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City Council

Omaha Weather, Shopping, and More: Weekend Headlines

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 28, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

OMAHA,Neb. – A Thanksgiving Day shooting, ‌bustling Black Friday shopping, and a⁤ festive tree lighting at the⁢ Durham Museum marked a busy holiday weekend in the Omaha metropolitan area.

The Omaha Police Department responded to a shooting Thursday evening ⁢at approximately 8:30 p.m. near 72nd and Dodge Streets.One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Concurrently, shoppers began ⁣lining up early Friday morning for Black Friday deals, with⁤ many stores ‍opening their ⁢doors as early as 5 a.m. Retailers reported important foot traffic throughout the day. The Durham museum hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony Sunday ⁢evening, drawing crowds to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

The 15th annual Heroes Game⁢ between Nebraska⁤ and Iowa is ⁣scheduled for Friday at Memorial Stadium in⁢ Lincoln,with kickoff at 11 a.m. A pregame ‌show will begin at 10 a.m. on 10/11. This year’s matchup is‍ the 56th in the rivalry, with Iowa having won nine of the last ten meetings. Nebraska Head ⁣coach⁢ Matt Rhule is seeking his⁤ first win against Iowa as ‌taking over the program. Iowa enters the game following a 20-17 comeback victory over Michigan State, ‍while Nebraska ⁣is coming off a road loss to Penn State. ‍Ashley De La⁢ Cruz-Martin and Jayce Koob were recognized as Nebraska’s and Iowa’s Heroes,respectively,for the game.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

News

Staten Island Seeks Independence: Push to Break Away from NYC Gains Momentum

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 16, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Staten⁤ Island lawmakers⁤ Revive Secession Push ⁢Following Mamdani Victory

STATEN‍ ISLAND, NY – Staten Island politicians⁣ are renewing efforts to ‌explore ‌secession from ⁣New ‌York City in the wake of⁤ Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid, fueled⁣ by long-held frustrations over feeling politically marginalized. Assemblyman Michael Morano⁣ has introduced legislation aiming⁢ for a ⁢feasibility study on Staten Island’s potential independence, a ⁣move he frames as a⁣ “balanced approach” to address widespread pro-secession sentiment.

Previous attempts at similar legislation, introduced by former Republican⁤ Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli in 2019 adn 2022, stalled in⁤ committee. Morano, though, believes his bill ⁤will differ by avoiding advocacy for outright secession.‌ “I represent a community‌ that is very pro-secession in sentiment – I’d say at least 60% – but personally, I’m concerned that⁣ full independence could lead to higher⁤ taxes and⁢ higher ⁣costs‌ for Staten Islanders,” ⁤he stated. “Rather than just trading slogans… this bill⁢ is⁣ meant to be a balanced approach ⁤that both sides ⁤should be able to ⁢live with.”

Morano ultimately envisions a referendum allowing Staten Island residents to decide their own fate. “Staten Island should be able ‌to decide‍ its own⁤ fate,” he said. “It’s the most‍ frustrating ‌thing in the world⁢ for ‌Staten Islanders to vote for⁢ elected ⁢officials… and no matter how ‍we⁤ vote,we ‌are dismissed by policymakers by⁤ the rest of the city.”

State Assemblyman ⁤Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) recently‌ galvanized the movement with a rally on Richmond road, where⁣ he read a⁤ “Staten Island ‍Independence Declaration.”

Staten Island, with roughly 500,000 residents, is the city’s least populated borough. However, ⁣it is larger than cities like Miami,⁣ Tampa, Oakland, and⁤ Cleveland and would become the second largest city in ⁢new York‍ state if self-reliant.

Senator Andrew Lanza believes a victory for upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik ‌in the 2026 gubernatorial race against incumbent‌ Democrat Kathy Hochul could bolster the secession cause, perhaps bringing it to a vote.

A May ‍2024 study by the city’s Independent Budget ⁤Office, ⁢requested by Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), cautioned that secession could ⁣be costly for Staten Island.The‍ report concluded that independence would likely result ‍in⁢ higher⁤ expenses for residents,⁣ reduced‍ benefits and services, or ‍both.

Mamdani⁣ declined to comment⁣ on the renewed secession efforts, and⁢ a representative for Stefanik did not instantly ‌respond to requests‍ for⁤ comment.

November 16, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asheville Extends Deadline for Hurricane Recovery Board Applications

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 14, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

asheville ⁢Extends Deadline for Helene Recovery Board Applications Following⁤ Resident Concerns

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – ⁢ The ‍City of Asheville has extended the submission deadline for positions on the Helene Recovery Boards by one week, to 5 p.m. on Tuesday,⁣ Oct. 21, after receiving feedback from residents who felt the original timeline was insensitive to those still actively engaged in⁢ recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Final appointments are now expected⁤ to be made on Oct. 28.

The initial application window coincided with the one-year anniversary of the storm, ⁢prompting criticism that it excluded individuals deeply ‌involved ⁣in ongoing rebuilding.River Arts ‍District ‌Artists president ‌Jeffrey Burroughs voiced these‍ concerns, ⁤stating, “It seemed a little insensitive, maybe to put an application deadline around the time of a one-year milestone when so many people who have been on the front lines this last year would be busy and tied up.” He subsequently shared a video on Facebook on Oct. 13 calling for the City Council to reopen the ⁣application process, which quickly gained traction within the community.

City⁢ Council member ⁤Bo Hess confirmed the extension followed constituent feedback and internal discussions. “Many people are still in‌ activated mode,” Hess said. “We’re still ‍on the ground, we’re still in full throttle with recovery, and quite frankly,⁢ some of the moast active people in that really don’t have⁢ time to pay ⁢attention to what city hall is doing and this deadline ⁢and that deadline and so it wasn’t fair.”

Hess emphasized that city leaders did not intend to exclude anyone and sought to establish the recovery boards quickly, but acknowledged the need to address the concerns raised. “We’re not ⁣rushing things as,quite frankly,this is too serious to‌ rush through,” he stated. “We need everyone’s voices.”

The Helene Recovery Boards will oversee the distribution of funds from recovery programs,including Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding. Burroughs added, “This isn’t impossible, and this isn’t setting a new ⁣precedent. The city council has the power to‍ make this ‌change.”

October 14, 2025 0 comments

News

Risky Bet: L.A. Council Approves Massive Convention Center Project

by Emma Walker – News Editor September 20, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Downtown L.A.Convention Centre Expansion Approved After Decade-Long Debate

After more than ten years‌ of discussion and planning, the Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to approve ⁣a major expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The project, estimated ‍to add 325,000 square ‍feet of ⁤space, passed with ⁤a vote‌ of 12-2, with councilmembers Yaroslavsky and Nithya Raman dissenting.

The expansion will connect the Convention ‍Center’s South Hall, recognizable by its ‌curving green exterior facing the 10 and 110 ⁣Freeway interchange, ‍with the West Hall, currently faded‍ blue. A key component of the project involves constructing a new wing directly over Pico Boulevard, a factor described by project⁣ officials as “extraordinarily complicated and extraordinarily costly.”

the decision comes‍ amidst ‍concerns about ‌the city’s ‍financial stability. Raman voiced fears that a newly upgraded Convention Center could be surrounded by increased homelessness,perhaps deterring tourists ‍and event attendees. She also highlighted the⁣ risk of losing state and federal funding⁣ crucial for housing⁣ programs.

Despite these concerns, proponents argue the expansion is vital for attracting large-scale national events and ⁣bolstering downtown L.A.’s economic recovery following the pandemic. Nella McOsker, president and ⁣CEO of the Central City Assn., stated the project offers “a model that‍ can work” for attracting conventions accommodating ⁣tens of thousands of visitors.

The project is heavily supported by Southern California’s construction trade unions, ⁣who anticipate the creation of approximately 13,000 construction jobs, alongside 2,150 permanent positions. Sydney Berrard,‍ a retired member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No.‌ 105, testified in ⁢favor of the project, emphasizing its importance for the economic security of local‍ workers and their families.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez initially favored a less expensive choice plan, but ultimately shifted her vote to support the expansion,‍ stating she would focus ⁢on securing “other people’s money” ‍(OPM) to fund essential city ‌services. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield,absent from the vote due to a pre-planned trip,expressed worry about the project’s completion timeline,fearing ⁣it may not be ready for the 2028 Olympic Games,which would carry critically important financial ‌risks for the city.

Construction is slated to begin almost immediately, with demolition work planned to start next month.Ernesto Medrano, executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, affirmed the readiness of⁢ union workers⁣ to begin the project, calling it an investment in L.A.’s workforce.

September 20, 2025 0 comments

News

San Jose Ex-Councilman Omar Torres Gets 18 Years in Abuse Case

by David Harrison – Chief Editor August 30, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

PORTLAND, OR – August 30, 2025 – Omar Torres, 48, faces sentencing after entering a‌ no-contest‍ plea to charges stemming from the sexual abuse of a male ⁢victim, ⁢identified in court documents as Doe,‌ decades ⁣ago. The case, which resurfaced after‍ Doe contacted police on November 4, 2024, highlights the lasting trauma of ‌childhood sexual abuse and the complexities of assigning culpability when an⁢ abuser is also a⁣ survivor.

the sentencing, scheduled for a future date, carries ⁤meaningful weight for Doe, who testified friday that his‌ motivation for coming forward was to prevent Torres from harming other ⁣children. The case also raises questions about⁤ the ⁤role of trauma in perpetuating ⁤abuse and the challenges of rehabilitation. Torres’ ⁢defense argues his actions were a⁢ result ‍of his ‌own childhood victimization and subsequent PTSD, while‌ the prosecution⁣ contends his remorse ⁢is feigned and his‍ focus remains on self-preservation.

Doe recounted to the judge how Torres’ actions were not perceived as harmless role-playing, stating, “His text messages never read as ‌fantasy role-play to me because I‍ knew what he was capable of.” He emphasized ‌that his decision to report ⁤the⁢ abuse was not motivated by revenge,but by a desire‍ to protect potential future victims.”This ‍was never revenge in any way. He‍ put me in a position to speak up … What I cared about is him not hurting anyone else,” Doe said.

The investigation gained momentum after a⁤ police-monitored ⁢phone call in November 2024,during⁤ which Torres reportedly confessed to ‍the abuse and attributed his behavior,in part,to his ⁢own ⁣experiences as a ‍child. He was⁢ later arrested the following day.

attorneys for both sides have submitted⁢ dueling sentencing memos. Defense ⁤attorney‌ McElmurry argued for leniency,citing Torres’ youth at the time‍ of the offenses,his own history ⁤of abuse,his self-awareness,and his cessation of the conduct upon turning 18. McElmurry also referenced a⁤ forensic psychologist’s report, which suggested the abuse stemmed from maladaptive coping mechanisms related to PTSD and immature ⁤reasoning,⁤ rather than inherent predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Malinsky dismissed ‌the report as ⁣”self-serving” and unsupported, presenting evidence of a pattern of abuse. He cited‌ a statement Doe made to probation officers, and reiterated in⁣ court Friday, ‌detailing the frequency and coercive nature of the assaults: “it was happening ‍so often that I⁢ knew as soon as I was alone (Omar) would ⁢appear ‌… many times it was him escorting me into his room and ⁢within ‌a matter ‌of‍ just a few minutes he ‍would force⁤ me” into sex acts.

Malinsky challenged the ⁢defense’s claim that Torres voluntarily‌ stopped ⁣the abuse, asserting that Torres ceased his ⁢actions out of fear of being discovered‍ after a family discussion about⁣ abuse involving⁣ another relative. the probation presentencing report reportedly indicated a ‍”troubling lack‍ of remorse” from Torres, with a‌ focus on public perception rather than⁣ accountability.

Doe further criticized Torres’ later claim that the ⁣police-monitored call constituted entrapment, stating, “I ‌believe you were⁢ only remorseful because‍ you were caught.” The sentencing will determine the ‍consequences for Torres and perhaps offer closure ⁤for ⁣Doe, while also serving as a stark‌ reminder of‌ the long-term impact‍ of sexual abuse.

Originally Published: August 29,2025 at⁢ 11:39 AM PDT

August 30, 2025 0 comments

World

Tampa Bay Rays Departure: St. Petersburg Prepares for Economic Impact

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 9, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

CITY COUNCIL DEBATES CONTINGENCY PLANS AS SPORTS TEAM’S FUTURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN – The City Council of [City Name,State] is grappling with the potential economic fallout of a possible professional sports team departure,even as members disagree on the timing of planning for such a scenario. The debate unfolded during a recent council meeting, highlighting a split between proactive preparation and a reluctance to engage in discussions deemed premature.

councilmember Floyd, while opposing a new stadium for the [Team Name], emphasized his desire to retain the team within the city. He also stressed the need for a pre-emptive strategy should the team choose to relocate. “And I want us to have a plan if they do,” he stated.

Councilmember Givens echoed this sentiment, urging the city to assess the economic consequences of losing the team before a crisis arises. “There needs to be contingency plans in place now, not later,” Givens argued, warning against waiting “until the 11th hour” to address the potential impact.

Council Chair copley Gerdes indicated a preference for focusing discussions on contingency plans only after 2028, describing broader conversations as “not interested in opening the can of worms.” However, Givens later presented a conflicting perspective, citing immediate economic hardship for local businesses. He specifically mentioned Mark Ferg, owner of Ferry [Business Type – e.g., restaurant, transportation service] in [Neighborhood/Area of City], as currently experiencing difficulties and seeking immediate assistance. “And he is looking to us for help, solutions, now. Not in 2028,” Givens said.

The council unanimously approved a Committee of the Whole discussion to further explore the issue, though a specific date has not yet been set. Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz was absent from the meeting.

Background: The Stadium debate and Economic Impact

The current debate stems from ongoing discussions regarding a potential new stadium for the [Team name], a [Sport] franchise that has been a fixture in [City Name] since [Year established]. The team’s current lease at [Stadium Name] expires in [Year Lease Expires], adding urgency to the situation. A recent economic impact study, commissioned by the [City Economic Advancement Agency], estimated that the [team Name] generates approximately $[Dollar Amount] annually in local revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, tourism, and related spending. Losing the team could result in meaningful job losses and a decline in revenue for businesses in the [Downtown/Stadium District] area.

the [Team Name] is currently owned by [Owner’s Name/Ownership Group].The team’s potential relocation options reportedly include [Potential City 1] and [Potential City 2], both of which have expressed interest in attracting a professional sports franchise.The city’s current population is [City Population] and the metropolitan area’s population is [Metro Area Population].

August 9, 2025 0 comments

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