Council

Petaluma City Council Raises Alarm Over Troubling Grand Jury Findings on North Bay Animal Services Amid Calls for Contract Review

by

Petaluma, California — City leaders voiced significant concerns this week regarding the city’s relationship with North Bay Animal Services, following a critical civil grand jury report alleging the nonprofit is failing to meet essential industry standards for animal care and public safety. The Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury’s report highlighted issues such as inadequate staffing and funding, which has left the organization struggling to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. The panel’s findings were corroborated by firsthand observations made during three separate inspections of the Petaluma shelter last fall and earlier this year, revealing unsanitary conditions. During … Read more

Palm Springs City Council to Address Grand Jury Findings on Grant Oversight Amid Queer Works CEO Fraud Case

by

Palm Springs, California, is facing scrutiny over its grant management practices as the City Council prepares to discuss a grand jury report linked to the indictment of Queer Works CEO Jacob Joseph Aaron Rostovsky. The Riverside County civil grand jury released its findings on June 23, highlighting deficiencies in the city’s procedures for processing and monitoring grants and contracts after a thorough investigation. The report revealed that Rostovsky, 35, allegedly misappropriated over $90,000 intended for mental health services supporting the transgender and nonbinary community. He was indicted on Oct. 16, 2024, facing 53 counts of … Read more

Flint Council Race Torn by Controversy: Former Candidate Files Federal Lawsuit Over Alleged Election Misconduct

by

Flint, Michigan – A former contender for the city council seat in Flint’s third ward has filed a federal lawsuit against the election winner, state officials, and local clerks. Beverly Biggs-Leavy alleges that election integrity was compromised in favor of her opponent, LaShawn Johnson, citing various legal violations. Court filings indicate that Biggs-Leavy accuses election officials of misleading absentee voters, suggesting incorrectly that Johnson was the sole candidate in the race. Johnson had previously lost the primary election earlier in May before winning as a write-in candidate. The Michigan Department of State confirmed that it … Read more

City Council Candidate Secures $1.5M Jury Verdict for Defamation Amidst Controversial Campaign

by

A jury in Chicago awarded $1.5 million to a city council candidate who claimed she was defamed during her electoral campaign. The verdict came after the candidate accused an opponent of spreading false information regarding her qualifications and personal character. The trial highlighted the challenges faced by candidates in politically charged environments, where accusations can have lasting impacts on reputations and election outcomes. The defendant in the case reportedly disseminated damaging statements about the candidate, which she contended were completely unfounded. The plaintiff, who ran for a city council seat in the recent election, expressed … Read more