Latest news with #Downtown
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
EU Opens In-Depth Investigation Into Universal Music's $775 Million Downtown Deal
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Universal Music Group's $775 million takeover of U.S. label Downtown, citing competition concerns. The commission said Tuesday that it wants to look further into the companies' transaction after starting a preliminary investigation earlier this year. The EU's merger enforcer said it is worried the deal could distort the market for wholesale recorded music distribution if it goes ahead, by giving Universal access to rival record labels' commercially sensitive data.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mr. C Residences Downtown: Italian Elegance on Dubai's Skyline with The Nobile Collection
Mr. C Residences Downtown introduces the Nobile Collection, a limited offering of just twenty-two four-bedroom residences, each designed as an expression of timeless Italian elegance and modern sophistication. Set against the iconic Burj Khalifa and the luminous Dubai skyline, the Nobile Collection fuses Italian heritage and craftsmanship with the dynamism of one of the world's most exciting cities. Every residence within The Nobile Collection is thoughtfully crafted for those who appreciate artistry and timeless design. Expansive half-floor layouts are enriched with Calacatta marble finishes, state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, and bespoke details that embody a dedication to the highest standards of quality. Handcrafted glass chandeliers by the legendary Barovier & Toso serve as luminous sculptures, adding both warmth and a quiet grandeur to each living space. At the heart of the Nobile Collection are open-plan Great Rooms, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that flow seamlessly into dining spaces, ideal for both intimate gatherings and everyday indulgence. Panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the Arabian Sea become part of the living experience, with expansive terraces that offer both sunrise and sunset vistas. Principal suites serve as serene sanctuaries, featuring freestanding bathtubs, bespoke Italian vanities, and glass-enclosed rain showers. Beyond its interiors, the Nobile Collection represents a philosophy of living—one that values signature service, timeless design, and elevated experiences. Developed by Alta Real Estate Development, a Dubai based developer renowned for its commitment to premium design and meticulous craftsmanship, Mr. C Residences Downtown reflects the firm's dedication to creating spaces that resonate with those who gravitate towards the finer things.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Fairfax mayor, vice mayor recall effort over controversial housing project gathers enough signatures
Several Fairfax neighbors gathered on Friday in what they called a "celebration" of obtaining enough signatures to put Mayor Lisel Blash and Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman on the recall ballot. They were holding signs, rallying against the council leadership. Candace Neal-Ricker, who heads the recall effort, said she is disappointed by the city council for approving the zoning of School Street Plaza, a seven-story housing project in Downtown Fairfax. The initial development plan proposed 243 units, and then was revised to 175 units. "This truly was done with such a lack of transparency in this town that that was the true failure," Neal-Ricker said. "I think logical housing would have been perfectly acceptable. I think if they brought their community in to design true low-income housing, not in the guise of, or not inviting the developers in after 70 years to take over the town, we could have all gotten behind that." She, along with more than 1,500 other Fairfax residents, said this, among other reasons, is why they want the mayor and vice mayor out of office. "I'm sorry, in a town where our height in total has been 28 feet for 70 years. That's absolutely unacceptable and not part of the character of the town. Nor do we have the fire evacuation routes, the fire equipment to put out a fire in a seven-story building. Nor a firehouse big enough to house that type of equipment," Neal-Ricker said. Mayor Blash has been in office since December. She said she knew the challenges she was walking into. "It saddens me, but I know that our town is facing a number of issues. And I knew this when I was elected that this was going to be a challenge because there are these issues that are hard for any town to address. Yet our residents would like us to be able to fix them simply and quickly, and that's just not the case," the mayor told CBS News Bay Area. She adds that state housing mandates that push for more affordable housing in less dense neighborhoods have put local governments like Fairfax in a difficult position. "State housing mandates really put local governments into a really impossible place. They're enacted by state legislators and yet we, the local officials, really take the heat for those decisions. And I am concerned because I think the public has a hard time understanding what the consequences of fighting those mandates would be, that we are doing our best to protect the town by the decisions that we made," Blash said. Sandy Handscher, who has been living in Fairfax for more than 35 years, said she believes the mayor and vice mayor are scapegoats. "Being scapegoated for something that they did not do," she said. "The recall people have this almost a fantasy that there is a way that if we just stand arm in arm together and protest, that we'll stop this monstrosity from being built. I don't know anyone in Fairfax who wants a building with 243 units in the middle of downtown." She added that she believes the mayor and vice mayor are taking these measures to protect her town from potential lawsuits. "The town is at risk of being sued by the state. So, there are laws that Mayor Blash and Vice Mayor Hellman have been adamant about following," Handscher said. "If the housing elements are not brought forward, were not brought forward by the town, the town risked fines of $50,000 a month and at the worst, going into conservatorship." Meanwhile, the recall group also alleged that the city council isn't doing enough to address the homeless encampment near Contratti Park. "We're not above the law. We need to follow the law and right now, one of the campers has filed a civil rights case in Federal court. And that case is making its way to the court, and we have to wait until that decision has been made," the mayor said. As recall efforts continue, the mayor said she will continue to focus on the town's needs. "Do not get distracted by that recall effort. We have to do a number of things, we just passed the budget, we hope to build our fire station so we can have more firefighters per engine, we hope to have a safety drill, an evacuation drill this fall," Blash said. "We'd like to have a bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, which we're in the process of setting up. So I don't want this to derail the positive movement that we're making as a council." Meanwhile, the recallers plan to be at the city council's meeting next month to certify their recall petition. Neil-Ricker added that the housing project on the table is not her hometown's vision. "I am your example of your low-income, ultra-low-income born and raised Fairfax bartender. And I would not be able to afford $2,700 for a studio apartment," she said. "There were many alternate sites available that were not considered. Also, our sister city, San Anselmo, maintained their 28 feet height height and still worked with their developers. Fairfax could do the same." If the recall petition is certified, the vote will then go on the ballot for a special election in November. As for the housing project, the planning developer said the application was incomplete and the project was not eligible for ministerial review. Therefore, as of now, the project development proposal has not been approved. The mayor said the city is awaiting the developer's response.
Chicago Tribune
17-07-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Elgin to start using safety barriers on Riverside, South Grove; donations, volunteers sought for back-to-school event
New safety wedge barriers have been installed along Riverside Drive and South Grove Avenue for use during crowded events, restricting vehicle access but not impeding pedestrian traffic. When not in use controlling traffic during Festival Park events between Friday and Oct. 12, the barriers will lie flat, sitting about an inch above the road's surface, according to a city news release. Drivers should slow down before driving over them. Every Friday starting this week, the barriers at each end of Riverside Drive will go up at 3 p.m. and be taken down at 6 a.m. Monday so that the street can become 'a pedestrian-only promenade for the Downtown Elgin Market, concerts and other weekend events,' the release said. On South Grove Avenue, the barriers between Prairie and Lake streets, next to Festival Park, will be in use only during large events. Detour signs will be posted when the barriers are being used, but will not block pedestrians and cyclists, officials said. Public lots at the northwest corner of South Grove Avenue and Prairie Street will remain open to vehicles. Additional parking options can be viewed at The D300 Food Pantry is seeking supply donations and volunteers to work at a back-to-school giveaway event being held Saturday, Aug. 2, at Carpentersville Middle School, 100 Cleveland Ave. More than 420 children are signed up to participate in the event, a social media post said. The nonprofit organization is in need of 90 people to cover three shifts: 9 a.m. to noon to set up before the giveaway starts; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to work during the event; and 2:30 to 4 p.m. to do cleanup work. For a list of supplies sought and other information, go to To volunteer, email mjohnstone@ A presentation marking the 110th anniversary of Eastland Disaster in Chicago will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin. The Eastland Disaster Historical Society is conducting the program, which will feature two granddaughters of Bobbie Aanstad, who survived the ship accident, according to the library's website. On July 24, 1915, the Eastland was embarking on an excursion cruise when it became unbalanced and rolled over into the Chicago River. Of the more than 2,500 passengers and crew members on board, 844 people died, including 22 entire families. Many of the victims were employees of Western Electric attending a company outing. To register to attend the event and for more information, go to The Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Foundation have awarded a $1,500 grant to the Maroon Buzz Weekly News Team at Elgin High School. Team members plan to use its grant to buy a memory card and batteries, memory card holder and USB holders, charger for lavalier mics, rolling tripod, charging block, large storage cabinet, handheld mics, a camera rig and cage and a handheld recording in progress sign, a news release said. The Illinois High School Journalism Grants Program awarded more than $35,000 in funding to 26 high schools, the release said.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Why Led Zeppelin's Unexpected Collab With '70s Rock Legend Is Still Dividing Fans 30 Years Later
When it comes to legendary guitar players, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page has been consistently topping the lists of countless music lovers for decades. Also counted among the most iconic axe men in rock history is Neil Young - but the two musicians have drastically different styles of playing. So it makes sense that one epic '90s collaboration featuring Page and Young would result in mixed no one could have predicted that people would still be arguing about the performance decades later. In 1995, when both Led Zeppelin and Young were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they took the stage together to perform a rendition of Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" featuring a particularly unforgettable solo from Young (and a bit of surprise additional shredding by Robert Plant). In keeping with initial reactions to the performance, commenters on a recently shared clip were divided by Young's contribution. "Sigh. Young cannot play solos. Great talents, but not on the guitar. And everyone being polite and pretending, like he's the 4 year old kid brother pretending. This is embarrassing," one person wrote, with another calling the clip "painful." However, others were quick to defend Young. "People saying Neil was bad don't understand this era of music and what this was about. Sorry it wasn't auto tuned for you," somebody argued. "I frigging love Neil Young's guitar solos," someone else declared, adding, "Probably because I usually dislike guitar solos. All these so-called guitar heroes boring us with their 'fret work', yawn. Feel the passion, not the 'technical ability.'" "Boo boo Neil Young can't play, he sucks, boo hoo" - dude sitting at home with his phone, who will never be remembered for his contributions to music, unlike Neil Young," quipped yet another fan. One person who was reportedly thrilled with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame collab was Young himself, who had such a positive experience performing with Zeppelin that he considered recording an entire album with the band, according to Rolling Stone. While that never came to pass, Young did write a song inspired by the experience, per American Songwriter - "Downtown," the lead single on his 1995 album Mirror Ball (recorded with members of Pearl Jam). Related: Legendary Rock Star, 79, Thrills Fans With Rare Throwback Pic on Anniversary of Iconic Performance Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
