Tag Archives: public safety

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Father Drops Lawsuit Over Son’s Death at Nickerson Gardens After Stabbing Incident

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The father of a man who died trying to break up a fight at Los Angeles’ Nickerson Gardens has voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the City and County of Los Angeles. The lawsuit, filed in Compton Superior Court, had alleged that police and sheriff’s deputies blocked life-saving aid to his son, Jesse Ryan May, after he was stabbed during the altercation.

On September 5, Judge Elizabeth L. Bradley dismissed the complaint “without prejudice,” meaning it could be refiled at a later date. Court documents did not provide a reason for David May’s decision to drop the case.

“This was a very difficult decision, but at this time, I have asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit,” David May stated in court papers.

The original complaint included claims of wrongful death, civil rights violations, and negligence against Los Angeles City and County law enforcement.

Story Highlights:

  • Jesse Ryan May was fatally stabbed while trying to break up a fight at Nickerson Gardens, a Los Angeles public housing complex.

  • The lawsuit alleged police and sheriff deputies blocked aid from a nurse and May’s girlfriend.

  • Jesse May arrived at St. Francis Medical Center in cardiac arrest and died less than an hour later.

  • Father David May requested dismissal of the lawsuit “without prejudice,” keeping the option to refile.

  • Claims included wrongful death, civil rights violations, and police negligence.

According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred in the early hours of April 19, 2023. Jesse May was staying at a Nickerson Gardens apartment with his girlfriend when he heard an altercation in the parking lot around 1 a.m.

“I went outside because I heard shouting and saw a fight breaking out between two women and a man,” Jesse May’s father, David May, described. “My son tried to intervene to stop the fight, and that’s when he was stabbed in the leg.”

The complaint alleges that responding Los Angeles Police Department officers and Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies prevented both a female acquaintance with nursing experience and later Jesse May’s girlfriend from providing aid. The suit further claimed that law enforcement personnel themselves failed to assist.

Jesse May was rushed to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, arriving in full cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

“The actions of the officers did not meet the professional standards expected in such emergencies,” the lawsuit stated. “My family has suffered severe emotional distress, and we have incurred substantial funeral and burial expenses.”

David May’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit “without prejudice” means he can still pursue legal action against the City and County of Los Angeles in the future.

The dismissal of the lawsuit leaves questions about the response of Los Angeles police and sheriff’s deputies during the Nickerson Gardens stabbing unanswered. While Jesse Ryan May’s father has paused legal action, the case highlights ongoing concerns over police negligence, emergency aid, and public safety in Los Angeles public housing. The option to refile the wrongful death and civil rights claims remains open, keeping the spotlight on accountability and law enforcement standards.

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Austin Street Takeover Organizer’s Charge Dropped After Assault Conviction

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A 21-year-old man accused of organizing a high-profile street takeover in Austin last summer has seen the charge against him dismissed, court records show. The dismissal comes after the man, Jacobi Patrick Erickson, was convicted in a separate assault case later in 2023.

Story Highlights:

  • Jacobi Patrick Erickson, 21, accused of organizing the Austin street takeover in July 2023.

  • Arrest warrant issued for Erickson in connection with the South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road event.

  • Later convicted in October 2023 for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.

  • Received two years deferred adjudication and required to complete 80 hours of community service.

  • Street takeover charge dismissed following assault conviction and plea agreement.

The street takeover in question took place at the busy intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road on July 29, 2023. According to Travis County court documents, law enforcement had closely examined a series of messages exchanged between Erickson and another individual in the days leading up to the event.

“The investigation looked into the planning and coordination of the street takeover,” a Travis County spokesperson said. “While charges were filed initially, developments in Erickson’s later legal case affected the street takeover proceedings.”

In October 2023, Erickson faced charges in an assault case, specifically for assault causing bodily injury in a family violence incident. He eventually pled guilty, and in exchange, the court granted him two years of deferred adjudication. Court documents also show that Erickson is required to complete 80 hours of community service as part of the agreement.

A representative from the Travis County Court noted, “Deferred adjudication allows the defendant to avoid a formal conviction record if all conditions are met, including community service and compliance with court orders.”

Following Erickson’s guilty plea in the assault case, the charge related to the July street takeover was officially dismissed. Legal experts say it is not uncommon for courts to dismiss prior charges when subsequent convictions and agreements resolve overlapping legal concerns.

The street takeover had drawn attention from both the public and local authorities, as incidents like this can cause serious safety hazards in busy city areas. Officials have emphasized the importance of legal measures to deter similar organized gatherings on public streets.

The dismissal of the street takeover charge against Jacobi Patrick Erickson closes a chapter on the July 2023 incident in Austin. While the city continues to address concerns about public safety and organized street gatherings, Erickson’s case highlights how subsequent legal outcomes can impact earlier charges. With his deferred adjudication and community service requirements in place, the legal process moves forward, providing a resolution to both the assault and the street takeover cases.

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D.C. Curfew Confusion: What You Need to Know About Youth and Adult Rules

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Following President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the D.C. Police and deploy the National Guard, many residents and social media users have expressed confusion about curfew rules in the District. At present, there is no citywide curfew for all residents. However, a youth curfew does exist, and it predates both Trump’s administration and Monday’s troop deployment.

Story Highlights:

  • D.C. enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18.

  • Expanded teen curfew law passed in July 2025, effective until Oct. 5.

  • Emergency juvenile curfew zones can begin as early as 8 p.m.

  • Adult curfews in D.C. are historically rare and tied to civil unrest.

The Juvenile Curfew Act was first enacted in 1995. Its purpose, officials explained at the time, was to “reduce violent crime among minors under 17” and protect both young people and the public. Weeknight curfews ran from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., while weekend curfews were set from midnight to 6 a.m. during the school year. During the summer months of July and August, the law kept the midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew in place.

In July 2025, the D.C. Council passed an expanded teen curfew law. The new legislation sets a nightly curfew starting at 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 18. Council members described the measure as “emergency legislation” intended to address ongoing safety concerns in the city and emphasized that it is temporary, expiring on Oct. 5.

The law also grants authority to the mayor to impose emergency juvenile curfews in specific areas, and to the D.C. Police Chief to designate extended curfew zones—essentially hot spots where the curfew can start as early as 8 p.m. These zones last for four days and have already been implemented multiple times this summer. Most recently, the Navy Yard area experienced such a curfew from Sunday through Wednesday.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith have stressed that the expanded curfews are responses to public safety concerns, not political demonstrations. “We are seeing increased incidents where minors gather in large numbers, disrupt businesses, and commit assaults,” Bowser said. In one recent incident, a group of 20 to 30 teenagers ransacked a business in Northeast D.C. Earlier this year, local news footage captured teenagers attacking pedestrians in public spaces.

In late May, a particularly chaotic weekend prompted city officials to implement a curfew at the Wharf. Police reports indicated that six children under 17 were arrested, while 13 curfew citations were issued primarily along the U Street corridor. “Our goal is to keep residents safe and ensure that young people are not put in dangerous situations,” Chief Smith explained.

Adult curfews in Washington, D.C., have historically been rare and only imposed in times of significant civil unrest. There are three notable occasions:

  • Jan. 6, 2021: During the Capitol insurrection, D.C. authorities issued a 6 p.m. curfew for all residents. The National Guard was deployed to help disperse rioters, though the curfew lasted only one night.

  • June 2020: Following the death of George Floyd, Mayor Bowser declared a state of emergency and implemented an 11 p.m. citywide curfew, affecting both adults and minors. The National Guard assisted in enforcement, and the curfew continued for several nights as protests persisted.

  • April 5, 1968: In response to riots after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former D.C. Mayor-Commissioner Walter E. Washington imposed a citywide curfew beginning at 5:30 p.m. alongside a ban on liquor sales. Federal troops and the National Guard were deployed, and these measures lasted through three days of unrest.

Trump’s deployment of federal troops this week differs from these situations. Officials clarified that the purpose is to reduce general crime in the District, not to respond to protests or civil unrest. “At this time, there are no plans to implement a citywide curfew for all ages,” a White House spokesperson said. Experts note that imposing an extended adult curfew under these circumstances would be unprecedented in modern D.C. history.

In summary, while D.C. enforces a curfew for minors and has the authority to impose emergency zones, there is currently no citywide curfew for adults. Historical adult curfews were limited to periods of civil unrest, making any extended adult curfew unprecedented. The recent deployment of federal troops focuses on general crime prevention rather than protest management, highlighting the city’s ongoing efforts to balance public safety with normal daily life.

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Puget Sound Sizzles as Heat Advisory Grips Western Washington

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Western Washington is bracing for another sweltering day as a heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday. Meteorologist Ted Buehner warned that most of the region will experience unusually high temperatures, with Seattle approaching 90 degrees and the south sound extending into the 90s, while coastal areas and the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain slightly cooler.

Story Highlights

  • Heat advisory in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday for western Washington.

  • Seattle highs near 90 degrees; Portland area well into the 90s.

  • Record-breaking low of 69 degrees at SeaTac Sunday night.

  • Authorities warn heat can be dangerous; precautions urged.

  • Cooler Pacific air expected Tuesday night to ease temperatures.

  • Bear Gulch wildfire smoke may briefly affect Puget Sound.

  • Mid-week highs expected in the 70s; rain possible this weekend.

“The only areas that aren’t affected are basically out on the coast and up in the Strait of Juan de Fuca,” Buehner explained. “Temperatures are going to be getting close to 90 degrees in the Seattle area. As you get closer to the south sound and down toward Portland, now you’re getting well into the 90s.”

Record-Breaking Overnight Lows

Relief from the heat has been minimal, even during nighttime hours. Sunday night, the low at SeaTac only fell to 69 degrees, setting a record for the date. The previous record, 66 degrees, had stood since 1981.

Buehner noted, “The low temperature at SeaTac only got down to 69 (Sunday). That was the warmest low temperature on record for the date. The previous record was 66, set in 1981. And this coming night it’s probably going to be very similar.”

Heat Can Be Dangerous

Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious. Buehner described the extreme temperatures as a “silent killer” and reminded the public of the 2021 heat dome that struck the region.

“Remember back in June of 2021, we had the heat dome here,” he said. “Temperatures in Seattle reached triple digits for three days in a row, topping out at 108 degrees on June 28.”

The Washington State Department of Health reported 100 heat-related deaths during that period, from June 26 to July 2. Research led by a University of Washington professor also linked the extreme heat to multiple accidents, including drownings.

Even though temperatures this week are not expected to reach triple digits, Buehner emphasized precautionary measures:

“If you can find air conditioning for just a few hours, that really relieves the stress on your body,” he said. “Also, cut down on outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and make sure to stay hydrated.”

Cooler Air on the Horizon

The heat is expected to subside Tuesday night as the hot air over western Washington moves east of the Cascades.

Buehner described the change: “We get a lovely — I call it nature’s air conditioning — with cooler air coming in from the Pacific Ocean.”

However, the onshore flow of cooler air may briefly carry smoke from the Bear Gulch wildfire near Lake Cushman into the Puget Sound area. “Some of that smoke will probably get over to the rest of the Puget Sound area, but it should come in and get out pretty quickly because we’ll start to see the marine clouds on Wednesday morning,” Buehner added.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to drop back into the 70s mid-week, offering welcome relief to residents. By the weekend, there is even a chance of rainfall, potentially providing more long-term respite from the heat.

Residents of the Puget Sound region are advised to stay vigilant as the heat persists through Tuesday. While the worst of the temperatures are expected to ease by Tuesday night, precautions such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and seeking air-conditioned spaces remain essential. Cooler air moving in from the Pacific, along with potential rainfall later in the week, should provide relief, but awareness and caution remain key to safely navigating the ongoing heat advisory.

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San Francisco’s Comeback Play: From Crisis to Clarity

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Something has been in the air here for more than a year now — and, unusually, it isn’t fog or another round of hype about the next big thing in tech. It’s something far less fleeting: clarity.

After years of becoming a national shorthand for urban dysfunction, the city is quietly charting a new course. This shift is not being driven by ideological upheaval but by a series of pragmatic changes — moves that, taken together, amount to a recalibration of what it means to govern a modern, progressive city.

City leaders have bolstered law enforcement resources, passed tax cuts for both small and large businesses, and ended the public distribution of drug paraphernalia. Supporters say these are not signs of abandoning progressive ideals, but of grounding them in real-world priorities like public safety, economic vitality, and livability.

“We’re not turning away from our values,” said one city official involved in the recent reforms. “We’re making sure those values actually work in practice.”

Story Highlights

  • Law Enforcement: Proposition E, passed in March 2024, gives police expanded investigative powers, including the use of drones, with a goal of fully staffing the department.

  • Crime Trends: Homicides reached a 60-year low in 2024; auto burglaries fell to a 22-year low.

  • Business Climate: Proposition M, passed in November 2023, offers tax relief to small businesses, the hospitality sector, and major employers.

  • Economic Context: Between 2018 and 2024, the Bay Area lost 156 corporate headquarters, while Dallas gained 100.

  • Drug Policy: Mayor Daniel Lurie ended the city’s program distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces.

The shift follows a decade in which some of San Francisco’s policies — adopted in the name of compassion — proved difficult to sustain. In hindsight, many residents say those years helped pave the way for problems now familiar in other progressive cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

In some cases, the most visible advocates for change were not the most effective problem-solvers. The consequences, critics argue, included the spread of public drug use, worsening mental health crises, and an erosion of public trust.

“The loudest voices weren’t always the wisest,” said a longtime civic leader. “We mistook activity for progress.”

Economic indicators reinforced the urgency for change. According to the San Francisco Business Times, between 2018 and 2024 the Dallas–Fort Worth area gained 100 corporate headquarters, while the San Francisco Bay Area lost 156. Combined with a five-year population decline — accelerated by the early pandemic years — the city faced an $800 million budget deficit in its most recent budget cycle.

To counter that trend, voters in November 2023 approved Proposition M, a tax relief measure aimed at helping small businesses, the hospitality industry, and larger employers stay competitive in the city.

“Businesses provide the jobs and tax revenue that make our social programs possible,” said a representative from the city’s chamber of commerce. “If they can’t survive here, neither can our budget.”

The new approach has also focused heavily on public safety. Proposition E, approved in March 2024, gives police expanded tools to investigate crimes, including drone technology. Officials say the city is now working to fully staff the police department after years of shortages.

These steps appear to be showing results. Homicides hit a 60-year low in 2024, while auto burglaries dropped so sharply — to a 22-year low — that local glass repair shops have reported a significant loss of business.

Another high-profile change came from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who ended the practice of distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces. For years, the program was defended as part of a “harm reduction” strategy, but critics said it amounted to enabling addiction without accountability.

“We can’t keep pretending this is compassion,” Mayor Lurie said when announcing the change. “It’s cruel — to the unhoused, to families, to workers, to visitors. Harm reduction without accountability often results in only harm.”

Taken together, these steps suggest San Francisco is pursuing a post-performative form of governance — one that blends progressive values with pragmatic execution.

“We’re proving that you can still be a Democratic city and take public safety seriously,” one city supervisor said. “This isn’t about moving right or left. It’s about moving forward.”

Whether other West Coast cities will follow suit remains to be seen, but San Francisco’s leaders believe the city’s recalibration could offer a new template — one rooted in lessons learned the hard way.

San Francisco’s recent steps may not satisfy every political faction, but they mark a noticeable shift in tone and priorities. By tightening its focus on public safety, strengthening its economic base, and rethinking policies that once defined its progressive brand, the city is betting that practical governance can restore confidence among residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Whether these measures become a long-term model or a brief course correction, they signal that San Francisco is no longer content to be a cautionary tale — it intends to be a case study in recovery.

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Arson Shakes LVMPD Headquarters: Suspect in Custody After Fire Ignites Police Property

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In a recent development, Las Vegas Metro Police have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for an arson attempt at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) headquarters. Christian Vegas, 35, was taken into custody following a thorough investigation by authorities.

Story Highlights

  • Christian Vegas, 35, arrested on suspicion of arson at LVMPD headquarters

  • Charges include two counts of third-degree arson and malicious destruction of property

  • Fire extinguished by Las Vegas Fire Department; no injuries or building damage reported

  • Suspect ignited foliage along west property wall, then fled towards nearby apartments

  • Police ask community to provide any additional information on the case

The fire incident unfolded on a Saturday when an LVMPD employee discovered flames along the west property wall of the headquarters. Fortunately, the fire was quickly brought under control by the Las Vegas Fire Department, with no injuries reported and no damage to the building itself.

According to LVMPD officials, the suspect has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center. He faces serious charges, including two counts of third-degree arson and one count of malicious destruction of private property.

Fire Sparks Investigation

The LVMPD detectives have been actively working to piece together the sequence of events leading to the fire. They sought the community’s assistance early on to identify the individual involved.

An official statement detailed the events:

“On Saturday, a fire at LVMPD’s headquarters was discovered by an LVMPD employee. The fire was extinguished by the Las Vegas Fire Department with no injuries or building damage reported.”

During the investigation, detectives reportedly identified a suspect seen “walking north through the south parking lot of LVMPD Headquarters.” The individual then entered the landscaping area along the west wall, which separates the police headquarters from a nearby apartment complex.

The Suspect and the Act

The suspect is said to have used “an unknown item to ignite the foliage,” which caused the fire. Following the act, he quickly fled towards the apartment complex adjacent to the headquarters.

The authorities described the suspect as “a black male, 25 to 35 years old, wearing a black and white shirt, black pants, and black shoes.”

Following the arrest of Christian Vegas, police continue to seek further information from the public regarding this case or anyone with details that might aid the ongoing investigation.

Call for Public Assistance

The LVMPD encourages anyone who might have information about the incident or the suspect to come forward. Residents are asked to contact the Fusion Watch Center at (702) 828-7777 or send an email to e9804t@lvmpd.com.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 702-385-5555, or online at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

This incident and the subsequent arrest underscore the vigilance of law enforcement and the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety and order. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure all facts come to light.

In conclusion, the swift response by the Las Vegas Fire Department and the diligent investigation by LVMPD detectives led to the quick arrest of the suspected arsonist, Christian Vegas. While no injuries or structural damage occurred, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. Authorities continue to urge anyone with further information to come forward, ensuring that justice is served and the safety of the community remains a top priority.

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Chicago Alderman Takes On Window Sign Overload to Boost Safety and Style

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On a routine drive past a gas station just two blocks from her Chatham office, Alderman Michelle Harris notices something that has become all too familiar: bright green vinyl signs plastered across the station’s windows, loudly advertising pop, chips, and tobacco products. The sheer coverage makes it impossible to see inside.

Story Highlights

  • Ald. Michelle Harris leads effort to curb large window signage in Chicago to enhance safety and neighborhood aesthetics.

  • Proposed ordinance restricts window coverage to 25%, bans non-reflective tints and bright LED border lights.

  • Supporters say it improves public safety and community appeal; critics warn it could harm small business marketing and creativity.

  • Enforcement shifts to Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection with a complaint-driven model.

  • Exemptions planned; 10-day cure period before fines.

  • Harris actively engages with local businesses for compliance and neighborhood beautification.

This sight is not unique to one corner. Near her own home, Harris points out how storefront windows have become overwhelmed with tall orange stickers pushing Family Dollar items, while a beauty shop’s large photographs of painted fingernails completely block any view into the store’s interior.

“It’s everywhere,” Harris sighs. The veteran South Side alderman describes this creeping signage problem as more than just an eyesore. It’s become a double-edged issue — a safety concern as it prevents police and the public from seeing inside, and a detriment to neighborhood character.

“We know you do nails!” she said last week, exasperated as she drove by the salon. “You tell me that this would be something that you would be proud to have in any community?”

The problem, she argues, extends beyond mere aesthetics. The overwhelming presence of window advertisements and signage has sparked a citywide effort, led by Harris, to clamp down on how businesses use their storefront windows. The initiative seeks to tighten existing, yet under-enforced, rules that limit retail displays.

The proposed ordinance would not only restrict the amount of window coverage but also ban the use of non-reflective window tints and flashy LED lights that border windows — lights Harris describes as resembling something “from an alien spaceship.”

Yet, the proposal has sparked a lively debate. While aldermen representing Chicago’s South and West sides largely back the effort, others from the North Side, along with business owners and chamber of commerce heads, worry about the potential fallout.

In a recent Instagram post, Lincoln Square’s Del Sur Bakery voiced concern, calling the ordinance a threat to the “creative displays that make our neighborhoods feel festive, unique, and alive.” The bakery cautioned that window decorations have long been an extension of a business’s personality and charm.

“Taking that away feels not only unnecessary but disheartening,” the bakery wrote.

The bakery also warned that restricting window coverings could endanger employees’ safety after hours by preventing them from drawing curtains while cleaning or cashing out, leaving them “visible and vulnerable, even when we’re closed.”

“This isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a potential safety issue,” the post said.

Supporters of the ordinance, however, emphasize that heavily covered windows make it hard for customers to know what kind of businesses they are entering. More importantly, they argue, such coverings can obstruct police when they respond to calls and allow illicit activities to go unnoticed.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has lent his support to the measure. Under the new rules, stores that cover more than one-quarter of their windows, use window tints, or have excessive LED lighting could face fines up to $500 per day — but only after being warned and given a 10-day period to fix the violation.

Harris paused the ordinance’s vote last month as some aldermen voiced concerns during a City Council Zoning Committee meeting but said she intends to move forward with it in the coming months, even as the city faces a challenging budget season.

One major change in the ordinance is shifting enforcement from the Department of Buildings to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Advocates say BACP is better equipped to enforce the rules effectively.

At the zoning meeting, BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali sought to ease fears of heavy-handed enforcement. He said his team’s approach will be “complaint-driven” and will target only the most egregious violations.

“We are not going to come after festive decorations,” Capifali assured. “The purpose here is public safety.”

Ciere Boatright, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, echoed the sentiment.

“The goal is not to be punitive,” Boatright said. “The goal is to ensure that we have aesthetically pleasing corridors that welcome the foot traffic that our neighborhoods are known for.”

Capifali added that a 90-day outreach and education effort will precede enforcement. Some businesses, such as hotels, marijuana dispensaries, medical facilities, and child care sites, would be allowed exemptions. Store owners could also apply for permits if they want window signage beyond the 25% limit.

Despite concessions that earned neutrality from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, some aldermen remain wary. Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) noted past incidents where good businesses were heavily fined.

“In past practice, we have seen many of our good businesses really hit with the fines,” he said.

Ald. Anthony Quezada (35th) acknowledged that while the ordinance is “misunderstood,” the city must avoid harming businesses that do not cause safety issues.

“The last thing we want is for people who have not caused or not contributed to any public safety issues to somehow be inadvertently affected,” Quezada said.

Northwest Side businesses have also expressed opposition. Logan Square’s Fleur flower boutique rallied against the measure on social media, fearing vague language could lead to hefty fines and damage the unique character of their storefront displays.

“We understand the need for thoughtful design and safety,” the boutique wrote, “but we also believe there’s room for that alongside the creativity, personality, and individuality that make small businesses so special.”

On the South Side, the perspective is different. Ald. William Hall (6th) described the ordinance as a reality check.

“They don’t have the problems we have,” Hall said, referring to some North Side neighborhoods. “What we want is to be able to have neighborhoods where there’s no hide-and-go-seek.”

Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21st) pointed to Eddie’s Food Market in his Far South Side ward, where windows are plastered with outdated signs and menus. Several nearby businesses share the same appearance, with windows completely blocked by ads.

Attempts to reach the owners of these businesses for comment were unsuccessful.

Some experts warn that in neighborhoods with many vacant buildings, window advertisements remain a critical tool to signal that businesses are open. Beth Kregor, director of the University of Chicago Law School’s Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, said enforcement could be uneven across the city, forcing costly changes.

“I don’t think it’s the city’s role to decide what looks pretty and what doesn’t look pretty,” Kregor said. “I think businesses should be allowed to do whatever they think is best.”

Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that small businesses could face logistical and marketing challenges if required to reconfigure displays.

“People are disappointed because logistically, it’s a problem. Marketing-wise, it’s a problem,” Karp said. He added his chamber was not consulted before the ordinance was proposed and aligned with other North Side chambers in opposition.

Meanwhile, Ald. Harris has taken steps within her own ward. She and her staff are actively visiting businesses suspected of violating window display rules.

At Big Daddy Express, a corner store in Avalon Park, owner Mahmoud Shaltaf recently removed some vibrant ads covering windows to meet city concerns. Shaltaf said one reason for the signage was to hide a crack in the store’s bulletproof glass.

“The other reason is I do have the register behind the glass,” he said. “It’s not good to let people see you count the money.”

Harris encouraged him to seek permits to protect the storefront legally.

“This would be a perfect opportunity to get it permitted,” she said. “Get the permit to protect the front of the store.”

Shaltaf defended his LED lights bordering the windows, saying they help the store “show up a little bit.”

Harris responded: “It’s showing up, baby, you’ve got a brand new sign. The problem is that the community is a more established, settled community, and the lights around the windows, they just hate them.”

Shaltaf agreed he could remove the lights, and Harris offered support to help with permits and neighborhood cleanup efforts.

“It’s going to be looking good,” Shaltaf said.

“I want it to be looking good,” Harris replied. “That’s my thing. Looking good, looking clean.”

In balancing community safety and business creativity, Chicago faces a complex challenge. Alderman Michelle Harris’s ordinance aims to bring clarity and order to storefront signage, addressing genuine concerns about public safety and neighborhood appearance. Yet, the pushback from some business owners and North Side representatives highlights the need for careful enforcement and ongoing dialogue. As the city moves forward, finding a middle ground that respects small businesses’ marketing needs while ensuring transparent, welcoming streetscapes will be key to the ordinance’s success and the health of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

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Austin Spins a New Traffic Tale with Safer Roundabouts

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You’re behind the wheel in Austin, following your usual route through a quiet neighborhood. Suddenly, the road opens up into an unfamiliar intersection. No red lights, no stop signs—just a wide concrete circle surrounded by signage and landscaping. There’s a moment of hesitation. Do you yield? Merge? Speed through?

If you’ve been in that situation, you’re not alone. Welcome to the age of Austin’s roundabouts—where traditional crossroads are being redesigned into safer, continuous loops of motion.

As part of an evolving urban mobility strategy, the City of Austin is replacing more and more traditional intersections with roundabouts. These circular junctions, while still a novelty to many locals, are increasingly being seen as tools of transformation in the fight against traffic crashes and congestion.

A Safer Spin on City Streets

According to city officials, Austin’s embrace of roundabouts is rooted in hard data: roundabouts reduce fatal and injury-related crashes by up to 80%. Traditional four-way intersections can contain up to 32 potential vehicle conflict points. Roundabouts? Just eight. The slower speeds they enforce also protect pedestrians, offering reduced risk and better visibility.

“The reduction in crashes is significant,” said Ruth Steiner, a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Florida.

“Often, the reduction in severity is even more important, because with roundabouts, you have slower traffic.”

Roundabouts eliminate the possibility of head-on collisions and drastically reduce the likelihood of right-angle or “T-bone” crashes. Unlike signalized intersections, where drivers may speed up to beat a light, roundabouts encourage consistent caution—no green light to chase, no red light to run.

The Circle of Cost and Functionality

While safety is a major selling point, roundabouts aren’t cheap. The new roundabout at West Mary and Evergreen Avenue has a price tag of $1.3 million, funded by a $720 million mobility bond passed by voters in 2016. By comparison, a standard traffic signal in Austin costs about $500,000 to install.

But proponents argue the extra cost pays off in the long run. Roundabouts don’t require electricity, don’t malfunction during power outages, and reduce long-term maintenance needs.

“Roundabouts not only improve safety, but also reduce congestion and delay,” said Cody Stone, an engineer with Austin’s Transportation Department.

“We’ve gotten support from residents who say, ‘Why don’t you consider one here?’ That kind of feedback tells us the culture is changing.”

The Learning Curve: Yield or Yell?

Even so, confusion reigns. Many drivers still don’t understand that they must yield to traffic already inside the circle, including cyclists and pedestrians. That hesitation—or refusal—can create dangerous situations, especially for vulnerable users.

And not all residents are thrilled. For blind or visually impaired pedestrians, roundabouts pose unique challenges.

“One of the groups that’s been concerned about safety around roundabouts has been blind pedestrians,” said Steiner.

“They depend upon hearing traffic stopping at an intersection. And in a roundabout, it never stops.”

From Skepticism to Support

Austin’s roundabout experiment didn’t happen overnight. The city first dabbled with “traffic calming circles” in the late 1990s, but these early models were small and not up to modern engineering standards. The turning point came in 2010, with the arrival of Gary Schatz, then a city traffic engineer.

“When I came to Austin in April of 2010, along with having the interest in roundabouts, I was also on an international roundabout committee,” said Schatz.

“I kept seeing different intersections in Austin and thought, ‘That kind of wants to be a roundabout.’”

His ideas didn’t always go over smoothly. Schatz remembers a local real estate developer who was ridiculed for suggesting roundabouts in a housing development. Even city staff pushed back.

“We fear the unknown or the unfamiliar,” he recalled.

“Oh my God, what if I screw this up? What if I get in there and I go the wrong way or I do the wrong thing? What if somebody runs into me?”

But those internal fights helped shift the thinking. With time, traffic engineering teams began to recognize roundabouts not just as functional tools, but as community enhancements. Today, intersections that once caused concern are being redesigned into modern, multi-modal hubs.

Future Circles in Motion

The city has completed 47 roundabouts to date. Construction is underway for number 48 at Evergreen Avenue and West Mary Street, in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood. Number 49 will be built at Bluebonnet Lane and Del Curto Road in 2026. A 50th roundabout is being designed for the junction of Rutland Drive and Parkfield Drive.

“Basically around 2013 or ’14 is when we started really pushing for roundabouts a little more,” said Mario Porras, supervising engineer at the city.

Yet, challenges persist. Designing a roundabout often requires slicing off corners of private property, which can spark opposition. And as the 2016 bond money thins out, city officials acknowledge that the pace may slow.

Still, the roundabout momentum remains strong.

“We’re trying to speed them up,” said Stone.

“They work. We know they work. And people are starting to see that, too.”

As more Austin drivers learn to navigate the spin, the city’s streets may just become not only safer, but smarter. Roundabouts may not be the future everyone asked for—but they could be the solution the city needs.

As Austin steadily replaces traditional intersections with roundabouts, the city stands at a pivotal point in its urban evolution. While these circular designs promise enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and modern functionality, they also invite hesitation, cost concerns, and accessibility challenges. Yet, with rising public support and proven crash reduction, roundabouts are quietly reshaping how Austinites move through their city. Whether embraced or questioned, they mark a deliberate turn—both literally and figuratively—toward a new rhythm of road design that prioritizes flow, caution, and community focus.

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Midtown Manhattan Shooting Sparks NFL Controversy and Corporate Chaos

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A deadly Midtown Manhattan shooting inside a high-rise tower has jolted New York’s corporate heart, leaving five people dead—including the gunman—and raising haunting questions about mental health, sports trauma, and security. A chilling note found on the shooter linked his rampage to a brain disease he blamed on football, dragging the NFL into unexpected spotlight. As bullets echoed through Park Avenue’s glass walls, tragedy struck firms, officers, and executives alike—turning a symbol of power into a scene of sorrow, and a routine evening into a grim headline.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Shooter: Shane Tamura, 27, Las Vegas resident

  • Five dead including Tamura and NYPD officer

  • Tamura left a note blaming NFL for brain injury

  • Victims include Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner

  • Incident occurred inside a Midtown Park Avenue skyscraper

  • Shooter mistakenly entered real estate firm offices

  • NYPD investigating potential mental health and sports trauma links

Midtown Manhattan was left rattled Monday evening after a deadly shooting inside a high-rise office tower killed five individuals—including the gunman—and injured several more. What began as a seemingly routine evening in one of New York City’s most powerful commercial corridors quickly devolved into a scene of chaos and violence.

Police have identified the shooter as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, a resident of Las Vegas with a documented history of mental health issues. Armed with an assault rifle, Tamura entered the Park Avenue skyscraper, home to the NFL’s corporate headquarters and other financial giants, and began firing indiscriminately.

Yet, according to city officials, Tamura’s motive may have been far from random. A note found in his wallet appeared to target the National Football League, which he blamed for what he believed was a debilitating neurological condition brought on by years of playing football.

Tamura reportedly entered the wrong elevator bank upon arriving at the tower, ultimately making his way to the offices of Rudin Management, a real estate firm unrelated to the NFL. There, authorities say, he fatally shot four people, including a New York Police Department officer, before turning the weapon on himself.

Mayor Eric Adams, addressing the press, shared disturbing details from the scene.

“The note alluded to that he felt he had CTE, a known brain injury for those who participate in contact sports,” said Adams.
“He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury.”

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive and currently untreatable brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, especially among contact sports athletes. The disease has been associated with mood disorders, aggression, and cognitive decline. While Tamura never played in the NFL, records show he had a short but active high school football career, playing for both a California public school and a Los Angeles charter program before graduating in 2016.

According to Bloomberg News, the note found on Tamura suggested his football ambitions were prematurely ended due to a suspected brain injury. It expressed resentment toward the NFL, a league that has faced years of legal scrutiny and public criticism over player safety and head trauma.

The NFL has previously settled lawsuits with thousands of former players, paying out over $1 billion in connection with concussion-related injuries. The deaths of several prominent former players suffering from CTE have only intensified the spotlight on the league’s role and responsibilities.

Tragically, one of Tamura’s victims was 36-year-old NYPD officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi-American who had served on the force for three years. Officer Islam was hailed as a dedicated public servant and immigrant success story, whose life was cut short in the line of duty.

Tamura also killed Wesley LePatner, a senior executive with private equity giant Blackstone, whose offices are located within the tower. The firm confirmed her death in a statement and said several of her colleagues had also been injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment.

“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague,” Blackstone said in a written statement, adding that they were providing full support to affected employees and families.

The broader Midtown area remained on edge in the aftermath, with many corporate offices—including Blackstone’s—remaining closed the following morning. The building, a symbol of corporate and financial power, quickly transformed into the epicenter of a public tragedy.

Mitchell S. Nussbaum, co-chair of Loeb & Loeb LLP, a law firm that operates between the 18th and 22nd floors of the tower, confirmed that none of his firm’s employees were harmed.

“We are very saddened about the tragic loss of life … thankfully, everyone at our firm is safe,” he said.

Adding to the emotional toll of the event, Tamura’s former high school football coach, Walter Roby, recalled the young man he once mentored.

“He was a quiet, hard worker,” Roby told Fox News.
“He was one of my top offensive players at the time.”

This latest act of violence comes barely a year after a separate shooting just blocks away, where a top UnitedHealth executive was fatally shot outside a Midtown hotel. In that case, prosecutors argued that the suspect was targeting symbols of corporate greed. While the motivations in Monday’s massacre appear different, the proximity and timing of the incidents have raised concerns about safety in the heart of New York’s business district.

As the investigation unfolds, questions loom over the intersections of mental illness, sports trauma, gun access, and the responsibilities of high-profile institutions. Though Tamura’s life never reached the professional level of football, the legacy of his brief athletic career—and the long shadow cast by CTE—may have played a tragic role in his final moments.

The Midtown Manhattan shooting stands as a grim reminder that behind corporate skylines and polished glass walls, unexpected darkness can surface without warning. As investigators piece together Shane Tamura’s troubled past, his fatal outburst has left a trail of grief and unsettling questions. Whether rooted in unhealed trauma, unchecked mental illness, or misplaced blame, the tragedy exposes deep fractures beneath the city’s gleaming surface. In a space meant for ambition and business, sorrow now lingers—quiet but unshakable—urging society to look deeper, act sooner, and protect better.

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3,000 Guns Off NYC Streets — But Bronx Says ‘We Need More Than This

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In a major win for public safety, the NYPD has seized over 3,000 illegal guns in just the first half of 2025 — contributing to record-low shooting rates citywide. Officials say this marks the lowest number of shooting victims ever recorded in a six-month period in New York City. While crime is trending down, Bronx leaders are sounding the alarm on the ongoing influx of illegal firearms, urging the federal government to take stronger action as local enforcement reaches its limits. The call for nationwide reform is growing louder.

 

STORY HIGHLIGHT:

🔹 3,000+ illegal guns seized in 2025 alone

🔹 22,700 total seized since Adams took office

🔹 Lowest 6-month shooting victim count in NYC history

🔹 Major crime down 6% citywide in June

🔹 Bronx leaders demand federal action

🔹 Trump rollback of gun safety reforms draws fire

 

In a striking show of law enforcement strength, the NYPD announced Sunday that officers have seized over 3,000 illegal guns from the streets since the start of 2025, helping push shooting rates to historic lows across the city.The crackdown on gun violence has coincided with the fewest shooting victims ever recorded in the first half of any year in NYC history, and a record-tying drop in overall shooting incidents. Since Mayor Eric Adams took office, over 22,700 illegal firearms have been recovered citywide — a staggering number that reflects the scale of the underground gun trade.

“We seize them during case takedowns, during arrests — even while running into gunfire,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, speaking at a press conference in the Bronx.

“Getting guns off the street is the most dangerous work our officers do.”

Despite the local success, Bronx officials say the fight is far from over, demanding that Washington stop turning a blind eye to the gun pipelines flooding urban neighborhoods.

 

“We don’t even have gun shops in the Bronx,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, growing visibly frustrated.

“So how are these guns getting here? That’s a federal problem, and we need real solutions.”

“New York has done its job,” added Assemblymember Chantel Jackson.

“But our kids are still dying. It’s time for Congress to step up and protect Bronx families.”

 

On Capitol Hill, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has demanded updates on the 2022 gun trafficking law she championed, claiming it has already helped remove thousands of weapons. Meanwhile, Rep. Dan Goldman is leading efforts to close federal background check loopholes and strengthen gun tracing protocols.

But critics say those efforts may be undermined by recent political shifts. In 2022, the Supreme Court struck down a key part of New York’s concealed carry law — a decision that made it easier for legally owned guns to enter public spaces. Then, in early 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back gun safety reforms put in place under former President Biden.

The message from Bronx leaders was clear: New York can’t do this alone. As illegal guns continue crossing state lines into city streets, the demand for federal accountability is louder than ever.

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