Respect

Grand Jury Exposes Governance Flaws in Antioch, Urges Leadership to Respect Boundaries and Fill Staff Vacancies

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Antioch, CA — A recent investigation by the Contra Costa County Grand Jury into Antioch’s City Council activities under Mayor Lamar Thorpe has unveiled significant operational and managerial issues. The findings revealed probable violations of the Brown Act, which mandates transparency in public agency meetings, and inappropriate interventions in hiring and other administrative functions typically reserved for the City Manager. The turmoil includes a notably high turnover among city managers and an alarming 21.6% vacancy rate in city employment as of February 2024, starkly contrasting the national average of 5.3% for local and state government … Read more

Religious Minorities Demand Respect and Repeal of Blasphemy Laws Ahead of Pakistani Elections

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MUMBAI, India – The president of Pakistan’s Catholic bishops’ conference is calling for the respect of religious minorities and the repeal of blasphemy laws ahead of parliamentary elections in the country. The elections, scheduled for February 8, are being closely watched as Pakistan faces political and economic turmoil. The president of the bishops’ conference, Bishop Samson Shukardin, emphasized the importance of Christians in the election results despite their small population. Shukardin stated that Christians should not be selected but elected, highlighting the need for their representation in political life. He also advocated for a double … Read more