local-politics2.24 min read
Austin Council Candidate Freed After Riot Charge Linked to ICE Protest
12 days ago•Source: KUT
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2.505 min•21 days ago
St. Paul Mayor Cleared of Harassment, Yet Found to Have Offensive Conduct
An outside investigation found St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her did not sexually harass city workers or retaliate against them, but it concluded she engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior and created an uncomfortable work environment, including sharing offensive material and altering images of police officials. The full report has not been released. HR recommended maintaining professional boundaries, workplace-conduct training, and hiring an executive coach at the mayor’s expense; she apologized and said she will comply with the steps.
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DSA-backed 27-year-old clinches Providence mayoral primary
The Guardian•29 days ago
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Seattle Businesses Urge City Hall to Act on Public Safety
MyNorthwest.com•29 days ago
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Armed incident at Canfield Fair prompts condemnations and security concerns
During a Canfield Fair visit, an armed suspect lunged at Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, injuring several people before he was taken into custody; two firearms were recovered on the suspect, and authorities stress the investigation is ongoing as officials condemn political violence and emphasize security for candidates and volunteers.
Texts reveal debates over when Seattle mayor should address public after Bite of Seattle shooting
Newly released texts from Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's office show a late-night debate over whether to bring the mayor to the scene and when to address the public after the Bite of Seattle shooting, highlighting slow information sharing and ongoing turnover in the mayor's communications team.
Governor backs renaming Nashville airport to honor Dolly Parton
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee expressed support for renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton as a lasting tribute, with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority set to discuss the proposal; Parton’s team is reportedly supportive, a petition has gathered substantial signatures, and Dolly-related tributes are already underway in the city.
Seattle Mayor Recall Stalls After Filing Deadline Missed
A recall petition against Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson was dropped after petitioners missed the Aug. 26 filing deadline, triggering an Aug. 27 court hearing to decide if the effort can proceed. Wilson is focusing on city business and affordable housing as petitioners indicate they may refile in the future. The charge, filed by Melinda Jacobson and Dale Osterud, accuses Wilson of neglecting public safety following the Bite of Seattle shooting and the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes. If the judge rules the deadline invalid, the case ends; if not, the petition would move to signature gathering within 180 days to try to place a recall on the ballot.
Hillsborough doubts cast shadow over Rays stadium deal as funding shifts
Two Hillsborough County commissioners who previously backed the Rays stadium deal now question it, potentially upending the pact as the financing structure shifts: the city would lend $80 million and the Rays would borrow about $100 million, to be repaid with property‑tax revenues from a surrounding mixed‑use development. Commissioner Chris Boles says there’s no guaranteed county revenue and seeks written assurances on the development piece, while Commissioner Christine Miller questions the city’s share and warns of possible exposure (up to $380 million) after a related land‑use change stalled. With votes looming next week, the changing terms and political dynamics add new uncertainty to the deal.
NYC bets on year-round outdoor dining amid clutter and controversy
New York City’s City Council approved four bills to allow 12-month outdoor dining structures on streets, reversing the seasonal removal rule and promising clearer rules and fines for cleanliness. While the move pleases restaurants and some council members, critics warn it will clog streets, invite vermin and unsafe winter conditions, and shift focus from indoor dining struggles. The Department of Transportation will finalize updated rules as part of the tighter oversight, signaling a long winter ahead for both operators and residents.
Mamdani backs NYC delivery-bill; critics warn price hikes and relocation risk.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed the Teamsters-backed Delivery Protection Act, which would require last-mile delivery operators to hire workers directly rather than subcontract. Supporters say the measure protects workers and communities, while opponents warn it would raise costs—an AKRF estimate puts the typical household increase at about $664 per year—and could force Amazon to move deliveries outside the city, risking thousands of local jobs.
NYC Eyes Stricter E-Bike Rules as Mayor-Speaker Feud Intensifies
New York City is accelerating regulation of e-bikes after a fatal crash involving a fast e-bike. Mayor Mamdani has issued cease-and-desist orders to retailers selling illegal high-speed models, while Council Speaker Menin plans 17 bills addressing safety, street design, delivery-worker protections, and data reporting. The ongoing feud between the two Democrats appears to be accelerating the push for tighter micromobility rules, even as enforcement challenges and the reliance of a large immigrant delivery workforce complicate policy.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her faces fresh harassment allegations as probe widens
New allegations against St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her surface as an outside law firm investigates a formal harassment complaint by Police Chief Axel Henry. A former deputy chief says Her made inappropriate comments about breasts, engaged in other conduct, and altered images displayed at police headquarters; she reportedly placed her portrait over officers’ faces and circulated edited UFC images. The deputy chief reportedly retired due to the alleged behavior. Her’s spokesperson did not immediately comment, and she says the portrayal doesn’t reflect what happened while stressing respect for the investigative process and that city priorities continue.
Seattle leaders react as mayor calls for SPD chief to resign
Seattle City Council members reacted to Mayor Katie Wilson's request for SPD Chief Shon Barnes to resign, signaling mounting tension between City Hall and the Seattle Police Department.