Latest news with #McIntyre
Chicago Tribune
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Cook County tax board commissioner, staff face multiple fines from ethics board
Cook County's ethics board fined Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele and aides for a series of breaches this week, finding that she provided confidential information to the press about the Chicago Bears' Arlington Heights property and wrongly allowed a staffer to attend a conference on county time. A top Steele aide was separately fined for attending Cubs games and traveling for personal trips on county time. Reached Friday, Steele said she 'absolutely disagreed' with the findings but declined to comment further. Steele is one of three commissioners on the county's Board of Review, which hears property tax appeals. She is currently running in the Democratic primary for county assessor. The county's board of ethics released three findings related to Steele's office this week. The highest-profile found that Steele had improperly shared appraisal information about the Chicago Bears' Arlington Heights property with the media three different times. She did so first in the middle of settlement negotiations in mid-2023, and then again later that year during an appeal. Steele had been warned by the county's general counsel afterwards that the board was prohibited from commenting on pending, confidential board matters, noting the property tax code required board members to 'remain fair and impartial and free from bias or influence,' and that confidence in the board would be eroded if the board's decision-making was perceived to be 'subject to inappropriate outside influences.' But Steele again commented for February 2024 stories about an appeal, triggering an email from the Bears' lawyer, who asked why the press was notified before the team. The board of ethics found Steele's comments to Crain's Chicago Business, NBC Chicago and the Tribune amounted to three violations of confidentiality code in the county's ethics ordinance and fined her $3,000, which she must pay in 30 days. Steele was arrested in 2024 for driving under the influence of alcohol after a car crash, but has been fighting the charge and is due back in court later this summer. She won back her right to drive after her attorney argued she wasn't given proper warning of the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test. She was fined another $1,000 by the ethics board this week and her top aide, Dan Balanoff, $750 for permitting an employee to attend an unauthorized conference unrelated to his county duties on county time. That employee, Ryan McIntyre, was fined the equivalent of 16 hours of county pay after he improperly attended the 2023 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. McIntyre managed Steele's calendar, meetings, and outreach events. He told the ethics board he was 'told to go' to the conference with Steele in late 2023. After learning about the trip, BOR staff told Balanoff twice that McIntyre would need to use paid time off to go because the conference was 'political in nature and unrelated to McIntyre's County duties,' according to the board's ruling. Balanoff told them Steele pushed back and he went on to approve travel and lodging expenses. The board did not determine attendance was 'prohibited political activity,' but did conclude it was unrelated to his job at the county. Balanoff, they said, 'still approved and submitted' McIntyre's request for reimbursement, permitting him 'to misuse County property,' and failing to ask about the purpose of the conference or review any materials related to it. Steele, meanwhile, 'had even more of a duty' to meet the highest ethical standards as the head of the office, including getting preauthorization for attendance at conferences and training sessions. In the third finding, the ethics board concluded Balanoff, Steele's director of special projects, 'conducted dual employment' by doing legal work for his own firm and attended non-government activities — including two Cubs games — on county time on four separate occasions. Balanoff admitted to answering client calls and working on three real estate transactions during county hours, though he contended he did not have a set 9-to-5 schedule at the county. Balanoff posted pictures of himself at Wrigley Field and the nearby bar, Murphy's Bleachers, on social media on August 4, 2023, when the team played against the Braves, after clocking in at the county that morning. He posted on his Instagram from Wrigley again on April 1, 2024, the day of the Cubs season opener against the Rockies. According to the board, he used sick time to attend when he should have used vacation time, a violation of the county's attendance policy. Balanoff also joined a Board of Review meeting virtually in September 2023 while on a plane for a personal trip after clocking in that morning and not requesting time off. He said he had notified Steele of the travel. The board reported a similar incident in which Balanoff traveled for personal reasons without clocking out. The board separately found Balanoff took non-county calls during normal working hours. Balanoff tried to challenge the board's investigatory findings after he resigned on May 25, arguing the board didn't have jurisdiction anymore, that he did not knowingly violate the county's rules, and that his use of county resources was 'de minimus,' because they did not interfere with his county duties or impose extra taxpayer cost. The board said those arguments were 'unavailing,' that his behavior was 'troubling,' and that the comingling of the outside activities 'creates the appearance of impropriety' and misused taxpayer funds, but was not 'an indictment of Balanoff's performance of his County duties.' He was fined a total of $4,500 for various ethics provisions, which are due within 30 days. Balanoff on Friday said the ruling was a political attack by opponents to unionization within the office. 'We obviously don't agree with it, I'm going to appeal,' he said.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Ex-gangland lawyer calls for cocaine to be legal in bid to halt trade in Scotland
A former gangland lawyer says that decriminalising cocaine could deter crime gangs from getting involved in the multi million pound trade, A former gangland lawyer says decriminalising cocaine is the only way to make the multi billion trade in Scotland less attractive to crime gangs. James McIntyre believes such a move would free up scare police resources to tackle what he sees as more serious offences such as cyber crime and high value online fraud scams, often targeted against the elderly and other vulnerable groups. In an exclusive interview with Criminal Record - our new weekly podcast - the 68 year old said:"That's far more serious than people actually wanting to buy a bit of cocaine. "If there is a war against drugs then the authorities have lost it very badly. "If you think you are golng to solve the drug problem in the way that America tried with the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920's and 30's then you are sadly mistaken. "You need to decriminalise it.. "At the moment all you are doing is depriving the public of something they actually want." During a 30 year career McIntyre was lawyer and trusted confidant to some of Scotland's most high profile underworld figures. He has been described as the real-life Tom Hagen, the fictional "consigliere" or adviser to the Corleone mafia family in The Godfather book and movies. His previous clients include the McGovern family - six brothers known as the McGovernment because of the control they allegedly had over the Springburn area of Glasgow. McIntyre has also represented former underworld enforcer-turned-author Paul Ferris. He added "If I want to have a glass of wine then I am not going to stop because the government says I can't. "We are denying a fact that people want recreational drugs. "I have nothing against the gangs because all they are dolng is meeting a demand from the public "I don't blame them for stepping into the gap." The former criminal lawyer continued:"There is a lot of talk just now about drugs which I find to be hypocritical. " Cocaine is rife in the film, music and entertainment industry but no one ever seems to be prosecuted. "However the person who supplies them can end up in prison. "That does not seem to be fair. "Cocaine is so wide spread, it is not going to get any better. You need to decriminalise it. "Whether you like it or not the so called so called organised crime groups are only meeting a demand from the public for drugs" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In 1995 McIntyre represented Thomas McGovern, then 28, who was accused of shooting dead a man outside the Ashfield Bar in Springburn. He walked free from the High Court when a key witness said he was not the man she saw do the shooting. McIntyre also represented youngest brother Paul, then 16, who was convicted in 1990 of murdering a school janitor in Springburn and sentenced to life. A third brother Tony McGovern, was shot dead outside the New Morven bar in Balornock, Glasgow, in 2000 and James attended his funeral. In November 1997 McIntyre received a three-year sentence at the High Court in Glasgow for a firearms find at his home in Linlithgow, West Lothian which marked the end of his legal career. The lawyer had claimed they were being held for a client who wanted them given to a police gun amnesty. Four years earlier McIntyre was also the target of a failed underworld hit in his offices close to the High Court in Glasgow when he was stabbed several times. Though he knew the identity of his assailant he has has never given the name to police. Since his release from prison in 1999 the grandfather has used his real-life experiences to become a successful writer for TV shows like EastEnders, New City Law and Taggart. He has also written more than 80 episodes of River City, including for Frank Gallagher, who plays gangster Lenny Murdoch. In 2023 McIntyre brought out a book on his life Jimmy Two Guns, the Life and Crimes of a Gangland Lawyer. However the man who led the fight against drugs and organised crime in Scotland for three years is against decriminalisation and he does not believe it will reduce crime. Graeme Pearson was Director General of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency between 2004 and 2007 and is a former Labour MSP and justice spokesman. He said:"The problem with drugs is the impact it has on the individuals health. "If you allow people to access drugs or encourage people to access drugs you are going to end up with more upset in the community and more violence because of the drugs impact on the individual. You will also have the mental health issues that come along with it. " Decriminalisation doesn't deal with the underlying issue of drug abuse." Mr Pearson added:"We have legal alcohol but still have bootleg booze flooding into the country because it is cheaper. "That's what criminals would do with drugs. "We have enough problems in Scottish communities with alcohol and tobacco. Who would want to legalise or decriminalise drugs?. "It's the last thing you want to introduce into your family environment."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Drew McIntyre Receives Unfortunate Update Amid WWE Hiatus
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Drew McIntyre has been absent from WWE television since May. A new report suggests his return is not expected to happen soon. McIntyre has been missing since his Steel Cage Match against Damian Priest at Saturday Night's Main Event. That match appears to have been the conclusion of their long-running feud. Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest got into a brutal Steel Cage match at Saturday Night Main Event.# — Oneily Arena (@OneilyArena) May 25, 2025 No Immediate Plans For McIntyre's Return According to WrestleVotes, there are no creative plans in place for Drew McIntyre. This indicates his hiatus from the company will continue. Speaking on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, the outlet noted that McIntyre's return is not imminent. However, his absence is being felt on the show. WrestleVotes stated that when McIntyre does return, he should be put back into the main event scene. "Nothing on the pipeline recently, which tells me it's not imminent," they reported. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Drew McIntyre talks to the crowd during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Drew McIntyre talks to the crowd during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex Bierens"When he's ready, if I was booking, I'd put him right on the top," the report continued (H/T to "I think the guy deserves it and you could tell, when he's not on TV, like as of late, the show is lacking a little bit." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation McIntyre On Real-Life Issues With CM Punk Before his feud with Priest, McIntyre was in a heated rivalry with CM Punk. The two stars competed in three high-profile matches. In a recent interview, McIntyre addressed the nature of their feud. He acknowledged that there was genuine animosity between them. He admitted to a real-life dislike for Punk. However, he also stated that personal issues do not have to interfere with business. McIntyre believes their rivalry was proof that personal tension can enhance storytelling. He noted this is possible when both performers are great at what they do. McIntyre's career is a story of redemption and main event success. During his first WWE run, he was dubbed "The Chosen One" and captured both the Intercontinental and WWE Tag Team Championships. After being released, he reinvented himself on the independent circuit, most notably winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He returned to WWE in 2017, where his career ascended to new heights. McIntyre is a two-time WWE Champion, a one-time World Heavyweight Champion, and a former NXT Champion. His crowning moment came after winning the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble, leading him to defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Feds Call On Minister Watts To Rule Out Yet Another Tax
Federated Farmers is calling on the Revenue Minister to rule out yet another tax, this time a controversial Inland Revenue proposal hitting the not-for-profit sector. Under the proposal, organisations like Federated Farmers would be taxed on their membership subscription income for the first time. "We're calling on Simon Watts to move quickly and categorically take this off the table," Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre says. "This is not a routine tax consultation - this is a significant new interpretation that overturns 20 years of settled practice." Ideally, Inland Revenue would withdraw its draft interpretation but, failing that, the Minister must step in, McIntyre says. "This isn't a minor tweak - it's a fundamental shift in how the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) interprets the law. "It would have serious consequences for New Zealand's not-for-profit sector." Under current practice, not-for-profits structured as mutual associations - organisations set up to serve their members rather than make a profit - aren't taxed on income they receive from members. This principle, known as mutuality, is based on the idea that a group of people cannot make profit from dealing with themselves. However, IRD is proposing that if a not-for-profit is constitutionally prohibited from distributing profits to members, as most are, its member income should be taxed. "This would pull the rug out from under about 9000 not-for profits, advocacy groups, professional associations, unions, community organisations, and political parties who rely on membership fees to fund their operations," McIntyre says. "This is not just about Federated Farmers - it's sector-wide and is creating huge concern." The IRD's draft relies heavily on an Australian legal precedent - the Coleambally Irrigation case - which found mutuality does not apply when there is a legal bar on profit distribution. But Federated Farmers argues this is a poor precedent to import into New Zealand, noting that Australia's Parliament had to step in and reverse it with legislation after significant backlash. New Zealand's not-for-profit framework is different - but the harm from adopting this interpretation would create exactly the same confusion and harm, McIntyre says. Federated Farmers' submission urges the IRD Commissioner to withdraw the proposal and reaffirm the non-taxable status of genuine mutual income. "Ultimately, this is now a political question. The Government cannot allow the Inland Revenue to unilaterally rewrite tax policy that affects thousands of organisations," McIntyre says. "This is why the Minister needs to rule this out publicly. Tax policy decisions of this magnitude belong with elected representatives, not faceless tax officials in Wellington." Federated Farmers has submitted on this consultation draft. The submission questions why IRD is pursuing the change now, after more than 20 years of consistent guidance and practice and ecosystem has been allowed to flourish under the existing rules. "After two decades of stability, we have to ask: why now? This has the hallmarks of a desperate revenue grab dressed up as a legal interpretation," McIntyre says. "That's why the Minister needs to make it clear this won't proceed." Federated Farmers is not alone in its concerns. "We're hearing from a growing coalition of not-for-profits across the country, who are just as alarmed as us about the proposed change and its implications," McIntyre says. "From unions to professional bodies to political parties, the feedback is unanimous: this proposal would be devastating. "The mutuality principle has served our country well for decades, and it should be preserved." Federated Farmers' submission concludes with a stark warning: if the Commissioner proceeds with the reinterpretation, it will become a political issue - one that Ministers and MPs will need to address urgently. "The public deserve to know where the Government stands on this. We're calling on Minister Watts to give that clarity now," McIntyre says. The full submission is available here ( and Federated Farmers will continue to engage with the Government, other affected organisations, and the wider public as the consultation process unfolds.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Top WWE Star Dealing With Injuries: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new report has revealed that Damian Priest was working through significant injuries during his recent feud with Drew McIntyre. While many fans assumed McIntyre was the one who was "banged up," it was actually his rival who was performing hurt. The report from Fightful Select clarifies that McIntyre's current absence from WWE is scheduled time off. It was Priest who sustained and worked through several injuries during their program. Pushing Through For A 'Home Game' The rivalry between Priest and McIntyre was a violent one. It included a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania 41 and a brutal Steel Cage match at the May 24th Saturday Night's Main Event. Despite being injured, Priest has no plans to take time off. According to the report, working at the upcoming SummerSlam premium live event is important to him as he considers it a "home game." Backstage Praise And SummerSlam Plans Sources within WWE have reportedly praised Priest for his toughness and commitment. His efforts to work through the injuries have been well-received backstage. As a result, he is expected to be featured in a significant manner at SummerSlam. Creative plans are reportedly being made to ensure he has a prominent role on the show. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More This new information reframes the entire narrative of the McIntyre-Priest feud. It highlights the toughness of the former Judgment Day member as he moves toward a major spot at one of WWE's biggest events of the year. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Priest's WWE career is a story of a steady climb, culminating in main event success as both a singles star and a key member of a dominant faction. After a successful run in Ring of Honor as Punishment Martinez, he signed with WWE in 2018 and debuted in NXT. As Damian Priest, his "Archer of Infamy" persona quickly connected with fans, leading to him capturing the NXT North American Championship at TakeOver XXX in a thrilling ladder match. Priest made his main roster debut at the 2021 Royal Rumble and immediately made an impact, teaming with international music superstar Bad Bunny to defeat The Miz and John Morrison at WrestleMania 37. Later that year, he won the United States Championship from Sheamus at SummerSlam. His career reached a new level in 2022 when he became a founding member of The Judgment Day. The faction became a dominant force on Raw, with Priest and Finn Bálor capturing the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions. In 2023, he won the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match. He successfully cashed in his contract at WrestleMania 40 to defeat Drew McIntyre and win the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time, cementing his place as a top star in the company. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
