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Hollywood business owners are upset and frustrated after planters that were installed to keep homeless encampments from growing were ordered to be removed. The planters and garden beds were placed along the sidewalk on Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue in May after shop owners said homeless encampments had completely blocked sidewalks and access paths for almost two years. The driveway to Sunset Sound Recording Studio was inaccessible due to the sheer amount of tents on the sidewalk which continued to increase. The studio was nearly forced to close after they were targeted in a burglary in which thieves defecated on a drum set. They were later targeted in an arson attempt.

A ballot measure aimed at reforming a controversial proposition blamed by many for increased crime in California is facing what one local sheriff calls an "ingenious" and "immoral" plan to "sabotage" the effort for ideological reasons. California’s secretary of state announced this month that petitioners had garnered more than enough signatures to place a measure to reform Proposition 47 on the November ballot. Prop 47, a voter-approved initiative passed in 2014, loosened the penalties for drug and theft crimes in California and has been blamed for California's rampant theft problems. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco discussed the reasons why the ballot measure, of which he is a primary backer, is needed to fix crime issues in the state during an interview with Fox News Digital this week. He also warned that Democrats in the California legislature are mulling a plan to kill the reform.

The shooting victims from over the weekend range in age from 13 to 57, representing various parts of the city, and the violence has some seeking new solutions. South Lawndale residents met with police on Monday following a staggering number of weekend shootings. At least 71 people were shot, nine of them killed, across the city from Friday evening to Monday morning, police said. "Seventy people being shot is 70 too many. The fact is, we've got work to do. While we're making progress, we've got so much more to do," said 22nd Ward Ald. Mike Rodriguez. At least two-dozen people were shot during a five-hour period from midnight to 5 a.m. Monday.

Local governments and nonprofits in the Portland area spent more than half a billion dollars fighting homelessness last year, a 70% increase from the year before, according to a new report. "The number itself was shocking," John Tapogna, a senior policy advisor at ECOnorthwest, which crunched the numbers, told KOIN 6 News. Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties, which make up Oregon's Portland metro area, spent $531 million on homelessness interventions in fiscal year 2023, according to ECOnorthwest's analysis. The huge increase was driven in part by nearly $90 million in federal pandemic relief funds, as well as a regional homeless tax approved by voters in 2020, the report shows.

In a significant turn of events, the FBI has raided the Oakland home of Democrat Mayor Sheng Thao. Early this morning, agents were seen exiting the mayor's residence with boxes and other items, suggesting a substantial investigation. The raid is part of a broader operation involving multiple locations across Oakland, including City Hall and properties linked to California Waste Solutions. Speculations indicate potential financial misconduct, possibly involving improper contracts and illegal fund distribution. This development adds to Mayor Thao's troubles, as she faces a recall effort with over 40,000 signatures submitted. This incident underscores growing concerns over the effectiveness and integrity of progressive leadership in Oakland amidst rising crime and administrative issues. #FBIInvestigation #OaklandPolitics #DemocratControversy

Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard faces a new lawsuit filed by former Maintenance Manager Dwayne Thrash, alleging wrongful termination. Thrash claims he was fired for not assisting Henyard and her assistant, Keith Freeman, in firing another employee. According to the lawsuit, Henyard has a history of terminating employees who oppose her or pose a political threat. Thrash, who was on vacation during the alleged workplace violations, contends his termination was unjust. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing federal investigations into Henyard’s administration, including probes into her spending practices and previous lawsuits for similar issues. The controversy highlights concerns over abuse of power and lack of accountability in local governance.

Amid efforts to crack down on drug sales in San Francisco's Tenderloin, the city's Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance placing a curfew on some neighborhood stores during overnight hours. In a unanimous vote, the supervisors approved a plan from Mayor London Breed, establishing a two-year pilot program prohibiting retail establishments selling prepackaged food or tobacco products from operating between midnight and 5 a.m. Breed said in a statement that the legislation follows input from neighborhood residents, community organizations and businesses seeking to curb drug markets in the area, particularly at night. "The drug markets happening at night in this neighborhood are unacceptable and must be met with increased law enforcement and new strategies, but this must be done in partnership with community, which we are doing," the mayor said. "Residents, business owners and workers have raised their concerns again and again, and it is imperative that we listen to them as we continue our efforts to make the Tenderloin safer for everyone.

A bacterial outbreak has emerged among homeless individuals living at San Jose encampments in Columbus and Roosevelt parks, but health officials say the risk to the general public is low. Three confirmed cases of Shigella, a highly contagious intestinal bacteria, were identified between June 3-17. Two individuals have been hospitalized and four people are being evaluated. There are 19 suspected cases tied to the same outbreak. Shigella causes vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody. It gets passed on when individuals put anything in their mouth that has made contact with the infected feces, such as shaking a contaminated hand and then using their hands to eat. People can also catch the disease by drinking water that has been contaminated. “What’s concerning about this outbreak isn’t the absolute number. We do regularly see Shigella cases,” Dr. Monika Roy, assistant health officer in the county’s Public Health Department, said on Tuesday. “What’s concerning more is the number that are related to each other.”

Furious vegans shut down an LA restaurant in protest over its decision to drop its plant-based menu in favor of meat and dairy dishes. Angry demonstrators swarmed on Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery in Echo Park on Father's Day and were so disruptive the premises was forced to close. The protest came after chef Molly Engelhart announced her decision to move away from a solely vegan menu. The mob threw fake blood and daubed 'Chef Molly killer' outside the restaurant during the tense standoff. 'These people came inside of my restaurant, harassed my customers, my employees, vandalized my restaurant and openly said they'd like to put me out of business,' Engelhart told Fox Digital.

Google's decision not to renew its lease at One Market Plaza in San Francisco underscores the city's escalating issues with crime and homelessness. This move is part of a broader trend of tech companies exiting the Bay Area, driven by the city's permissive policies that have worsened these crises. The corporate exodus is leading to increased vacancy rates, falling real estate values, and a shrinking tax base, further deteriorating public services. Business leaders and residents are calling for more stringent measures to address these issues and restore San Francisco's reputation as a tech hub. The rise of alternative tech hubs like Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas highlights the shifting landscape of the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of a favorable business environment and quality of life for employees. #SanFranciscoExodus #CrimeCrisis #TechIndustryShift

The City of Chicago has begun enforcing its controversial 60-day limit on shelter stays, leading to the eviction of many migrant families, including those with children. This policy has sparked significant backlash from advocates who argue it is unreasonable to expect migrants to find housing without work permits or rental assistance. Alderman Andre Vasquez warns that this could result in more tent encampments around the city. Despite issuing exemptions for families with children and those exposed to the measles outbreak, the city continues to face pressure as over 43,000 migrants have arrived since August 2022. Critics argue that Chicago's initial stance as a sanctuary city has backfired, exposing the high costs and logistical challenges of sheltering large numbers of migrants without sufficient infrastructure or federal support. The situation underscores the broader national debate on immigration and the effectiveness of sanctuary city policies. #ChicagoEvictions #SanctuaryCityCrisis #ImmigrationDebate

Chicago's longstanding history of political corruption continues as Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard faces a federal probe over no-bid contracts awarded to Oak Construction. The company, whose president Alex Nof awaits sentencing for bribery, received over $200,000 for work on senior homes without proper contracts. Federal investigators are examining these dealings, including Henyard's involvement and the use of COVID-19 grant money for payments. This investigation underscores persistent corruption issues, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in local governance to protect taxpayer funds and maintain public trust. #PoliticalCorruption #GovernmentAccountability #DaltonInvestigation

Denver has been sending illegal immigrants to Salt Lake City, Utah, raising concerns over the management of migrant resources. In an exclusive report, it was revealed that Denver paid for the transportation of approximately 2,000 migrants to Utah. This action has sparked controversy, as Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas struggle with limited resources to support these new arrivals. Local authorities have expressed their dissatisfaction, emphasizing the strain on their social services. Despite Denver’s claim that migrants choose their destinations, many view this as an evasion of the city's responsibilities. The broader implications highlight the ongoing challenges faced by sanctuary cities and the financial burdens they endure. #ImmigrationCrisis #SanctuaryCityIssues #ResourceStrain

Pro-Palestinian protesters who entered and barricaded themselves in a building at California State University, Los Angeles, on Wednesday cleared out by early Thursday, a spokesperson for the school told CNN. Most protesters left the Student Services Building of their own accord around 1:15 a.m. local time and returned to an unauthorized encampment on campus. No arrests were made, university spokesperson Erik Frost Hollins said.

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Try Turkesterone with Tongkat Ali (Feminization Killer): (Buy Two Get One Free 48HR Promo) https://blackforestsupplements.com/reasonable New Hampshire's proposed House Bill 14400 aims to tackle the growing issue of squatters by distinguishing between legitimate tenants and illegal occupants. This move comes after numerous reports of property owners struggling to reclaim their homes from squatters who exploit legal loopholes. Jeff Savage, a landlord with 500 properties, recently faced this issue, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action. The bill seeks to empower law enforcement to swiftly remove illegal occupants, ensuring property rights are protected. This legislative effort underscores the need for a balanced approach to tenant rights and property ownership. #PropertyRights #SquatterLaws #NewHampshireBill

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Yeneska García’s face crumbled as she said it, and she pressed her head into her hands. Since fleeing crisis in Venezuela in January, the 23-year-old had trekked through the Darien Gap jungle dividing Colombia and Panama, narrowly survived being kidnapped by a Mexican cartel and waited months for an asylum appointment with the United States that never came. She finally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in May, only to have American authorities expel her. Now she was back in southern Mexico, after Mexican immigration bused her to sweltering Villahermosa and dropped her on the street. “I would rather cross the Darien Gap 10,000 times than cross Mexico,” García said, sitting in a migrant shelter. She clutched a crinkled Ziploc bag that held her Venezuelan ID, an inhaler and an apple — her few remaining possessions.

Chicago’s progressive mayor Brandon Johnson spent a jaw-dropping $30,000 in campaign finance funds on personal grooming since launching his bid for office, according to a report. Johnson used the money his supporters contributed to his Friends of Brandon Johnson campaign fund to pay for makeup and hair appointments, The Chicago Sun Times reported. Nearly all of the money went to makeup artist and “skincare enthusiast” Denise Milloy, who operates Makeup Majic from a home in the south side, according to a campaign finance report. Between 2023 and 2024 he made more than 30 payments to the business.

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A fancy, new, taxpayer-funded high-rise homeless shelter featuring apartments with skyline views, a gym and cafe is set to open in Los Angeles — looking more like a hipster haven than public housing. The 19-story tower — whose 228 studios and 50 one-bedroom apartments cost about $600,000 a pop to build — is located in the heart of the city’s Skid Row and part of a three-building project to provide shelter and support for homeless adults, according to the Los Angeles Times. The $165 million complex boasts amenities galore, including the gym complete with treadmills, rowers, bikes and a cable machine — as well as a communal patio area for residents to congregate, an art room, a soundproof music room, a computer room, a library and the cafe.

Try Turkesterone with Tongkat Ali (Feminization Killer): (Buy Two Get One Free 48HR Promo) https://blackforestsupplements.com/reasonable The walls appear to be closing in around Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. The mayor of the small south suburb has been the subject of numerous media reports detailing highly questionable spending, as well as retaliatory attacks on and harassment of perceived political enemies including local businesses, all of which have thrown Dolton into what can legitimately be described as chaos. The FBI reportedly is investigating her, both in her capacity as Dolton mayor and as supervisor of Thornton Township, which covers Dolton and 16 other south suburbs. She also is a defendant in lawsuits by former employees. Unfortunately for the beleaguered suburb, which in the normal course of affairs experiences more than its share of troubles due to its high poverty rate and declining population, Henyard isn’t up for reelection until 2025. While she remains in place, there are worries about keeping up with such basic municipal services as timely garbage collection.