Cities

Across the U.S., Cities Toughen Stance Against Street Takeovers Amid Surging Social Unrest

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As cities across the United States grapple with evolving public disturbances, a new phenomenon of street takeovers complicates the post-COVID landscape marked by calls to defund police initiatives. These events, often organized through social media, see groups commandeering public roads for illegal racing and stunts, sometimes escalating into violence and vandalism. The trend of street takeovers began gaining traction during the pandemic lockdowns when empty streets offered an irresistible opportunity for illicit car meets and races. Participants often post videos of their exploits online, attracting large audiences and encouraging further events. As the frequency and … Read more

High-Speed Chase in Rochester Ends in Conviction for Twin Cities Woman

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Rochester, MN — A woman from the Twin Cities area has been convicted on a felony charge after leading police on a high-speed chase in Rochester nearly two years ago. The incident, which endangered local residents, culminated in a guilty verdict for 31-year-old Mickela Joy Vrendenburg. The police pursuit began in September 2022, when Rochester officers, intending to serve Vrendenburg a felony arrest warrant, noticed her leaving a known address in a vehicle with a malfunctioning taillight. Despite attempts by an officer to stop her, Vrendenburg accelerated her vehicle to about 50 mph through a … Read more

Ohio Cities File Lawsuit Challenging State Law Stripping Local Tobacco Regulations

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Filing a lawsuit on Wednesday, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein is leading a legal challenge against a recently passed state law that aims to strip away the authority of cities in Ohio to regulate the sale of tobacco products at the local level. This lawsuit is supported by 13 other Ohio cities, including Bexley, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The ban, which is scheduled to take effect on April 23, was approved after lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto of the legislation earlier this year. Under the newly enacted law, Ohio cities would no longer … Read more

Federal Judge Approves Lawsuit by Gaetz and Greene Against California Cities Over Political Event Cancellations

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Anaheim, California – A federal judge has ruled that Republican representatives Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia can proceed with their lawsuit against two California cities that canceled their political events. The decision by U.S. District Judge Hernán Vera allows the lawmakers to move forward with their suit, which alleges that the cities discriminated against them based on their political views. However, Judge Vera stated that Gaetz and Greene’s attempt to blame civil rights organizations was misguided. In 2021, three California venues that were scheduled to host “Put America First” rallies … Read more