Latest news with #TonyJones
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
More than 600 Wisconsin Guard soldiers ready for deployment with sendoff in Oshkosh
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Over 600 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers received a heartfelt sendoff at the Kolf Sports Center on Friday morning, surrounded by loved ones and state military leadership. The soldiers, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment and Gulf Company, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, are mobilizing to active duty and will soon deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. 'Light the Night Market' returns to Appleton's College Avenue with Renaissance flair Their mission will involve working with NATO partners to promote regional security and stability. 'It was a two-year readiness cycle that started on the individual level,' said Spc. Alfonso Cordova of Milwaukee. 'We were graded on our performance to determine our readiness for this upcoming deployment.' Cordova said the road to deployment has been long and demanding, but he's honored to serve. 'The opportunity to serve my state and serve the nation alongside these great people — it's fantastic,' he said. 'Sometimes you can get a little down in the dumps, but having good family and good friends helps pick you up.' For many families, Friday's ceremony was a moment of both pride and heartache. 'I'm here for my cousin Tony Jones,' said Kimora Johnikin, who traveled from Milwaukee. 'We grew up together. We are the same age. We wish him nothing but the best. We're honestly beyond proud of him.' Tony's aunt, Glenda Bennett, echoed that pride. Sharing that he recently graduated from Marquette University with a 3.9 GPA and completed training with the Cedarburg Police Department. New Indigenous-owned restaurant in Green Bay looks to provide affordably fast & fresh cuisine 'He's the backbone of our family,' Bennett said. 'We're going to miss him like crazy.' The Guard currently includes more than 9,000 soldiers and airmen, who are routinely called to serve both abroad and during emergencies at home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy heartthrob Bailey Smith becomes the latest sports star to embarrass Nine's Tony Jones in cringeworthy TV moment
Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith is the latest high-profile athlete to deliver an awkward blow to long-time Channel Nine sports presenter Tony Jones, after coldly blanking him live on air. The incident unfolded as Jones hyped what he described as an 'exclusive' interview with Smith, who has quickly become one of the most recognisable faces in the AFL since his high-profile move to the Geelong Cats. Teasing the moment as a major scoop, Jones addressed viewers directly and ramping up the suspense. 'Get all those graphics ready, exclusive, it's happening now, developing story,' he announced. 'Roll the interview.' But instead of a sit-down chat or breaking news revelation, the segment cut to pre-recorded footage of Smith arriving at Cats training with earbuds in and eyes locked on his phone. Jones could be heard attempting to speak to the 24-year-old midfielder. 'Bailey, how you feeling mate? Feeling good?' he asked. Smith didn't so much as glance up. He continued walking without acknowledging the question or the camera. The brief exchange - or lack thereof - quickly became the latest addition to Jones' growing list of uncomfortable TV moments. One user commented, 'Gave him as much as Bec Judd,' referencing the now infamous 2016 moment when Jones leaned in for a goodbye kiss from Nine colleague Rebecca Judd - only for her to pull away on live television. The seasoned presenter, known by the nickname 'Chompers,' has become somewhat of a magnet for cringe-worthy on-air interactions. Jones, who has worked at Channel Nine since 1986 and currently fronts Nine News Melbourne's sports segment, has also hosted the network's Australian Open coverage. Earlier this year, he landed in hot water after making dismissive remarks about tennis champion Novak Djokovic during a live broadcast. Referring to the 24-time Grand Slam winner as 'overrated' and a 'has-been,' Jones added 'kick him out' in a pointed nod to Djokovic's controversial 2022 deportation over his COVID-19 vaccination status. Djokovic refused to appear in any further Channel Nine interviews during the tournament, prompting Jones to issue a public apology on Today. Jones made a habit of harrassing famous footy WAG Rebecca Judd, including trying to kiss her live on air 'I now understand why that upset him so deeply,' Jones said. 'It was meant as a joke, but it clearly wasn't funny.' Despite the apology, the Serbian Council of Australia lodged a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission, branding the comments 'racist' and 'offensive.' The Djokovic saga followed years of other awkward moments for Jones, including his infamous 2013 live cross in which he asked Judd if she wanted to 'come 'round for a barbie.' She swiftly responded, 'No, thanks.' In more recent years, Jones has also been the subject of mockery from sports stars themselves. In early 2025, tennis star Nick Kyrgios took part in a viral parody skit mocking Jones' treatment of Djokovic and his exaggerated on-air personality. Smith, who joined the Geelong Cats in the 2024 trade period after an ACL injury wiped out his season, has made headlines both on and off the field. The former Western Bulldogs midfielder is known for his explosive play, fashion sense, and a mullet that's earned cult status among fans. But he's no stranger to controversy. In 2022, Smith was suspended for two games after images surfaced of him holding an illicit substance. He later apologised, citing mental health struggles. This season, he's been a key contributor for Geelong, averaging over 30 disposals per game and helping lift the Cats back into top-four contention. Still, his time in Geelong hasn't been without incident. In April 2025, Smith was fined $1,000 for making an obscene gesture toward an Adelaide fan who had heckled club captain Patrick Dangerfield.
North Wales Live
13-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Council spent £62k on leisure firm sale advice before deal collapsed
Denbighshire Council has confirmed it spent £62,000 on expert advice for the now collapsed deal to sell its leisure company. The council released the figure after trade union Unison criticised the authority for its "botched" plan to sell Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The trade union commissioned an independent report carried out by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), citing a "lack of transparency" in the council's "consultation and competitive tender processes". Unison says the report describes the decision-making process behind the failed £1.5m deal as "fundamentally flawed". The council has hit back at the claims, saying they could have answered many questions within the report if they had been involved in the production of the document. At a behind-closed-doors meeting in March, councillors backed the deal to sell DLL, with the council's eight leisure centres and other venues, with backing from private equity investor, Merseyside-based River Capital, by 20 votes to 17. The council claimed the deal would safeguard DLL's future, but the sale collapsed at the end of April, with the investors unhappy over leaks. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. The union later argued public money spent on leisure in Denbighshire should not go to companies looking to extract profit from the local community for a "quick buck". Unison Cymru/Wales regional organiser Tony Jones said: 'This report destroys the credibility of the decision-making process around the sale of Denbighshire's leisure facilities. 'It will be uncomfortable reading for some. But residents will question whether decisions were being made in their best interests and who was going to benefit most from the sale. 'The council spent huge sums of public money refurbishing these leisure facilities but then failed to explore all the options before deciding to privatise them.' He added: 'Now the original sale has collapsed, councillors should ensure they have a controlling interest in leisure facilities. Every penny spent on leisure in Denbighshire should be for the benefit of local people, not handed to company shareholders looking to make a quick buck.' A statement from Denbighshire County Council said: 'The council has been made aware of a document produced by APSE Solutions and commissioned by Unison. This document was prepared without the council's involvement or consent. 'The document is therefore based on the instructions given by Unison and specifically states that it should not be relied upon by any other party. The document contains a disclaimer to the effect that it does not constitute legal advice, does not draw conclusions and does not make recommendations. 'The document raises many questions which could have been answered had APSE Solutions or Unison involved the council in the production of the document. The council committed to closer working with unions as proposal(s) progressed and arrangements had been put in place prior to the council being informed that it would not proceed. 'To be clear, in considering this proposal, the council sought independent, professional advice from external advisers. This advice covered a number of legal and other regulatory issues including: The council's power to enter the transaction The procurement and contract issues to be considered Employment and human resource matters including pension provision and the Code of Practice on Employment Matters Taxation Subsidy control Property issues "The council also received independent advice as to the valuation of the company and other alternative options that may be available for the future of the company. The council has been asked about the costs of this proposal to date. The council has spent £62K to date on independent advice.' The statement added: 'Although the proposal that generated this advice will not now proceed, much of that advice will be relevant to alternative models for the company and is not therefore an abortive cost. It should also be noted that this advice was sought in anticipation of a significant capital receipt of £1.5 million to be received by the council for the sale of the shares and the revised contractual relationship would not only have prevented existing costs from increasing, but would result in the fee paid by the council for the provision of leisure services reducing in each year of its operation over a ten-year period by 10%. "This 10% reduction in year two would be £152k increasing cumulatively to a reduction of £930k by year 10.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Council spent £62k on leisure firm sale advice before deal collapsed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Denbighshire Council has confirmed it spent £62,000 on expert advice for the now collapsed deal to sell its leisure company. The council released the figure after trade union Unison criticised the authority for its "botched" plan to sell Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The trade union commissioned an independent report carried out by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), citing a "lack of transparency" in the council's "consultation and competitive tender processes". Unison says the report describes the decision-making process behind the failed £1.5m deal as "fundamentally flawed". The council has hit back at the claims, saying they could have answered many questions within the report if they had been involved in the production of the document. At a behind-closed-doors meeting in March, councillors backed the deal to sell DLL, with the council's eight leisure centres and other venues, with backing from private equity investor, Merseyside-based River Capital, by 20 votes to 17. The council claimed the deal would safeguard DLL's future, but the sale collapsed at the end of April, with the investors unhappy over leaks. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox. The union later argued public money spent on leisure in Denbighshire should not go to companies looking to extract profit from the local community for a "quick buck". Unison Cymru/Wales regional organiser Tony Jones said: 'This report destroys the credibility of the decision-making process around the sale of Denbighshire's leisure facilities. 'It will be uncomfortable reading for some. But residents will question whether decisions were being made in their best interests and who was going to benefit most from the sale. 'The council spent huge sums of public money refurbishing these leisure facilities but then failed to explore all the options before deciding to privatise them.' He added: 'Now the original sale has collapsed, councillors should ensure they have a controlling interest in leisure facilities. Every penny spent on leisure in Denbighshire should be for the benefit of local people, not handed to company shareholders looking to make a quick buck.' A statement from Denbighshire County Council said: 'The council has been made aware of a document produced by APSE Solutions and commissioned by Unison. This document was prepared without the council's involvement or consent. 'The document is therefore based on the instructions given by Unison and specifically states that it should not be relied upon by any other party. The document contains a disclaimer to the effect that it does not constitute legal advice, does not draw conclusions and does not make recommendations. 'The document raises many questions which could have been answered had APSE Solutions or Unison involved the council in the production of the document. The council committed to closer working with unions as proposal(s) progressed and arrangements had been put in place prior to the council being informed that it would not proceed. 'To be clear, in considering this proposal, the council sought independent, professional advice from external advisers. This advice covered a number of legal and other regulatory issues including: The council's power to enter the transaction The procurement and contract issues to be considered Employment and human resource matters including pension provision and the Code of Practice on Employment Matters Taxation Subsidy control Property issues "The council also received independent advice as to the valuation of the company and other alternative options that may be available for the future of the company. The council has been asked about the costs of this proposal to date. The council has spent £62K to date on independent advice.' The statement added: 'Although the proposal that generated this advice will not now proceed, much of that advice will be relevant to alternative models for the company and is not therefore an abortive cost. It should also be noted that this advice was sought in anticipation of a significant capital receipt of £1.5 million to be received by the council for the sale of the shares and the revised contractual relationship would not only have prevented existing costs from increasing, but would result in the fee paid by the council for the provision of leisure services reducing in each year of its operation over a ten-year period by 10%. "This 10% reduction in year two would be £152k increasing cumulatively to a reduction of £930k by year 10.' Public notices in your area
Rhyl Journal
09-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
‘Key concerns' about Denbighshire Leisure sale in new report
Research commissioned by public service union UNISON, and carried out by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), also criticises the lack of transparency in Denbighshire County Council's consultation and competitive tender processes. Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) was in the process of being sold to Merseyside-based private equity firm River Capital for £1.5million, but it was confirmed on April 30 that the investor has now pulled out. At a behind-closed-doors meeting on March 26, council members voted 25-18 in favour of selling DLL. UNISON claims the 17-page report – which has been met with a critical response by DLL and branded 'one-sided' – shows the decision-making process behind the sale was 'fundamentally flawed'. It has sent the report to every Denbighshire councillor and has urged them to ensure the council retains control of its leisure facilities. UNISON Cymru regional organiser, Tony Jones, said: 'This report destroys the credibility of the decision-making process around the sale of Denbighshire's leisure facilities. 'It will be uncomfortable reading for some. But residents will question whether decisions were being made in their best interests and who was going to benefit most from the sale. 'The council spent huge sums of public money refurbishing these leisure facilities but then failed to explore all the options before deciding to privatise them. 'Now the original sale has collapsed, councillors should ensure they have a controlling interest in leisure facilities. 'Every penny spent on leisure in Denbighshire should be for the benefit of local people, not handed to company shareholders looking to make a quick buck.' UNISON's 10 'key concerns' about the sale process were: In response to the report, DLL hit back and labelled it 'one-sided' and 'misinformed'. The company maintained it 'should not be relied on by any other party', and added that the report has 'not had any legal verification and does not offer any legal advice or validation'. A spokesperson for DLL said: 'Also stated in the report is that it was created based solely on information provided from UNISON, without any access to the proposal in detail. 'To provide proper appraisal, they would need more information from the council and DLL themselves. 'UNISON themselves hold an ideology that public services should run all services. This is clearly not a sustainable position for Wales, when councils are struggling for money across the board on health, leisure and education. 'Maybe UNISON are aware of a 'magic money tree' that exists in Welsh Government that councils themselves are unaware of. 'Had such a report been accurate and a mandate for change, the leisure picture in Wales would surely look very different and not so bleak for every local authority.' Denbighshire County Council said it was not approached by either the ASPE or UNISON for input into the report. A council spokesperson said: 'If the council had been approached, we would have been able to address a number of the issues that are raised within the report, upon which the council has received its own independent, external professional advice.'
