Latest news with #TimStorey
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boston's Big Wonk Summer: Thousands of lawmakers arrive for annual conference
Good Monday morning, everyone. If things feel noticeably wonkier and more political around Boston for the next few days, there's a good reason for that. Thousands of state lawmakers from across the country, legislative aides, and other folks who track state government rolled into town on Sunday for the annual summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures. It officially gets started this morning with an opening session at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in the city's Seaport district. NCSL, as it's more often referred to, is a one-stop shop of legislative best practices. Want to know what other states are doing about, say, transportation funding? Or maybe wind energy? Or how they're handling artificial intelligence? In-house experts at NCSL can provide lawmakers (and the reporters who cover them) with a veritable brain-dump of information on all those issues and more. This year's observance in Boston also marks the NCSL's 50th birthday. 'It will almost certainly be the second-largest legislative summit NCSL has ever held,' NCSL CEO Tim Storey said during a press call with journalists last week. 'And we'll make a pretty strong run at the largest summit we've ever held ... in Boston.' And because it's in Boston, some top Bay State pols also are expected to feature prominently. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is among the speakers at a Tuesday morning session dubbed 'The Great Political Realignment: The New Trump Coalition and the Coming Elections.' She's slated to be joined by Rhode Island House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy. Amy Walter, the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, moderates. Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, is set to appear on two panels. That includes a summit-closing event on Wednesday with 'Hamilton' star Leslie Odom Jr., called, appropriately enough, 'The Room Where it Happens.' Other high-wattage names on the bill this week include former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, Olympic running legend Meb Keflezighi, and syndicated radio host Michael Smerconish. State lawmakers from the House and Senate, as well as experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and elsewhere, are also sprinkled across seminars this week. And while the conference is likely to be a boon for Boston's faltering tourist economy, Spilka and other legislative leaders faced some uncomfortable questions last week about the high-dollar fundraising they've been doing to help finance it. State lawmakers have asked corporations and others with business before the Legislature to pony up as much as $250,000 each, The Boston Globe reported. 'I'm not involved in fundraising, so I have no idea,' state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said when he was asked about it last week. Spilka was slightly more expansive, telling reporters that she wanted to 'add that all of the money raised goes directly to educational programs, training, [and] transportation.' 'Nine thousand people are expected to be coming here to Boston, to Greater Boston, which is a real boon not only [to] the Greater Boston area, but for the entire state,' she continued, putting the total economic impact at $11.2 million. So if you see some vaguely wonkish folks wandering Seaport, the Back Bay and Beacon Hill this week, now you know why. You'll be back It might be the 250th anniversary of the American Battle for Independence, but Massachusetts just can't quit the United Kingdom. State lawmakers and British officials gathered on Beacon Hill last week to announce the creation of the new Friends of the UK Legislative Caucus. The bipartisan group is intended to strengthen the economic and historic ties between the Bay State and Great Britain, its organizers said. State House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, R-20th Middlesex; Rep. Susannah Whipps, I-2nd Franklin, and Sen. Dylan Fernandes, D-Plymouth/ Barnstable are its co-chairpersons. The U.K. does $5 billion in trade annually with Massachusetts and British subsidiaries also employ more than 41,000 people across the state, according to the British Consulate-General in Boston. 'I've also met academics and scientists from the UK and Massachusetts working together to tackle some of the great scientific technological challenges of our age,' David Clay, British Consul General to New England, said at a press conference at the State House last week. 'I've met some of the 200,000 British tourists [who] come to Massachusetts every year and have an amazing time. I've learned about our shared history at Lexington, Concord, [and] Bunker Hill. There's been a few bumps in the road, but generally things have gone very well.' With President Donald Trump's tariff policies roiling markets, Jones, of North Reading, said the new caucus holds 'tremendous opportunities.' 'We look forward to this caucus expanding and having more members in the House and Senate become involved, and realize perhaps we're at a point in time where we need to look to the states to lead, perhaps more so than Washington to lead,' he said. 'And we're happy to take up that mantle to try to foster that relationship to even greater levels than it has been.' Okay. All together now: 'You'll be back, soon, you'll see. You'll remember you belong to me. You'll be back. Time will tell. You'll remember that I served you well. Oceans rise, empires fall. We have seen each other through it all ...' A not very restful rest area Hundreds of employees and supporters of the Waltham company, which lost out on a lucrative contract to renovate and operate Massachusetts highway service plazas, descended on the State House last week. Their goal: To convince Gov. Maura Healey to reverse course and state lawmakers to exert some oversight muscle, according to State House News Service. The company, Global Partners, and its partner, CommonWealth Kitchen, have been aggressive in the six weeks since MassDOT's board picked Ireland-based Applegreen for a 35-year lease of 18 highway plazas, according to the wire service. Global Partners has argued that its bid for the project was worth more money to the state. And last week, it claimed that a state Department of Transportation official who played a key role in the selection discussed potential employment with the winning bidder's parent company. Both the state and Applegreen have pushed back against Global's campaign, arguing that finances were only one factor in the contract award and that the winner offered a faster timeline and a focus on electric vehicles. Applegreen founder Bob Etchingham slammed what he described as 'baseless public relations stunts' by the losing bidder, State House News Service reported. Warren floods the zone U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and several of her colleagues fired off a letter to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to protest the agency's recent moves to roll back rules that protect people from floods. 'It is an objective truth that disaster events are occurring more frequently and at a larger scale than ever before. Our nation's floodplain standards helped ensure homes were more resilient to flooding and other extreme weather events–minimizing damage and harm to families. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' Warren and her colleagues wrote. The other lawmakers who signed onto the letter included Democrat U.S. Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Patty Murray of Washington and Peter Welch of Vermont. Independent U.S. Sens. Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, both of whom caucus with Democrats, also signed the letter, according to Warren's office. In the wake of disastrous flooding in Texas, HUD announced it was temporarily tapping the brakes on that rollback, according to the advocacy group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER. Monday Numbers New data from the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst paints a vivid picture of the huge role that research funding plays in the Bay State's economy. The bottom line: For every dollar that's invested in research, Massachusetts sees about double that amount, according to the new data. Right now, research funding in the state supports a total of 81,300 jobs, $7.8 billion in income and more than $16 billion in total economic activity, according to the report, dubbed "Economic Contributions of R&D Funding in Massachusetts.' But if 'proposed changes to federal funding and support for research and development are enacted, the economic future of the commonwealth faces significant uncertainty,' UMass researchers noted. Some other top-line findings: Massachusetts is home to 1 in 10 R&D jobs nationwide, compared to 1 in 40 for all jobs in the nation's economy. More than 700 Bay State organizations have received R&D awards over the years. The top three recipients were the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Air Force and the National Science Foundation. That funding supported 46,000 jobs across those institutions. R&D funding 'creates and supports jobs beyond those in research occupations and research organizations, with 34,600 more blue-collar and service jobs in sectors that support the industry and its workers, including construction, food services, healthcare, retail and administrative support,' according to the report. And two of every five jobs 'created by research funding are created outside of sectors that directly receive the funding itself. For example, this activity supports 4,200 jobs in real estate and construction, nearly 3,000 jobs in retail and almost 1,600 jobs in transportation and warehousing,' according to the report. What else you need to know: 'Federal funding for high-risk research keeps the U.S. at the cutting edge of innovation and provides the lifeblood of the state's knowledge and innovation economy,' Mark Melnik, the director of the Donahue Institute's Economic and Public Policy Research Group, said in an email. 'Our well-educated workforce and elite institutions in 'Eds and Meds' have provided an important magnet for funding, high-skill workers, and entrepreneurship in the state,' Melnik continued. 'The economic activity associated with these investments are essential to both the research happening in 'Ed and Meds,' as well as the broader economy of the state.' They said it 'I think people have an image of food pantries as just having canned beans and canned vegetables and pasta and rice. 'We certainly offer those items. But I think most food pantries we know about increasingly strive to provide healthy foods.' — Stacey Verge, the executive director of Acord Food Pantry in Hamilton, on efforts to feed scores of people across the state who live with food insecurity. Read More MassLive politics coverage Top Dems on Beacon Hill announce pay raise deal for bar advocates How Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren agreed on a sweeping housing package Casey Affleck asks Mass. Legislature to lend 'full support' to 'groundbreaking bill' Trump used her story to attack Harvard. She says 'don't destroy the university in my name' Market Basket drama — Deli, devotion & doughnuts: Why we care so much | John L. Micek Housing advocates renew fight for rent stabilization in Massachusetts Mass. Reps. Pressley, Lynch and Moulton lead call for end to trash strike 'You turn 65, you join the club.' U.S. Rep. Richard Neal celebrates anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid Act What goes on If you find yourself in the Berkshires later this month, you can swing by the Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show, which runs Aug. 16 and 17 at 50 Main Street. Now in its 32nd year, the annual attracts thousands of visitors to a Main Street picturesque enough to warrant a Norman Rockwell painting, according to organizers. The free show includes 80 jury-selected artisans and crafters, whose work ranges from paintings and ceramics to fiberware, jewelry and sculpture. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Turned up to 11 Punk and new wave legend Billy Idol brings his latest tour to the XFinity Center on Aug. 23 (tickets and info here). If you only know him from his 80s work, you might be surprised to find out that Idol (né William Broad) is still recording new music. Case in point, his very good 2021 single 'Bitter Taste.' Your Monday long read It wasn't too many years ago (OK, it was enough) when no summer was complete without a trip to a drive-in movie. These days, however, these land-guzzling outdoor recreation meccas are essentially a thing of the past. The folks at History Facts have chronicled the rise and fall of this uniquely American institution. And the nostalgia? Well, it hits hard. As ever: The germane bit. 'The novelty of the drive-in caught on slowly at first. But by the end of the 1940s, with World War II in the rearview, Americans and their growing families were ready to indulge in leisure and entertainment. Families didn't have to dress up, kids could doze off in the back seat and you could bring your own snacks — or heed the call of the animated intermission ads urging a trip to concessions for hot dogs, popcorn, and candy galore." That's it for today. As always, tips, comments and questions can be sent to jmicek@ Have a good week, friends. Read more analysis from John L. Micek Market Basket drama — Deli, devotion & doughnuts: Why we care so much | John L. Micek Mass. student turns terrifying choking incident into legislative action | Bay State Briefing A nicotine-free Mass.? These lawmakers say 'yes' | Bay State Briefing Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
James Argent's ex Nicoline posts emotional message about ‘life taking you to rock bottom' after Towie star assault
JAMES Argent's ex Nicoline has shared an emotional message online after he turned on her last month. Nicoline, 32, shared a post about 'life taking you to rock bottom' after former Towie star James Argent turned on the former Miss World while they were at their home in Spain in May. 5 5 5 The Swedish fashion model took to Instagram on Tuesday to share some smiley snaps of herself at four-star alpine chalet Hotel Maribel Sierra Nevada. Wearing an all red ensemble, and carrying a Louis Vuttion holdall, Nicoline smiled for the camera. While sharing snaps from the lavish location, Nicoline penned a caption about "emotional abuse recovery", which she stated in a hashtag towards the end. In the caption, she penned: "Partner with the right power! Meaning - Surround yourself with ONLY people who shares the motto of wanting to be their best extraordinary self with you and others." She added: "In the midst of a setback there is a comeback laying ahead of you. "I'm so blessed and privileged to be learning from our dear family friend Tim Storey." Nicoline went on: "I thank each and every one of you for all your supportive kindness & love you've been showing me - It means more than you'll ever know! I appreciate you all so much. "Going through hardships, your focus will be put to a test. Where you re-direct your mindset will be crucial. "This does not mean to suppress any emotions or feelings - It means to go through them fully no matter how hard it is." She concluded: "The power of humanity is that we cheer each other on when good things are happening and we help each other out when life take you rock bottom. So let's come together! Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack "Surround yourself with pure and warmhearted people who will be there with you and let them know they matter to you. "I feel so passionate about helping others going through big as small hurdles to show you life has a plan for you. "Remember, we stand strongest together." At the end of the post, Nicoline shared a series of hashtags including: #NarcissisticAbuseAwareness, #HealingJourney, #TruthIsPower, #WomensVoicesMatter, #SurvivorStrong, #EmotionalAbuseRecovery ,#BreakTheCycle, and #YouAreNotAlone. Last month Arg was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. Nicoline spoke out in a statement - confessing: 'My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside.' Recalling the traumatic experience, she said: 'I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. 'I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after, I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured.' She said: "I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. "I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. "I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.' Nicoline continued: "After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. "He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. "But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history." Nicoline went on to thank the people who came to her aid and added: "I have tried to understand why. "I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. "There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it." James Argent was handed a six month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Nicoline. 5
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
James Argent's ex Nicoline Artursson shares poignant words about reaching 'rock bottom' and 'narcissistic abuse' after the TOWIE star's suspended jail sentence for pushing her down steps
Nicoline Artursson shared some poignant words about 'reaching rock bottom' after her ex James Argent pushed her down some steps in Spain. Former TOWIE star James, 37, received a suspended jail sentence earlier this month after he was arrested for pushing Nicoline down some steps at their Spanish home. Nicoline, 32, suffered several injuries to her neck, arms, hand and leg, and James is now banned from contacting her because a two-year restraining order is in place. The former Miss Sweden then broke her silence on Instagram earlier this month and accused James of causing her 'targeted emotional distress'. Following her lengthy statement, Nicoline has shared some further poignant words about overcoming 'setbacks' and going through 'hardships'. She took to Instagram on Wednesday to share snaps of herself at the four-star alpine chalet Hotel Maribel Sierra Nevada and penned some heartfelt words in a caption. Nicoline thanked her fans for their support and spoke about helping people out when they reach 'rock bottom', before adding hashtags about 'narcissistic abuse awareness', 'recovery' and 'healing', among others. She penned: 'Partner with the right power! Meaning - Surround yourself with ONLY people who shares the motto of wanting to be their best extraordinary self with you and others. 'In the midst of a setback there is a comeback laying ahead of you. I'm so blessed and privileged to be learning from our dear family friend Tim Storey. 'I thank each and every one of you for all your supportive kindness & love you've been showing me - It means more than you'll ever know! I appreciate you all so much. 'Going through hardships, your focus will be put to a test. Where you re-direct your mindset will be crucial. 'This does not mean to suppress any emotions or feelings - It means to go through them fully no matter how hard it is. 'The power of humanity is that we cheer each other on when good things are happening and we help each other out when life take you rock bottom. So let's come together! 'Surround yourself with pure and warmhearted people who will be there with you and let them know they matter to you. Nicoline thanked her fans for their support and spoke about helping people out when they reach 'rock bottom', before adding hashtags about 'narcissistic abuse awareness' 'I feel so passionate about helping others going through big as small hurdles to show you life has a plan for you. 'Remember, we stand strongest together.' Earlier this month, Nicoline broke her silence after James' suspended jail sentence as she admitted she was still 'wounded inside' in a lengthy statement about her injuries. She wrote: 'It's now been a month. I still can't believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside. I've been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one - and it almost destroyed me. 'What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together - the beautiful days - changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm. 'I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined. 'I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past. 'Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. ''Three's a crowd'', they say. 'I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue. 'Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy. 'So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. 'He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history. 'I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. 'My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured. 'Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously. 'A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. Nicoline Artursson's statement... 'It's now been a month. I still can't believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside. I've been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one - and it almost destroyed me. 'What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together - the beautiful days - changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm. 'I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined. 'I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past. 'Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. ''Three's a crowd'', they say. 'I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue. 'Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy. 'So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. 'He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history. 'I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. 'My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured. 'Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously. 'A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. 'A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. 'Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. 'Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. 'I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. 'There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it. 'To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn't survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives. 'To every woman reading this: if you've ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone. 'To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence. 'To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I've always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends. 'I'm healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice - not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who's been silenced by someone who said 'I love you' and then proved otherwise. 'This is not just my story. It's a reminder: abuse - whether emotional, psychological or physical - has no place in love.' 'A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. 'Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. 'Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. 'There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it. 'To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn't survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives. 'To every woman reading this: if you've ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone. 'To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence. 'To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I've always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends. 'I'm healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice - not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who's been silenced by someone who said 'I love you' and then proved otherwise. 'This is not just my story. It's a reminder: abuse - whether emotional, psychological or physical - has no place in love.' MailOnline contacted James' representatives for comment at the time. After accepting his suspended sentence, it was claimed that James moved on from the lawyers who represented him and hired a new legal team. The lawyers have not been named and it marks his third legal team since the May 5 assault in Spain. James has been ordered to attend a rehabilitation course aimed at addressing gender violence, and his new lawyers may work with him on the terms of this course. Court papers obtained by The Sun showed James - who raked in £5,000-a-week last year - was only required to pay Nicoline £250 in damages. Nicoline was left with cuts and bruises to her neck, arms, hand and leg after the fall, according to a court filing. Prosecutors were reportedly pushing to charge James with wounding, which carries a jail sentence of up to nine months. However, the ex-reality star eventually agreed to the lesser offence of mistreatment as part of a plea deal. James was handed a six-month suspended sentence and a restraining order that prevents him from contacting Nicoline for a two-year period. The attack took place at the couple's beachfront home in the early hours of May 5, reportedly after a dispute about James' friendship with ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright. James was reportedly seen flinging clothes belonging to Nicoline from the balcony of their home before aggressively escorting her to the front door. She was then allegedly pushed down some steps in front of the couple's house before falling on the concrete patio. Nicole received treatment from medics at a nearby hospital, while James was arrested shortly after midnight. The suspended sentence means James could still face a jail sentence if he reoffends - and he also has to attend a 10-week-long domestic violence course. The pioneering programme, known as Regener@r, will require him to listen to the testimony of domestic violence survivors and is designed to help men create a new, less toxic form of masculinity. Fans questioned whether James's behaviour was sparked by a return to his wild drug and alcohol abusing days, which saw the reality favourite spend several stints in rehab. James, who over the years has struggled with weight issues and cocaine addiction, has previously suffered two near-fatal drug overdoses as he battled against his demons. The Essex star has been alcohol and drug free since 2022, prioritising rehabilitation, clean living and maintaining a healthy weight after having gastric band surgery. And speaking exclusively to MailOnline, James confirmed he is still sober and the police incident was not triggered by a relapse. James said: 'I haven't relapsed. I am still three years and four months clean and sober. I am devastated by what's happened.'
News.com.au
21-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Melbourne CBD skyscraper sells out studios as buyers rush into $1bn Atlas tower
A Melbourne supertower is just months away from commencing construction, despite similar projects running into difficulties amid a building crisis. A new 72-storey, $1bn residential tower at 383 La Trobe St, Melbourne, dubbed Atlas is capturing buyer attention with more than half its 852 apartments now sold as it proves supertowers still have a place in the city's skyline. It comes as plans for what was to be Australia's tallest building, the STH BNK by Beulah development, faces an uncertain future after cost blowouts and planning delays led to the once-hyped tower stalling — and its project manager being placed in administration in February. Bec and Chris Judd sell Arthurs Seat getaway Colliers residential director Tim Storey said the project's success was down to a mix of smart planning, bold timing, and a keen understanding of who Melbourne's inner-city buyer really is. 'Atlas has really resonated with the market. It's the first supertower to launch in the CBD in about five years and that's created a lot of pent-up demand,' Mr Storey said. 'We've seen other buildings sell in recent years, but nothing of this scale or freshness. 'Buyers especially younger international buyers in their late 20s want that city lifestyle, they want quality, and they want a product that feels like it belongs.' In contrast, the once-lauded Beulah tower, planned to reach 366-metres and become the country's tallest building, has been beset by financial and delivery challenges. The collapse of its development manager earlier this year left creditors tens of millions out of pocket and raised doubts about the project's future. Mr Storey said Atlas had avoided the pitfalls by sticking to scale, offering variety, from affordable garden residences to premium sky crown apartments, and locking in its development permit back in 2017, before CBD height limits changed. 'Without that permit, this building couldn't have happened today,' he said. 'There's definitely a prestige element to supertowers, people love the height, the views, the lifestyle, but it has to be backed by the right offering.' The Colliers residential director said Melbourne's city apartment market had matured. 'The average age of a CBD resident is 28. Most live in households of under two people, and over 90 per cent are born overseas,' Mr Storey said. 'That's who we designed for. Not just affordability, but lifestyle and status. 'The studios apartments were a big part of that they were gone in a flash.' Atlas sits at the northern end of the CBD, near Flagstaff Station, the Queen Victoria Market and walking distance to top universities and the new Metro Tunnel station. Mr Storey said that location with its 'unbeatable lifestyle' and park proximity had given Atlas a distinct edge over more hemmed-in sites across the city grid. 'It's buzzing, And after Covid, the northern CBD has come back strong,' he said. 'Retail's bouncing back, there's energy again, and weekends in the city are packed. 'The confidence is returning, and Atlas is a green shoot.' Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with completion due in 2029. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
