Cities

South Carolina’s Top Tourist Cities Sue Major Rental Platforms Over Unpaid Taxes and Fees

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Charleston, SC — A coalition of South Carolina’s most popular tourist cities, including Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, has filed a lawsuit against several major online travel companies. The municipalities contend that these firms have neglected to remit local accommodation taxes and, in some instances, business license fees collected on their platforms from both rental hosts and guests. At the heart of the litigation is the allegation that these digital platforms failed to forward taxes they collected, thereby depriving the municipalities of critical revenue streams intended for local infrastructure and services. This lawsuit illustrates a … Read more

Twin Cities Attorney Analyzes New DOJ Directive to Prosecute Non-Compliant Immigration Law Enforcers

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Minneapolis, MN — A new directive from the U.S. Department of Justice is causing a stir among law enforcement circles. The three-page federal memorandum instructs authorities to prosecute law enforcement officials who refuse to enforce immigration laws. This major policy shift emphasizes the federal government’s current stance on immigration enforcement and the consequences for non-compliance. The memo outlines specific prosecutorial actions against those who hinder the enforcement of immigration laws. This includes local and state law enforcement officials who have been known to adopt sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Officials at … Read more

Oregon Cities Seek Amendment to 2021 Homeless Camping Law Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis

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Salem, Ore. – As Oregon struggles with a persistent housing crisis, city officials across the state are calling for more flexibility to manage homeless encampments. A law passed in 2021 has become a focal point of controversy, with local leaders claiming it hampers their ability to address camps they consider problematic. The League of Oregon Cities, representing municipal governments, announced its intention to make amending this law a key priority for the upcoming legislative session. The law currently restricts city policies on camping, requiring them to be “objectively reasonable,” a term not explicitly defined, thereby … Read more

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