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Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Opposing Mayor Brandon Johnson's tax-increase ideas is not a criminal act
What do you think of when someone uses the term, 'crime of the century?' The O.J. Simpson murder trial, maybe? Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb's infamous murder? The kidnapping and killing of Charles Lindbergh's son often is given that sobriquet. But for Chicago Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski, that term apparently applies to the lack of what she deems to be a sufficiently progressive income tax in Illinois. Describing a state-imposed system of taxation that she believes to be overly regressive during a Tuesday appearance before the City Club of Chicago, she said, 'This to me is the crime of the century right here.' If so, 2.7 million of Jaworski's fellow Illinoisans are aiders and abettors. That's how many voted against Gov. JB Pritzker's bid to amend the state Constitution to allow for a progressive income tax. The 55% to 45% margin in the 2020 vote wasn't close. Jaworski also may want to notify the authorities about the crime committed by 184,890 Chicagoans who voted last year against Mayor Brandon Johnson's Bring Chicago Home tax. More than 52% of voters rejected that progressive proposal to quadruple the real estate transfer tax for property sales above $1 million in order to fund homelessness programs. For progressives like Johnson (and those in his administration) who focus obsessively on revenue generation and give lip service at best to reducing government spending to plug what are now yearly deficits, the city's inability to legally impose its own income tax or to broaden sales taxes to cover services rather than just goods is all that's standing in the way of implementing this administration's big-spending agenda. They fail to understand — even though Chicago voters have sent this clear message more than once — that their constituents don't trust them to be responsible with any substantial new sources of funding coming from Chicagoans' paychecks. That's why these ballot initiatives keep failing, always to the surprise of those who sponsor them. Jaworski in her comments to the City Club noted that she'd lived in Illinois for 36 years and during that time had watched the state become far more liberal than it was in the 1990s and before. 'This (existing tax policy) doesn't reflect moderate or progressive values,' she said. She's right to some degree about Illinois' political evolution, at least when it comes to selecting the politicians who will govern the state and represent its interests in Congress. But many voters in this heartland state remain pragmatic centrists, reflecting their Midwestern sensibilities. They understand how corruption, waste and the outsize influence of public sector unions have held Illinois and Chicago back from reaching their potential, both in terms of economic growth and quality of life for their residents. It's strange to say — after two-plus years of staunch opposition to Johnson's taxing and spending plans from ordinary voters, lawmakers in Springfield and members of the City Council — that this administration still doesn't get it. To win the right to increase taxes, the mayor has to prove to those who hold the purse strings that his government can be trusted with the funds. And to win that trust, Johnson has to prove that sacrifice goes more than one way. Those who bankrolled his 2023 election victory such as the Chicago Teachers Union and other public sector unions must play a part in stabilizing the city's finances as well as the 'ultra-rich,' one of the derisive terms Johnson uses for those with means. There's surely a discussion to be had around broadening the state's sales tax to include services as well as goods. Other tax ideas might well gain more acceptance if the public could be assured the revenues would be used wisely — say, to address abysmally underfunded pensions for public employees rather than to expand already-bloated state and local governments. And there are merits to many of the arguments Jaworski otherwise made in her speech about how the state has shortchanged its municipalities — not just Chicago — over the years, an issue that's come to a head for Chicago as it stares down a 2026 budget deficit topping $1 billion at last count. But until this administration proves it can make the tough decisions that businesses and households routinely face in the ups and downs of life, Team Johnson will keep hitting brick walls in their efforts to win broad new taxing authority or garner substantially more help from a state government that also is tapped out. And it's no crime for anyone to say so.
Chicago Tribune
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
NASCAR Chicago Street Race course ‘puts on a great show,' Jeff Gordon says
Could the rain delays that dogged NASCAR's Chicago Street Race in its first two years have inadvertently become its superpower? 'Wet-weather road racing is really exciting,' four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon told Chicago's City Club on Thursday night. 'The most exciting type of racing is not only slick (conditions) but drying pavement.' Drying pavement is something the Grant Park 165, the premier event of the Chicago Street Race weekend, has seen plenty of. Rainy conditions forced NASCAR to shorten the race in both 2023 and 2024, but both events also produced dramatic racing that gave pundits plenty to talk about. The race weekend, which has drawn mixed reaction from locals because of the road closures it causes, returns to downtown Chicago for a third year on July 5 and 6. Last year Alex Bowman won the rain-delayed Grant Park 165 after staying on wet-weather tires, even as other race leaders swapped their tires for slicker ones better suited for the drying conditions. The victory snapped an 80-race winless streak for Bowman, who drives the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, of which Gordon serves as vice chairman. New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen won the rain-shortened Grant Park race in 2023, becoming the first driver in 60 years to win in his NASCAR Cup Series debut. Gordon, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, called the win 'probably one of the most shocking things that's happened in NASCAR in the last 30 years.' Gordon said that when he first saw the course map for the inaugural street race two years ago, he wondered about some of the narrow stretches on the route. Some of the participating race teams were also initially nervous about the course, he said. But drivers now love the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course, which offers high- and low-speed areas, narrow passes, and roomier stretches. The pop-up course runs through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue. 'It's a very fun and flowy' course, Gordon said. 'It puts on a great show, and the drivers really love it.' 'They absolutely can't wait to get here' next month, added Gordon, who was in Chicago for the 2023 and 2024 races and plans to return this year. 'It's such a cool event,' he said. 'To see our race cars screaming around the streets of Chicago, and all the city has to offer, it's so special for all of us competitors to be a part of.' The launch of a street course was made possible in part by the Next Generation car, which NASCAR began using in the 2022 season. The Next Generation car was designed with several improvements, including better brakes, that opened the door to racing on different types of tracks, Gordon said. Could the success of the Next Generation car in downtown Chicago pave the way for future NASCAR street races in other locations? 'I certainly think so,' Gordon said in an interview Thursday afternoon. 'It opens up a whole new window of opportunity. (But) I'd like to see it stay here for a long time because it's the perfect city for us to be in.' Gordon said the televised race puts a spotlight on Chicago. The event also has helped expand NASCAR's fan base, which has declined partly because iconic drivers such as Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Mark Martin have retired. 'When you have that many key figures in a sport step out, you lose fans,' Gordon said. 'We've got to make drivers household names and faces again.' With hotels, restaurants and entertainment footsteps away from the downtown course, he said the Chicago Street Race offers an enhanced experience for fans, partners and sponsors. Next month's race weekend also will feature a Saturday night concert by Zac Brown Band. 'It's just a fun and exciting atmosphere that we see a lot of interest in,' Gordon said.
Daily News Egypt
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
ZG Developments partners with Estadat to offer City Club memberships to FLW Residence clients
ZG Developments has announced a strategic partnership with Estadat Sports Investment Company to provide integrated sports and social services to residents of its flagship FLW Residence project in West Cairo. Mohamed El-Sebaey, Chairperson of ZG Developments, emphasized that the collaboration reflects the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing the lifestyle of its clients by delivering real, value-added services across its projects. 'As part of our vision to provide comprehensive, high-quality services, FLW Residence clients will enjoy exclusive memberships to the nearby City Club branch,' El-Sebaey said. 'Our partnership with Estadat—renowned for its expertise in sports investment and club management—ensures residents access to exceptional recreational and community-focused experiences.' City Club, owned and operated by Estadat, is known for delivering top-tier social, athletic, and entertainment amenities. The club adjacent to FLW Residence will feature a wide range of offerings including professional sports academies led by Olympic and world champions, as well as facilities such as a gym, e-sports center, kids' area, mosque, theater, restaurants, and retail outlets. It will also house cultural and women's centers, a conference hall, and administrative offices—creating a fully integrated community hub. El-Sebaey described the partnership as a key differentiator that enhances the investment appeal of the FLW Residence project, especially as it caters to all age groups and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. FLW Residence, ZG Developments' latest and most prominent project, is strategically located on Al Wahat Road in West Cairo. The company has previously delivered a range of residential and commercial developments in key areas including New Cairo (Fifth Settlement), Nasr City, 6th of October City, Sheikh Zayed City, and across the governorates of Dakahlia and Alexandria. Recent ZG projects include the upscale Zayed Green series (1, 2, 3, and 4) and Teba West, located in the heart of New Zayed City. Hany Abbas, Board Member at ZG Developments, highlighted that the City Club branch serving FLW Residence will be one of the most comprehensive in the chain, tailored to meet the diverse interests of modern families. Ahmed Attia, Vice Chairperson of Estadat Sports Services, noted that Estadat specializes in sports investment and club management across Egypt, while also providing consultancy services throughout the Arab and African regions. 'We rely on subsidiaries and a team of specialists in sports marketing and facility operations to deliver services at international standards,' he said. Yasser El-Ramly, Chairperson of City Club, stressed the importance of the new West Cairo branch in supporting community development and youth empowerment through athletics. Amr El-Sherifey, Assistant Chairman for the Commercial Sector, affirmed Estadat's commitment to evolving its model to meet the expectations of Egypt's growing real estate market. Nady Samir, Head of Sales at City Club, concluded by highlighting the club's expansion to 16 cities across Egypt in partnership with developers. 'Our goal is to promote holistic well-being, family engagement, and athletic excellence through strategic alliances like this one.'
Economic Key
31-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Key
ZG Developments Teams Up with Estadat to Provide City Club Memberships to FLW Residence Clients
As part of its strategic vision to offer an integrated and luxurious living experience across its projects, ZG Developments, led by Chairman Mr. Mohamed El-Sebaey, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Estadat Sports Investment Company, headed by Eng. Seif El-Waziry, to enhance the quality and integration of services at FLW Residence project in West Cairo. The agreement was signed by Eng. Hany Abbas, Board Member of ZG Developments, and Eng. Ahmed Attia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Estadat Sports Investment, in the presence of Mr. Yasser El-Ramly, Chairman, Eng. Mahmoud El-Sebaey, Managing Director of ZG Developments, Eng. Alaa Zakzouk, Board Member of ZG Developments, and Mr. Amr El-Shereify, Assistant Chairman for Commercial Affairs at Estadat Sports Services, along with a number of executives from both companies. For his part, Mr. Mohamed El-Sebaey, Chairman of ZG Developments, stated that this agreement reflects the company's commitment to providing the best services to its clients and delivering true added value to its projects. He noted that ZG Developments focuses on offering comprehensive services with the highest quality standards across all its developments. Accordingly, through this partnership, clients of the project will gain membership to the nearby City Club branch. El-Sebaey added that Estadat Sports Investment was chosen for its strong track record and extensive expertise in sports investment and the management of clubs and sports facilities, as well as its ownership of the distinguished City Club chain, which ensures the delivery of high-quality sports, social, and entertainment services. He stated, 'This agreement will significantly boost the investment value of the FLW Residence project by providing clients with integrated sports and social club memberships. It caters to the needs of the entire family, fostering a healthy and vibrant community — especially with the City Club branch located adjacent to the project, adding even more value to residents' everyday lives.' El-Sebaey pointed out that FLW Residence is the latest and most prominent development by ZG Developments, strategically located in West Cairo on Al Wahat Road. The project stands out with its vast space and modern design that combines luxury with functionality. He further disclosed that this development is a culmination of the company's extensive experience of over 37 years in construction and development within the Egyptian real estate market. The company's chairman explained that ZG Developments has a strong track record in delivering a wide range of residential and commercial projects in strategic locations such as New Cairo (Fifth Settlement), Nasr City, 6th of October City, Sheikh Zayed City, and the governorates of Dakahlia and Alexandria. Among its most recent projects is a series of upscale residential communities under the name Zayed Green (1, 2, 3, and 4) as well as Teba West, located in the heart of New Zayed City. Eng. Hany Abbas, Board Member of ZG Developments, said that the City Club facility, from which FLW Residence clients will benefit, spans a large area and will feature a comprehensive range of sports, social, and recreational activities tailored to suit all tastes and interests. The club will also host specialized sports academies led by Olympic and world champions, aimed at nurturing talent and discovering future champions. In terms of social and entertainment facilities, the club will include a conference hall, children's area, mosque, retail outlets, a fully equipped gym, an e-sports center, administrative building, women's center, cultural center, restaurant area, and a theater. All these elements are designed to create a fully integrated environment where families can make lasting memories and fulfill their aspirations, he added. He added that the implementation of the FLW Residence project is progressing steadily according to the planned timeline, and the project has achieved excellent marketing results, reflecting clients' trust in the quality and uniqueness of ZG Developments' offerings. It also affirms the company's deep understanding of its clients' needs and its commitment to delivering a fully integrated and distinctive real estate product. For his part, Eng. Ahmed Attia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Estadat Sports Services, stated, 'We are proud to partner strategically with ZG Developments to bring added value to FLW Residence clients. The nearby City Club branch, with its extensive facilities and generous space, will further strengthen our brand's presence and impact.' He explained that Estadat Sports Investment is an Egyptian company specialized in sports investment, as well as the organization and management of clubs and sports events. The company was initially established to manage sports facilities and has since expanded its operations to cover all sectors of sports management and investment in Egypt, while also offering consultancy and support services to Arab and African countries. Attia added that Estadat, through its subsidiaries or directly, offers sports investment services, relying on a team of expert sports marketers and world-class Egyptian champions across various sports disciplines. The company also employs specialists in club and sports facility management to deliver sports, social, and community services at international standards. Further, Mr. Yasser El-Ramly, Chairman of City Club, emphasized that opening a branch in West Cairo presents a valuable opportunity to drive community development in the area. El-Ramly highlighted the club's commitment to offering world-class facilities that foster future champions, as it has successfully done in cities and governorates across Egypt, adding that City Club's growth and development will steadily continue. Mr. Amr El-Sherifey, Assistant Chairman for the Commercial Sector at Estadat Sports Services, indicated that Estadat is one of the leading companies in the field of sports investment and club management. He highlighted the strength of the company's brand, reflected in the sports clubs it manages and the high quality of services they offer, confirmed that the company continuously evolves its operational models to meet the expectations of both investors and club members. Nady Samir, Head of the Sales Sector at Estadat Sports Services Company, said that City Club represents the largest chain of sports clubs in Egypt, with a presence planned in 16 cities. The club is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of champions across various sports, through continuous and strong collaboration with real estate developers to offer a well-rounded lifestyle for Egyptian families. He confirmed that the company is committed to expanding its sports and social services to more cities and regions across Egypt, with new City Club branches set to be announced soon as part of its mission to deliver inclusive, high-quality athletic and community offerings for all segments of society. ظهرت المقالة ZG Developments Teams Up with Estadat to Provide City Club Memberships to FLW Residence Clients أولاً على المفتاح الاقتصادي.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Kanpur clubs secure league victories
Kanpur: Ishan Singh's fine performance with bat and ball (43 runs and 4 wickets) helped Olympic Club beat Reserve Bank of India by 2 runs in KDMA league match played here at Everest ground on Monday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Olympic Club batting first collected 193 runs with the help of Lakshya Yadav's unbeaten knock of 96 runs and thereafter they successfully defended it by restricting the innings of Reserve Bank of India on 191 other league matches, Friends Club, City Club, Kesco and KCC also posted victories over their scores: Olympic Club 4 for 193 (Ishan Singh 43, Lakshya Yadav 96 no, Nikhil Vishwakarma 2 for 36)Reserve Bank of India 9 for 191 (Rajnish Kumar 71, Satish Jaiswal 36, Ishan Singh 4 for 37, Piyush Pal 3 for 22)Friends Sporting 123 (Ujjwal Singh 28, Anant Shukla 27, Anshul Yadav 3 for 22, Aditya Pal 2 for 12, Abhishek Kumar Tiwari 3 for 24)Civils Club 97 (Gauav 18, Abhishek Kumar Tiwari 16 no, Sandeep Pal 4 for 36, Anant Shukla 4 for 38)HAL ground – City Club beat Vedic Union by 40 club 194 (Priyanshu Gupta 43, Shashank Pal 4 no, Vikas Pathak 3 for 48, Neerav Sachan 2 for 30, Hardik Pathak 2 for 44)Vedic Union 155 (Tanush Awasthi 31, Asit Yadav 29, Rudra Singh 22, Shivam Rajput 22, Utkarsh Sharma 4 for 28, Rudra Mishra 3 for 25)Rashtriya Ground – Kesco outplayed Golden Sporting by 18 186 (Mayur Tiwari 45, Prashant Kushawaha 26, Ankut Verma 42 no, Raj Singh 3 for 43, Saumya Pal 2 for 16, Mony Pal 2 for 37, Adarsh Tripathi 2 for 40)Golden Sporting 168 (Pranshu Chaturvedi 32, Ujjwal Rajput 31, Prem Srivastava 26, Pradeep Tiwari 3 for 28, Ankur Verma 2 for 30, Jai Kumar 2 for 33)IIT ground – KCC beat IIT Kanpur by 177 5 for 270 (Samyak Trivedi 95, Ansh Patel 50, Dravya Kushwaha 32, Rituraj Singh 38 no, Himanshu Nagar 2 for 21, Daksh Singh 2 for 41)IIT Kanpur 93 (Ashish 20, Suraj 18, Abhay Singh 5 for 9, Rajdeep Singh 3 for 31, Aksah Gupta 2 for 27)KCPL cricket – Home Furnish 11 drubbed the challenge of Blue Warriors by 5 wickets under flood light match of Kanpur Cricket Premier League being played here at Bharat Cricket Academy ground on Sunday evening. Blue Warriors batting first scored 9 for 101 and Home Furnish hit 5 for 105 in 16.1 overs and won the match.
