Local

Former Journalist Mike Bivins Convicted of Bias Crimes, Including Arson and Hate-Fueled Attacks on Local Communities

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Portland, Oregon — A Multnomah County jury found Mike Bivins, a former journalist, guilty on Thursday of all 11 counts in his bias crime trial, including serious felony charges of arson and criminal mischief. The verdict stems from a series of bias-driven attacks in May 2022 that targeted minority communities in the city. The jury determined that Bivins was responsible for damaging property at multiple locations, including breaking windows and vandalizing Congregation Beth Israel with a Nazi-themed death threat. Additionally, he attempted to ignite a fire at the Muslim Community Center while individuals were present … Read more

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Takes Bold Stand Against Federal Raids, Joins Class-Action Lawsuit to Protect Local Communities

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Los Angeles, California — Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday that the city will join an ongoing class-action lawsuit aimed at halting what she describes as unconstitutional immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. This legal action is framed as a direct challenge to the federal government’s tactics under the Trump administration, which Bass claims uses the city as a test for its political aims while disregarding constitutional protections. In a statement, Bass asserted that Los Angeles stands united with its residents, local organizations, and governmental entities in opposing what they view as federal overreach. She … Read more

Marin County’s Civil Grand Jury Calls for Increased Transparency Amidst Confusion of Nearly 100 Local Agencies

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San Rafael, California – The latest report from Marin County’s Civil Grand Jury raises pressing concerns about the management of nearly 100 local agencies, which collectively oversee a budget nearing $1 billion and employ over 1,800 individuals. These entities, which include special districts and joint powers authorities, are responsible for vital services such as water, sewer, electricity, police, fire protection, and waste management. The grand jury identified 62 special purpose districts and 37 joint powers authorities that often operate with limited transparency. While larger agencies like Marin Municipal Water District and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail … Read more

Escambia County Seeks Community Input on Rebranding ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ in Local Ordinances

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Pensacola, Fla. – In a significant move for the region, the Escambia County Commission is set to convene a public hearing next week concerning a proposal to revise the language in local ordinances to refer to the “Gulf of America.” The update aims to align with recent legislative changes that have sparked discussions across the state. Currently, nearly 20 county ordinances that govern various issues, including those related to Perdido Key, dog parks, and littering, utilize the term “Gulf of Mexico.” This proposed amendment comes on the heels of laws enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis … Read more