Latest news with #Burch
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Claim tourism tax will damage Monmouthshire's economy
The possibility of using new powers to tax overnight stays as soon as they become available was ruled out at Monmouthshire County Council's July meeting. Councillor Sara Burch, the council's cabinet member responsible for tourism, said it would hold talks with tourism operators before considering whether to introduce a charge and said: 'We've no intention of even getting to the point of consulting on a visitor levy within this administration.' The next council elections are due to take place in 2027 while the Welsh Government has said the earliest any local authority could introduce the tax, which it calls a visitor levy, is 2027. The Senedd, in July, approved legislation that will allow Wales' 22 unitary authorities to introduce a £1.30 per visitor, per night charge on overnight stays. It will be up to individual authorities if they wish to use the powers that also include a 75 pence per person, per night charge for hostels and campsites. An exception for under 18s would only apply at hostels and campsites. If every council in Wales introduced the charge it's estimated it could raise as much as £33m a year to invest in services and infrastructure to support tourism. While councils including Cardiff and Gwynedd have shown an interest in the charge it has been ruled out by Newport council, at the beginning of this yea, and Blaenau Gwent councillors say they believe it could have a negative economic impact. Figures produced for Monmouthshire council estimated in 2023 there were 2.29 million visitors, spending 3.53m visitor days in the county, generating more than £329m for the local economy, and supporting 3,462 full time equivalent jobs. The council was asked by its Conservative opposition group to commit to ruling out introducing the charge in June 2023, but at that time the ruling Labour group said it was too soon to make a decision on legislation that had yet to pass through the Senedd. At July's full council meeting Tory leader Richard John asked if the cabinet had given further consideration to his group's proposal the council 'should rule out introducing a tourism tax in Monmouthshire?' Cllr Burch said she assumed Cllr John was 'referring to the visitor levy' – to which he replied 'I am' – and she said: 'Our position remains unchanged we've no immediate plans to introduce a visitor levy.' The Abergavenny Cantref councillor said the council is working with tourism providers on destination management plans and to 'understand the advantages and how money raised could go to improving our offer to visitors'. She also said she welcomed the legislation as it also introduces a compulsory register of visitor accommodation. The destination management plans could go the council's scrutiny committees and cabinet in the autumn and Cllr Burch said: 'From there we hope to strengthen the Monmouthshire tourism partnership and discuss how any discussions may further take place but we've no intention of even getting to the point of consulting on a visitor levy within this administration.' Cllr Burch was prompted by council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby to say there were 'no plans on consulting' during the council term when responding to Cllr John. The Mitchell Troy and Trellech councillor said the response was 'disappointing to hear' and said 'the downsides of a tourism tax are really quite evident particularly in a boarder county like Monmouthshire.' He said families wanting to holiday in the Wye Valley will have a choice between staying in Gloucestershire or 'coming to Monmouthshire where a tourism tax will add an additional £40 for a week's holiday for a family of four. It could do enormous damage and as a council we should rule it out.' Cllr Burch said she considered the downsides and possible advantages to be 'evident' and said they would benefit from further discussion.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: OLB Jordan Burch
We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about OLB Jordan Burch. The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team. Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook. Next up is outside linebacker Jordan Burch. Jordan Burch background, 2024 season Burch started his career at South Carolina and finished at Oregon, leading to his selection by the Cardinals in the third round of this year's draft. In 10 games last season (nine starts), he had 8.5 sacks, 31 tackles (11 for loss), six passes defensed, plus one forced fumble and recovery. He had at least one tackle for loss in seven of 10 games and at least one sack in six of 10 games. Jordan Burch 2025 contract details, cap hit Burch signed a four-year contract worth $6.489 million that included a $1.35 million signing bonus. His base salary this season is $840,000 and the salary-cap charge is $1.187 million. 2025 questions, roster outlook Burch brings top-level athleticism to the edge-rusher room and the main question is how quickly he will learn the varied scheme implemented by coordinator Nick Rallis. The pass-rushing group is very improved and has solid depth, so Burch will be challenged to make an impact in his rookie season. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon gives update on 3rd-round pick OLB Jordan Burch
Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon gives update on 3rd-round pick OLB Jordan Burch Burch has shown off his physical traits and is working in multiple positions and on special teams. Not much has been said about the Arizona Cardinals' third-round pick this year, outside linebacker Jordan Burch. The attention as been focused on their first two draft picks, defensive lineman Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson. Burch, who joins a revamped outside linebacker room, is showing versatility in position and in role. Head coach Jonathan Gannon was asked about Burch before the final practice of mandatory minicamp. "Really smart, detailed," he said. "We've moved him around a little bit. You see some of the physical traits that we saw on tape, which is one of the reasons we drafted him." Because he is in a room that includes Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari and Baron Browning, Burch must find a way to contribute than just on defense. Special teams will be important, and he is learning that. "He's been excellent with learning fourth down as well." Gannon said Burch's situation is similar to the rest of the rookies. "Just like all our rookies, he needs to get on the pads, get some live reps and go through some learning experiences, but I'm pleased where he's at right now. He's doing well." Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Metro
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Faster Pussycat singer Taime Downe addresses fiancee's mystery cruise ship death
Faster Pussycat's lead singer Taime Downe has finally addressed his fiancée Kimberly Burch's mysterious death earlier this month. Kimberly Burch and Downe, who has been the lead vocalist of the rock band since 1985, were on an 80s-themed Royal Caribbean cruise when she fell overboard. A month on from the incident on March 2, Downe has now spoken out about Burch's death for the first time. According to US outlets, while chatting on SiriusXM, Downe said of his mental state: 'It's a roller coaster. I'm hanging in there. I'm just taking it a day at a time.' Asked whether touring with Faster Pussycat after such an event will help him, Downe said: 'My fingers are crossed. I think so. I hope so. I'm just going out and doing what I love to do with the people I love. So, I think it can't be anything but therapeutic, you know what I mean?' 'This is just heavy s**t, and I'm just looking forward to playing shows and having fun.' Asked whether it's okay to talk about Burch's death, he replied: 'No, it's good to talk about it. It's good to talk about it with my friends, my close-knit friends. But I don't really wanna talk about it with strangers, 'cause it doesn't seem appropriate. It is what it is.' Downe also claimed Burch's death was 'alcohol and prescription related,' he said, going on to add: 'I loved the hell out of Kimberly, and it was just hard to deal with. We spent basically nine years together.' As Explorer of the Seas is registered in the Bahamas, the Nassau police reviewed the case and cleared Downe of any wrongdoing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. TMZ report officials were in possession of a video that shows the moments leading up to Burch's death. A source told MailOnline that the couple were heard 'loudly arguing' prior to the incident. The insider said: 'The argument was in their cabin, their neighbors heard only yelling but nothing specific being yelled out. 'Their relationship looked amazing otherwise, there were never any complaints, little or big from either of them, they seemed to be in love with each other, very much.' The source continued, saying they had heard 'scattered stories Burch was drunk' on the night of the fatal fall but 'didn't really drink and had helped Downe with his sobriety.' Burch's mother originally shared the news of her daughter's death with TMZ, saying she's confident Burch would not have hurt herself on purpose, and claiming the couple had allegedly been arguing. She claimed Burch, who was 56 years old, had been drinking on the cruise, which was out of character for her, but that her daughter had been 'excited' about the trip. A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told Metro: 'Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort, is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. 'To respect the privacy of our guest's family, we have no additional details to share.' A US Coast Guard spokesperson also told TMZ the incident happened around 20miles away from Freeport, Bahamas, and the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter crew to assist the Royal Bahamas Defense Coast in their search. Search efforts were later suspended. More Trending A statement posted to Facebook by her family read: 'It is with broken hearts that we share the sad news that Kimberly Burch has passed away. 'She was a beloved Daughter,Sister,Sister-in-law and Aunt. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. 'We ask for prayers during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy. We love and miss you Kimberly Burch!!' Burch had been accompanying Downe and Faster Pussycat on the 7-day cruise, which the rockstars were a featured act on alongside Squeeze, Adam Ant, Tiffany and Men at Work. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Cynthia Erivo defends her casting as Jesus in 'the gayest place on Earth' MORE: 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis 'living a nightmare' after son Weston dies aged 16 MORE: Famous Hollywood couple shattered after learning they can't move to Ireland permanently
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe breaks silence on fiancée's mysterious cruise ship death
Taime Downe has broken his silence. The Faster Pussycat frontman opened up about his fiancée Kimberly Burch's death for the first time since she plunged over the side of a cruise ship following an alleged argument with the '80s glam rocker on March 2. 'It's a roller coaster,' Downe, 60, said during SiriusXM's 'Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk' on Friday, May 30. 'I'm hanging in there. I'm just taking it a day at a time.' 6 Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has broken his silence on his fiancée's mysterious cruise ship death. Instagram/Kimberly Burch 'And everybody thought going out on the road and doing what I do and being with my family in my band would be good for me,' he continued. 'So I've taken their advice and I'm doing this. We're going out with some cool bands.' Downe and Burch, 56, were onboard a Royal Caribbean ship called Explorer of the Seas for an '80s-themed cruise where Faster Pussycat was performing alongside other bands like Men at Work, Squeeze and Tiffany. But on the first night of the seven-day voyage, Burch fell to her death while the ship was out to sea between Miami and the Bahamas. 6 Kimberly Burch plunged over the side of a cruise ship on March 2. burchkimberly/Instagram Burch's mother told TMZ that the tragedy happened shortly after her daughter and Downe got into a 'heated' argument and that Burch had been drinking shortly before falling overboard. Downe added that his fiancée's shocking death was 'alcohol and prescription-related' during his interview with Trunk. 'So I blame alcohol and pills on it,' he said. 'There's no way I'd touch booze. For me, that's just completely disgusting in my brain, you know what I mean?' 6 Burch shared this social media post shortly before plunging overboard. Instagram/Kimberly Burch 'So I've got some hatred for booze, 'cause I loved the hell out of Kimberly, and it was just hard to deal with,' the 'House of Pain' singer continued. 'We spent basically nine years together.' 'This is just heavy s–t,' Downe added, 'and I'm just looking forward to playing shows and having fun.' While the 'Poison Ivy' vocalist said that 'it is what it is,' he also admitted that it's 'good to talk about it' three months after his fiancée's disappearance and death. 6 The couple was together for around six years before Burch's shocking disappearance and death. Instagram/Kimberly Burch 'It's good to talk about it. It's good to talk about it with my friends, my close-knit friends,' he said. 'But I don't really wanna talk about it with strangers, 'cause it doesn't seem appropriate.' 'It is what it is,' Downe added. A video of the incident, which has since been obtained by investigators, reportedly showed Burch climbing the cruise ship's railing before plunging off. It is still unclear whether she purposely jumped or accidentally fell. 6 'I loved the hell out of Kimberly,' Towne said of his late fiancée. Instagram/Kimberly Burch Her body was never recovered. Her brother, Keith, exclusively told The Post in March that his family is 'lost' without Burch. 'We feel lost … We have no answers at all,' he said. 'Something happening to one of your loved ones, and not even knowing what happened — it's awful.' Her family also addressed her death in a Facebook on March 4. 6 Faster Pussycat kicked off a new tour on May 30. FilmMagic 'She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her,' her loved ones stated. 'We ask for prayers during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy. We love and miss you, Kimberly Burch!' Meanwhile, Downe and Faster Pussycat kicked off a new tour on May 30 in Las Vegas. The band will be on the road through early July. 'I just think it'll be very therapeutic to get to see a bunch of fans and a bunch of friends across the country,' Downe said of Faster Pussycat's current tour. 'So I think it'll be helpful.'
