"Nicaragua's Miss Universe Franchise Owner Accused of Orchestrating Beauty Queen Coup"

The Nicaraguan government, led by President Daniel Ortega, is targeting the Miss Universe franchise and its operators, accusing them of conspiring against the nation. This comes after a Nicaraguan beauty queen, Sheynnis Palacios, won the Miss Universe pageant and became a symbol of national pride and a longing for change. The government's attack on the franchise is seen as a sign of paranoia from a regime that has suppressed opposition, jailed or deported opposition leaders, and imprisoned Catholic bishops and priests. The government's control over social and political life has intensified in recent years, but it remains to be seen if it can control a beauty queen.