Latest news with #Cadillac
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's Armored Golf Cart Spotted in Scotland
A new addition to President Donald Trump's security detail has made its debut at his golf course in Scotland, where his visit has drawn protests and a bomb threat. As the president hit the links of his Turnberry golf course this weekend, a black golf cart that appeared to be heavily fortified was seen following close behind. Dubbed 'Golf Force One' by media outlets, the souped-up cart arrives roughly 10 months after Trump survived an alleged assassination attempt while golfing. Trump, however, chose to cruise the course in a regular white golf cart on Saturday and Sunday, with the Golf Force One keeping close company. Experts told The Telegraph that the vehicle's heavy armor is evident from the distinctive black band around the windscreen. 'The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors, and the large panel at the rear above the load tray,' said an expert, who asked to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of his work. The president's official limousine 'The Beast' is similarly fortified. The $1.5 million Cadillac is bulletproof, blast resistant and hermetically sealed against chemical attacks, according to The Telegraph. Trump's private visit has drawn nearly a third of Police Scotland's manpower, according to Daily Mail. Several police snipers were observed setting up positions around the rural area where Trump stayed this weekend. The Independent reports that 1,500 officers have been pulled from their normal duties in support of Trump's four-day visit. Police Scotland has only said the costs would be 'considerable,' according to the Los Angeles Times. But policing for Trump's four-day visit to the U.K. in 2018—which also included two days in Turnberry—cost taxpayers more than $19 million. Widespread protests broke out in the country upon his arrival, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering in Edinburgh and other cities on Saturday, according to The Mirror US. Meanwhile, a man who said he had a bomb and wanted to 'send a message' to Trump forced a Glasgow-bound flight to make an emergency landing Sunday morning. In September 2024, Secret Service agents spotted a man aiming a rifle from the bushes at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Trump was approximately 900 to 1500 feet away, according to BBC. Agents fired at the suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, who fled the scene but was later arrested by police about 40 miles from the course. He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the incident. Two months earlier, Trump survived another attempt on his life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A U.S. Secret Service spokesperson declined to comment on the 'Golf Force One' when contacted by the Daily Beast, stating, 'The U.S. Secret Service employs a variety of tools and resources to safeguard our protectees. In order to maintain operational security, the Secret Service does not discuss the specific means and methods used to conduct our protective operations.' The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. Solve the daily Crossword
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Extravagant' party before entertainment company's collapse
The 'extravagant' party to celebrate the opening night of a big name musical included a Cadillac in the centre of the room, cocktails and go-go dancers – but behind the scenes the company was staring down potential troubles. Videos of the night reveal generous platters filled with meats and vegetables, dipping sauces and breads and cheeses, as well as people drinking and talking as they surround a Cadillac while colourful lights flash around the room. The party had been put on by Australian producer David Venn and his company to mark the start of Elvis: The Musical Revolution's season in Sydney. But a year later the company called David Venn Enterprises spectacularly collapsed owing $7.5 million, with Mr Venn pointing to ticket sales not meeting expectations and broader financial risks such as high operating costs and unpredictable revenue leaving little margin for error in the live entertainment industry. What wasn't known to those at the glamorous August 2023 party, including the cast and crew who ended up being owed tens of thousands of dollars each, was that David Venn Enterprises was potentially trading insolvent already in June that year, according to a liquidator's report. Now another artist Sam*, who was involved with the Elvis production, has come forward to raise questions about the flashy display, given the company's financial troubles that later emerged. 'The Elvis opening night was wild for a producer compared to things I've done before – it's rather extraordinary,' Sam, who asked that their real name be withheld, told Sam said the party, held at the Sofitel Wentworth had go-go dancers, as well as the Cadillac that had been brought into the foyer of the function rooms. 'It was further than most opening nights – it was a full produced gala. It wasn't like drinks and nibbles and chats with anyone. I was shocked – it was extravagant,' he added. Meanwhile, an artist who previously blew the whistle on how the abrupt cancellation of the show came with just eight days notice and also asked that their name be withheld, said they remembered thinking the party was 'quite over the top'. 'In comparison, the next opening night we had there were mini spring rolls and samosas served from foil oven trays from a folding table in the foyer of the Atheneum (theatre in Melbourne),' they said. Mr Venn, from the production company, declined to further comment on the most recent claims but previously said he regretted the impact of the company's collapse on those affected and remained committed to doing the right thing where circumstances allow. Cast and crew faced turmoil inside the production before the company went under as an unpaid superannuation bill of $440,000 racked up and seasons in Melbourne and New Zealand faced cancellation. Documents obtained by also showed that just $304,000 will be returned to creditors from the $7.5 million owed after they voted to accept a personal insolvency agreement. A government scheme paid out $744,000 in outstanding entitlements to employees of David Venn Enterprises after its collapse, learned. Now a big name industry player who is behind some of the country's most recognisable shows is speaking out about how he worked with Mr Venn and his company when Mr Venn was an 'up and coming producer' but felt 'bitten' after their interactions. Vas Katos has worked in the entertainment industry for 30 years and launched his latest company Anthem in 2021. It boasts clients such as Live Nation, festivals and iconic art institutions, invests in Broadway and West End shows and has worked on the likes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and SIX the Musical. 'Alarm bells' started to ring when Mr Venn's business had racked up a bill of around $400,000 with Anthem, Mr Katos claims, before the debt was slashed to half via a payment plan. But it's not about the lost money for Mr Katos. Instead he said there is a bigger problem in the industry that he claims props up people even when debts go bad. 'It doesn't really hurt us as the money owed was relatively small as we pushed hard to bring down the debt,' he told Mr Katsos thought he might be able to use his 'clout' to ensure payment, until the 'avalanche of debt came to light', he added. 'But this seems to be so unique in the theatre business and it's so highly disrespectful and immoral to be working while (potentially) insolvent but everyone in the industry seems to accept it,' he said. 'It's really not fair especially to artists who only get a gig or two a year and the production crew.' Mr Venn previously told that ticket sales for the Elvis season did not meet expectations, despite best efforts and significant marketing investment. 'Demand simply didn't materialise at the level needed to cover costs,' he said, adding he had cancelled the remaining tour to prevent further losses and risk to all involved. He said there was a significant and unforeseen drop in ticket sales part way through the tour and strategies to improve revenue were pursued but the company's financial position did not recover in time. Mr Katos is especially critical that Mr Venn has already launched a new outfit this year – with his mum as the company's director — called DV Live that has already staged a number of musicals. 'I just don't give young producers a go as the industry is set up to protect bad behaviour,' he said. 'That's unfortunate for the industry at large as it makes it harder for the next up and comer to work with the best agencies … If it's a one off that's OK but it has been endemic in the industry.' Mr Katos acknowledged being a producer is high risk for anyone but said they should also be prepared that if a show is a 'disaster to cut it off'. 'If Elvis was not a success in Sydney, cut it off,' he added. 'Don't chase losses as the performers and production crew can't afford it. 'It keeps me up at night and boils my blood. People give services in good faith they will be paid – it wouldn't happen in other industries – they would be black-listed.' revealed that Mr Venn had told artists in a Gold Coast meeting last year that Elvis' return to Sydney had sent the company's finances backwards with the show costing $450,000 a week to operate. Sam has also questioned whether David Venn Enterprises should have been shut down earlier. 'I feel like it was continuing because the word Elvis was in the show but ticket sales reflections should have been obvious enough about not continuing,' they said. 'It would have been much better to cancel as opposed to racking up $7.5 million in debt over a year.' DV Live, where Mr Venn is the 100 per cent shareholder, was incorporated in February this year. Sam claims that DV Live was launched just days before the company put on Footloose: The Musical this year. Mr Venn previously said DV Live is a new opportunity that was started to contribute to an entertainment industry he is passionate about. 'DV Live was built with the support of industry partners, believing in the work we were achieving before the liquidation. It is only through these relationships that we have been able to get off the ground again,' he said. 'My mother was appointed as director. We are both actively working on the business daily and I continue in the role of lead producer as an employee.' He added DV Live is a separate entity which continues to meet all legal obligations. Mitchell Ball from insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin was appointed as the liquidator of David Venn Enterprises. His investigations found poor economic conditions, the inability to pay statutory debts when they fell due, trading losses, inadequate cash flow or high cash use and the inability to service loans obtained were all factors that contributed to the company's failure. Mr Venn blamed the company's collapse on struggling ticket sales amid high competition, cost of living pressures causing consumers to have less discretionary income, and licensing and creative issues with entertainment product leading to reduced sales. The report also identified 17 transactions in the books and records of the company 'that may be considered unreasonable director-related transactions', but investigations were continuing. Mr Venn said the liquidator's report raised matters that he takes seriously and responded to appropriately at the time. 'It's important to note that the report does not fully reflect the broader financial context at the time, including significant advance ticket sales and pending investment commitments that were expected to support the business and its obligations,' he said. *Name has been changed
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Legendary car brand confirms imminent return to UK after 8 YEARS with all EV line-up only sold in 4 other countries
A LEGENDARY car brand has announced its imminent return to the UK after an eight year hiatus. Plans include the launch of an 1 The Cadillac is set to make a much-anticipated return to the UK Credit: Getty The boss of General Motors Europe (GM) said models to the UK "soon" - with more brands to follow. This will include the The An entry-level Lyriq has a range of around 330 miles and 520bhp, while a top-tier model hits up to 606bhp. Read more on Motors CEO Pere Brugal confirmed the car will be launched in the UK after completing final testing in Ireland. "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now," he told As well as the Lyric, other models will be brought to the UK market though it has not yet been determined which ones. But with GM's headquarters based in Detroit, vehicles brought to the UK will depend on legislation. Most read in Motors This is down to the differences in emission regulations and safety standards in Europe and the US. 'If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he said. Drivers rave over new 'luxurious' Cadillac EV as company boasts it comes with 10-min perk for those with 'range anxiety' "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' There is also chance Europe gets its own bespoke GM model to satisfy the continent's unique wants and demands, he added. News of the Cadillac's return comes just days after The fresh take on the classic hatchback will be produced at the firm's Italy . The motor will boast the same Almost identical to the Fiat aims to manufacture over 100,000 units per year of its new hybrid 500 small car. Parent company Italy , the brand's head Olivier Francois said on Friday. Stellantis was created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Legendary car brand confirms imminent return to UK after 8 YEARS with all EV line-up only sold in 4 other countries
Scroll to find out what other models are due to hit the UK market REVVING UP Legendary car brand confirms imminent return to UK after 8 YEARS with all EV line-up only sold in 4 other countries Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LEGENDARY car brand has announced its imminent return to the UK after an eight year hiatus. Plans include the launch of an all-electric line-up of cars currently only sold in four other countries. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Cadillac is set to make a much-anticipated return to the UK Credit: Getty The boss of General Motors Europe (GM) said Cadillac will bring models to the UK "soon" - with more brands to follow. This will include the Lyriq SUV, which is currently only sold in Switzerland, France, Sweden and Germany. The impressive motor retails for around £68,000 and rivals the likes of the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. An entry-level Lyriq has a range of around 330 miles and 520bhp, while a top-tier model hits up to 606bhp. CEO Pere Brugal confirmed the car will be launched in the UK after completing final testing in Ireland. "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now," he told Autocar. As well as the Lyric, other models will be brought to the UK market though it has not yet been determined which ones. But with GM's headquarters based in Detroit, vehicles brought to the UK will depend on legislation. This is down to the differences in emission regulations and safety standards in Europe and the US. 'If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he said. Drivers rave over new 'luxurious' Cadillac EV as company boasts it comes with 10-min perk for those with 'range anxiety' "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' There is also chance Europe gets its own bespoke GM model to satisfy the continent's unique wants and demands, he added. News of the Cadillac's return comes just days after Fiat announced that their new Fiat 500 hybrid will be put into production in November this year. The fresh take on the classic hatchback will be produced at the firm's Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. The motor will boast the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly engine that powers the old 500 and Fiat Panda. Almost identical to the 500e the new Fiat 500 hybrid has been given a reworked front grill to feed more air to the petrol engine. Fiat aims to manufacture over 100,000 units per year of its new hybrid 500 small car. Parent company Stellantis is betting on the model reviving its ailing production in Italy, the brand's head Olivier Francois said on Friday. Stellantis was created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA-Peugeot.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Legendary car brand confirms imminent return to UK after 8 YEARS with all EV line-up only sold in 4 other countries
A LEGENDARY car brand has announced its imminent return to the UK after an eight year hiatus. Plans include the launch of an all-electric line-up of cars currently only sold in four other countries. 1 The boss of General Motors Europe (GM) said Cadillac will bring models to the UK "soon" - with more brands to follow. This will include the Lyriq SUV, which is currently only sold in Switzerland, France, Sweden and Germany. The impressive motor retails for around £68,000 and rivals the likes of the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. An entry-level Lyriq has a range of around 330 miles and 520bhp, while a top-tier model hits up to 606bhp. CEO Pere Brugal confirmed the car will be launched in the UK after completing final testing in Ireland. "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now," he told Autocar. As well as the Lyric, other models will be brought to the UK market though it has not yet been determined which ones. But with GM's headquarters based in Detroit, vehicles brought to the UK will depend on legislation. This is down to the differences in emission regulations and safety standards in Europe and the US. 'If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he said. Drivers rave over new 'luxurious' Cadillac EV as company boasts it comes with 10-min perk for those with 'range anxiety' "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' There is also chance Europe gets its own bespoke GM model to satisfy the continent's unique wants and demands, he added. News of the Cadillac's return comes just days after Fiat announced that their new Fiat 500 hybrid will be put into production in November this year. The fresh take on the classic hatchback will be produced at the firm's Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. The motor will boast the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly engine that powers the old 500 and Fiat Panda. Almost identical to the 500e the new Fiat 500 hybrid has been given a reworked front grill to feed more air to the petrol engine. Fiat aims to manufacture over 100,000 units per year of its new hybrid 500 small car. Parent company Stellantis is betting on the model reviving its ailing production in Italy, the brand's head Olivier Francois said on Friday.
