All articles tagged with #city hall
Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez critiques Spencer Pratt’s bid for mayor, arguing that outsider status and reality-TV fame don’t easily overcome LA’s real constraints—like broken sidewalks and limited funding—while warning that big promises require substantive policy understanding and the politics of city governance.
Philadelphia is bracing for a May Day rally at City Hall hosted by the AFL-CIO, with street closures starting at 3 p.m. on John F. Kennedy Boulevard (Juniper to 15th), North Broad Street (KJB to Arch), and Juniper Street (KJB to Market) and parking restrictions; a march will follow the 4–6 p.m. event, and several SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from about 2:30 to 8 p.m. The rally, titled Workers Over Billionaires, advocates higher taxes on billionaires to fund public goods and supports unions for all and a working-class vision for Philadelphia. Last year’s event drew thousands and Bernie Sanders spoke outside City Hall.
City Council voted 30-18 to freeze future tipped-wage increases at $12.62 through 2028, pausing the One Fair Wage phase-out; Mayor Brandon Johnson says he will veto the ordinance, setting up a potential override vote as restaurateurs warn higher costs could hurt business and lead to closures.
Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith has drafted an ordinance to allow councilors to openly carry firearms while conducting city business, arguing it would deter aggressive disruption after protests interrupted a council meeting. The plan would create an exception to Portland’s generally restricted open carrying rules and is awaiting legal review. Revoke the Permit PDX organizers criticized the proposal, while supporters say it could improve safety for elected officials amid hostile confrontations and threats; no injuries were reported during the latest protest, and the city continues to balance First Amendment rights with security at City Hall.
Tony Herbert, a former Adams aide and longtime NYC political operative, was arrested in Manhattan on two broad public-corruption schemes: taking bribes to steer city contracts to a security company (including work at NYCHA housing projects) and funneling reimbursements to a funeral home for burial services for low-income residents, plus a separate Paycheck Protection Program loan-fraud scheme; he pleaded not guilty to bribery, extortion, wire fraud and related offenses and was released on a $50,000 bond with a Jan. 30 court date. The alleged schemes occurred between Oct. 2022 and May 2025; Adams isn’t charged in this indictment, though he has been subject to related probes involving the same investigators and DOI.
Sally Goldenberg, a renowned NYC politics reporter known for her scoops and in-depth coverage, has joined The New York Times as a reporter covering City Hall, local politics, and their intersections with state and federal issues, bringing her extensive experience and sources to the paper's political team.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is establishing the Office of Mass Engagement, led by campaign strategist Tascha Van Auken, to strengthen connections between City Hall and community organizations, aiming to sustain the grassroots volunteer movement that supported his campaign and to make government more accessible to everyday New Yorkers.
Mamdani announced his top two City Hall deputies, with Brad Lander not taking the top post as he pursues a congressional run. Mamdani remains committed to funding free buses and universal child care, despite some political challenges and negotiations with Gov. Hochul. He plans to build his administration, considering retaining some of Mayor Adams' team, while facing criticism for selecting appointees from de Blasio's administration.
Thousands are expected to gather in Philadelphia's Center City on Saturday for the 'No Kings' protest against President Trump and his policies, starting at City Hall and ending at Independence Mall with a march and a speaker program featuring community leaders and officials. The event aims to demonstrate community power and opposition to current government actions, with road closures on Market Street and potential impacts on transit, though fewer participants are expected compared to previous protests.
Los Angeles City Hall was evacuated after a car crashed into its steps; the driver was taken into police custody, and the situation was safely resolved with no injuries reported.
Mamdani is on track to win the NYC mayoral race but currently lacks majority support, requiring ongoing efforts to win over skeptics and expand his voter base, especially among younger voters and within the Democratic Party.
Former top adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, is accused of accepting over $75,000 in bribes related to city projects including migrant shelters and real estate, in a wide-ranging corruption scheme. Several other officials and developers are also charged, highlighting ongoing corruption concerns in the Adams administration amid his reelection bid.
Winnie Greco, a former top advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, attempted to give a reporter cash in a potato chip bag, which she later called a mistake and apologized for. The incident has led to her suspension from the Adams campaign and is under investigation by federal authorities, amid a history of allegations of misconduct and fundraising irregularities.
Supervisor Joel Engardio is facing a recall election amid controversy surrounding Proposition K, highlighting ongoing political tensions at City Hall.
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the 101 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles before marching to City Hall, causing temporary traffic delays. The protest, which lasted from around 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., reflects heightened tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have led to numerous demonstrations and arrests nationwide.