user: IN: Asbestos found at Melb pub demolition site
Asbestos has been found at the site of an unlawful demolition of a 19th-century Melbourne pub.

The Corkman Irish Pub, also known as the Carlton Inn, was demolished on the weekend despite a stop work notice, a heritage overlay, and a lack of demolition or planning permits.

The Environment Protection Authority tested the site on Tuesday, and on Wednesday confirmed the presence of asbestos.

The owners will be issued a notice to hold them to account for the waste and require them to prevent any asbestos from leaving the site, the EPA says.

They may also face fines if they don't dispose of the asbestos properly.

"EPA is continuing it attempts to contact the site owners to inform them of the penalties that can apply if construction and demolition waste from the site is disposed of illegally," EPA Metro Manager Daniel Hunt said in a statement.

"Anyone who dumps construction and demolition waste - or permits its illegal disposal - faces a fine of more than $7,500 or up to $758,350 if prosecuted."

Students who live nearby the pub said they received no notice of the demolition and were worried about potential exposure to asbestos.

WorkSafe and the Victorian Planning Authority are also investigating, with widespread condemnation coming from the local council and the state government on the brazen demolition.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has also referred the matter to the Victorian Building Authority and Heritage Victoria for investigation.

Developers Stefce Kutlesovski and Raman Shaqiri could face penalties of up to $200,000.

Victorian Planning Authority acting chair Bill Kusznirczuk said penalties were too low to deter dodgy developers dealing with multi-million dollar properties.

On Tuesday, Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle called the demolition "the most brazen and wanton act of destructive vandalism" he had seen.

The pub had been damaged by fire in August, but did not cause enough damage to warrant demolition, Mr Doyle said.

Attempts by AAP to contact the company behind the building's destruction have been unsuccessful.
What is a short summary of the above article?

OUT: The Environmental Protection Authority is waiting on results of asbestos tests taken from the debris of an illegally demolished Melbourne pub.


IN: Las Vegas on the Potomac? MGM antes up
UPDATE, Wednesday June 20: Looks like the Maryland legislature won't hold a special session to consider a casino at National Harbor, so it's off the table for now.

Maryland -- like many other states -- is getting into gaming.

Maryland Live! Casino -- a slot emporium with electronic table games, bars and eateries -- just opened near Baltimore/Washington International airport. And four other gaming venues have been approved for the state.

Now, Vegas kingpin MGM Resorts International (Aria, Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur and more on the Strip) has made a bid to create a casino at upscale National Harbor on the Potomac near Washington, D.C.

Peterson Companies and MGM Resorts International announced late last week that they wish to develop what a news release calls "a world-class destination resort casino at National Harbor." Peterson Companies is the developer of National Harbor, a 350-acre complex that includes hotels (the Gaylord National Resort is the largest), restaurants, offices and residences.

Says James Murren, MGM Resorts International CEO: "We believe this ideal location will not only attract residents from Virginia and D.C., but will also serve as a new amenity for the more than 40 million domestic and international visitors who travel to the Nation's Capital each year."

The proposed casino might have 4,000 slot machines and 250 table games with dealers.

The Washington Post said the sticking points are (1) that MGM wants a lower tax rate than is on the table now and (2) that the state legislature would have to approve the venture. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said, according to the Post, that he may ask for a special session of the legislature in July to address the matter, which has another selling point: the jobs a casino would create.

Readers, what do you think about the spread of casino gaming across the USA? Would you like to gamble on a trip to D.C. for a convention or vacation?
What is a short summary of the above article?

OUT: Las Vegas on the Potomac? MGM antes up


IN: Halle Berry, Gabriel Aubry Hammer It Out in Court
4/12/2011 3:14 PM PDT by TMZ Staff

Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry just left the L.A. County Courthouse, after trying to finalize a custody settlement with the judge.TMZ was in the courtroom when Judge Mark Juhas said to Gabriel and his lawyers, "We're making huge progress. We need to stick with it." Halle and her lawyers, Neal Hersh and Judy Bogen, went into chambers to talk with the judge. Before that, Gabriel and his lawyers, Gary Fishbein and Kristina Royce, went into chambers to jawbone with hizzoner.We're told it's all part of a settlement conference over Nahla's custody and visitation. The major stumbling block has been Halle's acting schedule, which takes her out of town from time to time.From what happened this AM, it looks like Halle and Gabriel are on the verge of an agreement -- and a truce.

Tags: Halle Berry, Gabriel Aubry, Celebrity Justice
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OUT:

assistant: Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry just left the L.A. County Courthouse, after trying to finalize a custody settlement with the judge. TMZ was in the…