Auckland’s new rates bills are scheduled to arrive in letterboxes starting early next month following the formal passage of the council’s annual plan. The decision was finalized yesterday without the significant debate or public walkouts that have characterized recent council meetings. Mayor Wayne Brown stated the plan successfully avoids a potential 15% rates spike by … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved zoning Tuesday for Fourth & Central, a mixed-use development project located on eight acres near the Little Tokyo/Arts District Metro station. The project will transform existing industrial warehouses into 10 buildings containing 1,521 apartment units, office space, and retail areas. What are the specific details of the Fourth … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to confirm Crystal Lee and Joone Kim-Lopez as the new heads of the city’s Bureau of Engineering and Bureau of Sanitation. Lee becomes the city’s first female city engineer, while Kim-Lopez will lead LA Sanitation as executive director and general manager. Who are the new leaders for … Read more
Terella Brewing, a former Sunshine Coast hinterland venue, has been fined $150,000 by the Maroochydore Magistrates Court for the unlawful use of its premises. Magistrate Andrew Sinclair handed down the penalty after the business pleaded guilty to operating without proper development approvals. The venue, which closed in March 2024, previously hosted markets and live music … Read more
At least 23 civilians were killed and over 130 injured during a massive Russian aerial assault on June 1 and 2, according to Ambassador Archie Young, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN. The strikes involved 656 drones and 73 missiles, marking a record deployment of 41 ballistic and hypersonic weapons. UK officials report … Read more
Two families in Adelaide’s northern suburbs are facing a “worst nightmare” after purchasing newly built homes riddled with structural defects and lacking occupancy certificates. According to ABC News, the builder, Khorshed Alam, has been fined $75,000 by the Consumer and Business Services’ Building Industry Response Team for operating without a license and failing to obtain … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council voted 11-3 on Tuesday to amend the Olympic Wage Ordinance, effectively delaying scheduled pay increases for specific hotel and airport workers. The move comes as part of a high-stakes compromise to secure the withdrawal of a ballot initiative that sought to eliminate the city’s business tax. Under the revised schedule, … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council has granted preliminary approval to an ordinance that would merge three separate city departments into a single entity. In a 12-3 vote, council members approved the draft to consolidate the departments of youth, aging, and economic development. The responsibilities of these three areas will be managed by the newly rebranded … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council has authorized $30,000 for the purchase of Zoom licenses to ensure the city complies with a latest state mandate designed to increase public access to government meetings. This action comes as the city prepares for the implementation of Senate Bill 707, which takes effect on July 1. Modernizing Public Participation … Read more
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved the allocation of $177 million to four organizations dedicated to homeless prevention and eviction defense services. The vote came after two previous delays stemming from opposition voiced by the City Attorney’s Office. Funding Approved for Key Programs In a 12-1 vote, the Council authorized the Los Angeles … Read more