2 Siouxland groups hosting human rights events Saturday
According to a release from Sweetgrass Uprising and the Siouxland Good Troublemakers, they will be holding events 'to stand up for human rights.'
The first of the two events is a United We Stand March that will be held by Sweetgrass Uprising in South Sioux City. The march will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the vacant Advance Auto Parts parking lot.
The march will then head across the Veteran's Memorial Bridge into Sioux City, leading marchers to the Mildred Anderson Pavillion, and then the Sioux City Public Museum Green Space. During the march, there will be four prayer stops.
Story continues below
Top Story: The Latest: Israel attacks Iran, killing top military officers
Lights & Sirens: Jury for Dakota Dunes murder trial still up in the air
Sports: Champions Chat: West Sioux boys soccer
Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here
Following the march, the Siouxland Good Troublemakers will be hosting multiple speakers at the Public Museum Green Space, where they will be reading passages from the United States Constitution and its Amendments. Multiple treaties will also be read. This event will begin at around 6 p.m.
I started Sweetgrass Uprising as a way to bring people together in the community and to unify as one against an unjust and corrupt government,' Sweetgrass Uprising organizer Jessica Lopez-Walker said. 'We will stand up for those who cannot. They won't break our spirits!'
Siouxland Good Troublemakers co-organizer Garie Lewis said, 'With the chaos coming out of D.C., it is more important than at anytime in my life for all people to come together and realize that we have more in common with each other than we do with any so-called leader that tries to make us hate our neighbors. Any person that does that is the enemy of peace.'
During the event, donations for Safe Place of Siouxland will also be collected.
These events are taking place on the same day as many 'No Kings Day of Defiance' protests will be taking place around the nation.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
6 hours ago
- CBS News
Baltimore County Council expected to decide on next inspector general Monday
The Baltimore County Council is set to vote at 6 p.m. Monday on whether to confirm Khadija Walker as the county's next inspector general, a decision that has sparked public debate and scrutiny. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier nominated Walker to replace current Inspector General Kelly Madigan, who founded the office five years ago. If the council rejects Walker's nomination, Madigan will remain in the role. In May 2025, Klausmeier notified Madigan that the county would reopen the inspector general position and invited her to reapply. Though legal, the move drew criticism from Madigan's supporters, who say it threatens the office's independence. Klausmeier defended the process in a memo last week, saying it followed a new, voter-approved amendment to the county charter. The Inspector General Selection Panel conducted interviews and recommended the most qualified candidates, according to Klausmeier. "In December 2023, this same County Council passed a charter amendment that put this process in the Baltimore County charter," Klausmeier wrote. "This process — which names the county executive as the appointing authority — was passed unanimously by this council and, subsequently, Baltimore County voters." Klausmeier said she preferred an open, competitive search over automatic reappointment. Madigan reapplied and participated in the process. Some residents argue that Madigan is more qualified, citing her investigative background. They have raised concerns that Walker, whose experience is primarily in auditing, lacks sufficient investigative credentials. Others pointed to Walker's nearly 200-mile commute from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Walker addressed the issue at a recent council meeting, saying, "Residency wasn't a requirement for the job. And I don't think it will interfere with me at all getting to work." Last week, supporters of Madigan rallied outside the Baltimore County Courthouse, urging the council to retain her. They credited her with increasing transparency and accountability since launching the office. Amid the controversy, Councilman Izzy Patoka proposed creating an Inspector General Appointment Board. The independent, seven-member body would select future inspector generals without direct influence from county officials. Patoka said the measure aims to reduce political pressure in the appointment process. If approved by at least five council members, the proposal would appear as a ballot question in the November 2026 election. In the fiscal year 2025 Inspector General Report, Madigan reflected on the office's progress. "Since this may be my last time issuing this report, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on how far the office has come during my first term," she wrote. Madigan noted her early focus on outreach, establishing infrastructure, and building public trust. She cited achievements including the launch of a complaint line, hiring staff, and releasing the office's first investigative report in August 2020. Since then, the office has handled more than 1,000 complaints, initiated over 100 investigations, and issued more than 50 public reports, according to Madigan.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Extended mayoral term, salary increases and more among proposed charter amendments in NSB
Five years after New Smyrna Beach residents approved changes to the city charter, another set of proposed amendments is on the way for voters to consider, this time involving mayoral terms, primary election rules, city commission salary increases and more. Those changes are in the New Smyrna Beach Charter Review Committee's final report, presented to the City Commission for the first time Monday, July 28. City commissioners appointed the 11-member committee earlier this year to review and propose updates to the charter. The group met seven times since April 1, discussing and voting on proposals to amend city code language regarding several topics. The 11 members were Mark Billings (who served as chair); Spencer Hathaway; Michael Ison; Judy Reiker; Palmer Wilson; Steve Fusilier; Farley Palmer; Sandra Smith; Khalid Resheidat; Diana Puhl; and Dan Rokjer. Chairman Billings presented eight recommendations to the City Commission during a workshop July 28. Seven of the recommendations are proposed modifications to the city charter, while the other requests the city hold a special election with the proposed changes in November. Previous coverage: NSB Charter Review Committee recommends expanding mayor's term, primary election rules During the workshop, city commissioners and residents voiced their views about the proposed changes, which will only appear on the ballot in a special election in 2025 or 2026 if the City Commission gives its final approval. The city published a video on its Facebook and YouTube pages showing clips from the committee's meetings throughout the last three months, highlighting points of discussion and what the process will look like in the future. Proposed amendments to the New Smyrna Beach charter The seven proposed amendments to the city charter include: Increasing the New Smyrna Beach mayor's term from two to four years. Declaring a candidate a winner in the August primary election 'if the individual garners 50% plus one vote of the votes cast, without the need for a vote at the general election.' Designating the city clerk, currently a charter officer post, as an employee under the city manager. Increasing 'the salary of the commission members to 75% of the County Council Chair for the mayor, and 75% of the mayor's salary for the four other commissioners.' Clarifying the 'prioritization of historic preservation, rather than mandating certain actions.' Adopting a new charter section guiding 'all future commissions on the prioritization of the arts and cultural events in the city.' Clarifying and mandating that 'the Charter be reviewed at least once every 10 years.' According to City Attorney Carrie Avallone, 'once the ballot language is finalized, it must be translated into Spanish and then the ordinances will be presented to the City Commission' twice in August; first on Aug. 12 for a first reading, and again on Aug. 26 for a second reading/public hearing, followed by the final vote. NSB commission, residents weigh in on proposed mayoral term extension The committee considered the pros and cons of changing Sec. 2.02 of the city charter, and extending the mayor's term from two to four years. 'The change (in term years) would align (the mayor) with zone commissioners, afford the mayor additional time to gain experience, and thus the energy and time of the mayor would be better served with issues of our community and fewer days managing an election campaign,' Billings said during the meeting. Commissioner Jason McGuirk, who has served the City Commission for the last 16 years, said the topic of mayoral term length is one the most 'debated topics as far back as I can remember.' 'As far as I can tell, it's 50-50,' McGuirk said. 'The idea is that you can throw out a majority (of the City Commission) every two years, if they are that bad.' While the four zone commissioners serve four-year terms, elections for two of the seats happen every two years. This way, New Smyrna Beach voters will always elect a mayor and two commissioners every two years. 'As far as I know that's never happened,' he added. 'Certainly, it might have happened by coincidence if it did, but the city has never been in such peril that they threw out a majority at a single election.' McGuirk said he is 'comfortable either way' on this issue but stressed that 'the voters are going to decide this.' During public comments, Leslie Sachs said she would vote 'no' on the proposed mayor term's extension, as it 'takes away the power of the people to change the commission by majority every two years.' 'The only way I and everyone I spoke with would vote 'yes' would be term limits,' Sachs said. 'Because this shouldn't be a coronation.' Cindy Sniezak said 'the most compelling reason not to change the mayoral term to four years is it keeps that right with the voter' to change the commission majority every election. 'Because there are no term limits, and because the incumbent always has a large advantage, that's not something I'm willing to give up without getting strict term limits in exchange.' Commissioner Valli Perrine highlighted the potential advantages of the extension. 'I've been out there in the weeds trying to campaign, and it's exhausting,' she said. 'It's not about which mayor is up here, because that is going to cycle out and in, but it's the work they have to do when the rest of (city commissioners) don't do that.' Committee proposes increasing, codifying City Commission salaries Another recommendation is 'increasing the compensation of the mayor to 75% of the Volusia County chair and the city commissioners to 75% of the base salary compensation paid to the NSB mayor.' The mayor's base salary is $27,189.24, while each zone commissioner earns $20,329.06. The Volusia County Council chair's current annual salary is $67,394.40, while other council members earn $56,162.00. That would change the city charter's current language, which gives the city commission power to determine the annual salary for the mayor and commissioners by way of ordinance. Cleveland asked Billings the reasoning behind the proposal. 'It was recognized by the committee as a whole that each of you are at many events outside of (City Commission meetings),' Billings said. 'We felt that we are a city that is a role model for other cities … . And we should have leaders that are compensated to align with the duties you are performing.' Billings added that tying the salary figures to Couty Council numbers 'took away the guess work.' 'It didn't make you have to sit and have a discussion about your salary, and what we believe as a committee is that if changes (occur) at the county level, that means something has evolved and changed within our community where it should be accordingly be rolled down to our elected officials,' the committee chair said. Robbie Gibson-Minor said she 'is all for increases in salaries, if it is something the budget will allow.' 'I also understand how difficulty it is to vote on your own salary increase,' Gibson-Minor said. 'But do you want to be tied to another governmental body in the budgeting process? Are there other ways to look at it?' The first reading for the seven proposed ordinances will take place Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Avallone encouraged commissioners to bring any changes or comments to the proposed language that day, 'so that we can make sure it is ready to go on Aug. 26, should we proceed with the November 2025 special election.' The city attorney added that the board should also decide Aug. 12 whether to send the charter amendments to a special election this year or to 2026's general election. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NSB City Charter Committee proposes 7 changes Solve the daily Crossword
The Hill
28-07-2025
- The Hill
Former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker passes on another campaign
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) is passing on a 2026 gubernatorial campaign after speculation that he could make a run for his old job. 'I'm not going to be a candidate for governor in 2026,' Walker said in a video posted to X on Sunday, thanking supporters who encouraged him to run again. After Democrat Gov. Tony Evers announced last week that he would not seek reelection, the Republican had then shared a series of recent posts that appeared to tease a potential run, including wishlists of action items he thinks the Badger State's next leader should tackle and a message about his tenure as the 45th governor. He had also posted an image of a 'Make America Great Again' hat that appeared to emphasize President Trump's roles as the 45th and 47th commander-in-chief, prompting questions about whether Walker would try to return as Wisconsin's 47th governor. Evers, who ousted Walker in 2018 by just over 1 point, said he expects he would win if he ran for another term — but his exit tees up a competitive open race in the key battleground state. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (D) entered the race last week, and other Democrats are expected to crowd in. Among the names being floated are Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Attorney General Josh Kaul and Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and suburban Milwaukee businessman Bill Berrien have announced bids. Walker in his video announcement pledged to put focus on reaching young voters through the conservative nonprofit Young America's Foundation, which he serves as president. 'To win in this state, we've got to do better with younger voters. When I last successfully ran for re-election, we took 47 percent of the vote of people age 18-29. Eight years later, the Republican running for governor took just 30 percent of the vote with that group,' he said. And though he dashed ideas about a 2026 run, he didn't rule out future ambitions. 'I'm not going to be a candidate, at least not next year. That doesn't mean I'll never run again,' Walker said.
