes to improving the quality and efficiency of higher education and research in Uzbekistan. Academic exchanges and joint educational programs provide opportunities for students and faculty from both countries to share new knowledge and experiences. Moreover, cooperation in innovation projects and technology parks stimulates stronger strategic interactions between the countries, opening new pathways for global development. This collaboration will deepen ties between the two nations in science, education, and innovation, fostering the enhancement of scientific and creative potential. Looking ahead, the scope of cooperation between the two countries is expected to expand further. Plans include developing joint online courses, launching virtual learning platforms, and establishing modern research centers. Additional projects will focus on enhancing students’ entrepreneurial skills. Cooperation in higher education between Uzbekistan and Malaysia is reaching new heights. This collaboration not only strengthens educational ties but also fosters cultural and scientific connections, creating vast opportunities for future generations and boosting the international prestige of both countries.

UZBEKISTAN – MALAYSIA: NEW HORIZONS FOR COOPERATION IN TOURISM

Travel

Umid Shadiev,Chairman of the Tourism Committee

Uzbekistan and Malaysia may be located in different parts of the world, in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, but we actively cooperate to develop in mutually beneficial ways. Tourism is a key area of our partnership. Despite the significant geographical distance between us, there is enormous potential for expanding ties in the tourism sector, which, in turn, will bring economic benefits and promote cultural exchange. Tourism plays a vital role in both countries’ economies, creating jobs, contributing to infrastructure development, and improving connections between our two nations. An important step in strengthening the tourism links between Uzbekistan and Malaysia has been the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of both countries, valid for up to 30 days. This has simplified travel and is a major factor in the increase in tourist flows. In 2023, 4,396 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, and in 2024, the number more than doubled to 9,464, indicating the growing interest in Uzbekistan as an attractive tourist destination for Malaysians. Another important component in this process was the appointment of Daler Yusuf as Uzbekistan’s tourism brand ambassador to Malaysia in January 2019, which further strengthened our ties. Both countries have been paying great attention to strengthening the legal aspects of our tourism collaboration. In October 2023, during the 25th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Malaysia which laid solid foundations for expanding our cooperation in many areas of tourism. In 2024, a Malaysian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, participated in the XII Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers of Tourism in Khiva. This is just one example of how Malaysia and Uzbekistan are supporting each other in the international arena and implementing joint projects in tourism. The historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia also positively influence our tourism cooperation. Both countries belong to the Islamic world and take great pride in our shared Islamic cultural heritage. This is an essential driver of pilgrimage tourism, which holds a special place in our hearts as well as our economies. Uzbekistan’s historic cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, were ancient centres of Islamic culture and learning. They attract pilgrims from all over the world, in particular from Malaysia. Malaysia has rich experience in organizing such tours, and thus is a priority partner for Uzbekistan. In recent years, Uzbekistan has made widespread efforts to create Muslim-friendly infrastructure, including new prayer spaces and Halal hotels and restaurants. This has contributed to growing interest of Muslim tourists — and not just Muslim pilgrims — in visiting Uzbekistan. Samarkand and Bukhara, as major spiritual and historical centres, attract both these groups with their culture, history, and hospitality. Looking back in time, I note that on February 21-23, 2019, a Malaysian delegation participated in the First International Forum on Ziyarah Tourism, held in Bukhara. This shows how long Malaysia and Uzbekistan have been supporting one another in this field. During the forum, the Mufti of the Malaysian state of Perlis, Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin, was appointed as the Ambassador for Ziyarah Tourism of Uzbekistan. We are fortunate to have such a respected envoy. I want to talk now about areas with substantial potential for future development: this event is about looking forward. Ecological and educational tourism will be particularly important. Uzbekistan, with its diverse natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and oases, is an attractive destination for eco-tourism. Malaysia is known for its tropical forests and unique ecosystems, too. Both countries have enormous potential to attract tourists interested in nature and sustainable tourism. The joint development of this sector through exchanging experience should become a central aspect of bilateral cooperation. Educational tourism also holds great potential. Uzbekistan actively encourages academic exchange programmes, attracting students from around the world, including from Malaysia. Malaysian educational institutions can partner with Uzbek universities to implement joint educational programmes, which would further strengthen cultural ties and promote academic tourism. Direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur play a vital role in increasing tourist flows. They provide convenience and comfort for travelers. In the future, we are planning to diversify routes and increase the frequency of flights, making trips between Uzbekistan and Malaysia even more accessible. Another promising area is the creation of twin-centre tour packages which include visits to both countries. They will be of particular interest to tourists wanting to combine a variety of cultural and natural attractions in a single trip. To successfully promote Uzbekistan’s tourism products in Malaysia we are actively collaborating with local media and influencers. In recent years, several press-tours have been organized for leading Malaysian television channels and media companies such as “Sulalatus Salatin” and “RTM Malaysia”, as well as for gastronomic bloggers. These steps help spread first-hand information about Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in Malaysia. The documentary that a creative team from RTM TV made about pilgrimage tourism in Bukhara and the holy sites of the Fergana Valley has been especially popular. During the last couple of years, cultural exchanges between our countries have also intensified. In 2023, a photo exhibition titled “Uzbekistan — The Center of Islamic Civilization” was organized at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, introducing the unique cultural and historical landmarks of Uzbekistan to a wider Malaysian audience. In 2024, we presented Uzbekistan’s tourism opportunities in Kuala Lumpur, as well as hosting B2B meetings for tour operators to discuss developing joint tour packages. We are committed to unlocking the full tourism potential of both Uzbekistan and Malaysia, that can be realized through joint efforts. Both countries possess a rich cultural heritage, unique natural resources, and experience in tourism development. It is important to note that both sides are actively working on expanding transport links, creating joint tourist packages, and promoting their tourism offerings in partner countries. Given the growing number of tourists, infrastructure advancement, and rising cultural ties, we are confident that tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia will only expand, bringing long-term economic and cultural benefits to both countries. In the coming years, tourism will open up new horizons for both countries and contribute to the strengthening of multifaceted bilateral ties.

Edgemont School District Launches New Middle School Science Fair for Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties

Science and Health

The Edgemont School District proudly announces the launch of the Westchester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair (WRMSSEF), an in-person event for students in grades 6-8. This science fair will provide a premier platform for middle school students from Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties to present their scientific research and engineering projects.
The inaugural Westchester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair will take place on April 26, 2025 at Edgemont High School. Participating students will present their research to expert judges and compete for awards. Registrations are welcome at wrmssef.org.
“Edgemont is proud to enthusiastically pioneer the Westchester Regional Middle School Science Engineering Fair to showcase students’ exciting research innovations,” Edgemont Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton said. “Students are encouraged to maximize this opportunity to display their talent and hard work, and embrace the fair as a stepping stone for participation in high school science fairs and potential careers in science.”
WRMSSEF has earned official recognition as the region’s sole pathway to the prestigious Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, a distinction previously held by the Tri-County Fair. This recognition means that the top 10% of students participating in WRMSSEF will have the chance to advance to one of the nation’s most esteemed science competitions, elevating the fair’s significance and offering young researchers an opportunity to shine on a national stage. The fair has secured sponsorship and donations from Regeneron, Broadcom, the Society for Science and the Nature Center at Greenburgh.
The initiative, over a year in the making, was spearheaded by WRMSSEF’s co-founders:

Talia Dardis, Edgemont Junior Senior High School’s science research teacher.
MaryRose Joseph, assistant principal at Edgemont High School.
Dolya Fleck, former Edgemont Board of Education trustee.
Edgemont High School student Kareem Nasr, two-year Student Science Research president.

The fair is fully endorsed by Michael Blueglass, founder of the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF), the largest high school science fair in the country. With his support, WRMSSEF aims to become a robust junior version of WESEF, inspiring a new generation of young scientists and engineers.
The Edgemont School District also is forming an advisory board composed of science research teachers from neighboring school districts, fostering collaboration and expertise across the region. This board will provide guidance for WRMSSEF’s long-term success and the growth of the science research community. The WRMSSEF website, www.wrmssef.org, offers many resources, including virtual mentoring by seniors to support middle school students through their research process.
District-wide support from Edgemont Superintendent Hamilton and the Board of Education have been integral to the development and launch of WRMSSEF. Their collaboration underscores the district’s commitment to fostering student advocacy, leadership and academic achievement in STEAM fields.
“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition and can’t wait to witness the innovative ideas our students bring forward,” Dardis said.
“I am excited to work with Ms. Dardis, Ms. Joseph and Ms. Fleck to see this fair come to life. They are amazing mentors and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to bring this experience to students in our region,” Nasr said.
Learn more by emailing [email protected] and visiting www.wrmssef.org.

Where Was Game Of Thrones Filmed? Every Major Location, Explained

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

HBO

When “Game of Thrones” ended its run on HBO back in 2019, it left a somewhat disastrous legacy behind with a series finale that, in this writer’s opinion, absolutely stunk (though some of my colleagues may beg to differ on that point). Still, if you go back and re-examine the show despite its total dud of an ending — the majority of the seasons are still pretty good, at least! — you may notice one thing: showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss shot in some seriously stunning locations.

In fact, if you look at “Game of Thrones” through a totally different lens, you could view it as a sort of twisted tourism ad for various locales all over the world; even though characters you love might get murdered in them, the locations are definitely gorgeous! Perhaps the coolest thing about all of the cities and vistas seen throughout “Game of Thrones,” though, is that you can visit a whole bunch of them if you find yourself outside of, say, the continental United States since the locations themselves are scattered throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, and even Iceland. Westeros, the fictional land that serves as the setting for “Game of Thrones,” covers a wide variety of climates and aesthetics, so it’s definitely not surprising that the team behind the show scouted some extremely impressive spots for filming — here are some of the biggest in-universe locations explained, including exactly where they are in the world.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (King’s Landing)

HBO

During the first season of “Game of Thrones” — which had a much smaller budget compared to the rest of the series — Malta stood in for the Westerosi capital of King’s Landing, but starting in season 2, production moved the stunning seaside city to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia that sits right on the bright blue Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its orange rooftops and enormous wall that surrounds the city’s “Old Town,” Dubrovnik is a pretty ideal spot for King’s Landing, the crown jewel of the Seven Kingdoms where most of the show’s political intrigue takes place.

“Game of Thrones” really shines a spotlight on Dubrovnik’s natural architecture as characters like the brooding, evil queen Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) or her clever, conniving brother Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) wander its streets and walls; unfortunately for Cersei, the Jesuit Staircase smack in the middle of the marble-clad city served as the location for her infamous “walk of shame” in the season 5 finale. In real life, Dubrovnik was thankfully untouched — at least since the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s — but it didn’t fare so well on-screen. Not only does Cersei level half the city with magical wildfire during the season 6 finale, but in the eighth and final season, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) destroys the entire place (more or less) from atop her largest dragon, Drogon. You can visit the real Dubrovnik, though — and you won’t need to worry about any dragons. (Lokrum Island, just off the coast of Dubrovnik, also served as a filming location for Qarth in the show’s second season.)

Kirkjufell & Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland (Beyond the Wall & Castle Black)

HBO

The one location that nobody on “Game of Thrones” particularly wants to go to is the far, far North — specifically, the northernmost part of Westeros that lies beyond the protected Wall (guarded by the Night’s Watch at Castle Black, which itself is a part of the wall). Unlike Dubrovnik, it’s not exactly a breeze to visit some of these actual places (realistically, Dubrovnik just requires a passport and a plane ticket), largely because the terrain is pretty challenging, so let’s look at the fictional places represented by various freezing spots in Iceland.

Whenever characters go beyond the wall on “Game of Thrones,” things typically don’t end well — largely owing to the fact that an army of mythical, super-powerful, and ancient White Walkers comfortably live in the cold and snow, creating ice zombies known as “wights” from the bodies of whatever victims are stupid enough to wander their way. (This point is driven home in the abominable season 7 episode, appropriately titled “Beyond the Wall,” where Kit Harington’s Jon Snow leads a cavalry of idiots into the far North to capture a single wight; they get the wight they want but lose one of Daenerys’ dragons in the process and watch, horrified, as Viserion is transformed into an undead ice dragon. It’s a pretty bad trade, honestly.) Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful natural structures in the world, but based on what we’ve seen on “Game of Thrones,” visiting the far North doesn’t seem that fun; for intrepid hikers, filming locations like the Vatnajökull National Park might be a blast.

Alcázar of Seville, Spain (Dorne)

HBO

I don’t think I’m in the minority of “Game of Thrones” fans who think that a lot of the storylines that took place in Dorne — an independent member of the Seven Kingdoms that’s located to the south of the main continent — kind of sucked, but that doesn’t mean the filming location wasn’t stunning. In season 5 of “Game of Thrones,” viewers get a better look at the specific political intrigue of Dorne (which, during this narrative, is ruled by an ailing prince who refuses to wage outright war against the powerful Lannister family over the death of Pedro Pascal’s Prince Oberyn Martell), and all of it is set against the backdrop of the spectacular Alcázar of Seville. 

Specifically, the Alcázar is a royal palace in the southern Spanish city of Seville and is known for its gorgeous tilework, central gardens, and Islamic architecture. Not only was the Alcázar used as the setting for Dorne, but it was also used for locations in Peter O’Toole’s 1962 historical epic “Lawrence of Arabia” — and in the HBO series, even the dullest moments in Dorne gave viewers something gorgeous to look at. If you’re planning a pilgrimage to locations from “Game of Thrones,” you’ll definitely want to add Seville’s royal palace to your list; it’s one of the most beautiful manmade structures in the country, and it carries an astounding amount of historical significance to boot.

Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland (Iron Islands)

HBO

Another far-flung location outside of the strict confines of Westeros’ main landmass, the Iron Islands are the ancestral home of the Greyjoy family and elect their own officials — a process we see firsthand in “Game of Thrones,” starting in the show’s second season. As the War of the Five Kings begins and highborn Houses of Westeros squabble over the Iron Throne, Robb Stark (Richard Madden), then the King in the North, tells Theon to head home to the Iron Islands and deal with his father Balon (Patrick Malahide), the Lord Reaper of Pyke (the main stronghold of the Islands). Later on in season 6, Balon’s crappy brother Euron (Pilou Asbæk) shows up, kills Balon, and declares that he should be the next ruler of the Iron Islands, royally pissing off Theon’s imperious sister Yara (Gemma Whelan) and beginning an enmity between the uncle and his niece (and nephew).

Okay, so where are the “real” Iron Islands? They’re tucked away in Northern Ireland and, specifically, in Ballintoy Harbor, a picturesque place in County Antrim that features a spectacular harbor. Shooting for the Iron Islands took place in that very harbor, and it makes sense; coastal Ireland is a perfect stand-in for the gray, austere Iron Islands.

Basque Coast, Spain (Dragonstone)

Helen Sloan/HBO

In real life, the area that “Game of Thrones” fans know as Dragonstone — the ancient seat of the Targaryen family first occupied by Stephen Dillane’s Stannis Baratheon in early seasons — is the northern Basque Coast of Spain, which shares the Bay of Biscay with a small section of France. Onscreen, the rugged green landscapes, stunning ocean vistas, and gray, rock-lined coasts is the castle of Dragonstone, specifically located on an island in Blackwater Bay in the Crownlands, and it changes hands (and allegiances) quite a few times throughout the series.

As I mentioned, Stannis is the first person we see hanging out in Dragonstone as he rallies both his forces and his sinister Red Priestess, Melisandre (Carice van Houten) to defeat Lannister forces, led by the illegitimate (and awful) boy-king Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson). Stannis doesn’t stay at Dragonstone permanently, though, and in season four, he leaves the castle behind; in season five, Stannis is killed after losing a major battle and Dragonstone is empty once again. Then, at the beginning of season 7, Daenerys and her forces retake Dragonstone and use it as their stronghold as they also fight the Lannisters (they’re pretty hard to deal with, honestly), and remain there until Daenerys’ Unsullied and Dothraki armies leave to fight the Battle at Winterfell in season 8. Dragonstone also appears in the massively popular spin-off and prequel “House of the Dragon,” but exterior shots take place in Wales and Portugal rather than the Basque Coast.

Castle Ward, Northern Ireland (Winterfell)

HBO

Winterfell is arguably one of the most famous and iconic locations in all of “Game of Thrones,” and in real life, its location changed a bit throughout the series. Doune Castle in Scotland stood in for the Northern stronghold in the “Game of Thrones” pilot, but afterward, House Stark and their armies could be spotted at the real-life Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. In case you forgot everything you ever knew about “Winterfell” after “Game of Thrones” ended, here’s a quick refresher.

The entire series opens at Winterfell, just to really drive home its overall importance; it’s where we first meet Ned Stark (Sean Bean), the patriarch of House Stark who, we assume, is the show’s protagonist. That idea falls by the wayside at the end of season 1 when Ned, who leaves the safety of Winterfell behind to go to King’s Landing and serve as Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) with his daughters Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Arya (Maisie Williams), is beheaded by the young and tyrannical Joffrey. Still, Winterfell feels like home base for many of the remaining Starks, and a significant throughline in the rest of the series is that the Starks — and the assumed Stark bastard Jon Snow — are constantly trying to get back there. In season 6, Jon and Sansa manage to work together to retake Winterfell from the cruel, sadistic Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon), and Winterfell plays yet another enormous role in season 8 when the White Walkers attack it from the far North, giving the humans a chance to defeat the Night King (Vladimir Furdik) once and for all.

Fortress of Klis, Croatia (Mereen)

HBO

After losing her husband Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) at the end of season 1 and emerging from his funeral pyre with three baby dragons, Daenerys is hellbent on reclaiming the Iron Throne — but as she assembles armies ahead of crossing the Narrow Sea to Westeros, she comes across several cities run by slave masters — and fueled by slaves themselves — and is horrified by the very concept. After freeing the slaves of Astapor in season 4 — and earning an army of Unsullied soldiers in the process — Daenerys heads to the slave city of Mereen, where she’s greeted by murdered slaves on her path to meet with the masters. Promising she will “meet injustice with justice,” Daenerys climbs the steep path of Mereen and, ultimately, overtakes the city. You can actually climb this exact spot, although it’s missing a few towers and pieces of insignia (and luckily, there’s no slave trade of any kind), because “Game of Thrones” used a real ancient fortress in Croatia as a stand-in for Mereen.

The Fortress of Klis is located outside of the major Croatian city of Split and stands tall against the surrounding mountains, and was originally built in the 2nd century by the Dalmatians (the Dalmatian Coast, where Dubrovnik is located, is also named for them). Much like the fictional Mereen, this fortress was fought over by warring armies for centuries — everyone from the Hungarians to the French to the Hapsburgs fought over this thing — but after Croatia became independent, the fortress returned to the country’s control. (Also, it’s no longer an active fortress. You can just hang out there.)

Sibenik, Croatia (Braavos)

HBO

Croatia did a lot of heavy lifting as far as “Game of Thrones” locations are concerned, and when it came time to find a location for Braavos — a free city where Arya Stark ends up going to assassin school — the show’s creative team settled on Sibenik, a major city located in central Dalmatia. The city’s main cathedral is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, and the structures within create a perfect backdrop for Arya’s journey as she trades a mysterious coin to a ship owner to leave Westeros for Braavos. With its gorgeous stonework and natural setting next to the Krka River (which flowers into the Adriatic), it makes perfect sense that the showrunners would choose Sibenik … so what’s up with Braavos itself?

Unfortunately, Arya’s Braavos storyline is sort of a huge bummer; things seem promising at first when she reunites with her old face-changing friend Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) and he promises to teach her alongside the Faceless Men of Braavos, but Arya spends a lot of her screentime basically getting the crap kicked out of her by a fellow student, the Waif (Faye Marsay). Still, as with some of these other locations that aren’t home to the coolest “Game of Thrones” storylines, Braavos is fantastic to look at.
“Game of Thrones” is streaming on Max now.

Science North celebrates significant federal government funding

Science and Health

Breadcrumb Trail LinksNewsLocal NewsMore than $700,000 will expand Sciences North’s visibility in global markets, while $1.6 million will help Dynamic Earth add attractionsPublished Jan 26, 2025  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  3 minute readConnor Sutton, of Valleyview Public School, interacts with an exhibit at the Nature Exchange as volunteer Linda Bissett looks on during a funding announcement at Science North in Sudbury, Ont. on Wednesday January 22, 2025. Photo by John Lappa /Sudbury StarArticle contentScience North’s ability to deliver new and innovative projects was given a boost last week with a significant commitment of federal funding.Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentArticle contentRecommended VideosArticle contentSudbury MP Viviane Lapointe announced more than $2.3 million for Science North to expand programming at its Ramsey Lake site as well as Dynamic Earth.Calling Science North and Dynamic Earth “such a source of pride for Sudbury,” Lapointe acknowledged they “are both important engines of Sudbury’s tourism sector.”Lapointe called what the science centres do “pioneering” and captivating.“They are also leaders in high-quality, interactive education,” said Lapointe. “Teachers speak so highly of the learning here. I so enjoyed bringing my own kids here. Many special memories were made here.“I look forward to someday bringing their children here and experiencing it all again through fresh eyes.” Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe made a funding announcement at Science North in Sudbury, Ont. on Wednesday January 22, 2025. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network Photo by John Lappa /Sudbury StarPart ($710,000) of the funding will go to increase Sciences North’s visibility in global markets, including Asia, Europe and the UK. Since Science North produces some of Canada’s highest-quality travelling exhibits, this support for creative efforts naturally generates a financial return.Advertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentThe CEO of Science North, Ashley Larose, said she is delighted for the federal funding. “Their continued support for our projects underscores the importance of fostering Canadian creativity and cultural infrastructure, both locally and on the international stage.”Additionally, the Nature Exchange – a very kid-based program – will be given an expanded international footprint. Larose said that we all have a natural instinct to collect. “rocks, shells, stories … you earn points and can trade those points for other treasures.”It creates an observant and connected population who are aware of – and protective – of the natural environment. There are Nature Exchanges all across North America. They are all connected and “that is what we want to grow and leverage. We are enhancing the digital infrastructure to create a more innovative and engaging experience,” said Larose.Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North, makes a point at a funding announcement at Science North in Sudbury, Ont. on Wednesday January 22, 2025. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network Photo by John Lappa /Sudbury StarStudio NORCAT’s Ed Wisniewski (chief technology officer), and Andrew Kostuik, a designer, developer and director at the Studio, provided more details. Wisniewski highlighted the value of collaboration in building successful digital platforms. Kostiuk added specifics.“We are working on an app and the biggest thing will be that users will now be able take photos of things they have found in nature,” Kostiuk said. “They can collect images of, say, a bird’s nest without disturbing it. There are things you shouldn’t remove from the environment.“There will be parental features that allow for managing all the kids in one family. There will be badges, check-ins, challenges like scavenger hunts … there are real incentives, like potentially earning an IMAX ticket. The science centres can determine the rewards.”Advertisement 5Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentThe audience included a class from Valley View Public School. Tracy Chenier, a Grade 6 teacher, brought 24 students to the event. “They love Science North. They are enthusiastic. I’ve been coming here for 25 years with my students and, in fact, my first field trip as an elementary school teacher was to Science North.” Valleyview Public School students Kaylee Paquette, left, Londyn Burgess, Everly Brazeau and Sohvi Roy visit the Nature Exchange at Science North during a funding announcement at the science centre in Sudbury, Ont. on Wednesday January 22, 2025. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network Photo by John Lappa /Sudbury Star“Schools and teachers are an essential part of Science North,” said Amy Henson. Henson has been part of the science centre staff for years and has seen it grow.“Kids are fascinated by science,” she said. “They are like sponges and science has this amazing idea that anything is possible and there is so much to explore … new species are discovered every day, and there are the deep oceans we have yet to explore.Advertisement 6Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content“There is a myriad of experiences left on our planet. The Nature Exchange gets that inkling of exploration … kids are closer to the ground and to them, everything is new and fresh.”An ongoing expansion at Dynamic Earth, meanwhile, will get the bulk of the federal funding. The $1.6 million goes towards new visitor experience spaces and immersive experiences. The focus includes more attention to the modern mining world.“With the expansion at Dynamic Earth, we are not just telling the story of mining, we are showing its vital role in shaping our world and opportunities it holds in the future,” Larose said, adding she believes this will also “encourage younger visitors to consider careers in mining.”The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal [email protected]: @sudburystar.bsky.socialX: @SudburyStarArticle contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the ConversationFeatured Local Savings

Section 31 Is Star Trek’s Answer To A Popular Comic Book Movie

Arts & Culture, Books

Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Set phasers to spoilers: This article discusses major plot details from “Star Trek: Section 31.”
In many ways, “Star Trek” and its universe full of aliens, super-powered beings, the occasional godlike entity (see: Q), and heroic Starfleet officers meant to embody our highest ideals and aspirations isn’t too dissimilar from the high-flying world of comic books and superheroes — but “Section 31” puts a unique yet unmistakable spin on that entire notion. Director Olatunde Osunsanmi and writer Craig Sweeny (alongside Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt, both of whom get “Story by” credit) boldly take the franchise where it has only sporadically gone before, centering the story on the devious Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and a spec-ops team of antiheroes brought together by the dark side of Starfleet that few even know exists. With the Federation’s comforting rules and regulations merely a distant speck in the emptiness of space, “Section 31” truly gets down and dirty in a far-flung corner of the galaxy. By the time viewers are caught up to speed along with the always-wary Georgiou, the premise of the movie becomes clear … and so does its most obvious superhero antihero counterpart.

“Section 31” puts a quintessentially “Star Trek” twist on comic book movies like “The Suicide Squad” — er, James Gunn’s version as opposed to the disastrous 2016 movie, if that helps. A team of misfits and outcasts assembled together to recruit an outright villain, an irreverent tone and snarky sense of humor dialed up to 11, tons of action with multiple brutal deaths, and curse words flying just as often as phaser blasts? The only piece missing from this puzzle is Michelle Yeoh breaking the fourth wall and asking, “What are we, some kind of Section 31?” (Sorry, sorry, I’m trying to delete that.) Regardless of whether the project’s B-movie charms work for Trekkies or not, one thing’s absolutely certain: “Section 31” marks the latest instance of “Star Trek” breaking bad.

Meet the Section 31 team, Star Trek’s answer to Suicide Squad

Michael Gibson/Paramount+

When it comes to the “Star Trek” franchise, being bad has rarely looked so good. Philippa Georgiou (or, rather, her Mirror Universe counterpart who stuck around for almost the entirety of “Star Trek: Discovery”) has always marched to the beat of her own drum, but never has she been let off the chain as much as she is in “Section 31.” Fully escaped from Starfleet’s tight grip, this version of Georgiou is much more extravagant, self-assured, and downright fun than we’ve ever seen her before. Okay, yeah, she’s grappling with the guilt and trauma of condemning her former adolescent flame San (James Hiroyuki Liao) to a life of servitude and torture in order to become Emperor in the first place … but she just looks so fabulous while doing so.

That’s where the rest of this “Suicide Squad”-like team comes in. Georgiou’s past has come back to haunt her in the form of San and his desire to unleash the Emperor’s universe-destroying “Godsend” device, but luckily there’s a full-fledged team of renegades making sure that never happens. Each member falls into narrative roles that easily fit the folks-on-a-mission template: Alok Sahar (Omari Hardwick) is the cool and calm leader, Kacey Rohl’s Rachel Garrett is the prim and proper stickler for rules, the fearsome mech Zeph (Rob Kazinsky) is the brawn, tech-savvy Fuzz (Sven Ruygrok) is the obnoxious brains, Melle (Humberly González) is the femme fatale, and the shapeshifter Quasi (Sam Richardson) is the jack of all trades.

What separates “Section 31” from your typical ensemble fare, however, is the fact that few of them get along with each other, most of them refuse to play by the rules, and every one of them has their own agendas and secrets. Sure, there’s no exact equivalent to Ratcatcher or Polka Dot Man or the kaiju Starro … but they all end up serving awfully similar functions anyway. Whether this approach works for the fanbase or not, well, that’s another story entirely.

Is Section 31 for Trekkies or for action junkies and superhero nerds?

Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Here’s the question of the day, to the extent that /Film’s Jacob Hall centered his positive “Section 31” review on the idea of what actually makes “Star Trek,” well, “Star Trek” in the year of our Lord 2025. To this point, the sci-fi property has never allowed itself to get stuck with just one label and confined to a suffocating box. “The Original Series” alone proved just how malleable this material could be, bouncing from genre to genre in the span of a few episodes faster than the USS Enterprise could warp through space. Since then, every subsequent addition to the canon has only challenged our preconceived notions of what “Trek” can be more and more, from “The Next Generation” daring to jump forward to a time period (mostly) without any familiar faces to “Deep Space Nine” having the audacity to be set on a stationary space station instead of a starship — and, in that regard, “Section 31” is certainly no exception.

Still, it’s easy to see how different “Section 31” feels right from the jump. In a recent interview, “Star Trek” creative lead Alex Kurtzman explained that the TV movie was meant to appeal to as broad an audience as possible … and not just hardcore Trekkies. That goes a long way towards explaining the emphasis on action for the adrenaline junkies out there, the far more irreverent tone, the attempt to create a sense of a “cool factor” (which many critics have argued feels anathema to what “Trek” is at its heart), and the overall parallels to multiple comic book movies in recent vintage.
Ultimately, this “Section 31” experiment likely won’t end up redefining the franchise to as much of an extent as dissenters may fear. For one brief moment, however, we were given a glimpse into the most interesting of mirror universes — one where “Trek” let its hair down, strapped on a cocktail dress and a Beretta (or whatever the phaser equivalent would be), and shot first and asked questions later at the first sign of trouble. It’s hard to deny that it felt anything less than exhilarating.

“Star Trek: Section 31” is currently streaming on Paramount+.