Latest news with #Encore
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Who should endorse nightclubs becomes topic during Waukegan City Council meeting
A number of Waukegan's 69 taverns or restaurants with bars offer their customers entertainment in one form or another but none of the establishments are nightclubs as defined by the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) approved in a 6-3 vote of the City Council last July. Ald. Lynn Florian, 8th Ward, expressed concern at Monday's City Council meeting that Encore Events was about to receive a nightclub endorsement from Mayor Sam Cunningham. The ordinance gives him the sole right to approve an endorsement. Florian said Encore was denied a nightclub endorsement by the council last year. She and a majority of the colleagues did not think it was appropriate then and she has not changed her mind. 'My (8th Ward) residents overwhelmingly did not want a nightclub there due to the history of the previous nightclub. There was a murder in the parking lot. The fact that it's nestled in a neighborhood and we had approved an assisted living facility on the same property,' Florian said at the meeting. Cunningham has no intention of giving Encore or any other applicant a nightclub endorsement on its liquor license in Waukegan any time soon until he takes an in-depth look at how the UDO treats nightclubs. 'I'm going to hold off on any nightclub endorsements until we have a better understanding of who can and can't have them,' Cunningham said Tuesday. 'We have a new ordinance out there. We need to know the background of people asking for a nightclub endorsement.' Both under the former regulations before the UDO was enacted and the current rules, any business serving liquor — nightclub or not — needed a liquor license. Cunningham said the difference is a nightclub imposes a cover charge on all patrons while a tavern offering entertainment does not. By the time an individual operating a restaurant or bar receives a liquor license, Cunningham said, the person is thoroughly vetted before the City Council votes to approve or reject the application. The police department, as well as those responsible for reviewing business and liquor licenses, must approve. Before the UDO became law just under a year ago, Cunningham said someone who wanted a nightclub endorsement had to get a conditional use permit. The permit requires additional steps that are no longer necessary. In addition to getting a liquor license to serve alcoholic beverages, before the UDO, an applicant for a nightclub endorsement was required to make its case to the Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation before the council took a vote. Florian said she thinks the City Council should have a say in whether a nightclub endorsement is granted to a business rather than leaving it to the mayor. She thinks a liquor commission, rather than the mayor — state law makes a mayor the liquor commissioner — should make the decisions. 'I believe this is something that should be the decision of the council,' Florian said. ' The alderman of the ward should have a say.' With the council already approving a liquor license for an individual seeking a nightclub endorsement, Cunningham said he is comfortable taking the information gleaned from the police, the fire department, business licensing, and the liquor staff and deciding whether or not to issue the endorsement.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Car taken at knifepoint on Central in Midtown: MPD
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police are looking for a 2025 Buick Encore taken from a driver at knifepoint at a Central Avenue gas station. MPD said it happened on June 6, just before 11 p.m., at the Mapco in the 2100 block of Central Avenue and Cooper Street. The victim said she was approached by a man armed with a knife. She said the man demanded her keys and fled the scene in her Encore. MPD has released images of a suspect described as being approximately 20 to 25 years old, standing between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, and weighing around 170 pounds.. He was wearing a black Nike hat, a watch, a black t-shirt, khaki shorts, and white tennis shoes. He possibly has tattoos on both arms. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Toronto Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
‘My heart started pounding': Etobicoke consultant wins $65 million in Lotto Max jackpot
When Mohit Sharma scanned his Lotto Max ticket and saw the words 'Big Winner' flash across his phone screen, he could not believe it — so he put on his shoes and went for a walk. Then he came back, scanned it again, and saw the same thing. Sharma, a consultant from Etobicoke, is Ontario's newest multimillionaire, winning $65 million in October's Lotto Max jackpot, a game he began playing regularly in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a small weekly ritual to have something to look forward to during the lockdowns has paid off, he said in a news release from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Over the past five years, Sharma has been purchasing Lotto Max and Lotto 6-49 tickets with a set budget, always adding Encore and relying on Quick Pick numbers. 'I don't pick the numbers, so, knowing that a random number that the lottery computer picked for me the winner — and my name was on that ticket — is just unbelievable!' he said. After hearing the news that the winning ticket was sold in Etobicoke, Sharma pulled a few tickets from a drawer and scanned them using the OLG app. 'I couldn't believe it and my heart started pounding,' he said. 'My phone screen lit up as the words 'Big Winner' flashed across the screen I thought to myself, 'I guess that person I heard about on the news was me!'' Instead of calling his family right away, Sharma waited until everyone was home so he could share the news face-to-face. 'To say they were shocked is an understatement,' he said. 'It was an emotional moment with lots of trembling hands and elevated heart rates all around.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW With the new-found financial freedom, Sharma says he is ready to make his dream of riding trains across the globe a reality. He has long admired the world's most iconic railways and intends to experience all of them, from the high-speed Shinkansen in Japan to the Indian Pacific that goes from Sydney to Perth, Australia. While the opportunity to ride trains across the world is what Sharma says 'will excite me the most!' the happiness he is sharing with his family is the best part of winning the jackpot. The next Lotto Max jackpot draw is Friday, with an estimated $20-million payout.
Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘That person I heard about on the news was me': Ontario man claims $65-million Lotto Max prize
An Etobicoke man is planning a global adventure on some of the most luxurious trains after winning a massive $65-million lottery jackpot. Mohit Sharma has long been enamoured with the world's most famous and luxurious trains. Now, as Ontario's newest multimillionaire, his dreams of riding the rails will soon come true after claiming a Lotto Max jackpot of $65 million from the Oct. 15, 2024 draw. During a winner's celebration hosted by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) in Toronto, Sharma noted he started buying lottery tickets in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving himself a weekly routine to look forward to during the lockdowns. Setting a budget, he purchased Lotto Max and Lotto 6-49 tickets with Encore each week, using the OLG's quick pick feature. 'I don't pick the numbers, so, knowing that a random number that the lottery computer picked for me the winner — and my name was on that ticket — is just unbelievable,' Sharma said in a news release. Sharma, who works as a consultant, likes to check his lottery tickets soon after the draw. When he heard on the news that the winning Lotto Max ticket was sold in Etobicoke, he rushed to check the tickets he had stored in a drawer. 'The first ticket I scanned was the winner,' Sharma said. 'I couldn't believe it and my heart started pounding. My phone screen lit up as the words 'Big Winner' flashed across the screen I thought to myself, 'I guess that person I heard about on the news was me.'' Sharma was in the middle of cooking when he discovered he'd won the jackpot. In the intensity of the moment, he doesn't know how he had the clarity to turn off the stove before a fire started in his kitchen. Sharma went on a walk to clear his head. When he returned home, he scanned the ticket again, just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He then began researching how to claim his prize and read about other big lottery winners. Not wanting to cause any anxiety for his family, Sharma decided to wait and tell them about his win in person. When the time finally came, Sharma gathered his family members together for the big reveal. 'To say they were shocked is an understatement,' he said. 'I had to pinch a couple of them to prove it was real. It was an emotional moment with lots of trembling hands and elevated heart rates all around.' Sharma wanted to share the news over a round of champagne, but the family didn't have proper champagne glasses. The only store still open was Walmart. 'So, we ran over to buy champagne glasses, and raised a glass to my good fortune. We finished the bottle together that night,' Sharma added. With the help of a financial team to manage his new-found wealth, Sharma is now planning to travel and take it easy. He's also exploring ways to give back to his community and support causes close to his heart. Sharma loves to read and learn, and is considering going back to school for another degree or diploma. As for rest and relaxation, he intends to tour the globe as a passenger on some of the world's most iconic trains. 'I have dreamt of travelling on these luxurious and exotic trains. I want to go to Japan to experience one of the world's fastest trains, The Shinkansen,' he added. 'I also want to travel on The Indian Pacific that goes from Sydney to Perth, Australia. The famous Orient Express is another on the top of my list, too.' Sharma also plans to see more of Canada aboard The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver. In addition, he plans to to ride The Caledonia Sleeper, which criss-crosses the United Kingdom. 'This is what will excite me the most,' he said. Sharma's winning Lotto Max ticket at Lakeshore Mini Mart on Lakeshore Boulevard West in Etobicoke. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Toronto landscaper celebrates $1-million lottery win at surprise birthday party
Toronto landscaper Pane Tan matched all seven Encore numbers in exact order in the April 18, 2025, Pick-4 draw to win $1 million. Photo by OLG Not only did Toronto landscaper Pane Tan match all seven Encore numbers in exact order in the April 18 Pick-4 draw to win $1 million, but he got to celebrate at a surprise party. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Tan has been playing the lottery with OLG for 30 years, but the father of three and grandfather of two is celebrating his first big win. 'I stopped by the store on a Saturday to check my ticket,' Tan told OLG. 'When I scanned it and saw the prize amount on the screen, I was so shocked and happy. Being a winner is a very exciting feeling.' Tan then returned home, only to find that there was another pleasant surprise waiting for him. 'I was stunned again because my family had organized a surprise birthday party for me. I had two unforgettable moments that day,' he told OLG. After the party, Tan told his son about his winning ticket. 'He was amazed and delighted,' he said. 'Later on, I shared the news with some other family members as well. Everyone was just thrilled for me!' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tan plans to share his winnings with his children and take a well-deserved vacation. His winning ticket was bought at Min-A-Mart on Wilson Ave. in Toronto. Sidony Pierre of Orléans, Ont., won $250,000, a top prize with Instant Golden Multiplier. (OLG) HAPPY DANCER Married dad Sidony Pierre of Orleans, Ont., did a 'happy dance' after winning $250,000, a top prize with Instant Golden Multiplier. The 53-year-old has been a loyal lottery player with OLG for the past eight years. 'This ticket looked nice and was new to me, so I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'' he told OLG. 'I took my ticket home and played it from the comfort of my sofa. When I uncovered a big win, I started screaming, 'I won! I won! I won!' Then I jumped up and did a happy dance. The thrill was so overwhelming that I just couldn't stop!' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Pierre immediately shared the exhilarating news with his wife and daughter. 'We all shouted with excitement and danced together,' he told the OLG. 'The vibes in the room were insane!' When asked how it feels to win the lottery, Pierre said, 'It feels like pure joy. My hands are still shaking!' Pierre plans to pay some bills and save for the future. 'I feel so grateful and blessed,' he told OLG. 'This has been a truly incredible, out-of-this-world experience.' His winning ticket was bought at Pioneer on St Joseph Blvd. in Ottawa. Berta Amaral of Toronto won $50,000 with Instant Super Strike. (OLG) Photo by OLG Read More OVERJOYED WINNER Berta Amaral, a married Toronto mother of two, is 'overjoyed' about being $50,000 richer after winning a top prize with Instant Super Strike. 'I was passing by the store and had an itch to grab a ticket,' she told OLG. 'I felt like this Super Strike ticket was speaking to me, so I decided to pick it up. When I played my ticket and uncovered my win, I was overjoyed. I shouted, 'I think I won big!' I had my son double-check my ticket for me and he confirmed it was a winner.' Amaral plans to pay some bills, save, and invest. 'Going forward, I'll also continue to play,' she added. Her winning ticket was bought at QQ+ Convenience on Davenport Rd. in Toronto. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Toronto Blue Jays NHL Crime
