Long Beach Man Awarded $5.19 Million After Tree Branch Incident: A Warning on Urban Tree Maintenance

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A jury recently awarded $5.19 million to a man who sustained serious injuries when a tree branch fell on him in El Dorado Park, highlighting concerns over city tree maintenance. Joseph Robinson, 68, was walking his dog, Cookie, when a 200-pound branch knocked him unconscious. Cookie escaped unharmed and ran for help, while bystanders worked to free Robinson, who was subsequently rushed to the hospital. Robinson’s attorney, Brian Breiter, described the injuries his client suffered as life-altering. Robinson experienced spinal damage requiring surgical intervention to fuse two parts of his spine, … Read more

Toronto Celebrates Innovative Visionaries at 2025 Urban Design Awards Gala

The City of Toronto recently announced the winners of the 2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the city’s architecture and design. The awards recognize projects and individuals that enhance Toronto’s landscape and promote sustainable urban living. This year’s ceremony highlighted a diverse array of projects, spanning residential, commercial, and public spaces. These initiatives were evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges composed of architects, urban designers, and academics who assessed submissions based on criteria such as innovation, community impact, and aesthetic quality. Among the noteworthy winners was a mixed-use development, which was … Read more

Toronto’s Waterworks Project Wins Special Jury Award for Seamless Integration of Urban Spaces

Toronto, Ontario, has a vibrant urban landscape that is constantly evolving, and this year, the Toronto Urban Design Awards honored outstanding contributions to that architectural narrative. In its milestone 35th year, the annual event recognized innovative projects that enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall livability of the city. Among the distinguished recipients was Waterworks, which earned the Special Jury Award in the Integrated Approach category. This accolade was particularly noted for how the development seamlessly integrates with the nearby St. Andrew’s Playground Park, skillfully designed by DTAH. The jury praised the collaboration between these … Read more

Montana Towns Reassess Urban Camping Laws in Light of New Supreme Court Ruling

Belgrade, Mont. — In the wake of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, cities across southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Manhattan, and Livingston, are poised to reassess their urban camping regulations. Recent judicial rulings have empowered municipalities to enforce laws against public camping, a move that could significantly impact the homeless population in the region. The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgement in Grants Pass v. Johnson has removed restrictions that previously made it illegal for cities to penalize homeless individuals for sleeping in public spaces when no shelters are available. This decision reverses an earlier ruling from … Read more