LND topic: mountain-city page 1

mountain city

New Library? Time to Decide

March 26, 2026

El Cerrito’s old library, built 76 years ago, can’t keep up with modern needs. The city has tried before: a $30‑million bond in 2016 fell short of the two‑thirds vote required. Now Measure C sits on the ballot and only needs a simple majority to pass because of a petition‑driven process. The new bu

politics

Short‑Term Rentals in New Franklin: A New Rule and Mixed Feelings

March 26, 2026

New Franklin City Council has just passed a new rule about renting homes for less than 30 days. The law says that any such rental must be at least 300 feet away from another short‑term rental. The vote was close, with four council members in favor and three against. The rule was debated for months.

opinion

Utah Faces a New Controversy Over ICE Detention Plans

March 26, 2026

The idea of building a huge ICE detention center near Salt Lake City has sparked worry among many people in Utah. The plan would hold 7, 000 to 10, 000 detainees in a building that is larger than the state’s whole prison system. It would be located about 9. 6 miles from Temple Square, a central spot

politics

Grand Rapids Looks Ahead: Safety, Homes and New Projects

March 26, 2026

The mayor of Grand Rapids spoke about how the city is moving forward. He said that progress means keeping what works and adding new ideas. Crime has fallen in the last year. Shootings dropped 18 percent and stolen cars fell 27 percent. Police took away almost five hundred guns that people were no

politics

Tax Plan Targets Vacation Homes, Not Real Issues

March 26, 2026

A city council member has a habit of blaming outsiders for problems. The latest plan is called an “empty homes tax. ” It aims to make owners of unused houses pay extra money. The city faces a shortage of affordable homes and wants more revenue. The tax would hit people who own houses but ra

business

Tuk‑Tuk Drivers Shut Down as Fuel Costs Skyrocket

March 26, 2026

The streets of Mogadishu feel quieter now that many tuk‑tuk operators have pulled their vehicles out of service. Rising fuel prices, tied to the ongoing tensions in Iran that choke oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, have made it impossible for these small three‑wheelers to stay profitable. Pa

entertainment

Austin Music Grants Shake Up the Scene

March 26, 2026

The city of Austin is rolling out a fresh round of music funding that will reach 399 artists, promoters and venues. A total of $7. 1 million is being distributed this spring after the launch of a new Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment office. The decision sparked heated debate among musici

weather

Spring is Here: What to Expect in Knoxville

March 26, 2026

Knoxville sees its first dogwood buds and pear blossoms, signaling that spring has arrived. The season officially kicked off on March 20, bringing a hopeful shift toward warmer days after a harsh winter of ice storms and cold snaps. March temperatures swung wildly, from 26‑degree lows to 84‑de

sports

Thunderstorm‑Ready: Cubs’ Opening Day May Be Wet

March 26, 2026

The first game of the Chicago Cubs season could turn into a wet spectacle. Weather forecasts warn that rain, hail and even thunderstorms might hit the city while Cubs face the Washington Nationals. Temperatures are expected to start in the mid‑50s and dip into the mid‑40s as the day goes on, with an

sports

The Family Behind Aday Mara’s Rise

March 26, 2026

A young basketball star is often seen in the spotlight, but his path to success started long before he stepped onto a court. Aday Mara grew up in a household where sport was not just a hobby; it was a way of life. His dad, Francisco Javier Mara, once played professionally in Spain’s top leagues duri